None of the applicants through to the next stage are within the Ards and North Down Borough Council area.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053888%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=502592","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=502592"}},{"id":"502591","reference":"AQW 53887/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-10-06","answerBy":"2026-10-21","answered":"2026-10-13","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 applications to The Northern Ireland Football Fund Grassroots Facilities Programme, broken down by local Council area.","answerText":"In total, 42 applications were submitted to the Northern Ireland Football Fund Grassroots Facilities Programme Pilot.\n\nThe table below provides a breakdown by Council area.\n\nLocal Council Area\tApplications\nArmagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council\t6\nArds and North Down Borough Council\t2\nAntrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council\t2\nBelfast City Council\t5\nCauseway Coast and Glens Borough Council\t3\nDerry City and Strabane District Council\t5\nFermanagh and Omagh District Council\t3\nLisburn and Castlereagh City Council\t2\nMid and East Antrim Borough Council\t3\nMid Ulster District Council\t6\nNewry, Mourne and Down District Council\t5\nTotal\t42","answerHtml":"In total, 42 applications were submitted to the Northern Ireland Football Fund Grassroots Facilities Programme Pilot.
The table below provides a breakdown by Council area.
| Local Council Area | Applications |
| Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council | 6 |
| Ards and North Down Borough Council | 2 |
| Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council | 2 |
| Belfast City Council | 5 |
| Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council | 3 |
| Derry City and Strabane District Council | 5 |
| Fermanagh and Omagh District Council | 3 |
| Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council | 2 |
| Mid and East Antrim Borough Council | 3 |
| Mid Ulster District Council | 6 |
| Newry, Mourne and Down District Council | 5 |
| Total | 42 |
Northern Ireland Water (NIW) has 2,433 storm overflows, with 800 Event Duration Monitors (EDMs) installed to date across their wastewater network, which prioritise bathing waters, shellfish waters, Lough Neagh and other sensitive waters. Details on the locations of all installed EDMs, including those in North Down, can be viewed on NIW’s online map viewer at: www.niwater.com/storm/overflow/
My department and NIW are developing an EDM Viewer for bathing waters, initially at Ballyholme and Newcastle, using near real-time data to show storm overflow activity. Subject to successful testing, a public-facing platform is expected ahead of the 2027 bathing season.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053420%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=501506","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=501506"}},{"id":"501505","reference":"AQW 53419/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-30","answerBy":"2026-10-15","answered":"2026-10-08","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 her Department annually monitors the costs of tools needed to complete further education qualifications across Northern Ireland, per course.","answerText":"My Department does not annually monitor the costs of tools needed to complete Further Education (FE) qualifications. FE colleges are responsible for their own course provision and associated tools requirements for learners to complete FE qualifications.","answerHtml":"My Department does not annually monitor the costs of tools needed to complete Further Education (FE) qualifications. FE colleges are responsible for their own course provision and associated tools requirements for learners to complete FE qualifications.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053419%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=501505","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=501505"}},{"id":"501504","reference":"AQW 53418/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-30","answerBy":"2026-10-15","answered":"2026-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the average cost of tools to study (i) bricklaying; (ii) carpentry and joinery; (iii) electrical installation; and (iv) hairdressing Level 3, work-based apprenticeships.","answerText":"My Department's Apprenticeships programmes fund training providers to deliver the off-the-job training element of an apprenticeship.\n\nEvery apprenticeship is a job in which the apprentice is in permanent, paid employment for at least 21 hours per week. As such, my Department does not provide additional support. Funding is expected to cover all associated costs, including teaching, tools and equipment used.\n\nEmployers participating in construction-related apprenticeships may be eligible for apprenticeship grants from the Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITB NI).","answerHtml":"My Department's Apprenticeships programmes fund training providers to deliver the off-the-job training element of an apprenticeship.
Every apprenticeship is a job in which the apprentice is in permanent, paid employment for at least 21 hours per week. As such, my Department does not provide additional support. Funding is expected to cover all associated costs, including teaching, tools and equipment used.
Employers participating in construction-related apprenticeships may be eligible for apprenticeship grants from the Construction Industry Training Board NI (CITB NI).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053418%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=501504","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=501504"}},{"id":"501503","reference":"AQW 53417/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-30","answerBy":"2026-10-15","answered":"2026-10-08","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 her Department has considered introducing a bulk buying scheme through colleges for tools needed to complete further education courses, to lower individual tool costs for apprentices.","answerText":"My Department has not formally assessed the introduction of a bulk buying scheme through colleges for tools needed to complete Further Education (FE) courses. Students undertaking apprenticeships in FE colleges and struggling to afford tools should engage with their individual college student support officers who can advise of relevant student support assistance available.","answerHtml":"My Department has not formally assessed the introduction of a bulk buying scheme through colleges for tools needed to complete Further Education (FE) courses. Students undertaking apprenticeships in FE colleges and struggling to afford tools should engage with their individual college student support officers who can advise of relevant student support assistance available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053417%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=501503","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=501503"}},{"id":"501502","reference":"AQW 53416/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-30","answerBy":"2026-10-15","answered":"2026-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy, pursuant to AQW 52002/22-27, whether she has any plans to do so before the end of the 2022-27 Assembly mandate.","answerText":"The Department has no plans to undertake an assessment of introducing a tools grant for those engaging in practical Further Education (FE) courses before the end of the current Assembly mandate.\n\nThe Department continues to provide a range of financial support measures to assist eligible FE students with the costs associated with FE. These include FE Grants and the Hardship Fund, which can help students facing financial difficulties and contribute towards course-related expenses.","answerHtml":"The Department has no plans to undertake an assessment of introducing a tools grant for those engaging in practical Further Education (FE) courses before the end of the current Assembly mandate.
The Department continues to provide a range of financial support measures to assist eligible FE students with the costs associated with FE. These include FE Grants and the Hardship Fund, which can help students facing financial difficulties and contribute towards course-related expenses.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053416%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=501502","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=501502"}},{"id":"501258","reference":"AQW 53303/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-29","answerBy":"2026-10-14","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department monitors leukaemia treatment, in terms of curative intent and palliative intent.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053303%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=501258","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=501258"}},{"id":"501257","reference":"AQW 53302/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-29","answerBy":"2026-10-14","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail how often his Department plans to publish data on routes to diagnosis for leukaemia.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053302%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=501257","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=501257"}},{"id":"501256","reference":"AQW 53301/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-29","answerBy":"2026-10-14","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of individuals who have received treatment for leukaemia, in each of the last five years, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053301%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=501256","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=501256"}},{"id":"501255","reference":"AQW 53300/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-29","answerBy":"2026-10-14","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department holds and monitors any data in relation to leukaemia treatment.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053300%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=501255","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=501255"}},{"id":"501254","reference":"AQW 53299/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-29","answerBy":"2026-10-14","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any hospitals which offer treatment for (i) acute myleoid leukaemia; (ii) chronic lymphocytic leukaemia; and (iii) chronic myeloid leukaemia.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053299%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=501254","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=501254"}},{"id":"500885","reference":"AQW 53197/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-28","answerBy":"2026-10-13","answered":"2026-10-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department monitors, disaggregates and evaluates survival rate data of (i) acute myleoid leukaemia; (ii) chronic lymphocytic leukemia; and (iii) chronic myeloid leukaemia.","answerText":"The Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR) publishes age-disaggregated leukaemia statistics using standard epidemiological age groupings to ensure consistency, comparability and statistical reliability.\n\nFurther disaggregation into narrower age bands may result in small numbers of cases, which can reduce the robustness of published statistics and increase disclosure risks. For this reason, routine publications use age groupings that balance analytical value with statistical quality requirements.\n\nThe NICR collects and analyses information on leukaemia diagnoses and survival outcomes using internationally recognised cancer classification systems. This enables data to be examined by individual leukaemia sub-types, including acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML).\n\nThe publication of statistics for specific sub-types is subject to considerations of statistical robustness and disclosure control.","answerHtml":"The Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR) publishes age-disaggregated leukaemia statistics using standard epidemiological age groupings to ensure consistency, comparability and statistical reliability.
Further disaggregation into narrower age bands may result in small numbers of cases, which can reduce the robustness of published statistics and increase disclosure risks. For this reason, routine publications use age groupings that balance analytical value with statistical quality requirements.
The NICR collects and analyses information on leukaemia diagnoses and survival outcomes using internationally recognised cancer classification systems. This enables data to be examined by individual leukaemia sub-types, including acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML).
The publication of statistics for specific sub-types is subject to considerations of statistical robustness and disclosure control.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053197%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=500885","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=500885"}},{"id":"500884","reference":"AQW 53196/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-28","answerBy":"2026-10-13","answered":"2026-10-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether any assessment has been made of how leukaemia survival rates in Northern Ireland compare to other nations in the United Kingdom.","answerText":"Cancer survival is commonly reported using Age Standardised Net Survival (ASNS), which estimates the probability of survival following a cancer diagnosis after adjusting for deaths from causes other than cancer.\n\nThe most recent available leukaemia data indicates that one-year ASNS for adults aged 15-99 diagnosed with leukaemia in Northern Ireland during the period 2019-2023 was 80%. One-year ASNS was 75.4% for Scotland (2018-2022), 74.2% for Wales (2018-2022) and 74.2% for England (2015-2019).\n\nHowever, direct comparisons should be interpreted with caution as the data relates to different diagnosis periods and may be influenced by differences in the mix of leukaemia sub-types included within each dataset.\n\nCancer survival is commonly reported using Age Standardised Net Survival (ASNS), which estimates the probability of survival following a cancer diagnosis after adjusting for deaths from causes other than cancer.\n\nThe most recent available leukaemia data indicates that one-year ASNS for adults aged 15-99 diagnosed with leukaemia in Northern Ireland during the period 2019-2023 was 80%. One-year ASNS was 75.4% for Scotland (2018-2022), 74.2% for Wales (2018-2022) and 74.2% for England (2015-2019).\n\nHowever, direct comparisons should be interpreted with caution as the data relates to different diagnosis periods and may be influenced by differences in the mix of leukaemia sub-types included within each dataset.","answerHtml":"Cancer survival is commonly reported using Age Standardised Net Survival (ASNS), which estimates the probability of survival following a cancer diagnosis after adjusting for deaths from causes other than cancer.
The most recent available leukaemia data indicates that one-year ASNS for adults aged 15-99 diagnosed with leukaemia in Northern Ireland during the period 2019-2023 was 80%. One-year ASNS was 75.4% for Scotland (2018-2022), 74.2% for Wales (2018-2022) and 74.2% for England (2015-2019).
However, direct comparisons should be interpreted with caution as the data relates to different diagnosis periods and may be influenced by differences in the mix of leukaemia sub-types included within each dataset.
Cancer survival is commonly reported using Age Standardised Net Survival (ASNS), which estimates the probability of survival following a cancer diagnosis after adjusting for deaths from causes other than cancer.
The most recent available leukaemia data indicates that one-year ASNS for adults aged 15-99 diagnosed with leukaemia in Northern Ireland during the period 2019-2023 was 80%. One-year ASNS was 75.4% for Scotland (2018-2022), 74.2% for Wales (2018-2022) and 74.2% for England (2015-2019).
However, direct comparisons should be interpreted with caution as the data relates to different diagnosis periods and may be influenced by differences in the mix of leukaemia sub-types included within each dataset.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053196%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=500884","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=500884"}},{"id":"500883","reference":"AQW 53195/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-28","answerBy":"2026-10-13","answered":"2026-10-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps taken to improve survival rates of acute myeloid leukaemia, in the last three years.","answerText":"Improving outcomes for patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) remains an important priority for my department.\n\nOver the last three years, a number of measures have been undertaken within the regional haematology service, led by Belfast Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust, to support earlier diagnosis, access to innovative treatments and improved patient outcomes. These include consultant involvement in the development of national good practice guidance for the diagnosis and monitoring of AML; participation in UK-wide clinical and research networks; and engagement in the UK national high-risk AML multidisciplinary team meeting, which supports access to expert clinical advice on complex cases.\n\nPatients in Northern Ireland have also benefited from the timely introduction of new treatments approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), including targeted therapies such as quizartinib and ivosidenib where clinically appropriate.\n\nIn addition, the regional service has introduced new genomic testing capabilities to support diagnosis and measurable residual disease monitoring and continues to participate in clinical trials and national patient registries. These developments are helping to strengthen the evidence base for treatment, support personalised care and improve the quality of care available to patients with AML.","answerHtml":"Improving outcomes for patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) remains an important priority for my department.
Over the last three years, a number of measures have been undertaken within the regional haematology service, led by Belfast Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust, to support earlier diagnosis, access to innovative treatments and improved patient outcomes. These include consultant involvement in the development of national good practice guidance for the diagnosis and monitoring of AML; participation in UK-wide clinical and research networks; and engagement in the UK national high-risk AML multidisciplinary team meeting, which supports access to expert clinical advice on complex cases.
Patients in Northern Ireland have also benefited from the timely introduction of new treatments approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), including targeted therapies such as quizartinib and ivosidenib where clinically appropriate.
In addition, the regional service has introduced new genomic testing capabilities to support diagnosis and measurable residual disease monitoring and continues to participate in clinical trials and national patient registries. These developments are helping to strengthen the evidence base for treatment, support personalised care and improve the quality of care available to patients with AML.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053195%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=500883","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=500883"}},{"id":"500882","reference":"AQW 53194/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-28","answerBy":"2026-10-13","answered":"2026-10-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the survival rates for acute myeloid leukaemia in Northern Ireland, in the last ten years.","answerText":"The Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR) published its latest official statistics on cancers diagnosed in Northern Ireland in August 2026, covering the period 1993 to 2023. Validated cancer incidence data is available for this reporting period to review on the NICR main website: https://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/nicr/cancer-information/cancer-data-by-tumour-type/\n\nSurvival data for Acute Myeloblastic Leukaemia (AML) patients in Northern Ireland diagnosed in the 10-year period 2014-2023 (with mortality data to end of 2024) is shown below.\n\nLeukaemia Type\tPatients included at start\tOne-year age-standardised net survival (95% Confidence Interval)\nAcute Myeloblastic Leukaemia\t593\t45.2% (40.0% - 51.0%)\n\nAverage one-year age-standardised net survival was 45%. Age-standardised net survival is reported as this estimates the probability of survival following a cancer diagnosis after adjusting for deaths from causes other than cancer.","answerHtml":"The Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR) published its latest official statistics on cancers diagnosed in Northern Ireland in August 2026, covering the period 1993 to 2023. Validated cancer incidence data is available for this reporting period to review on the NICR main website: https://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/nicr/cancer-information/cancer-data-by-tumour-type/
Survival data for Acute Myeloblastic Leukaemia (AML) patients in Northern Ireland diagnosed in the 10-year period 2014-2023 (with mortality data to end of 2024) is shown below.
| Leukaemia Type | Patients included at start | One-year age-standardised net survival (95% Confidence Interval) |
| Acute Myeloblastic Leukaemia | 593 | 45.2% (40.0% - 51.0%) |
Average one-year age-standardised net survival was 45%. Age-standardised net survival is reported as this estimates the probability of survival following a cancer diagnosis after adjusting for deaths from causes other than cancer.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053194%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=500882","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=500882"}},{"id":"500881","reference":"AQW 53193/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-28","answerBy":"2026-10-13","answered":"2026-10-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any reasons why leukaemia data is not disaggregated by age groupings that reflect clinical practice.","answerText":"The Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR) publishes age-disaggregated leukaemia statistics using standard epidemiological age groupings to ensure consistency, comparability and statistical reliability.\n\nFurther disaggregation into narrower age bands may result in small numbers of cases, which can reduce the robustness of published statistics and increase disclosure risks. For this reason, routine publications use age groupings that balance analytical value with statistical quality requirements.\n\nThe NICR collects and analyses information on leukaemia diagnoses and survival outcomes using internationally recognised cancer classification systems. This enables data to be examined by individual leukaemia sub-types, including acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML).\n\nThe publication of statistics for specific sub-types is subject to considerations of statistical robustness and disclosure control.","answerHtml":"The Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR) publishes age-disaggregated leukaemia statistics using standard epidemiological age groupings to ensure consistency, comparability and statistical reliability.
Further disaggregation into narrower age bands may result in small numbers of cases, which can reduce the robustness of published statistics and increase disclosure risks. For this reason, routine publications use age groupings that balance analytical value with statistical quality requirements.
The NICR collects and analyses information on leukaemia diagnoses and survival outcomes using internationally recognised cancer classification systems. This enables data to be examined by individual leukaemia sub-types, including acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML).
The publication of statistics for specific sub-types is subject to considerations of statistical robustness and disclosure control.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053193%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=500881","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=500881"}},{"id":"500633","reference":"AQW 53063/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-25","answerBy":"2026-10-12","answered":"2026-10-13","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 any legislation their Department has brought forward to enhance protections for women and girls, since the start of the 2022-27 Assembly mandate.","answerText":"The Executive Office has not introduced legislation in this area during the current mandate. It continues to work with Executive colleagues and delivery partners to support the implementation of the Strategic Framework and its Delivery Plans, and to ensure that the prevention of violence against women and girls is reflected across public policy and government activity.","answerHtml":"The Executive Office has not introduced legislation in this area during the current mandate. It continues to work with Executive colleagues and delivery partners to support the implementation of the Strategic Framework and its Delivery Plans, and to ensure that the prevention of violence against women and girls is reflected across public policy and government activity.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053063%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=500633","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=500633"}},{"id":"500632","reference":"AQW 53062/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-25","answerBy":"2026-10-12","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of cases opened for children's social services in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, in each of the last five years.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053062%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=500632","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=500632"}},{"id":"500631","reference":"AQW 53061/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-25","answerBy":"2026-10-12","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 to detail any funding their Department has dedicated specifically to preventative education to address violence against women and girls, in the last two years.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053061%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=500631","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=500631"}},{"id":"500630","reference":"AQW 53060/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-25","answerBy":"2026-10-12","answered":"2026-10-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any awareness-raising activity his Department has undertaken in secondary schools on child pornography offences, in the last five years.","answerText":"The Department has not undertaken an awareness-raising programme in secondary schools specifically focused on child pornography offences.\n\nSchools and educational settings are informed of online safety risks, including indecent images of children, online grooming, child sexual exploitation and sextortion, through initiatives such as Safer Schools Northern Ireland, safeguarding guidance, and resources provided by the Education Authority and safeguarding partners.\n\nThe Department continues to work with schools and partner organisations to promote safe online behaviour and help protect children and young people from online harm.","answerHtml":"The Department has not undertaken an awareness-raising programme in secondary schools specifically focused on child pornography offences.
Schools and educational settings are informed of online safety risks, including indecent images of children, online grooming, child sexual exploitation and sextortion, through initiatives such as Safer Schools Northern Ireland, safeguarding guidance, and resources provided by the Education Authority and safeguarding partners.
The Department continues to work with schools and partner organisations to promote safe online behaviour and help protect children and young people from online harm.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053060%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=500630","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=500630"}},{"id":"500629","reference":"AQW 53059/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-25","answerBy":"2026-10-12","answered":"2026-10-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail whether his Department captures when pornographic materials are (i) searched for; and (ii) accessed, on primary school and secondary school C2K Internet Network Services.","answerText":"My Department does not capture or hold information on whether pornographic material is searched for or accessed on C2K Internet Network Services used by primary and secondary schools.\n\nResponsibility for the provision and operation of C2K services rests with the Education Authority (EA). The EA’s C2K network uses proactive filtering and security controls designed to prevent access to inappropriate online content. Schools can also choose to use additional safeguarding tools which provide monitoring and alerts to designated school staff. Responsibility for reviewing and acting on any such alerts rests with each individual school.\n\nThe EA’s C2K service does not monitor individual attempts to access websites blocked by its filtering system due to the scale of the network and the volume of internet traffic generated across the service.","answerHtml":"My Department does not capture or hold information on whether pornographic material is searched for or accessed on C2K Internet Network Services used by primary and secondary schools.
Responsibility for the provision and operation of C2K services rests with the Education Authority (EA). The EA’s C2K network uses proactive filtering and security controls designed to prevent access to inappropriate online content. Schools can also choose to use additional safeguarding tools which provide monitoring and alerts to designated school staff. Responsibility for reviewing and acting on any such alerts rests with each individual school.
The EA’s C2K service does not monitor individual attempts to access websites blocked by its filtering system due to the scale of the network and the volume of internet traffic generated across the service.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2053059%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=500629","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=500629"}},{"id":"500395","reference":"AQO 4060/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-24","answerBy":"2026-10-06","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to outline any assessment made of the number of appeals of a statement of special educational needs that have been conceded by the Education Authority before a tribunal hearing.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%204060%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=500395","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=500395"}},{"id":"500131","reference":"AQW 52811/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-23","answerBy":"2026-10-08","answered":"2026-10-05","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 how his Department supports State Care Monuments in North Down.","answerText":"My officials perform a range of duties to ensure Grey Point Fort, Ballycopeland Windmill, and Holywood Motte are safe, accessible and sustainable. This includes health and safety site inspections, promotional activities to support the Northern Ireland tourist product, risk assessments, condition surveys, conservation works, accessibility audits, and grounds maintenance.\n\nA Conservation Management Plan, feasibility study and accessibility audit have been commissioned to inform interventions at Grey Point Fort; I have committed £75k capital investment to upgrade the depot facilities at the fort.\n\nWorking with Ards and North Down Borough Council and the voluntary sector, my officials have hosted a series of accessible events in Ballycopeland Windmill. I am pleased that an operator has been appointed and is working towards reopening the café in November 2026.\n\nHolywood Motte is open at weekends, and on request; my officials are also exploring how to increase access with the local community.","answerHtml":"My officials perform a range of duties to ensure Grey Point Fort, Ballycopeland Windmill, and Holywood Motte are safe, accessible and sustainable. This includes health and safety site inspections, promotional activities to support the Northern Ireland tourist product, risk assessments, condition surveys, conservation works, accessibility audits, and grounds maintenance.
A Conservation Management Plan, feasibility study and accessibility audit have been commissioned to inform interventions at Grey Point Fort; I have committed £75k capital investment to upgrade the depot facilities at the fort.
Working with Ards and North Down Borough Council and the voluntary sector, my officials have hosted a series of accessible events in Ballycopeland Windmill. I am pleased that an operator has been appointed and is working towards reopening the café in November 2026.
Holywood Motte is open at weekends, and on request; my officials are also exploring how to increase access with the local community.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052811%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=500131","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=500131"}},{"id":"500130","reference":"AQW 52810/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-23","answerBy":"2026-10-08","answered":"2026-10-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether his Department issues any guidance on nutrition for food provided in secondary schools.","answerText":"Nutritional standards for school lunches and other food in schools apply in all grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland. These standards can be found in section 3 of the implantation guides that are available on the Department’s website - https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/nutritional-standards-guidance.","answerHtml":"Nutritional standards for school lunches and other food in schools apply in all grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland. These standards can be found in section 3 of the implantation guides that are available on the Department’s website - https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/nutritional-standards-guidance.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052810%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=500130","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=500130"}},{"id":"500129","reference":"AQW 52809/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-23","answerBy":"2026-10-08","answered":"2026-10-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether his Department issues any guidance on nutrition for food provided in primary schools.","answerText":"Nutritional standards for school lunches and other food in schools apply in all grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland. These standards can be found in section 3 of the implantation guides that are available on the Department’s website - https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/nutritional-standards-guidance.","answerHtml":"Nutritional standards for school lunches and other food in schools apply in all grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland. These standards can be found in section 3 of the implantation guides that are available on the Department’s website - https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/nutritional-standards-guidance.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052809%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=500129","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=500129"}},{"id":"500128","reference":"AQW 52808/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-23","answerBy":"2026-10-08","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 whether their Department is involved in the UK Government's National Taskforce for Tackling Misogyny.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052808%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=500128","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=500128"}},{"id":"499751","reference":"AQW 52674/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-22","answerBy":"2026-10-07","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, in relation to primary care guidelines for leukaemia, whether General Practitioners are expected to offer a full blood count within 48 hours of presentation of symptoms.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052674%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499751","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499751"}},{"id":"499750","reference":"AQW 52673/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-22","answerBy":"2026-10-07","answered":"2026-10-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of patients who have travelled to Great Britain for CAR-T therapy, in the last five years.","answerText":"Between 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2026, 84 patients from Northern Ireland were approved to receive chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy in Great Britain. However, some patients may not have proceeded to treatment following approval for clinical reasons.","answerHtml":"Between 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2026, 84 patients from Northern Ireland were approved to receive chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy in Great Britain. However, some patients may not have proceeded to treatment following approval for clinical reasons.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052673%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499750","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499750"}},{"id":"499749","reference":"AQW 52672/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-22","answerBy":"2026-10-07","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether a duty to provide vaccinations in relation to stem cell treatment is included in the 2026-27 GP Vaccinations Contract.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052672%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499749","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499749"}},{"id":"499748","reference":"AQW 52671/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-22","answerBy":"2026-10-07","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether any financial support is available for patients whose treatment is organised by Health and Social Care Trusts to take place in Great Britain.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052671%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499748","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499748"}},{"id":"499747","reference":"AQW 52670/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-22","answerBy":"2026-10-07","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any plans for haematology-related workforce expansion, in the next five years.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052670%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499747","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499747"}},{"id":"499531","reference":"AQW 52539/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-21","answerBy":"2026-10-06","answered":"2026-10-06","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 Northern Ireland Cancer Network Gynaecology Clinical Reference Group review of the primary care guidance for suspected gynaecological cancers.","answerText":"The Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN) Gynaecology Clinical Reference Group (CRG) is currently reviewing the regional primary care suspected cancer referral guidance for gynaecological cancers. Draft guidance is being developed and no changes have been agreed to date.\n\nThe review is focused initially on ovarian cancer and post-menopausal bleeding pathways and is being undertaken to ensure that regional referral guidance remains aligned with current evidence, best practice and national guidance. This includes consideration of the April 2026 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) updates on the recognition and referral of suspected ovarian cancer, including recommendations relating to CA125 testing and diagnostic pathways.\n\nThe work is being led by a multidisciplinary group with representation from primary care and all five Health and Social Care Trusts. NICaN is also assessing the potential impact of any proposed changes on diagnostic services to ensure revised pathways are clinically appropriate and deliverable.\n\nAny proposed revisions will be subject to established clinical review and governance processes. Subject to completion of these processes, revised ovarian cancer referral guidance is expected to be issued in early 2027 and will be communicated to General Practitioners through established professional channels.","answerHtml":"The Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN) Gynaecology Clinical Reference Group (CRG) is currently reviewing the regional primary care suspected cancer referral guidance for gynaecological cancers. Draft guidance is being developed and no changes have been agreed to date.
The review is focused initially on ovarian cancer and post-menopausal bleeding pathways and is being undertaken to ensure that regional referral guidance remains aligned with current evidence, best practice and national guidance. This includes consideration of the April 2026 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) updates on the recognition and referral of suspected ovarian cancer, including recommendations relating to CA125 testing and diagnostic pathways.
The work is being led by a multidisciplinary group with representation from primary care and all five Health and Social Care Trusts. NICaN is also assessing the potential impact of any proposed changes on diagnostic services to ensure revised pathways are clinically appropriate and deliverable.
Any proposed revisions will be subject to established clinical review and governance processes. Subject to completion of these processes, revised ovarian cancer referral guidance is expected to be issued in early 2027 and will be communicated to General Practitioners through established professional channels.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052539%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499531","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499531"}},{"id":"499530","reference":"AQW 52538/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-21","answerBy":"2026-10-06","answered":"2026-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the survival rates of patients with leukaemia, in the last five years, broken down by classification type.","answerText":"The Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR) published its latest official statistics on cancers diagnosed in Northern Ireland in August 2026, covering the period 1993 to 2023. Validated cancer incidence data is currently available only for this reporting period.\n\nOne-year survival data for all leukaemia patients diagnosed in Northern Ireland during the period 2019 to 2023, with mortality follow-up to the end of 2024, is provided in the below table. Data is represented as age-standardised net survival as this estimates the probability of survival following a cancer diagnosis after adjusting for deaths from causes other than cancer. As a result, it is generally considered the most appropriate measure for assessing the impact of changes in cancer care on patient outcomes.\n\nLeukaemia Type\tPatients included at start\tOne-year age-standardised net survival (95% Confidence Interval)\nAll Leukaemia Types\t1,173\t80.0% (77.5% - 82.5%)\nAcute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia\t56\t75.5% (63.4% - 89.9%)\nAcute Myeloblastic Leukaemia\t284\t49.1% (42.0% - 57.4%)\nChronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia\t500\t97.3% (95.6% - 99.0%)\nChronic Myeloid Leukaemia\t115\t90.1% (83.6% - 97.1%)\nOther Leukaemia\t218\t73.7% (67.9% - 80.0%)\n\nFive-year survival estimates are not yet available for patients diagnosed during 2019 to 2023. Survival statistics are calculated using a cohort approach, which follows a group of patients for a specified period after diagnosis. While one-year survival can be calculated for patients diagnosed up to 2023 using mortality data available to the end of 2024, five-year survival estimates require a full five years of follow-up. Patients diagnosed during 2019 to 2023 would therefore require mortality follow-up data extending to the end of 2028, which are not yet available.\n\nOne-year survival and five-year survival data for leukaemia patients diagnosed during the period 2014 to 2018 are presented in the table below.\n\nLeukaemia type\tPatients included at start\tOne-year age-standardised net survival (95% Confidence Interval)\tFive-year age-standardised net survival (95% Confidence Interval)\nAll Leukaemia Types\t1,198\t76.3% (73.8% - 78.9%)\t62.3% (58.7% - 66.1%)\nAcute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia\t56\t71.6% (53.8% - 95.3%)\t52.9% (39.7% - 70.6%)\nAcute Myeloblastic Leukaemia\t309\t42.1% (34.8% - 50.9%)\t23.6% (19.0% - 29.3%)\nChronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia\t559\t96.2% (94.3% - 98.1%)\t86.5% (82.0% - 91.2%)\nChronic Myeloid Leukaemia\t93\t90.0% (82.2% - 98.5%)\t82.3% (70.4% - 96.3%)\nOther Leukaemia\t181\t67.0% (59.9% - 74.9%)\t46.9% (38.1% - 57.7%)\n\nFor leukaemia patients overall, one-year age-standardised net survival increased from 76.3% (95% confidence interval: 73.8% to 78.9%) for those diagnosed during 2014 to 2018 to 80.0% (95% confidence interval: 77.5% to 82.5%) for those diagnosed during 2019 to 2023, with mortality follow-up to the end of 2024. While this represents an improvement in survival, the increase was not statistically significant.","answerHtml":"The Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR) published its latest official statistics on cancers diagnosed in Northern Ireland in August 2026, covering the period 1993 to 2023. Validated cancer incidence data is currently available only for this reporting period.
One-year survival data for all leukaemia patients diagnosed in Northern Ireland during the period 2019 to 2023, with mortality follow-up to the end of 2024, is provided in the below table. Data is represented as age-standardised net survival as this estimates the probability of survival following a cancer diagnosis after adjusting for deaths from causes other than cancer. As a result, it is generally considered the most appropriate measure for assessing the impact of changes in cancer care on patient outcomes.
| Leukaemia Type | Patients included at start | One-year age-standardised net survival (95% Confidence Interval) |
| All Leukaemia Types | 1,173 | 80.0% (77.5% - 82.5%) |
| Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia | 56 | 75.5% (63.4% - 89.9%) |
| Acute Myeloblastic Leukaemia | 284 | 49.1% (42.0% - 57.4%) |
| Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia | 500 | 97.3% (95.6% - 99.0%) |
| Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia | 115 | 90.1% (83.6% - 97.1%) |
| Other Leukaemia | 218 | 73.7% (67.9% - 80.0%) |
Five-year survival estimates are not yet available for patients diagnosed during 2019 to 2023. Survival statistics are calculated using a cohort approach, which follows a group of patients for a specified period after diagnosis. While one-year survival can be calculated for patients diagnosed up to 2023 using mortality data available to the end of 2024, five-year survival estimates require a full five years of follow-up. Patients diagnosed during 2019 to 2023 would therefore require mortality follow-up data extending to the end of 2028, which are not yet available.
One-year survival and five-year survival data for leukaemia patients diagnosed during the period 2014 to 2018 are presented in the table below.
| Leukaemia type | Patients included at start | One-year age-standardised net survival (95% Confidence Interval) | Five-year age-standardised net survival (95% Confidence Interval) |
| All Leukaemia Types | 1,198 | 76.3% (73.8% - 78.9%) | 62.3% (58.7% - 66.1%) |
| Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia | 56 | 71.6% (53.8% - 95.3%) | 52.9% (39.7% - 70.6%) |
| Acute Myeloblastic Leukaemia | 309 | 42.1% (34.8% - 50.9%) | 23.6% (19.0% - 29.3%) |
| Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia | 559 | 96.2% (94.3% - 98.1%) | 86.5% (82.0% - 91.2%) |
| Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia | 93 | 90.0% (82.2% - 98.5%) | 82.3% (70.4% - 96.3%) |
| Other Leukaemia | 181 | 67.0% (59.9% - 74.9%) | 46.9% (38.1% - 57.7%) |
For leukaemia patients overall, one-year age-standardised net survival increased from 76.3% (95% confidence interval: 73.8% to 78.9%) for those diagnosed during 2014 to 2018 to 80.0% (95% confidence interval: 77.5% to 82.5%) for those diagnosed during 2019 to 2023, with mortality follow-up to the end of 2024. While this represents an improvement in survival, the increase was not statistically significant.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052538%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499530","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499530"}},{"id":"499529","reference":"AQW 52537/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-21","answerBy":"2026-10-06","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether any steps have been taken, in the last five years, to improve data collection relating to leukaemia.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052537%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499529","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499529"}},{"id":"499528","reference":"AQW 52536/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-21","answerBy":"2026-10-06","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health (i) whether any assessment has been made of the availability of data on leukaemia; and (ii) whether any gaps have been identified for improvement ,compared to other devolved nations.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052536%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499528","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499528"}},{"id":"499527","reference":"AQW 52535/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-21","answerBy":"2026-10-06","answered":"2026-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail whether he has received the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority's final review into the practice of Health and Social Care Trusts' Children’s Court Services in private law cases before the Family Courts.","answerText":"I have not yet received the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority's final review into the practice of Health and Social Care Trusts' Children’s Court Services in private law cases before the Family Courts. RQIA has agreed Terms of Reference for the review, developed the methodology to undertake the review and commenced the fieldwork with Health and Social Care Trusts to complete the review.\n\nRQIA anticipate submitting a draft final report of the review to the Department by December 2026. Officials will then review the report for factual accuracy checks prior to the intended publication date. This review process should be completed within four weeks.\n\nIt is anticipated that the final report will be published in January 2027.","answerHtml":"I have not yet received the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority's final review into the practice of Health and Social Care Trusts' Children’s Court Services in private law cases before the Family Courts. RQIA has agreed Terms of Reference for the review, developed the methodology to undertake the review and commenced the fieldwork with Health and Social Care Trusts to complete the review.
RQIA anticipate submitting a draft final report of the review to the Department by December 2026. Officials will then review the report for factual accuracy checks prior to the intended publication date. This review process should be completed within four weeks.
It is anticipated that the final report will be published in January 2027.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052535%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499527","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499527"}},{"id":"499284","reference":"AQW 52412/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-18","answerBy":"2026-10-05","answered":"2026-10-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail whether his Department has any financial support available for those diagnosed with cancer and struggling with the cost of living.","answerText":"A cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment can have a substantial impact on an individual's financial circumstances, employment status and ability to participate in the workforce.\n\nResearch undertaken by charities, including Macmillan Cancer Support, and more recently by Queen's University Belfast, has found evidence that cancer patients and survivors can experience financial hardship, including loss of income, welfare and benefits issues, and wider impacts on household finances.\n\nAll patients waiting for cancer treatment in Northern Ireland have access to Macmillan Cancer Support Information and Support Services, which provide advice and support, as well as guidance on financial concerns, welfare benefits and other practical support available to patients and their families.\n\nFurther information on Macmillan benefits services, which provides advice, support and assistance for the financial aspects of a cancer diagnosis, is available to review on the Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICAN) main website: https://nican.hscni.net/info-for-patients-public/local-macmillan-cancer-information-and-support-services/","answerHtml":"A cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment can have a substantial impact on an individual's financial circumstances, employment status and ability to participate in the workforce.
Research undertaken by charities, including Macmillan Cancer Support, and more recently by Queen's University Belfast, has found evidence that cancer patients and survivors can experience financial hardship, including loss of income, welfare and benefits issues, and wider impacts on household finances.
All patients waiting for cancer treatment in Northern Ireland have access to Macmillan Cancer Support Information and Support Services, which provide advice and support, as well as guidance on financial concerns, welfare benefits and other practical support available to patients and their families.
Further information on Macmillan benefits services, which provides advice, support and assistance for the financial aspects of a cancer diagnosis, is available to review on the Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICAN) main website: https://nican.hscni.net/info-for-patients-public/local-macmillan-cancer-information-and-support-services/
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052412%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499284","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499284"}},{"id":"499283","reference":"AQW 52411/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-18","answerBy":"2026-10-05","answered":"2026-10-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department has taken to increase public awareness of melanoma, in the last three years.","answerText":"The Public Health Agency, in partnership with Cancer Focus NI (CFNI), lead on the delivery of the Department’s Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy which seeks to reduce the incidence of, and deaths from, skin cancer in Northern Ireland.\n\nTo date, and over the next 18 months, this current Strategy and the associated Action Plan targets high-risk groups and communities and seeks to:\n\nincrease public awareness of the dangers of overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and artificial tanning devices;\n\nreduce the use of artificial tanning devices; and\n\nincrease adoption of sun safety behaviours and improve awareness of early signs and self-checking.\n\nTo raise public and professional awareness there have been biannual “Sun Awareness Week & Winter Sun” media campaigns; a community pharmacy “Be UV Aware” campaign in April 2026, regular targeting of Social Media messaging toward high-risk groups; professional education; training and awareness initiatives targeted at communities, schools and health care staff; and this is supported by website maintenance and widespread information dissemination.\n\nAdditional information is available online at https://careinthesun.org/ which was set up as part of the Northern Ireland Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy.\n\nYou may wish to note that a first draft of the proportional end review is currently under consideration by my Department. In the interim, the existing Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy continues to provide the overarching strategic direction. Departmental colleagues are also meeting with appropriate colleagues in the PHA to discuss refreshing the existing Action Plan.","answerHtml":"The Public Health Agency, in partnership with Cancer Focus NI (CFNI), lead on the delivery of the Department’s Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy which seeks to reduce the incidence of, and deaths from, skin cancer in Northern Ireland.
To date, and over the next 18 months, this current Strategy and the associated Action Plan targets high-risk groups and communities and seeks to:
increase public awareness of the dangers of overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and artificial tanning devices;
reduce the use of artificial tanning devices; and
increase adoption of sun safety behaviours and improve awareness of early signs and self-checking.
To raise public and professional awareness there have been biannual “Sun Awareness Week & Winter Sun” media campaigns; a community pharmacy “Be UV Aware” campaign in April 2026, regular targeting of Social Media messaging toward high-risk groups; professional education; training and awareness initiatives targeted at communities, schools and health care staff; and this is supported by website maintenance and widespread information dissemination.
Additional information is available online at https://careinthesun.org/ which was set up as part of the Northern Ireland Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy.
You may wish to note that a first draft of the proportional end review is currently under consideration by my Department. In the interim, the existing Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy continues to provide the overarching strategic direction. Departmental colleagues are also meeting with appropriate colleagues in the PHA to discuss refreshing the existing Action Plan.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052411%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499283","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499283"}},{"id":"499282","reference":"AQW 52410/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-18","answerBy":"2026-10-05","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department has taken to increase the early diagnosis of lung cancer, in the last three years.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052410%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499282","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499282"}},{"id":"499281","reference":"AQW 52409/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-18","answerBy":"2026-10-05","answered":"2026-10-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail when the Review of the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry will be complete.","answerText":"Action 59 of A Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland 2022-2032 is to “Review the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry.” The registry was established in 1994 and a key function is the production of annual official statistics on cancer incidence, prevalence and survival in Northern Ireland. This includes data on screening, incidence and survival by age, sex, cancer type, variations due to deprivation, stage of disease, treatment and support services.\n\nWork has begun to scope a review of the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR), and this is expected to progress over the coming year.\n\nA review of the NICR is expected to help inform the future direction of cancer data, taking account of wider developments in clinical practice, reporting, analytics, information systems and health system requirements.","answerHtml":"Action 59 of A Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland 2022-2032 is to “Review the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry.” The registry was established in 1994 and a key function is the production of annual official statistics on cancer incidence, prevalence and survival in Northern Ireland. This includes data on screening, incidence and survival by age, sex, cancer type, variations due to deprivation, stage of disease, treatment and support services.
Work has begun to scope a review of the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR), and this is expected to progress over the coming year.
A review of the NICR is expected to help inform the future direction of cancer data, taking account of wider developments in clinical practice, reporting, analytics, information systems and health system requirements.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052409%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499281","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499281"}},{"id":"499280","reference":"AQW 52408/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-18","answerBy":"2026-10-05","answered":"2026-10-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail whether all people starting cancer treatment have (i) their health status wholly assessed; and (ii) an individualised plan created to mitigate potential late effects and consequences of their treatment.","answerText":"Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts assess patients throughout their cancer pathway, including prior to the commencement of treatment. The nature of these assessments is determined by the individual's diagnosis, proposed treatment and clinical needs, and may include clinical, physical, psychological, practical and supportive care considerations. In addition, many patients are offered a Holistic Needs Assessment to help identify and address wider care and support needs. These assessments inform decisions regarding treatment and ongoing care.\n\nWhile many patients receive personalised advice, interventions and follow-up arrangements aimed at reducing the risk of treatment-related complications and supporting recovery, a universal regional model under which all individuals commencing cancer treatment receive a comprehensive late effects assessment and an individualised late effects management plan has not yet been fully implemented.\n\nThe Northern Ireland Cancer Strategy 2022-2032 includes an action to develop a regional, multidisciplinary approach to the identification and management of people at risk of late effects and consequences of cancer treatment. Progress has been made through a number of local and tumour-specific initiatives; however, full implementation of this action will require further development of workforce capacity and investment across nursing, allied health professions and other specialist services.","answerHtml":"Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts assess patients throughout their cancer pathway, including prior to the commencement of treatment. The nature of these assessments is determined by the individual's diagnosis, proposed treatment and clinical needs, and may include clinical, physical, psychological, practical and supportive care considerations. In addition, many patients are offered a Holistic Needs Assessment to help identify and address wider care and support needs. These assessments inform decisions regarding treatment and ongoing care.
While many patients receive personalised advice, interventions and follow-up arrangements aimed at reducing the risk of treatment-related complications and supporting recovery, a universal regional model under which all individuals commencing cancer treatment receive a comprehensive late effects assessment and an individualised late effects management plan has not yet been fully implemented.
The Northern Ireland Cancer Strategy 2022-2032 includes an action to develop a regional, multidisciplinary approach to the identification and management of people at risk of late effects and consequences of cancer treatment. Progress has been made through a number of local and tumour-specific initiatives; however, full implementation of this action will require further development of workforce capacity and investment across nursing, allied health professions and other specialist services.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052408%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499280","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499280"}},{"id":"499080","reference":"AQW 52285/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-17","answerBy":"2026-10-02","answered":"2026-10-02","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 his Department's target to introduce a 28-day standard between first referral for suspected cancer to confirmation of a cancer diagnosis.","answerText":"Action 13 of the Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland 2022-32 refers to the introduction of a 28-day standard to track the time for all people from first referral for suspected cancer to confirmation of a cancer diagnosis, including the completion of any necessary diagnostic and staging investigations.\n\nInitial work has commenced to explore the introduction of a 28-day cancer diagnosis standard in Northern Ireland, aligned with the Faster Diagnosis Standard currently in place in England. This is a complex programme of work which is dependent on the embedding of the encompass digital health record system, together with the development of robust data collection and reporting arrangements across a wide range of cancer pathways.\n\nDespite challenging financial and workforce pressures, progress continues to be made in delivering the actions set out in the Cancer Strategy. However, substantial and sustained additional investment is required to enable full implementation of this and other actions.","answerHtml":"Action 13 of the Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland 2022-32 refers to the introduction of a 28-day standard to track the time for all people from first referral for suspected cancer to confirmation of a cancer diagnosis, including the completion of any necessary diagnostic and staging investigations.
Initial work has commenced to explore the introduction of a 28-day cancer diagnosis standard in Northern Ireland, aligned with the Faster Diagnosis Standard currently in place in England. This is a complex programme of work which is dependent on the embedding of the encompass digital health record system, together with the development of robust data collection and reporting arrangements across a wide range of cancer pathways.
Despite challenging financial and workforce pressures, progress continues to be made in delivering the actions set out in the Cancer Strategy. However, substantial and sustained additional investment is required to enable full implementation of this and other actions.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052285%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499080","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499080"}},{"id":"499079","reference":"AQW 52284/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-17","answerBy":"2026-10-02","answered":null,"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 implementation of the recommendations from the (i) Oncology Service Transformation Project; and (ii) Oncology Haematology Stabilisation Plan.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052284%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499079","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499079"}},{"id":"499078","reference":"AQW 52283/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-17","answerBy":"2026-10-02","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, following the Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland Progress Report March 2022 – March 2026, for an update on the extension of the acute oncology service to seven day working in all Health and Social Care Trusts.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052283%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499078","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499078"}},{"id":"499077","reference":"AQW 52282/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-17","answerBy":"2026-10-02","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail whether any ambulatory care haematology units are available, in each Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052282%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499077","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499077"}},{"id":"499076","reference":"AQW 52281/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-17","answerBy":"2026-10-02","answered":"2026-10-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether any end of treatment summaries are available for all cancer types, in each Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"A Treatment Summary Record is a document completed following a significant phase of a person's cancer treatment. It provides information on treatment received, potential consequences of treatment, ongoing clinical management, actions the patient may need to take, and relevant contact details. A copy is provided to the individual and their General Practitioner (GP).\n\nThe Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland 2022-2032 includes an action to develop a comprehensive Treatment Summary Record for all individuals diagnosed with cancer.\n\nWork is currently being progressed collaboratively across Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts to develop and implement a regional Treatment Summary Record. This includes adapting an established treatment summary model for use in Northern Ireland and exploring how Encompass can support communication, coordination and information sharing.\n\nWhile some services may utilise treatment summary documentation as part of local practice, comprehensive Treatment Summary Records are not currently available for all cancer types across all HSC Trusts.\n\nThe regional programme remains in development and is intended to support the future implementation of a consistent approach across Northern Ireland.","answerHtml":"A Treatment Summary Record is a document completed following a significant phase of a person's cancer treatment. It provides information on treatment received, potential consequences of treatment, ongoing clinical management, actions the patient may need to take, and relevant contact details. A copy is provided to the individual and their General Practitioner (GP).
The Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland 2022-2032 includes an action to develop a comprehensive Treatment Summary Record for all individuals diagnosed with cancer.
Work is currently being progressed collaboratively across Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts to develop and implement a regional Treatment Summary Record. This includes adapting an established treatment summary model for use in Northern Ireland and exploring how Encompass can support communication, coordination and information sharing.
While some services may utilise treatment summary documentation as part of local practice, comprehensive Treatment Summary Records are not currently available for all cancer types across all HSC Trusts.
The regional programme remains in development and is intended to support the future implementation of a consistent approach across Northern Ireland.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052281%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=499076","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=499076"}},{"id":"498812","reference":"AQW 52159/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-16","answerBy":"2026-10-01","answered":null,"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 his Department's implementation of all UK National Screening Committee recommendations.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052159%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498812","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498812"}},{"id":"498811","reference":"AQW 52158/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-16","answerBy":"2026-10-01","answered":"2026-10-01","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 his Department's work to ensure all people diagnosed with cancer are offered appropriate and targeted information and support to live well.","answerText":"(i)Commissioning arrangements for community and voluntary sector services are delivered through a range of mechanisms and organisations, reflecting differing statutory responsibilities, service priorities and local population needs. Information relating to commissioned services, funding levels and service coverage is therefore held across a number of organisations and programmes.\n\n(ii)No single regional register currently exists containing all the information specified. Individual organisations maintain records of their own contracts, grants and other funding arrangements, and certain information on contract awards, procurement activity and public expenditure is published through organisational websites and wider public-sector transparency arrangements. However, these separate sources do not constitute a single consolidated regional register of all community and voluntary sector services funded or commissioned by Public Health Agency, Strategic Planning and Performance Group and Health and Social Care Trusts.\n\n(iii)The Department recognises the importance of ensuring that commissioned services are equitable, accessible and represent value for money. Work continues across the health and social care system to strengthen strategic commissioning, improve data and intelligence, and support more consistent approaches to assessing population need and service provision. The regional Planning Guidance document sets out a range of expected cross-cutting HSC deliverables.","answerHtml":"(i)Commissioning arrangements for community and voluntary sector services are delivered through a range of mechanisms and organisations, reflecting differing statutory responsibilities, service priorities and local population needs. Information relating to commissioned services, funding levels and service coverage is therefore held across a number of organisations and programmes.
(ii)No single regional register currently exists containing all the information specified. Individual organisations maintain records of their own contracts, grants and other funding arrangements, and certain information on contract awards, procurement activity and public expenditure is published through organisational websites and wider public-sector transparency arrangements. However, these separate sources do not constitute a single consolidated regional register of all community and voluntary sector services funded or commissioned by Public Health Agency, Strategic Planning and Performance Group and Health and Social Care Trusts.
(iii)The Department recognises the importance of ensuring that commissioned services are equitable, accessible and represent value for money. Work continues across the health and social care system to strengthen strategic commissioning, improve data and intelligence, and support more consistent approaches to assessing population need and service provision. The regional Planning Guidance document sets out a range of expected cross-cutting HSC deliverables.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052158%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498811","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498811"}},{"id":"498810","reference":"AQW 52157/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-16","answerBy":"2026-10-01","answered":"2026-10-01","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 his Department's work to increase public awareness of cancer-related risk factors.","answerText":"The Public Health Agency (PHA) delivers an ongoing programme of public messaging to increase awareness of cancer signs and symptoms, encourage timely presentation to GPs, promote participation in screening programmes, and highlight lifestyle factors associated with cancer risk. Throughout the year, the PHA promotes cancer risk reduction measures, including smoking cessation, increased physical activity and other healthy lifestyle behaviours.\n\nMessaging is delivered through a range of communication channels, including social media, print and online resources, media engagement, partnerships with cancer charities, and the Living Well initiative delivered through community pharmacies across Northern Ireland. Information on a range of cancers is also available through the Be Cancer Aware website: https://www.becancerawareni.info/\n\nIn addition, the PHA and Cancer Focus NI lead the delivery of the Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy and Action Plan, which aims to reduce the incidence of, and deaths from, skin cancer in Northern Ireland. Delivery is supported through public awareness campaigns, including Sun Awareness Week and Winter Sun campaigns, targeted social media activity, education and training initiatives, and dedicated online information resources.\n\nThe PHA has also recently awarded an 18-month Skin Cancer Prevention Grant Programme to a leading community and voluntary sector organisation to raise awareness of the risks associated with ultraviolet (UV) radiation, reduce the use of artificial tanning devices, promote sun-safe behaviours, and encourage awareness of the early signs of skin cancer among high-risk groups and communities.","answerHtml":"The Public Health Agency (PHA) delivers an ongoing programme of public messaging to increase awareness of cancer signs and symptoms, encourage timely presentation to GPs, promote participation in screening programmes, and highlight lifestyle factors associated with cancer risk. Throughout the year, the PHA promotes cancer risk reduction measures, including smoking cessation, increased physical activity and other healthy lifestyle behaviours.
Messaging is delivered through a range of communication channels, including social media, print and online resources, media engagement, partnerships with cancer charities, and the Living Well initiative delivered through community pharmacies across Northern Ireland. Information on a range of cancers is also available through the Be Cancer Aware website: https://www.becancerawareni.info/
In addition, the PHA and Cancer Focus NI lead the delivery of the Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy and Action Plan, which aims to reduce the incidence of, and deaths from, skin cancer in Northern Ireland. Delivery is supported through public awareness campaigns, including Sun Awareness Week and Winter Sun campaigns, targeted social media activity, education and training initiatives, and dedicated online information resources.
The PHA has also recently awarded an 18-month Skin Cancer Prevention Grant Programme to a leading community and voluntary sector organisation to raise awareness of the risks associated with ultraviolet (UV) radiation, reduce the use of artificial tanning devices, promote sun-safe behaviours, and encourage awareness of the early signs of skin cancer among high-risk groups and communities.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052157%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498810","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498810"}},{"id":"498809","reference":"AQW 52156/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-16","answerBy":"2026-10-01","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department actively monitors the growing prevalence of cancers.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052156%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498809","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498809"}},{"id":"498808","reference":"AQW 52155/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-16","answerBy":"2026-10-01","answered":"2026-10-02","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 delivery of the Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland 2022-2032.","answerText":"The Cancer Strategy Progress Report, published on 2 July 2026, provides a comprehensive assessment of implementation during the Strategy's first four years, and progress against each of the 60 actions. The progress report is available at:\n\nhttps://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2026-07/Cancer%20Strategy%20for%20Northern%20Ireland%20Progress%20Report%20March%202022%20-%20March%202026.pdf\n\nDespite the current financial constraints that my Department is operating under, good progress has been made on the delivery of the Strategy’s 60 actions. Substantial and sustained additional investment is however required to enable full implementation of the Strategy.","answerHtml":"The Cancer Strategy Progress Report, published on 2 July 2026, provides a comprehensive assessment of implementation during the Strategy's first four years, and progress against each of the 60 actions. The progress report is available at:
https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2026-07/Cancer%20Strategy%20for%20Northern%20Ireland%20Progress%20Report%20March%202022%20-%20March%202026.pdf
Despite the current financial constraints that my Department is operating under, good progress has been made on the delivery of the Strategy’s 60 actions. Substantial and sustained additional investment is however required to enable full implementation of the Strategy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052155%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498808","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498808"}},{"id":"498451","reference":"AQW 52005/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-15","answerBy":"2026-09-30","answered":"2026-10-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail (i) any engagement she has had with the Department for Infrastructure regarding Translink's proposed cuts in service offering; and (ii) whether her Department has assessed the impact the proposed cuts will have on further and higher education learners across Northern Ireland.","answerText":"These matters fall within the remit of the Minister for Infrastructure. Translink is currently conducting a public consultation on its proposals, and I would encourage all interested parties, including students and education providers to engage with that process.","answerHtml":"These matters fall within the remit of the Minister for Infrastructure. Translink is currently conducting a public consultation on its proposals, and I would encourage all interested parties, including students and education providers to engage with that process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052005%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498451","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498451"}},{"id":"498450","reference":"AQW 52004/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-15","answerBy":"2026-09-30","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any support his Department has given to organisations which allocate, train, and support assistance animals, in the last five years.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052004%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498450","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498450"}},{"id":"498449","reference":"AQW 52003/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-15","answerBy":"2026-09-30","answered":"2026-09-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether any assessment has been made of introducing software grants for those engaging in digital arts and design.","answerText":"This issue is an operational matter for the Arts Council.\n\nI have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows:\n\n‘The Arts Council does not offer grants specifically for the purchase of software, however costs relating to the purchase of equipment/software is an eligible cost that may be funded within various grant programmes to support project delivery outcomes, from both Exchequer and Lottery programmes to support arts organisations and individual artists.\n\nFunding is available to individual artists and arts organisation, for engagement in digital arts supported by Lottery Funding through the Organisations Digital Evolution Awards and Individual Digital Artists Evolution programmes jointly funded by the Arts Council and Future Screens NI.’","answerHtml":"This issue is an operational matter for the Arts Council.
I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows:
‘The Arts Council does not offer grants specifically for the purchase of software, however costs relating to the purchase of equipment/software is an eligible cost that may be funded within various grant programmes to support project delivery outcomes, from both Exchequer and Lottery programmes to support arts organisations and individual artists.
Funding is available to individual artists and arts organisation, for engagement in digital arts supported by Lottery Funding through the Organisations Digital Evolution Awards and Individual Digital Artists Evolution programmes jointly funded by the Arts Council and Future Screens NI.’
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052003%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498449","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498449"}},{"id":"498448","reference":"AQW 52002/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-15","answerBy":"2026-09-30","answered":"2026-09-25","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 has undertaken any assessment of introducing a tools grant for those engaging in practical further education courses.","answerText":"My Department has not undertaken an assessment of introducing a tools grant for those engaging in practical Further Education (FE) courses. However, a number of support measures are available for eligible students to assist with course-related costs, including FE Grants and the Hardship Fund.","answerHtml":"My Department has not undertaken an assessment of introducing a tools grant for those engaging in practical Further Education (FE) courses. However, a number of support measures are available for eligible students to assist with course-related costs, including FE Grants and the Hardship Fund.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052002%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498448","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498448"}},{"id":"498447","reference":"AQW 52001/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-15","answerBy":"2026-09-30","answered":"2026-09-21","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 any current support her Department has available for students across further and higher education, experiencing digital poverty.","answerText":"My Department provides a range of financial assistance to eligible students across Further and Higher Education.\n\nIn Higher Education, eligible students may access maintenance support through Student Finance NI, to assist with study-related costs. The Department also provides funding to local universities and university colleges for Support Funds, which help students experiencing financial hardship, including digital poverty, who might otherwise be unable to continue or complete their course.\n\nIn Further Education, colleges administer a Department-funded Hardship Fund for eligible students aged over 18 on accredited professional and technical courses. Assistance may be provided towards fees, books, equipment, transport, living costs and childcare. Further support may also be available through Further Education Grants, Educational Maintenance Allowance, Care to Learn, Home to College transport and Free School Meals, subject to the relevant eligibility criteria.\n\nStudents experiencing difficulty in accessing the equipment or resources required for their studies should contact their college or higher education institution to discuss the support that may be available in their individual circumstances. Higher education institutions may also have local support arrangements in place.","answerHtml":"My Department provides a range of financial assistance to eligible students across Further and Higher Education.
In Higher Education, eligible students may access maintenance support through Student Finance NI, to assist with study-related costs. The Department also provides funding to local universities and university colleges for Support Funds, which help students experiencing financial hardship, including digital poverty, who might otherwise be unable to continue or complete their course.
In Further Education, colleges administer a Department-funded Hardship Fund for eligible students aged over 18 on accredited professional and technical courses. Assistance may be provided towards fees, books, equipment, transport, living costs and childcare. Further support may also be available through Further Education Grants, Educational Maintenance Allowance, Care to Learn, Home to College transport and Free School Meals, subject to the relevant eligibility criteria.
Students experiencing difficulty in accessing the equipment or resources required for their studies should contact their college or higher education institution to discuss the support that may be available in their individual circumstances. Higher education institutions may also have local support arrangements in place.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2052001%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498447","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498447"}},{"id":"498194","reference":"AQW 51871/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-14","answerBy":"2026-09-29","answered":"2026-09-23","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 detail (i) any eligibility criteria of the Further Education Grant; and (ii) whether her Department provides for any exceptional circumstances.","answerText":"The Further Education (FE) Grant is available primarily to eligible students aged 19 years or over, with limited exceptions, who are undertaking an approved FE qualification at Level 3 or below. Eligibility is determined by a range of criteria including age, residency status, mode of attendance and household income, as the scheme is means-tested. Full details of the eligibility criteria are available on the Education Authority (EA) website: Further Education Grants | Education Authority Northern Ireland.\n\nApplications are assessed against the published eligibility criteria and the scheme does not provide a general discretion to waive those criteria. However, the eligibility rules make provision for certain categories and circumstances and applicants who are unsure about their eligibility are advised to contact the EA.\n\nMy Department makes funding available to FE colleges through the Hardship Fund to support students experiencing exceptional financial difficulty. In the 2025/26 financial year, my Department allocated £735,000 for this purpose.","answerHtml":"The Further Education (FE) Grant is available primarily to eligible students aged 19 years or over, with limited exceptions, who are undertaking an approved FE qualification at Level 3 or below. Eligibility is determined by a range of criteria including age, residency status, mode of attendance and household income, as the scheme is means-tested. Full details of the eligibility criteria are available on the Education Authority (EA) website: Further Education Grants | Education Authority Northern Ireland.
Applications are assessed against the published eligibility criteria and the scheme does not provide a general discretion to waive those criteria. However, the eligibility rules make provision for certain categories and circumstances and applicants who are unsure about their eligibility are advised to contact the EA.
My Department makes funding available to FE colleges through the Hardship Fund to support students experiencing exceptional financial difficulty. In the 2025/26 financial year, my Department allocated £735,000 for this purpose.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051871%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498194","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498194"}},{"id":"498193","reference":"AQW 51870/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-14","answerBy":"2026-09-29","answered":"2026-09-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether she has considered introducing a broadband support grant, for further and higher education students.","answerText":"My Department provides a range of financial support to eligible students across Further and Higher Education, including assistance that may help address the impacts of digital poverty.\n\nIn Higher Education, eligible students may access maintenance support through Student Finance NI to assist with study-related costs. In addition, the Department provides funding to local universities and university colleges for Support Funds, which can assist students experiencing financial hardship, including where they face difficulties accessing the digital equipment or connectivity required to participate in their studies.\n\nWhile not specifically intended to meet broadband costs, my Department also provides Further Education colleges with funding for a range of measures to help students access and participate in FE. FE Grants and Hardship Funding can contribute towards costs for eligible learners, helping ensure that financial pressures do not prevent participation in skills and training opportunities.","answerHtml":"My Department provides a range of financial support to eligible students across Further and Higher Education, including assistance that may help address the impacts of digital poverty.
In Higher Education, eligible students may access maintenance support through Student Finance NI to assist with study-related costs. In addition, the Department provides funding to local universities and university colleges for Support Funds, which can assist students experiencing financial hardship, including where they face difficulties accessing the digital equipment or connectivity required to participate in their studies.
While not specifically intended to meet broadband costs, my Department also provides Further Education colleges with funding for a range of measures to help students access and participate in FE. FE Grants and Hardship Funding can contribute towards costs for eligible learners, helping ensure that financial pressures do not prevent participation in skills and training opportunities.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051870%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498193","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498193"}},{"id":"498192","reference":"AQW 51869/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-14","answerBy":"2026-09-29","answered":"2026-09-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the last time the Further Education Grant eligibility criteria was reviewed.","answerText":"The eligibility criteria for the Further Education (FE) Grant were examined as part of the Department's FE Student Support Review, which completed in 2023. The Review considered the operation of FE student support schemes, including eligibility arrangements, income thresholds and the accessibility of support for learners.","answerHtml":"The eligibility criteria for the Further Education (FE) Grant were examined as part of the Department's FE Student Support Review, which completed in 2023. The Review considered the operation of FE student support schemes, including eligibility arrangements, income thresholds and the accessibility of support for learners.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051869%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498192","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498192"}},{"id":"498191","reference":"AQW 51868/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-14","answerBy":"2026-09-29","answered":"2026-09-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether her Department plans to review the eligibility criteria for the Further Education Grant.","answerText":"My Department is planning to carry out a review of Further Education (FE) student support, including the eligibility criteria for the FE Grant.\n\nAny future decisions regarding the criteria will have to be considered in the context of emerging economic conditions, learner needs and the resources available to the Department.","answerHtml":"My Department is planning to carry out a review of Further Education (FE) student support, including the eligibility criteria for the FE Grant.
Any future decisions regarding the criteria will have to be considered in the context of emerging economic conditions, learner needs and the resources available to the Department.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051868%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498191","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498191"}},{"id":"498190","reference":"AQW 51867/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-14","answerBy":"2026-09-29","answered":"2026-09-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether his Department regularly monitors whether Education Maintenance Allowance is delivered to (i) secondary school; and (ii) further education, recipients on time.","answerText":"The Department for the Economy (DfE) is responsible for the delivery of the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) scheme and for the management of the contract with the Student Loans Company (SLC), which administers the scheme on behalf of both Departments.\n\nI recognise the importance of ensuring that EMA payments are made to learners in a timely manner. While my department does not have a direct role in monitoring or administering EMA payments, DfE maintains regular engagement with the SLC in relation to the operation of the scheme. Where issues arise that may affect the processing or timely payment of EMA to school pupils, DfE advises my department accordingly.","answerHtml":"The Department for the Economy (DfE) is responsible for the delivery of the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) scheme and for the management of the contract with the Student Loans Company (SLC), which administers the scheme on behalf of both Departments.
I recognise the importance of ensuring that EMA payments are made to learners in a timely manner. While my department does not have a direct role in monitoring or administering EMA payments, DfE maintains regular engagement with the SLC in relation to the operation of the scheme. Where issues arise that may affect the processing or timely payment of EMA to school pupils, DfE advises my department accordingly.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051867%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=498190","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=498190"}},{"id":"497985","reference":"AQW 51743/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-11","answerBy":"2026-09-28","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any funding allocations to the Regional Insulin Pump Service, in each of the last three years.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051743%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497985","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497985"}},{"id":"497984","reference":"AQW 51742/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-11","answerBy":"2026-09-28","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 46930/22-27, whether the implementation plan has been completed.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051742%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497984","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497984"}},{"id":"497983","reference":"AQW 51741/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-11","answerBy":"2026-09-28","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, pursuant to AQW 50463/22-27, whether review documents relating to the Together: Building a United Community strategy will be shared publicly.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051741%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497983","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497983"}},{"id":"497982","reference":"AQW 51740/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-11","answerBy":"2026-09-28","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 detail any responsibility employers have to provide vaccinations for employees who are required to undertake outdoors work.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051740%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497982","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497982"}},{"id":"497981","reference":"AQW 51739/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-11","answerBy":"2026-09-28","answered":"2026-09-15","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 new build for Priory Integrated College, Holywood.","answerText":"I announced on 29 April 2026 that the Priory Integrated College major capital project was to proceed to construction.\n\nSince that announcement a Business Case Addendum has been completed which is currently under review by the Department of Finance.\n\nThe second stage of the procurement process to appoint a building contractor has also been progressed, and the current return date for tenders is 23 October 2026.\n\nIt is anticipated that the contract will be awarded in the first quarter of 2027.\n\nThe construction period is expected to be approximately 30 months.","answerHtml":"I announced on 29 April 2026 that the Priory Integrated College major capital project was to proceed to construction.
Since that announcement a Business Case Addendum has been completed which is currently under review by the Department of Finance.
The second stage of the procurement process to appoint a building contractor has also been progressed, and the current return date for tenders is 23 October 2026.
It is anticipated that the contract will be awarded in the first quarter of 2027.
The construction period is expected to be approximately 30 months.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051739%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497981","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497981"}},{"id":"497687","reference":"AQO 3934/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-10","answerBy":"2026-09-21","answered":"2026-09-21","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 ending violence against women and girls.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203934%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497687","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-09-21&docID=498919#AQO%203934/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497687"}},{"id":"497550","reference":"AQW 51438/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-09","answerBy":"2026-09-24","answered":"2026-09-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether an application for ground rent redemption can be denied.","answerText":"The primary legislation that deals with the ground rents is the Ground Rents Act (Northern Ireland) 2001. This Act allows most homeowners of residential properties the statutory right to redeem their ground rent. However, certain property types are not covered by this statutory right to redeem. These include properties held under leases with a residuary term of 50 years or less, equity sharing leases, leases of agricultural or commercial property, leases from the National Trust or leases of flats.\n\nS.4 of the 2001 Act provides a means to redeem the ground rent through a process that is operated by the Land Registry. This enables the redemption of ground rents in circumstances where the landlord cannot be found or perhaps is reluctant to engage with the homeowner in the process of redeeming the ground rent.\n\nTo redeem a ground rent under the 2001 Act, a property owner must first ascertain if their property qualifies. Then, they must apply to the Land Registry, in the manner set out in s.4 of the 2001 Act.\n\nOnce the Land Registry redemption process is completed, the Land Registry will issue a Certificate of Redemption which is proof that the ground rent has been redeemed. This forms part of the documents of title of the property. The 2001 Act does not provide landlords with a right of refusal of a redemption application to the Land Registry.","answerHtml":"The primary legislation that deals with the ground rents is the Ground Rents Act (Northern Ireland) 2001. This Act allows most homeowners of residential properties the statutory right to redeem their ground rent. However, certain property types are not covered by this statutory right to redeem. These include properties held under leases with a residuary term of 50 years or less, equity sharing leases, leases of agricultural or commercial property, leases from the National Trust or leases of flats.
S.4 of the 2001 Act provides a means to redeem the ground rent through a process that is operated by the Land Registry. This enables the redemption of ground rents in circumstances where the landlord cannot be found or perhaps is reluctant to engage with the homeowner in the process of redeeming the ground rent.
To redeem a ground rent under the 2001 Act, a property owner must first ascertain if their property qualifies. Then, they must apply to the Land Registry, in the manner set out in s.4 of the 2001 Act.
Once the Land Registry redemption process is completed, the Land Registry will issue a Certificate of Redemption which is proof that the ground rent has been redeemed. This forms part of the documents of title of the property. The 2001 Act does not provide landlords with a right of refusal of a redemption application to the Land Registry.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051438%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497550","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497550"}},{"id":"497549","reference":"AQW 51437/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-09","answerBy":"2026-09-24","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has reviewed the age parameters of cervical screening invitations in the last three years.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051437%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497549","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497549"}},{"id":"497548","reference":"AQW 51436/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-09","answerBy":"2026-09-24","answered":"2026-10-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has reviewed the age parameters of breast screening invitations in the last three years.","answerText":"The age thresholds for population screening programmes are based on recommendations from the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), an independent scientific advisory committee which advises the four health departments, on all aspects of screening.\n\nThe UK NSC regularly reviews its recommendations as new research and evidence becomes available. The UK NSC only recommends screening when it has concluded that the evidence shows that the benefits of screening outweigh the potential harms, for each age cohort.\n\nBreast cancer screening is currently offered to women aged between 50 and 70 years of age, every three years. There is ongoing research to examine the benefits and harms of extending breast cancer screening to women aged 71-73 and 47-49 years of age (the age X trial). The first report from this trial is expected in late 2026.\n\nRegardless of age, anyone experiencing any symptoms of concern should contact their GP immediately.","answerHtml":"The age thresholds for population screening programmes are based on recommendations from the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), an independent scientific advisory committee which advises the four health departments, on all aspects of screening.
The UK NSC regularly reviews its recommendations as new research and evidence becomes available. The UK NSC only recommends screening when it has concluded that the evidence shows that the benefits of screening outweigh the potential harms, for each age cohort.
Breast cancer screening is currently offered to women aged between 50 and 70 years of age, every three years. There is ongoing research to examine the benefits and harms of extending breast cancer screening to women aged 71-73 and 47-49 years of age (the age X trial). The first report from this trial is expected in late 2026.
Regardless of age, anyone experiencing any symptoms of concern should contact their GP immediately.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051436%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497548","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497548"}},{"id":"497547","reference":"AQW 51435/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-09","answerBy":"2026-09-24","answered":"2026-10-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the rationale as to why women over the age of 70 are not regularly invited to breast screenings.","answerText":"The age thresholds for population screening programmes are based on recommendations from the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), an independent scientific advisory committee which advises the four UK Health Departments, on all aspects of screening. The UK NSC regularly reviews its recommendations on screening as new research and evidence becomes available.\n\nAs women get older, overdiagnosis becomes more common and there is a higher risk that women aged 71 years of age or older, could undergo treatment they do not need. There is ongoing research to examine the benefits and harms of extending breast cancer screening to women aged 71-73 and 47-49 years of age (the age X trial). The first report from this trial is expected in late 2026.\n\nIn NI, should a woman aged 71 years of age, or older, wish to continue to be screened, they can self-refer. Regardless of age, anyone experiencing any symptoms of concern should contact their GP immediately.","answerHtml":"The age thresholds for population screening programmes are based on recommendations from the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), an independent scientific advisory committee which advises the four UK Health Departments, on all aspects of screening. The UK NSC regularly reviews its recommendations on screening as new research and evidence becomes available.
As women get older, overdiagnosis becomes more common and there is a higher risk that women aged 71 years of age or older, could undergo treatment they do not need. There is ongoing research to examine the benefits and harms of extending breast cancer screening to women aged 71-73 and 47-49 years of age (the age X trial). The first report from this trial is expected in late 2026.
In NI, should a woman aged 71 years of age, or older, wish to continue to be screened, they can self-refer. Regardless of age, anyone experiencing any symptoms of concern should contact their GP immediately.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051435%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497547","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497547"}},{"id":"497546","reference":"AQW 51434/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-09","answerBy":"2026-09-24","answered":null,"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 as to why women over the age of 64 are not regularly invited to cervical screenings.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051434%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497546","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497546"}},{"id":"497267","reference":"AQW 51270/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-08","answerBy":"2026-09-23","answered":"2026-09-30","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 to detail any guidance their Department has issued to the delivery partners of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Change Funds, in relation to funding availability in the absence of an agreed Executive budget.","answerText":"Officials continue to work closely with Change Fund partners in all Councils and Regional Delivery Experts, keeping them updated on the Executive budget position, however no specific guidance has been issued on funding availability.\n\nWe are aware of the financial pressures and remain focussed on delivery which is why we have committed over £4million this financial year for communities, working with partners across society to raise awareness on violence against women and girls and equip everyone to take action to prevent it.\n\nThis includes the allocation of interim funding to continue delivery of the Regional Change Fund and issuing funding awards to all Councils to support community activity under the Local Change Fund, allowing community organisations to get grassroots projects up and running.\n\nThis funding allocation will ensure the Change Fund can continue to support both regional and local initiatives as well as community-based interventions that contribute to preventing and addressing violence against women and girls.","answerHtml":"Officials continue to work closely with Change Fund partners in all Councils and Regional Delivery Experts, keeping them updated on the Executive budget position, however no specific guidance has been issued on funding availability.
We are aware of the financial pressures and remain focussed on delivery which is why we have committed over £4million this financial year for communities, working with partners across society to raise awareness on violence against women and girls and equip everyone to take action to prevent it.
This includes the allocation of interim funding to continue delivery of the Regional Change Fund and issuing funding awards to all Councils to support community activity under the Local Change Fund, allowing community organisations to get grassroots projects up and running.
This funding allocation will ensure the Change Fund can continue to support both regional and local initiatives as well as community-based interventions that contribute to preventing and addressing violence against women and girls.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051270%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497267","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497267"}},{"id":"497266","reference":"AQW 51269/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-08","answerBy":"2026-09-23","answered":"2026-09-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether any assessment has been made of Cancer Research's Longer, Better Lives aim to reduce the cancer death rate by 15% by 2040.","answerText":"I welcome the launch of Cancer Research UK's Longer, Better Lives for Northern Ireland manifesto and the organisation's continued commitment to improving cancer outcomes for patients across Northern Ireland.\n\nThere is significant alignment between many of the objectives in the manifesto and the Department's ongoing work to improve cancer services and patient outcomes, and to reduce cancer mortality. This work is being advanced through established programmes and governance structures, including the Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland 2022-32, the Elective Care Framework, the Cancer Research Strategic Framework, the Cancer Strategic Advisory Forum, and the Cancer Steering Group.\n\nWorking collaboratively with stakeholders, including Cancer Research UK, the Department remains committed to improving cancer prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, care and research, while continuing to drive forward implementation of the Cancer Strategy.","answerHtml":"I welcome the launch of Cancer Research UK's Longer, Better Lives for Northern Ireland manifesto and the organisation's continued commitment to improving cancer outcomes for patients across Northern Ireland.
There is significant alignment between many of the objectives in the manifesto and the Department's ongoing work to improve cancer services and patient outcomes, and to reduce cancer mortality. This work is being advanced through established programmes and governance structures, including the Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland 2022-32, the Elective Care Framework, the Cancer Research Strategic Framework, the Cancer Strategic Advisory Forum, and the Cancer Steering Group.
Working collaboratively with stakeholders, including Cancer Research UK, the Department remains committed to improving cancer prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, care and research, while continuing to drive forward implementation of the Cancer Strategy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051269%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497266","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497266"}},{"id":"497265","reference":"AQW 51268/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-08","answerBy":"2026-09-23","answered":"2026-09-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department has taken, in the last two years, to increase uptake of the 6-in-1 vaccine.","answerText":"The Public Health Agency (PHA) is responsible for the delivery of vaccination programmes in Northern Ireland and undertakes a range of measures to support and promote vaccine uptake.\n\nTo address declining uptake in pre-school vaccinations, including the 6-in-1 vaccine, the PHA has established an Improving Childhood Vaccine Uptake Working Group to identify barriers and implement measures to improve coverage. Actions include:\n\nimproving the Child Health System,\n\ndeveloping targeted information resources for groups with lower uptake,\n\nproviding training and resources through Sure Start,\n\ndelivering outreach clinics in communities with lower vaccination rates,\n\npromoting immunisation within medical and nursing education,\n\nand hosting webinars for healthcare professionals and other key stakeholders.\n\nThe PHA is also exploring the potential migration from the Child Health System to a new regional information system that supports the delivery and monitoring of children's health services. The new system would enhance support for childhood vaccination programmes, by improving vaccination recording and reporting, and strengthen the use of data to identify and address inequalities in uptake.\n\nIn addition, the PHA participates in the UK Forum to Facilitate Discussion on Declining Coverage and Inequalities, which enables collaboration and the sharing of best practice across the UK nations.\n\nIn July 2026, PHA established an Oversight Board for the Improvement of Vaccination Uptake to provide strategic leadership across all vaccination programmes. The Board will oversee work to improve vaccination coverage, address inequalities, and develop a refreshed action plan to tackle declining uptake in childhood immunisations, including the 6-in-1 vaccine.","answerHtml":"The Public Health Agency (PHA) is responsible for the delivery of vaccination programmes in Northern Ireland and undertakes a range of measures to support and promote vaccine uptake.
To address declining uptake in pre-school vaccinations, including the 6-in-1 vaccine, the PHA has established an Improving Childhood Vaccine Uptake Working Group to identify barriers and implement measures to improve coverage. Actions include:
improving the Child Health System,
developing targeted information resources for groups with lower uptake,
providing training and resources through Sure Start,
delivering outreach clinics in communities with lower vaccination rates,
promoting immunisation within medical and nursing education,
and hosting webinars for healthcare professionals and other key stakeholders.
The PHA is also exploring the potential migration from the Child Health System to a new regional information system that supports the delivery and monitoring of children's health services. The new system would enhance support for childhood vaccination programmes, by improving vaccination recording and reporting, and strengthen the use of data to identify and address inequalities in uptake.
In addition, the PHA participates in the UK Forum to Facilitate Discussion on Declining Coverage and Inequalities, which enables collaboration and the sharing of best practice across the UK nations.
In July 2026, PHA established an Oversight Board for the Improvement of Vaccination Uptake to provide strategic leadership across all vaccination programmes. The Board will oversee work to improve vaccination coverage, address inequalities, and develop a refreshed action plan to tackle declining uptake in childhood immunisations, including the 6-in-1 vaccine.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051268%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497265","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497265"}},{"id":"497264","reference":"AQW 51267/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-08","answerBy":"2026-09-23","answered":"2026-10-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department plans to take to decrease the infant mortality rate.","answerText":"My Department remains committed to improving outcomes for mothers and babies and to reducing infant mortality rates in Northern Ireland.\n\nInfant mortality is influenced by a range of factors including maternal health, deprivation, smoking during pregnancy, prematurity, and congenital conditions. My Department is taking forward several measures aimed at improving outcomes for newborn babies and their families.\n\nThese include continued investment in maternity and neonatal services and ongoing work to improve the quality and safety of maternity care across Northern Ireland. My Department is also progressing the implementation of recommendations arising from independent reviews of maternity services, including the establishment of a new Maternal and Newborn Partnership, to drive improvements and oversee a regional action plan for safer, higher-quality care.\n\nIn addition, my Department continues to promote smoking cessation during pregnancy, support vaccination programmes, improve maternal health and wellbeing, and enhance early-intervention and public health measures. These measures are known to contribute to better outcomes for babies. The Public Health Agency (PHA) and HSC Trusts work closely to support women before, during and after pregnancy, particularly those at greater risk of poor outcomes.\n\nMy Department monitors perinatal and neonatal outcomes through established surveillance and review processes. HSC Trusts are required to undertake multidisciplinary reviews of stillbirths and neonatal deaths to ensure that learning is identified and applied to service improvement.\n\nReducing the infant mortality rate remains an important priority. My Department will continue to work with partners across the HSC system to improve maternity and neonatal services, reduce inequalities, and give every child the best possible start in life.","answerHtml":"My Department remains committed to improving outcomes for mothers and babies and to reducing infant mortality rates in Northern Ireland.
Infant mortality is influenced by a range of factors including maternal health, deprivation, smoking during pregnancy, prematurity, and congenital conditions. My Department is taking forward several measures aimed at improving outcomes for newborn babies and their families.
These include continued investment in maternity and neonatal services and ongoing work to improve the quality and safety of maternity care across Northern Ireland. My Department is also progressing the implementation of recommendations arising from independent reviews of maternity services, including the establishment of a new Maternal and Newborn Partnership, to drive improvements and oversee a regional action plan for safer, higher-quality care.
In addition, my Department continues to promote smoking cessation during pregnancy, support vaccination programmes, improve maternal health and wellbeing, and enhance early-intervention and public health measures. These measures are known to contribute to better outcomes for babies. The Public Health Agency (PHA) and HSC Trusts work closely to support women before, during and after pregnancy, particularly those at greater risk of poor outcomes.
My Department monitors perinatal and neonatal outcomes through established surveillance and review processes. HSC Trusts are required to undertake multidisciplinary reviews of stillbirths and neonatal deaths to ensure that learning is identified and applied to service improvement.
Reducing the infant mortality rate remains an important priority. My Department will continue to work with partners across the HSC system to improve maternity and neonatal services, reduce inequalities, and give every child the best possible start in life.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051267%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497264","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497264"}},{"id":"497263","reference":"AQW 51266/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-08","answerBy":"2026-09-23","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department plans to take in response to the July 2026 Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health report State of the Child Health Report 2026.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051266%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497263","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497263"}},{"id":"497007","reference":"AQW 51119/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-07","answerBy":"2026-09-22","answered":"2026-09-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any work his Department has undertaken with the Education Authority to increase playground allergy awareness, in the last five years.","answerText":"There has been no work undertaken on this specific area of allergy awareness in the last five years.\n\nThe department is currently considering how best to strengthen guidance for allergy management in schools.","answerHtml":"There has been no work undertaken on this specific area of allergy awareness in the last five years.
The department is currently considering how best to strengthen guidance for allergy management in schools.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051119%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497007","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497007"}},{"id":"497006","reference":"AQW 51118/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-07","answerBy":"2026-09-22","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer who have received the combined treatment of bevacizumab and olaparib, in the last five years, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051118%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497006","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497006"}},{"id":"497005","reference":"AQW 51117/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-07","answerBy":"2026-09-22","answered":"2026-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether his Department plans to review the Supporting pupils with Medication Needs guidance, before the end of the 2022-2027 Assembly mandate.","answerText":"Departmental officials will review the “Supporting pupils with Medication Needs” guidance as soon as possible, subject to resources being available.\n\nSeparately, officials have undertaken a review of the guidance on allergy management in schools, taking account of developments occurring elsewhere in the UK. The department is currently considering how best to strengthen guidance for allergy management in schools.","answerHtml":"Departmental officials will review the “Supporting pupils with Medication Needs” guidance as soon as possible, subject to resources being available.
Separately, officials have undertaken a review of the guidance on allergy management in schools, taking account of developments occurring elsewhere in the UK. The department is currently considering how best to strengthen guidance for allergy management in schools.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051117%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497005","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497005"}},{"id":"497004","reference":"AQW 51116/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-07","answerBy":"2026-09-22","answered":"2026-09-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any steps his Department has taken following the publication of the National Allergy Strategy in June 2026.","answerText":"I met with representatives of the National Allergy Strategy Group (NASG) at the Northern Ireland launch of their National Allergy Strategy on 1 June 2026.\n\nThe discussion covered a range of issues relating to allergies and allergy management, including the experiences of children and young people with allergies in schools and legislative developments in the UK, including Benedict’s Law.\n\nDepartmental officials have also met with NASG representatives on 4 June 2026 to discuss a range of issues relating to allergy management in educational settings.\n\nThis engagement with NASG and other stakeholders will continue as the department considers how best to continue to support pupils with allergies within educational settings.","answerHtml":"I met with representatives of the National Allergy Strategy Group (NASG) at the Northern Ireland launch of their National Allergy Strategy on 1 June 2026.
The discussion covered a range of issues relating to allergies and allergy management, including the experiences of children and young people with allergies in schools and legislative developments in the UK, including Benedict’s Law.
Departmental officials have also met with NASG representatives on 4 June 2026 to discuss a range of issues relating to allergy management in educational settings.
This engagement with NASG and other stakeholders will continue as the department considers how best to continue to support pupils with allergies within educational settings.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051116%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497004","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497004"}},{"id":"497003","reference":"AQW 51115/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-07","answerBy":"2026-09-22","answered":"2026-10-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps that have been taken following the publication of the National Allergy Strategy in June 2026.","answerText":"The National Allergy Strategy (NAS) was launched in June 2026. Although many elements of the strategy are beyond the remit of my Department, the Department is responsible for a number of relevant actions, including the provision of paediatric allergy services in HSC Trusts across Northern Ireland.\n\nMy predecessor and departmental officials have met with representatives involved in the development of the Strategy to discuss how best to progress those elements that fall within the Department’s remit, particularly the provision of paediatric allergy services across HSC Trusts.\n\nThe NI Paediatric Respiratory and Allergy Network (NIPRAN) is a well-established regional network that brings together relevant paediatric allergy clinicians across Northern Ireland. My officials are working closely with NIPRAN to identify and implement measures to improve the delivery and co-ordination of paediatric allergy services on a regional basis, including actions aligned with the objectives of the NAS.\n\nWhile I recognise the significant financial pressures facing the HSC system, I remain committed to supporting sustainable improvements in paediatric allergy services across Northern Ireland and ensuring that opportunities to enhance service provision are progressed, wherever possible.","answerHtml":"The National Allergy Strategy (NAS) was launched in June 2026. Although many elements of the strategy are beyond the remit of my Department, the Department is responsible for a number of relevant actions, including the provision of paediatric allergy services in HSC Trusts across Northern Ireland.
My predecessor and departmental officials have met with representatives involved in the development of the Strategy to discuss how best to progress those elements that fall within the Department’s remit, particularly the provision of paediatric allergy services across HSC Trusts.
The NI Paediatric Respiratory and Allergy Network (NIPRAN) is a well-established regional network that brings together relevant paediatric allergy clinicians across Northern Ireland. My officials are working closely with NIPRAN to identify and implement measures to improve the delivery and co-ordination of paediatric allergy services on a regional basis, including actions aligned with the objectives of the NAS.
While I recognise the significant financial pressures facing the HSC system, I remain committed to supporting sustainable improvements in paediatric allergy services across Northern Ireland and ensuring that opportunities to enhance service provision are progressed, wherever possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2051115%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497003","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497003"}},{"id":"496695","reference":"AQW 50852/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-03","answerBy":"2026-09-18","answered":"2026-09-08","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 resurfacing works on the Clandeboye Road and Church Street, Bangor, are expected to be completed.","answerText":"Officials are currently considering the 2026/27 programme of works, details of which will be included in my Department’s 2026/27 annual report to Council. Programmes cannot be finalised until such times as budgets are confirmed.\n\nIn the meantime, officials will continue to undertake regular inspections and repair defects in accordance with the Department’s Limited Service policy.","answerHtml":"Officials are currently considering the 2026/27 programme of works, details of which will be included in my Department’s 2026/27 annual report to Council. Programmes cannot be finalised until such times as budgets are confirmed.
In the meantime, officials will continue to undertake regular inspections and repair defects in accordance with the Department’s Limited Service policy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050852%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=496695","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=496695"}},{"id":"496694","reference":"AQW 50851/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-03","answerBy":"2026-09-18","answered":"2026-09-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 48251/22-27, whether the allocated £70 per week per student is ring-fenced by the Health and Social Care Trusts for the purpose of practice education.","answerText":"I can confirm that this money is ring-fenced by each hosting HSC Trust for the purposes of practice education for pre-registration Allied Health Profession students at Ulster University.","answerHtml":"I can confirm that this money is ring-fenced by each hosting HSC Trust for the purposes of practice education for pre-registration Allied Health Profession students at Ulster University.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050851%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=496694","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=496694"}},{"id":"496693","reference":"AQW 50850/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-03","answerBy":"2026-09-18","answered":"2026-09-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether his Department has considered introducing an incentive scheme to encourage volunteering in local communities.","answerText":"My Department has no plans to introduce an incentive scheme to encourage volunteering in local communities.\n\nMy Department currently supports volunteering through the Volunteering Infrastructure Support Programme; this funds organisations that encourage volunteering and support volunteers and organisations that engage volunteers across Northern Ireland.\n\nMy Department provided funding of £727,000 in 2025-26 to support volunteer recruitment, training and development within local communities through seven Volunteer Centres across Northern Ireland.\n\nThe Department also provides wider support to communities through ‘People and Place: A Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal’; in 2025-26, this supported community activity and volunteering, including 340,842 volunteer hours with an estimated value of £4.3 million.","answerHtml":"My Department has no plans to introduce an incentive scheme to encourage volunteering in local communities.
My Department currently supports volunteering through the Volunteering Infrastructure Support Programme; this funds organisations that encourage volunteering and support volunteers and organisations that engage volunteers across Northern Ireland.
My Department provided funding of £727,000 in 2025-26 to support volunteer recruitment, training and development within local communities through seven Volunteer Centres across Northern Ireland.
The Department also provides wider support to communities through ‘People and Place: A Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal’; in 2025-26, this supported community activity and volunteering, including 340,842 volunteer hours with an estimated value of £4.3 million.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050850%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=496693","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=496693"}},{"id":"496692","reference":"AQW 50849/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-03","answerBy":"2026-09-18","answered":"2026-09-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any support his Department gives to community groups to train volunteers.","answerText":"My Department supports community groups to train volunteers through the Volunteering Infrastructure Support Programme; this funds volunteer support organisations to provide training and development opportunities for volunteers and organisations that engage volunteers.\n\nMy Department provided funding of £727,000 in 2025-26 to support volunteer recruitment, training and development within local communities through seven Volunteer Centres across Northern Ireland.\n\nThe Department also provides wider support to communities through ‘People and Place: A Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal’; in 2025-26, this supported community activity and volunteering, including 340,842 volunteer hours with an estimated value of £4.3 million.","answerHtml":"My Department supports community groups to train volunteers through the Volunteering Infrastructure Support Programme; this funds volunteer support organisations to provide training and development opportunities for volunteers and organisations that engage volunteers.
My Department provided funding of £727,000 in 2025-26 to support volunteer recruitment, training and development within local communities through seven Volunteer Centres across Northern Ireland.
The Department also provides wider support to communities through ‘People and Place: A Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal’; in 2025-26, this supported community activity and volunteering, including 340,842 volunteer hours with an estimated value of £4.3 million.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050849%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=496692","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=496692"}},{"id":"496691","reference":"AQW 50848/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-03","answerBy":"2026-09-18","answered":"2026-09-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any support his Department gives to community groups to recruit volunteers.","answerText":"My Department supports community groups to recruit volunteers through the Volunteering Infrastructure Support Programme; this funds organisations that encourage volunteering and support the recruitment and placement of volunteers, as well as providing support to organisations that engage volunteers.\n\nMy Department provided funding of £727,000 in 2025-26 to support volunteer recruitment, training and development within local communities through seven Volunteer Centres across Northern Ireland.\n\nThe Department also provides wider support to communities through ‘People and Place: A Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal’; in 2025-26, this supported community activity and volunteering, including 340,842 volunteer hours with an estimated value of £4.3 million.","answerHtml":"My Department supports community groups to recruit volunteers through the Volunteering Infrastructure Support Programme; this funds organisations that encourage volunteering and support the recruitment and placement of volunteers, as well as providing support to organisations that engage volunteers.
My Department provided funding of £727,000 in 2025-26 to support volunteer recruitment, training and development within local communities through seven Volunteer Centres across Northern Ireland.
The Department also provides wider support to communities through ‘People and Place: A Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal’; in 2025-26, this supported community activity and volunteering, including 340,842 volunteer hours with an estimated value of £4.3 million.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050848%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=496691","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=496691"}},{"id":"496603","reference":"AQO 3925/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-03","answerBy":"2026-09-15","answered":"2026-09-15","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 reform of divorce and dissolution of civil partnerships in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd (The Minister of Finance)","text":"With your permission, Mr Deputy Speaker, I will group questions 1 and 6. In May 2024, the Assembly supported amending the law on divorce and dissolution by adopting a no-fault system. The then Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, began the process of amending the existing law. When I took over as Finance Minister in 2025, I undertook that process, initiating a public consultation. When the consultation closed last autumn, I circulated policy proposals for amending the current law to my Executive colleagues. I believe that those proposals reflect and respect the diversity of the consultation responses. The proposals that were circulated seek to reduce unnecessary conflict by removing the requirement to assign blame when a relationship has broken down. That can help couples to resolve matters more constructively; shorten what can otherwise be a lengthy and distressing process; and, most important, support better outcomes for children by encouraging cooperation rather than confrontation between parents. The objective is not to diminish the importance of marriage or civil partnerships but to ensure that, where relationships have irretrievably broken down, the legal process is as fair, dignified and family-focused as possible. Unfortunately, despite repeated requests, I have been unable to obtain the Executive’s agreement to proceed. It is a matter of regret that it is now too late to progress legislation on this important issue in this mandate, but I will continue to advance the case for reform, and I hope that the process resumes early in the next mandate."},{"speaker":"Ms K Armstrong","text":"I thank the Minister for his answer. During the debate on the Second Stage of the Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill, the Minister stated that he had been trying to table a paper to the Executive on no-fault divorce and it was blocked. When did the Minister last attempt to bring the paper to the Executive?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"It was several weeks ago — perhaps a couple of months ago. At that stage, we were up against the deadline to get legislation through the Assembly. I am not sure of the exact date, but it was within that time frame. The reason that I have not tried since is that it simply would not get through the legislative process in time."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"Minister, as you said, it is a simple legislative change that would benefit many families going through amicable divorce proceedings. Have the Ministers who are blocking it given you a reason for doing so?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"I believe that, in my proposals on the way forward, I have accommodated the views that have been expressed without undermining anybody's principles or stated views on the matter. I believe that I have accommodated concerns that were raised to me by Ministers and in the consultation process, yet and all the process has not proceeded to the point that it would need to be at for legislation to be passed in this mandate."},{"speaker":"Miss Hargey","text":"Following on from the previous question, Minister, will you outline why you are committed to and believe that it is important to remove fault grounds from divorce and dissolution proceedings?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"As I said, the objective is not to diminish the importance of marriage or civil partnerships but to ensure that, where relationships have broken down, the legal process is as fair, dignified and family-focused as possible. I want to see reform, just as, almost unanimously, the Assembly wanted to see reform in May 2024. I am mindful of the range of views expressed during the consultation, and I responded by tweaking the paper that I brought to the Executive to recognise some of those views without breaching any principle relating to the matter. I believe that there is a way forward whereby we can ensure that we have a divorce system that meets 21st-century needs and expectations and respects civil partnerships and marriages."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203925%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=496603","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-09-15&docID=497468#AQO%203925/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=496603"}},{"id":"497173","reference":"AQO 3887/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-01","answerBy":"2026-09-08","answered":"2026-09-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for an updated timeline for the next version of the Anti-Poverty Strategy.","answerText":"Following the public consultation, I asked my officials to refine the draft strategy to see how it can be improved. I have requested urgent action to maximise opportunities for ambition, collaboration and meaningful change to better deliver for the people of Northern Ireland. Alongside the Strategy, I will be bringing forward an Anti-Poverty Action Plan to drive forward this important work.\n\nThis work is moving at pace and I intend to have a revised draft of the Strategy and a complete action plan with my Executive colleagues for consideration before the end of the year.\n\nI remain committed to ensuring that the Anti-Poverty Strategy is taken forward in the most effective and expeditious way possible, taking account of the need to develop a prioritised, affordable, sustainable and deliverable Strategy Action Plan.","answerHtml":"Following the public consultation, I asked my officials to refine the draft strategy to see how it can be improved. I have requested urgent action to maximise opportunities for ambition, collaboration and meaningful change to better deliver for the people of Northern Ireland. Alongside the Strategy, I will be bringing forward an Anti-Poverty Action Plan to drive forward this important work.
This work is moving at pace and I intend to have a revised draft of the Strategy and a complete action plan with my Executive colleagues for consideration before the end of the year.
I remain committed to ensuring that the Anti-Poverty Strategy is taken forward in the most effective and expeditious way possible, taking account of the need to develop a prioritised, affordable, sustainable and deliverable Strategy Action Plan.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203887%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=497173","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=497173"}},{"id":"496358","reference":"AQO 3860/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-09-01","answerBy":"2026-09-07","answered":"2026-09-07","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 funding allocations for the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Change Funds in the absence of an agreed Executive budget.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"With your permission, Mr Speaker, junior Minister Bunting will answer this question."},{"speaker":"Ms Bunting","text":"With your permission, Mr Speaker, I will answer questions 5 and 12 together. I may need slightly more than the allocated two minutes to give a wholesome answer to the Members. Ending violence against women and girls is an Executive priority and a key part of our Programme for Government. Our first two-year delivery plan focused on prevention through community investment, targeted campaigns and strategic collaboration. Our second delivery plan, which launched in April, builds on that momentum, with a continued focus on driving action by sustaining grassroots investments, introducing new campaigns to shift attitudes and expanding partnerships into new sectors. Our change fund has supported over 5,000 events, reaching more than 96,000 participants to date. Awareness campaigns, including Power to Change and Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes, are increasing public understanding. Substantial work continues as we deliver our second delivery plan. We continue to work closely with partners, particularly our sectoral groups in workplaces, safer socialising and education, to help bring about the societal change that we all want to see. We know that addressing this long-term issue will require a coordinated whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, but we remain committed to playing our part when it comes to ending violence against women and girls. We are all well aware of the financial pressures that Northern Ireland faces. However, we remain focused on delivery, which is why, this financial year, we have committed over £4 million for communities, working with partners across society to raise awareness on violence against women and girls and to equip everyone to take action to prevent it. That includes the allocation of interim funding to continue the delivery of the regional change fund as well as issuing funding awards to all councils to support community activity under the local change fund, which will allow community organisations to get their grassroots projects up and running. The funding allocation will ensure that our change fund can continue to support regional and local initiatives as well as community-based interventions that contribute to preventing and addressing violence against women and girls."},{"speaker":"Ms Hunter","text":"This week, I tried to get a constituent who is a victim of domestic violence a safe space and access to services to keep them safe in a refuge, and that was not possible due to the large number of people who desperately need help. Many community organisations that work tirelessly to help victims of domestic violence say that they are disheartened by the lack of agreement on a Budget and the impact that that is having on victims. Any words of confidence that you can give them today that funding will continue for them would be greatly welcomed."},{"speaker":"Ms Bunting","text":"I am grateful to the Member for her question. We understand the seriousness of the issue. The Member will be aware that issues around domestic abuse also factor into the Department of Justice. The deputy First Minister indicated in an earlier answer that letters of offer have gone out. That applies to those engaged in the change fund, regionally and locally. I am sure that the Member and her constituents will take reassurance that those letters of offer have issued, which will enable delivery to be taken forward."},{"speaker":"","text":"The Member will appreciate that issues relating to refuges are part of a bigger, cross-departmental Executive issue. With regard to services and ending violence against women and girls, however, the Member will have seen the recent Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes campaign, which encourages people to reflect on their relationship and their behaviours and what is healthy. Each campaign advertisement carried a QR code that directed people to specific services to enable them to get the help that they may need. If we can assist the Member with anything else, I ask her to highlight it."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"We move to topical questions. I call Matthew O'Toole."},{"speaker":"Mr O'Toole","text":"Thank you, Mr Speaker. First, I wish to add my sincere condolences to those expressed about Mr Stephen Walker, who was an extraordinary journalist, a very decent and kind man and someone who will be greatly missed in our public life and in politics here. There is universal feeling for him and his family."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203860%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=496358","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-09-07&docID=496564#AQO%203860/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=496358"}},{"id":"494083","reference":"AQW 50466/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-07-03","answerBy":"2026-07-22","answered":"2026-08-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail when his Department expects the final report of the public listening exercise on a Women’s Health Action Plan will be completed.","answerText":"The public listening exercise, undertaken by Queen’s University Belfast working in partnership with Derry Well Women, concluded in May 2026, and the research team held the final stakeholder advisory meeting in early June. I am hoping to receive the final report very soon and my officials will take some time to consider and reflect that feedback in the final Action Plan. I am deeply appreciative of the thousands of women whose voices are contributing to this work.","answerHtml":"The public listening exercise, undertaken by Queen’s University Belfast working in partnership with Derry Well Women, concluded in May 2026, and the research team held the final stakeholder advisory meeting in early June. I am hoping to receive the final report very soon and my officials will take some time to consider and reflect that feedback in the final Action Plan. I am deeply appreciative of the thousands of women whose voices are contributing to this work.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050466%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=494083","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=494083"}},{"id":"494082","reference":"AQW 50465/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-07-03","answerBy":"2026-07-22","answered":"2026-07-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any engagement she has had with the (i) PSNI; and (ii) the First and deputy First Minister, in relation to the unauthorised display of flags in public spaces and on street furniture, since taking up post.","answerText":"The proliferation of illegally erected flags, often used to intimidate and mark out territory, is totally unacceptable and the Department will continue to engage with the PSNI and others to identify the most effective ways to tackle this problem, while ensuring the protection of its staff.\n\nI am committed to working with Executive colleagues to identify a sustainable and long-term approach to the issue of illegally erected flags and emblems in public spaces.","answerHtml":"The proliferation of illegally erected flags, often used to intimidate and mark out territory, is totally unacceptable and the Department will continue to engage with the PSNI and others to identify the most effective ways to tackle this problem, while ensuring the protection of its staff.
I am committed to working with Executive colleagues to identify a sustainable and long-term approach to the issue of illegally erected flags and emblems in public spaces.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050465%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=494082","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=494082"}},{"id":"494081","reference":"AQW 50464/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-07-03","answerBy":"2026-07-22","answered":"2026-07-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the number of unauthorised flags on property owned by her Department in North Down that have been removed, for each of the last three years.","answerText":"The proliferation of illegally erected flags, often used to intimidate and mark out territory, is totally unacceptable and the Department will continue to engage with the PSNI and others to identify the most effective ways to tackle this problem, while ensuring the protection of its staff.\n\nI am committed to working with Executive colleagues to identify a sustainable and long-term approach to the issue of illegally erected flags and emblems in public spaces.","answerHtml":"The proliferation of illegally erected flags, often used to intimidate and mark out territory, is totally unacceptable and the Department will continue to engage with the PSNI and others to identify the most effective ways to tackle this problem, while ensuring the protection of its staff.
I am committed to working with Executive colleagues to identify a sustainable and long-term approach to the issue of illegally erected flags and emblems in public spaces.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050464%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=494081","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=494081"}},{"id":"494080","reference":"AQW 50463/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-07-03","answerBy":"2026-07-22","answered":"2026-07-28","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 review of the Together: Building a United Community strategy.","answerText":"A review of the T:BUC strategy has been completed. We are considering the findings and actively working with officials towards the development of a refreshed approach to Good Relations.","answerHtml":"A review of the T:BUC strategy has been completed. We are considering the findings and actively working with officials towards the development of a refreshed approach to Good Relations.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050463%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=494080","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=494080"}},{"id":"494079","reference":"AQW 50462/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-07-03","answerBy":"2026-07-22","answered":"2026-07-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 46929/22-27, whether his Department monitors the number of first-aiders in each post-primary school in North Down.","answerText":"The information requested on the number of first-aiders is not monitored by the Department or the Education Authority. However, the Education Authority is able to identify staff in controlled and maintained schools who receive a First Aid Allowance through payroll records.\n\nThe number of posts receiving a First Aid Allowance in controlled and maintained post-primary schools in North Down is 43. This information is based on June 2026 payroll data.\n\nReceipt of a First Aid Allowance indicates that a member of staff has been designated to undertake first aid responsibilities, However, it should not be taken as a direct measure of the total number of qualified first-aiders within schools, as neither the Department or the Education Authority collect or monitor this information.","answerHtml":"The information requested on the number of first-aiders is not monitored by the Department or the Education Authority. However, the Education Authority is able to identify staff in controlled and maintained schools who receive a First Aid Allowance through payroll records.
The number of posts receiving a First Aid Allowance in controlled and maintained post-primary schools in North Down is 43. This information is based on June 2026 payroll data.
Receipt of a First Aid Allowance indicates that a member of staff has been designated to undertake first aid responsibilities, However, it should not be taken as a direct measure of the total number of qualified first-aiders within schools, as neither the Department or the Education Authority collect or monitor this information.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050462%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=494079","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=494079"}},{"id":"493927","reference":"AQW 50316/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-07-02","answerBy":"2026-07-21","answered":"2026-07-09","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 47045/22-27, whether the Treasury has now responded.","answerText":"To date, no formal response has been received from Treasury to that joint letter, either by my department or the Department of Finance.","answerHtml":"To date, no formal response has been received from Treasury to that joint letter, either by my department or the Department of Finance.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050316%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493927","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493927"}},{"id":"493926","reference":"AQW 50315/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-07-02","answerBy":"2026-07-21","answered":"2026-07-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities, pursuant to AQW 47046/22-27, to detail (i) when he expects the feasibility study report will be finalised; and (ii) whether this will be placed in the Assembly Library.","answerText":"The draft feasibility study for Grey Point Fort has been submitted and is under consideration. Further information has been identified for inclusion and has been commissioned. It is expected the report will be finalised by September 2026.\n\nAs this report is a feasibility study and will recommend direction for the fort, it will not be placed in the Assembly Library.","answerHtml":"The draft feasibility study for Grey Point Fort has been submitted and is under consideration. Further information has been identified for inclusion and has been commissioned. It is expected the report will be finalised by September 2026.
As this report is a feasibility study and will recommend direction for the fort, it will not be placed in the Assembly Library.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050315%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493926","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493926"}},{"id":"493925","reference":"AQW 50314/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-07-02","answerBy":"2026-07-21","answered":"2026-08-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 48015/22-27, to detail the number of patients who have received homologous recombination deficiency testing since March 2026, broken down by (i) tumour type; and (ii) Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"Genomic profiling of cancers using next generation sequencing (NGS) was introduced in Northern Ireland (NI) in February 2022. While this represented a significant step forward, the panel in use at that time did not include the capability to assess homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) status.\n\nIn March 2026, services transitioned to a new testing provider, enabling access to HRD testing through a send-away model coordinated via Belfast Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust. The introduction of this enhanced testing capability was communicated to oncology and pathology teams to ensure appropriate clinical uptake.\n\nAt present, HRD testing is available for ovarian cancer patients only. Therefore, all patients tested since March 2026 had an ovarian tumour type.\n\nThe number of patients who received HRD testing between March 2026 and June 2026 is shown below:\n\nHSC Trust\tNo of ovarian patients tested\nBelfast\t22\nNorthern\t13\nSouth Eastern\t7\nSouthern\t6\nWestern\t<5*\n\n*Counts less than five have been suppressed to protect patient confidentiality and prevent potential identification of individuals","answerHtml":"Genomic profiling of cancers using next generation sequencing (NGS) was introduced in Northern Ireland (NI) in February 2022. While this represented a significant step forward, the panel in use at that time did not include the capability to assess homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) status.
In March 2026, services transitioned to a new testing provider, enabling access to HRD testing through a send-away model coordinated via Belfast Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust. The introduction of this enhanced testing capability was communicated to oncology and pathology teams to ensure appropriate clinical uptake.
At present, HRD testing is available for ovarian cancer patients only. Therefore, all patients tested since March 2026 had an ovarian tumour type.
The number of patients who received HRD testing between March 2026 and June 2026 is shown below:
| HSC Trust | No of ovarian patients tested |
| Belfast | 22 |
| Northern | 13 |
| South Eastern | 7 |
| Southern | 6 |
| Western | <5* |
*Counts less than five have been suppressed to protect patient confidentiality and prevent potential identification of individuals
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050314%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493925","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493925"}},{"id":"493924","reference":"AQW 50313/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-07-02","answerBy":"2026-07-21","answered":"2026-08-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 47655/22-27, to detail the funding per registered student in (i) Further Education Colleges; and (ii) Higher Education Organisations.","answerText":"A number of evidenced based programmes, including the Diabetes Prevention Programme, are currently being delivered. The overall aim of the programme is to reduce the incidence of Type 2 diabetes by identifying individuals at high risk and offering referral to an evidence-based behaviour change programme.\n\nThis regional programme had been previously commissioned and implemented by the Public Health Agency across all five Health and Social Care Trusts, although in the absence of recurrent funding, this programme continues to be delivered albeit at a reduced volume.","answerHtml":"A number of evidenced based programmes, including the Diabetes Prevention Programme, are currently being delivered. The overall aim of the programme is to reduce the incidence of Type 2 diabetes by identifying individuals at high risk and offering referral to an evidence-based behaviour change programme.
This regional programme had been previously commissioned and implemented by the Public Health Agency across all five Health and Social Care Trusts, although in the absence of recurrent funding, this programme continues to be delivered albeit at a reduced volume.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050313%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493924","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493924"}},{"id":"493923","reference":"AQW 50312/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-07-02","answerBy":"2026-07-21","answered":"2026-07-15","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 number of child maintenance officers employed by his Department; and (ii) the number of child maintenance officers absent from work on stress-related sickness absence, in each of the last three years.","answerText":"Staff Recorded in Child Maintenance Service at 1 April each year\n\nYear\t2022\t2023\t2024\nHeadcount\t778\t748\t687\n\nStaff Recorded in Child Maintenance Service with Stress-related Sickness Absence During the Financial Year\n\nYear\t2022/23\t2023/24\t2024/25\nHeadcount\t72\t80\t67","answerHtml":"Staff Recorded in Child Maintenance Service at 1 April each year
| Year | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Headcount | 778 | 748 | 687 |
Staff Recorded in Child Maintenance Service with Stress-related Sickness Absence During the Financial Year
| Year | 2022/23 | 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
| Headcount | 72 | 80 | 67 |
The proliferation of illegally erected flags, often used to intimidate and mark out territory, is totally unacceptable. My Department will continue to engage with the PSNI to identify the most effective ways to tackle this problem.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050174%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493709","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493709"}},{"id":"493708","reference":"AQW 50173/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-07-01","answerBy":"2026-07-20","answered":"2026-07-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department has any role in determining the annual commencement of home-school transport provision, operated by Translink.","answerText":"My Department has no role in determining the annual commencement of home-school transport provision. Responsibility for home-to-school transport rests with the Department of Education, while the Education Authority is responsible for the delivery of home-to-school transport services and its contractual arrangements with transport providers, including Translink.","answerHtml":"My Department has no role in determining the annual commencement of home-school transport provision. Responsibility for home-to-school transport rests with the Department of Education, while the Education Authority is responsible for the delivery of home-to-school transport services and its contractual arrangements with transport providers, including Translink.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050173%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493708","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493708"}},{"id":"493707","reference":"AQW 50172/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-07-01","answerBy":"2026-07-20","answered":"2026-07-09","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 48890/22-27, whether her Department’s work to develop Northern Ireland’s night-time economy will include Bangor City Centre.","answerText":"My Department is committed to the development of a safe, thriving and diverse night-time economy across our towns and cities, including Bangor. I am aware of Bangor’s unique proposition for visitors and the potential of its night-time economy.\n\nTourism NI has engaged with Ards & North Down (AND) Council officials to provide support and advice on relevant tourism aspects of the proposed £70m+ Bangor Waterfront Redevelopment City Deal project, being led by the Department for Communities (DfC). It aims to reconnect the city and sea through a range of attractions and experiences.\n\nThe Bangor Waterfront Project is a complementary but separate project to the current £73m Queen’s Parade project. The night-time economy will be significantly important once these key projects are completed so that local and international visitors are attracted and encouraged to spend overnights in the Bangor city area and beyond. Tourism NI looks forward to offering further advice and support to the Council as both projects develop and progress to market readiness.\n\nTourism NI currently promotes all regions of the North through seasonal marketing campaigns each year, including the Bangor and Ards and North Down areas. These campaigns communicate the compelling reasons to book a short break and are a crucial tool in generating demand for the near 6,000 tourism businesses.\n\nAs both the Queen’s Parade and Bangor Waterfront redevelopment projects progress to delivery, Tourism NI will continue to collaborate with AND Council to develop and align promotional plans for Bangor. Tourism NI will work closely with Council and other stakeholders to identify key visitor markets, a communication strategy, and to develop supporting assets to effectively promote the area. Promotional support from Tourism NI will include the city of Bangor in appropriate marketing campaigns, social media, email, and PR activities.","answerHtml":"My Department is committed to the development of a safe, thriving and diverse night-time economy across our towns and cities, including Bangor. I am aware of Bangor’s unique proposition for visitors and the potential of its night-time economy.
Tourism NI has engaged with Ards & North Down (AND) Council officials to provide support and advice on relevant tourism aspects of the proposed £70m+ Bangor Waterfront Redevelopment City Deal project, being led by the Department for Communities (DfC). It aims to reconnect the city and sea through a range of attractions and experiences.
The Bangor Waterfront Project is a complementary but separate project to the current £73m Queen’s Parade project. The night-time economy will be significantly important once these key projects are completed so that local and international visitors are attracted and encouraged to spend overnights in the Bangor city area and beyond. Tourism NI looks forward to offering further advice and support to the Council as both projects develop and progress to market readiness.
Tourism NI currently promotes all regions of the North through seasonal marketing campaigns each year, including the Bangor and Ards and North Down areas. These campaigns communicate the compelling reasons to book a short break and are a crucial tool in generating demand for the near 6,000 tourism businesses.
As both the Queen’s Parade and Bangor Waterfront redevelopment projects progress to delivery, Tourism NI will continue to collaborate with AND Council to develop and align promotional plans for Bangor. Tourism NI will work closely with Council and other stakeholders to identify key visitor markets, a communication strategy, and to develop supporting assets to effectively promote the area. Promotional support from Tourism NI will include the city of Bangor in appropriate marketing campaigns, social media, email, and PR activities.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050172%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493707","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493707"}},{"id":"493706","reference":"AQW 50171/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-07-01","answerBy":"2026-07-20","answered":"2026-07-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 46567/22-27, to detail (i) whether he has now received an initial report from the Chief Medical Officer's Task and Finish Group; and (ii) whether he will place a copy of the report in the Assembly library.","answerText":"The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) has provided me with an update on the work of the Task and Finish Group. The Group is continuing its work to further consider options to expedite the extension of the bowel cancer screening programme this year.\n\nCMO is working with policy and commissioner colleagues to seek to advance this work. His final report will be published.","answerHtml":"The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) has provided me with an update on the work of the Task and Finish Group. The Group is continuing its work to further consider options to expedite the extension of the bowel cancer screening programme this year.
CMO is working with policy and commissioner colleagues to seek to advance this work. His final report will be published.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050171%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493706","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493706"}},{"id":"493705","reference":"AQW 50170/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-07-01","answerBy":"2026-07-20","answered":"2026-08-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 48254/22-27, to detail the length of time each of the 20 cases that the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust is progressing have been with the trust for a response.","answerText":"The previous response to AQW 48254/22-27 reflected 20 cases where NIPSO have requested information and South Eastern Trust are actively progressing to provide a response.\n\nA breakdown of the 20 cases by timeframe for response to NIPSO is outlined in Table 1\n\nTable 1\n\n0-1 month\t1-2 months\t2-3 months\t3-4 months\tTotal\nNumber of responses submitted to NIPSO\t6\t5\t2\t1\t14\nNumber of responses being actively progressed\t3\t1\t1\t1\t6\nTotal\t9\t6\t3\t2\t20\n\nSource: South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust\n\nSouth Eastern Trust have advised they are actively progressing the 6 remaining cases to provide a response to the Ombudsman.\n\nAs noted in previous response to AQW 48254/22-27 in line with the Public Services Ombudsman Act (Northern Ireland) 2016, as a listed authority, the Trust must comply with the requests made by the Ombudsman’s office. If any person obstructs the Ombudsman in the performance of its function, the Ombudsman may certify the offence to the High Court. All Trusts have a legal obligation to respond to all NIPSO requests.\n\nPlease see below excerpt from the Public Services Ombudsman Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 https://www.nipso.org.uk/sites/default/files/2023-06/NIPSO-Act.pdf","answerHtml":"The previous response to AQW 48254/22-27 reflected 20 cases where NIPSO have requested information and South Eastern Trust are actively progressing to provide a response.
A breakdown of the 20 cases by timeframe for response to NIPSO is outlined in Table 1
Table 1
| 0-1 month | 1-2 months | 2-3 months | 3-4 months | Total | |
| Number of responses submitted to NIPSO | 6 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 14 |
| Number of responses being actively progressed | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
| Total | 9 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 20 |
Source: South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust
South Eastern Trust have advised they are actively progressing the 6 remaining cases to provide a response to the Ombudsman.
As noted in previous response to AQW 48254/22-27 in line with the Public Services Ombudsman Act (Northern Ireland) 2016, as a listed authority, the Trust must comply with the requests made by the Ombudsman’s office. If any person obstructs the Ombudsman in the performance of its function, the Ombudsman may certify the offence to the High Court. All Trusts have a legal obligation to respond to all NIPSO requests.
Please see below excerpt from the Public Services Ombudsman Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 https://www.nipso.org.uk/sites/default/files/2023-06/NIPSO-Act.pdf
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050170%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493705","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493705"}},{"id":"493541","reference":"AQW 50023/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-30","answerBy":"2026-07-03","answered":"2026-07-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the number of children with special educational needs, in North Down, that do not have a (i) primary school; and (ii) secondary school placement for the 2026-2027 academic year.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) have provided the following information;\n\nAs of 09 July, the number of pupils with a statement of special educational needs in the North Down area that do not have a placement confirmed is detailed below:\n\nPrimary – less than five\n\nPost Primary – less than five","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) have provided the following information;
As of 09 July, the number of pupils with a statement of special educational needs in the North Down area that do not have a placement confirmed is detailed below:
Primary – less than five
Post Primary – less than five
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050023%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493541","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493541"}},{"id":"493540","reference":"AQW 50022/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-30","answerBy":"2026-07-17","answered":"2026-07-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any works in the Annual Report to Ards and North Down Borough Council 2025-26, that are still to be completed.","answerText":"My Department endeavours to deliver all projects listed within each of the Annual Roads Reports to Councils, however external factors outside of the department’s control such as lack of contractor capacity or severe weather conditions can impact on the project’s delivery within the planned financial year.\n\nAny project not completed as planned will be prioritised for completion in the following year, subject to funding availability and competing priorities.","answerHtml":"My Department endeavours to deliver all projects listed within each of the Annual Roads Reports to Councils, however external factors outside of the department’s control such as lack of contractor capacity or severe weather conditions can impact on the project’s delivery within the planned financial year.
Any project not completed as planned will be prioritised for completion in the following year, subject to funding availability and competing priorities.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050022%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493540","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493540"}},{"id":"493539","reference":"AQW 50021/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-30","answerBy":"2026-07-17","answered":"2026-07-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any road surfacing projects her Department has planned in North Down, before the end of the 2022-27 Assembly mandate.","answerText":"Details of works completed in each financial year from 2022 have been published in the Department’s annual reports to Council.\n\nOfficials are currently developing the programme of works for the 2026/27 financial year and details will be published in the Department’s annual report to Council. Programmes cannot be finalised until such times as budgets are confirmed.","answerHtml":"Details of works completed in each financial year from 2022 have been published in the Department’s annual reports to Council.
Officials are currently developing the programme of works for the 2026/27 financial year and details will be published in the Department’s annual report to Council. Programmes cannot be finalised until such times as budgets are confirmed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050021%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493539","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493539"}},{"id":"493538","reference":"AQW 50020/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-30","answerBy":"2026-07-17","answered":"2026-07-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health (i) whether any assessment has been made of (i) the number of residents in North Down currently not registered with a General Practitioner's surgery; and (ii) to detail any action his Department has taken, in the last 12 months, to increase access to General Practitioners in North Down.","answerText":"(i) As at 31 March 2026, the number of patients registered with a GP in the North Down Assembly Area was 97,336.\n\nThe latest Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) mid-year population estimate for North Down is 93,797, as at 30 June 2024. At the same date, there were 97,042 patients registered with a GP whose recorded home address was in North Down. This indicates that the number of registered GP patients was approximately 3.5% higher than the estimated resident population.\n\nA number of factors may contribute to this difference. These include patients who remain on GP lists following death, emigration or a change of address; individuals who are temporarily dual-registered following a return from a GP practice in Great Britain; frontier workers who are registered with a Northern Ireland GP; patients who have not attended a practice and therefore have not been de-registered; university students from outside Northern Ireland who register with a local GP; and individuals who do not meet the definition of a usual resident used in the Census, which forms the basis of population estimates.\n\n(ii) General Practitioners are independent contractors and clinical professionals responsible for delivering General Medical Services. Decisions relating to the day-to-day management of GP practices, including appointment systems and the balance between telephone, online and face-to-face consultations, are made locally by individual practices, taking account of clinical need and the resources available.\n\nImproving access to General Practice services remains a key priority for my Department. Significant funding has been provided to help practices respond to growing demand for primary care services, and a range of initiatives continues to support improvements in service delivery and patient access. This includes the publication of the Making All Contacts Count best practice guidance, which assists practices in optimising workflows, managing patient demand effectively and making greater use of technology.\n\nIn addition, work is progressing on the development of a new model of Neighbourhood Care, alongside a refreshed Vision for General Practice. These programmes are designed to strengthen primary and community care services, support closer multidisciplinary working and improve access to care closer to patients' homes.","answerHtml":"(i) As at 31 March 2026, the number of patients registered with a GP in the North Down Assembly Area was 97,336.
The latest Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) mid-year population estimate for North Down is 93,797, as at 30 June 2024. At the same date, there were 97,042 patients registered with a GP whose recorded home address was in North Down. This indicates that the number of registered GP patients was approximately 3.5% higher than the estimated resident population.
A number of factors may contribute to this difference. These include patients who remain on GP lists following death, emigration or a change of address; individuals who are temporarily dual-registered following a return from a GP practice in Great Britain; frontier workers who are registered with a Northern Ireland GP; patients who have not attended a practice and therefore have not been de-registered; university students from outside Northern Ireland who register with a local GP; and individuals who do not meet the definition of a usual resident used in the Census, which forms the basis of population estimates.
(ii) General Practitioners are independent contractors and clinical professionals responsible for delivering General Medical Services. Decisions relating to the day-to-day management of GP practices, including appointment systems and the balance between telephone, online and face-to-face consultations, are made locally by individual practices, taking account of clinical need and the resources available.
Improving access to General Practice services remains a key priority for my Department. Significant funding has been provided to help practices respond to growing demand for primary care services, and a range of initiatives continues to support improvements in service delivery and patient access. This includes the publication of the Making All Contacts Count best practice guidance, which assists practices in optimising workflows, managing patient demand effectively and making greater use of technology.
In addition, work is progressing on the development of a new model of Neighbourhood Care, alongside a refreshed Vision for General Practice. These programmes are designed to strengthen primary and community care services, support closer multidisciplinary working and improve access to care closer to patients' homes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050020%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493538","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493538"}},{"id":"493537","reference":"AQW 50019/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-30","answerBy":"2026-07-17","answered":"2026-07-06","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 special school summer scheme provision for Summer 2026.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) provided the following information on 2 July 2026;\n\nThe EA can confirm that summer scheme provision for Summer 2026 remains consistent with previous years, with no change to the overall offer available from special schools.\n\nAll special schools that delivered a summer scheme in 2025 are operating a summer scheme in 2026. The EA has worked closely with schools to support planning and implementation arrangements, ensuring continuity of provision for children and young people with special educational needs.\n\nThe EA will continue to work with schools throughout the summer to support the successful delivery of schemes and to ensure that children and young people can benefit from the valuable educational and social opportunities these programmes provide.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) provided the following information on 2 July 2026;
The EA can confirm that summer scheme provision for Summer 2026 remains consistent with previous years, with no change to the overall offer available from special schools.
All special schools that delivered a summer scheme in 2025 are operating a summer scheme in 2026. The EA has worked closely with schools to support planning and implementation arrangements, ensuring continuity of provision for children and young people with special educational needs.
The EA will continue to work with schools throughout the summer to support the successful delivery of schemes and to ensure that children and young people can benefit from the valuable educational and social opportunities these programmes provide.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2050019%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493537","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493537"}},{"id":"493253","reference":"AQW 49872/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-29","answerBy":"2026-07-16","answered":"2026-07-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of schools in North Down waiting for an assessment for a school crossing patrol.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) is responsible for the operation of the School Crossing Patrol (SCP) scheme and for undertaking site assessments. Before the EA can assess a site or consider providing an SCP, the school must submit a request, endorsed by the Board of Governors.\n\nThe EA has advised that there are currently no schools within the North Down constituency who have formally submitted a request for an SCP that are waiting for an assessment.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) is responsible for the operation of the School Crossing Patrol (SCP) scheme and for undertaking site assessments. Before the EA can assess a site or consider providing an SCP, the school must submit a request, endorsed by the Board of Governors.
The EA has advised that there are currently no schools within the North Down constituency who have formally submitted a request for an SCP that are waiting for an assessment.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049872%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493253","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493253"}},{"id":"493252","reference":"AQW 49871/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-29","answerBy":"2026-07-16","answered":"2026-07-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any bonfire sites that her Department has the responsibility for cleaning up, in North Down, following the July bank holidays.","answerText":"There were no bonfires on land controlled by my Department in the North Down area.","answerHtml":"There were no bonfires on land controlled by my Department in the North Down area.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049871%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493252","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493252"}},{"id":"493251","reference":"AQW 49870/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-29","answerBy":"2026-07-16","answered":"2026-07-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department has taken, in the last two years, to raise awareness of health concerns that can come from burning toxic materials in bonfires.","answerText":"Poor air quality is a key environmental risk to public health, as long-term exposure to air pollution can cause chronic conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases as well as lung cancer, leading to reduced life expectancy.\n\nWhilst my Department has not undertaken population-wide action over the last two years to raise awareness of health concerns that can come from burning toxic materials specifically in bonfires, officials in my Department work with the Department for Agriculture, the Environment and Rural Affairs who lead on air quality policy, to seek ways to improve air quality throughout Northern Ireland.\n\nThe Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has a statutory role in promoting fire safety through the provision of public information and preventative guidance, which includes bonfire-related risks. There is also a dedicated bonfire section on the NIFRS website. The burning of tyres and other synthetic material is of particular concern due to the potential emission of harmful pollutants which may adversely impact air quality and respiratory health.\n\nDuring incidents involving significant smoke or hazardous emissions, NIFRS may issue precautionary public safety advice, such as advising nearby residents to remain indoors and keep windows closed.\n\nThe Department also regularly engages with relevant statutory partners, including local councils, in relation to the protection of public health.","answerHtml":"Poor air quality is a key environmental risk to public health, as long-term exposure to air pollution can cause chronic conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases as well as lung cancer, leading to reduced life expectancy.
Whilst my Department has not undertaken population-wide action over the last two years to raise awareness of health concerns that can come from burning toxic materials specifically in bonfires, officials in my Department work with the Department for Agriculture, the Environment and Rural Affairs who lead on air quality policy, to seek ways to improve air quality throughout Northern Ireland.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has a statutory role in promoting fire safety through the provision of public information and preventative guidance, which includes bonfire-related risks. There is also a dedicated bonfire section on the NIFRS website. The burning of tyres and other synthetic material is of particular concern due to the potential emission of harmful pollutants which may adversely impact air quality and respiratory health.
During incidents involving significant smoke or hazardous emissions, NIFRS may issue precautionary public safety advice, such as advising nearby residents to remain indoors and keep windows closed.
The Department also regularly engages with relevant statutory partners, including local councils, in relation to the protection of public health.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049870%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493251","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493251"}},{"id":"493250","reference":"AQW 49869/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-29","answerBy":"2026-07-16","answered":"2026-07-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether the special educational needs helpline will remain open during July and August 2026.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) have advised that the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Helpline, SEND Central will remain operational throughout July and August 2026.\n\nThe helpline will continue to provide support to parents, carers, and stakeholders during standard operating hours, which are Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm (excluding public holidays).","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) have advised that the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Helpline, SEND Central will remain operational throughout July and August 2026.
The helpline will continue to provide support to parents, carers, and stakeholders during standard operating hours, which are Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm (excluding public holidays).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049869%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493250","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493250"}},{"id":"493249","reference":"AQW 49868/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-29","answerBy":"2026-07-16","answered":"2026-07-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether senior management in Health and Social Care Trusts are tasked to facilitate mediation processes between employees, rather than human resources staff members.","answerText":"All managers within Health and Social Care Trusts are required to have an active role in encouraging and enabling early resolution of concerns through facilitated conversations between employees in accordance with established HSC Trust policies and procedures. If escalated, the mediation process in HSC Trusts is managed and facilitated by Human Resources within these Trusts.\n\nA range of trained mediators are utilised for formal mediation processes between employees which include, but are not limited to, senior managers and Human Resource staff. Where required, HSC Trusts may seek the services of external mediation providers through, for example, the HSC Leadership Centre.","answerHtml":"All managers within Health and Social Care Trusts are required to have an active role in encouraging and enabling early resolution of concerns through facilitated conversations between employees in accordance with established HSC Trust policies and procedures. If escalated, the mediation process in HSC Trusts is managed and facilitated by Human Resources within these Trusts.
A range of trained mediators are utilised for formal mediation processes between employees which include, but are not limited to, senior managers and Human Resource staff. Where required, HSC Trusts may seek the services of external mediation providers through, for example, the HSC Leadership Centre.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049868%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493249","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493249"}},{"id":"492960","reference":"AQW 49747/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-26","answerBy":"2026-07-15","answered":"2026-07-03","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 47048/22-27, to detail any steps her Department is undertaking with the Department of Education, to ensure Education Maintenance Allowance is appropriately targeted and effective.","answerText":"Officials in my Department are continuing to work with counterparts in the Department of Education (DE) to consider Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA), including its role supporting participation in education. This joint work is focused on ensuring the scheme continues to provide support to those young people who need it most.\n\nAny potential changes will be considered as part of this ongoing cross-departmental work.","answerHtml":"Officials in my Department are continuing to work with counterparts in the Department of Education (DE) to consider Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA), including its role supporting participation in education. This joint work is focused on ensuring the scheme continues to provide support to those young people who need it most.
Any potential changes will be considered as part of this ongoing cross-departmental work.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049747%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492960","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492960"}},{"id":"492959","reference":"AQW 49746/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-26","answerBy":"2026-07-15","answered":"2026-07-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities, pursuant to AQW 16914/22-27, whether, in line with the statutory obligations within Section Four of the Caravans Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, his Department has commenced a review of whether the legislation is still fit for purpose.","answerText":"My Department will commence a review of the Caravans Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 before 31 December 2026.","answerHtml":"My Department will commence a review of the Caravans Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 before 31 December 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049746%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492959","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492959"}},{"id":"492958","reference":"AQW 49745/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-26","answerBy":"2026-07-15","answered":"2026-08-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities, pursuant to AQW 16916/22-27, for an update on his Department's work to increase protections for those living in park homes before the end of the 2022-2027 Assembly mandate.","answerText":"I can confirm that my Department proposes to amend Part 1 of the Schedule to the Caravans Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 to provide that residential pitch fee increases and decreases are linked to the Consumer Price Index rather than the Retail Price Index.\n\nHowever, this amendment requires a suitable legislative vehicle which will not be available before the end of this mandate.","answerHtml":"I can confirm that my Department proposes to amend Part 1 of the Schedule to the Caravans Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 to provide that residential pitch fee increases and decreases are linked to the Consumer Price Index rather than the Retail Price Index.
However, this amendment requires a suitable legislative vehicle which will not be available before the end of this mandate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049745%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492958","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492958"}},{"id":"492957","reference":"AQW 49744/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-26","answerBy":"2026-07-15","answered":"2026-07-08","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 his Department's work to make in-person banking facilities available in city and town centres across North Down.","answerText":"My Department has no legislative authority to make in person banking facilities available in city and town centres across North Down or elsewhere.\n\nI am however, deeply concerned by the continued loss of in-person banking services and the impact this is having on our towns, villages and rural communities, including in North Down. I am aware that over the last year LINK, the organisation responsible for the ATM network, has conducted four cash access assessments in North Down. Disappointingly, none of these resulted in recommendations for additional services.\n\nI have consistently pressed on both the banks themselves, and those with responsibility for legislative and regulatory authority for banking matters, including the British government, to do more to protect branches and maintain access to in-person services here, especially for those most vulnerable in our society.\n\nThis includes sharing my 2025 Banking Roundtable report with the British Treasury and the Financial Conduct Authority, setting out a number of asks aimed at ensuring communities here retain access to face-to-face banking services.\n\nI continue to press on the sector for the roll-out of banking hubs in areas impacted by branch closures. I also facilitated a LINK drop-in event in Parliament Buildings in December last year, providing MLAs with an opportunity to learn more about the process for requesting access to cash assessments in their constituencies.","answerHtml":"My Department has no legislative authority to make in person banking facilities available in city and town centres across North Down or elsewhere.
I am however, deeply concerned by the continued loss of in-person banking services and the impact this is having on our towns, villages and rural communities, including in North Down. I am aware that over the last year LINK, the organisation responsible for the ATM network, has conducted four cash access assessments in North Down. Disappointingly, none of these resulted in recommendations for additional services.
I have consistently pressed on both the banks themselves, and those with responsibility for legislative and regulatory authority for banking matters, including the British government, to do more to protect branches and maintain access to in-person services here, especially for those most vulnerable in our society.
This includes sharing my 2025 Banking Roundtable report with the British Treasury and the Financial Conduct Authority, setting out a number of asks aimed at ensuring communities here retain access to face-to-face banking services.
I continue to press on the sector for the roll-out of banking hubs in areas impacted by branch closures. I also facilitated a LINK drop-in event in Parliament Buildings in December last year, providing MLAs with an opportunity to learn more about the process for requesting access to cash assessments in their constituencies.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049744%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492957","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492957"}},{"id":"492956","reference":"AQW 49743/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-26","answerBy":"2026-07-15","answered":"2026-07-07","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 Bangor Central Integrated Primary School's new build.","answerText":"An Award Letter issued to the successful contractor on 30 June 2026, and it is anticipated the contract signing will be completed in the next few weeks.\n\nConstruction will commence once pre-commencement activities stipulated in the Planning approval are completed.","answerHtml":"An Award Letter issued to the successful contractor on 30 June 2026, and it is anticipated the contract signing will be completed in the next few weeks.
Construction will commence once pre-commencement activities stipulated in the Planning approval are completed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049743%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492956","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492956"}},{"id":"492750","reference":"AQW 49626/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-25","answerBy":"2026-07-10","answered":"2026-07-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities, pursuant to AQW 29262/22-27, for an update on the review of seasonal opening arrangements for Holywood Motte for July-September 2026.","answerText":"Holywood Motte is open from noon until 4.00pm on Sundays. My officials are currently engaging with the Holywood Shared Town community group to explore a keyholding agreement to enable additional opening days.","answerHtml":"Holywood Motte is open from noon until 4.00pm on Sundays. My officials are currently engaging with the Holywood Shared Town community group to explore a keyholding agreement to enable additional opening days.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049626%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492750","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492750"}},{"id":"492749","reference":"AQW 49625/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-25","answerBy":"2026-07-10","answered":"2026-07-03","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 completion of Crawfordsburn Primary School's new build.","answerText":"Construction work for the new school building commenced on site in September 2025 and the building is scheduled to be handed over to the school in Spring 2027.\n\nFollowing completion of the new building the existing school will be demolished and the external site works will be completed.\n\nThe overall project is scheduled for completion in Summer 2027.","answerHtml":"Construction work for the new school building commenced on site in September 2025 and the building is scheduled to be handed over to the school in Spring 2027.
Following completion of the new building the existing school will be demolished and the external site works will be completed.
The overall project is scheduled for completion in Summer 2027.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049625%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492749","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492749"}},{"id":"492748","reference":"AQW 49624/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-25","answerBy":"2026-07-10","answered":"2026-07-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the number of Penalty Charge Notices, issued in Crawfordsburn, in each of the last three years.","answerText":"Crawfordsburn village is not included in daily enforcement schedules, however, Traffic Attendants (TAs) do visit the village as capacity permits, as part of a mobile patrol or in response to requests to address poor parking behaviour.\n\n18 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) have been issued in Crawfordsburn in the last 3 years as follows:\n\nDate\tNumber of PCNs Issued\n26 August 2023\t3\n5 September 2023\t1\n26 August 2024\t1\n29 March 2025\t2\n31 March 2025\t2\n4 April 2025\t1\n30 April 2025\t1\n2 June 2025\t1\n21 June 2025\t1\n8 September 2025\t1\n17 September 2025\t1\n27 September 2025\t1\n28 February 2026\t1\n20 May 2026\t1\nTotal\t18","answerHtml":"Crawfordsburn village is not included in daily enforcement schedules, however, Traffic Attendants (TAs) do visit the village as capacity permits, as part of a mobile patrol or in response to requests to address poor parking behaviour.
18 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) have been issued in Crawfordsburn in the last 3 years as follows:
| Date | Number of PCNs Issued |
| 26 August 2023 | 3 |
| 5 September 2023 | 1 |
| 26 August 2024 | 1 |
| 29 March 2025 | 2 |
| 31 March 2025 | 2 |
| 4 April 2025 | 1 |
| 30 April 2025 | 1 |
| 2 June 2025 | 1 |
| 21 June 2025 | 1 |
| 8 September 2025 | 1 |
| 17 September 2025 | 1 |
| 27 September 2025 | 1 |
| 28 February 2026 | 1 |
| 20 May 2026 | 1 |
| Total | 18 |
Traffic Attendants (TAs) are currently deployed to Helen’s Bay and Seapark on random days and times from Monday to Saturday.
At both locations, parking pressures are largely seasonal and weatherrelated, arising primarily during periods of good weather when visitor demand exceeds available car park capacity. Furthermore, both locations have limited enforceable parking restrictions with many issues reported relating to obstruction which fall outside the Department’s enforcement remit and are a matter for the PSNI.
Whilst there are currently no plans to deploy TAs routinely on Sundays during July and August 2026, my Department will endeavour to undertake occasional unannounced Sunday patrols in these areas, subject to the availability of resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049623%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492747","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492747"}},{"id":"492746","reference":"AQW 49622/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-25","answerBy":"2026-07-10","answered":"2026-07-08","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 number of applications received so far to her Department's Residents' Parking Zones Scheme.","answerText":"As of 29 June 2026, 65 applications have been received through the online application process requesting that areas be formally considered for a residents’ parking zone.","answerHtml":"As of 29 June 2026, 65 applications have been received through the online application process requesting that areas be formally considered for a residents’ parking zone.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049622%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492746","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492746"}},{"id":"492504","reference":"AQW 49516/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-24","answerBy":"2026-07-09","answered":"2026-06-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether school transport services will align with schools returning in August 2026.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) is responsible for the operation and delivery of school transport. All home to school transport services, including those operated by Translink, commence operation on 1st September each year.\n\nIndividual schools are responsible for determining their own calendar, however the EA writes to each school in February/March to inform them of the non-operational dates for the following academic year and to remind them that home to school transport services do not commence until 1st September.\n\nFurther information on non-operational dates can be found on the EA website at Non-operational Dates 2026/27 | Education Authority Northern Ireland","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) is responsible for the operation and delivery of school transport. All home to school transport services, including those operated by Translink, commence operation on 1st September each year.
Individual schools are responsible for determining their own calendar, however the EA writes to each school in February/March to inform them of the non-operational dates for the following academic year and to remind them that home to school transport services do not commence until 1st September.
Further information on non-operational dates can be found on the EA website at Non-operational Dates 2026/27 | Education Authority Northern Ireland
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049516%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492504","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492504"}},{"id":"492503","reference":"AQW 49515/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-24","answerBy":"2026-07-09","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department has taken to enhance the quality of (i) referrals; and (ii) information sharing, between the PSNI and social services.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049515%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492503","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492503"}},{"id":"492502","reference":"AQW 49514/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-24","answerBy":"2026-07-09","answered":"2026-07-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has commenced the development of a training programme on child to parent violence for frontline workers in Health and Social Care Trusts.","answerText":"In response to the recommendations of the “Ellen” Domestic Homicide Review, officials from my Department have commissioned a scoping review, which will be carried out by Queen’s University Belfast. This review will inform the development of a training programme, by considering the relevant up-to-date research and current gaps in practice.","answerHtml":"In response to the recommendations of the “Ellen” Domestic Homicide Review, officials from my Department have commissioned a scoping review, which will be carried out by Queen’s University Belfast. This review will inform the development of a training programme, by considering the relevant up-to-date research and current gaps in practice.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049514%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492502","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492502"}},{"id":"492501","reference":"AQW 49513/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-24","answerBy":"2026-07-09","answered":"2026-07-20","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 development of a professional qualification for social workers in domestic abuse.","answerText":"My Department is currently exploring the development of a multi-disciplinary qualification in domestic abuse. We recognise the importance of multi-disciplinary and interagency partnership working and collaboration to tackle and prevent domestic abuse and reduce risk and increase safety to victims and their families. Educating and training professionals together from across disciplines and sectors is important to embed a culture of multi-disciplinary partnership working and collaboration.\n\nWhilst exploring the development of this qualification is at early stages, social workers employed in Health and Social Care Trusts are encouraged to complete the Regional Domestic Abuse Context and Change Modules through LearnHSCNI. In addition, each Trust offers specific training on domestic abuse and coercive control. Domestic abuse and coercive control are also included in other training programmes including mandatory training programmes on safeguarding children and adults.","answerHtml":"My Department is currently exploring the development of a multi-disciplinary qualification in domestic abuse. We recognise the importance of multi-disciplinary and interagency partnership working and collaboration to tackle and prevent domestic abuse and reduce risk and increase safety to victims and their families. Educating and training professionals together from across disciplines and sectors is important to embed a culture of multi-disciplinary partnership working and collaboration.
Whilst exploring the development of this qualification is at early stages, social workers employed in Health and Social Care Trusts are encouraged to complete the Regional Domestic Abuse Context and Change Modules through LearnHSCNI. In addition, each Trust offers specific training on domestic abuse and coercive control. Domestic abuse and coercive control are also included in other training programmes including mandatory training programmes on safeguarding children and adults.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049513%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492501","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492501"}},{"id":"492500","reference":"AQW 49512/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-24","answerBy":"2026-07-09","answered":"2026-07-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department has taken to promote positive sexual health, in the last two years.","answerText":"The Department of Health’s Sexual Health Action Plan 2023–2026 recognises that improving sexual health outcomes in Northern Ireland is not solely about reducing illness, but also about promoting a positive, inclusive and stigmafree understanding of sexual wellbeing.\n\nA key element of the Action Plan is the use of public health campaigns and engagement initiatives to encourage open, informed conversations about sex and relationships. Since the launch of the Action Plan in 2023, an overarching communications group comprising representatives from the Department, PHA, HSC Trusts, and the community and voluntary sector have worked together to support several multichannel public health campaigns aimed at promoting positive sexual health. These focus on key dates in the Sexual Health calendar: Sexual Health Week, Pride, World Contraception Day and World Aids Day. The group has also engaged with community pharmacies across Northern Ireland through the Living Well Campaign, to ensure the provision of accessible and positive sexual health advice to all.\n\nTo promote the availability of fact-based sexual health information, the Public Health Agency have extensively redesigned the Sexual Health NI website, providing a central, reliable source of up-to-date information for the public, informed by engagement with statutory, voluntary and community partners.\n\nFunding provided by my department, both directly and through the Public Health Agency, continues to support the community and voluntary sector in the delivery of positive sexual health messaging to key groups within Northern Ireland, including young people, the LGBTQIA+ community and those living with HIV.","answerHtml":"The Department of Health’s Sexual Health Action Plan 2023–2026 recognises that improving sexual health outcomes in Northern Ireland is not solely about reducing illness, but also about promoting a positive, inclusive and stigmafree understanding of sexual wellbeing.
A key element of the Action Plan is the use of public health campaigns and engagement initiatives to encourage open, informed conversations about sex and relationships. Since the launch of the Action Plan in 2023, an overarching communications group comprising representatives from the Department, PHA, HSC Trusts, and the community and voluntary sector have worked together to support several multichannel public health campaigns aimed at promoting positive sexual health. These focus on key dates in the Sexual Health calendar: Sexual Health Week, Pride, World Contraception Day and World Aids Day. The group has also engaged with community pharmacies across Northern Ireland through the Living Well Campaign, to ensure the provision of accessible and positive sexual health advice to all.
To promote the availability of fact-based sexual health information, the Public Health Agency have extensively redesigned the Sexual Health NI website, providing a central, reliable source of up-to-date information for the public, informed by engagement with statutory, voluntary and community partners.
Funding provided by my department, both directly and through the Public Health Agency, continues to support the community and voluntary sector in the delivery of positive sexual health messaging to key groups within Northern Ireland, including young people, the LGBTQIA+ community and those living with HIV.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049512%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492500","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492500"}},{"id":"492161","reference":"AQW 49399/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-23","answerBy":"2026-07-08","answered":"2026-07-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail how his Department monitors and evaluates progress of the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy Action Plan Year 1-3.","answerText":"My Department, in partnership with the Department of Justice, monitors progress of the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2024–2031 through established governance arrangements and a supporting performance framework.\n\nUpdates on actions are presented to the Strategic Oversight Board on a quarterly basis, enabling regular review of progress.\n\nThe Performance Framework has been developed to support delivery of the Strategy and the associated Action Plan and includes indicators to monitor progress and assess impact.\n\nA formal evaluation will be commissioned in Year 4 to evaluate progress against the Year 1-3 Action Plan.","answerHtml":"My Department, in partnership with the Department of Justice, monitors progress of the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2024–2031 through established governance arrangements and a supporting performance framework.
Updates on actions are presented to the Strategic Oversight Board on a quarterly basis, enabling regular review of progress.
The Performance Framework has been developed to support delivery of the Strategy and the associated Action Plan and includes indicators to monitor progress and assess impact.
A formal evaluation will be commissioned in Year 4 to evaluate progress against the Year 1-3 Action Plan.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049399%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492161","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492161"}},{"id":"492160","reference":"AQW 49398/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-23","answerBy":"2026-07-08","answered":"2026-07-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has any plans to publish an update report on the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy Action Plan Year 1-3.","answerText":"In September 2025, the Justice Minister and I issued a letter to the Executive, providing a progress update on delivery during the first six months of the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2024 – 2031. A further update to the Executive is planned for autumn 2026.\n\nMy Department, in partnership with the Department of Justice, continues to progress implementation of the Action Plan. In line with the commitments set out in Strategy, an independent review of the first three years of implementation will be commissioned in Year 4. This review will provide a detailed assessment of progress across all actions and help inform delivery during the remainder of the Strategy period.","answerHtml":"In September 2025, the Justice Minister and I issued a letter to the Executive, providing a progress update on delivery during the first six months of the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2024 – 2031. A further update to the Executive is planned for autumn 2026.
My Department, in partnership with the Department of Justice, continues to progress implementation of the Action Plan. In line with the commitments set out in Strategy, an independent review of the first three years of implementation will be commissioned in Year 4. This review will provide a detailed assessment of progress across all actions and help inform delivery during the remainder of the Strategy period.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049398%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492160","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492160"}},{"id":"492159","reference":"AQW 49397/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-23","answerBy":"2026-07-08","answered":"2026-07-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any mechanisms his Department has put in place to consult with those with lived experience of domestic and sexual abuse following the publication of the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy Action Plan Year 1-3.","answerText":"The Department recognises the importance of ensuring that the voices of those with lived experience inform the implementation of the Domestic and Sexual Abuse (DSA) Strategy.\n\nThe key mechanism for engagement with those with lived experience is through the DSA Strategy Expert Reference Group (ERG), which includes representation from the voluntary and community sector and organisations that support victims and survivors. This enables views and experiences of victims and survivors to inform the ongoing implementation of the Strategy and its associated Action Plan.\n\nThe Department also works closely with delivery partners and service providers and makes use of the feedback and monitoring mechanisms they have in place to capture the experiences and views of victims and survivors. This helps to ensure that lived experience continues to inform the delivery, monitoring and ongoing development of actions under the Strategy.\n\nIn addition, officials have participated in training delivered by Women’s Aid on its Survivor Engagement Toolkit, which supports good practice in engaging with victims and survivors and helps to strengthen understanding of meaningful survivor engagement.","answerHtml":"The Department recognises the importance of ensuring that the voices of those with lived experience inform the implementation of the Domestic and Sexual Abuse (DSA) Strategy.
The key mechanism for engagement with those with lived experience is through the DSA Strategy Expert Reference Group (ERG), which includes representation from the voluntary and community sector and organisations that support victims and survivors. This enables views and experiences of victims and survivors to inform the ongoing implementation of the Strategy and its associated Action Plan.
The Department also works closely with delivery partners and service providers and makes use of the feedback and monitoring mechanisms they have in place to capture the experiences and views of victims and survivors. This helps to ensure that lived experience continues to inform the delivery, monitoring and ongoing development of actions under the Strategy.
In addition, officials have participated in training delivered by Women’s Aid on its Survivor Engagement Toolkit, which supports good practice in engaging with victims and survivors and helps to strengthen understanding of meaningful survivor engagement.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049397%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492159","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492159"}},{"id":"492158","reference":"AQW 49396/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-23","answerBy":"2026-07-08","answered":"2026-07-15","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 recommendations from the review of Routine Enquiry for Health Visitors and Midwifery, within the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2024-2031 Action Plan Year 1-3.","answerText":"The recommendations from the review of Routine Enquiry for Health Visitors and Midwifery have been implemented, with one recommendation not taken forward following consideration by the PHA regional steering group.\n\n‘Routine Enquiry into Domestic Abuse: Guidance for Midwives, Health Visitors, School Nurses and Family Nurses in Northern Ireland’ has been developed to assist midwives, health visitors, school nurses and family nurses to identify and respond to incidents of domestic abuse. I launched this guidance, along with the Minister of Justice, on 3 March 2026.\n\nAwareness raising sessions were delivered to relevant staff throughout March 2026 and existing Clinical Education Centre training programmes were revised and commenced delivery from April 2026. Domestic abuse training is mandatory in HSC Trusts.\n\nThe guidance will support the implementation of routine and selective enquiry across additional HSC groups, with further development being subject to available funding.\n\nIt was recommended that the self-referral process for maternity should include a question enabling women to indicate a wish to discuss domestic abuse, however the PHA regional steering group decided not to progress this due to a potential delay in recognition of immediate assessment and response to support women experiencing domestic abuse. The PHA have included relevant information in their resources as suggested.","answerHtml":"The recommendations from the review of Routine Enquiry for Health Visitors and Midwifery have been implemented, with one recommendation not taken forward following consideration by the PHA regional steering group.
‘Routine Enquiry into Domestic Abuse: Guidance for Midwives, Health Visitors, School Nurses and Family Nurses in Northern Ireland’ has been developed to assist midwives, health visitors, school nurses and family nurses to identify and respond to incidents of domestic abuse. I launched this guidance, along with the Minister of Justice, on 3 March 2026.
Awareness raising sessions were delivered to relevant staff throughout March 2026 and existing Clinical Education Centre training programmes were revised and commenced delivery from April 2026. Domestic abuse training is mandatory in HSC Trusts.
The guidance will support the implementation of routine and selective enquiry across additional HSC groups, with further development being subject to available funding.
It was recommended that the self-referral process for maternity should include a question enabling women to indicate a wish to discuss domestic abuse, however the PHA regional steering group decided not to progress this due to a potential delay in recognition of immediate assessment and response to support women experiencing domestic abuse. The PHA have included relevant information in their resources as suggested.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049396%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492158","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492158"}},{"id":"492157","reference":"AQW 49395/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-23","answerBy":"2026-07-08","answered":"2026-06-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail a breakdown of any funding that has been allocated to the Arts Council Musical Instruments Programme, in the last three years.","answerText":"The information requested is available on the Arts Council’s website via this link https://artscouncil-ni.org/resources/musical-instruments-awards.","answerHtml":"The information requested is available on the Arts Council’s website via this link https://artscouncil-ni.org/resources/musical-instruments-awards.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049395%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=492157","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=492157"}},{"id":"491795","reference":"AQW 49273/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-22","answerBy":"2026-07-07","answered":"2026-07-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any engagement her Department has had with Translink on making public transport accessible for those fleeing domestic abuse, over the last five years.","answerText":"The Domestic Abuse Free Travel Scheme is delivered through a collaborative approach involving my department, the Department of Justice, Translink and key partner organisations including Women’s Aid and the Housing Executive.\n\nOver the past five years, my department has worked with Translink and partners to support the operation and ongoing development of the scheme, which is designed to provide safe and accessible travel for individuals fleeing domestic abuse.\n\nOperational delivery is managed by Translink, working closely with authorised referral bodies. Travel is facilitated through a warrant-based system, with requests made via Translink’s Contact Centre and tickets issued locally to support immediate travel needs. Appropriate governance and financial controls are in place, including reconciliation of journeys and billing arrangements.\n\nMy department continues to support Translink in its engagement with delivery partners, including Women’s Aid, to keep the scheme under review and to improve ease of access for those who need to use it.","answerHtml":"The Domestic Abuse Free Travel Scheme is delivered through a collaborative approach involving my department, the Department of Justice, Translink and key partner organisations including Women’s Aid and the Housing Executive.
Over the past five years, my department has worked with Translink and partners to support the operation and ongoing development of the scheme, which is designed to provide safe and accessible travel for individuals fleeing domestic abuse.
Operational delivery is managed by Translink, working closely with authorised referral bodies. Travel is facilitated through a warrant-based system, with requests made via Translink’s Contact Centre and tickets issued locally to support immediate travel needs. Appropriate governance and financial controls are in place, including reconciliation of journeys and billing arrangements.
My department continues to support Translink in its engagement with delivery partners, including Women’s Aid, to keep the scheme under review and to improve ease of access for those who need to use it.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049273%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491795","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491795"}},{"id":"491794","reference":"AQW 49272/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-22","answerBy":"2026-07-07","answered":"2026-07-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail whether her Department monitors the use of, and referrals to, her Department's scheme to provide free public transport for those fleeing domestic abuse.","answerText":"My department recognises the importance of ensuring that victims of domestic abuse can access safe and reliable transport when seeking refuge and I will continue to work with the Minster for Justice, who has been engaging directly with Translink on this matter under the Domestic and Sexual Abuse strategy.\n\nTranslink manages the scheme for free public transport for people fleeing domestic abuse. Information on the use of, and referrals to, the scheme is held by Translink as part of its operational management of the scheme.","answerHtml":"My department recognises the importance of ensuring that victims of domestic abuse can access safe and reliable transport when seeking refuge and I will continue to work with the Minster for Justice, who has been engaging directly with Translink on this matter under the Domestic and Sexual Abuse strategy.
Translink manages the scheme for free public transport for people fleeing domestic abuse. Information on the use of, and referrals to, the scheme is held by Translink as part of its operational management of the scheme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049272%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491794","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491794"}},{"id":"491793","reference":"AQW 49271/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-22","answerBy":"2026-07-07","answered":"2026-07-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department will allocate funding in the 2026-27 budget to refurbish Ward 10 North, Haematology Unit of the Belfast City Hospital.","answerText":"The Outline Business Case for the new Regional Haematology Treatment Ward at the Belfast City Hospital was approved in December 2025 at a total capital cost of £18.8m. The Belfast Health & Social Care Trust has confirmed that £3.3m of funding for the project is available from charitable partners donations with the remaining balance to be funded from Departmental Capital DEL allocations.\n\nThe Trust has confirmed that project expenditure in 2026/27 will be funded from the charitable donations.","answerHtml":"The Outline Business Case for the new Regional Haematology Treatment Ward at the Belfast City Hospital was approved in December 2025 at a total capital cost of £18.8m. The Belfast Health & Social Care Trust has confirmed that £3.3m of funding for the project is available from charitable partners donations with the remaining balance to be funded from Departmental Capital DEL allocations.
The Trust has confirmed that project expenditure in 2026/27 will be funded from the charitable donations.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049271%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491793","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491793"}},{"id":"491792","reference":"AQW 49270/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-22","answerBy":"2026-07-07","answered":"2026-07-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance, pursuant to AQW 46453/22-27, to detail (i) any resourcing options he has received from his officials; and (ii) when a decision will be taken.","answerText":"A decision has been taken at this stage, and processes are underway within my Department to allocate the appropriate resource outlined to me when I considered the content of the Scoping Report.","answerHtml":"A decision has been taken at this stage, and processes are underway within my Department to allocate the appropriate resource outlined to me when I considered the content of the Scoping Report.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049270%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491792","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491792"}},{"id":"491791","reference":"AQW 49269/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-22","answerBy":"2026-07-07","answered":"2026-07-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether any of the £80 million allocation for waiting list and elective care capacity building will be used to increase endoscopy and pathology capacity.","answerText":"As part of the Elective Care Framework: Implementation and Funding Plan, £13m was provided to expand endoscopy services as part of the £85m investment in cancer and time critical capacity. This funding has already supported waiting list improvements. When comparing 30 June 2025 and 31 March 2026, there has been a 35% reduction in the total number of patients waiting, alongside a 92% reduction in the number of patients waiting in excess of 78 weeks. No further funding is included from the £80m allocation.\n\nProvision has been made within the £80m allocation to expand pathology capacity alongside other diagnostic services. My department is working to finalise these investment plans. A detailed breakdown of areas prioritised for investment will be shared publicly in due course.","answerHtml":"As part of the Elective Care Framework: Implementation and Funding Plan, £13m was provided to expand endoscopy services as part of the £85m investment in cancer and time critical capacity. This funding has already supported waiting list improvements. When comparing 30 June 2025 and 31 March 2026, there has been a 35% reduction in the total number of patients waiting, alongside a 92% reduction in the number of patients waiting in excess of 78 weeks. No further funding is included from the £80m allocation.
Provision has been made within the £80m allocation to expand pathology capacity alongside other diagnostic services. My department is working to finalise these investment plans. A detailed breakdown of areas prioritised for investment will be shared publicly in due course.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049269%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491791","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491791"}},{"id":"491536","reference":"AQW 49144/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-19","answerBy":"2026-07-06","answered":"2026-07-09","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 for an update on Together: Building a United Community camps programme for 2026-2027.","answerText":"The 2026/27 T:BUC Camps Programme has begun. Over the course of the programme it is anticipated that 100 camps will be delivered involving over 3500 young people.","answerHtml":"The 2026/27 T:BUC Camps Programme has begun. Over the course of the programme it is anticipated that 100 camps will be delivered involving over 3500 young people.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049144%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491536","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491536"}},{"id":"491535","reference":"AQW 49143/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-19","answerBy":"2026-07-06","answered":"2026-07-28","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 development of a new framework for international relations.","answerText":"A new framework for International Relations is under development.","answerHtml":"A new framework for International Relations is under development.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049143%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491535","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491535"}},{"id":"491534","reference":"AQW 49142/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-19","answerBy":"2026-07-06","answered":"2026-07-03","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 regional review of specialist provision for speech and language.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that the regional review of specialist provision for speech and language is progressing through a structured, multi-agency programme of work. An options paper has been developed and is to be submitted through both the joint EA and Health governance processes for consideration and necessary approvals.\n\nA key emerging issue from the review is the availability and sustainability of the Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) workforce capacity. While the review explores opportunities to improve access and outcomes through the reconfiguration of existing provision and pathways, it is clear that the overall capacity of available SLTs will be a critical factor in determining the pace and extent of implementation.\n\nAccordingly, any future model will require careful alignment between:\n\n•Service redesign and more effective use of existing resources; and\n\n•The availability of specialist workforce across health and education partners.\n\nThis will ensure that changes to provision are both deliverable and sustainable, and that they lead to improved access, consistency and outcomes for children and young people with speech and language needs.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that the regional review of specialist provision for speech and language is progressing through a structured, multi-agency programme of work. An options paper has been developed and is to be submitted through both the joint EA and Health governance processes for consideration and necessary approvals.
A key emerging issue from the review is the availability and sustainability of the Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) workforce capacity. While the review explores opportunities to improve access and outcomes through the reconfiguration of existing provision and pathways, it is clear that the overall capacity of available SLTs will be a critical factor in determining the pace and extent of implementation.
Accordingly, any future model will require careful alignment between:
•Service redesign and more effective use of existing resources; and
•The availability of specialist workforce across health and education partners.
This will ensure that changes to provision are both deliverable and sustainable, and that they lead to improved access, consistency and outcomes for children and young people with speech and language needs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049142%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491534","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491534"}},{"id":"491533","reference":"AQW 49141/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-19","answerBy":"2026-07-06","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of school-age children who are on a waiting list to access speech and language therapy, in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049141%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491533","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491533"}},{"id":"491532","reference":"AQW 49140/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-19","answerBy":"2026-07-06","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of speech and language therapists who are available for school-age children, in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049140%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491532","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491532"}},{"id":"491172","reference":"AQW 49017/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-18","answerBy":"2026-07-03","answered":"2026-07-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department is taking to reduce diagnostic delays for metastatic breast cancer.","answerText":"Metastatic breast cancer occurs when cancer cells spread from the breast to other parts of the body. Women previously treated for primary breast cancer are recognised as being at increased risk of recurrence, including metastatic disease. They are supported through structured followup arrangements, including a five-year SelfDirected Aftercare (SDA) programme. This provides personalised information on the signs and symptoms of recurrence or metastatic disease, supporting individuals to identify concerns at an early stage and seek reassessment through specialist services.\n\nReferral and triage systems across Health and Social Care are designed to prioritise patients with suspected cancer for rapid review, with suspected cases assessed promptly to facilitate timely diagnostic investigation. Patients within the SDA pathway can access breast assessment services directly through established Trust arrangements without the need for GP referral, supporting streamlined entry to appropriate diagnostic services.\n\nBy enabling direct access to specialist assessment and promoting awareness of symptoms, the SDA programme removes additional steps in the pathway and encourages earlier presentation where concerns arise.\n\nIn addition, the NICaN Breast Clinical Reference Group is at an early stage in developing a regional metastatic breast cancer pathway. This work aims to standardise care processes, improve awareness and communication of the signs and symptoms of recurrence, and strengthen access to appropriate support services, with the objective of supporting earlier diagnosis and improved patient outcomes.","answerHtml":"Metastatic breast cancer occurs when cancer cells spread from the breast to other parts of the body. Women previously treated for primary breast cancer are recognised as being at increased risk of recurrence, including metastatic disease. They are supported through structured followup arrangements, including a five-year SelfDirected Aftercare (SDA) programme. This provides personalised information on the signs and symptoms of recurrence or metastatic disease, supporting individuals to identify concerns at an early stage and seek reassessment through specialist services.
Referral and triage systems across Health and Social Care are designed to prioritise patients with suspected cancer for rapid review, with suspected cases assessed promptly to facilitate timely diagnostic investigation. Patients within the SDA pathway can access breast assessment services directly through established Trust arrangements without the need for GP referral, supporting streamlined entry to appropriate diagnostic services.
By enabling direct access to specialist assessment and promoting awareness of symptoms, the SDA programme removes additional steps in the pathway and encourages earlier presentation where concerns arise.
In addition, the NICaN Breast Clinical Reference Group is at an early stage in developing a regional metastatic breast cancer pathway. This work aims to standardise care processes, improve awareness and communication of the signs and symptoms of recurrence, and strengthen access to appropriate support services, with the objective of supporting earlier diagnosis and improved patient outcomes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049017%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491172","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491172"}},{"id":"491171","reference":"AQW 49016/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-18","answerBy":"2026-07-03","answered":"2026-07-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department takes to communicate red flags for metastatic breast cancer to those at risk.","answerText":"My Department recognises the importance of ensuring that individuals are aware of the signs and symptoms associated with breast cancer, including symptoms which may indicate metastatic or secondary disease.\n\nIndividuals previously diagnosed and treated for primary breast cancer are identified as a higherrisk group and are supported through structured followup arrangements, including Self-directed Aftercare (SDA) over the fiveyear follow-up period. This approach provides tailored information on the signs of recurrence or metastatic disease and supports selfmanagement, alongside rapid access back into specialist services where concerning symptoms arise.\n\nSupport is further enhanced through holistic needs assessments and health and wellbeing events, which reinforce awareness of symptoms and available support. This is complemented by ongoing engagement with healthcare professionals across primary and secondary care to ensure consistent communication of key information.\n\nHealthcare professionals are supported through Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN) clinical guidance, referral pathways, and ongoing education, including primary care sessions on recurrence and metastatic disease to support early recognition and communication of concerning symptoms. These are underpinned by clinical pathways, where patient information is reviewed at triage to ensure appropriate pathway allocation, with those meeting urgent suspected cancer criteria prioritised for assessment through the regional booking system.\n\nPublic awareness activity in Northern Ireland is delivered primarily through the Public Health Agency (PHA), which undertakes campaigns to promote awareness of cancer symptoms and encourage individuals to seek medical advice promptly. These campaigns include information on both common and less well recognised symptoms and are delivered through press activity, social media, and the ‘Be Cancer Aware’ website, which provides accessible information on signs, symptoms, and routes to support.\n\nThis work is complemented by partnerships with the voluntary and community sector, including organisations such as Breast Cancer Now and Macmillan Cancer Support, which provide additional information and support to those at increased risk.","answerHtml":"My Department recognises the importance of ensuring that individuals are aware of the signs and symptoms associated with breast cancer, including symptoms which may indicate metastatic or secondary disease.
Individuals previously diagnosed and treated for primary breast cancer are identified as a higherrisk group and are supported through structured followup arrangements, including Self-directed Aftercare (SDA) over the fiveyear follow-up period. This approach provides tailored information on the signs of recurrence or metastatic disease and supports selfmanagement, alongside rapid access back into specialist services where concerning symptoms arise.
Support is further enhanced through holistic needs assessments and health and wellbeing events, which reinforce awareness of symptoms and available support. This is complemented by ongoing engagement with healthcare professionals across primary and secondary care to ensure consistent communication of key information.
Healthcare professionals are supported through Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN) clinical guidance, referral pathways, and ongoing education, including primary care sessions on recurrence and metastatic disease to support early recognition and communication of concerning symptoms. These are underpinned by clinical pathways, where patient information is reviewed at triage to ensure appropriate pathway allocation, with those meeting urgent suspected cancer criteria prioritised for assessment through the regional booking system.
Public awareness activity in Northern Ireland is delivered primarily through the Public Health Agency (PHA), which undertakes campaigns to promote awareness of cancer symptoms and encourage individuals to seek medical advice promptly. These campaigns include information on both common and less well recognised symptoms and are delivered through press activity, social media, and the ‘Be Cancer Aware’ website, which provides accessible information on signs, symptoms, and routes to support.
This work is complemented by partnerships with the voluntary and community sector, including organisations such as Breast Cancer Now and Macmillan Cancer Support, which provide additional information and support to those at increased risk.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049016%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491171","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491171"}},{"id":"491170","reference":"AQW 49015/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-18","answerBy":"2026-07-03","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has engaged with counterparts in Great Britain on challenges facing leukaemia treatment in Northern Ireland, in the last three years.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049015%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491170","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491170"}},{"id":"491169","reference":"AQW 49014/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-18","answerBy":"2026-07-03","answered":"2026-07-08","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 any staffing shortages in haematology, in each Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"Haematology services across all Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts continue to experience workforce pressures, although the extent can vary across the region. All services are managing varying degrees of workforce-related vulnerability and resilience challenges. These pressures reflect the challenges associated with recruiting and retaining staff within a highly specialised service and are consistent with wider workforce challenges experienced across the UK and Ireland.\n\nBelfast HSC Trust also provides a number of regional specialist haematology services and, as with other Trusts, continues to manage workforce pressures alongside increasing demand for services.\n\nMy Department, Trusts and clinical leaders are working together through a regional haematology pressures group to support service resilience and workforce sustainability. The group has developed an action plan focused on a range of measures including workforce planning, recruitment and retention, succession planning, multidisciplinary team development, business continuity arrangements and regional service improvement initiatives.\n\nMy Department will continue to work closely with HSC Trusts and clinical leaders to support the delivery of safe, effective and sustainable haematology services for patients across Northern Ireland.","answerHtml":"Haematology services across all Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts continue to experience workforce pressures, although the extent can vary across the region. All services are managing varying degrees of workforce-related vulnerability and resilience challenges. These pressures reflect the challenges associated with recruiting and retaining staff within a highly specialised service and are consistent with wider workforce challenges experienced across the UK and Ireland.
Belfast HSC Trust also provides a number of regional specialist haematology services and, as with other Trusts, continues to manage workforce pressures alongside increasing demand for services.
My Department, Trusts and clinical leaders are working together through a regional haematology pressures group to support service resilience and workforce sustainability. The group has developed an action plan focused on a range of measures including workforce planning, recruitment and retention, succession planning, multidisciplinary team development, business continuity arrangements and regional service improvement initiatives.
My Department will continue to work closely with HSC Trusts and clinical leaders to support the delivery of safe, effective and sustainable haematology services for patients across Northern Ireland.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049014%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491169","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491169"}},{"id":"491168","reference":"AQW 49013/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-18","answerBy":"2026-07-03","answered":"2026-07-09","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 any work his Department is undertaking to progress the delivery of CAR-T Therapy.","answerText":"Patients in Northern Ireland continue to have access to chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR‑T) treatments in line with Circular HSC (SQSD) 12‑22 – NICE Technology Appraisals: Process for Endorsement, Implementation, Monitoring and Assurance in Northern Ireland. This framework ensures that effective and innovative new medicines are introduced in a timely and equitable manner.\n\nWhere CAR‑T treatments are recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), patients in Northern Ireland will be able to access them on the same basis as patients in other parts of the UK, through the established referral pathways to trusted specialist centres across the wider NHS.\n\nAs you will be aware from previous correspondence, the development of a CAR-T service in Northern Ireland is currently linked to the planned development of the haematology ward at the Belfast City Hospital site and my department remains committed to ensuring that patients can access care as close to home as possible where this can be delivered safely and sustainably.\n\nTo support this aim, my officials are working with the Belfast Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust to identify opportunities to accelerate the introduction of CAR-T therapy for patients in Northern Ireland. This includes progressing the ancillary services required to support accreditation ahead of the new facility opening, helping to shorten the pathway to service implementation. The pace of this work will depend on the availability of funding to recruit the specialist staff needed.","answerHtml":"Patients in Northern Ireland continue to have access to chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR‑T) treatments in line with Circular HSC (SQSD) 12‑22 – NICE Technology Appraisals: Process for Endorsement, Implementation, Monitoring and Assurance in Northern Ireland. This framework ensures that effective and innovative new medicines are introduced in a timely and equitable manner.
Where CAR‑T treatments are recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), patients in Northern Ireland will be able to access them on the same basis as patients in other parts of the UK, through the established referral pathways to trusted specialist centres across the wider NHS.
As you will be aware from previous correspondence, the development of a CAR-T service in Northern Ireland is currently linked to the planned development of the haematology ward at the Belfast City Hospital site and my department remains committed to ensuring that patients can access care as close to home as possible where this can be delivered safely and sustainably.
To support this aim, my officials are working with the Belfast Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust to identify opportunities to accelerate the introduction of CAR-T therapy for patients in Northern Ireland. This includes progressing the ancillary services required to support accreditation ahead of the new facility opening, helping to shorten the pathway to service implementation. The pace of this work will depend on the availability of funding to recruit the specialist staff needed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2049013%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491168","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491168"}},{"id":"493422","reference":"AQO 3840/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-18","answerBy":"2026-06-30","answered":"2026-09-16","answeredOrally":false,"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 transformation projects.","answerText":"The bids, made by my Department, present innovative and transformative solutions to some of the challenges facing the justice system.\n\nI was delighted that, in the first phase of applications to the funding available, the Transformation Board recognised the quality of our bids and provided my Department with £22.64m to deliver on our transformation aims. This funding is actively being used on efforts to speed up and transform the criminal justice system and to modernise electronic monitoring.\n\nI remain clear that these investments, which should help to transform both the system and delivery, would not happen at the same pace had the Transformation funding not been provided by the Executive.","answerHtml":"The bids, made by my Department, present innovative and transformative solutions to some of the challenges facing the justice system.
I was delighted that, in the first phase of applications to the funding available, the Transformation Board recognised the quality of our bids and provided my Department with £22.64m to deliver on our transformation aims. This funding is actively being used on efforts to speed up and transform the criminal justice system and to modernise electronic monitoring.
I remain clear that these investments, which should help to transform both the system and delivery, would not happen at the same pace had the Transformation funding not been provided by the Executive.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203840%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=493422","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=493422"}},{"id":"491269","reference":"AQO 3820/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-18","answerBy":"2026-06-29","answered":"2026-06-29","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline any actions she is taking to improve her Department's performance on flood prevention and protection, following the Flood Risk Management in Northern Ireland report by the Northern Ireland Audit Office.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"I recognise that the Assembly process must complete before I comment in detail. However, it is important to recognise the real and sustained progress that my Department has made in recent years to strengthen flood risk management, including increased investment and continued improvement in the overall condition of flood defences. Alongside that, we are delivering a wide programme of measures through the flood risk management plan, with over half of planned actions already complete and others progressing, supported by enhanced data modelling and updated guidance to address climate change impacts. The Audit Office report will be considered carefully through the proper Assembly process. That consideration should also recognise the substantial programme of work that has already been delivered and the continued commitment of my officials to reduce risk where possible. Examples include more than £76 million of capital investment over the past four years in new fluvial and tidal flood alleviation projects, reducing flood risk to more than 5,000 properties and delivering benefits of a value approaching four times their cost. The Department also continues to progress a 10-year capital works programme of over 50 projects, update flood maps where necessary, prioritise inspection and maintenance of high-consequence assets and advance schemes and studies in areas such as Newry, Downpatrick, Drumahoe, Antrim and Eglinton."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"Thank you, Minister. In my constituency of North Down, the town of Donaghadee is particularly at risk of flooding. Earlier this year, the sea wall crumbled because of the effects of storm Chandra. What will your Department do to ensure better flood defences in the area and build resilience against the inevitable harsher weather conditions?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"The Member will know that there is joint responsibility for coastal erosion and all of that. Officials have been engaging with those in the local area. I fully recognise that that presents challenges as time goes on. The work that I outlined in my previous answer shows that the picture is ever-changing, and we are trying to get ahead of it. We recognise that more and more areas that had never been impacted, have been or will be impacted in the not-so-distant future. That is why we have been doing significant work to be forewarned and proactive rather than reactive. Officials will continue to engage on the specific location raised by the Member. However, as she can see, the scale of the work is significant, and we are working to see how we can do things differently so that we can get ahead the issue."},{"speaker":"Mrs Mason","text":"Minister, you will be aware that flood alleviation schemes are assessed on a cost-benefit ratio which we know can be prohibitive and can prevent schemes from progressing. As we know only too well from flooding in our constituencies, in Newry and Downpatrick, such analysis does not always reflect the wider socio-economic impact that flooding has on people's homes. Do you have plans to change those criteria and make them more reflective of people's lived experience of flooding?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"Yes. As the Member mentioned, we have experienced the impact of flooding in both of our constituencies. That impact is not just from the damage to property or the effect on business; there is lasting impact on people, physically and emotionally, when their home or their business is flooded. There is always the anxiety — I hear it from people all the time — that flooding may happen again. We spoke about the cost-benefit ratio at an engagement in Downpatrick last year. My Department recognised the concern that the traditional appraisal method, particularly the focus on the cost-benefit ratio, may not always have fully reflected the lived experience of individuals and communities that have been impacted by flooding. In response, we recently developed and introduced new appraisal guidance, which represents a significant and deliberate shift in approach. Under the previous arrangements, schemes were largely determined by a monetised cost-benefit ratio threshold where, typically, projects that fell below a ratio of one did not progress. However, as we have found, the new approach moves away from that very rigid position and allows for a broader, more balanced assessment of value, including social, environmental and carbon benefits, alongside traditional economic damages. Schemes are no longer automatically ruled out where the monetised cost-benefit ratio is less than one, and appraisers can recommend investment where there is a strong case that is based on wider community impacts, including disruption, resilience and well-being. That change is intended to better reflect, as I mentioned, the real-world impacts of flooding on people's lives, which are not as easily captured through purely financial metrics. Although the Department will continue to keep its appraisal methodologies under review, the new approach represents an important step change, which will help to ensure that our investment decisions are more aligned with the experiences of those who have been affected by flooding and maintain robust and transparent value-for-money principles."},{"speaker":"Mr Martin","text":"Minister, the Northern Ireland Audit Office report is very critical of your Department on the topic of flood risk. You have just read out some interventions that your Department has made. The report's most substantial criticism is that your Department cannot show that its activities to build flood risk defences:"},{"speaker":"","text":"What specific changes have you made to demonstrate that you are not just throwing good money after bad?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"I have outlined some of the issues that we are working to address. In my response to my colleague, I said that we are looking at the assessment criteria to ensure that we are investing properly and reducing impacts on people. It is also important to say that we cannot build our way out of flooding. It is something that many people will have to live with, as a result of climate change. Flooding is becoming more frequent, and we have seen the evidence of that, particularly in the past few years. It is not always the case that physical interventions are required. That having been said, however, alongside the work that has been happening or is planned, we have invested over £76 million in capital in the past four years in new fluvial and tidal flood-alleviation projects, which have had an impact in reducing flood risk for more than 5,000 properties. We also look at how we build community resilience, and significant work has been done by community resilience groups, some of which have been really successful. That is about how we can be more prepared and work together in the event of flooding, particularly when it occurs at very short notice . There is work for everybody to do. It is not just a DFI problem; it is something that affects everyone. We are working across a number of Departments and with local councils in order to ensure that we are addressing all of the issues that have been outlined. We have been working really hard to be prepared as best we can for the future, as well as looking at the physical interventions we can continue to make that will help protect people, homes and businesses for as long as possible."},{"speaker":"Mr McNulty","text":"There is a bit of a flood on the other side of the Chamber. [Laughter.]"},{"speaker":"","text":"Minister, how does your Department plan to address the growing number of households that are unable to afford flood insurance or cover but are still exposed to flood risk due to delays in updating flood maps?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"Insurance is not within my gift to address. However, the Member will be aware that we have a grant scheme for flood protection measures for homes that have been flooded. The work on flood maps is significant. As I have said previously, it continues to evolve as we deal with the extreme weather that we have seen, including in the past week. Across the globe, we are seeing significant heatwaves. Such things are coming at us all the time. We are doing a number of things to address the situation. As the Member will know, insurance is a reserved matter, and we cannot deal with it locally, but we are certainly focused on anything that we can do to reduce the risk."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203820%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491269","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-06-29&docID=492566#AQO%203820/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491269"}},{"id":"491263","reference":"AQO 3814/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-18","answerBy":"2026-06-29","answered":null,"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 his Department's timeline for the publication of a women's health strategy for Northern Ireland.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203814%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=491263","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=491263"}},{"id":"490909","reference":"AQW 48892/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-17","answerBy":"2026-07-02","answered":"2026-07-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department is taking to reduce diagnostic delays for those with leukaemia.","answerText":"The Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN) Haematology Clinical Reference Group (CRG) is currently updating NICaN Primary Care Referral Guidance for suspected cancers. This revised guideline will provide more specific advice on identifying suspected haematological malignancies, including leukaemia, as well as guidance on the appropriate referral pathways.\n\nIn addition, NICaN, in partnership with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and the Macmillan GP facilitators, delivers monthly primary care education and awareness sessions for GPs, nurses, pharmacists and allied health professionals. These sessions aim to improve understanding of red-flag symptoms and support earlier recognition. Further GP education sessions will be scheduled to coincide with release of updated NICaN Primary Care Guidance for Haematology Cancers (expected mid-late 2026).\n\nPatients may also delay consulting their GP when experiencing symptoms that can be vague or non-specific. This highlights the importance of improving both public awareness and GP awareness to support earlier identification and diagnosis of leukaemia in primary care.\n\nMy department has also established two rapid diagnostic centres (RDCs) to support cancer diagnosis. GPs across Northern Ireland can now refer patients who do not meet the standard suspected cancer criteria but for whom they have ongoing clinical concern to the ‘Vague Symptoms Pathway’ provided through the RDCs. This service is designed to support earlier investigation and diagnosis for patients whose symptoms may indicate a haematological malignancy such as leukaemia.\n\nPreliminary work is also underway as part of Action 16 of the Northern Ireland Cancer Strategy 2022-2032 to establish a Specialist Integrated Haematology Malignancies Diagnostic Service (SIHMDS) for Northern Ireland, subject to the availability of funding. A SIHMDS will improve patient outcomes for haematological cancers through a more accurate, timely and cost-efficient diagnostic process.","answerHtml":"The Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN) Haematology Clinical Reference Group (CRG) is currently updating NICaN Primary Care Referral Guidance for suspected cancers. This revised guideline will provide more specific advice on identifying suspected haematological malignancies, including leukaemia, as well as guidance on the appropriate referral pathways.
In addition, NICaN, in partnership with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and the Macmillan GP facilitators, delivers monthly primary care education and awareness sessions for GPs, nurses, pharmacists and allied health professionals. These sessions aim to improve understanding of red-flag symptoms and support earlier recognition. Further GP education sessions will be scheduled to coincide with release of updated NICaN Primary Care Guidance for Haematology Cancers (expected mid-late 2026).
Patients may also delay consulting their GP when experiencing symptoms that can be vague or non-specific. This highlights the importance of improving both public awareness and GP awareness to support earlier identification and diagnosis of leukaemia in primary care.
My department has also established two rapid diagnostic centres (RDCs) to support cancer diagnosis. GPs across Northern Ireland can now refer patients who do not meet the standard suspected cancer criteria but for whom they have ongoing clinical concern to the ‘Vague Symptoms Pathway’ provided through the RDCs. This service is designed to support earlier investigation and diagnosis for patients whose symptoms may indicate a haematological malignancy such as leukaemia.
Preliminary work is also underway as part of Action 16 of the Northern Ireland Cancer Strategy 2022-2032 to establish a Specialist Integrated Haematology Malignancies Diagnostic Service (SIHMDS) for Northern Ireland, subject to the availability of funding. A SIHMDS will improve patient outcomes for haematological cancers through a more accurate, timely and cost-efficient diagnostic process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048892%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=490909","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=490909"}},{"id":"490908","reference":"AQW 48891/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-17","answerBy":"2026-07-02","answered":"2026-07-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of people in North Down who have received home care provision, in each of the last five years.","answerText":"My Department contacted the South Eastern HSC Trust, they are unable to provide data for years 2024-2026 due to the move to the encompass reporting system and ongoing data validation work. Data available for 2022 and 2023 is below:\n\nYear\tNorth Down – Nos. in receipt of a care package\n2022\t1331\n2023\t1359\n\nService user count includes all programmes of care and both Independent Sector & Statutory Sector packages. This excludes service users with a Direct Payment Package and service users under the Adult Disability programme of care with a package within a supported living scheme.","answerHtml":"My Department contacted the South Eastern HSC Trust, they are unable to provide data for years 2024-2026 due to the move to the encompass reporting system and ongoing data validation work. Data available for 2022 and 2023 is below:
| Year | North Down – Nos. in receipt of a care package |
| 2022 | 1331 |
| 2023 | 1359 |
Service user count includes all programmes of care and both Independent Sector & Statutory Sector packages. This excludes service users with a Direct Payment Package and service users under the Adult Disability programme of care with a package within a supported living scheme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048891%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=490908","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=490908"}},{"id":"490907","reference":"AQW 48890/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-17","answerBy":"2026-07-02","answered":"2026-06-22","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 any steps her Department is taking to support the growth of the night-time economy in town centres.","answerText":"My Department has recently published first of its kind research into our night-time economy in collaboration with Tourism NI and the three Business Improvement Districts of Belfast: Belfast One, Destination Cathedral Quarter and Linen Quarter BID.\n\nThe research, conducted by Ipsos and Nordicity, has already been instrumental in securing funding for a late-night transport pilot scheme in Belfast. A successful pilot in Belfast will support the case to expand this provision to our other towns and cities.\n\nThe research shows our night-time economy contributed between £2.8 billion to £3.7 billion in Gross Value Added in 2024, supporting between 101,000 and 114,000 full-time equivalent jobs.\n\nThis research will further the development of a safe, thriving and diverse night-time economy that works for the hospitality and tourism sectors and our communities.\n\nTo support this ambition, my Department has already taken several steps, including working with Tourism NI to explore tourism’s potential in the night-time economy. My Department will continue to engage with stakeholders in the night-time economy including through representation on fora such as the Purple Flag Committee.","answerHtml":"My Department has recently published first of its kind research into our night-time economy in collaboration with Tourism NI and the three Business Improvement Districts of Belfast: Belfast One, Destination Cathedral Quarter and Linen Quarter BID.
The research, conducted by Ipsos and Nordicity, has already been instrumental in securing funding for a late-night transport pilot scheme in Belfast. A successful pilot in Belfast will support the case to expand this provision to our other towns and cities.
The research shows our night-time economy contributed between £2.8 billion to £3.7 billion in Gross Value Added in 2024, supporting between 101,000 and 114,000 full-time equivalent jobs.
This research will further the development of a safe, thriving and diverse night-time economy that works for the hospitality and tourism sectors and our communities.
To support this ambition, my Department has already taken several steps, including working with Tourism NI to explore tourism’s potential in the night-time economy. My Department will continue to engage with stakeholders in the night-time economy including through representation on fora such as the Purple Flag Committee.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048890%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=490907","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=490907"}},{"id":"490906","reference":"AQW 48889/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-17","answerBy":"2026-07-02","answered":"2026-07-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department holds and regularly maintains a database of all defibrillators and associated codes for access in communities.","answerText":"The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) is leading on the implementation of the Community Resuscitation Strategy.\n\nNIAS, in line with other UK ambulance services, utilises The Circuit, the National Defibrillator Network, funded by the British Heart Foundation. The Circuit serves as the central registry for publicly accessible defibrillators across the UK.\n\nIt is integrated with the NIAS emergency call handling system, enabling Emergency Medical Dispatchers to identify and direct callers to the nearest available registered defibrillator in cases of suspected cardiac arrest. Defibrillator details, including access information and cabinet codes (where applicable), are recorded within The Circuit.\n\nResponsibility for maintaining the accuracy of this information rests with the individual defibrillator guardian (or owner), who must ensure that location details, availability, access arrangements and cabinet codes remain current.\n\nNIAS does not own or directly manage community defibrillators and, therefore, does not maintain a separate database of defibrillator locations or access codes. Instead, NIAS supports and promotes registration on The Circuit and relies on defibrillator guardians to keep their information accurate and up to date.","answerHtml":"The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) is leading on the implementation of the Community Resuscitation Strategy.
NIAS, in line with other UK ambulance services, utilises The Circuit, the National Defibrillator Network, funded by the British Heart Foundation. The Circuit serves as the central registry for publicly accessible defibrillators across the UK.
It is integrated with the NIAS emergency call handling system, enabling Emergency Medical Dispatchers to identify and direct callers to the nearest available registered defibrillator in cases of suspected cardiac arrest. Defibrillator details, including access information and cabinet codes (where applicable), are recorded within The Circuit.
Responsibility for maintaining the accuracy of this information rests with the individual defibrillator guardian (or owner), who must ensure that location details, availability, access arrangements and cabinet codes remain current.
NIAS does not own or directly manage community defibrillators and, therefore, does not maintain a separate database of defibrillator locations or access codes. Instead, NIAS supports and promotes registration on The Circuit and relies on defibrillator guardians to keep their information accurate and up to date.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048889%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=490906","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=490906"}},{"id":"490905","reference":"AQW 48888/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-17","answerBy":"2026-07-02","answered":"2026-07-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has conducted a mapping exercise of how paediatric rheumatology service staffing levels in Northern Ireland compare to elsewhere in the United Kingdom, in the last three years.","answerText":"The regional paediatric rheumatology service has a funded consultant establishment of 2.5 whole time equivalent (WTE) posts, of which 2.0 WTE consultants are currently in post. The service is supported by a multidisciplinary team comprising 0.8 WTE pharmacy, 0.6 WTE physiotherapy, 0.6 WTE occupational therapy and 1.0 WTE podiatry staff, together with administrative support. Some multidisciplinary team staff work across both adult and paediatric rheumatology services.\n\nMy officials have been working directly with the paediatric rheumatology team over the last nine months focusing on improving the sustainability of the service, broader use of the multidisciplinary team in the service delivery model and support for transition to adult care.\n\nIn parallel work is ongoing to refine activity, waiting time and transition age information to better understand the staffing needs of the service and the options available to secure sustainability improvements. My officials have noted the commitment of the paediatric rheumatology team to engage with colleagues in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children (RBHSC), across Northern Ireland, and beyond, to explore additional support and innovations in service delivery to strengthen resilience. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is also supporting this work on the needs assessment side to further inform future planning and service configuration opportunities.\n\nWith regards to staffing, the safe and sustainable delivery of specialist paediatric services in Northern Ireland is challenging. The population size of 1.9 million restricts the number of consultants in practice as this is determined by the volume of activity each doctor needs to maintain clinical skills and professional accreditation.\n\nComparability of consultant staffing between different paediatric specialties varies in relation to case mix, complexity and rarity of conditions and is not a valid comparator. It may, however, be helpful to note that paediatric rheumatology is one of a number of smaller specialist paediatric services being delivered in Belfast Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust with similar consultant staffing levels. These include metabolic medicine (2.0 WTE), endocrinology (2.0 WTE), neurodisability (2.0 WTE), and gastroenterology (3.0 WTE).\n\nMapping exercises with wider UK are difficult to validate as comparators due to the range of service models in operation and the scale of populations served. This is probably best demonstrated by findings as set out in the 2025 Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Programme National Paediatric Rheumatology Speciality Report which confirms these variations across paediatric rheumatology centres and populations served in England.\n\nMy Department recognises the need for investment in the delivery and management of biological therapies for children. In this regard a recurrent allocation of £100,000 has been made available to the Belfast HSC Trust in support of biologics. The business case detailing the proposed profiling of these funds and the additional staffing to be secured is expected shortly. My commitment to building this infrastructure recognises the importance of building resource and resilience in specialist paediatrics ensuring that children, young people and their families continue to have access to the most up to date specialist treatments and therapies, as a key component of clinical care and service delivery.","answerHtml":"The regional paediatric rheumatology service has a funded consultant establishment of 2.5 whole time equivalent (WTE) posts, of which 2.0 WTE consultants are currently in post. The service is supported by a multidisciplinary team comprising 0.8 WTE pharmacy, 0.6 WTE physiotherapy, 0.6 WTE occupational therapy and 1.0 WTE podiatry staff, together with administrative support. Some multidisciplinary team staff work across both adult and paediatric rheumatology services.
My officials have been working directly with the paediatric rheumatology team over the last nine months focusing on improving the sustainability of the service, broader use of the multidisciplinary team in the service delivery model and support for transition to adult care.
In parallel work is ongoing to refine activity, waiting time and transition age information to better understand the staffing needs of the service and the options available to secure sustainability improvements. My officials have noted the commitment of the paediatric rheumatology team to engage with colleagues in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children (RBHSC), across Northern Ireland, and beyond, to explore additional support and innovations in service delivery to strengthen resilience. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is also supporting this work on the needs assessment side to further inform future planning and service configuration opportunities.
With regards to staffing, the safe and sustainable delivery of specialist paediatric services in Northern Ireland is challenging. The population size of 1.9 million restricts the number of consultants in practice as this is determined by the volume of activity each doctor needs to maintain clinical skills and professional accreditation.
Comparability of consultant staffing between different paediatric specialties varies in relation to case mix, complexity and rarity of conditions and is not a valid comparator. It may, however, be helpful to note that paediatric rheumatology is one of a number of smaller specialist paediatric services being delivered in Belfast Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust with similar consultant staffing levels. These include metabolic medicine (2.0 WTE), endocrinology (2.0 WTE), neurodisability (2.0 WTE), and gastroenterology (3.0 WTE).
Mapping exercises with wider UK are difficult to validate as comparators due to the range of service models in operation and the scale of populations served. This is probably best demonstrated by findings as set out in the 2025 Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Programme National Paediatric Rheumatology Speciality Report which confirms these variations across paediatric rheumatology centres and populations served in England.
My Department recognises the need for investment in the delivery and management of biological therapies for children. In this regard a recurrent allocation of £100,000 has been made available to the Belfast HSC Trust in support of biologics. The business case detailing the proposed profiling of these funds and the additional staffing to be secured is expected shortly. My commitment to building this infrastructure recognises the importance of building resource and resilience in specialist paediatrics ensuring that children, young people and their families continue to have access to the most up to date specialist treatments and therapies, as a key component of clinical care and service delivery.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048888%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=490905","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=490905"}},{"id":"490562","reference":"AQW 48784/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-16","answerBy":"2026-07-01","answered":"2026-07-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the staffing levels in paediatric rheumatology; and (ii) how this compares to other paediatric services.","answerText":"The regional paediatric rheumatology service has a funded consultant establishment of 2.5 whole time equivalent (WTE) posts, of which 2.0 WTE consultants are currently in post. The service is supported by a multidisciplinary team comprising 0.8 WTE pharmacy, 0.6 WTE physiotherapy, 0.6 WTE occupational therapy and 1.0 WTE podiatry staff, together with administrative support. Some multidisciplinary team staff work across both adult and paediatric rheumatology services.\n\nMy officials have been working directly with the paediatric rheumatology team over the last nine months focusing on improving the sustainability of the service, broader use of the multidisciplinary team in the service delivery model and support for transition to adult care.\n\nIn parallel work is ongoing to refine activity, waiting time and transition age information to better understand the staffing needs of the service and the options available to secure sustainability improvements. My officials have noted the commitment of the paediatric rheumatology team to engage with colleagues in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children (RBHSC), across Northern Ireland, and beyond, to explore additional support and innovations in service delivery to strengthen resilience. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is also supporting this work on the needs assessment side to further inform future planning and service configuration opportunities.\n\nWith regards to staffing, the safe and sustainable delivery of specialist paediatric services in Northern Ireland is challenging. The population size of 1.9 million restricts the number of consultants in practice as this is determined by the volume of activity each doctor needs to maintain clinical skills and professional accreditation.\n\nComparability of consultant staffing between different paediatric specialties varies in relation to case mix, complexity and rarity of conditions and is not a valid comparator. It may, however, be helpful to note that paediatric rheumatology is one of a number of smaller specialist paediatric services being delivered in Belfast Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust with similar consultant staffing levels. These include metabolic medicine (2.0 WTE), endocrinology (2.0 WTE), neurodisability (2.0 WTE), and gastroenterology (3.0 WTE).\n\nMapping exercises with wider UK are difficult to validate as comparators due to the range of service models in operation and the scale of populations served. This is probably best demonstrated by findings as set out in the 2025 Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Programme National Paediatric Rheumatology Speciality Report which confirms these variations across paediatric rheumatology centres and populations served in England.\n\nMy Department recognises the need for investment in the delivery and management of biological therapies for children. In this regard a recurrent allocation of £100,000 has been made available to the Belfast HSC Trust in support of biologics. The business case detailing the proposed profiling of these funds and the additional staffing to be secured is expected shortly. My commitment to building this infrastructure recognises the importance of building resource and resilience in specialist paediatrics ensuring that children, young people and their families continue to have access to the most up to date specialist treatments and therapies, as a key component of clinical care and service delivery.","answerHtml":"The regional paediatric rheumatology service has a funded consultant establishment of 2.5 whole time equivalent (WTE) posts, of which 2.0 WTE consultants are currently in post. The service is supported by a multidisciplinary team comprising 0.8 WTE pharmacy, 0.6 WTE physiotherapy, 0.6 WTE occupational therapy and 1.0 WTE podiatry staff, together with administrative support. Some multidisciplinary team staff work across both adult and paediatric rheumatology services.
My officials have been working directly with the paediatric rheumatology team over the last nine months focusing on improving the sustainability of the service, broader use of the multidisciplinary team in the service delivery model and support for transition to adult care.
In parallel work is ongoing to refine activity, waiting time and transition age information to better understand the staffing needs of the service and the options available to secure sustainability improvements. My officials have noted the commitment of the paediatric rheumatology team to engage with colleagues in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children (RBHSC), across Northern Ireland, and beyond, to explore additional support and innovations in service delivery to strengthen resilience. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is also supporting this work on the needs assessment side to further inform future planning and service configuration opportunities.
With regards to staffing, the safe and sustainable delivery of specialist paediatric services in Northern Ireland is challenging. The population size of 1.9 million restricts the number of consultants in practice as this is determined by the volume of activity each doctor needs to maintain clinical skills and professional accreditation.
Comparability of consultant staffing between different paediatric specialties varies in relation to case mix, complexity and rarity of conditions and is not a valid comparator. It may, however, be helpful to note that paediatric rheumatology is one of a number of smaller specialist paediatric services being delivered in Belfast Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust with similar consultant staffing levels. These include metabolic medicine (2.0 WTE), endocrinology (2.0 WTE), neurodisability (2.0 WTE), and gastroenterology (3.0 WTE).
Mapping exercises with wider UK are difficult to validate as comparators due to the range of service models in operation and the scale of populations served. This is probably best demonstrated by findings as set out in the 2025 Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Programme National Paediatric Rheumatology Speciality Report which confirms these variations across paediatric rheumatology centres and populations served in England.
My Department recognises the need for investment in the delivery and management of biological therapies for children. In this regard a recurrent allocation of £100,000 has been made available to the Belfast HSC Trust in support of biologics. The business case detailing the proposed profiling of these funds and the additional staffing to be secured is expected shortly. My commitment to building this infrastructure recognises the importance of building resource and resilience in specialist paediatrics ensuring that children, young people and their families continue to have access to the most up to date specialist treatments and therapies, as a key component of clinical care and service delivery.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048784%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=490562","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=490562"}},{"id":"490561","reference":"AQW 48783/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-16","answerBy":"2026-07-01","answered":"2026-07-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has completed a resourcing assessment of paediatric rheumatology against demand on services, in the last two years.","answerText":"The regional paediatric rheumatology service has a funded consultant establishment of 2.5 whole time equivalent (WTE) posts, of which 2.0 WTE consultants are currently in post. The service is supported by a multidisciplinary team comprising 0.8 WTE pharmacy, 0.6 WTE physiotherapy, 0.6 WTE occupational therapy and 1.0 WTE podiatry staff, together with administrative support. Some multidisciplinary team staff work across both adult and paediatric rheumatology services.\n\nMy officials have been working directly with the paediatric rheumatology team over the last nine months focusing on improving the sustainability of the service, broader use of the multidisciplinary team in the service delivery model and support for transition to adult care.\n\nIn parallel work is ongoing to refine activity, waiting time and transition age information to better understand the staffing needs of the service and the options available to secure sustainability improvements. My officials have noted the commitment of the paediatric rheumatology team to engage with colleagues in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children (RBHSC), across Northern Ireland, and beyond, to explore additional support and innovations in service delivery to strengthen resilience. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is also supporting this work on the needs assessment side to further inform future planning and service configuration opportunities.\n\nWith regards to staffing, the safe and sustainable delivery of specialist paediatric services in Northern Ireland is challenging. The population size of 1.9 million restricts the number of consultants in practice as this is determined by the volume of activity each doctor needs to maintain clinical skills and professional accreditation.\n\nComparability of consultant staffing between different paediatric specialties varies in relation to case mix, complexity and rarity of conditions and is not a valid comparator. It may, however, be helpful to note that paediatric rheumatology is one of a number of smaller specialist paediatric services being delivered in Belfast Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust with similar consultant staffing levels. These include metabolic medicine (2.0 WTE), endocrinology (2.0 WTE), neurodisability (2.0 WTE), and gastroenterology (3.0 WTE).\n\nMapping exercises with wider UK are difficult to validate as comparators due to the range of service models in operation and the scale of populations served. This is probably best demonstrated by findings as set out in the 2025 Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Programme National Paediatric Rheumatology Speciality Report which confirms these variations across paediatric rheumatology centres and populations served in England.\n\nMy Department recognises the need for investment in the delivery and management of biological therapies for children. In this regard a recurrent allocation of £100,000 has been made available to the Belfast HSC Trust in support of biologics. The business case detailing the proposed profiling of these funds and the additional staffing to be secured is expected shortly. My commitment to building this infrastructure recognises the importance of building resource and resilience in specialist paediatrics ensuring that children, young people and their families continue to have access to the most up to date specialist treatments and therapies, as a key component of clinical care and service delivery.","answerHtml":"The regional paediatric rheumatology service has a funded consultant establishment of 2.5 whole time equivalent (WTE) posts, of which 2.0 WTE consultants are currently in post. The service is supported by a multidisciplinary team comprising 0.8 WTE pharmacy, 0.6 WTE physiotherapy, 0.6 WTE occupational therapy and 1.0 WTE podiatry staff, together with administrative support. Some multidisciplinary team staff work across both adult and paediatric rheumatology services.
My officials have been working directly with the paediatric rheumatology team over the last nine months focusing on improving the sustainability of the service, broader use of the multidisciplinary team in the service delivery model and support for transition to adult care.
In parallel work is ongoing to refine activity, waiting time and transition age information to better understand the staffing needs of the service and the options available to secure sustainability improvements. My officials have noted the commitment of the paediatric rheumatology team to engage with colleagues in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children (RBHSC), across Northern Ireland, and beyond, to explore additional support and innovations in service delivery to strengthen resilience. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is also supporting this work on the needs assessment side to further inform future planning and service configuration opportunities.
With regards to staffing, the safe and sustainable delivery of specialist paediatric services in Northern Ireland is challenging. The population size of 1.9 million restricts the number of consultants in practice as this is determined by the volume of activity each doctor needs to maintain clinical skills and professional accreditation.
Comparability of consultant staffing between different paediatric specialties varies in relation to case mix, complexity and rarity of conditions and is not a valid comparator. It may, however, be helpful to note that paediatric rheumatology is one of a number of smaller specialist paediatric services being delivered in Belfast Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust with similar consultant staffing levels. These include metabolic medicine (2.0 WTE), endocrinology (2.0 WTE), neurodisability (2.0 WTE), and gastroenterology (3.0 WTE).
Mapping exercises with wider UK are difficult to validate as comparators due to the range of service models in operation and the scale of populations served. This is probably best demonstrated by findings as set out in the 2025 Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Programme National Paediatric Rheumatology Speciality Report which confirms these variations across paediatric rheumatology centres and populations served in England.
My Department recognises the need for investment in the delivery and management of biological therapies for children. In this regard a recurrent allocation of £100,000 has been made available to the Belfast HSC Trust in support of biologics. The business case detailing the proposed profiling of these funds and the additional staffing to be secured is expected shortly. My commitment to building this infrastructure recognises the importance of building resource and resilience in specialist paediatrics ensuring that children, young people and their families continue to have access to the most up to date specialist treatments and therapies, as a key component of clinical care and service delivery.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048783%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=490561","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=490561"}},{"id":"490560","reference":"AQW 48782/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-16","answerBy":"2026-07-01","answered":"2026-07-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department manages a region-wide response in relation to the prevention and management of malnutrition, across health and social care services.","answerText":"My Department provides overall strategic direction in relation to the prevention and management of malnutrition across health and social care services, with delivery led operationally by Health and Social Care (HSC) organisations and supported by the Public Health Agency (PHA).\n\nPHA promotes the use of recognised, regionally consistent approaches to the identification and management of malnutrition. This includes the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) or Patient Association Nutrition Checklist, which are used across a range of care settings to support the early identification of individuals who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition.\n\n“MUST” is a five-step screening tool which supports the identification of nutritional risk and includes associated management guidelines to inform appropriate care planning.\n\nThese tools are supported by Food First, which focusses on improving nutritional intake through diet before the use of nutritional supplements.\n\nRegionally agreed guidance is reflected in the Nutrition Guidelines and Menu Checklist for Care Homes, which promotes consistent standards in the nutritional care of residents across Northern Ireland.\n\nThrough these combined measures, a consistent, region-wide approach is supported, with an emphasis on early identification, prevention, and appropriate management of malnutrition across community, primary, and residential care settings.","answerHtml":"My Department provides overall strategic direction in relation to the prevention and management of malnutrition across health and social care services, with delivery led operationally by Health and Social Care (HSC) organisations and supported by the Public Health Agency (PHA).
PHA promotes the use of recognised, regionally consistent approaches to the identification and management of malnutrition. This includes the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) or Patient Association Nutrition Checklist, which are used across a range of care settings to support the early identification of individuals who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition.
“MUST” is a five-step screening tool which supports the identification of nutritional risk and includes associated management guidelines to inform appropriate care planning.
These tools are supported by Food First, which focusses on improving nutritional intake through diet before the use of nutritional supplements.
Regionally agreed guidance is reflected in the Nutrition Guidelines and Menu Checklist for Care Homes, which promotes consistent standards in the nutritional care of residents across Northern Ireland.
Through these combined measures, a consistent, region-wide approach is supported, with an emphasis on early identification, prevention, and appropriate management of malnutrition across community, primary, and residential care settings.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048782%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=490560","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=490560"}},{"id":"490559","reference":"AQW 48781/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-16","answerBy":"2026-07-01","answered":"2026-07-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has undertaken any assessment of the financial impacts of malnutrition on the health and social care system, in the last five years.","answerText":"Neither my Department nor the Public Health Agency has undertaken any assessment of the financial impacts of malnutrition on the health and social care system in the last five years.\n\nWhile no recent Northern Ireland–specific financial assessment has been carried out, it is recognised that malnutrition is associated with poorer health outcomes and increased use of health and social care services, including longer hospital stays, increased complications, and greater demand for community and social care support. My Department continues, however, to take forward a range of policy actions aimed at improving nutritional health and reducing the wider impacts on the health and social care system. These include:\n\nHealthy Futures – the framework for preventing and addressing overweight and obesity, which sets out a whole-system approach to improving diet and nutrition, supporting healthier choices, and reducing obesity prevalence across the population; and\n\nMaking Life Better, the Executive’s public health framework, which sets the broader cross-government direction for public health, including an emphasis on healthy eating, maintaining a healthy weight, and preventative approaches to reducing diet-related ill-health.\n\nIn addition, work continues within health and social care services to support the early identification and appropriate management of malnutrition in clinical and community settings.\n\nThese approaches recognise the importance of prevention and early intervention in improving health outcomes and in helping to reduce longer-term pressures on health and social care services.","answerHtml":"Neither my Department nor the Public Health Agency has undertaken any assessment of the financial impacts of malnutrition on the health and social care system in the last five years.
While no recent Northern Ireland–specific financial assessment has been carried out, it is recognised that malnutrition is associated with poorer health outcomes and increased use of health and social care services, including longer hospital stays, increased complications, and greater demand for community and social care support. My Department continues, however, to take forward a range of policy actions aimed at improving nutritional health and reducing the wider impacts on the health and social care system. These include:
Healthy Futures – the framework for preventing and addressing overweight and obesity, which sets out a whole-system approach to improving diet and nutrition, supporting healthier choices, and reducing obesity prevalence across the population; and
Making Life Better, the Executive’s public health framework, which sets the broader cross-government direction for public health, including an emphasis on healthy eating, maintaining a healthy weight, and preventative approaches to reducing diet-related ill-health.
In addition, work continues within health and social care services to support the early identification and appropriate management of malnutrition in clinical and community settings.
These approaches recognise the importance of prevention and early intervention in improving health outcomes and in helping to reduce longer-term pressures on health and social care services.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048781%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=490559","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=490559"}},{"id":"490558","reference":"AQW 48780/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-16","answerBy":"2026-07-01","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether any assessment has been made of the pathway for young people moving from paediatric to adult rheumatology.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048780%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=490558","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=490558"}},{"id":"490213","reference":"AQW 48687/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-15","answerBy":"2026-06-30","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether there is a managed transition service for young people moving from paediatric to adult rheumatology.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048687%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=490213","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=490213"}},{"id":"490212","reference":"AQW 48686/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-15","answerBy":"2026-06-30","answered":"2026-07-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether interpreters in Health and Social Care Trusts receive (i) domestic and sexual abuse awareness training; and (ii) suicide intervention training.","answerText":"The Regional Interpreting Service managed by the Business Services Organisation (BSO) for all Health and Social Care (HSC) ensures 24 hour and 7 day interpreting support to all sectors of the HSC across Northern Ireland.\n\nDomestic abuse training has been incorporated into the Business Services Organisation (BSO) Interpreting Service 'New Interpreter Induction Programme' since 2024 and is a compulsory component for all Interpreters joining the BSO Interpreter Register. The sessions are delivered by a Domestic Abuse Safety Support (DASS) Worker, employed by Women's Aid Armagh Down - based within the Craigavon Area Hospital and Daisy Hill Hospital Sites to provide essential support for Women accessing HSC Services who are experiencing abuse. The Training aims to increase awareness & gain knowledge around indicators, types (including sexual) & effects of domestic abuse; high risk Factors; barriers to support for non-English speakers; key domestic abuse terminology; and local support services. In addition to induction training, two standalone domestic abuse awareness sessions were delivered in May 2024 and December 2024 to 22 BSO-registered Interpreters, further strengthening knowledge and awareness. Prior to 2024, Women's Aid Belfast & Lisburn delivered Domestic abuse awareness training to both new and registered BSO-Interpreters on an ongoing basis.\n\nBSO interpreters do not receive dedicated training on suicide prevention, however, Lifeline has provided a number of awareness sessions to Interpreters since it joined Belfast HSC Trust in 2018. The BSO Interpreting Service New Interpreter Induction Programme also includes a Mental Health session which provides brief coverage of this subject.","answerHtml":"The Regional Interpreting Service managed by the Business Services Organisation (BSO) for all Health and Social Care (HSC) ensures 24 hour and 7 day interpreting support to all sectors of the HSC across Northern Ireland.
Domestic abuse training has been incorporated into the Business Services Organisation (BSO) Interpreting Service 'New Interpreter Induction Programme' since 2024 and is a compulsory component for all Interpreters joining the BSO Interpreter Register. The sessions are delivered by a Domestic Abuse Safety Support (DASS) Worker, employed by Women's Aid Armagh Down - based within the Craigavon Area Hospital and Daisy Hill Hospital Sites to provide essential support for Women accessing HSC Services who are experiencing abuse. The Training aims to increase awareness & gain knowledge around indicators, types (including sexual) & effects of domestic abuse; high risk Factors; barriers to support for non-English speakers; key domestic abuse terminology; and local support services. In addition to induction training, two standalone domestic abuse awareness sessions were delivered in May 2024 and December 2024 to 22 BSO-registered Interpreters, further strengthening knowledge and awareness. Prior to 2024, Women's Aid Belfast & Lisburn delivered Domestic abuse awareness training to both new and registered BSO-Interpreters on an ongoing basis.
BSO interpreters do not receive dedicated training on suicide prevention, however, Lifeline has provided a number of awareness sessions to Interpreters since it joined Belfast HSC Trust in 2018. The BSO Interpreting Service New Interpreter Induction Programme also includes a Mental Health session which provides brief coverage of this subject.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048686%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=490212","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=490212"}},{"id":"490211","reference":"AQW 48685/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-15","answerBy":"2026-06-30","answered":"2026-06-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has issued any guidance to Health and Social Care Trusts in relation to the use of interpreters in maternity services settings, in the last five years.","answerText":"Since it was established over 20 years ago, the Business Services Organisation (BSO) Regional Interpreting Service for Health and Social Care (HSC), has actively promoted language support across HSC Trusts through a number of channels such as:\n\n(i)BSO Working Well with Interpreters Training: (tailored to individual Trusts) which is open to all HSC Trust Staff. This training encourages HSC Staff to:\n\nUnderstand why we provide language support in HSCNI\n\nRecognise the implications of language barriers in HSCNI\n\nAcknowledge the dangers/risks of using Untrained Interpreters\n\nAppreciate the role of Community Interpreters\n\nDevelop knowledge of systems and procedures regarding booking and working with Interpreters\n\n(ii)BSO How to Book an Interpreter (regional) Online Training is open to all HSC Trust Staff. This training covers step by step guidance on:\n\nHow to access the BSO Interpreting Service Online Booking System\n\nHow to register to use the BSO Interpreting Service Online Booking System\n\nHow to book an Interpreter\n\nHow to cancel an Interpreter\n\nHow to locate the QR code\n\nBooking Pointers\n\n(iii)BSO Interpreting Website - Dedicated Webpage for HSC Staff and Practitioners Information for HSC Staff and Practitioners - Business Services Organisation (BSO) Website\n\n(v)BSO Interpreting Poster for HSC: BSO Interpreting Posters\n\n(vi)BSO Interpreting Poster for GP Practices BSO Interpreting Posters - Practices\n\n(vii)BSO Interpreting, Translated Leaflets Information for Patients - Business Services Organisation (BSO) Website\n\nHSC Trust Maternity Services are significant users of the BSO Interpreting Service. Interpreters are routinely booked across maternity settings in all five HSC Trusts. Belfast HSC Trust Maternity Services has consistently been the largest single user of the service on an annual basis since 2021/22 with almost 4000 requests last fiscal year. In addition, Belfast HSC Trust employs a dedicated BRIDGE Maternity Service Cultural Liaison Midwife, who also supports the induction and training of interpreters joining the BSO Interpreter Register.\n\nAll HSC Trusts operate dedicated internal sites for Staff to access further guidance on language support:\n\nBelfast HSC Trust Staff Belfast Trust Guidance\n\nNorthern HSC Trust Staff – information on language support via NHSC Staffnet site\n\nSouthern HSC Trust: Southern Trust Guidance\n\nSouth Eastern HSC Trust Staff – information on language support via iConnect\n\nWestern HSC Trust Staff – information on language support via WHSCT Staff Communication Support Guidelines: information on foreign language, sign language support, and written Translations\n\nIn 2025, The Department of Health Guidance: Make My Voice Heard - Experiences of Women Seeking International Protection was published: Make My Voice Heard: The Experiences of Women seeking International Protection Accessing Health & Social Care in Northern Ireland | Department of Health\n\nThis followed a Personal and Public Involvement (PPI) project commissioned by Department of Health NI that was led by Belfast HSC Trust in partnership with the five HSC Hospital Trusts, PHA and the Office for the Mental Health Champion Northern Ireland.\n\nThe project sought to engage with women seeking international protection on their experiences of accessing Health and Social Care services, specifically Maternity Services, Public Health Nursing, Social Services and Mental Health Services, in relation to their own experience or the experience of accessing for children.\n\nThe project’s recommendations centred on addressing three key issues culture, language and navigation across HSCNI Services\n\nIn addition to the above, the Regional Interpreting Service (RIS) and HSC Trusts continue to explore ways of raising awareness among staff and all those who avail of Health and Social Care.","answerHtml":"Since it was established over 20 years ago, the Business Services Organisation (BSO) Regional Interpreting Service for Health and Social Care (HSC), has actively promoted language support across HSC Trusts through a number of channels such as:
(i)BSO Working Well with Interpreters Training: (tailored to individual Trusts) which is open to all HSC Trust Staff. This training encourages HSC Staff to:
Understand why we provide language support in HSCNI
Recognise the implications of language barriers in HSCNI
Acknowledge the dangers/risks of using Untrained Interpreters
Appreciate the role of Community Interpreters
Develop knowledge of systems and procedures regarding booking and working with Interpreters
(ii)BSO How to Book an Interpreter (regional) Online Training is open to all HSC Trust Staff. This training covers step by step guidance on:
How to access the BSO Interpreting Service Online Booking System
How to register to use the BSO Interpreting Service Online Booking System
How to book an Interpreter
How to cancel an Interpreter
How to locate the QR code
Booking Pointers
(iii)BSO Interpreting Website - Dedicated Webpage for HSC Staff and Practitioners Information for HSC Staff and Practitioners - Business Services Organisation (BSO) Website
(v)BSO Interpreting Poster for HSC: BSO Interpreting Posters
(vi)BSO Interpreting Poster for GP Practices BSO Interpreting Posters - Practices
(vii)BSO Interpreting, Translated Leaflets Information for Patients - Business Services Organisation (BSO) Website
HSC Trust Maternity Services are significant users of the BSO Interpreting Service. Interpreters are routinely booked across maternity settings in all five HSC Trusts. Belfast HSC Trust Maternity Services has consistently been the largest single user of the service on an annual basis since 2021/22 with almost 4000 requests last fiscal year. In addition, Belfast HSC Trust employs a dedicated BRIDGE Maternity Service Cultural Liaison Midwife, who also supports the induction and training of interpreters joining the BSO Interpreter Register.
All HSC Trusts operate dedicated internal sites for Staff to access further guidance on language support:
Belfast HSC Trust Staff Belfast Trust Guidance
Northern HSC Trust Staff – information on language support via NHSC Staffnet site
Southern HSC Trust: Southern Trust Guidance
South Eastern HSC Trust Staff – information on language support via iConnect
Western HSC Trust Staff – information on language support via WHSCT Staff Communication Support Guidelines: information on foreign language, sign language support, and written Translations
In 2025, The Department of Health Guidance: Make My Voice Heard - Experiences of Women Seeking International Protection was published: Make My Voice Heard: The Experiences of Women seeking International Protection Accessing Health & Social Care in Northern Ireland | Department of Health
This followed a Personal and Public Involvement (PPI) project commissioned by Department of Health NI that was led by Belfast HSC Trust in partnership with the five HSC Hospital Trusts, PHA and the Office for the Mental Health Champion Northern Ireland.
The project sought to engage with women seeking international protection on their experiences of accessing Health and Social Care services, specifically Maternity Services, Public Health Nursing, Social Services and Mental Health Services, in relation to their own experience or the experience of accessing for children.
The project’s recommendations centred on addressing three key issues culture, language and navigation across HSCNI Services
In addition to the above, the Regional Interpreting Service (RIS) and HSC Trusts continue to explore ways of raising awareness among staff and all those who avail of Health and Social Care.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048685%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=490211","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=490211"}},{"id":"490210","reference":"AQW 48684/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-15","answerBy":"2026-06-30","answered":"2026-06-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether interpreters in Health and Social Care Trusts receive training on how to engage with victims of human trafficking.","answerText":"The Business Services Organisation (BSO) Health and Social Care (HSC) Interpreting Service does not currently provide training to Interpreters on how to engage with victims of human trafficking.\n\nThe role of the Interpreter is to facilitate clear and accurate communication between HSC Staff and Patients/Clients - not to offer support, counselling, or guidance. BSO-Interpreters are independent contractors who provide their services in line with the BSO Interpreter Terms of Engagement which includes commitments to confidentiality, impartiality, and professionalism. The Terms state that:\n\nInterpreters must interpret truly and faithfully to the best of their ability, between the service user and the HSC practitioner, without anything being added, omitted or distorted;\n\nInterpreters must behave in a professional, respectful and courteous manner in relation to all aspects of their role as the Interpreter under the Terms of Engagement;\n\nIf appropriate and necessary, Interpreters may signpost the services user or HSC practitioner to appropriate support organisations or agencies;\n\nIn the rare possibility that the Interpreter becomes privy to information that they feel should be disclosed (e.g. child protection, domestic violence linked cases, hazard to life, serious discrimination and racism), they must contact the BSO Head of Interpreting as soon as possible","answerHtml":"The Business Services Organisation (BSO) Health and Social Care (HSC) Interpreting Service does not currently provide training to Interpreters on how to engage with victims of human trafficking.
The role of the Interpreter is to facilitate clear and accurate communication between HSC Staff and Patients/Clients - not to offer support, counselling, or guidance. BSO-Interpreters are independent contractors who provide their services in line with the BSO Interpreter Terms of Engagement which includes commitments to confidentiality, impartiality, and professionalism. The Terms state that:
Interpreters must interpret truly and faithfully to the best of their ability, between the service user and the HSC practitioner, without anything being added, omitted or distorted;
Interpreters must behave in a professional, respectful and courteous manner in relation to all aspects of their role as the Interpreter under the Terms of Engagement;
If appropriate and necessary, Interpreters may signpost the services user or HSC practitioner to appropriate support organisations or agencies;
In the rare possibility that the Interpreter becomes privy to information that they feel should be disclosed (e.g. child protection, domestic violence linked cases, hazard to life, serious discrimination and racism), they must contact the BSO Head of Interpreting as soon as possible
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048684%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=490210","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=490210"}},{"id":"490209","reference":"AQW 48683/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-15","answerBy":"2026-06-30","answered":"2026-07-20","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 interpreter availability, in each Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"The Regional Interpreting Service managed by the Business Services Organisation (BSO) for all Health and Social Care (HSC), ensures 24 hour and 7 day interpreting support to all sectors of the HSC across Northern Ireland.\n\nInterpreters are self-employed and registered with the BSO to provide face to face language interpreting services as required. Interpreters have no normal hours of work, and demand for their services varies according to the needs of service users. As self-employed workers, they can register and accept work from Private Agencies and across a number of Government Departments such as Department of Justice (for Police, courts, prison service), Education (schools and other educational services) and the Department for Communities (housing) etc.\n\nThe Overall Provision Rate for the BSO Interpreting Service in 2025/26 was 95.5%.\n\nTable 1 below shows the interpreting service provision per HSC Trust Area in 2025/26:\n\nTable 1\n\nHSC Organisation\tBSO Interpreting Requests 2025/26\tBSO Interpreting Provision Rate\nBelfast HSC Trust Area\t54,725\t94.88%\nSouthern HSC Trust Area\t45,921\t96.99%\nNorthern HSC Trust Area\t15,389\t95.44%\nSouth Eastern HSC Trust Area\t10,077\t94.44%\nWestern HSC Trust Area\t6,771\t92.13%\nOther\t176\t92.61%\nTotal\t133,059\t95.5%\n\nWhilst the overall level is above the agreed Key Performance Indicator of 95%, that target is not met in all Trust areas or languages. There has also been a gradual decline in service provision since the 2020 pandemic, driven by a number of factors but essentially an increase in demand whilst there is a reduction in available interpreters.\n\nThis is due to a limited pool of interpreters across Northern Ireland and difficulties recruiting Interpreters to the HSC regional service particularly in some localities. In addition, there has been a recorded increase in the number of interpreters declining HSC assignments, frequently citing commitments to “working elsewhere” such as in private agencies and other Government Departments. These organisations are seen to offer more attractive payrates than the HSC.\n\nFurther details on HSC interpreting services, including the provision rates, to can be obtained from annual reports available on the BSO website.\n\nhttps://bso.hscni.net/directorates/operations/regional-interpreting-service/general-information/","answerHtml":"The Regional Interpreting Service managed by the Business Services Organisation (BSO) for all Health and Social Care (HSC), ensures 24 hour and 7 day interpreting support to all sectors of the HSC across Northern Ireland.
Interpreters are self-employed and registered with the BSO to provide face to face language interpreting services as required. Interpreters have no normal hours of work, and demand for their services varies according to the needs of service users. As self-employed workers, they can register and accept work from Private Agencies and across a number of Government Departments such as Department of Justice (for Police, courts, prison service), Education (schools and other educational services) and the Department for Communities (housing) etc.
The Overall Provision Rate for the BSO Interpreting Service in 2025/26 was 95.5%.
Table 1 below shows the interpreting service provision per HSC Trust Area in 2025/26:
Table 1
| HSC Organisation | BSO Interpreting Requests 2025/26 | BSO Interpreting Provision Rate |
| Belfast HSC Trust Area | 54,725 | 94.88% |
| Southern HSC Trust Area | 45,921 | 96.99% |
| Northern HSC Trust Area | 15,389 | 95.44% |
| South Eastern HSC Trust Area | 10,077 | 94.44% |
| Western HSC Trust Area | 6,771 | 92.13% |
| Other | 176 | 92.61% |
| Total | 133,059 | 95.5% |
Whilst the overall level is above the agreed Key Performance Indicator of 95%, that target is not met in all Trust areas or languages. There has also been a gradual decline in service provision since the 2020 pandemic, driven by a number of factors but essentially an increase in demand whilst there is a reduction in available interpreters.
This is due to a limited pool of interpreters across Northern Ireland and difficulties recruiting Interpreters to the HSC regional service particularly in some localities. In addition, there has been a recorded increase in the number of interpreters declining HSC assignments, frequently citing commitments to “working elsewhere” such as in private agencies and other Government Departments. These organisations are seen to offer more attractive payrates than the HSC.
Further details on HSC interpreting services, including the provision rates, to can be obtained from annual reports available on the BSO website.
https://bso.hscni.net/directorates/operations/regional-interpreting-service/general-information/
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048683%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=490209","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=490209"}},{"id":"489953","reference":"AQW 48574/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-12","answerBy":"2026-06-29","answered":"2026-06-22","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 their Department monitors the delivery of recommendations from the High Street Task Force’s report entitled, Delivering a 21st Century High Street.","answerText":"A number of the recommendations of the report have been taken forward by Ministerial colleagues at the Departments for Communities, Economy, Finance, and Infrastructure.\n\nResponsibility for monitoring the delivery of recommendations from the report lies with the respective department.","answerHtml":"A number of the recommendations of the report have been taken forward by Ministerial colleagues at the Departments for Communities, Economy, Finance, and Infrastructure.
Responsibility for monitoring the delivery of recommendations from the report lies with the respective department.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048574%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489953","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489953"}},{"id":"489952","reference":"AQW 48573/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-12","answerBy":"2026-06-29","answered":"2026-06-29","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 work following any recommendations relevant to her Department from the High Street Task Force’s report, Delivering a 21st Century High Street.","answerText":"Of the 14 recommendations contained within the High Street Task Force Report, 4 relate to the work and responsibilities of my Department to varying degrees.\n\nRecommendation 1 concerns Executive support for our cities and city regions, my Department remains committed to ensuring that through the delivery of its r functions in relation to water, transport and planning, it supports the wider efforts of government in reinvigorating town centres and high streets across the North.\n\nIn relation to Recommendation 5, engagement is ongoing with officials in the Department for Communities, to encourage the incorporation of nature-based sustainable drainage interventions within new public realm schemes. Discussions will continue as policy development work in this area progresses.\n\nRecommendation 6 is relevant to my Department given its plan oversight function as councils bring forward their local plan documents. Whilst councils are sovereign autonomous planning authorities with ultimate responsibility for the delivery of their planning functions and wider powers, my officials will continue to encourage councils to bring forward appropriate local responses to issues arising in their areas, such as the challenges facing city and town centres.\n\nRecommendation 11 relates to the operation of the planning system. My Department is committed to ensuring that the planning system operates to the benefit of all, and officials will continue working closely with key stakeholders through the Planning Improvement Programme to improve processes and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the system. Key areas of focus include changes to secondary legislation; measures to improve speed and efficiency of local development plan production; improving the statutory consultee process; working with NILGA to support elected members in their important decision-making role; strengthening the capability and capacity of the planning workforce; and the development and delivery of the Independent Inspectors project to provide assistance and support to the work of the Planning Appeals Commission.","answerHtml":"Of the 14 recommendations contained within the High Street Task Force Report, 4 relate to the work and responsibilities of my Department to varying degrees.
Recommendation 1 concerns Executive support for our cities and city regions, my Department remains committed to ensuring that through the delivery of its r functions in relation to water, transport and planning, it supports the wider efforts of government in reinvigorating town centres and high streets across the North.
In relation to Recommendation 5, engagement is ongoing with officials in the Department for Communities, to encourage the incorporation of nature-based sustainable drainage interventions within new public realm schemes. Discussions will continue as policy development work in this area progresses.
Recommendation 6 is relevant to my Department given its plan oversight function as councils bring forward their local plan documents. Whilst councils are sovereign autonomous planning authorities with ultimate responsibility for the delivery of their planning functions and wider powers, my officials will continue to encourage councils to bring forward appropriate local responses to issues arising in their areas, such as the challenges facing city and town centres.
Recommendation 11 relates to the operation of the planning system. My Department is committed to ensuring that the planning system operates to the benefit of all, and officials will continue working closely with key stakeholders through the Planning Improvement Programme to improve processes and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the system. Key areas of focus include changes to secondary legislation; measures to improve speed and efficiency of local development plan production; improving the statutory consultee process; working with NILGA to support elected members in their important decision-making role; strengthening the capability and capacity of the planning workforce; and the development and delivery of the Independent Inspectors project to provide assistance and support to the work of the Planning Appeals Commission.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048573%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489952","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489952"}},{"id":"489951","reference":"AQW 48572/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-12","answerBy":"2026-06-29","answered":"2026-06-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on her Department's work following any recommendations relevant to her Department from the High Street Task Force’s report, Delivering a 21st Century High Street.","answerText":"The High Street Task Force was established and led by the Executive Office, and it has now completed its work and discharged its terms of reference.\n\nResponsibility for taking forward the recommendations now rests with relevant departments across the Executive and other public authorities.\n\nMy Department has responsibility for one recommendation only: “Fair Work on Our High Streets.” Delivery of this includes progressing a new Employment Rights Bill, promoting the Real Living Wage, and developing a Good Employment Charter in partnership with the Labour Relations Agency.\n\nMore broadly, the Department continues to work with Executive colleagues, councils and businesses to support high streets as part of wider economic development.\n\nI have established 11 Local Economic Partnerships across the north, supported by a £45 million Regional Balance Fund, empowering councils to identify and address specific economic challenges in their areas, including those challenges faces town centres and high streets.\n\nMy Department also provides innovation, export, finance and growth support to businesses through Invest NI and InterTradeIreland, and a £40 million Energy Efficiency Capital Grant scheme helping businesses reduce operating costs.\n\nI am also committed to working with my Executive colleagues, and other stakeholders, to support their work in this area where appropriate.","answerHtml":"The High Street Task Force was established and led by the Executive Office, and it has now completed its work and discharged its terms of reference.
Responsibility for taking forward the recommendations now rests with relevant departments across the Executive and other public authorities.
My Department has responsibility for one recommendation only: “Fair Work on Our High Streets.” Delivery of this includes progressing a new Employment Rights Bill, promoting the Real Living Wage, and developing a Good Employment Charter in partnership with the Labour Relations Agency.
More broadly, the Department continues to work with Executive colleagues, councils and businesses to support high streets as part of wider economic development.
I have established 11 Local Economic Partnerships across the north, supported by a £45 million Regional Balance Fund, empowering councils to identify and address specific economic challenges in their areas, including those challenges faces town centres and high streets.
My Department also provides innovation, export, finance and growth support to businesses through Invest NI and InterTradeIreland, and a £40 million Energy Efficiency Capital Grant scheme helping businesses reduce operating costs.
I am also committed to working with my Executive colleagues, and other stakeholders, to support their work in this area where appropriate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048572%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489951","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489951"}},{"id":"489950","reference":"AQW 48571/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-12","answerBy":"2026-06-29","answered":"2026-07-21","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 his Department's work following recommendations relevant to his Department from the High Street Task Force’s Report entitled, Delivering a 21st Century High Street.","answerText":"My Department was responsible for the rating elements of the report and has taken action in response to the relevant recommendations, including:\n\nI have extended the Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) scheme, which provides support to 30,000 businesses, including many operating in our town centres. Eligible businesses receive relief of between 20% and 50% through the scheme.\n\nFollowing a review of SBRR last year, I allocated around £10 million in the draft Budget to enhance the scheme. The proposals would increase both the number of recipients, including town centre businesses, and the level of support available. These measures remain subject to completion of the Budget process and, if approved, will apply retrospectively.\n\nAlongside SBRR, the ‘Back in Business’ and Rural ATMs schemes have also been extended, providing further support to our town centres. These schemes help to address some of the challenges faced by businesses and communities in maintaining vibrant and accessible high streets.\n\nIn addition to this, officials within my Department are working closely with local councils to ensure that, where possible, their local rating initiatives complement our ‘Back in Business’ scheme, helping to maximise the overall support available to new businesses taking on vacant commercial premises.\n\nMy Department has also now launched a consultation on introducing a ‘Business Growth Accelerator’ to support businesses expanding their premises by deferring the resulting increase in rates liability for a set period. The consultation is due to close on 23 September.\n\nThe High Street Task Force was, however, a cross-cutting initiative with a wider set of recommendations across Government, which were not limited to my Department.","answerHtml":"My Department was responsible for the rating elements of the report and has taken action in response to the relevant recommendations, including:
I have extended the Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) scheme, which provides support to 30,000 businesses, including many operating in our town centres. Eligible businesses receive relief of between 20% and 50% through the scheme.
Following a review of SBRR last year, I allocated around £10 million in the draft Budget to enhance the scheme. The proposals would increase both the number of recipients, including town centre businesses, and the level of support available. These measures remain subject to completion of the Budget process and, if approved, will apply retrospectively.
Alongside SBRR, the ‘Back in Business’ and Rural ATMs schemes have also been extended, providing further support to our town centres. These schemes help to address some of the challenges faced by businesses and communities in maintaining vibrant and accessible high streets.
In addition to this, officials within my Department are working closely with local councils to ensure that, where possible, their local rating initiatives complement our ‘Back in Business’ scheme, helping to maximise the overall support available to new businesses taking on vacant commercial premises.
My Department has also now launched a consultation on introducing a ‘Business Growth Accelerator’ to support businesses expanding their premises by deferring the resulting increase in rates liability for a set period. The consultation is due to close on 23 September.
The High Street Task Force was, however, a cross-cutting initiative with a wider set of recommendations across Government, which were not limited to my Department.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048571%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489950","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489950"}},{"id":"489949","reference":"AQW 48570/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-12","answerBy":"2026-06-29","answered":"2026-06-24","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 his Department's work following recommendations relevant to his Department from the High Street Task Force’s Report entitled Delivering a 21st Century High Street.","answerText":"Of the 14 recommendations in the High Street Task Force Report, three were identified where DfC would be seen as a significant lead department. These are Recommendations 2, 5 and 12. I have previously provided updates in relation to these (AQW 17412/22-27 and AQW 27225/22-27).\n\nThe updated position is:\n\nRecommendation 2 - The second pilot, The Greater Shankill Plan to Grow, was launched in February 2026 and demonstrated its use on a main arterial route into Belfast.\n\nRecommendation 5 - An Outline Business Case for a Shaping Sustainable Places (SSP) Programme is in development by DfC in partnership with DAERA and DfI. The vision is to implement a long-term approach to tackle the challenges facing our village, town and city centres through co-ordinated place-focused interventions. The SSP public consultation report was published on 30 April 2026. Due to the cross-cutting nature of the programme, it will require approval from the Executive.\n\nRecommendation 12 - Any further transfer of regeneration powers would require a fundamental review of the position across several Departments, consideration by the NI Executive, and the introduction of primary legislation. There are no plans to take this forward at this time.","answerHtml":"Of the 14 recommendations in the High Street Task Force Report, three were identified where DfC would be seen as a significant lead department. These are Recommendations 2, 5 and 12. I have previously provided updates in relation to these (AQW 17412/22-27 and AQW 27225/22-27).
The updated position is:
Recommendation 2 - The second pilot, The Greater Shankill Plan to Grow, was launched in February 2026 and demonstrated its use on a main arterial route into Belfast.
Recommendation 5 - An Outline Business Case for a Shaping Sustainable Places (SSP) Programme is in development by DfC in partnership with DAERA and DfI. The vision is to implement a long-term approach to tackle the challenges facing our village, town and city centres through co-ordinated place-focused interventions. The SSP public consultation report was published on 30 April 2026. Due to the cross-cutting nature of the programme, it will require approval from the Executive.
Recommendation 12 - Any further transfer of regeneration powers would require a fundamental review of the position across several Departments, consideration by the NI Executive, and the introduction of primary legislation. There are no plans to take this forward at this time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048570%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489949","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489949"}},{"id":"489740","reference":"AQW 48489/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-11","answerBy":"2026-06-26","answered":"2026-07-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department operates a regional safe leave policy for employees of Health and Social Care Trusts.","answerText":"In March 2018 my Department, in partnership with the Department of Justice, produced and issued regional guidance to employers across public, private, voluntary and community sectors.\n\nThe ‘Developing a Workplace Policy on Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse’ guidance formed the basis from which individual employers developed their own policies.\n\nHSC Trusts have confirmed that employees who have been subject to domestic and sexual abuse can avail of up to ten days paid safe leave in each leave year. This is in recognition that staff in these circumstances may require time to deal with a number of difficult and challenging matters including handling legal issues, organising to relocate to a safer location or receiving care for physical and psychological injuries as a result of domestic abuse, sexual assault or other related issues.\n\nIf additional time off is required, Trusts can allow for safe leave to be taken in conjunction with other types of family-related leave outlined in Special Leave policies.","answerHtml":"In March 2018 my Department, in partnership with the Department of Justice, produced and issued regional guidance to employers across public, private, voluntary and community sectors.
The ‘Developing a Workplace Policy on Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse’ guidance formed the basis from which individual employers developed their own policies.
HSC Trusts have confirmed that employees who have been subject to domestic and sexual abuse can avail of up to ten days paid safe leave in each leave year. This is in recognition that staff in these circumstances may require time to deal with a number of difficult and challenging matters including handling legal issues, organising to relocate to a safer location or receiving care for physical and psychological injuries as a result of domestic abuse, sexual assault or other related issues.
If additional time off is required, Trusts can allow for safe leave to be taken in conjunction with other types of family-related leave outlined in Special Leave policies.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048489%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489740","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489740"}},{"id":"489739","reference":"AQW 48488/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-11","answerBy":"2026-06-26","answered":"2026-06-30","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 (i) the pilot apprenticeship in diagnostic radiography; and (ii) the progression of any other apprenticeships across other allied health professions.","answerText":"The development of apprenticeship programmes in the HSC has been limited by the absence of funding by the Department of Economy for public sector apprenticeships.\n\nTo better understand the potential viability of apprenticeship programmes in the HSC, my Department commissioned and funded a pilot public sector apprenticeship in diagnostic radiography. This pilot, which is being delivered between HSC Trusts and the University of Derby, commenced in January 2026 and is due to run for eighteen months.\n\nFive Assistant Radiographers, currently employed by HSC Trusts, are undertaking this programme with a view to acquiring the qualifications required to become registered diagnostic radiographers.\n\nAny expansion of HSC apprenticeship programmes to other healthcare professions will be dependant upon the outcome of an evaluation of this pilot, which will be undertaken in late 2027. Further progression of HSC apprenticeships will also require development of a sustainable local funding model for public sector apprenticeships.","answerHtml":"The development of apprenticeship programmes in the HSC has been limited by the absence of funding by the Department of Economy for public sector apprenticeships.
To better understand the potential viability of apprenticeship programmes in the HSC, my Department commissioned and funded a pilot public sector apprenticeship in diagnostic radiography. This pilot, which is being delivered between HSC Trusts and the University of Derby, commenced in January 2026 and is due to run for eighteen months.
Five Assistant Radiographers, currently employed by HSC Trusts, are undertaking this programme with a view to acquiring the qualifications required to become registered diagnostic radiographers.
Any expansion of HSC apprenticeship programmes to other healthcare professions will be dependant upon the outcome of an evaluation of this pilot, which will be undertaken in late 2027. Further progression of HSC apprenticeships will also require development of a sustainable local funding model for public sector apprenticeships.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048488%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489739","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489739"}},{"id":"489738","reference":"AQW 48487/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-11","answerBy":"2026-06-26","answered":"2026-07-29","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 whether their Department takes any action when a category drops to worsening on the Programme for Government Wellbeing Framework.","answerText":"The Wellbeing Framework, published alongside the Programme for Government (PfG) 2024-2027, provides an evidence-based overview of long-term wellbeing trends in Northern Ireland, based on official statistics and is designed to support the understanding of trends. Where indicators show a worsening position, consideration is given to the underlying drivers of those trends as part of wider policy development and Programme for Government delivery.","answerHtml":"The Wellbeing Framework, published alongside the Programme for Government (PfG) 2024-2027, provides an evidence-based overview of long-term wellbeing trends in Northern Ireland, based on official statistics and is designed to support the understanding of trends. Where indicators show a worsening position, consideration is given to the underlying drivers of those trends as part of wider policy development and Programme for Government delivery.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048487%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489738","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489738"}},{"id":"489737","reference":"AQW 48486/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-11","answerBy":"2026-06-26","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 to detail any oversight their Department provides for the Programme for Government Wellbeing Framework.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048486%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489737","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489737"}},{"id":"489736","reference":"AQW 48485/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-11","answerBy":"2026-06-26","answered":"2026-06-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any reason why there is insufficient data to measure the school leavers attainment gap on the Programme for Government Wellbeing Framework.","answerText":"The phrase ‘there is insufficient data available to determine whether this indicator is improving or worsening’ is a standard line used in the Programme for Government Wellbeing Framework for indicators where PFG analysts are unable to report on change. This may be for a variety of reasons depending on the indicator.\n\nIn this case, while data is available for each school year, the footnotes to the relevant statistics explain that due to changes to the processes for awarding qualifications, in response to the pandemic, caution should be taken when drawing any conclusions relating to changes in student performance.\n\nMore information about the school leavers data is available at the following link: Qualifications and Destinations of Northern Ireland School Leavers","answerHtml":"The phrase ‘there is insufficient data available to determine whether this indicator is improving or worsening’ is a standard line used in the Programme for Government Wellbeing Framework for indicators where PFG analysts are unable to report on change. This may be for a variety of reasons depending on the indicator.
In this case, while data is available for each school year, the footnotes to the relevant statistics explain that due to changes to the processes for awarding qualifications, in response to the pandemic, caution should be taken when drawing any conclusions relating to changes in student performance.
More information about the school leavers data is available at the following link: Qualifications and Destinations of Northern Ireland School Leavers
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048485%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489736","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489736"}},{"id":"489538","reference":"AQW 48368/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-10","answerBy":"2026-06-16","answered":"2026-07-22","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 as to why labiaplasty is no longer commissioned within Health and Social Care Trusts.","answerText":"It is not possible to retrospectively determine the number of patients who were on the labiaplasty waiting list at the time the new guidance was issued and the services were decommissioned.\n\nTo date, 14 letters have been received indicating consideration of an appeal for labiaplasty. However, the required appeal documentation has not yet been submitted by the requesting clinicians to the Effective Use of Resources (EUR) Appeals Panel Secretariat. As a result, there is currently insufficient information available for the Panel to consider any of these cases.\n\nCommunication with patients on waiting lists rests with Health and Social Care Trusts. Trusts are expected to inform affected patients where services are no longer commissioned and to provide appropriate advice on next steps, including consideration of alternative pathways where clinically appropriate.\n\nThe EUR policy was reviewed and updated in 2021 and sets out the current commissioning position for a wide range of procedures and treatments, including labiaplasty. The policy reflects emerging clinical evidence from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and other relevant bodies. The policy is available online at: https://online.hscni.net/eur-update-2022/\n\nThe updated criteria were informed by a range of stakeholders including Health Service Consultants, Nurses, Trust Managers, GPs, Royal College of Surgeons representatives, Personal and Public Involvement leads, Public Health and former Health and Social Care Board staff.\n\nIn addition to this a pubic consultation was launched in October 2021 and lasted for a period of 13 weeks. The consultation process offered an opportunity for all stakeholders including primary and secondary care clinicians, patients and the general public to consider and comment on the proposed changes.\n\nIn Northern Ireland, a GP or Consultant may determine that there are exceptional clinical circumstances that mean a patient should undergo the required procedure/intervention. In such cases, the clinician may submit an Effective Use of Resources (EUR) appeal on behalf of the patient. An appeal is considered when the clinician believes the patient’s circumstances are significantly different from others with the same condition and that they are likely to gain greater benefit from the treatment than would normally be expected. All appeals are reviewed by the EUR Appeals Panel, which looks at each case individually to make sure decisions are fair, consistent and transparent.\n\nIn Northern Ireland, labiaplasty is regarded as a predominantly cosmetic procedure and is not routinely commissioned. It is classified, alongside a number of other cosmetic surgical procedures, as a treatment of low clinical priority. The commissioning position in Northern Ireland is consistent with that adopted across other parts of the UK.\n\nThe Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends that female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) should not be undertaken within the NHS unless it is medically indicated, and should not normally be offered to individuals below 18 years of age, due to continued anatomical development during puberty.","answerHtml":"It is not possible to retrospectively determine the number of patients who were on the labiaplasty waiting list at the time the new guidance was issued and the services were decommissioned.
To date, 14 letters have been received indicating consideration of an appeal for labiaplasty. However, the required appeal documentation has not yet been submitted by the requesting clinicians to the Effective Use of Resources (EUR) Appeals Panel Secretariat. As a result, there is currently insufficient information available for the Panel to consider any of these cases.
Communication with patients on waiting lists rests with Health and Social Care Trusts. Trusts are expected to inform affected patients where services are no longer commissioned and to provide appropriate advice on next steps, including consideration of alternative pathways where clinically appropriate.
The EUR policy was reviewed and updated in 2021 and sets out the current commissioning position for a wide range of procedures and treatments, including labiaplasty. The policy reflects emerging clinical evidence from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and other relevant bodies. The policy is available online at: https://online.hscni.net/eur-update-2022/
The updated criteria were informed by a range of stakeholders including Health Service Consultants, Nurses, Trust Managers, GPs, Royal College of Surgeons representatives, Personal and Public Involvement leads, Public Health and former Health and Social Care Board staff.
In addition to this a pubic consultation was launched in October 2021 and lasted for a period of 13 weeks. The consultation process offered an opportunity for all stakeholders including primary and secondary care clinicians, patients and the general public to consider and comment on the proposed changes.
In Northern Ireland, a GP or Consultant may determine that there are exceptional clinical circumstances that mean a patient should undergo the required procedure/intervention. In such cases, the clinician may submit an Effective Use of Resources (EUR) appeal on behalf of the patient. An appeal is considered when the clinician believes the patient’s circumstances are significantly different from others with the same condition and that they are likely to gain greater benefit from the treatment than would normally be expected. All appeals are reviewed by the EUR Appeals Panel, which looks at each case individually to make sure decisions are fair, consistent and transparent.
In Northern Ireland, labiaplasty is regarded as a predominantly cosmetic procedure and is not routinely commissioned. It is classified, alongside a number of other cosmetic surgical procedures, as a treatment of low clinical priority. The commissioning position in Northern Ireland is consistent with that adopted across other parts of the UK.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends that female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) should not be undertaken within the NHS unless it is medically indicated, and should not normally be offered to individuals below 18 years of age, due to continued anatomical development during puberty.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048368%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489538","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489538"}},{"id":"489537","reference":"AQW 48367/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-10","answerBy":"2026-06-25","answered":"2026-07-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department has taken to communicate to those on the labiaplasty waiting list that the service is no longer commissioned within Health and Social Care Trusts.","answerText":"It is not possible to retrospectively determine the number of patients who were on the labiaplasty waiting list at the time the new guidance was issued and the services were decommissioned.\n\nTo date, 14 letters have been received indicating consideration of an appeal for labiaplasty. However, the required appeal documentation has not yet been submitted by the requesting clinicians to the Effective Use of Resources (EUR) Appeals Panel Secretariat. As a result, there is currently insufficient information available for the Panel to consider any of these cases.\n\nCommunication with patients on waiting lists rests with Health and Social Care Trusts. Trusts are expected to inform affected patients where services are no longer commissioned and to provide appropriate advice on next steps, including consideration of alternative pathways where clinically appropriate.\n\nThe EUR policy was reviewed and updated in 2021 and sets out the current commissioning position for a wide range of procedures and treatments, including labiaplasty. The policy reflects emerging clinical evidence from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and other relevant bodies. The policy is available online at: https://online.hscni.net/eur-update-2022/\n\nThe updated criteria were informed by a range of stakeholders including Health Service Consultants, Nurses, Trust Managers, GPs, Royal College of Surgeons representatives, Personal and Public Involvement leads, Public Health and former Health and Social Care Board staff.\n\nIn addition to this a pubic consultation was launched in October 2021 and lasted for a period of 13 weeks. The consultation process offered an opportunity for all stakeholders including primary and secondary care clinicians, patients and the general public to consider and comment on the proposed changes.\n\nIn Northern Ireland, a GP or Consultant may determine that there are exceptional clinical circumstances that mean a patient should undergo the required procedure/intervention. In such cases, the clinician may submit an Effective Use of Resources (EUR) appeal on behalf of the patient. An appeal is considered when the clinician believes the patient’s circumstances are significantly different from others with the same condition and that they are likely to gain greater benefit from the treatment than would normally be expected. All appeals are reviewed by the EUR Appeals Panel, which looks at each case individually to make sure decisions are fair, consistent and transparent.\n\nIn Northern Ireland, labiaplasty is regarded as a predominantly cosmetic procedure and is not routinely commissioned. It is classified, alongside a number of other cosmetic surgical procedures, as a treatment of low clinical priority. The commissioning position in Northern Ireland is consistent with that adopted across other parts of the UK.\n\nThe Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends that female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) should not be undertaken within the NHS unless it is medically indicated, and should not normally be offered to individuals below 18 years of age, due to continued anatomical development during puberty.","answerHtml":"It is not possible to retrospectively determine the number of patients who were on the labiaplasty waiting list at the time the new guidance was issued and the services were decommissioned.
To date, 14 letters have been received indicating consideration of an appeal for labiaplasty. However, the required appeal documentation has not yet been submitted by the requesting clinicians to the Effective Use of Resources (EUR) Appeals Panel Secretariat. As a result, there is currently insufficient information available for the Panel to consider any of these cases.
Communication with patients on waiting lists rests with Health and Social Care Trusts. Trusts are expected to inform affected patients where services are no longer commissioned and to provide appropriate advice on next steps, including consideration of alternative pathways where clinically appropriate.
The EUR policy was reviewed and updated in 2021 and sets out the current commissioning position for a wide range of procedures and treatments, including labiaplasty. The policy reflects emerging clinical evidence from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and other relevant bodies. The policy is available online at: https://online.hscni.net/eur-update-2022/
The updated criteria were informed by a range of stakeholders including Health Service Consultants, Nurses, Trust Managers, GPs, Royal College of Surgeons representatives, Personal and Public Involvement leads, Public Health and former Health and Social Care Board staff.
In addition to this a pubic consultation was launched in October 2021 and lasted for a period of 13 weeks. The consultation process offered an opportunity for all stakeholders including primary and secondary care clinicians, patients and the general public to consider and comment on the proposed changes.
In Northern Ireland, a GP or Consultant may determine that there are exceptional clinical circumstances that mean a patient should undergo the required procedure/intervention. In such cases, the clinician may submit an Effective Use of Resources (EUR) appeal on behalf of the patient. An appeal is considered when the clinician believes the patient’s circumstances are significantly different from others with the same condition and that they are likely to gain greater benefit from the treatment than would normally be expected. All appeals are reviewed by the EUR Appeals Panel, which looks at each case individually to make sure decisions are fair, consistent and transparent.
In Northern Ireland, labiaplasty is regarded as a predominantly cosmetic procedure and is not routinely commissioned. It is classified, alongside a number of other cosmetic surgical procedures, as a treatment of low clinical priority. The commissioning position in Northern Ireland is consistent with that adopted across other parts of the UK.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends that female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) should not be undertaken within the NHS unless it is medically indicated, and should not normally be offered to individuals below 18 years of age, due to continued anatomical development during puberty.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048367%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489537","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489537"}},{"id":"489536","reference":"AQW 48366/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-10","answerBy":"2026-06-25","answered":"2026-07-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has updated any public health resources on labiaplasty, following the decommissioning of the service.","answerText":"It is not possible to retrospectively determine the number of patients who were on the labiaplasty waiting list at the time the new guidance was issued and the services were decommissioned.\n\nTo date, 14 letters have been received indicating consideration of an appeal for labiaplasty. However, the required appeal documentation has not yet been submitted by the requesting clinicians to the Effective Use of Resources (EUR) Appeals Panel Secretariat. As a result, there is currently insufficient information available for the Panel to consider any of these cases.\n\nCommunication with patients on waiting lists rests with Health and Social Care Trusts. Trusts are expected to inform affected patients where services are no longer commissioned and to provide appropriate advice on next steps, including consideration of alternative pathways where clinically appropriate.\n\nThe EUR policy was reviewed and updated in 2021 and sets out the current commissioning position for a wide range of procedures and treatments, including labiaplasty. The policy reflects emerging clinical evidence from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and other relevant bodies. The policy is available online at: https://online.hscni.net/eur-update-2022/\n\nThe updated criteria were informed by a range of stakeholders including Health Service Consultants, Nurses, Trust Managers, GPs, Royal College of Surgeons representatives, Personal and Public Involvement leads, Public Health and former Health and Social Care Board staff.\n\nIn addition to this a pubic consultation was launched in October 2021 and lasted for a period of 13 weeks. The consultation process offered an opportunity for all stakeholders including primary and secondary care clinicians, patients and the general public to consider and comment on the proposed changes.\n\nIn Northern Ireland, a GP or Consultant may determine that there are exceptional clinical circumstances that mean a patient should undergo the required procedure/intervention. In such cases, the clinician may submit an Effective Use of Resources (EUR) appeal on behalf of the patient. An appeal is considered when the clinician believes the patient’s circumstances are significantly different from others with the same condition and that they are likely to gain greater benefit from the treatment than would normally be expected. All appeals are reviewed by the EUR Appeals Panel, which looks at each case individually to make sure decisions are fair, consistent and transparent.\n\nIn Northern Ireland, labiaplasty is regarded as a predominantly cosmetic procedure and is not routinely commissioned. It is classified, alongside a number of other cosmetic surgical procedures, as a treatment of low clinical priority. The commissioning position in Northern Ireland is consistent with that adopted across other parts of the UK.\n\nThe Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends that female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) should not be undertaken within the NHS unless it is medically indicated, and should not normally be offered to individuals below 18 years of age, due to continued anatomical development during puberty.","answerHtml":"It is not possible to retrospectively determine the number of patients who were on the labiaplasty waiting list at the time the new guidance was issued and the services were decommissioned.
To date, 14 letters have been received indicating consideration of an appeal for labiaplasty. However, the required appeal documentation has not yet been submitted by the requesting clinicians to the Effective Use of Resources (EUR) Appeals Panel Secretariat. As a result, there is currently insufficient information available for the Panel to consider any of these cases.
Communication with patients on waiting lists rests with Health and Social Care Trusts. Trusts are expected to inform affected patients where services are no longer commissioned and to provide appropriate advice on next steps, including consideration of alternative pathways where clinically appropriate.
The EUR policy was reviewed and updated in 2021 and sets out the current commissioning position for a wide range of procedures and treatments, including labiaplasty. The policy reflects emerging clinical evidence from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and other relevant bodies. The policy is available online at: https://online.hscni.net/eur-update-2022/
The updated criteria were informed by a range of stakeholders including Health Service Consultants, Nurses, Trust Managers, GPs, Royal College of Surgeons representatives, Personal and Public Involvement leads, Public Health and former Health and Social Care Board staff.
In addition to this a pubic consultation was launched in October 2021 and lasted for a period of 13 weeks. The consultation process offered an opportunity for all stakeholders including primary and secondary care clinicians, patients and the general public to consider and comment on the proposed changes.
In Northern Ireland, a GP or Consultant may determine that there are exceptional clinical circumstances that mean a patient should undergo the required procedure/intervention. In such cases, the clinician may submit an Effective Use of Resources (EUR) appeal on behalf of the patient. An appeal is considered when the clinician believes the patient’s circumstances are significantly different from others with the same condition and that they are likely to gain greater benefit from the treatment than would normally be expected. All appeals are reviewed by the EUR Appeals Panel, which looks at each case individually to make sure decisions are fair, consistent and transparent.
In Northern Ireland, labiaplasty is regarded as a predominantly cosmetic procedure and is not routinely commissioned. It is classified, alongside a number of other cosmetic surgical procedures, as a treatment of low clinical priority. The commissioning position in Northern Ireland is consistent with that adopted across other parts of the UK.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends that female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) should not be undertaken within the NHS unless it is medically indicated, and should not normally be offered to individuals below 18 years of age, due to continued anatomical development during puberty.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048366%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489536","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489536"}},{"id":"489535","reference":"AQW 48365/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-10","answerBy":"2026-06-25","answered":"2026-07-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of exceptional circumstances applications for labiaplasty, since the point that services were decommissioned.","answerText":"It is not possible to retrospectively determine the number of patients who were on the labiaplasty waiting list at the time the new guidance was issued and the services were decommissioned.\n\nTo date, 14 letters have been received indicating consideration of an appeal for labiaplasty. However, the required appeal documentation has not yet been submitted by the requesting clinicians to the Effective Use of Resources (EUR) Appeals Panel Secretariat. As a result, there is currently insufficient information available for the Panel to consider any of these cases.\n\nCommunication with patients on waiting lists rests with Health and Social Care Trusts. Trusts are expected to inform affected patients where services are no longer commissioned and to provide appropriate advice on next steps, including consideration of alternative pathways where clinically appropriate.\n\nThe EUR policy was reviewed and updated in 2021 and sets out the current commissioning position for a wide range of procedures and treatments, including labiaplasty. The policy reflects emerging clinical evidence from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and other relevant bodies. The policy is available online at: https://online.hscni.net/eur-update-2022/\n\nThe updated criteria were informed by a range of stakeholders including Health Service Consultants, Nurses, Trust Managers, GPs, Royal College of Surgeons representatives, Personal and Public Involvement leads, Public Health and former Health and Social Care Board staff.\n\nIn addition to this a pubic consultation was launched in October 2021 and lasted for a period of 13 weeks. The consultation process offered an opportunity for all stakeholders including primary and secondary care clinicians, patients and the general public to consider and comment on the proposed changes.\n\nIn Northern Ireland, a GP or Consultant may determine that there are exceptional clinical circumstances that mean a patient should undergo the required procedure/intervention. In such cases, the clinician may submit an Effective Use of Resources (EUR) appeal on behalf of the patient. An appeal is considered when the clinician believes the patient’s circumstances are significantly different from others with the same condition and that they are likely to gain greater benefit from the treatment than would normally be expected. All appeals are reviewed by the EUR Appeals Panel, which looks at each case individually to make sure decisions are fair, consistent and transparent.\n\nIn Northern Ireland, labiaplasty is regarded as a predominantly cosmetic procedure and is not routinely commissioned. It is classified, alongside a number of other cosmetic surgical procedures, as a treatment of low clinical priority. The commissioning position in Northern Ireland is consistent with that adopted across other parts of the UK.\n\nThe Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends that female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) should not be undertaken within the NHS unless it is medically indicated, and should not normally be offered to individuals below 18 years of age, due to continued anatomical development during puberty.","answerHtml":"It is not possible to retrospectively determine the number of patients who were on the labiaplasty waiting list at the time the new guidance was issued and the services were decommissioned.
To date, 14 letters have been received indicating consideration of an appeal for labiaplasty. However, the required appeal documentation has not yet been submitted by the requesting clinicians to the Effective Use of Resources (EUR) Appeals Panel Secretariat. As a result, there is currently insufficient information available for the Panel to consider any of these cases.
Communication with patients on waiting lists rests with Health and Social Care Trusts. Trusts are expected to inform affected patients where services are no longer commissioned and to provide appropriate advice on next steps, including consideration of alternative pathways where clinically appropriate.
The EUR policy was reviewed and updated in 2021 and sets out the current commissioning position for a wide range of procedures and treatments, including labiaplasty. The policy reflects emerging clinical evidence from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and other relevant bodies. The policy is available online at: https://online.hscni.net/eur-update-2022/
The updated criteria were informed by a range of stakeholders including Health Service Consultants, Nurses, Trust Managers, GPs, Royal College of Surgeons representatives, Personal and Public Involvement leads, Public Health and former Health and Social Care Board staff.
In addition to this a pubic consultation was launched in October 2021 and lasted for a period of 13 weeks. The consultation process offered an opportunity for all stakeholders including primary and secondary care clinicians, patients and the general public to consider and comment on the proposed changes.
In Northern Ireland, a GP or Consultant may determine that there are exceptional clinical circumstances that mean a patient should undergo the required procedure/intervention. In such cases, the clinician may submit an Effective Use of Resources (EUR) appeal on behalf of the patient. An appeal is considered when the clinician believes the patient’s circumstances are significantly different from others with the same condition and that they are likely to gain greater benefit from the treatment than would normally be expected. All appeals are reviewed by the EUR Appeals Panel, which looks at each case individually to make sure decisions are fair, consistent and transparent.
In Northern Ireland, labiaplasty is regarded as a predominantly cosmetic procedure and is not routinely commissioned. It is classified, alongside a number of other cosmetic surgical procedures, as a treatment of low clinical priority. The commissioning position in Northern Ireland is consistent with that adopted across other parts of the UK.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends that female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) should not be undertaken within the NHS unless it is medically indicated, and should not normally be offered to individuals below 18 years of age, due to continued anatomical development during puberty.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048365%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489535","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489535"}},{"id":"489534","reference":"AQW 48364/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-10","answerBy":"2026-06-25","answered":"2026-07-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of patients on the labiaplasty waiting list at the point when services were decommissioned.","answerText":"It is not possible to retrospectively determine the number of patients who were on the labiaplasty waiting list at the time the new guidance was issued and the services were decommissioned.\n\nTo date, 14 letters have been received indicating consideration of an appeal for labiaplasty. However, the required appeal documentation has not yet been submitted by the requesting clinicians to the Effective Use of Resources (EUR) Appeals Panel Secretariat. As a result, there is currently insufficient information available for the Panel to consider any of these cases.\n\nCommunication with patients on waiting lists rests with Health and Social Care Trusts. Trusts are expected to inform affected patients where services are no longer commissioned and to provide appropriate advice on next steps, including consideration of alternative pathways where clinically appropriate.\n\nThe EUR policy was reviewed and updated in 2021 and sets out the current commissioning position for a wide range of procedures and treatments, including labiaplasty. The policy reflects emerging clinical evidence from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and other relevant bodies. The policy is available online at: https://online.hscni.net/eur-update-2022/\n\nThe updated criteria were informed by a range of stakeholders including Health Service Consultants, Nurses, Trust Managers, GPs, Royal College of Surgeons representatives, Personal and Public Involvement leads, Public Health and former Health and Social Care Board staff.\n\nIn addition to this a pubic consultation was launched in October 2021 and lasted for a period of 13 weeks. The consultation process offered an opportunity for all stakeholders including primary and secondary care clinicians, patients and the general public to consider and comment on the proposed changes.\n\nIn Northern Ireland, a GP or Consultant may determine that there are exceptional clinical circumstances that mean a patient should undergo the required procedure/intervention. In such cases, the clinician may submit an Effective Use of Resources (EUR) appeal on behalf of the patient. An appeal is considered when the clinician believes the patient’s circumstances are significantly different from others with the same condition and that they are likely to gain greater benefit from the treatment than would normally be expected. All appeals are reviewed by the EUR Appeals Panel, which looks at each case individually to make sure decisions are fair, consistent and transparent.\n\nIn Northern Ireland, labiaplasty is regarded as a predominantly cosmetic procedure and is not routinely commissioned. It is classified, alongside a number of other cosmetic surgical procedures, as a treatment of low clinical priority. The commissioning position in Northern Ireland is consistent with that adopted across other parts of the UK.\n\nThe Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends that female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) should not be undertaken within the NHS unless it is medically indicated, and should not normally be offered to individuals below 18 years of age, due to continued anatomical development during puberty.","answerHtml":"It is not possible to retrospectively determine the number of patients who were on the labiaplasty waiting list at the time the new guidance was issued and the services were decommissioned.
To date, 14 letters have been received indicating consideration of an appeal for labiaplasty. However, the required appeal documentation has not yet been submitted by the requesting clinicians to the Effective Use of Resources (EUR) Appeals Panel Secretariat. As a result, there is currently insufficient information available for the Panel to consider any of these cases.
Communication with patients on waiting lists rests with Health and Social Care Trusts. Trusts are expected to inform affected patients where services are no longer commissioned and to provide appropriate advice on next steps, including consideration of alternative pathways where clinically appropriate.
The EUR policy was reviewed and updated in 2021 and sets out the current commissioning position for a wide range of procedures and treatments, including labiaplasty. The policy reflects emerging clinical evidence from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and other relevant bodies. The policy is available online at: https://online.hscni.net/eur-update-2022/
The updated criteria were informed by a range of stakeholders including Health Service Consultants, Nurses, Trust Managers, GPs, Royal College of Surgeons representatives, Personal and Public Involvement leads, Public Health and former Health and Social Care Board staff.
In addition to this a pubic consultation was launched in October 2021 and lasted for a period of 13 weeks. The consultation process offered an opportunity for all stakeholders including primary and secondary care clinicians, patients and the general public to consider and comment on the proposed changes.
In Northern Ireland, a GP or Consultant may determine that there are exceptional clinical circumstances that mean a patient should undergo the required procedure/intervention. In such cases, the clinician may submit an Effective Use of Resources (EUR) appeal on behalf of the patient. An appeal is considered when the clinician believes the patient’s circumstances are significantly different from others with the same condition and that they are likely to gain greater benefit from the treatment than would normally be expected. All appeals are reviewed by the EUR Appeals Panel, which looks at each case individually to make sure decisions are fair, consistent and transparent.
In Northern Ireland, labiaplasty is regarded as a predominantly cosmetic procedure and is not routinely commissioned. It is classified, alongside a number of other cosmetic surgical procedures, as a treatment of low clinical priority. The commissioning position in Northern Ireland is consistent with that adopted across other parts of the UK.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends that female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) should not be undertaken within the NHS unless it is medically indicated, and should not normally be offered to individuals below 18 years of age, due to continued anatomical development during puberty.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048364%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489534","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489534"}},{"id":"489297","reference":"AQW 48254/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-09","answerBy":"2026-06-12","answered":"2026-06-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of live investigations by the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman that the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust is not responding to.","answerText":"The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust currently has 73 cases open being actively progressed:\n\n53 cases where South Eastern Trust have responded to NIPSO who are considering the information or undertaking further investigation;\n\n20 cases where NIPSO have requested information and South Eastern Trust are actively progressing to provide a response.\n\nIn line with the Public Services Ombudsman Act (Northern Ireland) 2016, as a listed authority, the Trust must comply with the requests made by the Ombudsman’s office. If any person obstructs the Ombudsman in the performance of it’s function, the Ombudsman may certify the offence to the High Court. All Trusts have a legal obligation to respond to all NIPSO requests.\n\nPlease see below excerpt from the Public Services Ombudsman Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 https://www.nipso.org.uk/sites/default/files/2023-06/NIPSO-Act.pdf","answerHtml":"The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust currently has 73 cases open being actively progressed:
53 cases where South Eastern Trust have responded to NIPSO who are considering the information or undertaking further investigation;
20 cases where NIPSO have requested information and South Eastern Trust are actively progressing to provide a response.
In line with the Public Services Ombudsman Act (Northern Ireland) 2016, as a listed authority, the Trust must comply with the requests made by the Ombudsman’s office. If any person obstructs the Ombudsman in the performance of it’s function, the Ombudsman may certify the offence to the High Court. All Trusts have a legal obligation to respond to all NIPSO requests.
Please see below excerpt from the Public Services Ombudsman Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 https://www.nipso.org.uk/sites/default/files/2023-06/NIPSO-Act.pdf
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048254%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489297","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489297"}},{"id":"489296","reference":"AQW 48253/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-09","answerBy":"2026-06-24","answered":"2026-08-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the amount of funding that has been distributed by the Education Commissioning Group for allied health professionals, in each year since 2020.","answerText":"Since the roll‑out of the encompass, incidents of unauthorised access to patient records by staff have been recorded and managed by individual Health and Social Care Trusts in line with established information governance procedures, including, where appropriate, notification to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).\n\nThe position by Trust is as follows:\n\nSouth Eastern Health and Social Care Trust: 9 incidents of unauthorised access by staff in 2024/25 and fewer than 5 incidents in 2025/26, since go‑live of encompass in November 2023.\n\nBelfast Health and Social Care Trust: 16 incidents of unauthorised access by staff since go‑live of encompass in June 2024.\n\nNorthern Health and Social Care Trust: 8 incidents of unauthorised access by staff since go‑live of encompass in November 2024.\n\nWestern Health and Social Care Trust: 2 incidents of unauthorised access by staff since go‑live of encompass in May 2025.\n\nSouthern Health and Social Care Trust: fewer than 5 incidents of unauthorised access by staff since go‑live of encompass in May 2025.","answerHtml":"Since the roll‑out of the encompass, incidents of unauthorised access to patient records by staff have been recorded and managed by individual Health and Social Care Trusts in line with established information governance procedures, including, where appropriate, notification to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
The position by Trust is as follows:
South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust: 9 incidents of unauthorised access by staff in 2024/25 and fewer than 5 incidents in 2025/26, since go‑live of encompass in November 2023.
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust: 16 incidents of unauthorised access by staff since go‑live of encompass in June 2024.
Northern Health and Social Care Trust: 8 incidents of unauthorised access by staff since go‑live of encompass in November 2024.
Western Health and Social Care Trust: 2 incidents of unauthorised access by staff since go‑live of encompass in May 2025.
Southern Health and Social Care Trust: fewer than 5 incidents of unauthorised access by staff since go‑live of encompass in May 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048253%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489296","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489296"}},{"id":"489295","reference":"AQW 48252/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-09","answerBy":"2026-06-24","answered":"2026-06-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any engagement his Department has undertaken with (i) Health and Social Care Trusts; (ii) universities; and (iii) professional bodies, in relation to the capacity of practice education provision for allied health profession students, in the last five years.","answerText":"Updated recommendations on practice education provision for allied health professions have been developed through a subgroup of Advisory Committee for Allied Health Professions which has representation from all the Health and Social Care Trusts, the Ulster University and other key stakeholders.\n\nThose recommendations are being considered in light of current resourcing pressures.\n\nAs part of the undergraduate training commissioning process, my Department currently allocates £70 per week per student to support Trusts to provide practice education opportunities for students training in the allied health professions.","answerHtml":"Updated recommendations on practice education provision for allied health professions have been developed through a subgroup of Advisory Committee for Allied Health Professions which has representation from all the Health and Social Care Trusts, the Ulster University and other key stakeholders.
Those recommendations are being considered in light of current resourcing pressures.
As part of the undergraduate training commissioning process, my Department currently allocates £70 per week per student to support Trusts to provide practice education opportunities for students training in the allied health professions.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048252%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489295","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489295"}},{"id":"489294","reference":"AQW 48251/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-09","answerBy":"2026-06-24","answered":"2026-06-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any arrangements his Department has in place to support practice education capacity across the allied health professions.","answerText":"As part of the undergraduate training commissioning process, my Department currently allocates £70 per week per student to support Trusts to provide practice education opportunities for students training in the allied health professions.\n\nUpdated recommendations on practice education provision for the allied health professions have been developed by a subgroup of the Advisory Committee for Allied Health Professions which has representation from all the Health and Social Care Trusts, the Ulster University, my Department’s Workforce Policy Directorate and other key stakeholders.\n\nThose recommendations are being considered in light of current resourcing pressures.","answerHtml":"As part of the undergraduate training commissioning process, my Department currently allocates £70 per week per student to support Trusts to provide practice education opportunities for students training in the allied health professions.
Updated recommendations on practice education provision for the allied health professions have been developed by a subgroup of the Advisory Committee for Allied Health Professions which has representation from all the Health and Social Care Trusts, the Ulster University, my Department’s Workforce Policy Directorate and other key stakeholders.
Those recommendations are being considered in light of current resourcing pressures.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048251%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489294","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489294"}},{"id":"489293","reference":"AQW 48250/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-09","answerBy":"2026-06-24","answered":"2026-06-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on the development of a public sector apprenticeship strategy.","answerText":"My Department has not committed to developing a standalone public sector apprenticeship strategy and there are no current plans to do so.\n\nThe Apprenticeship Action Plan commits my officials to working across departments and with public sector employers to develop tailored pathways and strengthen collaboration to build the future public sector workforce.\n\nMy officials continue to engage with public sector employers to explore how we can maximise public sector apprenticeship opportunities within the current funding framework, build the skills and talent pipeline for public service employers, and help shape our policy in this area.\n\nHowever, while this work is being considered within existing and contingency planning budgets, ongoing budget pressures may limit how far we can take this work forward at this time.\n\nI will continue to make the case for increased funding for skills and apprenticeships.","answerHtml":"My Department has not committed to developing a standalone public sector apprenticeship strategy and there are no current plans to do so.
The Apprenticeship Action Plan commits my officials to working across departments and with public sector employers to develop tailored pathways and strengthen collaboration to build the future public sector workforce.
My officials continue to engage with public sector employers to explore how we can maximise public sector apprenticeship opportunities within the current funding framework, build the skills and talent pipeline for public service employers, and help shape our policy in this area.
However, while this work is being considered within existing and contingency planning budgets, ongoing budget pressures may limit how far we can take this work forward at this time.
I will continue to make the case for increased funding for skills and apprenticeships.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048250%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=489293","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=489293"}},{"id":"488735","reference":"AQW 48018/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-05","answerBy":"2026-06-10","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health (i) whether his Department will endorse the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence approval of mirvetuximab soravtansine (for the treatment of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer; and (ii) to detail any steps that are being taken to ensure timely access for eligible patients.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048018%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488735","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488735"}},{"id":"488734","reference":"AQW 48017/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-05","answerBy":"2026-06-22","answered":"2026-06-22","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 development of his Department's Gender Equality Strategy.","answerText":"I met with representatives from the Women’s sector recently to discuss a range of issues, including development of the Gender Equality Strategy.\n\nWhile my Department is leading on the development of the Gender Equality Strategy, final decisions on its content, publication and implementation will be subject to Executive agreement and public consultation.\n\nI am currently considering next steps for the further development of the Gender Equality Strategy.","answerHtml":"I met with representatives from the Women’s sector recently to discuss a range of issues, including development of the Gender Equality Strategy.
While my Department is leading on the development of the Gender Equality Strategy, final decisions on its content, publication and implementation will be subject to Executive agreement and public consultation.
I am currently considering next steps for the further development of the Gender Equality Strategy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048017%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488734","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488734"}},{"id":"488733","reference":"AQW 48016/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-05","answerBy":"2026-06-22","answered":"2026-06-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any work his Department is undertaking to increase the early diagnosis of prostate cancer.","answerText":"Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in Northern Ireland and often presents with no symptoms in its early stages, making timely access to appropriate assessment and diagnostic services key. Improving early diagnosis is therefore a key priority within urology services.\n\nA number of measures are being taken to increase early diagnosis rates. Primary care plays a vital role in early detection. The Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN) provides primary care suspect cancer referral guidelines and GPs are supported to undertake appropriate assessment, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and clinical examination for men with symptoms or increased risk. Regular education sessions have been delivered for GPs and primary care teams, in partnership with Health and Social Care Trusts, Macmillan GP facilitators and NICaN, to improve recognition of potential cancer symptoms and support timely referral.\n\nImproving access to diagnostic services is another key component. Investment in two regional, rapid diagnostics centres has created additional CT and MRI imaging capacity for cancer diagnosis with MRI sessions ringfenced at both sites specifically for pre-biopsy prostate imaging. This is an essential and recommended first step in the prostate cancer diagnostic pathway.\n\nIn addition, as part of the Elective Care Framework Implementation and Funding Plan, £7m is being invested to expand urology capacity across health and social care trusts. This investment will help to better align capacity and demand and support a reduction in waiting times for all aspects of the urology service which includes prostate cancer.\n\nOverall, these actions reflect a multi-faceted approach to improving early diagnosis of prostate cancer, combining primary care education and engagement, enhanced diagnostic capacity and strengthening of the urology services workforce.","answerHtml":"Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in Northern Ireland and often presents with no symptoms in its early stages, making timely access to appropriate assessment and diagnostic services key. Improving early diagnosis is therefore a key priority within urology services.
A number of measures are being taken to increase early diagnosis rates. Primary care plays a vital role in early detection. The Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN) provides primary care suspect cancer referral guidelines and GPs are supported to undertake appropriate assessment, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and clinical examination for men with symptoms or increased risk. Regular education sessions have been delivered for GPs and primary care teams, in partnership with Health and Social Care Trusts, Macmillan GP facilitators and NICaN, to improve recognition of potential cancer symptoms and support timely referral.
Improving access to diagnostic services is another key component. Investment in two regional, rapid diagnostics centres has created additional CT and MRI imaging capacity for cancer diagnosis with MRI sessions ringfenced at both sites specifically for pre-biopsy prostate imaging. This is an essential and recommended first step in the prostate cancer diagnostic pathway.
In addition, as part of the Elective Care Framework Implementation and Funding Plan, £7m is being invested to expand urology capacity across health and social care trusts. This investment will help to better align capacity and demand and support a reduction in waiting times for all aspects of the urology service which includes prostate cancer.
Overall, these actions reflect a multi-faceted approach to improving early diagnosis of prostate cancer, combining primary care education and engagement, enhanced diagnostic capacity and strengthening of the urology services workforce.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048016%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488733","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488733"}},{"id":"488732","reference":"AQW 48015/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-05","answerBy":"2026-06-22","answered":"2026-06-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health (i) whether any assessment has been made of access to homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) testing for ovarian cancer patient; (ii) whether patients diagnosed prior to February 2026 are eligible for HRD testing; and (iii) to detail any steps he is taking to ensure that patients are not excluded from accessing testing based on the date of their diagnosis.","answerText":"My department is aware of the importance of homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) testing in supporting optimal treatment pathways for ovarian cancer patients. Genomic profiling of cancers using next generation sequencing (NGS) was introduced in Northern Ireland (NI) in February 2022. While this represented a significant step forward, the panel in use at that time did not include the capability to assess HRD status.\n\nIn March 2026, services transitioned to a new testing provider, enabling access to HRD testing through a send-away model. The introduction of this enhanced testing capability was communicated in advance to Oncology and Pathology teams to ensure appropriate clinical uptake. Work is ongoing to consider the longer-term development of in-house sequencing capability, subject to the availability of the necessary infrastructure and equipment.\n\nAll ovarian cancer patients in Northern Ireland can now access HRD testing, regardless of when they were diagnosed. A retrospective testing approach, alongside testing for newly diagnosed patients, ensures equitable access for both current and previously diagnosed patients.\n\nMy department will continue to monitor service provision and work with clinical teams to ensure that access to appropriate genomic testing supports the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care for ovarian cancer patients.","answerHtml":"My department is aware of the importance of homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) testing in supporting optimal treatment pathways for ovarian cancer patients. Genomic profiling of cancers using next generation sequencing (NGS) was introduced in Northern Ireland (NI) in February 2022. While this represented a significant step forward, the panel in use at that time did not include the capability to assess HRD status.
In March 2026, services transitioned to a new testing provider, enabling access to HRD testing through a send-away model. The introduction of this enhanced testing capability was communicated in advance to Oncology and Pathology teams to ensure appropriate clinical uptake. Work is ongoing to consider the longer-term development of in-house sequencing capability, subject to the availability of the necessary infrastructure and equipment.
All ovarian cancer patients in Northern Ireland can now access HRD testing, regardless of when they were diagnosed. A retrospective testing approach, alongside testing for newly diagnosed patients, ensures equitable access for both current and previously diagnosed patients.
My department will continue to monitor service provision and work with clinical teams to ensure that access to appropriate genomic testing supports the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care for ovarian cancer patients.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048015%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488732","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488732"}},{"id":"488731","reference":"AQW 48014/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-05","answerBy":"2026-06-22","answered":"2026-06-22","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 his Department's work relating to Ballycopeland Windmill.","answerText":"An operator has been appointed following a tender competition which closed on 15 April 2026. They are currently working through their mobilisation plan with the intention of reopening Ballycopeland Windmill and the café in August 2026.\n\nMy Department will carry out planned preventative maintenance at the site this year.","answerHtml":"An operator has been appointed following a tender competition which closed on 15 April 2026. They are currently working through their mobilisation plan with the intention of reopening Ballycopeland Windmill and the café in August 2026.
My Department will carry out planned preventative maintenance at the site this year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2048014%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488731","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488731"}},{"id":"488459","reference":"AQW 47896/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-04","answerBy":"2026-06-19","answered":"2026-06-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department monitors the (i) total number; and (ii) geographical spread of speed indicator devices, across Northern Ireland.","answerText":"Speed Indicator Devices fall under the remit of the Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSP) I would advise the member to discuss specific locations directly with the PCSP.\n\nMy Department works in partnership with the above-mentioned bodies to ensure their safe and managed placement through developed policy Speed Indicator Devices DEM 191/23 (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk).","answerHtml":"Speed Indicator Devices fall under the remit of the Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSP) I would advise the member to discuss specific locations directly with the PCSP.
My Department works in partnership with the above-mentioned bodies to ensure their safe and managed placement through developed policy Speed Indicator Devices DEM 191/23 (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047896%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488459","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488459"}},{"id":"488458","reference":"AQW 47895/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-04","answerBy":"2026-06-19","answered":"2026-06-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department plans to review the criteria for the renewing of licences to the Driver and Vehicle Agency.","answerText":"The Department has no current plans to amend the criteria for applications to renew car driving licences.\n\nAny concerns relating to an individual case can be directed to the DVA Driver Licensing Division at driverlicensingenquiries@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.","answerHtml":"The Department has no current plans to amend the criteria for applications to renew car driving licences.
Any concerns relating to an individual case can be directed to the DVA Driver Licensing Division at driverlicensingenquiries@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047895%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488458","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488458"}},{"id":"488457","reference":"AQW 47894/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-04","answerBy":"2026-06-19","answered":"2026-06-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any steps his Department is taking in response to the publication of the Katie Simpson Review.","answerText":"Safeguarding remains a key priority and my Department has in place safeguarding guidance for its Arm’s Length Bodies which provides advice and assistance in ensuring that robust systems and procedures are in place to safeguard the welfare of children and adults at risk.\n\nAs this is also an operational matter for my Department’s ALBs, I have sought the requested information and they have provided me with responses. Due to the volume of information provided, I have arranged for the detail to be placed in the Assembly Library.","answerHtml":"Safeguarding remains a key priority and my Department has in place safeguarding guidance for its Arm’s Length Bodies which provides advice and assistance in ensuring that robust systems and procedures are in place to safeguard the welfare of children and adults at risk.
As this is also an operational matter for my Department’s ALBs, I have sought the requested information and they have provided me with responses. Due to the volume of information provided, I have arranged for the detail to be placed in the Assembly Library.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047894%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488457","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488457"}},{"id":"488456","reference":"AQW 47893/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-04","answerBy":"2026-06-19","answered":"2026-06-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department is taking in response to the Katie Simpson Review.","answerText":"My Department recognises the importance of the Katie Simpson Review and is committed to supporting implementation of its recommendations through the regional Working Group established to oversee their delivery.\n\nMy Department issued a letter on the 27th of May 2026 to raise awareness of the Report and highlight key learning points relevant to Health and Social Care. Included in this were three immediate actions for Health and Social Care Trusts, namely:\n\nCascade Learning - Ensure that all frontline Emergency Department staff, including consultants, nursing staff and triage teams, receive an awareness briefing on the findings of the Review. Learning to be disseminated through existing governance, professional and learning and development structures.\n\nTraining and Development - Ensure staff are able to recognise indicators of domestic abuse and coercive control, including where injuries may be presented as accidental (e.g. falls/sports injuries). Induction and refresher training to be strengthened to support recognition of patterns across multiple attendances and the importance of viewing presentations in the context of previous visits and safeguarding processes.\n\nReview of Safeguarding Triggers and Systems - Ensuring that all Emergency Department attendances involving physical injury prompt appropriate safeguarding consideration, particularly where domestic abuse may be a factor or where there are repeat presentations. Review of current safeguarding systems and flagging processes to ensure they are sufficient to identify individuals presenting on multiple occasions.\n\nHealth and Social Care Trusts are now implementing actions to improve practice and strengthen safeguarding arrangements. This includes establishing governance and assurance arrangements to oversee the implementation of recommendations and enhanced training on domestic abuse, including targeted provision for Emergency Department staff.\n\nMy Department continues to work with the Department of Justice, PSNI and Health and Social Care Trusts to develop new Domestic Abuse Risk Response arrangements to replace MARAC. A new model has been agreed, early practical changes have already been implemented, and full rollout is expected in the 2026/27 financial year.\n\nSubject to funding, my Department will also work closely with the Public Health Agency to scope the feasibility of extending Routine Enquiry into additional Health and Social Care settings.","answerHtml":"My Department recognises the importance of the Katie Simpson Review and is committed to supporting implementation of its recommendations through the regional Working Group established to oversee their delivery.
My Department issued a letter on the 27th of May 2026 to raise awareness of the Report and highlight key learning points relevant to Health and Social Care. Included in this were three immediate actions for Health and Social Care Trusts, namely:
Cascade Learning - Ensure that all frontline Emergency Department staff, including consultants, nursing staff and triage teams, receive an awareness briefing on the findings of the Review. Learning to be disseminated through existing governance, professional and learning and development structures.
Training and Development - Ensure staff are able to recognise indicators of domestic abuse and coercive control, including where injuries may be presented as accidental (e.g. falls/sports injuries). Induction and refresher training to be strengthened to support recognition of patterns across multiple attendances and the importance of viewing presentations in the context of previous visits and safeguarding processes.
Review of Safeguarding Triggers and Systems - Ensuring that all Emergency Department attendances involving physical injury prompt appropriate safeguarding consideration, particularly where domestic abuse may be a factor or where there are repeat presentations. Review of current safeguarding systems and flagging processes to ensure they are sufficient to identify individuals presenting on multiple occasions.
Health and Social Care Trusts are now implementing actions to improve practice and strengthen safeguarding arrangements. This includes establishing governance and assurance arrangements to oversee the implementation of recommendations and enhanced training on domestic abuse, including targeted provision for Emergency Department staff.
My Department continues to work with the Department of Justice, PSNI and Health and Social Care Trusts to develop new Domestic Abuse Risk Response arrangements to replace MARAC. A new model has been agreed, early practical changes have already been implemented, and full rollout is expected in the 2026/27 financial year.
Subject to funding, my Department will also work closely with the Public Health Agency to scope the feasibility of extending Routine Enquiry into additional Health and Social Care settings.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047893%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488456","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488456"}},{"id":"488455","reference":"AQW 47892/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-04","answerBy":"2026-06-19","answered":"2026-07-30","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 any health service orthodontist provision that is available in North Down.","answerText":"Currently there is 1 specialist orthodontic practice in the North Down constituency, with 3 dentists having an arrangement to provide health service dentistry. Details are provided in Table 1 below. Business Services Organisation (BSO) does not hold any information in relation to dental practices that are wholly private.\n\nDental Practice\tPractice Address\tDentist Name\nNORTH DOWN DENTAL AND IMPLANT CLINIC\t2 BINGHAM LANE, BANGOR, BT20 5DR\tJ A FINLAY\nMR CONOR ARMSTRONG\nMR KARL GRIMES\n\nTable 1: HSC Dentists at specialist orthodontic practices in North Down Assembly Area\n\nInformation supplied by SPPG as at 5th June 2026.\n\nOutside North Down there are an additional 24 specialist orthodontic practices in Northern Ireland. Patients can be referred by their general dental practitioner to any of these specialist practices.","answerHtml":"Currently there is 1 specialist orthodontic practice in the North Down constituency, with 3 dentists having an arrangement to provide health service dentistry. Details are provided in Table 1 below. Business Services Organisation (BSO) does not hold any information in relation to dental practices that are wholly private.
| Dental Practice | Practice Address | Dentist Name |
| NORTH DOWN DENTAL AND IMPLANT CLINIC | 2 BINGHAM LANE, BANGOR, BT20 5DR | J A FINLAY |
| MR CONOR ARMSTRONG | ||
| MR KARL GRIMES |
Table 1: HSC Dentists at specialist orthodontic practices in North Down Assembly Area
Information supplied by SPPG as at 5th June 2026.
Outside North Down there are an additional 24 specialist orthodontic practices in Northern Ireland. Patients can be referred by their general dental practitioner to any of these specialist practices.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047892%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488455","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488455"}},{"id":"488143","reference":"AQW 47777/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-03","answerBy":"2026-06-18","answered":"2026-07-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department has ringfenced funding for additional speed indicator devices, in the 2026-27 budget.","answerText":"Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSPs) are responsible for Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs), and they are funded by the Department of Justice through the Northern Ireland Policing Board.\n\nMy Department works in partnership with the above-mentioned bodies to ensure their safe and managed placement through developed policy Speed Indicator Devices DEM 191/23 (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk).","answerHtml":"Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSPs) are responsible for Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs), and they are funded by the Department of Justice through the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
My Department works in partnership with the above-mentioned bodies to ensure their safe and managed placement through developed policy Speed Indicator Devices DEM 191/23 (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047777%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488143","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488143"}},{"id":"488142","reference":"AQW 47776/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-03","answerBy":"2026-06-18","answered":"2026-06-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any therapeutic support his Department issues child maintenance officers.","answerText":"The Child Maintenance Service offers therapeutic support to staff through the use of Safe Space Advocates and Mental Health First Aiders, who provide confidential, non-judgemental support and signposting to further support services if appropriate. The Child Maintenance Service also offers daily one-to-one support to staff who handle potentially difficult phone calls.\n\nThe Department also has a range of other support available for staff, including:\n\nWelfare Support Services – Support for personal, domestic, social and work-related issues.\n\nLena by Inspire – Confidential 24/7 wellbeing support, including one-to-one counselling.\n\nWork Psychology Service – includes wellbeing initiatives, Well Champions, health checks and an online Wellbeing Hub.\n\nNICS Staff Networks – Peer support, awareness and inclusion across a range of groups.\n\nNICS Learning and Development – Practical training and resources on stress management, resilience and wellbeing.\n\nThe Charity for Civil Servants – Wellbeing support, financial advice and potential financial assistance via self-referral.","answerHtml":"The Child Maintenance Service offers therapeutic support to staff through the use of Safe Space Advocates and Mental Health First Aiders, who provide confidential, non-judgemental support and signposting to further support services if appropriate. The Child Maintenance Service also offers daily one-to-one support to staff who handle potentially difficult phone calls.
The Department also has a range of other support available for staff, including:
Welfare Support Services – Support for personal, domestic, social and work-related issues.
Lena by Inspire – Confidential 24/7 wellbeing support, including one-to-one counselling.
Work Psychology Service – includes wellbeing initiatives, Well Champions, health checks and an online Wellbeing Hub.
NICS Staff Networks – Peer support, awareness and inclusion across a range of groups.
NICS Learning and Development – Practical training and resources on stress management, resilience and wellbeing.
The Charity for Civil Servants – Wellbeing support, financial advice and potential financial assistance via self-referral.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047776%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488142","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488142"}},{"id":"488141","reference":"AQW 47775/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-03","answerBy":"2026-06-18","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail how his Department and the health services work with the Probation Board for Northern Ireland.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047775%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488141","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488141"}},{"id":"488140","reference":"AQW 47774/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-03","answerBy":"2026-06-18","answered":"2026-06-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the last time travel vaccinations provided under the General Medical Services contract were updated.","answerText":"The last amendment to travel vaccinations provided under the General Medical Services contract was made under the ‘Statement for Financial Entitlements’ in 2013/14.","answerHtml":"The last amendment to travel vaccinations provided under the General Medical Services contract was made under the ‘Statement for Financial Entitlements’ in 2013/14.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047774%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488140","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488140"}},{"id":"488139","reference":"AQW 47773/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-03","answerBy":"2026-06-18","answered":"2026-06-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 44324/22-27, to detail any criteria his Department uses to select vaccinations available for travel under the General Medical Services contract.","answerText":"Travel vaccinations offered by General Practitioners in Northern Ireland under the General Medical Services (GMS) contract are based on recommendations of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and the advice of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The JCVI is an independent expert advisory body that provides scientific, evidence-based recommendations to UK health departments on immunisation and vaccine policy. UKHSA advice for health professionals on travel vaccinations is provided in the UKHSA ‘Immunisation Against Infectious Disease’, also known as ‘the Green Book’.\n\nResponsibility for developing, reviewing and updating the General Medical Services contract falls under the remit of Primary Care in the Department of Health, working with key stakeholders, including the British Medical Association’s representative body, the Northern Ireland General Practitioners Committee. Vaccination for travel has been contained in the GMS Statement for Financial Entitlements since 2013/14 and are based on the recommendations within the Green Book.","answerHtml":"Travel vaccinations offered by General Practitioners in Northern Ireland under the General Medical Services (GMS) contract are based on recommendations of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and the advice of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The JCVI is an independent expert advisory body that provides scientific, evidence-based recommendations to UK health departments on immunisation and vaccine policy. UKHSA advice for health professionals on travel vaccinations is provided in the UKHSA ‘Immunisation Against Infectious Disease’, also known as ‘the Green Book’.
Responsibility for developing, reviewing and updating the General Medical Services contract falls under the remit of Primary Care in the Department of Health, working with key stakeholders, including the British Medical Association’s representative body, the Northern Ireland General Practitioners Committee. Vaccination for travel has been contained in the GMS Statement for Financial Entitlements since 2013/14 and are based on the recommendations within the Green Book.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047773%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=488139","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=488139"}},{"id":"487920","reference":"AQW 47656/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-02","answerBy":"2026-06-17","answered":"2026-06-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail how his Department engages with the Probation Board of Northern Ireland on housing need.","answerText":"This issue is an operational matter for Northern Ireland Housing Executive; they have advised me as follows:\n\n“The Supporting People (SP) Programme, which is administered by the Housing Executive on behalf of the Department for Communities provides grant funding towards the provision of housing support services to enable vulnerable people to live as independently as possible in the community. This includes short-term accommodation-based services for those in housing need, including the provision of Approved Premises.\n\nThe SP Programme provides grant funding to four Approved Premises for ‘Offenders or People at risk of Offending’ and to three services for ‘Single Homeless with Support Needs’ which have a number of approved beds. Referrals to these approved units are managed by the Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI).\n\nThe Housing Executive engages with the PBNI through SP governance structures including the Homeless Regional Thematic Group and the SP Strategic Advisory Board, both of which PBNI is a member.\n\nOperationally, the Housing Executive supports individuals with housing requirements on a case-by-case basis through the housing and homelessness assessment process. This support is provided directly to the individual household and is based on their specific circumstances.”","answerHtml":"This issue is an operational matter for Northern Ireland Housing Executive; they have advised me as follows:
“The Supporting People (SP) Programme, which is administered by the Housing Executive on behalf of the Department for Communities provides grant funding towards the provision of housing support services to enable vulnerable people to live as independently as possible in the community. This includes short-term accommodation-based services for those in housing need, including the provision of Approved Premises.
The SP Programme provides grant funding to four Approved Premises for ‘Offenders or People at risk of Offending’ and to three services for ‘Single Homeless with Support Needs’ which have a number of approved beds. Referrals to these approved units are managed by the Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI).
The Housing Executive engages with the PBNI through SP governance structures including the Homeless Regional Thematic Group and the SP Strategic Advisory Board, both of which PBNI is a member.
Operationally, the Housing Executive supports individuals with housing requirements on a case-by-case basis through the housing and homelessness assessment process. This support is provided directly to the individual household and is based on their specific circumstances.”
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047656%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487920","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487920"}},{"id":"487919","reference":"AQW 47655/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-02","answerBy":"2026-06-17","answered":"2026-06-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department coordinates any specific mental health support for further education students.","answerText":"The Mental Health Strategy (MHS) 2021-2031 places a strong emphasis on promoting mental health and early intervention, including for students in both higher and further education. For example, MHS Actions 1 and 2, which relate to early intervention and prevention, focus on developing a settings-based approach across education, while MHS Action 8 commits to establishing dedicated support for student mental health across tertiary education through existing services.\n\nTo support the delivery of MHS Actions 1 and 2, a multiagency group led by the Public Health Agency has been established, with representation from the Department for the Economy, further and higher education, training providers and Health and Social Care Trusts. This work has included a workshop in October 2025 to share good practice and identify opportunities to strengthen a holistic approach to student and trainee mental health and wellbeing. In addition, a small grants programme has supported initiatives across education and training settings, with 17 projects funded between April 2023 and March 2026 as shown in the table below:\n\nOrganisation\tFunding Received\tProjects delivered\tTime Period\nFurther Education Colleges\t£81,000\t11\tApr 2023 – Mar 2026\nHigh Education organisations (UU & QUB)\t£60,000\t6\tApr 2023 – Mar 2026\n\nThere have been a wide variety of initiatives delivered through these initiatives, including; development of resources, delivery of wellness programmes, one to one mentoring and support services; awareness raising workshops and therapeutic activities and staff training.\n\nIn relation to MHS Action 8, a Student Mental Health Service (SMHS) pilot established in 2019 in the Belfast Trust area between Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT), Queen’s University (QUB) and Ulster University (UU), has provided an early intervention service for students. The findings from this pilot service are informing decisions on the development of a future regional model for student mental health services in the higher education sector.\n\nUlster University has recently confirmed that it will not continue participation in the pilot beyond the current 2025/26 academic year due to its current funding constraints. While new referrals for UU students into the SMHS pilot ceased from 31 May 2026, BHSCT has confirmed that arrangements remain in place to support students requiring specialist (Step 3) mental health care. Referral pathways continue to operate as normal and are clinically assessed and managed as part of existing processes.\n\nWork is now progressing between BHSCT and QUB to explore a revised model for the continued delivery of the pilot service, subject to the necessary approvals. The Department remains committed to working collaboratively with partners to strengthen support for student mental health.","answerHtml":"The Mental Health Strategy (MHS) 2021-2031 places a strong emphasis on promoting mental health and early intervention, including for students in both higher and further education. For example, MHS Actions 1 and 2, which relate to early intervention and prevention, focus on developing a settings-based approach across education, while MHS Action 8 commits to establishing dedicated support for student mental health across tertiary education through existing services.
To support the delivery of MHS Actions 1 and 2, a multiagency group led by the Public Health Agency has been established, with representation from the Department for the Economy, further and higher education, training providers and Health and Social Care Trusts. This work has included a workshop in October 2025 to share good practice and identify opportunities to strengthen a holistic approach to student and trainee mental health and wellbeing. In addition, a small grants programme has supported initiatives across education and training settings, with 17 projects funded between April 2023 and March 2026 as shown in the table below:
| Organisation | Funding Received | Projects delivered | Time Period |
| Further Education Colleges | £81,000 | 11 | Apr 2023 – Mar 2026 |
| High Education organisations (UU & QUB) | £60,000 | 6 | Apr 2023 – Mar 2026 |
There have been a wide variety of initiatives delivered through these initiatives, including; development of resources, delivery of wellness programmes, one to one mentoring and support services; awareness raising workshops and therapeutic activities and staff training.
In relation to MHS Action 8, a Student Mental Health Service (SMHS) pilot established in 2019 in the Belfast Trust area between Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT), Queen’s University (QUB) and Ulster University (UU), has provided an early intervention service for students. The findings from this pilot service are informing decisions on the development of a future regional model for student mental health services in the higher education sector.
Ulster University has recently confirmed that it will not continue participation in the pilot beyond the current 2025/26 academic year due to its current funding constraints. While new referrals for UU students into the SMHS pilot ceased from 31 May 2026, BHSCT has confirmed that arrangements remain in place to support students requiring specialist (Step 3) mental health care. Referral pathways continue to operate as normal and are clinically assessed and managed as part of existing processes.
Work is now progressing between BHSCT and QUB to explore a revised model for the continued delivery of the pilot service, subject to the necessary approvals. The Department remains committed to working collaboratively with partners to strengthen support for student mental health.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047655%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487919","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487919"}},{"id":"487918","reference":"AQW 47654/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-02","answerBy":"2026-06-17","answered":"2026-06-29","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 any work to support the mental health of university students.","answerText":"The Mental Health Strategy (MHS) 2021-2031 places a strong emphasis on promoting mental health and early intervention, including for students in both higher and further education. For example, MHS Actions 1 and 2, which relate to early intervention and prevention, focus on developing a settings-based approach across education, while MHS Action 8 commits to establishing dedicated support for student mental health across tertiary education through existing services.\n\nTo support the delivery of MHS Actions 1 and 2, a multiagency group led by the Public Health Agency has been established, with representation from the Department for the Economy, further and higher education, training providers and Health and Social Care Trusts. This work has included a workshop in October 2025 to share good practice and identify opportunities to strengthen a holistic approach to student and trainee mental health and wellbeing. In addition, a small grants programme has supported initiatives across education and training settings, with 17 projects funded between April 2023 and March 2026 as shown in the table below:\n\nOrganisation\tFunding Received\tProjects delivered\tTime Period\nFurther Education Colleges\t£81,000\t11\tApr 2023 – Mar 2026\nHigh Education organisations (UU & QUB)\t£60,000\t6\tApr 2023 – Mar 2026\n\nThere have been a wide variety of initiatives delivered through these initiatives, including; development of resources, delivery of wellness programmes, one to one mentoring and support services; awareness raising workshops and therapeutic activities and staff training.\n\nIn relation to MHS Action 8, a Student Mental Health Service (SMHS) pilot established in 2019 in the Belfast Trust area between Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT), Queen’s University (QUB) and Ulster University (UU), has provided an early intervention service for students. The findings from this pilot service are informing decisions on the development of a future regional model for student mental health services in the higher education sector.\n\nUlster University has recently confirmed that it will not continue participation in the pilot beyond the current 2025/26 academic year due to its current funding constraints. While new referrals for UU students into the SMHS pilot ceased from 31 May 2026, BHSCT has confirmed that arrangements remain in place to support students requiring specialist (Step 3) mental health care. Referral pathways continue to operate as normal and are clinically assessed and managed as part of existing processes.\n\nWork is now progressing between BHSCT and QUB to explore a revised model for the continued delivery of the pilot service, subject to the necessary approvals. The Department remains committed to working collaboratively with partners to strengthen support for student mental health.","answerHtml":"The Mental Health Strategy (MHS) 2021-2031 places a strong emphasis on promoting mental health and early intervention, including for students in both higher and further education. For example, MHS Actions 1 and 2, which relate to early intervention and prevention, focus on developing a settings-based approach across education, while MHS Action 8 commits to establishing dedicated support for student mental health across tertiary education through existing services.
To support the delivery of MHS Actions 1 and 2, a multiagency group led by the Public Health Agency has been established, with representation from the Department for the Economy, further and higher education, training providers and Health and Social Care Trusts. This work has included a workshop in October 2025 to share good practice and identify opportunities to strengthen a holistic approach to student and trainee mental health and wellbeing. In addition, a small grants programme has supported initiatives across education and training settings, with 17 projects funded between April 2023 and March 2026 as shown in the table below:
| Organisation | Funding Received | Projects delivered | Time Period |
| Further Education Colleges | £81,000 | 11 | Apr 2023 – Mar 2026 |
| High Education organisations (UU & QUB) | £60,000 | 6 | Apr 2023 – Mar 2026 |
There have been a wide variety of initiatives delivered through these initiatives, including; development of resources, delivery of wellness programmes, one to one mentoring and support services; awareness raising workshops and therapeutic activities and staff training.
In relation to MHS Action 8, a Student Mental Health Service (SMHS) pilot established in 2019 in the Belfast Trust area between Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT), Queen’s University (QUB) and Ulster University (UU), has provided an early intervention service for students. The findings from this pilot service are informing decisions on the development of a future regional model for student mental health services in the higher education sector.
Ulster University has recently confirmed that it will not continue participation in the pilot beyond the current 2025/26 academic year due to its current funding constraints. While new referrals for UU students into the SMHS pilot ceased from 31 May 2026, BHSCT has confirmed that arrangements remain in place to support students requiring specialist (Step 3) mental health care. Referral pathways continue to operate as normal and are clinically assessed and managed as part of existing processes.
Work is now progressing between BHSCT and QUB to explore a revised model for the continued delivery of the pilot service, subject to the necessary approvals. The Department remains committed to working collaboratively with partners to strengthen support for student mental health.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047654%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487918","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487918"}},{"id":"487917","reference":"AQW 47653/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-02","answerBy":"2026-06-17","answered":"2026-06-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether his Department has placed a statutory limit on the number of examinations GCSE pupils can take each academic year.","answerText":"There is no statutory limit set by the Department of Education on the number of examinations GCSE pupils can take each academic year.","answerHtml":"There is no statutory limit set by the Department of Education on the number of examinations GCSE pupils can take each academic year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047653%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487917","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487917"}},{"id":"487916","reference":"AQW 47652/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-02","answerBy":"2026-06-17","answered":"2026-06-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether his Department collects data on the average number of examinations taken by GCSE pupils each academic year.","answerText":"The department does not hold information on the number of GCSE exam papers individual pupils sit each academic year.","answerHtml":"The department does not hold information on the number of GCSE exam papers individual pupils sit each academic year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047652%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487916","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487916"}},{"id":"487608","reference":"AQW 47533/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-01","answerBy":"2026-06-16","answered":"2026-06-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether any assessment has been made of the cost to the health and social care service arising from undiagnosed coeliac disease and its resultant health complications.","answerText":"Official publications provide counts for broad disease registers, but coeliac disease is not included as a routinely reported condition in those standard breakdowns.\n\nWhile diagnoses of coeliac disease are recorded within healthcare systems, undertaking any cost analysis would necessitate bespoke data extraction. This process would require considerable resources, as it involves manual extraction and subsequent interpretation of the data.","answerHtml":"Official publications provide counts for broad disease registers, but coeliac disease is not included as a routinely reported condition in those standard breakdowns.
While diagnoses of coeliac disease are recorded within healthcare systems, undertaking any cost analysis would necessitate bespoke data extraction. This process would require considerable resources, as it involves manual extraction and subsequent interpretation of the data.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047533%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487608","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487608"}},{"id":"487607","reference":"AQW 47532/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-01","answerBy":"2026-06-16","answered":"2026-06-30","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 endoscopy waiting times.","answerText":"The number of patients waiting for an endoscopy procedure at the end of the last four quarters are shown in the table below, broken down by time band.\n\nQuarter Ending\t0 - 9 Weeks\t9 - 26 Weeks\t26 - 52 Weeks\t52 - 78 Weeks\tOver 78 Weeks\tTotal\n30 June 2025\t5,851\t2,018\t1,285\t642\t2,459\t12,255\n30 September 2025\t5,804\t1,792\t1,345\t588\t1,062\t10,591\n31 December 2025\t5,927\t1,565\t1,070\t309\t459\t9,330\n31 March 2026\t5,679\t1,180\t635\t282\t201\t7,977\n\nSource: Department of Health, Hospital Waiting Time Statistics\n\nBetween 30 June 2025 and 31 March 2026, there has been a 35% reduction in the total number waiting, alongside a 92% reduction in the number of patients waiting in excess of 78 weeks.\n\nMy Department continues to invest in endoscopy capacity to further reduce waiting times. As part of the Elective Care Framework: Implementation and Funding Plan, £13m is being invested to deliver an additional 16,500 endoscopy procedures per year across all Health and Social Care Trusts.","answerHtml":"The number of patients waiting for an endoscopy procedure at the end of the last four quarters are shown in the table below, broken down by time band.
| Quarter Ending | 0 - 9 Weeks | 9 - 26 Weeks | 26 - 52 Weeks | 52 - 78 Weeks | Over 78 Weeks | Total |
| 30 June 2025 | 5,851 | 2,018 | 1,285 | 642 | 2,459 | 12,255 |
| 30 September 2025 | 5,804 | 1,792 | 1,345 | 588 | 1,062 | 10,591 |
| 31 December 2025 | 5,927 | 1,565 | 1,070 | 309 | 459 | 9,330 |
| 31 March 2026 | 5,679 | 1,180 | 635 | 282 | 201 | 7,977 |
Source: Department of Health, Hospital Waiting Time Statistics
Between 30 June 2025 and 31 March 2026, there has been a 35% reduction in the total number waiting, alongside a 92% reduction in the number of patients waiting in excess of 78 weeks.
My Department continues to invest in endoscopy capacity to further reduce waiting times. As part of the Elective Care Framework: Implementation and Funding Plan, £13m is being invested to deliver an additional 16,500 endoscopy procedures per year across all Health and Social Care Trusts.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047532%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487607","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487607"}},{"id":"487606","reference":"AQW 47531/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-01","answerBy":"2026-06-16","answered":"2026-06-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has given any consideration to introducing a dedicated coeliac disease endoscopy pathway.","answerText":"Patients will generally present in the first instance to their GP practice, where primary care professionals will assess symptoms and consider coeliac disease as part of differential diagnosis.\n\nEstablished primary care pathways are in place, including initial blood testing and, where appropriate, referral to secondary care for outpatient assessment and endoscopic investigations to support diagnosis. All patients with a suspected coeliac diagnosis will have access to endoscopy investigations.\n\nThe recent investment committed from my Department through the Elective Care Framework and the NI Cancer Strategy is supporting the expansion of endoscopy services to support and improve access for all patients. This is already having a positive impact with greatly improved endoscopy waiting times.","answerHtml":"Patients will generally present in the first instance to their GP practice, where primary care professionals will assess symptoms and consider coeliac disease as part of differential diagnosis.
Established primary care pathways are in place, including initial blood testing and, where appropriate, referral to secondary care for outpatient assessment and endoscopic investigations to support diagnosis. All patients with a suspected coeliac diagnosis will have access to endoscopy investigations.
The recent investment committed from my Department through the Elective Care Framework and the NI Cancer Strategy is supporting the expansion of endoscopy services to support and improve access for all patients. This is already having a positive impact with greatly improved endoscopy waiting times.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047531%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487606","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487606"}},{"id":"487605","reference":"AQW 47530/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-01","answerBy":"2026-06-16","answered":"2026-06-16","answeredOrally":false,"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 work to address drink spiking.","answerText":"As you may be aware, the UK Crime and Policing Act 2026 achieved Royal Assent on 29 April 2026.\n\nThe Act repeals sections 22, 23 and 25 of the Offences against the Person Act 1861 (1861 Act) and replaces section 24 with a single, modern administering a harmful substance (including by spiking) offence which will be triable either way. The new offence will continue to criminalise broadly the same behaviour that is criminalised under sections 23 and 24 of the 1861 Act.\n\nThe legislation aims to make it clear that spiking is illegal, encourage victims to report incidents and support the police in bringing offenders to justice.\n\nMy Department is engaged with stakeholders to ensure that everything will be in place for commencement of this new legislation here in Northern Ireland, with a view to commencing the provision in line with England and Wales as far as is practicable\n\nMy officials have convened and lead on a drink spiking legislation implementation working group, which consists of representatives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Departmental Solicitor’s Office (DSO), Public Prosecution Service (PPS), Forensic Science NI (FSNI), Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service (NICTS) and the Home Office. This group continues to work towards ensuring readiness for the new legislation.\n\nMy Department and the PSNI are represented on the TEO-led Safer Socialising Steering Group (part of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls - EWAWG - Programme) where issues such as drink spiking can be considered with a wide range of relevant stakeholder representatives. I also very much welcome initiatives such as the PSNI’s ‘Project Valiant’ and the work of the Security Industry Authority in our shared endeavours to address issues such as drink spiking.","answerHtml":"As you may be aware, the UK Crime and Policing Act 2026 achieved Royal Assent on 29 April 2026.
The Act repeals sections 22, 23 and 25 of the Offences against the Person Act 1861 (1861 Act) and replaces section 24 with a single, modern administering a harmful substance (including by spiking) offence which will be triable either way. The new offence will continue to criminalise broadly the same behaviour that is criminalised under sections 23 and 24 of the 1861 Act.
The legislation aims to make it clear that spiking is illegal, encourage victims to report incidents and support the police in bringing offenders to justice.
My Department is engaged with stakeholders to ensure that everything will be in place for commencement of this new legislation here in Northern Ireland, with a view to commencing the provision in line with England and Wales as far as is practicable
My officials have convened and lead on a drink spiking legislation implementation working group, which consists of representatives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Departmental Solicitor’s Office (DSO), Public Prosecution Service (PPS), Forensic Science NI (FSNI), Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service (NICTS) and the Home Office. This group continues to work towards ensuring readiness for the new legislation.
My Department and the PSNI are represented on the TEO-led Safer Socialising Steering Group (part of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls - EWAWG - Programme) where issues such as drink spiking can be considered with a wide range of relevant stakeholder representatives. I also very much welcome initiatives such as the PSNI’s ‘Project Valiant’ and the work of the Security Industry Authority in our shared endeavours to address issues such as drink spiking.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047530%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487605","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487605"}},{"id":"487604","reference":"AQW 47529/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-06-01","answerBy":"2026-06-16","answered":"2026-06-12","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 why parking attendants do not operate on a Sunday.","answerText":"In the majority of towns, parking restrictions operate primarily from Monday to Saturday including the Controlled Parking Zones in Belfast, Lisburn and Newry. On Sundays, both traffic flow and footfall are generally reduced, and as a result, enforcement requirements are lower.\n\nA total of eight Traffic Attendants (TAs) are routinely deployed on Sundays between 1:00pm and 6:00pm in Belfast (4 TAs), Derry (2 TAs) and Newry (2 TAs) throughout the year. During the summer season, an additional team (2 TAs) is deployed on a rotational basis to towns with significant tourist activity, such as Portrush, Portstewart, Ballycastle and Newcastle.\n\nMy Department’s approach to enforcement is flexible and my officials will endeavour to accommodate requests for additional enforcement as capacity permits. Such requests can be submitted via email to Parking.Request@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk","answerHtml":"In the majority of towns, parking restrictions operate primarily from Monday to Saturday including the Controlled Parking Zones in Belfast, Lisburn and Newry. On Sundays, both traffic flow and footfall are generally reduced, and as a result, enforcement requirements are lower.
A total of eight Traffic Attendants (TAs) are routinely deployed on Sundays between 1:00pm and 6:00pm in Belfast (4 TAs), Derry (2 TAs) and Newry (2 TAs) throughout the year. During the summer season, an additional team (2 TAs) is deployed on a rotational basis to towns with significant tourist activity, such as Portrush, Portstewart, Ballycastle and Newcastle.
My Department’s approach to enforcement is flexible and my officials will endeavour to accommodate requests for additional enforcement as capacity permits. Such requests can be submitted via email to Parking.Request@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047529%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487604","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487604"}},{"id":"487360","reference":"AQW 47418/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-29","answerBy":"2026-06-15","answered":"2026-06-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department is taking to decrease delays between symptoms to diagnosis for coeliac disease.","answerText":"Patients who may have coeliac disease will generally present in the first instance to their GP practice, where primary care professionals will assess symptoms and consider coeliac disease as part of differential diagnosis.\n\nEstablished pathways are in place, including initial blood testing and, where appropriate, referral to secondary care for outpatient assessment and endoscopic investigations to support diagnosis.\n\nMy Department continues to engage with professional regulatory and standard‑setting bodies to implement service improvements which support awareness, diagnosis, treatment and condition management.\n\nOngoing education and training ensure that both primary and secondary care professionals remain aware of the symptoms, testing requirements, and referral pathways associated with coeliac disease.","answerHtml":"Patients who may have coeliac disease will generally present in the first instance to their GP practice, where primary care professionals will assess symptoms and consider coeliac disease as part of differential diagnosis.
Established pathways are in place, including initial blood testing and, where appropriate, referral to secondary care for outpatient assessment and endoscopic investigations to support diagnosis.
My Department continues to engage with professional regulatory and standard‑setting bodies to implement service improvements which support awareness, diagnosis, treatment and condition management.
Ongoing education and training ensure that both primary and secondary care professionals remain aware of the symptoms, testing requirements, and referral pathways associated with coeliac disease.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047418%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487360","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487360"}},{"id":"487359","reference":"AQW 47417/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-29","answerBy":"2026-06-15","answered":"2026-06-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department is taking to prevent the misdiagnosis of coeliac disease with irritable bowel syndrome.","answerText":"Patients will generally present in the first instance to their GP practice, where primary care professionals will assess symptoms and consider coeliac disease as part of differential diagnosis.\n\nEstablished primary care pathways are in place, including initial blood testing and, where appropriate, referral to secondary care for outpatient assessment and endoscopic investigations to support diagnosis.\n\nHealthcare professionals across primary and secondary care within HSC continue to engage with relevant charitable organisations and voluntary groups to support patient awareness, education, and condition management.\n\nOngoing education and training ensure that both primary and secondary care professionals remain aware of the symptoms, testing requirements, and referral pathways associated with coeliac disease.","answerHtml":"Patients will generally present in the first instance to their GP practice, where primary care professionals will assess symptoms and consider coeliac disease as part of differential diagnosis.
Established primary care pathways are in place, including initial blood testing and, where appropriate, referral to secondary care for outpatient assessment and endoscopic investigations to support diagnosis.
Healthcare professionals across primary and secondary care within HSC continue to engage with relevant charitable organisations and voluntary groups to support patient awareness, education, and condition management.
Ongoing education and training ensure that both primary and secondary care professionals remain aware of the symptoms, testing requirements, and referral pathways associated with coeliac disease.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047417%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487359","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487359"}},{"id":"487358","reference":"AQW 47416/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-29","answerBy":"2026-06-15","answered":"2026-06-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has issued any guidance to General Practitioners on the threshold for testing for coeliac disease, in the last five years.","answerText":"While guidance on when to test for coeliac disease is in place and available to General Practitioners, it is derived from NICE and other UKwide clinical guidance, endorsed for use in Northern Ireland, rather than from new Departmentspecific guidance issued in the past five years.\n\nClinical guidance on the diagnosis and testing of coeliac disease, including the threshold for testing in primary care, is provided through nationally recognised guidance rather than through separate, Northern Irelandspecific Departmental publications.\n\nNICE guideline NG20, on the recognition and assessment of coeliac disease, sets out the circumstances in which testing should be offered or considered in primary care. This effectively is the threshold for testing. It recommends that GPs should offer serological testing to patients with a range of symptoms or risk factors and can be viewed here: Overview | Coeliac disease: recognition, assessment and management | Guidance | NICE\n\nNICE guidance also recommends that testing should be considered in patients presenting with other clinical symptoms such as unexplained neurological symptoms, unexplained subfertility, or reduced bone mineral density, reflecting a relatively low threshold for testing in primary care.\n\nWithin the last five years, the Department of Health has not issued guidance specifically to General Practitioners in Northern Ireland which would alter or supplement the thresholds described above. Instead, the approach has been to continue to rely on established UKwide clinical guidance and professional standards and ensure GPs are aware of these up-to-date guidelines.\n\nThere are a number of initiatives in place to ensure easier access to learning and development resources for GPs and practice teams. For example, GPNI was set up during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide clear and consistent communication for those working in GP primary care. Since then, it has grown into a widely used regional platform, offering a website and regular webinars to share up to date information and primary care specific guidance and resources.\n\nPractice-Based Learning (PBL) is another important element. It provides structured learning sessions and helps ensure that GPs and their teams have protected time for education and development. Although it was originally developed by the former Health and Social Care Board (HSCB), since March 2020 it has been commissioned by my Department and delivered through GP Federations. It continues to offer a practical and cost-effective way to support learning for GPs, nurses and the wider practice team.","answerHtml":"While guidance on when to test for coeliac disease is in place and available to General Practitioners, it is derived from NICE and other UKwide clinical guidance, endorsed for use in Northern Ireland, rather than from new Departmentspecific guidance issued in the past five years.
Clinical guidance on the diagnosis and testing of coeliac disease, including the threshold for testing in primary care, is provided through nationally recognised guidance rather than through separate, Northern Irelandspecific Departmental publications.
NICE guideline NG20, on the recognition and assessment of coeliac disease, sets out the circumstances in which testing should be offered or considered in primary care. This effectively is the threshold for testing. It recommends that GPs should offer serological testing to patients with a range of symptoms or risk factors and can be viewed here: Overview | Coeliac disease: recognition, assessment and management | Guidance | NICE
NICE guidance also recommends that testing should be considered in patients presenting with other clinical symptoms such as unexplained neurological symptoms, unexplained subfertility, or reduced bone mineral density, reflecting a relatively low threshold for testing in primary care.
Within the last five years, the Department of Health has not issued guidance specifically to General Practitioners in Northern Ireland which would alter or supplement the thresholds described above. Instead, the approach has been to continue to rely on established UKwide clinical guidance and professional standards and ensure GPs are aware of these up-to-date guidelines.
There are a number of initiatives in place to ensure easier access to learning and development resources for GPs and practice teams. For example, GPNI was set up during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide clear and consistent communication for those working in GP primary care. Since then, it has grown into a widely used regional platform, offering a website and regular webinars to share up to date information and primary care specific guidance and resources.
Practice-Based Learning (PBL) is another important element. It provides structured learning sessions and helps ensure that GPs and their teams have protected time for education and development. Although it was originally developed by the former Health and Social Care Board (HSCB), since March 2020 it has been commissioned by my Department and delivered through GP Federations. It continues to offer a practical and cost-effective way to support learning for GPs, nurses and the wider practice team.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047416%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487358","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487358"}},{"id":"487357","reference":"AQW 47415/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-29","answerBy":"2026-06-15","answered":"2026-06-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has any plans to roll out a training programme for primary care physicians, to enhance understanding of coeliac disease.","answerText":"Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts have confirmed there is no specific coeliac awareness training provided to medical practitioners. Practitioners will, however, be aware of the symptoms and approaches to treatment as part of their initial training in general medicine. Postgraduate training is also undertaken by practitioners in a range of areas including gastroenterology as part of their continued professional development.\n\nThe diagnosis and subsequent treatment of this condition is fully supported by recognised pathways within general practice. On presentation of symptoms, GPs will make an assessment and programme a number of tests to identify possible causes. The test results will help guide the GP to a conclusion on potential causes which in the case of coeliac will prompt the referral for blood test and subsequent scope referral if appropriate. In addition, regular awareness sessions for primary care are undertaken across a range of specialties. This includes the promotion of benign gastrointestinal pathways including coeliac awareness.\n\nEstablished primary care pathways are in place, including initial blood testing and, where appropriate, referral to secondary care for outpatient assessment and endoscopic investigations to support diagnosis.\n\nHealthcare professionals across primary and secondary care within HSC continue to engage with relevant charitable organisations and voluntary groups to support patient awareness, education, and ongoing condition management.\n\nOngoing GP education and training ensure that primary care professionals remain aware of the symptoms, testing requirements, and referral pathways associated with coeliac disease.","answerHtml":"Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts have confirmed there is no specific coeliac awareness training provided to medical practitioners. Practitioners will, however, be aware of the symptoms and approaches to treatment as part of their initial training in general medicine. Postgraduate training is also undertaken by practitioners in a range of areas including gastroenterology as part of their continued professional development.
The diagnosis and subsequent treatment of this condition is fully supported by recognised pathways within general practice. On presentation of symptoms, GPs will make an assessment and programme a number of tests to identify possible causes. The test results will help guide the GP to a conclusion on potential causes which in the case of coeliac will prompt the referral for blood test and subsequent scope referral if appropriate. In addition, regular awareness sessions for primary care are undertaken across a range of specialties. This includes the promotion of benign gastrointestinal pathways including coeliac awareness.
Established primary care pathways are in place, including initial blood testing and, where appropriate, referral to secondary care for outpatient assessment and endoscopic investigations to support diagnosis.
Healthcare professionals across primary and secondary care within HSC continue to engage with relevant charitable organisations and voluntary groups to support patient awareness, education, and ongoing condition management.
Ongoing GP education and training ensure that primary care professionals remain aware of the symptoms, testing requirements, and referral pathways associated with coeliac disease.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047415%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487357","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487357"}},{"id":"487356","reference":"AQW 47414/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-29","answerBy":"2026-06-15","answered":"2026-06-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any financial support that is available to those studying higher education courses in further education colleges.","answerText":"Students studying designated Higher Education courses at Further Education colleges can generally access the same categories of undergraduate student support as those studying in Higher Education Institutions, subject to the relevant eligibility criteria and means-testing where applicable.\n\nFor full-time study, this may include a Tuition Fee Loan, Maintenance Loan and, where eligible, either a Maintenance Grant or a Special Support Grant, together with supplementary support such as Disabled Students’ Allowance, Childcare Grant, Adult Dependants’ Grant and Parents’ Learning Allowance.\n\nFor part-time Higher Education courses, support arrangements may include a Tuition Fee Loan, Fee Grant, Course Grant and Disabled Students’ Allowance, subject to eligibility. In addition, Further Education students may be able to access wider support funded by my Department, including Hardship Funds, FE grants where applicable, Care to Learn childcare support, Home to College transport assistance and Free School Meals. Educational Maintenance Allowance may also be available for eligible students.\n\nFinancial support is administered through Student Finance NI, Further Education colleges and the Education Authority, depending on the scheme and the student’s circumstances.","answerHtml":"Students studying designated Higher Education courses at Further Education colleges can generally access the same categories of undergraduate student support as those studying in Higher Education Institutions, subject to the relevant eligibility criteria and means-testing where applicable.
For full-time study, this may include a Tuition Fee Loan, Maintenance Loan and, where eligible, either a Maintenance Grant or a Special Support Grant, together with supplementary support such as Disabled Students’ Allowance, Childcare Grant, Adult Dependants’ Grant and Parents’ Learning Allowance.
For part-time Higher Education courses, support arrangements may include a Tuition Fee Loan, Fee Grant, Course Grant and Disabled Students’ Allowance, subject to eligibility. In addition, Further Education students may be able to access wider support funded by my Department, including Hardship Funds, FE grants where applicable, Care to Learn childcare support, Home to College transport assistance and Free School Meals. Educational Maintenance Allowance may also be available for eligible students.
Financial support is administered through Student Finance NI, Further Education colleges and the Education Authority, depending on the scheme and the student’s circumstances.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047414%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487356","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487356"}},{"id":"487108","reference":"AQW 47299/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-28","answerBy":"2026-06-12","answered":"2026-06-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail his Department's involvement in the administration of Further Education Grants to students across Northern Ireland.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA), under the Department of Education (DE), administer Further Education (FE) Grants on behalf of the Department for the Economy (DfE) to FE students across the North.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA), under the Department of Education (DE), administer Further Education (FE) Grants on behalf of the Department for the Economy (DfE) to FE students across the North.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047299%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487108","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487108"}},{"id":"487107","reference":"AQW 47298/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-28","answerBy":"2026-06-12","answered":"2026-06-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the last time Education Maintenance Allowance was increased in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) scheme in the North was last reformed in the 2013/14 academic year. These reforms included the introduction of a single weekly payment of £30, the removal of lower payment bands and the introduction of the current household income thresholds.\n\nSince that time, the weekly EMA payment has remained unchanged. Officials from my Department are working with their counterparts in the Department of Education (DE) to ensure that EMA continues to be appropriately targeted and effective.","answerHtml":"The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) scheme in the North was last reformed in the 2013/14 academic year. These reforms included the introduction of a single weekly payment of £30, the removal of lower payment bands and the introduction of the current household income thresholds.
Since that time, the weekly EMA payment has remained unchanged. Officials from my Department are working with their counterparts in the Department of Education (DE) to ensure that EMA continues to be appropriately targeted and effective.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047298%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487107","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487107"}},{"id":"487106","reference":"AQW 47297/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-28","answerBy":"2026-06-12","answered":"2026-06-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the total number of learners accessing Education Maintenance Allowance, for each of the last five financial years.","answerText":"The information requested is not held by financial year; however, the number of learners accessing Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is recorded by academic year, as set out below:\n\nAcademic Year\tNumber of EMA Recipients\n2020/21\t13,296\n2021/22\t12,319\n2022/23\t10,904\n2023/24\t10,416\n2024/25\t9,418\nTotal\t56,353","answerHtml":"The information requested is not held by financial year; however, the number of learners accessing Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is recorded by academic year, as set out below:
| Academic Year | Number of EMA Recipients |
| 2020/21 | 13,296 |
| 2021/22 | 12,319 |
| 2022/23 | 10,904 |
| 2023/24 | 10,416 |
| 2024/25 | 9,418 |
| Total | 56,353 |
Social supermarkets operate on a community-based model, providing access to affordable food and essential goods to households experiencing food insecurity. Higher and further education students may access social supermarkets where they meet the eligibility criteria.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047296%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487105","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487105"}},{"id":"487104","reference":"AQW 47295/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-28","answerBy":"2026-06-12","answered":"2026-06-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, following the publication of the NUS-USI Cost of Living 2026 Report, whether her Department is taking any steps to make public transport more affordable for higher and further education students.","answerText":"I welcome the publication of the NUS–USI Cost of Living 2026 Report and I acknowledge the financial pressures currently facing higher and further education students.\n\nMy department continues to work closely with public transport operators, particularly Translink, to ensure that fare structures remain as accessible and affordable as possible for students.\n\nAs part of the review of the Concessionary Fares Scheme, officials explored a number of options prior to the launching of the public consultation in June 2023, including the introduction of free travel for young people under the age of 24.\n\nWhile it is acknowledged that such a scheme could help reduce the financial burden of travel for young people, combat social isolation, and promote long-term sustainable travel habits, the proposal was not progressed further due to existing budgetary pressures on the concessionary fares programme.\n\nHowever, a range of discounted fares are already available. Translink currently offers half fare for children aged 5-16. For those aged 16-23 the yLink card is a commercial product operated by Translink to encourage young people to travel by bus and rail. As with all fares and ticketing products, Translink keeps its offerings under review as part of managing its financial position and wider service provision.\n\nAs of May 2026, it has been just under two years since bus fares last went up in the North.\n\nI took the decision to freeze public transport fares in the context of continuing cost of living pressures and to provide certainty to passengers. With fuel prices remaining high, I did not believe it would be right to increase fares and place further pressure on households who rely on buses and trains every day, including students.\n\nKeeping fares stable helps support people at a challenging time and ensures public transport remains an affordable option for all.\n\nI will continue to engage with Translink as budgets are developed to manage financial pressures responsibly within the funding available.","answerHtml":"I welcome the publication of the NUS–USI Cost of Living 2026 Report and I acknowledge the financial pressures currently facing higher and further education students.
My department continues to work closely with public transport operators, particularly Translink, to ensure that fare structures remain as accessible and affordable as possible for students.
As part of the review of the Concessionary Fares Scheme, officials explored a number of options prior to the launching of the public consultation in June 2023, including the introduction of free travel for young people under the age of 24.
While it is acknowledged that such a scheme could help reduce the financial burden of travel for young people, combat social isolation, and promote long-term sustainable travel habits, the proposal was not progressed further due to existing budgetary pressures on the concessionary fares programme.
However, a range of discounted fares are already available. Translink currently offers half fare for children aged 5-16. For those aged 16-23 the yLink card is a commercial product operated by Translink to encourage young people to travel by bus and rail. As with all fares and ticketing products, Translink keeps its offerings under review as part of managing its financial position and wider service provision.
As of May 2026, it has been just under two years since bus fares last went up in the North.
I took the decision to freeze public transport fares in the context of continuing cost of living pressures and to provide certainty to passengers. With fuel prices remaining high, I did not believe it would be right to increase fares and place further pressure on households who rely on buses and trains every day, including students.
Keeping fares stable helps support people at a challenging time and ensures public transport remains an affordable option for all.
I will continue to engage with Translink as budgets are developed to manage financial pressures responsibly within the funding available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047295%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=487104","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=487104"}},{"id":"486814","reference":"AQW 47169/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-27","answerBy":"2026-06-01","answered":"2026-06-10","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 Penalty Charge Notices issued in (i) Bangor City Centre; (ii) Seapark, Holywood; and (iii) Helen’s Bay, from Friday 22 May 2026 to Monday 25 May 2026, broken down by each area and the date issued.","answerText":"The table provides the information requested for Bangor City, Seapark and Helen’s Bay.\n\nDate\tNumber of Penalty Charge Notices Issued\nBangor City\tSeapark\tHelen’s Bay\n22 May 2026\t11\t0\t1\n23 May 2026\t31\t0\t0\n24 May 2026\t0\t0\t0\n25 May 2026\t16\t0\t59\n\nWith regards to Seapark, the area is regularly patrolled since the commencement of seasonal enforcement in April and I have asked officials to continue to manage the level of enforcement patrols in this area to ensure it remains appropriate.\n\nWhere vehicles cause an obstruction in the absence of restrictions, this should be reported to the PSNI on their non-emergency 101 number.","answerHtml":"The table provides the information requested for Bangor City, Seapark and Helen’s Bay.
| Date | Number of Penalty Charge Notices Issued | ||
| Bangor City | Seapark | Helen’s Bay | |
| 22 May 2026 | 11 | 0 | 1 |
| 23 May 2026 | 31 | 0 | 0 |
| 24 May 2026 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 25 May 2026 | 16 | 0 | 59 |
With regards to Seapark, the area is regularly patrolled since the commencement of seasonal enforcement in April and I have asked officials to continue to manage the level of enforcement patrols in this area to ensure it remains appropriate.
Where vehicles cause an obstruction in the absence of restrictions, this should be reported to the PSNI on their non-emergency 101 number.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047169%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=486814","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=486814"}},{"id":"486813","reference":"AQW 47168/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-27","answerBy":"2026-06-11","answered":"2026-06-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities, following the publication of the NUS-USI 2026 Cost of Living Report, whether his Department plans to introduce a grant to assist students experiencing fuel poverty.","answerText":"The Warm Healthy Homes Strategy sets out a comprehensive approach to tackling fuel poverty across Northern Ireland, including measures to improve the energy efficiency of homes, strengthen consumer protections, raise housing standards, and ensure better access to trusted advice and referral pathways so that households can access the support available.\n\nA key element of this work is to raise housing standards and improve enforcement, with a strategic action to introduce Minimum Energy efficiency standards for the Private Rented Sector by 2027. This will also be supported by a strategic action to establish improved fitness standards for all tenures by 2030.\n\nFurther key actions are to promote awareness and understanding of electricity and gas tariff options and bills and significantly increase the availability and accessibility of good energy information and advice for low-income, vulnerable households.\n\nI have also launched a public consultation on the proposed Warm Healthy Homes Fund. The Fund is being developed to provide long term support to low‑income households, including those in the private rented sector, through a range of measures to improve the energy efficiency of homes where the occupants are least able to meet the cost of improvements themselves.\n\nThe Strategy is underpinned by a needs‑based approach, focused on those most affected by fuel poverty.","answerHtml":"The Warm Healthy Homes Strategy sets out a comprehensive approach to tackling fuel poverty across Northern Ireland, including measures to improve the energy efficiency of homes, strengthen consumer protections, raise housing standards, and ensure better access to trusted advice and referral pathways so that households can access the support available.
A key element of this work is to raise housing standards and improve enforcement, with a strategic action to introduce Minimum Energy efficiency standards for the Private Rented Sector by 2027. This will also be supported by a strategic action to establish improved fitness standards for all tenures by 2030.
Further key actions are to promote awareness and understanding of electricity and gas tariff options and bills and significantly increase the availability and accessibility of good energy information and advice for low-income, vulnerable households.
I have also launched a public consultation on the proposed Warm Healthy Homes Fund. The Fund is being developed to provide long term support to low‑income households, including those in the private rented sector, through a range of measures to improve the energy efficiency of homes where the occupants are least able to meet the cost of improvements themselves.
The Strategy is underpinned by a needs‑based approach, focused on those most affected by fuel poverty.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047168%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=486813","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=486813"}},{"id":"486812","reference":"AQW 47167/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-27","answerBy":"2026-06-11","answered":"2026-06-02","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 her Department plans to review the eligibility threshold to access Education Maintenance Allowance.","answerText":"While there are no plans to review or increase the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) eligibility thresholds in this financial year, I remain committed to ensuring that financial support is available to help remove barriers and enable every young person to have the opportunity to reach their full potential.\n\nTo support this, work is underway between officials in my Department and their counterparts in the Department of Education (DE) to ensure that EMA continues to be appropriately targeted and effective. Any potential changes will be considered as part of this ongoing cross-departmental work.","answerHtml":"While there are no plans to review or increase the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) eligibility thresholds in this financial year, I remain committed to ensuring that financial support is available to help remove barriers and enable every young person to have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
To support this, work is underway between officials in my Department and their counterparts in the Department of Education (DE) to ensure that EMA continues to be appropriately targeted and effective. Any potential changes will be considered as part of this ongoing cross-departmental work.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047167%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=486812","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=486812"}},{"id":"486811","reference":"AQW 47166/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-27","answerBy":"2026-06-11","answered":"2026-06-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on when her Department plans to allocate the 2026-27 Winter Warmer scheme funding, to further education colleges.","answerText":"The Winter Warmer Scheme is a pilot scheme delivered by the six Further Education (FE) colleges, for which they have requested additional funding in each financial year since 2023/24 and which my Department has supported.\n\nTo date the Department has not received any funding request from the FE colleges in respect of the scheme for the 2026/27 financial year.\n\nShould a request be submitted, it will be considered in the context of Executive budget decisions and the overall level of funding available to my Department.","answerHtml":"The Winter Warmer Scheme is a pilot scheme delivered by the six Further Education (FE) colleges, for which they have requested additional funding in each financial year since 2023/24 and which my Department has supported.
To date the Department has not received any funding request from the FE colleges in respect of the scheme for the 2026/27 financial year.
Should a request be submitted, it will be considered in the context of Executive budget decisions and the overall level of funding available to my Department.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047166%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=486811","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=486811"}},{"id":"486810","reference":"AQW 47165/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-27","answerBy":"2026-06-11","answered":"2026-06-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the total funding her Department has allocated to further education colleges for Winter Warmer schemes, over the last three years.","answerText":"My Department has allocated a total of £2.6m resource funding to Further Education (FE) colleges for Winter Warmer schemes over the last three years.","answerHtml":"My Department has allocated a total of £2.6m resource funding to Further Education (FE) colleges for Winter Warmer schemes over the last three years.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047165%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=486810","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=486810"}},{"id":"486562","reference":"AQW 47049/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-26","answerBy":"2026-06-10","answered":"2026-06-02","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 her Department allocates funds to (i) universities; (ii) university colleges; and (iii) further education colleges, to deliver programmes that assist students with cost of living struggles.","answerText":"My Department provides Higher Education Support Funds, also known as Hardship Funds, to assist students at our local universities and university colleges who demonstrate genuine financial hardship and, without additional financial support, may not be able to continue with or complete their course or face financial difficulties in meeting their living costs. They are administered by the local Higher Education Institutions in line with Conditions of Funding set out by my Department.\n\nEligible students can receive up to £3,500 for assistance in either the form of a loan or a grant. The funding baseline has been £2.79m for a number of years, however additional funding in respect of the impacts of both Covid-19 and the concurrent cost of living crisis as a result of the war in Ukraine was provided on a discretionary basis.\n\nIn addition, my Department allocates funds to the six Further Education (FE) colleges to administer an ongoing Hardship Fund programme which provides eligible FE students experiencing cost of living struggles with financial assistance for fees, books, equipment, transport costs, associated living costs and childcare costs for learners aged over 18. Over the last three years, my Department has also allocated a total of £2.6m resource funding to FE Colleges to run a Winter Warmer Scheme pilot, which has delivered targeted cost of living support interventions directly to FE students to ensure that they are nourished, have warm clothing, and are informed of schemes and initiatives designed to help.\n\nOther FE student support is available which addresses cost of living struggles which is funded by my Department and administered by the Education Authority (EA) including FE grants, Care to Learn childcare, plus Home to College transport and Free School Meals (FSM). Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is also available for eligible students.\n\nSimilarly, means-tested maintenance grants and loans, and a Special Support Grant (for those eligible to claim means-tested benefits such as Housing Benefit or Universal Credit whilst studying), are available from Student Finance NI to assist with living costs for those studying Higher Education. Further targeted support for Higher Education students is available in the form of the Disabled Students’ Allowance, Childcare Grant, Parents’ Learning Allowance and Adult Dependants’ Grant.","answerHtml":"My Department provides Higher Education Support Funds, also known as Hardship Funds, to assist students at our local universities and university colleges who demonstrate genuine financial hardship and, without additional financial support, may not be able to continue with or complete their course or face financial difficulties in meeting their living costs. They are administered by the local Higher Education Institutions in line with Conditions of Funding set out by my Department.
Eligible students can receive up to £3,500 for assistance in either the form of a loan or a grant. The funding baseline has been £2.79m for a number of years, however additional funding in respect of the impacts of both Covid-19 and the concurrent cost of living crisis as a result of the war in Ukraine was provided on a discretionary basis.
In addition, my Department allocates funds to the six Further Education (FE) colleges to administer an ongoing Hardship Fund programme which provides eligible FE students experiencing cost of living struggles with financial assistance for fees, books, equipment, transport costs, associated living costs and childcare costs for learners aged over 18. Over the last three years, my Department has also allocated a total of £2.6m resource funding to FE Colleges to run a Winter Warmer Scheme pilot, which has delivered targeted cost of living support interventions directly to FE students to ensure that they are nourished, have warm clothing, and are informed of schemes and initiatives designed to help.
Other FE student support is available which addresses cost of living struggles which is funded by my Department and administered by the Education Authority (EA) including FE grants, Care to Learn childcare, plus Home to College transport and Free School Meals (FSM). Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is also available for eligible students.
Similarly, means-tested maintenance grants and loans, and a Special Support Grant (for those eligible to claim means-tested benefits such as Housing Benefit or Universal Credit whilst studying), are available from Student Finance NI to assist with living costs for those studying Higher Education. Further targeted support for Higher Education students is available in the form of the Disabled Students’ Allowance, Childcare Grant, Parents’ Learning Allowance and Adult Dependants’ Grant.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047049%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=486562","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=486562"}},{"id":"486561","reference":"AQW 47048/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-26","answerBy":"2026-06-10","answered":"2026-06-02","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 plans to increase Education Maintenance Allowance in line with inflation.","answerText":"Whilst the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) will not be increased in this financial year, I remain committed to ensuring that support is available to help remove financial barriers to enable every young person to have the opportunity to remain in education.\n\nTo support this, work is underway between officials in my Department and their counterparts in the Department of Education (DE) to ensure that EMA continues to be appropriately targeted and effective.\n\nAny potential changes will be considered as part of this ongoing cross-departmental work.","answerHtml":"Whilst the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) will not be increased in this financial year, I remain committed to ensuring that support is available to help remove financial barriers to enable every young person to have the opportunity to remain in education.
To support this, work is underway between officials in my Department and their counterparts in the Department of Education (DE) to ensure that EMA continues to be appropriately targeted and effective.
Any potential changes will be considered as part of this ongoing cross-departmental work.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047048%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=486561","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=486561"}},{"id":"486560","reference":"AQW 47047/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-26","answerBy":"2026-06-10","answered":"2026-06-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any assessment that has been made of the NUS-USI Cost of Living Report 2026.","answerText":"The National Union of Students and Union of Students in Ireland (NUS-USI) Cost of Living 2026 Report highlights very real challenges faced by students in the current economic climate.\n\nNotwithstanding the extremely challenging financial position facing my Department, I am determined to ensure that participation in further and higher education remains as affordable as possible.\n\nMy Department provides a broad package of support intended to ease costs of participation in higher education for those who need it most, including maintenance grants and loans; Special Support Grants available to students eligible to claim means-tested benefits such as Housing Benefit or Universal Credit whilst studying; targeted help for students with dependants; and the Disabled Students’ Allowance. My Department also makes Student Support Funds (also known as Hardship Funds) available, which are administered by the five local Higher Education Institutions and intended to assist students experiencing financial difficulty with meeting costs associated with learning.\n\nSince publication of the NUS-USI Cost of Living Report 2024, my Department has increased the maximum higher education maintenance loan by 20%, with a further inflationary increase in both maximum maintenance loans and grants pending for the 2026/27 academic year. I have also increased the maximum Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loan by 54%, to £10,000, for the coming year, reducing financial pressures associated with such study.\n\nMy Department recognises that learners in the further education sector may be similarly impacted by cost of living pressures as highlighted in the NUS-USI report. While support arrangements differ from higher education, a range of measures are also in place to support participation and retention in further education.\n\nFurther education colleges administer discretionary support funds to assist students facing financial hardship, including support with travel, meals, childcare and essential course costs. In addition, eligible learners may access Education Maintenance Allowance and Free School Meals (where criteria are met), alongside targeted support for those with additional needs.\n\nMy officials continue to engage with the further education colleges on emerging student support pressures, including demand for hardship support, to ensure that available funding is targeted effectively at those most in need and to inform ongoing consideration of support arrangements within the constraints of the current budget.","answerHtml":"The National Union of Students and Union of Students in Ireland (NUS-USI) Cost of Living 2026 Report highlights very real challenges faced by students in the current economic climate.
Notwithstanding the extremely challenging financial position facing my Department, I am determined to ensure that participation in further and higher education remains as affordable as possible.
My Department provides a broad package of support intended to ease costs of participation in higher education for those who need it most, including maintenance grants and loans; Special Support Grants available to students eligible to claim means-tested benefits such as Housing Benefit or Universal Credit whilst studying; targeted help for students with dependants; and the Disabled Students’ Allowance. My Department also makes Student Support Funds (also known as Hardship Funds) available, which are administered by the five local Higher Education Institutions and intended to assist students experiencing financial difficulty with meeting costs associated with learning.
Since publication of the NUS-USI Cost of Living Report 2024, my Department has increased the maximum higher education maintenance loan by 20%, with a further inflationary increase in both maximum maintenance loans and grants pending for the 2026/27 academic year. I have also increased the maximum Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loan by 54%, to £10,000, for the coming year, reducing financial pressures associated with such study.
My Department recognises that learners in the further education sector may be similarly impacted by cost of living pressures as highlighted in the NUS-USI report. While support arrangements differ from higher education, a range of measures are also in place to support participation and retention in further education.
Further education colleges administer discretionary support funds to assist students facing financial hardship, including support with travel, meals, childcare and essential course costs. In addition, eligible learners may access Education Maintenance Allowance and Free School Meals (where criteria are met), alongside targeted support for those with additional needs.
My officials continue to engage with the further education colleges on emerging student support pressures, including demand for hardship support, to ensure that available funding is targeted effectively at those most in need and to inform ongoing consideration of support arrangements within the constraints of the current budget.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047047%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=486560","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=486560"}},{"id":"486559","reference":"AQW 47046/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-26","answerBy":"2026-06-10","answered":"2026-06-05","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 his Department's work relating to the revitalisation of Grey Point Fort.","answerText":"The draft feasibility study for Grey Point Fort has been submitted and is under consideration. An outline business case will be developed once the report has been finalised.","answerHtml":"The draft feasibility study for Grey Point Fort has been submitted and is under consideration. An outline business case will be developed 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%2047046%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=486559","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=486559"}},{"id":"486558","reference":"AQW 47045/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-26","answerBy":"2026-06-10","answered":"2026-06-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy, pursuant to AQW 44201/22-27, whether she has met with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, regarding a reduced VAT pilot scheme for local hospitality businesses.","answerText":"Our hospitality businesses are vital not only to our wider economy but also to our communities. I am committed to the development of a thriving hospitality sector and I continue to engage with its representatives. Along with the Finance Minister, I met with representatives from Hospitality Ulster and the Food to Go Association earlier this year, to discuss their proposals for a reduced VAT pilot scheme in the North.\n\nFollowing that meeting, we wrote jointly to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 17 February, to seek a meeting with him, alongside local hospitality sector bodies, to discuss the potential for a VAT reduction pilot scheme. It is disappointing that to date, no response has been received from Treasury to that letter.","answerHtml":"Our hospitality businesses are vital not only to our wider economy but also to our communities. I am committed to the development of a thriving hospitality sector and I continue to engage with its representatives. Along with the Finance Minister, I met with representatives from Hospitality Ulster and the Food to Go Association earlier this year, to discuss their proposals for a reduced VAT pilot scheme in the North.
Following that meeting, we wrote jointly to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 17 February, to seek a meeting with him, alongside local hospitality sector bodies, to discuss the potential for a VAT reduction pilot scheme. It is disappointing that to date, no response has been received from Treasury to that letter.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2047045%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=486558","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=486558"}},{"id":"486325","reference":"AQW 46931/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-22","answerBy":"2026-06-09","answered":"2026-06-03","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 total funding allocated to Ards and North Down Borough Council to facilitate the skills growth of small and medium-sized businesses, in the last three years.","answerText":"My Department does not provide direct funding to councils for SME skills growth. Instead, it funds the Further Education (FE) colleges to deliver three skills programmes for small and medium-sized businesses. In Ards and North Down, this is primarily delivered by South Eastern Regional College (SERC), although businesses may access training through any of the six colleges.\n\nThrough Skills Focus, businesses with fewer than 250 employees can access skills training for their existing workforce through the FE network. Over the last three years £1.8 million has been allocated to SERC for delivery of Skills Focus upskilling over 1,500 employees.\n\nInnovateUs helps businesses with fewer than 50 employees gain skills to engage in innovation activities, providing up to 60 hours of tailored training per project. Over the last three years, £1.5 million has been allocated to SERC, enabling over 300 projects to be completed, supporting over 200 small businesses.\n\nThe SME Productivity Booster supports skills growth of small and medium-sized businesses through the local further education colleges, and is funded through my Skills Fund, helping to improve workforce capability, productivity and business competitiveness. In the last three years, SERC has received £188,400 to support 39 companies.\n\nIn addition InvestNI offers a range of tailored skills solutions to employers across the North through the Skills for Growth and Skills Advancement, Leadership Skills and Supply Chain Skills initiatives. This funding is not provided directly to the council. Over the last three financial years Invest NI has provided £315,954 in grant funding to 19 companies in the Ards and North Down Council area.","answerHtml":"My Department does not provide direct funding to councils for SME skills growth. Instead, it funds the Further Education (FE) colleges to deliver three skills programmes for small and medium-sized businesses. In Ards and North Down, this is primarily delivered by South Eastern Regional College (SERC), although businesses may access training through any of the six colleges.
Through Skills Focus, businesses with fewer than 250 employees can access skills training for their existing workforce through the FE network. Over the last three years £1.8 million has been allocated to SERC for delivery of Skills Focus upskilling over 1,500 employees.
InnovateUs helps businesses with fewer than 50 employees gain skills to engage in innovation activities, providing up to 60 hours of tailored training per project. Over the last three years, £1.5 million has been allocated to SERC, enabling over 300 projects to be completed, supporting over 200 small businesses.
The SME Productivity Booster supports skills growth of small and medium-sized businesses through the local further education colleges, and is funded through my Skills Fund, helping to improve workforce capability, productivity and business competitiveness. In the last three years, SERC has received £188,400 to support 39 companies.
In addition InvestNI offers a range of tailored skills solutions to employers across the North through the Skills for Growth and Skills Advancement, Leadership Skills and Supply Chain Skills initiatives. This funding is not provided directly to the council. Over the last three financial years Invest NI has provided £315,954 in grant funding to 19 companies in 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%2046931%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=486325","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=486325"}},{"id":"486324","reference":"AQW 46930/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-22","answerBy":"2026-06-09","answered":"2026-06-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department is taking to increase access to medical technology, including patch pumps, for those with diabetes.","answerText":"Work has been completed in terms of overall provision; priority groups; system costs; workforce and communication requirements to both enable and support implementation of medical technology for those living with type 1 diabetes.\n\nIn addition, my officials have established a clinical working group to work with relevant stakeholders across Health and Social Care to develop an implementation plan, which is in the final stages of development.\n\nFunding of £1.839m has been secured to support the implementation of this plan, including devices and workforce, through a service development which will be delivered through the Regional Insulin Pump service.","answerHtml":"Work has been completed in terms of overall provision; priority groups; system costs; workforce and communication requirements to both enable and support implementation of medical technology for those living with type 1 diabetes.
In addition, my officials have established a clinical working group to work with relevant stakeholders across Health and Social Care to develop an implementation plan, which is in the final stages of development.
Funding of £1.839m has been secured to support the implementation of this plan, including devices and workforce, through a service development which will be delivered through the Regional Insulin Pump service.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046930%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=486324","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=486324"}},{"id":"486323","reference":"AQW 46929/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-22","answerBy":"2026-06-09","answered":"2026-06-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether each post-primary school in North Down has a full-time wellbeing officer.","answerText":"The information requested on wellbeing officers is not held centrally by the Department or the Education Authority. Individual schools are responsible for their staffing complement and the roles and responsibilities they hold.","answerHtml":"The information requested on wellbeing officers is not held centrally by the Department or the Education Authority. Individual schools are responsible for their staffing complement and the roles and responsibilities they hold.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046929%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=486323","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=486323"}},{"id":"486322","reference":"AQW 46928/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-22","answerBy":"2026-06-09","answered":"2026-06-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any funding his Department has allocated for social supermarkets in North Down, in the last three years.","answerText":"My Department allocates Social Supermarket funding to local Councils to commission projects in their area and is unable to disaggregate funding to North Down solely. Ards and North Down Borough Council have been allocated the following funding in the last three years:\n\n2023/24\t2024/25\t2025/26\tTotal Allocation\n£100,277\t£127,822\t£134,630\t£362,729","answerHtml":"My Department allocates Social Supermarket funding to local Councils to commission projects in their area and is unable to disaggregate funding to North Down solely. Ards and North Down Borough Council have been allocated the following funding in the last three years:
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 | 2025/26 | Total Allocation |
| £100,277 | £127,822 | £134,630 | £362,729 |
Through the Statutory Functions process, activity in relation to foster care and adoption is collated by individual Health and Social Care Trusts and reported to Department of Health on a 6-monthly basis for monitoring and performance management purposes.
Regional data on Children’s Services statistics for the past 5 years is available on the Department of Health website via this link:
Children's services statistics | Department of Health
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046822%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=486096","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=486096"}},{"id":"486095","reference":"AQW 46821/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-21","answerBy":"2026-06-08","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of patients in each GP practice in (i) Bangor; (ii) Holywood; and (iii) Donaghadee.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046821%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=486095","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=486095"}},{"id":"486094","reference":"AQW 46820/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-21","answerBy":"2026-06-08","answered":"2026-06-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any funding his Department has allocated to football clubs in North Down, broken down by club, over the last three years.","answerText":"Bangor Football and Athletic Club is the only football club in North Down to receive DfC funding in the past three years. It was granted £23,900 in 2024/25 under the Football Ground Business Case Development Fund.\n\nIn 2025/26, it received an offer of up to £10,000 under The Northern Ireland Football Fund (TNIFF) Performance Programme to update its business case, with £5,000 paid so far and the remainder due on completion.","answerHtml":"Bangor Football and Athletic Club is the only football club in North Down to receive DfC funding in the past three years. It was granted £23,900 in 2024/25 under the Football Ground Business Case Development Fund.
In 2025/26, it received an offer of up to £10,000 under The Northern Ireland Football Fund (TNIFF) Performance Programme to update its business case, with £5,000 paid so far and the remainder due on completion.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046820%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=486094","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=486094"}},{"id":"486093","reference":"AQW 46819/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-21","answerBy":"2026-06-08","answered":"2026-06-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of teaching vacancies in North Down, broken down by school.","answerText":"The number of filled and unfilled teacher vacancies in schools in North Down, in November 2025 is given in the table below.\n\nThe teacher vacancy data is collected at the start of November each year through the Teacher Vacancy Survey. The survey provides a snapshot of the vacancies at the start of the 2025/26 academic year that were either filled by the survey date at the start of November 2025 or unfilled at that time. Some of the unfilled vacancies may have been filled since the survey date.\n\nTable – Teacher vacancies at the start of the 2025/26 academic year that were either filled or unfilled by the survey date (3 November 2025)\n\nPermanent positions\tTemporary positions\tAll positions\nSchool name\tFilled\tUnfilled\tFilled\tUnfilled\tFilled\tUnfilled\nBallyholme Primary School, Bangor\t0\t0\t2\t0\t2\t0\nBallymagee Primary School, Bangor\t0\t1\t0\t0\t0\t1\nBangor Academy and 6th Form College\t0\t1\t0\t0\t0\t1\nBloomfield Primary School, Bangor\t0\t1\t2\t0\t2\t1\nClifton Special School\t0\t8\t0\t0\t0\t8\nDonaghadee Primary School\t3\t1\t1\t0\t4\t1\nGlencraig Integrated Primary School, Holywood\t1\t1\t0\t0\t1\t1\nGlenlola Collegiate, Bangor\t2\t0\t0\t0\t2\t0\nKilcooley Primary School, Bangor\t0\t0\t2\t3\t2\t3\nKillard House Special School\t0\t3\t0\t0\t0\t3\nKilmaine Primary School, Bangor\t0\t3\t0\t3\t0\t6\nLakewood Special School\t3\t0\t0\t0\t3\t0\nSt Columbanus' College\t3\t0\t4\t0\t7\t0\nSt Comgall's Primary School, Bangor\t4\t0\t0\t0\t4\t0\nSt Malachy's Primary School, Bangor\t1\t0\t0\t0\t1\t0\nSt Patrick's Primary School, Holywood\t0\t0\t0\t2\t0\t2\nSullivan Upper School, Holywood\t3\t0\t1\t2\t4\t2\nSullivan Upper School, Preparatory department\t0\t1\t1\t0\t1\t1\nTowerview Primary School, Bangor\t1\t0\t2\t0\t3\t0\n\nSource: Annual Teacher Vacancy Survey, November 2025\n\nNotes:\n\nFigures include principal, vice principal and classroom teacher vacancies.","answerHtml":"The number of filled and unfilled teacher vacancies in schools in North Down, in November 2025 is given in the table below.
The teacher vacancy data is collected at the start of November each year through the Teacher Vacancy Survey. The survey provides a snapshot of the vacancies at the start of the 2025/26 academic year that were either filled by the survey date at the start of November 2025 or unfilled at that time. Some of the unfilled vacancies may have been filled since the survey date.
Table – Teacher vacancies at the start of the 2025/26 academic year that were either filled or unfilled by the survey date (3 November 2025)
| Permanent positions | Temporary positions | All positions | ||||
| School name | Filled | Unfilled | Filled | Unfilled | Filled | Unfilled |
| Ballyholme Primary School, Bangor | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Ballymagee Primary School, Bangor | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Bangor Academy and 6th Form College | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Bloomfield Primary School, Bangor | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Clifton Special School | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Donaghadee Primary School | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 |
| Glencraig Integrated Primary School, Holywood | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Glenlola Collegiate, Bangor | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Kilcooley Primary School, Bangor | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Killard House Special School | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Kilmaine Primary School, Bangor | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
| Lakewood Special School | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| St Columbanus' College | 3 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
| St Comgall's Primary School, Bangor | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| St Malachy's Primary School, Bangor | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| St Patrick's Primary School, Holywood | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Sullivan Upper School, Holywood | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Sullivan Upper School, Preparatory department | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Towerview Primary School, Bangor | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
Source: Annual Teacher Vacancy Survey, November 2025
Notes:
Figures include principal, vice principal and classroom teacher vacancies.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046819%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=486093","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=486093"}},{"id":"486092","reference":"AQW 46818/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-21","answerBy":"2026-06-08","answered":"2026-05-28","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 a breakdown of any capital investment into the Bangor campus of the South Eastern Regional College, over the last five years.","answerText":"Detail of South Eastern Regional College’s (SERC) spend as reported by the College for its Bangor campus and funded by my Department for the last five years is provided in the table below.\n\nYear\tItems Funded\tTotal Cost\n2021-22\tBangor Bakery Scheme, Motor Sports Academy & Sports Hall Development\t£895,000\n2022-23\tMotor Sports Academy, Sports Hall Development & Solar Panel Scheme\t£310,000\n2023-24\tSports Hall Development, CCTV Enhancement Project, Catering Equipment, & Solar Panel Scheme\t£168,000\n2024-25\tCurriculum Equipment, Motor Sports Academy, Heating & Building Management Systems\t£429,000\n2025-26\tNone\t£0","answerHtml":"Detail of South Eastern Regional College’s (SERC) spend as reported by the College for its Bangor campus and funded by my Department for the last five years is provided in the table below.
| Year | Items Funded | Total Cost |
| 2021-22 | Bangor Bakery Scheme, Motor Sports Academy & Sports Hall Development | £895,000 |
| 2022-23 | Motor Sports Academy, Sports Hall Development & Solar Panel Scheme | £310,000 |
| 2023-24 | Sports Hall Development, CCTV Enhancement Project, Catering Equipment, & Solar Panel Scheme | £168,000 |
| 2024-25 | Curriculum Equipment, Motor Sports Academy, Heating & Building Management Systems | £429,000 |
| 2025-26 | None | £0 |
My 10 Year Tourism Vision & Action Plan sets out a key objective of doubling tourism spend to £2bn by 2035. I recognise the key role Councils, such as Ards & North Down Borough Council (AND) and our tourism industry play in reaching this ambitious target.
Tourism NI has developed a strong working relationship with AND council over many years and the CEO, Laura McCorry visited the Borough in April this year. Laura discussed the Council’s future plans with the council team and met industry stakeholders in the area.
Currently, there are ten local experience providers in the AND area that are part of Tourism NI’s Embrace a Giant Spirit Brand Experience Portfolio, all of which feature on Tourism NI’s consumer website, including Copeland Distillery in Donaghadee. There are several other tourism businesses in Donaghadee featured on the Tourism NI consumer site including Grace Neill’s historic pub, Pier 36 Restaurant and Donaghadee Golf Club.
Copeland Distillery, Donaghadee is also supported through its participation in the Tourism NI led NI Spirits Trail and Distillery Passport. As part of the network, the business has accessed 1:1 mentoring to support tourism and experience development, participated in distillery learning journeys and benefited from inclusion in wider promotional activity including Distillery Month, marketing campaigns and media visits.
In 2021, Tourism NI provided £220k of funding to AND council as part of a Market Led Product Development programme including various destination development activities.
Tourism NI’s Director of Destination Development recently presented at the launch of the AND council Visitor Promise video to encourage responsible tourism in the region.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046710%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=485765","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=485765"}},{"id":"485764","reference":"AQW 46709/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-20","answerBy":"2026-06-05","answered":"2026-05-28","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 any work her Department has undertaken to support tourism in Groomsport, over the last five years.","answerText":"My 10 Year Tourism Vision & Action Plan sets out a key objective of doubling tourism spend to £2bn by 2035. I recognise the key role Councils, such as Ards & North Down Borough Council (AND) and our tourism industry play in reaching this ambitious target.\n\nTourism NI has developed a strong working relationship with AND council over many years and the Tourism NI CEO, Laura McCorry visited the Borough in April this year. Laura discussed the Council’s future plans with the council team and met industry stakeholders in the area.\n\nThere are several tourism providers and attractions in Groomsport featured on Tourism NI’s consumer website including The Stables Restaurant, Cockle Row (Thatched) Cottages, Groomsport Golf Centre and Groomsport and Orlock coastal walks.\n\nIn 2021, Tourism NI provided £220k of funding to AND council as part of a Market Led Product Development programme including various destination development activities.\n\nTourism NI’s Director of Destination Development recently presented at the launch of the AND council Visitor Promise video to encourage responsible tourism in the region.","answerHtml":"My 10 Year Tourism Vision & Action Plan sets out a key objective of doubling tourism spend to £2bn by 2035. I recognise the key role Councils, such as Ards & North Down Borough Council (AND) and our tourism industry play in reaching this ambitious target.
Tourism NI has developed a strong working relationship with AND council over many years and the Tourism NI CEO, Laura McCorry visited the Borough in April this year. Laura discussed the Council’s future plans with the council team and met industry stakeholders in the area.
There are several tourism providers and attractions in Groomsport featured on Tourism NI’s consumer website including The Stables Restaurant, Cockle Row (Thatched) Cottages, Groomsport Golf Centre and Groomsport and Orlock coastal walks.
In 2021, Tourism NI provided £220k of funding to AND council as part of a Market Led Product Development programme including various destination development activities.
Tourism NI’s Director of Destination Development recently presented at the launch of the AND council Visitor Promise video to encourage responsible tourism in the region.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046709%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=485764","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=485764"}},{"id":"485763","reference":"AQW 46708/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-20","answerBy":"2026-06-05","answered":"2026-06-22","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 number of social housing properties empty in North Down; and (ii) the average; and (ii) maximum, period of vacancy of those properties.","answerText":"This issue is an operational matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, they have advised me as follows:\n\n“As of 21st May 2026, there were 29 actionable* and 20 non-actionable** Housing Executive voids in the North Down Parliamentary Constituency.\n\nThe Housing Executive has a KPI to relet properties within 30 days. The average time taken to relet a property in North Down & Ards Area is 24 days. Relet times are not available by Parliamentary Constituency.\n\nAs of 21st May 2026, the longest void duration was 2865 days. This property is situated in a block of flats which was subject to ASB and had a high rate of tenancy turnover. A decision was taken in 2018 not to relet any properties in the block, allowing for improvement work to be completed when vacant possession of the entire block was obtained. This did not occur until 2025. Work will commence in July 2026 to bring the properties back to a lettable standard and back into stock.\n\n*Actionable voids are properties which are vacant while in the process of being allocated/ awaiting change of tenancy repairs. These may also include properties deemed difficult to let.\n\n**Non-Actionable voids are properties that are not immediately available for allocation and are held vacant for operational reasons i.e. decanting purposes (where they are being used to house a tenant on a temporary basis pending works to their home), planned maintenance schemes, and properties which have been identified for sale/transfer or have approval for demolition.”\n\nMy Department does not hold the requested information for Housing Association properties.","answerHtml":"This issue is an operational matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, they have advised me as follows:
“As of 21st May 2026, there were 29 actionable* and 20 non-actionable** Housing Executive voids in the North Down Parliamentary Constituency.
The Housing Executive has a KPI to relet properties within 30 days. The average time taken to relet a property in North Down & Ards Area is 24 days. Relet times are not available by Parliamentary Constituency.
As of 21st May 2026, the longest void duration was 2865 days. This property is situated in a block of flats which was subject to ASB and had a high rate of tenancy turnover. A decision was taken in 2018 not to relet any properties in the block, allowing for improvement work to be completed when vacant possession of the entire block was obtained. This did not occur until 2025. Work will commence in July 2026 to bring the properties back to a lettable standard and back into stock.
*Actionable voids are properties which are vacant while in the process of being allocated/ awaiting change of tenancy repairs. These may also include properties deemed difficult to let.
**Non-Actionable voids are properties that are not immediately available for allocation and are held vacant for operational reasons i.e. decanting purposes (where they are being used to house a tenant on a temporary basis pending works to their home), planned maintenance schemes, and properties which have been identified for sale/transfer or have approval for demolition.”
My Department does not hold the requested information for Housing Association properties.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046708%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=485763","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=485763"}},{"id":"485762","reference":"AQW 46707/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-20","answerBy":"2026-06-05","answered":"2026-06-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any funding his Department has allocated to the maintenance of state care monuments in the Ards and North Down Borough in the 2026-2027 financial year.","answerText":"I have allocated an interim budget of £557,000 for the maintenance of State Care Monuments across Northern Ireland. Annual maintenance costs cannot be accurately attributed to individual areas, as some expenses are shared across multiple locations.","answerHtml":"I have allocated an interim budget of £557,000 for the maintenance of State Care Monuments across Northern Ireland. Annual maintenance costs cannot be accurately attributed to individual areas, as some expenses are shared across multiple locations.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046707%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=485762","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=485762"}},{"id":"485761","reference":"AQW 46706/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-20","answerBy":"2026-06-05","answered":"2026-06-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether he has any plans to introduce a Tell Us Once service in Northern Ireland, similar to that which operates in England, Scotland and Wales.","answerText":"I refer the member to my response to AQW 32351 22-27.","answerHtml":"I refer the member to my response to AQW 32351 22-27.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046706%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=485761","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=485761"}},{"id":"485479","reference":"AQW 46570/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-19","answerBy":"2026-06-04","answered":null,"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 waiting times for red flag breast clinic referrals, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046570%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=485479","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=485479"}},{"id":"485478","reference":"AQW 46569/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-19","answerBy":"2026-06-04","answered":"2026-06-01","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 directed Translink to expand mobile bus fares to inner-town and city services, outside of Belfast.","answerText":"This issue is an operational matter for Translink. I have sought the requested information and have been advised as follows:\n\nTranslink have been progressing the development of mobile ticketing across its network as part of its wider programme to enhance customer accessibility and convenience. Day tickets for Foyle Metro services are already available to customers through the mLink mobile ticketing app. In addition, Translink is currently developing functionality within the mLink app to extend the availability of day tickets (Adult and Child) across all other Ulsterbus town/city services. This will provide customers in towns and cities outside Belfast with the same flexible and convenient purchasing options already available elsewhere. It is anticipated that this enhanced functionality will be available to customers in late summer 2026.","answerHtml":"This issue is an operational matter for Translink. I have sought the requested information and have been advised as follows:
Translink have been progressing the development of mobile ticketing across its network as part of its wider programme to enhance customer accessibility and convenience. Day tickets for Foyle Metro services are already available to customers through the mLink mobile ticketing app. In addition, Translink is currently developing functionality within the mLink app to extend the availability of day tickets (Adult and Child) across all other Ulsterbus town/city services. This will provide customers in towns and cities outside Belfast with the same flexible and convenient purchasing options already available elsewhere. It is anticipated that this enhanced functionality will be available to customers in late summer 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046569%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=485478","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=485478"}},{"id":"485477","reference":"AQW 46568/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-19","answerBy":"2026-06-04","answered":"2026-06-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps that his Department is taking to improve access to bowel cancer screening services.","answerText":"The Northern Ireland Bowel Cancer Screening Programme currently invites eligible individuals, aged between 60 and 74 years old, every two years to participate in the screening programme. Invitations and home test kits are automatically sent by post to the address registered with a GP.\n\nWork to expand the Northern Ireland Bowel Cancer Screening Programme down to 50 years of age, in line with the UK National Screening Committee recommendation, is ongoing but must be viewed within the context of wider financial and capacity challenges within the supporting services.","answerHtml":"The Northern Ireland Bowel Cancer Screening Programme currently invites eligible individuals, aged between 60 and 74 years old, every two years to participate in the screening programme. Invitations and home test kits are automatically sent by post to the address registered with a GP.
Work to expand the Northern Ireland Bowel Cancer Screening Programme down to 50 years of age, in line with the UK National Screening Committee recommendation, is ongoing but must be viewed within the context of wider financial and capacity challenges within the supporting services.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046568%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=485477","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=485477"}},{"id":"485476","reference":"AQW 46567/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-19","answerBy":"2026-06-04","answered":"2026-06-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has any plans to (i) expand the eligibility criteria for bowel cancer screening services; and (ii) lower the age of access to 50, as it is elsewhere in the UK.","answerText":"I remain committed to extending the age range of the NI Bowel Cancer Screening Programme, to include those aged 50 to 59 years of age\n\nWork to extend the age range for the Northern Ireland Bowel Cancer Screening Programme down to 50 years of age, in line with the UK National Screening Committee recommendation, is ongoing but must be viewed within the context of wider financial and capacity challenges within the supporting services.\n\nI have asked the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to establish a Task and Finish group to further consider options to expedite the extension of the bowel cancer screening programme. This group, chaired by CMO, is due to provide me with an initial report by the end of June 2026.","answerHtml":"I remain committed to extending the age range of the NI Bowel Cancer Screening Programme, to include those aged 50 to 59 years of age
Work to extend the age range for the Northern Ireland Bowel Cancer Screening Programme down to 50 years of age, in line with the UK National Screening Committee recommendation, is ongoing but must be viewed within the context of wider financial and capacity challenges within the supporting services.
I have asked the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to establish a Task and Finish group to further consider options to expedite the extension of the bowel cancer screening programme. This group, chaired by CMO, is due to provide me with an initial report by the end of June 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046567%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=485476","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=485476"}},{"id":"485475","reference":"AQW 46566/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-19","answerBy":"2026-06-04","answered":"2026-06-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department monitors where digital public transport tickets are available for town services.","answerText":"This issue is an operational matter for Translink. I have sought the requested information and have been advised as follows:\n\nThe Department for Infrastructure does not routinely monitor the specific availability of digital ticketing products across individual town bus services. The provision and rollout of digital ticketing is an operational matter for Translink, which continues to develop and expand mobile ticketing across its network. As part of its longer-term ticketing strategy, Translink is progressing towards the introduction of account-based ticketing across all bus and rail services, which is designed to make accessing the public transport network simpler and more flexible for customers, while ensuring they receive the best available fare for their journeys. The Department maintains oversight of Translink’s overall performance and strategic investment, including progress on improving ticketing and customer experience.","answerHtml":"This issue is an operational matter for Translink. I have sought the requested information and have been advised as follows:
The Department for Infrastructure does not routinely monitor the specific availability of digital ticketing products across individual town bus services. The provision and rollout of digital ticketing is an operational matter for Translink, which continues to develop and expand mobile ticketing across its network. As part of its longer-term ticketing strategy, Translink is progressing towards the introduction of account-based ticketing across all bus and rail services, which is designed to make accessing the public transport network simpler and more flexible for customers, while ensuring they receive the best available fare for their journeys. The Department maintains oversight of Translink’s overall performance and strategic investment, including progress on improving ticketing and customer experience.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046566%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=485475","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=485475"}},{"id":"485191","reference":"AQW 46456/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-18","answerBy":"2026-06-03","answered":"2026-06-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether there is any cap on the percentage increase that property management companies can increase service fees each financial year.","answerText":"Increases in service charges will depend on the nature and terms of individual contracts and leases agreed between a purchaser and a developer. There is no current statutory cap on the percentage by which such fees can be increased. This issue will form part of the policy development process for new legislation.","answerHtml":"Increases in service charges will depend on the nature and terms of individual contracts and leases agreed between a purchaser and a developer. There is no current statutory cap on the percentage by which such fees can be increased. This issue will form part of the policy development process for new legislation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046456%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=485191","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=485191"}},{"id":"485190","reference":"AQW 46455/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-18","answerBy":"2026-06-03","answered":"2026-06-01","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 issued any guidance to property management companies regarding their obligations to service users, in the last five years.","answerText":"My Department currently does not have legal powers to regulate property management companies. This issue will form part of the policy development process for new legislation.","answerHtml":"My Department currently does not have legal powers to regulate property management companies. This issue will form part of the policy development process for new legislation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046455%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=485190","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=485190"}},{"id":"485189","reference":"AQW 46454/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-18","answerBy":"2026-06-03","answered":"2026-06-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether his officials have engaged with their counterparts in the United Kingdom on the regulation of property management companies, in the last five years.","answerText":"As part of the scoping review, officials considered the approach that has been taken in both Britain and the South. Engagement with counterparts took place as part of that work. Further engagement will take place when policy development work continues.","answerHtml":"As part of the scoping review, officials considered the approach that has been taken in both Britain and the South. Engagement with counterparts took place as part of that work. Further engagement will take place when policy development work continues.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046454%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=485189","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=485189"}},{"id":"485188","reference":"AQW 46453/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-18","answerBy":"2026-06-03","answered":"2026-06-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance, following the October 2025 publication of his Department's review of shared property management policy, to detail any steps his Department has taken to progress reform.","answerText":"Following the publication of the review, I engaged with officials within the Civil Law Reform branch and directed the creation of a dedicated team, with the necessary expertise, to carry out detailed policy development that would drive forward legislative reform early in the next mandate.\n\nThis is being advanced against the backdrop of a difficult budget position, and my Department is considering different resourcing options to create this new, specialist team within Civil Law Reform.","answerHtml":"Following the publication of the review, I engaged with officials within the Civil Law Reform branch and directed the creation of a dedicated team, with the necessary expertise, to carry out detailed policy development that would drive forward legislative reform early in the next mandate.
This is being advanced against the backdrop of a difficult budget position, and my Department is considering different resourcing options to create this new, specialist team within Civil Law Reform.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046453%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=485188","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=485188"}},{"id":"485187","reference":"AQW 46452/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-18","answerBy":"2026-06-03","answered":"2026-06-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail when he anticipates new legislation regulating property management companies will be brought forward.","answerText":"I expect legislation to be considered in the early part of the new mandate.","answerHtml":"I expect legislation to be considered in the early part of the new mandate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046452%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=485187","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=485187"}},{"id":"484932","reference":"AQW 46347/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-15","answerBy":"2026-06-02","answered":"2026-05-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any processes his Department has in place to oversee the Education Authority’s Youth Service delivery.","answerText":"Article 37 of the Education & Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 places a statutory duty on the Education Authority (EA) to secure the provision of adequate facilities for the provision of youth activities which it can deliver on its own or with others.\n\nMy department sets the policy under which youth services should operate and the EA secure the provision of the service in line with the policy. Appropriate oversight is required from my department to obtain assurances this is being delivered as required.\n\nAs an arm’s length body, the EA and its Board are required to provide my department with a budget plan and a business plan setting out how they intend to deliver their statutory and other obligations within the budget provided. It is my department’s role to scrutinise and approve the EA plans and monitor progress.\n\nTo assist with monitoring the EA provide a monthly expenditure monitoring report (MEMR) to my department and this is scrutinised by all relevant policy areas including youth services. EA’s Youth Service also provides quarterly reports to DE on youth service outcomes as well as updates on the regional and local assessment of needs exercise they undertake.\n\nRegular meetings take place between the EA Youth Service and my officials to obtain the necessary assurances. Structures have also been established to ensure engagement with EA on the review of the current youth work policy. The revised policy will require oversight processes to be put in place to ensure its implementation.\n\nThe Education and Training Inspectorate inspect youth service provision, as appropriate, to ensure quality and standards are being met.","answerHtml":"Article 37 of the Education & Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 places a statutory duty on the Education Authority (EA) to secure the provision of adequate facilities for the provision of youth activities which it can deliver on its own or with others.
My department sets the policy under which youth services should operate and the EA secure the provision of the service in line with the policy. Appropriate oversight is required from my department to obtain assurances this is being delivered as required.
As an arm’s length body, the EA and its Board are required to provide my department with a budget plan and a business plan setting out how they intend to deliver their statutory and other obligations within the budget provided. It is my department’s role to scrutinise and approve the EA plans and monitor progress.
To assist with monitoring the EA provide a monthly expenditure monitoring report (MEMR) to my department and this is scrutinised by all relevant policy areas including youth services. EA’s Youth Service also provides quarterly reports to DE on youth service outcomes as well as updates on the regional and local assessment of needs exercise they undertake.
Regular meetings take place between the EA Youth Service and my officials to obtain the necessary assurances. Structures have also been established to ensure engagement with EA on the review of the current youth work policy. The revised policy will require oversight processes to be put in place to ensure its implementation.
The Education and Training Inspectorate inspect youth service provision, as appropriate, to ensure quality and standards are being met.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046347%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=484932","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=484932"}},{"id":"484931","reference":"AQW 46346/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-15","answerBy":"2026-06-02","answered":"2026-06-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any dates when parking attendants have been active in Groomsport, in the last three years, including the number of Penalty Charge Notices issued.","answerText":"My Department reviews its parking enforcement approach and schedules every six months, considering factors such as the type and extent of restrictions in the area, the level of demand from the public and elected representatives, the mix of residential and commercial streets, historical trends in Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), and feedback from Traffic Attendants (TAs). Additional enforcement may also be deployed where emerging issues or persistent non-compliance are identified between review periods, resource permitted.\n\nBangor is currently included within a daily enforcement patrol schedule, with TAs deployed Monday to Friday between 8:00 and 18:00.\n\nDonaghadee is included within routine enforcement patrols and is typically visited twice weekly by TAs. However, enforcement was suspended from March to November 2025 following an incident involving a TA that led to a police investigation.\n\nThe table below presents the dates over the last year on which TAs have been active in Donaghadee.\n\n1 Jan 25 – 31 Dec 25\t1 Jan 2026 - 18 May 26\n04/01, 17/01, 18/01, 20/01, 28/01, 31/01, 01/02, 06/02, 12/02, 21/02, 26/02,\n01/03, 05/03, 08/03, 15/03, 25/10, 08/11, 11/11, 14/11, 17/11, 21/11, 22/11, 26/11, 01/12, 04/12, 10/12, 12/12, 15/12, 17/12, 23/12, 29/12, 31/12\t05/01, 09/01, 13/01, 15/01, 17/01, 22/01, 26/01, 28/01, 03/02, 05/02, 07/02, 11/02, 18/02, 20/02, 24/01, 28/02, 04/03, 07/03, 09/03, 13/03, 16/03, 20/03, 21/03, 26/03, 27/03, 30/03, 02/04, 04/04, 07/04, 10/04, 11/04, 16/04, 18/04, 21/04, 23/04, 24/04, 28/04, 04/05, 05/05, 06/05, 09/05, 12/05, 14/05\n\nGroomsport is not currently included in a weekly enforcement patrol, however, when requested and resource permits, TAs have visited the town as part of a mobile patrol.\n\nThe table below presents the dates over the last three years on which TAs have been active in Groomsport\n\n18 May 23 - 31 Dec 23\t1 Jan 24 – 31 Dec 24\t1 Jan 25 – 31 Dec 25\t1 Jan 26 - 18 May 26\n07/11, 14/11, 24/11\n05/12, 12/12\t15/03, 01/11\t25/03, 15/04, 29/04, 20/05, 21/05, 07/06, 16/09, 10/10, 17/11\t11/02\n\nTraffic Attendants (TAs) undertake routine seasonal patrols in Millisle from the end of May to September each year. Additional enforcement is also provided, where required, to address emerging parking issues.\n\nThe table below outlines dates of activity over the last three years.\n\n18 May 23 - 31 Dec 23\t1 Jan 24 – 31 Dec 24\t1 Jan 25 – 31 Dec 25\t1 Jan 26 - 18 May 26\n31/05, 07/06, 13/06, 17/06, 21/06, 26/06\n27/06, 06/07, 08/07, 10/07, 11/07, 25/07,\n15/08, 21/08, 16/09, 30/09, 05/10, 07/10, 19/10, 24/10, 26/10, 31/10, 07/11, 10/11, 25/11, 29/11, 07/12, 12/12, 30/12\t03/02, 08/03, 13/03 14/03, 22/03, 27/03\n28/03, 08/04, 12/04, 16/04, 17/04, 19/04, 22/04, 24/04, 25/04, 04/05, 24/05, 29/05 01/06, 05/06, 14/06, 26/06 28/06, 01/07, 06/07, 17/07, 20/07 23/07, 02/08 03/08, 05/08, 21/08, 28/08, 04/09, 07/09, 11/09, 24/09, 30/09, 22/10 23/10, 05/11 25/11, 02/12, 16/12\t04/01, 09/01, 15/01, 27/01, 01/02, 06/03, 19/03, 28/03, 15/04, 18/04, 01/05, 03/05, 14/05, 24/05, 31/05, 03/06, 05/06, 12/06, 24/06, 27/06, 02/07, 16/07, 17/07, 18/07, 21/07, 22/07, 27/08, 27/09, 03/10, 07/10, 09/10, 30/10, 04/11, 05/12, 20/12, 28/12, 31/12\t02/01, 21/01, 26/01\n02/02, 05/02, 11/02,\n25/02, 03/03, 05/03\n12/03, 01/04, 04/04\n07/04, 29/04, 14/05\n\nThe number of PCNs issued for on-street contraventions in Bangor, Groomsport, Donaghadee and Millisle for the last 3-years, can be downloaded at the following link https://www.opendatani.gov.uk/dataset/penalty-charge-notice-data.","answerHtml":"My Department reviews its parking enforcement approach and schedules every six months, considering factors such as the type and extent of restrictions in the area, the level of demand from the public and elected representatives, the mix of residential and commercial streets, historical trends in Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), and feedback from Traffic Attendants (TAs). Additional enforcement may also be deployed where emerging issues or persistent non-compliance are identified between review periods, resource permitted.
Bangor is currently included within a daily enforcement patrol schedule, with TAs deployed Monday to Friday between 8:00 and 18:00.
Donaghadee is included within routine enforcement patrols and is typically visited twice weekly by TAs. However, enforcement was suspended from March to November 2025 following an incident involving a TA that led to a police investigation.
The table below presents the dates over the last year on which TAs have been active in Donaghadee.
| 1 Jan 25 – 31 Dec 25 | 1 Jan 2026 - 18 May 26 |
| 04/01, 17/01, 18/01, 20/01, 28/01, 31/01, 01/02, 06/02, 12/02, 21/02, 26/02, 01/03, 05/03, 08/03, 15/03, 25/10, 08/11, 11/11, 14/11, 17/11, 21/11, 22/11, 26/11, 01/12, 04/12, 10/12, 12/12, 15/12, 17/12, 23/12, 29/12, 31/12 | 05/01, 09/01, 13/01, 15/01, 17/01, 22/01, 26/01, 28/01, 03/02, 05/02, 07/02, 11/02, 18/02, 20/02, 24/01, 28/02, 04/03, 07/03, 09/03, 13/03, 16/03, 20/03, 21/03, 26/03, 27/03, 30/03, 02/04, 04/04, 07/04, 10/04, 11/04, 16/04, 18/04, 21/04, 23/04, 24/04, 28/04, 04/05, 05/05, 06/05, 09/05, 12/05, 14/05 |
Groomsport is not currently included in a weekly enforcement patrol, however, when requested and resource permits, TAs have visited the town as part of a mobile patrol.
The table below presents the dates over the last three years on which TAs have been active in Groomsport
| 18 May 23 - 31 Dec 23 | 1 Jan 24 – 31 Dec 24 | 1 Jan 25 – 31 Dec 25 | 1 Jan 26 - 18 May 26 |
| 07/11, 14/11, 24/11 05/12, 12/12 | 15/03, 01/11 | 25/03, 15/04, 29/04, 20/05, 21/05, 07/06, 16/09, 10/10, 17/11 | 11/02 |
Traffic Attendants (TAs) undertake routine seasonal patrols in Millisle from the end of May to September each year. Additional enforcement is also provided, where required, to address emerging parking issues.
The table below outlines dates of activity over the last three years.
| 18 May 23 - 31 Dec 23 | 1 Jan 24 – 31 Dec 24 | 1 Jan 25 – 31 Dec 25 | 1 Jan 26 - 18 May 26 |
| 31/05, 07/06, 13/06, 17/06, 21/06, 26/06 27/06, 06/07, 08/07, 10/07, 11/07, 25/07, 15/08, 21/08, 16/09, 30/09, 05/10, 07/10, 19/10, 24/10, 26/10, 31/10, 07/11, 10/11, 25/11, 29/11, 07/12, 12/12, 30/12 | 03/02, 08/03, 13/03 14/03, 22/03, 27/03 28/03, 08/04, 12/04, 16/04, 17/04, 19/04, 22/04, 24/04, 25/04, 04/05, 24/05, 29/05 01/06, 05/06, 14/06, 26/06 28/06, 01/07, 06/07, 17/07, 20/07 23/07, 02/08 03/08, 05/08, 21/08, 28/08, 04/09, 07/09, 11/09, 24/09, 30/09, 22/10 23/10, 05/11 25/11, 02/12, 16/12 | 04/01, 09/01, 15/01, 27/01, 01/02, 06/03, 19/03, 28/03, 15/04, 18/04, 01/05, 03/05, 14/05, 24/05, 31/05, 03/06, 05/06, 12/06, 24/06, 27/06, 02/07, 16/07, 17/07, 18/07, 21/07, 22/07, 27/08, 27/09, 03/10, 07/10, 09/10, 30/10, 04/11, 05/12, 20/12, 28/12, 31/12 | 02/01, 21/01, 26/01 02/02, 05/02, 11/02, 25/02, 03/03, 05/03 12/03, 01/04, 04/04 07/04, 29/04, 14/05 |
The number of PCNs issued for on-street contraventions in Bangor, Groomsport, Donaghadee and Millisle for the last 3-years, can be downloaded at the following link https://www.opendatani.gov.uk/dataset/penalty-charge-notice-data.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046346%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=484931","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=484931"}},{"id":"484930","reference":"AQW 46345/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-15","answerBy":"2026-06-02","answered":"2026-06-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 20898/22-27, for an update on the dates when parking attendants have been in attendance in Donaghadee, over the last year, including the number of Penalty Charge Notices issued during that period.","answerText":"My Department reviews its parking enforcement approach and schedules every six months, considering factors such as the type and extent of restrictions in the area, the level of demand from the public and elected representatives, the mix of residential and commercial streets, historical trends in Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), and feedback from Traffic Attendants (TAs). Additional enforcement may also be deployed where emerging issues or persistent non-compliance are identified between review periods, resource permitted.\n\nBangor is currently included within a daily enforcement patrol schedule, with TAs deployed Monday to Friday between 8:00 and 18:00.\n\nDonaghadee is included within routine enforcement patrols and is typically visited twice weekly by TAs. However, enforcement was suspended from March to November 2025 following an incident involving a TA that led to a police investigation.\n\nThe table below presents the dates over the last year on which TAs have been active in Donaghadee.\n\n1 Jan 25 – 31 Dec 25\t1 Jan 2026 - 18 May 26\n04/01, 17/01, 18/01, 20/01, 28/01, 31/01, 01/02, 06/02, 12/02, 21/02, 26/02,\n01/03, 05/03, 08/03, 15/03, 25/10, 08/11, 11/11, 14/11, 17/11, 21/11, 22/11, 26/11, 01/12, 04/12, 10/12, 12/12, 15/12, 17/12, 23/12, 29/12, 31/12\t05/01, 09/01, 13/01, 15/01, 17/01, 22/01, 26/01, 28/01, 03/02, 05/02, 07/02, 11/02, 18/02, 20/02, 24/01, 28/02, 04/03, 07/03, 09/03, 13/03, 16/03, 20/03, 21/03, 26/03, 27/03, 30/03, 02/04, 04/04, 07/04, 10/04, 11/04, 16/04, 18/04, 21/04, 23/04, 24/04, 28/04, 04/05, 05/05, 06/05, 09/05, 12/05, 14/05\n\nGroomsport is not currently included in a weekly enforcement patrol, however, when requested and resource permits, TAs have visited the town as part of a mobile patrol.\n\nThe table below presents the dates over the last three years on which TAs have been active in Groomsport\n\n18 May 23 - 31 Dec 23\t1 Jan 24 – 31 Dec 24\t1 Jan 25 – 31 Dec 25\t1 Jan 26 - 18 May 26\n07/11, 14/11, 24/11\n05/12, 12/12\t15/03, 01/11\t25/03, 15/04, 29/04, 20/05, 21/05, 07/06, 16/09, 10/10, 17/11\t11/02\n\nTraffic Attendants (TAs) undertake routine seasonal patrols in Millisle from the end of May to September each year. Additional enforcement is also provided, where required, to address emerging parking issues.\n\nThe table below outlines dates of activity over the last three years.\n\n18 May 23 - 31 Dec 23\t1 Jan 24 – 31 Dec 24\t1 Jan 25 – 31 Dec 25\t1 Jan 26 - 18 May 26\n31/05, 07/06, 13/06, 17/06, 21/06, 26/06\n27/06, 06/07, 08/07, 10/07, 11/07, 25/07,\n15/08, 21/08, 16/09, 30/09, 05/10, 07/10, 19/10, 24/10, 26/10, 31/10, 07/11, 10/11, 25/11, 29/11, 07/12, 12/12, 30/12\t03/02, 08/03, 13/03 14/03, 22/03, 27/03\n28/03, 08/04, 12/04, 16/04, 17/04, 19/04, 22/04, 24/04, 25/04, 04/05, 24/05, 29/05 01/06, 05/06, 14/06, 26/06 28/06, 01/07, 06/07, 17/07, 20/07 23/07, 02/08 03/08, 05/08, 21/08, 28/08, 04/09, 07/09, 11/09, 24/09, 30/09, 22/10 23/10, 05/11 25/11, 02/12, 16/12\t04/01, 09/01, 15/01, 27/01, 01/02, 06/03, 19/03, 28/03, 15/04, 18/04, 01/05, 03/05, 14/05, 24/05, 31/05, 03/06, 05/06, 12/06, 24/06, 27/06, 02/07, 16/07, 17/07, 18/07, 21/07, 22/07, 27/08, 27/09, 03/10, 07/10, 09/10, 30/10, 04/11, 05/12, 20/12, 28/12, 31/12\t02/01, 21/01, 26/01\n02/02, 05/02, 11/02,\n25/02, 03/03, 05/03\n12/03, 01/04, 04/04\n07/04, 29/04, 14/05\n\nThe number of PCNs issued for on-street contraventions in Bangor, Groomsport, Donaghadee and Millisle for the last 3-years, can be downloaded at the following link https://www.opendatani.gov.uk/dataset/penalty-charge-notice-data.","answerHtml":"My Department reviews its parking enforcement approach and schedules every six months, considering factors such as the type and extent of restrictions in the area, the level of demand from the public and elected representatives, the mix of residential and commercial streets, historical trends in Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), and feedback from Traffic Attendants (TAs). Additional enforcement may also be deployed where emerging issues or persistent non-compliance are identified between review periods, resource permitted.
Bangor is currently included within a daily enforcement patrol schedule, with TAs deployed Monday to Friday between 8:00 and 18:00.
Donaghadee is included within routine enforcement patrols and is typically visited twice weekly by TAs. However, enforcement was suspended from March to November 2025 following an incident involving a TA that led to a police investigation.
The table below presents the dates over the last year on which TAs have been active in Donaghadee.
| 1 Jan 25 – 31 Dec 25 | 1 Jan 2026 - 18 May 26 |
| 04/01, 17/01, 18/01, 20/01, 28/01, 31/01, 01/02, 06/02, 12/02, 21/02, 26/02, 01/03, 05/03, 08/03, 15/03, 25/10, 08/11, 11/11, 14/11, 17/11, 21/11, 22/11, 26/11, 01/12, 04/12, 10/12, 12/12, 15/12, 17/12, 23/12, 29/12, 31/12 | 05/01, 09/01, 13/01, 15/01, 17/01, 22/01, 26/01, 28/01, 03/02, 05/02, 07/02, 11/02, 18/02, 20/02, 24/01, 28/02, 04/03, 07/03, 09/03, 13/03, 16/03, 20/03, 21/03, 26/03, 27/03, 30/03, 02/04, 04/04, 07/04, 10/04, 11/04, 16/04, 18/04, 21/04, 23/04, 24/04, 28/04, 04/05, 05/05, 06/05, 09/05, 12/05, 14/05 |
Groomsport is not currently included in a weekly enforcement patrol, however, when requested and resource permits, TAs have visited the town as part of a mobile patrol.
The table below presents the dates over the last three years on which TAs have been active in Groomsport
| 18 May 23 - 31 Dec 23 | 1 Jan 24 – 31 Dec 24 | 1 Jan 25 – 31 Dec 25 | 1 Jan 26 - 18 May 26 |
| 07/11, 14/11, 24/11 05/12, 12/12 | 15/03, 01/11 | 25/03, 15/04, 29/04, 20/05, 21/05, 07/06, 16/09, 10/10, 17/11 | 11/02 |
Traffic Attendants (TAs) undertake routine seasonal patrols in Millisle from the end of May to September each year. Additional enforcement is also provided, where required, to address emerging parking issues.
The table below outlines dates of activity over the last three years.
| 18 May 23 - 31 Dec 23 | 1 Jan 24 – 31 Dec 24 | 1 Jan 25 – 31 Dec 25 | 1 Jan 26 - 18 May 26 |
| 31/05, 07/06, 13/06, 17/06, 21/06, 26/06 27/06, 06/07, 08/07, 10/07, 11/07, 25/07, 15/08, 21/08, 16/09, 30/09, 05/10, 07/10, 19/10, 24/10, 26/10, 31/10, 07/11, 10/11, 25/11, 29/11, 07/12, 12/12, 30/12 | 03/02, 08/03, 13/03 14/03, 22/03, 27/03 28/03, 08/04, 12/04, 16/04, 17/04, 19/04, 22/04, 24/04, 25/04, 04/05, 24/05, 29/05 01/06, 05/06, 14/06, 26/06 28/06, 01/07, 06/07, 17/07, 20/07 23/07, 02/08 03/08, 05/08, 21/08, 28/08, 04/09, 07/09, 11/09, 24/09, 30/09, 22/10 23/10, 05/11 25/11, 02/12, 16/12 | 04/01, 09/01, 15/01, 27/01, 01/02, 06/03, 19/03, 28/03, 15/04, 18/04, 01/05, 03/05, 14/05, 24/05, 31/05, 03/06, 05/06, 12/06, 24/06, 27/06, 02/07, 16/07, 17/07, 18/07, 21/07, 22/07, 27/08, 27/09, 03/10, 07/10, 09/10, 30/10, 04/11, 05/12, 20/12, 28/12, 31/12 | 02/01, 21/01, 26/01 02/02, 05/02, 11/02, 25/02, 03/03, 05/03 12/03, 01/04, 04/04 07/04, 29/04, 14/05 |
The number of PCNs issued for on-street contraventions in Bangor, Groomsport, Donaghadee and Millisle for the last 3-years, can be downloaded at the following link https://www.opendatani.gov.uk/dataset/penalty-charge-notice-data.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046345%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=484930","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=484930"}},{"id":"484929","reference":"AQW 46344/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-15","answerBy":"2026-06-02","answered":"2026-06-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any dates when parking attendants have been active in Millisle, in the last three years, including the number of Penalty Charge Notices issued.","answerText":"My Department reviews its parking enforcement approach and schedules every six months, considering factors such as the type and extent of restrictions in the area, the level of demand from the public and elected representatives, the mix of residential and commercial streets, historical trends in Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), and feedback from Traffic Attendants (TAs). Additional enforcement may also be deployed where emerging issues or persistent non-compliance are identified between review periods, resource permitted.\n\nBangor is currently included within a daily enforcement patrol schedule, with TAs deployed Monday to Friday between 8:00 and 18:00.\n\nDonaghadee is included within routine enforcement patrols and is typically visited twice weekly by TAs. However, enforcement was suspended from March to November 2025 following an incident involving a TA that led to a police investigation.\n\nThe table below presents the dates over the last year on which TAs have been active in Donaghadee.\n\n1 Jan 25 – 31 Dec 25\t1 Jan 2026 - 18 May 26\n04/01, 17/01, 18/01, 20/01, 28/01, 31/01, 01/02, 06/02, 12/02, 21/02, 26/02,\n01/03, 05/03, 08/03, 15/03, 25/10, 08/11, 11/11, 14/11, 17/11, 21/11, 22/11, 26/11, 01/12, 04/12, 10/12, 12/12, 15/12, 17/12, 23/12, 29/12, 31/12\t05/01, 09/01, 13/01, 15/01, 17/01, 22/01, 26/01, 28/01, 03/02, 05/02, 07/02, 11/02, 18/02, 20/02, 24/01, 28/02, 04/03, 07/03, 09/03, 13/03, 16/03, 20/03, 21/03, 26/03, 27/03, 30/03, 02/04, 04/04, 07/04, 10/04, 11/04, 16/04, 18/04, 21/04, 23/04, 24/04, 28/04, 04/05, 05/05, 06/05, 09/05, 12/05, 14/05\n\nGroomsport is not currently included in a weekly enforcement patrol, however, when requested and resource permits, TAs have visited the town as part of a mobile patrol.\n\nThe table below presents the dates over the last three years on which TAs have been active in Groomsport\n\n18 May 23 - 31 Dec 23\t1 Jan 24 – 31 Dec 24\t1 Jan 25 – 31 Dec 25\t1 Jan 26 - 18 May 26\n07/11, 14/11, 24/11\n05/12, 12/12\t15/03, 01/11\t25/03, 15/04, 29/04, 20/05, 21/05, 07/06, 16/09, 10/10, 17/11\t11/02\n\nTraffic Attendants (TAs) undertake routine seasonal patrols in Millisle from the end of May to September each year. Additional enforcement is also provided, where required, to address emerging parking issues.\n\nThe table below outlines dates of activity over the last three years.\n\n18 May 23 - 31 Dec 23\t1 Jan 24 – 31 Dec 24\t1 Jan 25 – 31 Dec 25\t1 Jan 26 - 18 May 26\n31/05, 07/06, 13/06, 17/06, 21/06, 26/06\n27/06, 06/07, 08/07, 10/07, 11/07, 25/07,\n15/08, 21/08, 16/09, 30/09, 05/10, 07/10, 19/10, 24/10, 26/10, 31/10, 07/11, 10/11, 25/11, 29/11, 07/12, 12/12, 30/12\t03/02, 08/03, 13/03 14/03, 22/03, 27/03\n28/03, 08/04, 12/04, 16/04, 17/04, 19/04, 22/04, 24/04, 25/04, 04/05, 24/05, 29/05 01/06, 05/06, 14/06, 26/06 28/06, 01/07, 06/07, 17/07, 20/07 23/07, 02/08 03/08, 05/08, 21/08, 28/08, 04/09, 07/09, 11/09, 24/09, 30/09, 22/10 23/10, 05/11 25/11, 02/12, 16/12\t04/01, 09/01, 15/01, 27/01, 01/02, 06/03, 19/03, 28/03, 15/04, 18/04, 01/05, 03/05, 14/05, 24/05, 31/05, 03/06, 05/06, 12/06, 24/06, 27/06, 02/07, 16/07, 17/07, 18/07, 21/07, 22/07, 27/08, 27/09, 03/10, 07/10, 09/10, 30/10, 04/11, 05/12, 20/12, 28/12, 31/12\t02/01, 21/01, 26/01\n02/02, 05/02, 11/02,\n25/02, 03/03, 05/03\n12/03, 01/04, 04/04\n07/04, 29/04, 14/05\n\nThe number of PCNs issued for on-street contraventions in Bangor, Groomsport, Donaghadee and Millisle for the last 3-years, can be downloaded at the following link https://www.opendatani.gov.uk/dataset/penalty-charge-notice-data.","answerHtml":"My Department reviews its parking enforcement approach and schedules every six months, considering factors such as the type and extent of restrictions in the area, the level of demand from the public and elected representatives, the mix of residential and commercial streets, historical trends in Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), and feedback from Traffic Attendants (TAs). Additional enforcement may also be deployed where emerging issues or persistent non-compliance are identified between review periods, resource permitted.
Bangor is currently included within a daily enforcement patrol schedule, with TAs deployed Monday to Friday between 8:00 and 18:00.
Donaghadee is included within routine enforcement patrols and is typically visited twice weekly by TAs. However, enforcement was suspended from March to November 2025 following an incident involving a TA that led to a police investigation.
The table below presents the dates over the last year on which TAs have been active in Donaghadee.
| 1 Jan 25 – 31 Dec 25 | 1 Jan 2026 - 18 May 26 |
| 04/01, 17/01, 18/01, 20/01, 28/01, 31/01, 01/02, 06/02, 12/02, 21/02, 26/02, 01/03, 05/03, 08/03, 15/03, 25/10, 08/11, 11/11, 14/11, 17/11, 21/11, 22/11, 26/11, 01/12, 04/12, 10/12, 12/12, 15/12, 17/12, 23/12, 29/12, 31/12 | 05/01, 09/01, 13/01, 15/01, 17/01, 22/01, 26/01, 28/01, 03/02, 05/02, 07/02, 11/02, 18/02, 20/02, 24/01, 28/02, 04/03, 07/03, 09/03, 13/03, 16/03, 20/03, 21/03, 26/03, 27/03, 30/03, 02/04, 04/04, 07/04, 10/04, 11/04, 16/04, 18/04, 21/04, 23/04, 24/04, 28/04, 04/05, 05/05, 06/05, 09/05, 12/05, 14/05 |
Groomsport is not currently included in a weekly enforcement patrol, however, when requested and resource permits, TAs have visited the town as part of a mobile patrol.
The table below presents the dates over the last three years on which TAs have been active in Groomsport
| 18 May 23 - 31 Dec 23 | 1 Jan 24 – 31 Dec 24 | 1 Jan 25 – 31 Dec 25 | 1 Jan 26 - 18 May 26 |
| 07/11, 14/11, 24/11 05/12, 12/12 | 15/03, 01/11 | 25/03, 15/04, 29/04, 20/05, 21/05, 07/06, 16/09, 10/10, 17/11 | 11/02 |
Traffic Attendants (TAs) undertake routine seasonal patrols in Millisle from the end of May to September each year. Additional enforcement is also provided, where required, to address emerging parking issues.
The table below outlines dates of activity over the last three years.
| 18 May 23 - 31 Dec 23 | 1 Jan 24 – 31 Dec 24 | 1 Jan 25 – 31 Dec 25 | 1 Jan 26 - 18 May 26 |
| 31/05, 07/06, 13/06, 17/06, 21/06, 26/06 27/06, 06/07, 08/07, 10/07, 11/07, 25/07, 15/08, 21/08, 16/09, 30/09, 05/10, 07/10, 19/10, 24/10, 26/10, 31/10, 07/11, 10/11, 25/11, 29/11, 07/12, 12/12, 30/12 | 03/02, 08/03, 13/03 14/03, 22/03, 27/03 28/03, 08/04, 12/04, 16/04, 17/04, 19/04, 22/04, 24/04, 25/04, 04/05, 24/05, 29/05 01/06, 05/06, 14/06, 26/06 28/06, 01/07, 06/07, 17/07, 20/07 23/07, 02/08 03/08, 05/08, 21/08, 28/08, 04/09, 07/09, 11/09, 24/09, 30/09, 22/10 23/10, 05/11 25/11, 02/12, 16/12 | 04/01, 09/01, 15/01, 27/01, 01/02, 06/03, 19/03, 28/03, 15/04, 18/04, 01/05, 03/05, 14/05, 24/05, 31/05, 03/06, 05/06, 12/06, 24/06, 27/06, 02/07, 16/07, 17/07, 18/07, 21/07, 22/07, 27/08, 27/09, 03/10, 07/10, 09/10, 30/10, 04/11, 05/12, 20/12, 28/12, 31/12 | 02/01, 21/01, 26/01 02/02, 05/02, 11/02, 25/02, 03/03, 05/03 12/03, 01/04, 04/04 07/04, 29/04, 14/05 |
The number of PCNs issued for on-street contraventions in Bangor, Groomsport, Donaghadee and Millisle for the last 3-years, can be downloaded at the following link https://www.opendatani.gov.uk/dataset/penalty-charge-notice-data.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046344%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=484929","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=484929"}},{"id":"484928","reference":"AQW 46343/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-15","answerBy":"2026-06-02","answered":"2026-06-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any dates when parking attendants have been active in Bangor City Centre, in the last three years, including the number of Penalty Charge Notices issued.","answerText":"My Department reviews its parking enforcement approach and schedules every six months, considering factors such as the type and extent of restrictions in the area, the level of demand from the public and elected representatives, the mix of residential and commercial streets, historical trends in Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), and feedback from Traffic Attendants (TAs). Additional enforcement may also be deployed where emerging issues or persistent non-compliance are identified between review periods, resource permitted.\n\nBangor is currently included within a daily enforcement patrol schedule, with TAs deployed Monday to Friday between 8:00 and 18:00.\n\nDonaghadee is included within routine enforcement patrols and is typically visited twice weekly by TAs. However, enforcement was suspended from March to November 2025 following an incident involving a TA that led to a police investigation.\n\nThe table below presents the dates over the last year on which TAs have been active in Donaghadee.\n\n1 Jan 25 – 31 Dec 25\t1 Jan 2026 - 18 May 26\n04/01, 17/01, 18/01, 20/01, 28/01, 31/01, 01/02, 06/02, 12/02, 21/02, 26/02,\n01/03, 05/03, 08/03, 15/03, 25/10, 08/11, 11/11, 14/11, 17/11, 21/11, 22/11, 26/11, 01/12, 04/12, 10/12, 12/12, 15/12, 17/12, 23/12, 29/12, 31/12\t05/01, 09/01, 13/01, 15/01, 17/01, 22/01, 26/01, 28/01, 03/02, 05/02, 07/02, 11/02, 18/02, 20/02, 24/01, 28/02, 04/03, 07/03, 09/03, 13/03, 16/03, 20/03, 21/03, 26/03, 27/03, 30/03, 02/04, 04/04, 07/04, 10/04, 11/04, 16/04, 18/04, 21/04, 23/04, 24/04, 28/04, 04/05, 05/05, 06/05, 09/05, 12/05, 14/05\n\nGroomsport is not currently included in a weekly enforcement patrol, however, when requested and resource permits, TAs have visited the town as part of a mobile patrol.\n\nThe table below presents the dates over the last three years on which TAs have been active in Groomsport\n\n18 May 23 - 31 Dec 23\t1 Jan 24 – 31 Dec 24\t1 Jan 25 – 31 Dec 25\t1 Jan 26 - 18 May 26\n07/11, 14/11, 24/11\n05/12, 12/12\t15/03, 01/11\t25/03, 15/04, 29/04, 20/05, 21/05, 07/06, 16/09, 10/10, 17/11\t11/02\n\nTraffic Attendants (TAs) undertake routine seasonal patrols in Millisle from the end of May to September each year. Additional enforcement is also provided, where required, to address emerging parking issues.\n\nThe table below outlines dates of activity over the last three years.\n\n18 May 23 - 31 Dec 23\t1 Jan 24 – 31 Dec 24\t1 Jan 25 – 31 Dec 25\t1 Jan 26 - 18 May 26\n31/05, 07/06, 13/06, 17/06, 21/06, 26/06\n27/06, 06/07, 08/07, 10/07, 11/07, 25/07,\n15/08, 21/08, 16/09, 30/09, 05/10, 07/10, 19/10, 24/10, 26/10, 31/10, 07/11, 10/11, 25/11, 29/11, 07/12, 12/12, 30/12\t03/02, 08/03, 13/03 14/03, 22/03, 27/03\n28/03, 08/04, 12/04, 16/04, 17/04, 19/04, 22/04, 24/04, 25/04, 04/05, 24/05, 29/05 01/06, 05/06, 14/06, 26/06 28/06, 01/07, 06/07, 17/07, 20/07 23/07, 02/08 03/08, 05/08, 21/08, 28/08, 04/09, 07/09, 11/09, 24/09, 30/09, 22/10 23/10, 05/11 25/11, 02/12, 16/12\t04/01, 09/01, 15/01, 27/01, 01/02, 06/03, 19/03, 28/03, 15/04, 18/04, 01/05, 03/05, 14/05, 24/05, 31/05, 03/06, 05/06, 12/06, 24/06, 27/06, 02/07, 16/07, 17/07, 18/07, 21/07, 22/07, 27/08, 27/09, 03/10, 07/10, 09/10, 30/10, 04/11, 05/12, 20/12, 28/12, 31/12\t02/01, 21/01, 26/01\n02/02, 05/02, 11/02,\n25/02, 03/03, 05/03\n12/03, 01/04, 04/04\n07/04, 29/04, 14/05\n\nThe number of PCNs issued for on-street contraventions in Bangor, Groomsport, Donaghadee and Millisle for the last 3-years, can be downloaded at the following link https://www.opendatani.gov.uk/dataset/penalty-charge-notice-data.","answerHtml":"My Department reviews its parking enforcement approach and schedules every six months, considering factors such as the type and extent of restrictions in the area, the level of demand from the public and elected representatives, the mix of residential and commercial streets, historical trends in Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), and feedback from Traffic Attendants (TAs). Additional enforcement may also be deployed where emerging issues or persistent non-compliance are identified between review periods, resource permitted.
Bangor is currently included within a daily enforcement patrol schedule, with TAs deployed Monday to Friday between 8:00 and 18:00.
Donaghadee is included within routine enforcement patrols and is typically visited twice weekly by TAs. However, enforcement was suspended from March to November 2025 following an incident involving a TA that led to a police investigation.
The table below presents the dates over the last year on which TAs have been active in Donaghadee.
| 1 Jan 25 – 31 Dec 25 | 1 Jan 2026 - 18 May 26 |
| 04/01, 17/01, 18/01, 20/01, 28/01, 31/01, 01/02, 06/02, 12/02, 21/02, 26/02, 01/03, 05/03, 08/03, 15/03, 25/10, 08/11, 11/11, 14/11, 17/11, 21/11, 22/11, 26/11, 01/12, 04/12, 10/12, 12/12, 15/12, 17/12, 23/12, 29/12, 31/12 | 05/01, 09/01, 13/01, 15/01, 17/01, 22/01, 26/01, 28/01, 03/02, 05/02, 07/02, 11/02, 18/02, 20/02, 24/01, 28/02, 04/03, 07/03, 09/03, 13/03, 16/03, 20/03, 21/03, 26/03, 27/03, 30/03, 02/04, 04/04, 07/04, 10/04, 11/04, 16/04, 18/04, 21/04, 23/04, 24/04, 28/04, 04/05, 05/05, 06/05, 09/05, 12/05, 14/05 |
Groomsport is not currently included in a weekly enforcement patrol, however, when requested and resource permits, TAs have visited the town as part of a mobile patrol.
The table below presents the dates over the last three years on which TAs have been active in Groomsport
| 18 May 23 - 31 Dec 23 | 1 Jan 24 – 31 Dec 24 | 1 Jan 25 – 31 Dec 25 | 1 Jan 26 - 18 May 26 |
| 07/11, 14/11, 24/11 05/12, 12/12 | 15/03, 01/11 | 25/03, 15/04, 29/04, 20/05, 21/05, 07/06, 16/09, 10/10, 17/11 | 11/02 |
Traffic Attendants (TAs) undertake routine seasonal patrols in Millisle from the end of May to September each year. Additional enforcement is also provided, where required, to address emerging parking issues.
The table below outlines dates of activity over the last three years.
| 18 May 23 - 31 Dec 23 | 1 Jan 24 – 31 Dec 24 | 1 Jan 25 – 31 Dec 25 | 1 Jan 26 - 18 May 26 |
| 31/05, 07/06, 13/06, 17/06, 21/06, 26/06 27/06, 06/07, 08/07, 10/07, 11/07, 25/07, 15/08, 21/08, 16/09, 30/09, 05/10, 07/10, 19/10, 24/10, 26/10, 31/10, 07/11, 10/11, 25/11, 29/11, 07/12, 12/12, 30/12 | 03/02, 08/03, 13/03 14/03, 22/03, 27/03 28/03, 08/04, 12/04, 16/04, 17/04, 19/04, 22/04, 24/04, 25/04, 04/05, 24/05, 29/05 01/06, 05/06, 14/06, 26/06 28/06, 01/07, 06/07, 17/07, 20/07 23/07, 02/08 03/08, 05/08, 21/08, 28/08, 04/09, 07/09, 11/09, 24/09, 30/09, 22/10 23/10, 05/11 25/11, 02/12, 16/12 | 04/01, 09/01, 15/01, 27/01, 01/02, 06/03, 19/03, 28/03, 15/04, 18/04, 01/05, 03/05, 14/05, 24/05, 31/05, 03/06, 05/06, 12/06, 24/06, 27/06, 02/07, 16/07, 17/07, 18/07, 21/07, 22/07, 27/08, 27/09, 03/10, 07/10, 09/10, 30/10, 04/11, 05/12, 20/12, 28/12, 31/12 | 02/01, 21/01, 26/01 02/02, 05/02, 11/02, 25/02, 03/03, 05/03 12/03, 01/04, 04/04 07/04, 29/04, 14/05 |
The number of PCNs issued for on-street contraventions in Bangor, Groomsport, Donaghadee and Millisle for the last 3-years, can be downloaded at the following link https://www.opendatani.gov.uk/dataset/penalty-charge-notice-data.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046343%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=484928","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=484928"}},{"id":"484751","reference":"AQW 46260/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-14","answerBy":"2026-06-01","answered":"2026-06-03","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 Anti-Poverty Strategy.","answerText":"Following the completion of the Anti-Poverty Strategy Public Consultation on 19 September, DfC officials analysed and considered all responses received. I shared the report titled ‘The Anti-Poverty Strategy Summary of Public Consultation’ on the outcome of this analysis with my Executive colleagues, it was then published on 8th April.\n\nOfficials across all departmnets are currently working on taking forward further contributions to the Strategy as appropriate before it is finalised and presented to the Executive for their consideration and approval.\n\nI have asked my Permanent Secretary and her team to look in detail to see how the current draft can be improved.","answerHtml":"Following the completion of the Anti-Poverty Strategy Public Consultation on 19 September, DfC officials analysed and considered all responses received. I shared the report titled ‘The Anti-Poverty Strategy Summary of Public Consultation’ on the outcome of this analysis with my Executive colleagues, it was then published on 8th April.
Officials across all departmnets are currently working on taking forward further contributions to the Strategy as appropriate before it is finalised and presented to the Executive for their consideration and approval.
I have asked my Permanent Secretary and her team to look in detail to see how the current draft can be improved.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046260%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=484751","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=484751"}},{"id":"484750","reference":"AQW 46259/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-14","answerBy":"2026-06-01","answered":"2026-06-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any schools with School Keep Clear markings, which can be enforced by Traffic Attendants, in the North Down constituency.","answerText":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users. We are acutely aware that children and young people are amongst the most vulnerable groups using our roads, particularly around schools.\n\n‘School Keep Clear’ markings are widely used across the North as an important road safety measure to discourage parking at school entrances, helping to maintain visibility and protect children during peak times.\n\nAt present, the majority of ‘School Keep Clear’ road markings are advisory and not automatically enforceable as they are not supported by the relevant legislation. The introduction of enforceable restrictions requires a formal Traffic Regulation Order process, including design, consultation and advertisement, and it is important that such action is taken on a proportionate, site-specific basis.\n\nThe Department therefore prioritises locations where there is clear evidence of road safety risk, persistent obstruction or inappropriate speed, while recognising that advisory markings can in many cases provide an effective deterrent.\n\nAll locations are kept under review and where concerns remain, consideration can be given to a range of further measures, including enforceable zig-zag markings, waiting restrictions, additional signage, traffic management interventions and part-time 20mph limits.\n\nBallyholme Primary, Ballymagee Primary and Grange Park Primary currently have enforceable markings in the North Down area.","answerHtml":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users. We are acutely aware that children and young people are amongst the most vulnerable groups using our roads, particularly around schools.
‘School Keep Clear’ markings are widely used across the North as an important road safety measure to discourage parking at school entrances, helping to maintain visibility and protect children during peak times.
At present, the majority of ‘School Keep Clear’ road markings are advisory and not automatically enforceable as they are not supported by the relevant legislation. The introduction of enforceable restrictions requires a formal Traffic Regulation Order process, including design, consultation and advertisement, and it is important that such action is taken on a proportionate, site-specific basis.
The Department therefore prioritises locations where there is clear evidence of road safety risk, persistent obstruction or inappropriate speed, while recognising that advisory markings can in many cases provide an effective deterrent.
All locations are kept under review and where concerns remain, consideration can be given to a range of further measures, including enforceable zig-zag markings, waiting restrictions, additional signage, traffic management interventions and part-time 20mph limits.
Ballyholme Primary, Ballymagee Primary and Grange Park Primary currently have enforceable markings in the North Down area.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046259%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=484750","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=484750"}},{"id":"484749","reference":"AQW 46258/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-14","answerBy":"2026-06-01","answered":"2026-06-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 32956/22-27, to detail the rationale for the majority of School Keep Clear markings being advisory only and therefore unenforceable by Traffic Attendants.","answerText":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users. We are acutely aware that children and young people are amongst the most vulnerable groups using our roads, particularly around schools.\n\n‘School Keep Clear’ markings are widely used across the North as an important road safety measure to discourage parking at school entrances, helping to maintain visibility and protect children during peak times.\n\nAt present, the majority of ‘School Keep Clear’ road markings are advisory and not automatically enforceable as they are not supported by the relevant legislation. The introduction of enforceable restrictions requires a formal Traffic Regulation Order process, including design, consultation and advertisement, and it is important that such action is taken on a proportionate, site-specific basis.\n\nThe Department therefore prioritises locations where there is clear evidence of road safety risk, persistent obstruction or inappropriate speed, while recognising that advisory markings can in many cases provide an effective deterrent.\n\nAll locations are kept under review and where concerns remain, consideration can be given to a range of further measures, including enforceable zig-zag markings, waiting restrictions, additional signage, traffic management interventions and part-time 20mph limits.\n\nBallyholme Primary, Ballymagee Primary and Grange Park Primary currently have enforceable markings in the North Down area.","answerHtml":"Road safety is a high priority for my Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users. We are acutely aware that children and young people are amongst the most vulnerable groups using our roads, particularly around schools.
‘School Keep Clear’ markings are widely used across the North as an important road safety measure to discourage parking at school entrances, helping to maintain visibility and protect children during peak times.
At present, the majority of ‘School Keep Clear’ road markings are advisory and not automatically enforceable as they are not supported by the relevant legislation. The introduction of enforceable restrictions requires a formal Traffic Regulation Order process, including design, consultation and advertisement, and it is important that such action is taken on a proportionate, site-specific basis.
The Department therefore prioritises locations where there is clear evidence of road safety risk, persistent obstruction or inappropriate speed, while recognising that advisory markings can in many cases provide an effective deterrent.
All locations are kept under review and where concerns remain, consideration can be given to a range of further measures, including enforceable zig-zag markings, waiting restrictions, additional signage, traffic management interventions and part-time 20mph limits.
Ballyholme Primary, Ballymagee Primary and Grange Park Primary currently have enforceable markings in the North Down area.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046258%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=484749","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=484749"}},{"id":"484748","reference":"AQW 46257/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-14","answerBy":"2026-06-01","answered":"2026-08-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any work his Department has undertaken to address poverty in North Down, since the adjournment debate on the topic on 9 December 2025.","answerText":"My Department has invested over £8m to address poverty in North Down in the current financial year and continues to deliver a broad range of supports through employment, advice, housing and energy-efficiency measures.\n\nFunding information is held and reported at council district level. Investment in the Ards and North Down Borough Council area includes:\n\n£517,364 to Labour Market Partnership in 2025/26.\n\n£175,000 for the Integrated Advice Partnership Fund (2024-2027).\n\n£135,000 for Social Supermarket projects in 2025/26.\n\n£500,000 through the Affordable Warmth Scheme in 2025/26, supporting 50 grants to help tackle fuel poverty.\n\n£1 million in Home Improvement Grants in 2025/26, supporting 91 homes and 133 energy efficiency measures.\n\n£6.4 million Supporting People funding towards 1,431 accommodation-based support units in 2025/26.\n\nPlanned for Housing Executive insulation schemes for 367 dwellings in Bangor and Holywood, with a further 105 dwellings benefiting from retrofit schemes to improve energy efficiency and reduce household heating costs.\n\nMore broadly, work is ongoing to launch the £100 Home Heating Oil Payment in summer 2026. The Anti-Poverty Strategy Summary of Public Consultation report was published in April 2026, with work continuing to finalise the Anti-Poverty Strategy and Action Plan in the coming months.","answerHtml":"My Department has invested over £8m to address poverty in North Down in the current financial year and continues to deliver a broad range of supports through employment, advice, housing and energy-efficiency measures.
Funding information is held and reported at council district level. Investment in the Ards and North Down Borough Council area includes:
£517,364 to Labour Market Partnership in 2025/26.
£175,000 for the Integrated Advice Partnership Fund (2024-2027).
£135,000 for Social Supermarket projects in 2025/26.
£500,000 through the Affordable Warmth Scheme in 2025/26, supporting 50 grants to help tackle fuel poverty.
£1 million in Home Improvement Grants in 2025/26, supporting 91 homes and 133 energy efficiency measures.
£6.4 million Supporting People funding towards 1,431 accommodation-based support units in 2025/26.
Planned for Housing Executive insulation schemes for 367 dwellings in Bangor and Holywood, with a further 105 dwellings benefiting from retrofit schemes to improve energy efficiency and reduce household heating costs.
More broadly, work is ongoing to launch the £100 Home Heating Oil Payment in summer 2026. The Anti-Poverty Strategy Summary of Public Consultation report was published in April 2026, with work continuing to finalise the Anti-Poverty Strategy and Action Plan in the coming months.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046257%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=484748","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=484748"}},{"id":"484747","reference":"AQW 46256/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-14","answerBy":"2026-06-01","answered":"2026-06-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any dates when parking attendants have been active in Holywood, in the last three years, including the number of Penalty Charge Notices issued.","answerText":"Holywood is patrolled by traffic attendants on a weekly basis, Monday to Saturday.\n\nThe number of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued for on-street contraventions in Holywood, for the last 8 years, is available at https://www.opendatani.gov.uk/dataset/penalty-charge-notice-data.","answerHtml":"Holywood is patrolled by traffic attendants on a weekly basis, Monday to Saturday.
The number of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued for on-street contraventions in Holywood, for the last 8 years, is available at https://www.opendatani.gov.uk/dataset/penalty-charge-notice-data.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046256%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=484747","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=484747"}},{"id":"484544","reference":"AQW 46153/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-13","answerBy":"2026-05-29","answered":"2026-06-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has (i) given any consideration to the updated National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines on ovarian cancer testing including changes to the use of CA125 blood test; and (ii) any plans to endorse this updated approach.","answerText":"My Department is aware of the updated National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance (NG12, April 2026), including changes relating to the use of CA125 testing and the assessment of women presenting with possible ovarian cancer symptoms.\n\nIn Northern Ireland, suspected cancer referral guidance issued through the Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN) already supports the use of CA125 testing in combination with clinical assessment, and promotes escalation for further investigation where symptoms are ongoing or unexplained.\n\nThe NICaN Gynaecology Clinical Reference Group is currently reviewing the updated NICE guidance to determine how best it can be reflected within regional pathways, taking account of local service configuration and capacity. This review will inform any updates to existing guidance for primary care and secondary care services.\n\nSubject to this process, revised guidance will be considered for regional endorsement and implementation. Any agreed changes will be communicated to general practitioners and Health and Social Care Trusts, supported by appropriate clinical guidance and education to ensure consistent application in practice.","answerHtml":"My Department is aware of the updated National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance (NG12, April 2026), including changes relating to the use of CA125 testing and the assessment of women presenting with possible ovarian cancer symptoms.
In Northern Ireland, suspected cancer referral guidance issued through the Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN) already supports the use of CA125 testing in combination with clinical assessment, and promotes escalation for further investigation where symptoms are ongoing or unexplained.
The NICaN Gynaecology Clinical Reference Group is currently reviewing the updated NICE guidance to determine how best it can be reflected within regional pathways, taking account of local service configuration and capacity. This review will inform any updates to existing guidance for primary care and secondary care services.
Subject to this process, revised guidance will be considered for regional endorsement and implementation. Any agreed changes will be communicated to general practitioners and Health and Social Care Trusts, supported by appropriate clinical guidance and education to ensure consistent application in practice.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046153%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=484544","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=484544"}},{"id":"484543","reference":"AQW 46152/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-13","answerBy":"2026-05-29","answered":"2026-09-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether any assessment has been made of the name change from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome to Polyendocrine Metabolic and Ovarian Syndrome, including whether his Department will take any steps to communicate this to both health professionals and patients.","answerText":"My Department’s approach is guided by the best available clinical evidence and by nationally recognised bodies, including the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), as well as wider UK clinical consensus. At present, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome remains the term used within published NICE guidance.\n\nHowever, I am aware that NICE has recently consulted on and is expected to publish guidance later in the year, which will use the term Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome. Once published, that guidance will be considered for its applicability to Northern Ireland.","answerHtml":"My Department’s approach is guided by the best available clinical evidence and by nationally recognised bodies, including the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), as well as wider UK clinical consensus. At present, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome remains the term used within published NICE guidance.
However, I am aware that NICE has recently consulted on and is expected to publish guidance later in the year, which will use the term Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome. Once published, that guidance will be considered for its applicability to Northern Ireland.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046152%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=484543","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=484543"}},{"id":"484542","reference":"AQW 46151/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-13","answerBy":"2026-05-29","answered":"2026-05-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail a timescale to introduce legislation to address inconsiderate pavement parking.","answerText":"My officials are taking forward work to develop the necessary legislation to introduce a blanket ban across the North on parking a vehicle wholly on the footway, parking across dropped kerbs and double parking. It is my aim to introduce these changes in the latter part of 2026, subject to the legislative process.","answerHtml":"My officials are taking forward work to develop the necessary legislation to introduce a blanket ban across the North on parking a vehicle wholly on the footway, parking across dropped kerbs and double parking. It is my aim to introduce these changes in the latter part of 2026, subject to the legislative process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046151%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=484542","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=484542"}},{"id":"484318","reference":"AQW 46061/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-12","answerBy":"2026-05-28","answered":"2026-08-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has issued any guidance to hospitals, in the last five years, on making private breastfeeding facilities available for outpatients.","answerText":"No specific guidance has been issued to NI hospitals in relation to the provision of private facilities for breastfeeding outpatients, however, all five Health and Social Care Trusts have breastfeeding promotion and support policies in place that meet Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) Standards.\n\nAdditionally, the Public Health Agency supports the Breastfeeding Welcome Here Scheme (BWHS), which aims to ensure that mothers are supported and welcomed to breastfeed within public, community and healthcare-associated settings across Northern Ireland. All Health and Social Care Trusts actively support the roll-out of BWHS in their geographical areas and this is further promoted through hospital based, Maternity Infant Feeding Leads in each Trust.\n\nWhilst it is not required, or always possible, for venues registered under the BWHS to provide private spaces to facilitate breastfeeding, registrants pledge to provide supportive, judgement-free environments where mothers feel comfortable feeding their babies","answerHtml":"No specific guidance has been issued to NI hospitals in relation to the provision of private facilities for breastfeeding outpatients, however, all five Health and Social Care Trusts have breastfeeding promotion and support policies in place that meet Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) Standards.
Additionally, the Public Health Agency supports the Breastfeeding Welcome Here Scheme (BWHS), which aims to ensure that mothers are supported and welcomed to breastfeed within public, community and healthcare-associated settings across Northern Ireland. All Health and Social Care Trusts actively support the roll-out of BWHS in their geographical areas and this is further promoted through hospital based, Maternity Infant Feeding Leads in each Trust.
Whilst it is not required, or always possible, for venues registered under the BWHS to provide private spaces to facilitate breastfeeding, registrants pledge to provide supportive, judgement-free environments where mothers feel comfortable feeding their babies
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046061%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=484318","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=484318"}},{"id":"484317","reference":"AQW 46060/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-12","answerBy":"2026-05-28","answered":"2026-08-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department monitors Baby Friendly Initiative accreditations, in each Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"My Department strongly supports the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) and continues to monitor its implementation across the Health and Social Care Trusts.\n\nIn 2016, Northern Ireland became the first country in the UK to achieve 100% of births in BFI fully accredited settings. This was followed by full accreditation of Health Visiting services in 2020. The Northern Trust Neonatal Unit then became the first unit in NI to achieve full BFI accreditation in 2021, with other units working towards various stages of accreditation. Within Sure Start programmes, considerable progress has also been made with BFI accreditation in the community.\n\nBFI is implemented locally, led by dedicated Infant Feeding Leads and multi-disciplinary teams, who support maternity, neonatal, community, Sure Starts and hospital-based children's services to improve care and outcomes for babies and families.\n\nThe Public Health Agency commission, through UNICEF, a BFI Professional Officer in Northern Ireland to support BFI assessments, reassessments and training across HSC and Sure Starts in NI and the National Infant Feeding Network NI (NIFN NI) to build capacity to sustain BFI in Northern Ireland.\n\nMy officials will continue to work with colleagues in the PHA, and Health and Social Care Trusts to monitor and support the implementation of BFI standards throughout Northern Ireland.","answerHtml":"My Department strongly supports the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) and continues to monitor its implementation across the Health and Social Care Trusts.
In 2016, Northern Ireland became the first country in the UK to achieve 100% of births in BFI fully accredited settings. This was followed by full accreditation of Health Visiting services in 2020. The Northern Trust Neonatal Unit then became the first unit in NI to achieve full BFI accreditation in 2021, with other units working towards various stages of accreditation. Within Sure Start programmes, considerable progress has also been made with BFI accreditation in the community.
BFI is implemented locally, led by dedicated Infant Feeding Leads and multi-disciplinary teams, who support maternity, neonatal, community, Sure Starts and hospital-based children's services to improve care and outcomes for babies and families.
The Public Health Agency commission, through UNICEF, a BFI Professional Officer in Northern Ireland to support BFI assessments, reassessments and training across HSC and Sure Starts in NI and the National Infant Feeding Network NI (NIFN NI) to build capacity to sustain BFI in Northern Ireland.
My officials will continue to work with colleagues in the PHA, and Health and Social Care Trusts to monitor and support the implementation of BFI standards throughout Northern Ireland.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046060%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=484317","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=484317"}},{"id":"484316","reference":"AQW 46059/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-12","answerBy":"2026-05-28","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether the Ulster Hospital has private breastfeeding facilities within its Emergency Department.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046059%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=484316","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=484316"}},{"id":"484315","reference":"AQW 46058/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-12","answerBy":"2026-05-28","answered":"2026-06-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department has taken to ensure all (i) Emergency Departments; and (ii) Urgent Care Centres, are accessible for parents with children.","answerText":"All Emergency Departments (EDs) and Urgent Care Centres (UCCs) in Northern Ireland are already accessible for parents with children, with the exception of the Belfast Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust where those under the age of 16 are instead seen within the dedicated Children’s Hospital.\n\nTrust-specific detail is given below:\n\nWithin Belfast HSC Trust, access to both the Mater and the Royal EDs and the Royal UCC is available from a young person’s 16th birthday, as the Royal UCC site has a designated Children’s Hospital. This ensures that children and young people up to the age of 16 are cared for within the dedicated Children’s Hospital, while those aged 16 and over can access the Mater and Royal EDs.\n\nThe Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children (RBHSC) Emergency Department is the only ED in Northern Ireland dedicated exclusively to caring for children and young people up to their 16th birthday. There is no designated Urgent Care Centre within RBHSC. The RBHSC ED does face certain estate limitations due to the age of the facility, which can restrict some aspects of accessibility. Within these constraints, every effort is made to ensure the environment is welcoming and suitable for young patients and their parents. Building work has begun on a New Children’s Hospital which will include a new Children’s ED.\n\nThe Northern HSC Trust has a separate area in Antrim Area Hospital ED consisting of six assessment spaces specifically for children, accessible from the main ED entrance with dedicated triage. Children’s nurses and Medical Staff are assigned to this area daily. In addition, the Emergency Nurse Practitioner service will also see children with minor injuries over the age of three. The Causeway Hospital has one designated cubicle for children which is also a sensory room and has a separate children’s area.\n\nIn the South Eastern HSC Trust, the ED at the Ulster Hospital includes a dedicated paediatric zone providing a child-friendly environment for assessment and treatment. This area is supported by medical and nursing staff with appropriate paediatric training, and includes access to a sensory room to support children with additional needs. Within the Ulster UCC, a designated play area is available within the main waiting area to support children and families while awaiting assessment. When the UCC closes at 8.00pm, parents and children continue to be accommodated within the main ED to ensure continuity of care. Facilities to support parents are also available, including a breastfeeding room accessible 24 hours a day on Level 1, adjacent to the UCC. In addition, staff can facilitate appropriate privacy within clinical areas. In Downe and Lagan Valley UCCs, there are designated play areas available within the main waiting areas to support children and families while awaiting assessment.\n\nIn the Southern HSC Trust, both Daisy Hill and Craigavon Hospital Emergency Departments are accessible for parents with children, with designated children’s cubicles and separate waiting areas for children and parents.\n\nThe Western HSC Trust’s EDs in Altnagelvin Hospital and South West Acute Hospital both include a dedicated paediatric area providing a child-friendly environment for waiting, assessment and treatment. These areas are supported by medical and nursing staff, and include access to sensory rooms to support children with additional needs. Facilities to support parents are also available in both EDs, including private feeding rooms and baby changing facilities. Within the Urgent Care and Treatment Centre in Omagh Hospital & Primary Care Complex, a designated play area is available within the main waiting area to support children and families while awaiting assessment. While the Minor Injury Unit at Altnagelvin has no dedicated paediatric assessment space, there is the availability of single assessment rooms and staff have access to toys and paediatric equipment suitable for assessment.\n\nThe measures set out above aim to ensure that services are as accessible and supportive as possible for parents and children attending unscheduled care settings. The Department will continue to work with Trusts to ensure that environments and services meet the needs of all patients, including families with young children.","answerHtml":"All Emergency Departments (EDs) and Urgent Care Centres (UCCs) in Northern Ireland are already accessible for parents with children, with the exception of the Belfast Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust where those under the age of 16 are instead seen within the dedicated Children’s Hospital.
Trust-specific detail is given below:
Within Belfast HSC Trust, access to both the Mater and the Royal EDs and the Royal UCC is available from a young person’s 16th birthday, as the Royal UCC site has a designated Children’s Hospital. This ensures that children and young people up to the age of 16 are cared for within the dedicated Children’s Hospital, while those aged 16 and over can access the Mater and Royal EDs.
The Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children (RBHSC) Emergency Department is the only ED in Northern Ireland dedicated exclusively to caring for children and young people up to their 16th birthday. There is no designated Urgent Care Centre within RBHSC. The RBHSC ED does face certain estate limitations due to the age of the facility, which can restrict some aspects of accessibility. Within these constraints, every effort is made to ensure the environment is welcoming and suitable for young patients and their parents. Building work has begun on a New Children’s Hospital which will include a new Children’s ED.
The Northern HSC Trust has a separate area in Antrim Area Hospital ED consisting of six assessment spaces specifically for children, accessible from the main ED entrance with dedicated triage. Children’s nurses and Medical Staff are assigned to this area daily. In addition, the Emergency Nurse Practitioner service will also see children with minor injuries over the age of three. The Causeway Hospital has one designated cubicle for children which is also a sensory room and has a separate children’s area.
In the South Eastern HSC Trust, the ED at the Ulster Hospital includes a dedicated paediatric zone providing a child-friendly environment for assessment and treatment. This area is supported by medical and nursing staff with appropriate paediatric training, and includes access to a sensory room to support children with additional needs. Within the Ulster UCC, a designated play area is available within the main waiting area to support children and families while awaiting assessment. When the UCC closes at 8.00pm, parents and children continue to be accommodated within the main ED to ensure continuity of care. Facilities to support parents are also available, including a breastfeeding room accessible 24 hours a day on Level 1, adjacent to the UCC. In addition, staff can facilitate appropriate privacy within clinical areas. In Downe and Lagan Valley UCCs, there are designated play areas available within the main waiting areas to support children and families while awaiting assessment.
In the Southern HSC Trust, both Daisy Hill and Craigavon Hospital Emergency Departments are accessible for parents with children, with designated children’s cubicles and separate waiting areas for children and parents.
The Western HSC Trust’s EDs in Altnagelvin Hospital and South West Acute Hospital both include a dedicated paediatric area providing a child-friendly environment for waiting, assessment and treatment. These areas are supported by medical and nursing staff, and include access to sensory rooms to support children with additional needs. Facilities to support parents are also available in both EDs, including private feeding rooms and baby changing facilities. Within the Urgent Care and Treatment Centre in Omagh Hospital & Primary Care Complex, a designated play area is available within the main waiting area to support children and families while awaiting assessment. While the Minor Injury Unit at Altnagelvin has no dedicated paediatric assessment space, there is the availability of single assessment rooms and staff have access to toys and paediatric equipment suitable for assessment.
The measures set out above aim to ensure that services are as accessible and supportive as possible for parents and children attending unscheduled care settings. The Department will continue to work with Trusts to ensure that environments and services meet the needs of all patients, including families with young children.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2046058%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=484315","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=484315"}},{"id":"483857","reference":"AQW 45844/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-08","answerBy":"2026-05-26","answered":"2026-06-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any funding his Department provided for supporting victims and survivors of child sexual abuse, in the 2025-26 financial year.","answerText":"Each Health and Social Care Trust holds statutory responsibility for providing a range and level of social services appropriate to Children in Need as defined under Article 17 of The Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995. Each Health and Social Care Trust utilises a range of services to support victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.\n\nIn addition to existing services and support provided by Trusts, in 2025/26, my Department also had contracted services in place with the Voluntary & Community sector. This included specific Therapeutic Support for Children and Young People who are potentially vulnerable to Child Sexual Exploitation through Barnardo’s.\n\nNexus NI were also contracted to provide counselling services to adult victims and survivors of sexual abuse and violence.\n\nMy Department also supported the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) through the Department of Health’s Core Grant in 2025/26. Although this Grant does not specifically procure a Therapeutic Service, it does support the NSPCC to deliver their services which includes Therapeutic Support.","answerHtml":"Each Health and Social Care Trust holds statutory responsibility for providing a range and level of social services appropriate to Children in Need as defined under Article 17 of The Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995. Each Health and Social Care Trust utilises a range of services to support victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.
In addition to existing services and support provided by Trusts, in 2025/26, my Department also had contracted services in place with the Voluntary & Community sector. This included specific Therapeutic Support for Children and Young People who are potentially vulnerable to Child Sexual Exploitation through Barnardo’s.
Nexus NI were also contracted to provide counselling services to adult victims and survivors of sexual abuse and violence.
My Department also supported the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) through the Department of Health’s Core Grant in 2025/26. Although this Grant does not specifically procure a Therapeutic Service, it does support the NSPCC to deliver their services which includes Therapeutic Support.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045844%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=483857","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=483857"}},{"id":"485344","reference":"AQO 3562/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-07","answerBy":"2026-05-18","answered":"2026-05-19","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 any proposals he is planning to progress in order to improve animal welfare in animal rescue and rehoming organisations.","answerText":"My Department is consulting on a proposal that a licence will be required for any organisation that rehomes more than five animals within a 12-month period; or at a given time cares for eight or more animals, or five or more dogs.\n\nA licence would be awarded by the corresponding district council, following an inspection process. Under the proposal, councils would be responsible for setting license fees, publishing a register of licenced rescue and rehoming organisations and enforcement of these requirements.\n\nThe consultation will close on 30 June 2026, and I would ask all interested parties and key stakeholders to respond. Following careful analysis of the responses I will be able to determine next steps. Any changes will, of course, require close collaboration and engagement with local councils.","answerHtml":"My Department is consulting on a proposal that a licence will be required for any organisation that rehomes more than five animals within a 12-month period; or at a given time cares for eight or more animals, or five or more dogs.
A licence would be awarded by the corresponding district council, following an inspection process. Under the proposal, councils would be responsible for setting license fees, publishing a register of licenced rescue and rehoming organisations and enforcement of these requirements.
The consultation will close on 30 June 2026, and I would ask all interested parties and key stakeholders to respond. Following careful analysis of the responses I will be able to determine next steps. Any changes will, of course, require close collaboration and engagement with local councils.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203562%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=485344","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=485344"}},{"id":"482738","reference":"AQW 45359/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-05-01","answerBy":"2026-05-19","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 to detail the timeline for (i) approval; and (ii) publication, of the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2045359%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=482738","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=482738"}},{"id":"484225","reference":"AQO 3532/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-30","answerBy":"2026-05-11","answered":"2026-05-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department plans to install suicide prevention barriers across high-traffic public bridges.","answerText":"At the outset, I want to express my sincere sympathy to everyone who has been bereaved by suicide, and to acknowledge the profound and lasting impact this has on families, friends and communities.\n\nI recognise the importance of developing suicide deterrent measures at high risk locations on our infrastructure and have met with the Mental Health Champion, Professor Siobhan O’Neill to discuss the issue and the work my department can do to make a positive contribution to suicide prevention.\n\nThe Westlink in Belfast and the Foyle Bridge in Derry have been identified as locations of concern where additional safety measures may be appropriate.\n\nAs part of my Department’s ongoing commitment to explore options for progressing suicide deterrent measures on Foyle Bridge, I allocated £150,000 in December to allow the structural assessment to commence early this year.\n\nThis assessment is currently underway, however due to the scale and complexity of the bridge, it will take a number of months to complete.\n\nThe outcome of this assessment will provide the technical basis for any future decisions on the feasibility of suicide deterrent barriers at the bridge.\n\nAt the Westlink, we are developing a pilot to increase parapet heights on Clifton and Divis Street Bridges, at an estimated cost of £1.8m, using a green living wall rather than standard metal railings.\n\nFollowing the implementation of the pilot scheme on 2 bridges over Westlink, we will undertake an assessment of its effectiveness, and a further extension of the project may be taken forward at other related areas such as the M2 bridges.","answerHtml":"At the outset, I want to express my sincere sympathy to everyone who has been bereaved by suicide, and to acknowledge the profound and lasting impact this has on families, friends and communities.
I recognise the importance of developing suicide deterrent measures at high risk locations on our infrastructure and have met with the Mental Health Champion, Professor Siobhan O’Neill to discuss the issue and the work my department can do to make a positive contribution to suicide prevention.
The Westlink in Belfast and the Foyle Bridge in Derry have been identified as locations of concern where additional safety measures may be appropriate.
As part of my Department’s ongoing commitment to explore options for progressing suicide deterrent measures on Foyle Bridge, I allocated £150,000 in December to allow the structural assessment to commence early this year.
This assessment is currently underway, however due to the scale and complexity of the bridge, it will take a number of months to complete.
The outcome of this assessment will provide the technical basis for any future decisions on the feasibility of suicide deterrent barriers at the bridge.
At the Westlink, we are developing a pilot to increase parapet heights on Clifton and Divis Street Bridges, at an estimated cost of £1.8m, using a green living wall rather than standard metal railings.
Following the implementation of the pilot scheme on 2 bridges over Westlink, we will undertake an assessment of its effectiveness, and a further extension of the project may be taken forward at other related areas such as the M2 bridges.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203532%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=484225","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=484225"}},{"id":"481766","reference":"AQW 44882/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-27","answerBy":"2026-05-13","answered":"2026-05-06","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 development an ending violence against women and girls online hub, as identified in action 14 of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Delivery Plan 2026-2028.","answerText":"The Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Second Delivery Plan 2026-2028 was launched on 21 April and will be delivered over a two-year period.\n\nIt is intended to begin work on the development of the online hub referenced in action 14 later in this financial year.","answerHtml":"The Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Second Delivery Plan 2026-2028 was launched on 21 April and will be delivered over a two-year period.
It is intended to begin work on the development of the online hub referenced in action 14 later in this financial year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044882%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=481766","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=481766"}},{"id":"481765","reference":"AQW 44881/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-27","answerBy":"2026-05-13","answered":"2026-05-11","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 to detail the evidence gaps identified by their Department as referenced in action 13 of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Delivery Plan 2026-2028.","answerText":"The co-design process of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategic Framework identified various gaps in the evidence base, including for those women and girls facing additional risk of violence and barriers to accessing services, and the attitudes of men and boys here relating to violence against women and girls.\n\nUnder the first Delivery Plan (2024-2026), we started to address these evidence gaps through commissioned research on masculinities and attitudes of men and boys and through the Community Led Review on Rural Women and Girls.\n\nAs part of the second Delivery Plan (2026-2028), we are currently working with delivery partners, academic partners and other Departments to identify further gaps in the evidence base. This will help to inform research priorities and ensure that policy and investment decisions are underpinned by the best available evidence.","answerHtml":"The co-design process of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategic Framework identified various gaps in the evidence base, including for those women and girls facing additional risk of violence and barriers to accessing services, and the attitudes of men and boys here relating to violence against women and girls.
Under the first Delivery Plan (2024-2026), we started to address these evidence gaps through commissioned research on masculinities and attitudes of men and boys and through the Community Led Review on Rural Women and Girls.
As part of the second Delivery Plan (2026-2028), we are currently working with delivery partners, academic partners and other Departments to identify further gaps in the evidence base. This will help to inform research priorities and ensure that policy and investment decisions are underpinned by the best available evidence.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044881%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=481765","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=481765"}},{"id":"481764","reference":"AQW 44880/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-27","answerBy":"2026-05-13","answered":"2026-05-13","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 when the community-led reviews, as identified in action 10 of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Delivery Plan 2026-2028, will be launched.","answerText":"A communityled review focusing on the experiences of women and girls living in rural areas was launched in October 2025 and is nearing completion.\n\nFurther details on the timing of individual communityled reviews will be confirmed as delivery progresses, in line with the overall programme schedule for the 2026–2028 period.","answerHtml":"A communityled review focusing on the experiences of women and girls living in rural areas was launched in October 2025 and is nearing completion.
Further details on the timing of individual communityled reviews will be confirmed as delivery progresses, in line with the overall programme schedule for the 2026–2028 period.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044880%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=481764","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=481764"}},{"id":"481763","reference":"AQW 44879/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-27","answerBy":"2026-05-13","answered":"2026-05-26","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 detail a timescale for delivering the media campaign as identified in action 5 of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Delivery Plan 2026-2028.","answerText":"The Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Second Delivery Plan 2026-2028 was launched on 21 April and will be delivered over the two-year period.\n\nIt is intended to begin work on the development of the further media referenced in action 5 later in this financial year.","answerHtml":"The Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Second Delivery Plan 2026-2028 was launched on 21 April and will be delivered over the two-year period.
It is intended to begin work on the development of the further media referenced in action 5 later in this financial year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044879%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=481763","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=481763"}},{"id":"481762","reference":"AQW 44878/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-27","answerBy":"2026-05-13","answered":"2026-05-11","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 to detail (i) any stakeholders involved in delivering the Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes Coercive Control Campaign; and (ii) how this has been delivered.","answerText":"The Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes (H.S.K.T.) coercive control campaign was developed in partnership with Ulster University.\n\nThe campaign consists of two key strands:\n\n1) a targeted awareness and information campaign; and\n\n2) training of frontline workers.\n\nA pilot phase of the H.S.K.T campaign was rolled out over a three-month period from September to December 2025. This was supported by a training programme to 47 frontline workers across a range of 21 cross sectoral organisations, including from the Health sector, the PSNI and Community and Voluntary Sector (CVS) organisations.\n\nIn March 2026, a further 46 frontline workers from these sectors, including 20 additional organisations, also received the training.\n\nFollowing successful evaluation of the pilot, preparations are being made for a full regional campaign rollout with an anticipated launch in June. Work is also ongoing to develop arrangements for roll out of the related training initiative.","answerHtml":"The Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes (H.S.K.T.) coercive control campaign was developed in partnership with Ulster University.
The campaign consists of two key strands:
1) a targeted awareness and information campaign; and
2) training of frontline workers.
A pilot phase of the H.S.K.T campaign was rolled out over a three-month period from September to December 2025. This was supported by a training programme to 47 frontline workers across a range of 21 cross sectoral organisations, including from the Health sector, the PSNI and Community and Voluntary Sector (CVS) organisations.
In March 2026, a further 46 frontline workers from these sectors, including 20 additional organisations, also received the training.
Following successful evaluation of the pilot, preparations are being made for a full regional campaign rollout with an anticipated launch in June. Work is also ongoing to develop arrangements for roll out of the related training initiative.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044878%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=481762","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=481762"}},{"id":"481558","reference":"AQW 44762/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-24","answerBy":"2026-05-12","answered":"2026-05-13","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 phase three of the Power to Change Campaign.","answerText":"The Power to Change Campaign, was jointly launched by The Executive Office, the Department of Justice and the PSNI in January 2025 to target harmful attitudes and behaviours of men and boys. The campaign has a dedicated website and toolkit with a strong focus on social media advertising.\n\nPhase 1 of Power to Change focused on engaging with perpetrators and active bystanders, re-enacting scenarios depicting subtle acts of harm towards women and girls. The campaign, across social media platforms had high engagement, accumulating over 10 million impressions.\n\nPhase 2 of Power to Change, will launch in the coming months. It is aimed at addressing the root of the problem by tackling internalised misogyny head-on while examining how normalised and perpetuated misogyny is within our culture and especially online. The campaign will use video and social media, with peer-to-peer focused discussions, including positive content on masculinity and will amplify women’s voices and include real social commentary. The dedicated Power to Change website and toolkit will be updated for Phase 2 of the campaign.\n\nThe outcomes from Phase 2 of Power to Change will be used to inform the development of Phase 3, which has yet to be developed.","answerHtml":"The Power to Change Campaign, was jointly launched by The Executive Office, the Department of Justice and the PSNI in January 2025 to target harmful attitudes and behaviours of men and boys. The campaign has a dedicated website and toolkit with a strong focus on social media advertising.
Phase 1 of Power to Change focused on engaging with perpetrators and active bystanders, re-enacting scenarios depicting subtle acts of harm towards women and girls. The campaign, across social media platforms had high engagement, accumulating over 10 million impressions.
Phase 2 of Power to Change, will launch in the coming months. It is aimed at addressing the root of the problem by tackling internalised misogyny head-on while examining how normalised and perpetuated misogyny is within our culture and especially online. The campaign will use video and social media, with peer-to-peer focused discussions, including positive content on masculinity and will amplify women’s voices and include real social commentary. The dedicated Power to Change website and toolkit will be updated for Phase 2 of the campaign.
The outcomes from Phase 2 of Power to Change will be used to inform the development of Phase 3, which has yet to be developed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044762%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=481558","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=481558"}},{"id":"481557","reference":"AQW 44761/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-24","answerBy":"2026-05-12","answered":"2026-05-06","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 the community-led review on violence against women and girls in rural areas will be published.","answerText":"The Community Led Review on Rural Women and Girls is being led by the Rural Community Network (RCN) and the Northern Ireland Rural Women’s Network (NIRWN). The research is currently in its final stages. The publication date for the final report will be agreed in consultation with the organisations leading the research.","answerHtml":"The Community Led Review on Rural Women and Girls is being led by the Rural Community Network (RCN) and the Northern Ireland Rural Women’s Network (NIRWN). The research is currently in its final stages. The publication date for the final report will be agreed in consultation with the organisations leading the research.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044761%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=481557","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=481557"}},{"id":"481556","reference":"AQW 44760/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-24","answerBy":"2026-05-12","answered":"2026-05-11","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 to detail any budget allocated to the (i) Local Change Fund; and (ii) Regional Change Fund, through the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Delivery Plan 2026–2028.","answerText":"As reflected in the second Delivery Plan, which was launched on 21 April 2026, we intend to continue funding the Change Fund through to March 2028. The budget for April 2026 onwards is still subject to Executive approval, therefore no funding has been allocated as yet to the Local Change Fund. In relation to the Regional Change Fund, business continuity arrangements have been put in place to extend current activity until June 2026. This allows for a proportional allocation of £50,000 available via Belfast City Council for each Regional Delivery Organisation.","answerHtml":"As reflected in the second Delivery Plan, which was launched on 21 April 2026, we intend to continue funding the Change Fund through to March 2028. The budget for April 2026 onwards is still subject to Executive approval, therefore no funding has been allocated as yet to the Local Change Fund. In relation to the Regional Change Fund, business continuity arrangements have been put in place to extend current activity until June 2026. This allows for a proportional allocation of £50,000 available via Belfast City Council for each Regional Delivery Organisation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044760%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=481556","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=481556"}},{"id":"481555","reference":"AQW 44759/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-24","answerBy":"2026-05-12","answered":"2026-05-11","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 to detail how the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Delivery Plan 2024–2026 has been evaluated.","answerText":"The Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Delivery Plan 2024–2026 is being evaluated through structured monitoring and independent evaluation, in line with the EVAWG Strategic Framework.\n\nEvaluation focuses on progress against the Delivery Plan’s outcomes, actions, and milestones, using Outcomes Based Accountability data returns from activities and delivery partners along with oversight by The Executive Office.\n\nAn action and learning approach is applied across the delivery period, ensuring learning from implementation informs ongoing improvement.\n\nFindings are reported through the established governance arrangements, namely the Programme Board and the Oversight Board, which support accountability, inform decision-making and help shape future delivery.\n\nIt is intended to provide a report to the Executive on the first Delivery Plan 2024-2026 this Autumn.\n\nAn independent programme evaluation will be commissioned later this financial year to assess delivery progress, outcomes, and implementation learning.","answerHtml":"The Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Delivery Plan 2024–2026 is being evaluated through structured monitoring and independent evaluation, in line with the EVAWG Strategic Framework.
Evaluation focuses on progress against the Delivery Plan’s outcomes, actions, and milestones, using Outcomes Based Accountability data returns from activities and delivery partners along with oversight by The Executive Office.
An action and learning approach is applied across the delivery period, ensuring learning from implementation informs ongoing improvement.
Findings are reported through the established governance arrangements, namely the Programme Board and the Oversight Board, which support accountability, inform decision-making and help shape future delivery.
It is intended to provide a report to the Executive on the first Delivery Plan 2024-2026 this Autumn.
An independent programme evaluation will be commissioned later this financial year to assess delivery progress, outcomes, and implementation learning.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044759%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=481555","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=481555"}},{"id":"481554","reference":"AQW 44758/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-24","answerBy":"2026-05-12","answered":"2026-05-11","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 whether all actions in the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Delivery Plan 2024–2026 have been completed.","answerText":"The Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Delivery Plan 2024–2026 has been operational since December 2024 and contains fourteen actions across the key themes of prevention, protection, justice and partnership.\n\nWhile there has been significant progress and momentum across all strands of work, many actions are still ongoing and will continue into Phase 2 allowing us to sustain and build on progress to date. There is a clear and shared commitment across Departments and agencies to addressing violence against women and girls as a collective priority.\n\nThe second Delivery Plan launched on 21 April and will build on this collaboration and further strengthen delivery.","answerHtml":"The Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Delivery Plan 2024–2026 has been operational since December 2024 and contains fourteen actions across the key themes of prevention, protection, justice and partnership.
While there has been significant progress and momentum across all strands of work, many actions are still ongoing and will continue into Phase 2 allowing us to sustain and build on progress to date. There is a clear and shared commitment across Departments and agencies to addressing violence against women and girls as a collective priority.
The second Delivery Plan launched on 21 April and will build on this collaboration and further strengthen delivery.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044758%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=481554","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=481554"}},{"id":"481143","reference":"AQW 44542/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-22","answerBy":"2026-05-08","answered":"2026-05-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether his Department has ringfenced funding for domestic abuse refuge support, over the last five years.","answerText":"My Department does not ringfence funding for specific primary client groups, including domestic abuse refuge support, within the Supporting People Programme. Funding is allocated by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to housing support providers, who determine how best to meet identified needs.","answerHtml":"My Department does not ringfence funding for specific primary client groups, including domestic abuse refuge support, within the Supporting People Programme. Funding is allocated by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to housing support providers, who determine how best to meet identified needs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044542%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=481143","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=481143"}},{"id":"481142","reference":"AQW 44541/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-22","answerBy":"2026-05-08","answered":"2026-05-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any funding his Department has made to (i) Choice Housing; (ii) Apex Housing Association; and (iii) Triangle Housing Association, over the last five years.","answerText":"The majority of the funding provided to Housing Associations is an operational matter for the Housing Executive.\n\nI have sought the requested information from the Interim Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows:\n\n“Please see the table below detailing funding by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to (i) Choice Housing; (ii) Apex Housing Association; and (iii) Triangle Housing Association, over the last five financial years.\n\nHousing Association\t2021/22\t2022/23\t2023/24\t2024/25\t2025/26\tTotal\n£k's\t£k's\t£k's\t£k's\t£k's\t£k's\ni) Choice HA\t21,491\t35,910\t50,084\t38,156\t39,842\t185,483\nii) Apex HA\t20,866\t25,173\t58,501\t13,175\t21,353\t139,069\niii) Triangle HA\t14,904\t13,480\t8,222\t10,777\t13,237\t60,620\nTotal\t57,261\t74,563\t116,807\t62,108\t74,433\t385,171\n\nPlease Note:\n\n2025/26 figures are draft and remain subject to change until completion of the audit process.\n\nThe figures may be subject to rounding.”\n\nIn addition, the Department made an award of £235,000 to Apex Housing in the 2024/25 financial year under the Mixed Tenure Housing Development Grant programme.","answerHtml":"The majority of the funding provided to Housing Associations is an operational matter for the Housing Executive.
I have sought the requested information from the Interim Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows:
“Please see the table below detailing funding by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to (i) Choice Housing; (ii) Apex Housing Association; and (iii) Triangle Housing Association, over the last five financial years.
| Housing Association | 2021/22 | 2022/23 | 2023/24 | 2024/25 | 2025/26 | Total |
| £k's | £k's | £k's | £k's | £k's | £k's | |
| i) Choice HA | 21,491 | 35,910 | 50,084 | 38,156 | 39,842 | 185,483 |
| ii) Apex HA | 20,866 | 25,173 | 58,501 | 13,175 | 21,353 | 139,069 |
| iii) Triangle HA | 14,904 | 13,480 | 8,222 | 10,777 | 13,237 | 60,620 |
| Total | 57,261 | 74,563 | 116,807 | 62,108 | 74,433 | 385,171 |
Please Note:
2025/26 figures are draft and remain subject to change until completion of the audit process.
The figures may be subject to rounding.”
In addition, the Department made an award of £235,000 to Apex Housing in the 2024/25 financial year under the Mixed Tenure Housing Development Grant programme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044541%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=481142","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=481142"}},{"id":"481141","reference":"AQW 44540/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-22","answerBy":"2026-05-08","answered":"2026-05-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any guidance his Department has issued to housing associations regarding the management of housing provision for vulnerable people, including domestic abuse refuge accommodation.","answerText":"My Department regulates Registered Housing Associations (RHAs) under the Housing (NI) Order 1992 and issues a range of guidance relevant to housing provision. This includes the Regulatory Framework (updated 2024/25), Regulatory Advice Notes and the Housing Association Guide, which together set standards for governance, financial management, housing management, and tenant services; including supported and specialist accommodation.\n\nMy Department also sets policy for housing-related support through the Supporting People Programme and the Supporting People Policy Framework (NI) 2025.\n\nSupporting People services, including those delivered in refuge accommodation, are commissioned and contract managed by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive on behalf of my Department, and RHAs delivering these services must comply with both my Department and NIHE’s requirements.","answerHtml":"My Department regulates Registered Housing Associations (RHAs) under the Housing (NI) Order 1992 and issues a range of guidance relevant to housing provision. This includes the Regulatory Framework (updated 2024/25), Regulatory Advice Notes and the Housing Association Guide, which together set standards for governance, financial management, housing management, and tenant services; including supported and specialist accommodation.
My Department also sets policy for housing-related support through the Supporting People Programme and the Supporting People Policy Framework (NI) 2025.
Supporting People services, including those delivered in refuge accommodation, are commissioned and contract managed by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive on behalf of my Department, and RHAs delivering these services must comply with both my Department and NIHE’s requirements.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044540%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=481141","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=481141"}},{"id":"481140","reference":"AQW 44539/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-22","answerBy":"2026-05-08","answered":"2026-05-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether Children's Court Service officers receive regular training on domestic abuse in private family law proceedings.","answerText":"Trusts have a Domestic Abuse Training Framework that is available to Court Children’s Officers which provides training from Level 1 – Level 4. The content of the training progresses from corporate mandatory training and eLearning to include specific training related to coercive control, non- fatal strangulation, how domestic abuse impacts different groups of people, technology assisted abuse, perpetrator typologies and appropriate interventions. The training provided is applicable to both public law and private family law applications.","answerHtml":"Trusts have a Domestic Abuse Training Framework that is available to Court Children’s Officers which provides training from Level 1 – Level 4. The content of the training progresses from corporate mandatory training and eLearning to include specific training related to coercive control, non- fatal strangulation, how domestic abuse impacts different groups of people, technology assisted abuse, perpetrator typologies and appropriate interventions. The training provided is applicable to both public law and private family law applications.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044539%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=481140","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=481140"}},{"id":"480699","reference":"AQW 44324/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-20","answerBy":"2026-05-06","answered":"2026-05-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) any vaccinations for travel that are provided by Health and Social Care Trusts; and (ii) whether his Department has any plans to review and expand this list.","answerText":"Health and Social Care Trusts are not commissioned to provide travel vaccinations as they are outside of the scope of the routine immunisation schedule. In Northern Ireland, GPs are contracted to provide advice and some travel vaccines under the General Medical Services (GMS) contract.\n\nPatients are entitled to be given advice about, and supplied with, vaccines for typhoid, cholera, polio, and infective hepatitis (hepatitis A) by their own GP and not be charged for supply, advice or administration.\n\nFor all other vaccines, practices can advise patients that they need to seek private provision, or, if the practice is content to provide vaccination, patients can be charged for these. These vaccines include hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, meningococcal vaccine, rabies, tick borne encephalitis and yellow fever.\n\nThere are no plans to review or expand the travel vaccines offered under the GMS contract.","answerHtml":"Health and Social Care Trusts are not commissioned to provide travel vaccinations as they are outside of the scope of the routine immunisation schedule. In Northern Ireland, GPs are contracted to provide advice and some travel vaccines under the General Medical Services (GMS) contract.
Patients are entitled to be given advice about, and supplied with, vaccines for typhoid, cholera, polio, and infective hepatitis (hepatitis A) by their own GP and not be charged for supply, advice or administration.
For all other vaccines, practices can advise patients that they need to seek private provision, or, if the practice is content to provide vaccination, patients can be charged for these. These vaccines include hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, meningococcal vaccine, rabies, tick borne encephalitis and yellow fever.
There are no plans to review or expand the travel vaccines offered under the GMS contract.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044324%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=480699","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=480699"}},{"id":"480698","reference":"AQW 44323/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-20","answerBy":"2026-05-06","answered":"2026-05-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail any current provisions that exist in private family law to suspend parental rights of information and consultation on decisions about a child.","answerText":"Under the relevant law, there is no automatic suspension of a person’s parental rights to information or consultation about decisions relating to a child within private family law proceedings.\n\nThe Children (NI) Order 1995 provides that individuals with parental responsibility are, in principle, entitled to be consulted on significant decisions affecting a child. However, the courts have wide discretionary powers to regulate or restrict the exercise of parental responsibility where this is necessary to protect the child’s welfare.\n\nIn private law cases, the court may regulate a parent’s involvement in decision‑making by making specific issue orders or prohibited steps orders which limit participation in particular decisions affecting the child. The court may also impose conditions through child arrangements orders, including residence or contact orders, which in practice restrict the flow of information or the extent to which consultation is required. In exceptional circumstances, and where the relevant statutory tests are met, the court may further make an order removing or terminating parental responsibility.\n\nIn all cases, any restriction on a parent’s right to information or consultation is case‑specific, determined by the court, and guided by the paramountcy of the child’s welfare.","answerHtml":"Under the relevant law, there is no automatic suspension of a person’s parental rights to information or consultation about decisions relating to a child within private family law proceedings.
The Children (NI) Order 1995 provides that individuals with parental responsibility are, in principle, entitled to be consulted on significant decisions affecting a child. However, the courts have wide discretionary powers to regulate or restrict the exercise of parental responsibility where this is necessary to protect the child’s welfare.
In private law cases, the court may regulate a parent’s involvement in decision‑making by making specific issue orders or prohibited steps orders which limit participation in particular decisions affecting the child. The court may also impose conditions through child arrangements orders, including residence or contact orders, which in practice restrict the flow of information or the extent to which consultation is required. In exceptional circumstances, and where the relevant statutory tests are met, the court may further make an order removing or terminating parental responsibility.
In all cases, any restriction on a parent’s right to information or consultation is case‑specific, determined by the court, and guided by the paramountcy of the child’s welfare.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044323%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=480698","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=480698"}},{"id":"480697","reference":"AQW 44322/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-20","answerBy":"2026-05-06","answered":"2026-05-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether his Department plans to introduce Jade’s Law, or a similar legislative vehicle, that would suspend parental responsibility for parents who murder their partner or ex-partner.","answerText":"I have asked my officials to initiate detailed policy development now including provisions similar in effect to Jade’s Law, as part of a wider reform of parental responsibility and family law reforms.\n\nWhile Jade’s law is on the statute books in Britain, it has not yet been enacted due to the complexities of the process. We can and will learn from there and elsewhere.\n\nThis approach will allow us to develop robust legislation that properly reflects our own legal system and will ultimately provide stronger protections for children and families affected by the most serious crimes.\n\nI am committed to legislating to make a meaningful difference to the lives of people here. Undertaking this important work and developing this legislation will enable a Bill to be brought forward in the early part of the next mandate.","answerHtml":"I have asked my officials to initiate detailed policy development now including provisions similar in effect to Jade’s Law, as part of a wider reform of parental responsibility and family law reforms.
While Jade’s law is on the statute books in Britain, it has not yet been enacted due to the complexities of the process. We can and will learn from there and elsewhere.
This approach will allow us to develop robust legislation that properly reflects our own legal system and will ultimately provide stronger protections for children and families affected by the most serious crimes.
I am committed to legislating to make a meaningful difference to the lives of people here. Undertaking this important work and developing this legislation will enable a Bill to be brought forward in the early part of the next mandate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044322%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=480697","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=480697"}},{"id":"480696","reference":"AQW 44321/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-20","answerBy":"2026-05-06","answered":"2026-05-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether he has made any assessment of whether the regulation of ground rent for apartment owners in Northern Ireland is fit for purpose.","answerText":"This jurisdiction has not faced many of the problems that have existed in, for example, England and Wales in terms of ground rents.\n\nHowever, as indicated in my answer to AQW 44320/22-27, I have noted recent correspondence relating to increases in ground rents in some apartment buildings in the North and my officials will therefore keep the matter under review.","answerHtml":"This jurisdiction has not faced many of the problems that have existed in, for example, England and Wales in terms of ground rents.
However, as indicated in my answer to AQW 44320/22-27, I have noted recent correspondence relating to increases in ground rents in some apartment buildings in the North and my officials will therefore keep the matter under review.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044321%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=480696","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=480696"}},{"id":"480695","reference":"AQW 44320/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-20","answerBy":"2026-05-06","answered":"2026-04-29","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 implementing a ground rent ban on new properties, similar to the UK Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022.","answerText":"The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 is applicable in England and Wales, a jurisdiction with a different system of land law to here. That jurisdiction has experienced particular concerns regarding ground rents and the length of typical leases, which have had impacts on many homeowners. Ground rents there have on average been consistently higher than are commonplace here, and the much shorter nature of leases (which can tend to be less than 100 years) is not usually witnessed in the North (where leases are between 999-10000 years in the vast majority of cases). Some of the recent reforms in England and Wales, including a ground rent ban on new properties, are similar to those which have been in place here for over 25 years when a ground rent ban on new dwelling-houses was implemented.\n\nThat said, I have noted recent correspondence relating to increases in ground rents in some apartment buildings in the North. My officials will keep the matter under review.","answerHtml":"The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 is applicable in England and Wales, a jurisdiction with a different system of land law to here. That jurisdiction has experienced particular concerns regarding ground rents and the length of typical leases, which have had impacts on many homeowners. Ground rents there have on average been consistently higher than are commonplace here, and the much shorter nature of leases (which can tend to be less than 100 years) is not usually witnessed in the North (where leases are between 999-10000 years in the vast majority of cases). Some of the recent reforms in England and Wales, including a ground rent ban on new properties, are similar to those which have been in place here for over 25 years when a ground rent ban on new dwelling-houses was implemented.
That said, I have noted recent correspondence relating to increases in ground rents in some apartment buildings in the North. My officials will keep the matter under review.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044320%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=480695","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=480695"}},{"id":"480496","reference":"AQW 44203/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-17","answerBy":"2026-05-05","answered":"2026-04-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he will amend the Education Authority’s Pupil Allocation Number policy following the call from 46 pre-school leaders to reform the allocations. [R]","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) is responsible for managing the pre-school admissions process and ensuring that sufficient places are available to accommodate all target age children whose parents want a place. In doing so, the EA takes account of all provision across statutory and non-statutory settings. My Department plays no role in this process.\n\nThe admissions process is still ongoing, but already 98.8% children have been offered a place in a setting of their parents’ preference, and 92.4% offered their first preference setting.\n\nI appreciate that settings are naturally keen to attract as many funded places as possible given the continuing decline in the birth rate and this must be managed fairly by the EA. The EA advises that, of the 46 settings referred to, only 25 were oversubscribed with applications at stage one of the admissions process for the 2026/27 academic year. Only 22 have requested at least one PAN increase, ten of which have had their requests wholly or partially approved. 11 settings have not had their requests approved, including three that were not oversubscribed and one that only received one first preference application at stage one.\n\nThe PAN review carried out by the EA at my request last year included a range of measures to improve the process in both the short and longer term, many of which have already been implemented. Details of this are available on the EA website.\n\nI believe that there may be scope to further improve the manner in which the EA takes account of the preferences of parents, while still balancing its relevant statutory duties. The PAN review includes an action to consider alternative PAN allocation models which will enable a range of options to be fully explored with stakeholders and thoroughly tested to ensure effectiveness before any changes are made.\n\nMy officials are supporting the EA in carrying out initial modelling to inform stakeholder workshops to discuss alternative PAN allocation models. This work is at an early stage but it is intended that the first workshop will be held before the end of this academic year.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) is responsible for managing the pre-school admissions process and ensuring that sufficient places are available to accommodate all target age children whose parents want a place. In doing so, the EA takes account of all provision across statutory and non-statutory settings. My Department plays no role in this process.
The admissions process is still ongoing, but already 98.8% children have been offered a place in a setting of their parents’ preference, and 92.4% offered their first preference setting.
I appreciate that settings are naturally keen to attract as many funded places as possible given the continuing decline in the birth rate and this must be managed fairly by the EA. The EA advises that, of the 46 settings referred to, only 25 were oversubscribed with applications at stage one of the admissions process for the 2026/27 academic year. Only 22 have requested at least one PAN increase, ten of which have had their requests wholly or partially approved. 11 settings have not had their requests approved, including three that were not oversubscribed and one that only received one first preference application at stage one.
The PAN review carried out by the EA at my request last year included a range of measures to improve the process in both the short and longer term, many of which have already been implemented. Details of this are available on the EA website.
I believe that there may be scope to further improve the manner in which the EA takes account of the preferences of parents, while still balancing its relevant statutory duties. The PAN review includes an action to consider alternative PAN allocation models which will enable a range of options to be fully explored with stakeholders and thoroughly tested to ensure effectiveness before any changes are made.
My officials are supporting the EA in carrying out initial modelling to inform stakeholder workshops to discuss alternative PAN allocation models. This work is at an early stage but it is intended that the first workshop will be held before the end of this academic year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044203%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=480496","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=480496"}},{"id":"480495","reference":"AQW 44202/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-17","answerBy":"2026-05-05","answered":"2026-04-28","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 any representations she has made to the UK Government around cutting VAT for hospitality businesses.","answerText":"I am acutely aware of and share the concerns of our local hospitality businesses around the current VAT rate. I also understand the need for urgent action given that VAT in the South will fall to 9% in the summer for the sector.\n\nI have met with representatives from Hospitality Ulster and the Food to Go Association to discuss their proposals for a reduced VAT pilot scheme. Since that meeting, I, along with the Minister of Finance, have written to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to request an early meeting to discuss a reduced VAT pilot for our hospitality sector.\n\nWhile no response has been received to date, I will continue to advocate for a fairer tax regime for our local businesses.","answerHtml":"I am acutely aware of and share the concerns of our local hospitality businesses around the current VAT rate. I also understand the need for urgent action given that VAT in the South will fall to 9% in the summer for the sector.
I have met with representatives from Hospitality Ulster and the Food to Go Association to discuss their proposals for a reduced VAT pilot scheme. Since that meeting, I, along with the Minister of Finance, have written to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to request an early meeting to discuss a reduced VAT pilot for our hospitality sector.
While no response has been received to date, I will continue to advocate for a fairer tax regime for our local businesses.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044202%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=480495","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=480495"}},{"id":"480494","reference":"AQW 44201/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-17","answerBy":"2026-05-05","answered":"2026-05-07","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 any assessment has been made of the report by the Independent Coffee Collective, Why UK Coffee Shops are Struggling.","answerText":"I am acutely aware of and share the concerns of our local hospitality businesses around rising business costs. In January, together with the Minister of Finance, I met with Hospitality Ulster and the Food to Go Association to discuss their proposals for a reduced VAT pilot scheme for local hospitality businesses. Following that meeting, both the Minister of Finance and I wrote to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 17 February, requesting an urgent meeting to discuss these VAT proposals.\n\nMy Department, along with Invest NI and Tourism NI, provides a broad range of support to businesses to help them be more competitive through energy efficiency, innovation, skills, and exploring new markets. I am also committed to engaging with the local hospitality sector to understand the issues they are facing. My Department does not offer sector specific support for independent coffee shops.","answerHtml":"I am acutely aware of and share the concerns of our local hospitality businesses around rising business costs. In January, together with the Minister of Finance, I met with Hospitality Ulster and the Food to Go Association to discuss their proposals for a reduced VAT pilot scheme for local hospitality businesses. Following that meeting, both the Minister of Finance and I wrote to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 17 February, requesting an urgent meeting to discuss these VAT proposals.
My Department, along with Invest NI and Tourism NI, provides a broad range of support to businesses to help them be more competitive through energy efficiency, innovation, skills, and exploring new markets. I am also committed to engaging with the local hospitality sector to understand the issues they are facing. My Department does not offer sector specific support for independent coffee shops.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044201%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=480494","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=480494"}},{"id":"480493","reference":"AQW 44200/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-17","answerBy":"2026-05-05","answered":"2026-05-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any support her Department provides for independent coffee shops, in the face of rising business costs.","answerText":"I am acutely aware of and share the concerns of our local hospitality businesses around rising business costs. In January, together with the Minister of Finance, I met with Hospitality Ulster and the Food to Go Association to discuss their proposals for a reduced VAT pilot scheme for local hospitality businesses. Following that meeting, both the Minister of Finance and I wrote to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 17 February, requesting an urgent meeting to discuss these VAT proposals.\n\nMy Department, along with Invest NI and Tourism NI, provides a broad range of support to businesses to help them be more competitive through energy efficiency, innovation, skills, and exploring new markets. I am also committed to engaging with the local hospitality sector to understand the issues they are facing. My Department does not offer sector specific support for independent coffee shops.","answerHtml":"I am acutely aware of and share the concerns of our local hospitality businesses around rising business costs. In January, together with the Minister of Finance, I met with Hospitality Ulster and the Food to Go Association to discuss their proposals for a reduced VAT pilot scheme for local hospitality businesses. Following that meeting, both the Minister of Finance and I wrote to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 17 February, requesting an urgent meeting to discuss these VAT proposals.
My Department, along with Invest NI and Tourism NI, provides a broad range of support to businesses to help them be more competitive through energy efficiency, innovation, skills, and exploring new markets. I am also committed to engaging with the local hospitality sector to understand the issues they are facing. My Department does not offer sector specific support for independent coffee shops.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044200%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=480493","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=480493"}},{"id":"480492","reference":"AQW 44199/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-04-17","answerBy":"2026-05-05","answered":"2026-04-28","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 plans to expand car parking provision at the Ulster Hospital.","answerText":"The aim of the Department of Health’s policy on car parking is to ensure the effective provision of car parking across all of the Health Estate for patients, visitors and staff. Decisions on how the policy is applied is for each Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust to determine, to enable them to take local issues into account.\n\nThe Ulster Hospital has approximately 2,200 parking spaces of which of approximately 900 are public spaces and 1,300 designated for permitted staff parking. Capacity is constrained by the geography of the site, planning restrictions and the number of entrances and exits serving the site.\n\nOn a typical day public car parking capacity at the Ulster Hospital meets the demands of vehicle users, although some delays may be experienced at peak times.\n\nThe South Eastern HSC Trust continues to maximise the utilisation of its existing parking assets. The staff parking permittospace ratio has increased from 1.5 to 1.9 permits per space, enabling a greater number of staff to hold on-site parking permits. Recent investment in Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology will also provide enhanced management information to support improved use of available carparking spaces, with the potential to further optimise overall parking utilisation.\n\nThe Trust continues to develop options to reduce demand for onsite car parking and is working with Land & Property Services (LPS) to identify suitable land near the Ulster Hospital to support an expansion to offsite staff parking provision, thereby releasing additional onsite spaces for members of the public accessing Trust services.","answerHtml":"The aim of the Department of Health’s policy on car parking is to ensure the effective provision of car parking across all of the Health Estate for patients, visitors and staff. Decisions on how the policy is applied is for each Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust to determine, to enable them to take local issues into account.
The Ulster Hospital has approximately 2,200 parking spaces of which of approximately 900 are public spaces and 1,300 designated for permitted staff parking. Capacity is constrained by the geography of the site, planning restrictions and the number of entrances and exits serving the site.
On a typical day public car parking capacity at the Ulster Hospital meets the demands of vehicle users, although some delays may be experienced at peak times.
The South Eastern HSC Trust continues to maximise the utilisation of its existing parking assets. The staff parking permittospace ratio has increased from 1.5 to 1.9 permits per space, enabling a greater number of staff to hold on-site parking permits. Recent investment in Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology will also provide enhanced management information to support improved use of available carparking spaces, with the potential to further optimise overall parking utilisation.
The Trust continues to develop options to reduce demand for onsite car parking and is working with Land & Property Services (LPS) to identify suitable land near the Ulster Hospital to support an expansion to offsite staff parking provision, thereby releasing additional onsite spaces for members of the public accessing Trust services.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2044199%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=480492","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=480492"}},{"id":"478148","reference":"AQW 43320/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-26","answerBy":"2026-03-31","answered":"2026-03-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 39575/22-27, to detail when the building contractor for Bangor Central Integrated Primary School’s new school build will be appointed.","answerText":"The procurement of a building contractor for the new school build is progressing well through the final stages. The Business Case Addendum for the project is also being progressed in parallel and is in the final stages of review. The current programme estimates that contractor appointment will be in the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year.","answerHtml":"The procurement of a building contractor for the new school build is progressing well through the final stages. The Business Case Addendum for the project is also being progressed in parallel and is in the final stages of review. The current programme estimates that contractor appointment will be in the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043320%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=478148","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=478148"}},{"id":"478147","reference":"AQW 43319/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-26","answerBy":"2026-04-14","answered":"2026-04-13","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 has progressed any of the recommendations relevant to her Department, contained within the Independent Review of Education, since the publication of the report.","answerText":"My Department continues to work collaboratively with the Department of Education on a number of relevant Independent Review of Education recommendations, particularly those relating to post16 provision, careers, and 14–19 pathways.\n\nThere are now agreed structures in place to support more effective crossdepartmental collaboration and promote a more strategic and coherent approach to provision across the education system.\n\nAs the Department of Education is the lead Department and ultimate owner of the Review and its recommendations, updates on overall progress should be provided by that Department.","answerHtml":"My Department continues to work collaboratively with the Department of Education on a number of relevant Independent Review of Education recommendations, particularly those relating to post16 provision, careers, and 14–19 pathways.
There are now agreed structures in place to support more effective crossdepartmental collaboration and promote a more strategic and coherent approach to provision across the education system.
As the Department of Education is the lead Department and ultimate owner of the Review and its recommendations, updates on overall progress should be provided by that Department.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043319%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=478147","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=478147"}},{"id":"477652","reference":"AQW 43077/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-24","answerBy":"2026-04-10","answered":"2026-04-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether she will amend the relevant legislation to increase the scope of neighbourhood notification of planning applications.","answerText":"While I am satisfied that current legislative requirements for notifying neighbours of planning applications as set out in the Planning Act (NI) 2011, and the Planning (General Development Procedure) Order (NI) 2015 are adequate to deal with all types of application, I am committed to reviewing these notification requirements as part of a broader review of advertising and notifying the public about development which may impact them.\n\nImportantly, planning authorities are not restricted to the statutory minimum for neighbour notification purposes and, taking account of the nature of a proposed development, its scale and context, planning authorities can broaden notification to include other occupiers of properties likely to be impacted by a proposed development. Importantly, anyone can make a representation in relation to a planning application, whether or not they have received notification.","answerHtml":"While I am satisfied that current legislative requirements for notifying neighbours of planning applications as set out in the Planning Act (NI) 2011, and the Planning (General Development Procedure) Order (NI) 2015 are adequate to deal with all types of application, I am committed to reviewing these notification requirements as part of a broader review of advertising and notifying the public about development which may impact them.
Importantly, planning authorities are not restricted to the statutory minimum for neighbour notification purposes and, taking account of the nature of a proposed development, its scale and context, planning authorities can broaden notification to include other occupiers of properties likely to be impacted by a proposed development. Importantly, anyone can make a representation in relation to a planning application, whether or not they have received notification.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043077%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=477652","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=477652"}},{"id":"477651","reference":"AQW 43076/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-24","answerBy":"2026-04-10","answered":"2026-04-03","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 third-party rights of appeal in planning decisions.","answerText":"The current planning system includes measures to significantly front-load third party and community engagement in the development management and forward planning processes. Recent legislative amendments have also strengthened Pre Application Community Consultation provisions to increase early public participation and to allow developers to take into account representations from various stakeholders.\n\nMy department is working in partnership with local government and key stakeholders, to advance the planning improvement agenda with a clear focus on enhancing the effectiveness, resilience, and long-term sustainability of the planning system in the North and I will continue to review the progress that has been made to date.\n\nAt this time however, there are no current plans to introduce a third-party right of appeal.","answerHtml":"The current planning system includes measures to significantly front-load third party and community engagement in the development management and forward planning processes. Recent legislative amendments have also strengthened Pre Application Community Consultation provisions to increase early public participation and to allow developers to take into account representations from various stakeholders.
My department is working in partnership with local government and key stakeholders, to advance the planning improvement agenda with a clear focus on enhancing the effectiveness, resilience, and long-term sustainability of the planning system in the North and I will continue to review the progress that has been made to date.
At this time however, there are no current plans to introduce a third-party right of appeal.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2043076%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=477651","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=477651"}},{"id":"477414","reference":"AQW 42966/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-23","answerBy":"2026-04-09","answered":"2026-05-06","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 their office's Ending Violence Against Women and Girls programme facilitates specific community support in areas where a woman has been murdered.","answerText":"The Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategic Framework has a focus on prevention, and tackling the root causes of violence, abuse and harm.\n\nWe have invested over £5m on the ground through the Local and Regional Change Funds, to support the prevention outcomes of the Strategic Framework.\n\nThe Local Change Fund operates across all eleven local council districts to ensure grassroot groups across cities, towns, villages and rural areas are equipped to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls. EVAWG activities are taking place in schools, workplaces, sports clubs, community centres and youth clubs. Along with Local Change Fund Projects, Councils have used their Momentum funding to build knowledge and hold events within their areas.\n\nActivity since January 2025 has seen Regional Delivery Organisations support local Councils with training, information and resources, as well as partnering with local community organisations to support projects under the Local Change Fund.\n\nThrough partners and local councils, we endeavour to offer targeted support if and when required and possible.","answerHtml":"The Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategic Framework has a focus on prevention, and tackling the root causes of violence, abuse and harm.
We have invested over £5m on the ground through the Local and Regional Change Funds, to support the prevention outcomes of the Strategic Framework.
The Local Change Fund operates across all eleven local council districts to ensure grassroot groups across cities, towns, villages and rural areas are equipped to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls. EVAWG activities are taking place in schools, workplaces, sports clubs, community centres and youth clubs. Along with Local Change Fund Projects, Councils have used their Momentum funding to build knowledge and hold events within their areas.
Activity since January 2025 has seen Regional Delivery Organisations support local Councils with training, information and resources, as well as partnering with local community organisations to support projects under the Local Change Fund.
Through partners and local councils, we endeavour to offer targeted support if and when required and possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042966%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=477414","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=477414"}},{"id":"477413","reference":"AQW 42965/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-23","answerBy":"2026-04-09","answered":"2026-05-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any guidance his Department has issued to health practitioners across Health and Social Care Trusts on the diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.","answerText":"My Department has not issued specific guidance to health practitioners across Health and Social Care Trusts on the diagnosis of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.\n\nHowever, the following NICE Technology Appraisals (TAs) have been endorsed by the Department for use in Northern Ireland which support the management of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, including:\n\nTA238 – Tocilizumab for the treatment of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis\n\nTA373 – Abatacept, adalimumab, etanercept and tocilizumab for treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis (review of TA35)\n\nTA685 – Anakinra for treating Still’s disease\n\nTA735 – Tofacitinib for treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis\n\nIn April 2017, the Department endorsed NICE guidelines on the diagnosis and management of spondyloarthritis in over 16s (NG65) for implementation in NI – this guideline also includes people who are 16 years or older with axial or peripheral symptoms who have previously been diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.\n\nMy Department remains committed to working with Health and Social Care Trusts to ensure that individuals with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis receive timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment and high-quality care.","answerHtml":"My Department has not issued specific guidance to health practitioners across Health and Social Care Trusts on the diagnosis of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.
However, the following NICE Technology Appraisals (TAs) have been endorsed by the Department for use in Northern Ireland which support the management of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, including:
TA238 – Tocilizumab for the treatment of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis
TA373 – Abatacept, adalimumab, etanercept and tocilizumab for treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis (review of TA35)
TA685 – Anakinra for treating Still’s disease
TA735 – Tofacitinib for treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis
In April 2017, the Department endorsed NICE guidelines on the diagnosis and management of spondyloarthritis in over 16s (NG65) for implementation in NI – this guideline also includes people who are 16 years or older with axial or peripheral symptoms who have previously been diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
My Department remains committed to working with Health and Social Care Trusts to ensure that individuals with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis receive timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment and high-quality care.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042965%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=477413","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=477413"}},{"id":"477412","reference":"AQW 42964/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-23","answerBy":"2026-04-09","answered":"2026-04-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of rheumatology specialists who can diagnose and support those living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.","answerText":"The Trust has advised that there are currently 2 WTE substantive paediatric rheumatology consultants in post at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. In addition, 7 WTE adult rheumatology consultants provide care for patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis aged 16 and over.","answerHtml":"The Trust has advised that there are currently 2 WTE substantive paediatric rheumatology consultants in post at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. In addition, 7 WTE adult rheumatology consultants provide care for patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis aged 16 and over.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042964%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=477412","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=477412"}},{"id":"477411","reference":"AQW 42963/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-23","answerBy":"2026-04-09","answered":"2026-04-15","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 considered the introduction of temporary speed limit zones around buses taking children to and from school.","answerText":"As part of my public consultation on a proposed legislative approach to improving safety around buses during boarding and alighting, the Department has considered a range of measures designed to create a temporary safety zone around stationary buses. The consultation opened on 26 March and will run until 21 May 2026.\n\nThe consultation (Safer Journeys to School: Consultation on overtaking and passing buses) provides an opportunity for individuals, families, stakeholders and organisations to share views and evidence to help inform the programme’s next steps.\n\nMy Department is also currently taking forward a review on a number of speed related matters, including 20mph speed limits, which is open for consultation. Further consideration on the use of both temporary and permanent 20mph zones will be taken on completion of the consultation.","answerHtml":"As part of my public consultation on a proposed legislative approach to improving safety around buses during boarding and alighting, the Department has considered a range of measures designed to create a temporary safety zone around stationary buses. The consultation opened on 26 March and will run until 21 May 2026.
The consultation (Safer Journeys to School: Consultation on overtaking and passing buses) provides an opportunity for individuals, families, stakeholders and organisations to share views and evidence to help inform the programme’s next steps.
My Department is also currently taking forward a review on a number of speed related matters, including 20mph speed limits, which is open for consultation. Further consideration on the use of both temporary and permanent 20mph zones will be taken on completion of the consultation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042963%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=477411","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=477411"}},{"id":"477201","reference":"AQW 42869/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-20","answerBy":"2026-03-26","answered":"2026-04-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department is taking to fill the GP contract for Silverbirch Medical Practice, Bangor.","answerText":"I can confirm that the single-handed GP at Silverbirch Medical Practice has given notice to withdraw from his contract to deliver General Medical Services at the end of the notice period of 3 months. The contract will end on 31 May 2026. Officials have now commenced the process to secure alternative arrangements for these services.\n\nA number of different options are available to ensure patients are not left without a GP service. The preferred option is to secure a GP contractor, or grouping of GPs, to take over the practice through a formal recruitment process. In some circumstances, Health and Social Care Trusts can take over a GP contract as an interim solution.\n\nOfficials have written out to all practice patients notifying them of the situation and will continue to keep them informed throughout the process.\n\nI want to reassure patients that the existing Silverbirch Medical Practice will continue to retain the contract to deliver GP services until the 31 May 2026. Patients at the practice do not need to take any action. They should continue to contact the practice as normal.","answerHtml":"I can confirm that the single-handed GP at Silverbirch Medical Practice has given notice to withdraw from his contract to deliver General Medical Services at the end of the notice period of 3 months. The contract will end on 31 May 2026. Officials have now commenced the process to secure alternative arrangements for these services.
A number of different options are available to ensure patients are not left without a GP service. The preferred option is to secure a GP contractor, or grouping of GPs, to take over the practice through a formal recruitment process. In some circumstances, Health and Social Care Trusts can take over a GP contract as an interim solution.
Officials have written out to all practice patients notifying them of the situation and will continue to keep them informed throughout the process.
I want to reassure patients that the existing Silverbirch Medical Practice will continue to retain the contract to deliver GP services until the 31 May 2026. Patients at the practice do not need to take any action. They should continue to contact the practice as normal.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042869%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=477201","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=477201"}},{"id":"477199","reference":"AQW 42867/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-20","answerBy":"2026-04-08","answered":"2026-03-31","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 provided any guidance to Translink regarding the appropriate use of surcharges on train tickets.","answerText":"Translink sets its fares within the framework of its public service contract and the wider faresetting powers available under public transport legislation. My Department has not issued any specific guidance to Translink regarding the use of surcharges on train tickets.","answerHtml":"Translink sets its fares within the framework of its public service contract and the wider faresetting powers available under public transport legislation. My Department has not issued any specific guidance to Translink regarding the use of surcharges on train tickets.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042867%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=477199","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=477199"}},{"id":"477198","reference":"AQW 42866/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-20","answerBy":"2026-04-08","answered":"2026-05-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail how his Department is increasing the workforce of child specialist (i) physiotherapists; and (ii) therapists.","answerText":"My Department does not commission specialist provisions. Specialist practice and planning is a matter for individual HSC Trusts. For the 2025/26 academic year my Department commissioned 110 pre-registration Physiotherapy training places, and 93 pre-registration Occupational Therapy training places. These represent significant increases in training places on both programmes in recent years.","answerHtml":"My Department does not commission specialist provisions. Specialist practice and planning is a matter for individual HSC Trusts. For the 2025/26 academic year my Department commissioned 110 pre-registration Physiotherapy training places, and 93 pre-registration Occupational Therapy training places. These represent significant increases in training places on both programmes in recent years.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042866%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=477198","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=477198"}},{"id":"477197","reference":"AQW 42865/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-20","answerBy":"2026-04-08","answered":"2026-05-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has issued any guidance in relation to the combined use of a blood test and ultrasound to detect early-stage ovarian cancer, in Health and Social Care Trusts.","answerText":"The Northern Ireland Referral Guidance for Suspected Cancer (Red Flag Criteria) draws on national evidence, including National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance, alongside local clinical expertise to provide GPs with standardised, evidence‑based criteria that support consistent decision‑making for red flag referrals.\n\nIn respect of ovarian cancer, the Northern Ireland Referral Guidance recommends measuring CA125 (a blood test) in primary care in women with symptoms that suggest ovarian cancer and, if levels are raised, arranging an ultrasound scan of the abdomen and pelvis and/or referring to gynaecology as a red flag. This is consistent with NICE Clinical Guideline (CG122) Ovarian Cancer: Recognition and Initial Management.\n\nTo support early detection, the Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN) also provides ongoing primary care education on red flag symptoms, including a dedicated ovarian cancer session delivered in 2022, with materials available online.","answerHtml":"The Northern Ireland Referral Guidance for Suspected Cancer (Red Flag Criteria) draws on national evidence, including National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance, alongside local clinical expertise to provide GPs with standardised, evidence‑based criteria that support consistent decision‑making for red flag referrals.
In respect of ovarian cancer, the Northern Ireland Referral Guidance recommends measuring CA125 (a blood test) in primary care in women with symptoms that suggest ovarian cancer and, if levels are raised, arranging an ultrasound scan of the abdomen and pelvis and/or referring to gynaecology as a red flag. This is consistent with NICE Clinical Guideline (CG122) Ovarian Cancer: Recognition and Initial Management.
To support early detection, the Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN) also provides ongoing primary care education on red flag symptoms, including a dedicated ovarian cancer session delivered in 2022, with materials available online.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042865%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=477197","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=477197"}},{"id":"476930","reference":"AQW 42779/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-19","answerBy":"2026-04-03","answered":"2026-04-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether he has engaged with the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority in relation to reviewing Children's Court Services, in the last 12 months.","answerText":"I wrote to the Chief Executive Officer of the Regulation and Inspection Authority (RQIA) on 15th January 2026 to request that RQIA undertakes an urgent review across the five Health and Social Care Trusts Children’s Court Services of practice in private law cases before the Family Courts. The review will consider cases where domestic abuse has been alleged or established and social services have had involvement in that context, specifically with regard to child contact issues and related child safeguarding issues. RQIA is currently finalising its terms of reference to undertake that review.","answerHtml":"I wrote to the Chief Executive Officer of the Regulation and Inspection Authority (RQIA) on 15th January 2026 to request that RQIA undertakes an urgent review across the five Health and Social Care Trusts Children’s Court Services of practice in private law cases before the Family Courts. The review will consider cases where domestic abuse has been alleged or established and social services have had involvement in that context, specifically with regard to child contact issues and related child safeguarding issues. RQIA is currently finalising its terms of reference to undertake that review.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042779%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=476930","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=476930"}},{"id":"476929","reference":"AQW 42778/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-19","answerBy":"2026-04-03","answered":"2026-05-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has any plans to review Children's Court Services as part of the Children’s Social Care Services Strategic Reform Programme.","answerText":"My Department does not intend to review Children's Court Services as part of the Children’s Social Care Services Strategic Reform Programme. Family courts were considered only by the Independent Review to the extent that they interface with Children’s Social Care Services - in particular through care proceedings.\n\nHowever, I wrote to the Chief Executive Officer of the Regulation and Inspection Authority (RQIA) on 15th January 2026 to request that RQIA, undertakes an urgent review across Children’s Court Services of practice in cases before the Family Courts where domestic abuse has been alleged or established and the court is considering child contact issues and related child safeguarding issues. RQIA is currently finalising its Terms of Reference to undertake that review.","answerHtml":"My Department does not intend to review Children's Court Services as part of the Children’s Social Care Services Strategic Reform Programme. Family courts were considered only by the Independent Review to the extent that they interface with Children’s Social Care Services - in particular through care proceedings.
However, I wrote to the Chief Executive Officer of the Regulation and Inspection Authority (RQIA) on 15th January 2026 to request that RQIA, undertakes an urgent review across Children’s Court Services of practice in cases before the Family Courts where domestic abuse has been alleged or established and the court is considering child contact issues and related child safeguarding issues. RQIA is currently finalising its Terms of Reference to undertake that review.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042778%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=476929","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=476929"}},{"id":"476928","reference":"AQW 42777/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-19","answerBy":"2026-04-03","answered":"2026-04-22","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 roll-out of the Southern Health and Social Care Trust's bail-fostering pilot to other Health and Social Care Trusts.","answerText":"The Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 (‘the Children Order’) places a statutory duty on Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in need, including those in care. As a Corporate Parent, the HSC Trust assumes the moral and legal responsibility for the wellbeing of a child in its care, including when a child becomes involved in the juvenile justice system.\n\nThe Children Order also places specific duties on HSC Trusts to provide accommodation to children in care, eligible individuals who have left care and children for whom a responsible adult cannot provide accommodation. In fulfilling these duties, they must ensure that, when required, a child has somewhere safe to live while on bail, which meets the bail conditions. For those children who are in care, this is often the child’s current placement e.g. foster care or residential home. However, as this cohort of children and young people often have highly complex needs / situations this is not always possible, and the Trust will need to identify an alternative placement which meets the needs of the child. For those children and young people not already in care, they may become looked after so that the relevant HSC Trust can provide them with suitable accommodation while on bail.\n\nThe existing bail fostering initiative which has been piloted in the Southern Trust area aims to provide short-term therapeutic foster placements for children remanded to Woodlands Juvenile Justice Centre who could not meet their bail conditions due to lack of suitable accommodation being available. The pilot has been relatively successful, and discussions have taken place both within the Fostering Workstream of the Children’s Social Care Services Reform Programme, and between officials of my Department and the Department of Justice, regarding extending this pilot.\n\nThe current initiative provides a very specialist placement, which requires skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced foster carers who have both the estate and ability to take on the role. While both Departments of Health and Justice support expansion of the initiative it is acknowledged that it will take time to ensure that further delivery reflects the level of demand for placements and the availability of suitable carers. It is also intended that bail fostering will be included in the Fostering Strategic Plan currently being developed as part of the Children’s Social Care Services Reform Programme, which will inform any future expansion.","answerHtml":"The Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 (‘the Children Order’) places a statutory duty on Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in need, including those in care. As a Corporate Parent, the HSC Trust assumes the moral and legal responsibility for the wellbeing of a child in its care, including when a child becomes involved in the juvenile justice system.
The Children Order also places specific duties on HSC Trusts to provide accommodation to children in care, eligible individuals who have left care and children for whom a responsible adult cannot provide accommodation. In fulfilling these duties, they must ensure that, when required, a child has somewhere safe to live while on bail, which meets the bail conditions. For those children who are in care, this is often the child’s current placement e.g. foster care or residential home. However, as this cohort of children and young people often have highly complex needs / situations this is not always possible, and the Trust will need to identify an alternative placement which meets the needs of the child. For those children and young people not already in care, they may become looked after so that the relevant HSC Trust can provide them with suitable accommodation while on bail.
The existing bail fostering initiative which has been piloted in the Southern Trust area aims to provide short-term therapeutic foster placements for children remanded to Woodlands Juvenile Justice Centre who could not meet their bail conditions due to lack of suitable accommodation being available. The pilot has been relatively successful, and discussions have taken place both within the Fostering Workstream of the Children’s Social Care Services Reform Programme, and between officials of my Department and the Department of Justice, regarding extending this pilot.
The current initiative provides a very specialist placement, which requires skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced foster carers who have both the estate and ability to take on the role. While both Departments of Health and Justice support expansion of the initiative it is acknowledged that it will take time to ensure that further delivery reflects the level of demand for placements and the availability of suitable carers. It is also intended that bail fostering will be included in the Fostering Strategic Plan currently being developed as part of the Children’s Social Care Services Reform Programme, which will inform any future expansion.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042777%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=476928","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=476928"}},{"id":"476927","reference":"AQW 42776/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-19","answerBy":"2026-04-03","answered":"2026-04-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the number of patients with ovarian cancer; and (ii) the number of patients who are receiving PARP inhibitors, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"(i) The Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR) produces the annual Official Statistics on cancer incidence, prevalence, and survival in Northern Ireland. Publications by the NICR therefore constitute the authoritative source for ovarian cancer incidence figures.\n\nThe NICR main website is: www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/nicr/\n\nThe most recent validated data available from the NICR covers cancer diagnoses up to and including the year 2022. This is confirmed in the Ovarian Cancer Official Statistics Report (2025), which specifies the ovarian cancer incidence annually from 1993 to 2022. This report can be accessed at:\n\nhttps://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/nicr/file-store/official-statistics-1993-2022/Ovarian%20cancer%20report.pdf\n\nFurther summary information is also available in the Factsheet and Datasheets at:\n\nhttps://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/nicr/file-store/official-statistics-1993-2022/Ovarian%20cancer%20factsheet.pdf\n\n(ii) Please see below trust of residence for ovarian cancer patients on PARP inhibitors treated by the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre.\n\nBelfast HSCT14\n\nNorthern HSCT18\n\nSouth Eastern HSCT10\n\nSouthern HSCT19\n\nWestern HSCT9","answerHtml":"(i) The Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR) produces the annual Official Statistics on cancer incidence, prevalence, and survival in Northern Ireland. Publications by the NICR therefore constitute the authoritative source for ovarian cancer incidence figures.
The NICR main website is: www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/nicr/
The most recent validated data available from the NICR covers cancer diagnoses up to and including the year 2022. This is confirmed in the Ovarian Cancer Official Statistics Report (2025), which specifies the ovarian cancer incidence annually from 1993 to 2022. This report can be accessed at:
https://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/nicr/file-store/official-statistics-1993-2022/Ovarian%20cancer%20report.pdf
Further summary information is also available in the Factsheet and Datasheets at:
https://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/nicr/file-store/official-statistics-1993-2022/Ovarian%20cancer%20factsheet.pdf
(ii) Please see below trust of residence for ovarian cancer patients on PARP inhibitors treated by the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre.
Belfast HSCT14
Northern HSCT18
South Eastern HSCT10
Southern HSCT19
Western HSCT9
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042776%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=476927","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=476927"}},{"id":"476926","reference":"AQW 42775/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-19","answerBy":"2026-04-03","answered":"2026-06-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any treatments that are available for (i) women newly-diagnosed with ovarian cancer; (ii) women experiencing a recurrence; and (iii) those with low-grade ovarian cancer.","answerText":"In Northern Ireland, surgery, where appropriate, remains the main stay of treatment for new diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Surgery usually occurs ‘upfront’ prior to 6 cycles of chemotherapy, or following 3-4 cycles of chemotherapy (neo-adjuvant). Surgery is intended to remove all visible signs of cancer within the pelvis, abdomen and occasionally thorax, it is termed cytoreductive surgery.\n\nLow grade ovarian cancers are a different entity and for the most part do not respond well to chemotherapy. Where possible surgery will remove as much visible disease as possible, and this may be followed by hormone treatment called letrozole or anastrozole.\n\nGuidance from British Gynae Cancer Society (BGCS) is followed which is due to be updated. Current guidelines are available at\n\nhttps://www.bgcs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/BGCS-Guidelines-Ovarian-Guidelines-2017.pdf\n\nThe Department of Health has a formal link with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) under which NICE Technology Appraisals are reviewed locally for their legal and policy applicability in Northern Ireland. Where found to be applicable, they are endorsed for implementation within Health and Social Care (HSC). In practice, this means that treatments recommended by NICE for use on the NHS in England are made available in Northern Ireland.\n\nFor advanced ovarian cancer, this includes treatments such as olaparib with bevacizumab (TA946), rucaparib (TA1055) and niraparib (TA1129). The Department has endorsed all of these treatments for use in Northern Ireland and are commissioned in line with extant process.\n\nOvarian carcinomas are managed by the medical oncology team. Systemic therapy is the mainstay of management, however if patients become chemotherapy resistant, radiotherapy can be considered for symptomatic benefit.\n\nRadiotherapy doses used are palliative in intent, however high dose palliative 45Gy in 25 fractions can be considered for patients who are of good performance status (ECOG 0-1) for management of pelvic symptoms.","answerHtml":"In Northern Ireland, surgery, where appropriate, remains the main stay of treatment for new diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Surgery usually occurs ‘upfront’ prior to 6 cycles of chemotherapy, or following 3-4 cycles of chemotherapy (neo-adjuvant). Surgery is intended to remove all visible signs of cancer within the pelvis, abdomen and occasionally thorax, it is termed cytoreductive surgery.
Low grade ovarian cancers are a different entity and for the most part do not respond well to chemotherapy. Where possible surgery will remove as much visible disease as possible, and this may be followed by hormone treatment called letrozole or anastrozole.
Guidance from British Gynae Cancer Society (BGCS) is followed which is due to be updated. Current guidelines are available at
https://www.bgcs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/BGCS-Guidelines-Ovarian-Guidelines-2017.pdf
The Department of Health has a formal link with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) under which NICE Technology Appraisals are reviewed locally for their legal and policy applicability in Northern Ireland. Where found to be applicable, they are endorsed for implementation within Health and Social Care (HSC). In practice, this means that treatments recommended by NICE for use on the NHS in England are made available in Northern Ireland.
For advanced ovarian cancer, this includes treatments such as olaparib with bevacizumab (TA946), rucaparib (TA1055) and niraparib (TA1129). The Department has endorsed all of these treatments for use in Northern Ireland and are commissioned in line with extant process.
Ovarian carcinomas are managed by the medical oncology team. Systemic therapy is the mainstay of management, however if patients become chemotherapy resistant, radiotherapy can be considered for symptomatic benefit.
Radiotherapy doses used are palliative in intent, however high dose palliative 45Gy in 25 fractions can be considered for patients who are of good performance status (ECOG 0-1) for management of pelvic symptoms.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042775%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=476926","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=476926"}},{"id":"476875","reference":"AQO 3401/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-19","answerBy":"2026-04-14","answered":"2026-04-14","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Justice","departmentId":"134","minister":"Minister of Justice","question":"To ask the Minister of Justice to outline her Department’s contribution to the cross-Executive programme on ending violence against women and girls.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"With your permission, Mr Speaker, I will answer questions 3 and 8 together. I ask you to indulge me with extra time, as it is quite an involved answer. The Department of Justice is responsible for a number of actions in the cross-departmental strategic framework to end violence against women and girls (EVAWG) delivery plan. Ongoing engagement between my officials and the Executive Office, formally under the auspices of the EVAWG programme board and the domestic and sexual abuse strategic oversight board, helps to provide continued alignment and cohesion to promote a comprehensive, cost-effective and joined-up response. Under the EVAWG delivery plan, my Department is working with the PSNI and the Executive Office to deliver the Power to Change public awareness campaign to tackle the underpinning misogynistic behaviours and attitudes that can fuel sexual offending and gender-based violence. The second phase of the campaign, which will launch in May, aims to address rising online misogyny and harmful gender narratives. Much of the wider work of my Department is aimed at addressing sexual offending and domestic abuse and at supporting victims in these cases. Whilst not all domestic and sexual abuse victims are women and girls, and not all violence against women and girls happens in domestic relationships, there is a significant overlap. Implementation of the domestic abuse offence, which captures patterns of controlling, coercive and threatening behaviour, as well as associated aggravators, is continuing. A pilot for domestic abuse protection notices and orders is under development. Work has been prioritised to establish revised and improved domestic abuse risk response arrangements. I aim to address a legislative gap by introducing new offences to address the creation of non-consensual sexually explicit deepfake images of adults online, which, again, disproportionately affects women and girls. I recently secured legislative consent to extend several provisions of the UK Government's Crime and Policing Bill to build on sexual offences that were introduced in 2022. Together, those measures contribute to a legal framework that allows the criminal justice system to deal effectively with sexual offending, of which most victims are women and girls. In the past two financial years, my Department has allocated £1·9 million specifically to ending violence against women and girls. Total spend by my Department and non-departmental public bodies was £0·8 million in the 2024-25 financial year and £1·1 million in 2025-26. We have also committed £8·4 million over a seven-year period, commencing in 2025-26, to ASSIST NI to deliver advocacy services to high-risk and high-impact victims of domestic and sexual abuse. Alongside the Department of Health and the Department for Communities, my Department jointly funds the 24-hour domestic abuse helpline delivered by Nexus NI, which will cost £3·2 million over the next seven years. Similarly, whilst our investment of over £0·5 million on remote evidence centres over the past two years is beneficial to all vulnerable or intimidated witnesses, it has disproportionately benefited women and girls."},{"speaker":"Mr Gaston","text":"Can the Minister give an assurance that all the money that her Department spends to address this scourge on society is being spent on biological women, or is some of it being diverted to men who pretend to be women? Does the Minister realise that this is not a culture war issue but rather something that deeply concerns more than 50% of the population in Northern Ireland?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"First, I advise the Member not to speak on behalf of all women on this issue — that is the first thing — so I do not know where his saying \"more than 50% of the population\" comes from. Secondly, what we are doing here is trying to protect vulnerable women and girls from domestic abuse, but my Department is also trying to protect vulnerable men, vulnerable trans people, vulnerable straight people and vulnerable gay people from domestic and sexual abuse. That is what my Department is here to do. We are here to protect every citizen to the best of our ability, defending them against violence against the person or domestic and sexual abuse."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"Minister, you have delivered a huge amount of change and legislation to tackle violence against women and girls. What more needs to be done to make that change in our society?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"I have introduced a diverse range of measures aimed at addressing sexual offending and coercive control and domestic abuse, and further measures are planned that will, I believe, tackle online and technologically aided abuse. I recognise, however, that legislation alone will not bring an end to the violence and abuse that exists in our society, and I have said that many times in the Chamber. We need a cultural shift in our community. I am absolutely committed to playing my part in protecting women and girls from harm through the law and in recognising new types of harm and creating new offences. Although it is good that we can do this, it is not good enough to be able to tackle violence and take people through the courts whenever harm has occurred. We have to focus on the prevention of that harm. There is no short-term solution to tackling the complex issues around that. Addressing abusive attitudes requires sustained, cross-departmental approaches with an emphasis on preventative actions. I am committed to and have consistently been working with others to ensure that we, along with other stakeholders, can tackle the drivers of abuse and violence. Part of that is not allowing our concern about violence against women and girls to be weaponised in a way that makes other minority groups in our society more vulnerable to abuse. This is about tackling a very serious crisis that our society faces. We need to work together as a community and across the community, irrespective of race, religion, creed, sexual orientation or how people identify their gender, to ensure that our women and girls are kept safe and that our young men and boys are educated in a constructive and positive way about what it is to be a good man, because, sadly, whilst women and girls are the focus of the campaign, they are not the problem."},{"speaker":"Ms Finnegan","text":"Ending violence against women and girls must be a priority for us all. We must be aware, however, of its impact on families and the need to protect children from further harm. Will the Minister outline whether, to that end, she has done any work to explore introducing here the equivalent of Jade's law, which concerns the suspension of parental responsibility for a parent who kills their partner or ex-partner?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"That has been raised with me and is something that causes many of us concern. In recent months and years, we have seen situations in which one co-parent has taken the life of the other co-parent, leaving their children, in most cases, without a mother. We have seen the distress that is caused to families when that person continues to have parental rights. Ultimately, the family courts make the determination on that, and, when it comes to the area of parental rights and so on, it is for the Department of Finance to introduce any change to family law. That does not lie in the criminal justice sphere, which is where my responsibilities lie. I have looked into that, however, and, in the engagement that I have had with officials in the Department of Finance, there has been a view that, given that the courts have discretion to grant access to children and are genuinely supposed to put the needs of the child rather than the demands or desires of the parents first, there is sufficient scope for a similar approach to be taken within the courts, without any substantive change to primary legislation. I am happy to continue to engage with the Minister of Finance on that issue, but it is for the Minister of Finance to do the policy development work on that, rather than for my Department."},{"speaker":"Mr Durkan","text":"I acknowledge the efforts of the Minister to tackle the scourge of violence against women and girls, which needs a whole-government approach and a whole-society approach. Minister, what investment and efforts are being made to rehabilitate perpetrators of domestic abuse in order to prevent or reduce reoffending and reduce the risk primarily to women and girls?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"We do a number of things, such as perpetrator programmes. There are opt-in perpetrator programmes for those who, for example, are on remand in the prison system for domestic abuse-related offences. They have the option of taking such a course and engaging in that process. Once people are there as sentenced prisoners, a needs assessment of their rehabilitation is done. A number of desistance programmes are undertaken in prisons. There is one on healthy, happy relationships. Anger management courses are also available to people, and those are often allied with courses on substance misuse, which can trigger some of those incidents. That is happening in prisons. In addition, the Probation Board runs a number of courses for people who have been convicted of domestic abuse offences that are about changing attitudes. Much like drug rehabilitation therapy, part of the issue is that, unless a person has a desire to change, and unless there is a willingness on their behalf to engage properly and thoroughly with those programmes, it can be very difficult to change patterns of abuse. Many of those in prison come forward as victims of abuse or were, for example, exposed to extreme violence as children. Therefore, part of what we try to do as we go through those desistance programmes is look at how we deal with the trauma that they often carry forward into their adult life and adult relationships and the patterns of behaviour that they learned from those around them as a child and that have led to their being an abuser. Breaking that cycle is not straightforward, but it is something that we invest in."},{"speaker":"Mr Carroll","text":"Minister, given that an independent report found clear evidence of sexism and misogyny in the PSNI and that the report and its findings were accepted by the Chief Constable, how appropriate is it for that organisation to deal with violence against women and girls?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"First, I thank the Chief Constable for asking Rachel Langdale to come in and do the review that she did, because that was welcome oversight. The best disinfectant is sunlight. I therefore believe that the openness and transparency with which the Chief Constable has addressed the issue is important. I have no doubt that both Rachel Langdale's report and, indeed, the work being done by the Office of the Police Ombudsman on abuse of position for sexual purposes will cause people to have second thoughts about reporting domestic and sexual abuse to the police. I want to be certain, just as everyone in the House does, that, when a vulnerable victim or witness approaches the police seeking help, they are not inadvertently engaging with another predator. It is important that we do everything at every stage, through vetting and barring, how we approach the recruitment process and how internal vetting in the PSNI works as people perhaps move towards more contact with vulnerable victims and witnesses, to ensure that any red flags that are raised in the organisation are taken seriously and followed up competently. That is the very least that people should expect. Having said that, I do not wish to overplay the issue in the context of the PSNI versus other forces around these islands. Very often in hierarchical organisations, which are predominately male in nature, the culture needs to change. It is good that that has been acknowledged by the Chief Constable. That leadership from the top is important. I will support the Policing Board and the Chief Constable in every effort that they make to ensure that this is stamped out and that victims can have full confidence that, when they go to the PSNI, they will be protected and kept safe."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203401%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=476875","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-04-14&docID=477836#AQO%203401/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=476875"}},{"id":"476843","reference":"AQO 3369/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-19","answerBy":"2026-04-13","answered":"2026-04-13","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 linkage between work on combating racism and prevention of other types of hate crime.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"We strongly condemn all forms of hate and prejudice; they have no place in our society. Through the development of our draft framework for race relations, we continue to work collaboratively with all Departments to support cohesive, thriving communities. While the framework’s focus is on addressing racism and race hate crime, we are also working to bring forward a refreshed approach to the Executive’s Together: Building a United Community (T:BUC) strategy, which will, hopefully, create alignment with the draft framework for race relations and ensure that our efforts to tackle all forms of hate are maximised and encompass the evolving issues across communities. Additionally, our officials engage regularly with their counterparts in the Department of Justice in forums such as the DOJ-led hate crime delivery group to ensure a coherent and coordinated approach, across government, to all forms of hate crime."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"Thank you, deputy First Minister. What you said about collaborating and linking across Departments on the prevention of hate crime is important. When it comes to preventative work on tackling hate crime, are you concerned about the removal of front-line youth work services?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"I am not aware of the removal of specific funding. The Member will be aware that, due to the situation with the Budget, each Department is liaising with the organisations that they have funded to try to ensure that there is some certainty, while discussion of the overall issue continues. It is, of course, important that we support our third-sector partners. They are critical to us in trying to tackle such issues. We work with statutory bodies as well. We work with the PSNI and very closely with the Department of Justice. That is important. At a time of budgetary constraints, however, it is more important than ever to work with existing programmes to mainstream some of their core values, tackling some of the attitudes and issues that give rise to hate and prejudice. That includes those in the Department of Education and the Department for Communities. We support so many projects with funding, including through councils, through which we could mainstream that and use the money that we have in a way that maximises outcomes."},{"speaker":"Ms Sheerin","text":"I welcome the strong condemnation of all hate crime and prejudicial language. Does the Minister agree that it is important that all Members across the Chamber strongly condemn hate crime and any sort of sectarian or racist abuse and that we all bear that in mind when talking in the Chamber by using language that reflects respect for all sections of our society?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"Yes, of course."},{"speaker":"Mr K Buchanan","text":"Deputy First Minister, you talked about T:BUC in response to a previous question and in your answer to this question. Do you agree that bringing forward a revised and refreshed T:BUC strategy as soon as possible is extremely important to crime prevention more broadly?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"Absolutely. It is important that we call out that hate, prejudice and criminal behaviour wherever we see it. I was in the Chamber for Members' statements and listened to my colleague Deborah Erskine talk about the attack on a Sunday school hall in her constituency and about the importance of people calling that out. That is hate. Things that may not seem really big to others are incredibly important to those who use the hall. It is incredibly upsetting when people see that type of attack, which has been motivated by hate."},{"speaker":"","text":"My colleague rightly pointed out that, in those circumstances, we need to hear all MLAs across all parties calling that out very loudly. It is about calling out not just those incidents that grab the headlines but all forms of hate, wherever we see it. We should stand united against them all."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"Mr O'Toole for a brief supplementary."},{"speaker":"Mr O'Toole","text":"Thank you, Mr Speaker. On that, deputy First Minister, do you agree that many people in the BAME community here feel really let down by the Executive? Hate crime increased by 50% in the final year of the last racial equality strategy. They really want to see more practical action ahead of the summer, in particular, because there is the fear of more violence, given that we have seen that during the last two summers in Northern Ireland."},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"The Member is likely aware that, after the issues that arose in Ballymena, we have invested over £500,000 through local councils to support resilience work right across Northern Ireland. We have also worked with partners, including the PSNI, the DOJ, local councils and others, to try to ensure that a range of actions come forward. We have the refugee integration strategy. A lot of work has been happening under that, including a number of key actions that are being driven forward in the collaborative groups. Of course this is incredibly important. It is about a combination of showing political leadership and saying very clearly that any aspect of hate, intolerance and prejudice is wrong, and investing in communities to support their resilience in order to resist that."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"I call Mr O'Toole to ask a topical question."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203369%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=476843","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-04-13&docID=477835#AQO%203369/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=476843"}},{"id":"476656","reference":"AQW 42675/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-18","answerBy":"2026-03-23","answered":"2026-03-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance, pursuant to AQW 41100/22-27, whether the figure provided included unpaid rates on the Flagship Shopping Centre car park.","answerText":"The car park at the Flagship Shopping Centre constitutes a separate hereditament for rating purposes, and liability for its rates rests with a different company. As the previous question sought information specifically on the Shopping Centre and the units therein, the figure provided did not include any unpaid rates associated with the car park.\n\nLand & Property Services has advised that £34,797.09 remains overdue in respect of the car park, and recovery action is ongoing.","answerHtml":"The car park at the Flagship Shopping Centre constitutes a separate hereditament for rating purposes, and liability for its rates rests with a different company. As the previous question sought information specifically on the Shopping Centre and the units therein, the figure provided did not include any unpaid rates associated with the car park.
Land & Property Services has advised that £34,797.09 remains overdue in respect of the car park, and recovery action is ongoing.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042675%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=476656","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=476656"}},{"id":"476434","reference":"AQW 42589/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-16","answerBy":"2026-04-01","answered":"2026-03-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) any steps his Department took to communicate with parents, families and campaigners on the launch of his Department's consultation on restraint and seclusion in education; and (ii) any plans he has to promote and encourage parental engagement throughout the consultation's lifespan.","answerText":"(i) My Department undertook extensive steps to ensure that the launch of the consultation on restraint and seclusion in education was widely publicised and accessible to all interested parties, including parents, families and campaigners.\n\nA departmental press release was issued and the consultation was prominently highlighted on the Department’s website and social media channels. Information was disseminated to schools, education bodies and stakeholder organisations. Schools were requested to share the consultation with parents and carers through their usual communication systems. These measures were designed to ensure that all parents and members of the public had equal opportunity to be made aware of the consultation.\n\nIn addition to these wide‑reaching arrangements, the Department also contacted a small number of parent campaigners directly by email. The department made contact with these parents as an exceptional step, reflecting their sustained engagement on the issue, in order to ensure that they were aware that the consultation had formally opened. This approach does not represent normal departmental protocol or practice in relation to the communications associated with the launch of a public consultation, which is to communicate with parents and the wider public through open and universally accessible channels.\n\n(ii) In relation to plans to promote and encourage parental engagement throughout the consultation’s lifespan, the Department is committed to ensuring that parents and carers feel able to contribute meaningfully to this process and officials remain open to engaging with all interested parties, including parents, families and campaigners who wish to discuss their experiences or provide feedback at any stage during the consultation. Furthermore, the Department plans to hold a public consultation event which will be open to all.","answerHtml":"(i) My Department undertook extensive steps to ensure that the launch of the consultation on restraint and seclusion in education was widely publicised and accessible to all interested parties, including parents, families and campaigners.
A departmental press release was issued and the consultation was prominently highlighted on the Department’s website and social media channels. Information was disseminated to schools, education bodies and stakeholder organisations. Schools were requested to share the consultation with parents and carers through their usual communication systems. These measures were designed to ensure that all parents and members of the public had equal opportunity to be made aware of the consultation.
In addition to these wide‑reaching arrangements, the Department also contacted a small number of parent campaigners directly by email. The department made contact with these parents as an exceptional step, reflecting their sustained engagement on the issue, in order to ensure that they were aware that the consultation had formally opened. This approach does not represent normal departmental protocol or practice in relation to the communications associated with the launch of a public consultation, which is to communicate with parents and the wider public through open and universally accessible channels.
(ii) In relation to plans to promote and encourage parental engagement throughout the consultation’s lifespan, the Department is committed to ensuring that parents and carers feel able to contribute meaningfully to this process and officials remain open to engaging with all interested parties, including parents, families and campaigners who wish to discuss their experiences or provide feedback at any stage during the consultation. Furthermore, the Department plans to hold a public consultation event which will be open to all.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042589%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=476434","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=476434"}},{"id":"476433","reference":"AQW 42588/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-16","answerBy":"2026-04-01","answered":"2026-04-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department is taking to improve healthy life expectancy in (i) Northern Ireland; and (ii) North Down, specifically.","answerText":"Making Life Better (MLB) is the Executive’s overarching strategic framework to improve health and address health inequalities. It was developed based on the evidence that health and wellbeing, and health inequalities, are shaped by many factors including age, family, community, workplace, beliefs and traditions, economics, and physical and social environments. Many of these are outside the control of the Department of Health.\n\nMLB is underpinned by a range of public health strategies and policies which focus on specific issues, such as substance use, suicide prevention, tobacco use and obesity prevention. These policies also have a focus on health inequalities and are implemented on the ground by the Public Health Agency (PHA) throughout Northern Ireland. Within the Health Inequalities Team in PHA a range of interventions are commissioned across Health & Social Care Trusts, Councils and the Community & Voluntary sector to tackle health inequalities.\n\nThe PHA fund a number of statutory and community & voluntary organisations within the North Down locality which have a specific focus on reducing health inequalities. These include:\n\nPeninsula Healthy Living Centre;\n\nNorth Down Community Network;\n\nArds Community Network and Development Bureau; and\n\nA health & wellbeing project delivered by the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust.\n\nThese organisations deliver a wide range of health and wellbeing activities with a focus on improving physical activity, nutrition and mental health. The organisations use community development approaches in tackling health inequalities and reach a large number of people living in communities across Ards & North Down.","answerHtml":"Making Life Better (MLB) is the Executive’s overarching strategic framework to improve health and address health inequalities. It was developed based on the evidence that health and wellbeing, and health inequalities, are shaped by many factors including age, family, community, workplace, beliefs and traditions, economics, and physical and social environments. Many of these are outside the control of the Department of Health.
MLB is underpinned by a range of public health strategies and policies which focus on specific issues, such as substance use, suicide prevention, tobacco use and obesity prevention. These policies also have a focus on health inequalities and are implemented on the ground by the Public Health Agency (PHA) throughout Northern Ireland. Within the Health Inequalities Team in PHA a range of interventions are commissioned across Health & Social Care Trusts, Councils and the Community & Voluntary sector to tackle health inequalities.
The PHA fund a number of statutory and community & voluntary organisations within the North Down locality which have a specific focus on reducing health inequalities. These include:
Peninsula Healthy Living Centre;
North Down Community Network;
Ards Community Network and Development Bureau; and
A health & wellbeing project delivered by the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust.
These organisations deliver a wide range of health and wellbeing activities with a focus on improving physical activity, nutrition and mental health. The organisations use community development approaches in tackling health inequalities and reach a large number of people living in communities across Ards & North Down.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042588%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=476433","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=476433"}},{"id":"476432","reference":"AQW 42587/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-16","answerBy":"2026-04-01","answered":"2026-04-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any analysis his Department has made of the Healthy Life Expectancy UK: between 2011 to 2013 and 2022 to 2024 statistical bulletin, published by the Office of National Statistics.","answerText":"Improving healthy life expectancy, along with reducing the health inequalities in this area, remains a particular challenge which my Department actively seeks to address through all its activity.\n\nThe Healthy Life Expectancy (HLE) statistics released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) continue to be of use to my Department in determining how the outcomes and recent trends in Northern Ireland compare with the rest of the UK.\n\nWhile these releases are welcomed, the official HLE estimates produced by my Department provide a greater scope for analysis and in supporting the development of policy and practice. While the ONS estimates source data from a general household survey, the official NI estimates are sourced from the Health Survey Northern Ireland (HSNI) and, as this is a health focused survey, the accompanying information that is collected allows for a much greater depth of analysis into the key drivers of inequality gaps and changes in HLE.","answerHtml":"Improving healthy life expectancy, along with reducing the health inequalities in this area, remains a particular challenge which my Department actively seeks to address through all its activity.
The Healthy Life Expectancy (HLE) statistics released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) continue to be of use to my Department in determining how the outcomes and recent trends in Northern Ireland compare with the rest of the UK.
While these releases are welcomed, the official HLE estimates produced by my Department provide a greater scope for analysis and in supporting the development of policy and practice. While the ONS estimates source data from a general household survey, the official NI estimates are sourced from the Health Survey Northern Ireland (HSNI) and, as this is a health focused survey, the accompanying information that is collected allows for a much greater depth of analysis into the key drivers of inequality gaps and changes in HLE.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042587%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=476432","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=476432"}},{"id":"476431","reference":"AQW 42586/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-16","answerBy":"2026-04-01","answered":"2026-03-27","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 detail any work her Department has undertaken to ensure parental leave is as flexible and lengthy as possible, over the last five years.","answerText":"Following public consultation, my “Good Jobs” Employment Rights Bill will result in improved parental leave measures by introducing carer’s leave and neonatal care leave. In addition, my Bill will enhance existing arrangements for paternity leave by enabling employees to qualify for this leave from the first day of employment, and by removing the current restriction on paternity leave being taken after a period of shared parental leave.\n\nAdditionally, using existing powers, I will bring forward measures to permit paternity leave to be taken as two separate weekly blocks or a single block of two weeks at any time within the first 52 weeks following birth or adoption. The notice requirements for paternity leave related to birth and surrogacy will also reduce from 15 weeks to 28 days for each period of leave.","answerHtml":"Following public consultation, my “Good Jobs” Employment Rights Bill will result in improved parental leave measures by introducing carer’s leave and neonatal care leave. In addition, my Bill will enhance existing arrangements for paternity leave by enabling employees to qualify for this leave from the first day of employment, and by removing the current restriction on paternity leave being taken after a period of shared parental leave.
Additionally, using existing powers, I will bring forward measures to permit paternity leave to be taken as two separate weekly blocks or a single block of two weeks at any time within the first 52 weeks following birth or adoption. The notice requirements for paternity leave related to birth and surrogacy will also reduce from 15 weeks to 28 days for each period of leave.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042586%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=476431","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=476431"}},{"id":"476430","reference":"AQW 42585/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-16","answerBy":"2026-04-01","answered":"2026-03-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail when a funding decision for the TinyStart Programme from TinyLife will be made.","answerText":"The Budgets for 2026-27 have not yet been set by the Executive, therefore, I am not in a position to provide any commitments of funding for TinyLife beyond the current financial year. Any decision regarding future funding will be considered in the context of my Department’s 2026-27 budget allocation, the allocation of earmarked funding for the Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy and wider financial pressures.","answerHtml":"The Budgets for 2026-27 have not yet been set by the Executive, therefore, I am not in a position to provide any commitments of funding for TinyLife beyond the current financial year. Any decision regarding future funding will be considered in the context of my Department’s 2026-27 budget allocation, the allocation of earmarked funding for the Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy and wider financial pressures.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042585%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=476430","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=476430"}},{"id":"476233","reference":"AQW 42496/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-13","answerBy":"2026-03-31","answered":"2026-04-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of children placed in the foster care of one or both of their biological parents, in the last five years.","answerText":"Children who are subject to a Care Order can for varying reasons be placed in the care of one or both biological parents. They can remain subject to the Care Order, and are deemed a child in care however they are not considered a child in foster care.\n\nThe following is the breakdown of the number of children in Northern Ireland who were at home with parents subject to a Care Order in the last five years.\n\nYear\tNumber of Children\n2025\t237\n2024\t223\n2023\t267\n2022\t248\n2021\t317","answerHtml":"Children who are subject to a Care Order can for varying reasons be placed in the care of one or both biological parents. They can remain subject to the Care Order, and are deemed a child in care however they are not considered a child in foster care.
The following is the breakdown of the number of children in Northern Ireland who were at home with parents subject to a Care Order in the last five years.
| Year | Number of Children |
| 2025 | 237 |
| 2024 | 223 |
| 2023 | 267 |
| 2022 | 248 |
| 2021 | 317 |
The Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Needs Assessment Report, published in February 2026, with recommendations on service design and staffing, confirms there is no costneutral option for delivering a consistent ADHD service, and future commissioning will depend on budget availability amid significant financial pressures.
Shared care arrangements are drawn up following local discussion and agreement by prescribing parties.
Whilst there is no obligation on GPs to prescribe, in instances where a GP considers that the medication being requested in clinically appropriate, falls within their areas of competences, does not breach the terms of their contract or indemnity cover, and is in keeping with the General Medical Council (GMC guidance) on Good Medical Practice, then they may choose to prescribe.
Where a GP chooses to prescribe or enter into shared care arrangements following a private diagnosis, there are associated clinical and legal liabilities, therefore a GP must be confident in the diagnosis, support and guidance given to them and the patient, by the recommending specialist.
Recognising current difficulties in accessing ADHD assessment and treatment, my officials have begun an options appraisal to identify feasible short to medium term measures, pending decisions on a commissioned service, while taking account of the significant financial pressures facing the health system.
This work will inform an implementation plan, which is currently under development. The plan will identify appropriate timescales for implementation of recommendations in the report, while recognising that some recommendations can only proceed in the context of a future service.
Existing Departmental guidance covering private prescribing requests and shared care, which issued to GPs in November 2024, remains extant.
The role of shared care arrangements will be considered as part of the work on the commissioned model for ADHD services.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042495%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=476232","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=476232"}},{"id":"476231","reference":"AQW 42494/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-13","answerBy":"2026-03-31","answered":"2026-04-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any processes that are available to children in care wishing to change their surname to that of their foster guardians without consent of their birth parent.","answerText":"Under the provisions of The Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995, the name of a child in care cannot be changed by any person without the written consent of everyone who has parental responsibility for the child, or by leave of the courts. Any child wishing to change their name without the permission of any birth parents who retain parental responsibility would need to apply to the courts to seek permission for the change.","answerHtml":"Under the provisions of The Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995, the name of a child in care cannot be changed by any person without the written consent of everyone who has parental responsibility for the child, or by leave of the courts. Any child wishing to change their name without the permission of any birth parents who retain parental responsibility would need to apply to the courts to seek permission for the change.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042494%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=476231","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=476231"}},{"id":"476230","reference":"AQW 42493/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-13","answerBy":"2026-03-31","answered":"2026-04-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department regulates the cost of court-ordered psychological assessments in family courts.","answerText":"My Department does not regulate the cost of court-ordered psychological assessments in family courts.","answerHtml":"My Department does not regulate the cost of court-ordered psychological assessments in family courts.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042493%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=476230","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=476230"}},{"id":"475748","reference":"AQW 42303/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-11","answerBy":"2026-03-27","answered":"2026-04-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail whether his Department has specific guidance to ensure that children and young people with disabilities, including cerebral palsy, achieve recommended daily levels of physical activity.","answerText":"My Department does not have specific guidance to ensure that children and young people with disabilities, including cerebral palsy, achieve recommended daily levels of physical activity. This does not fall within the remit of my Department.","answerHtml":"My Department does not have specific guidance to ensure that children and young people with disabilities, including cerebral palsy, achieve recommended daily levels of physical activity. This does not fall within the remit of my Department.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042303%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=475748","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=475748"}},{"id":"475747","reference":"AQW 42302/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-11","answerBy":"2026-03-27","answered":"2026-04-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the early intensive therapy programmes there are for babies and children with cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions.","answerText":"All children with cerebral palsy in Northern Ireland are supported through existing commissioned paediatric and community services and receive individualised therapy programmes following specialist assessment delivered through a multidisciplinary team (MDT) including medical, nursing, allied health professional and psychology input. Clinical psychology within the neurodisability service plays a key role in identifying barriers and supporting the person, family, and MDT to overcome them. The assessments provided by the service are specifically used to guide the MDT care plans and interventions together with relevant adaptations consistent with the child’s cognitive and communication needs.\n\nThe Regional Children’s Neurodisability Service in Belfast HSC Trust provides specialist oversight for children and young people with cerebral palsy and complex neurodevelopmental conditions, working in partnership with community paediatric teams and locally based services. A specialist nursing workforce supports children and families through the Regional Neurodisability Service and across community and school settings, contributing to co-ordinated care.\n\nChildren and young people with cerebral palsy may also receive input from other specialist services, including paediatric neurology, orthopaedics and respiratory medicine, to support holistic management of co-morbidities and planned interventions.","answerHtml":"All children with cerebral palsy in Northern Ireland are supported through existing commissioned paediatric and community services and receive individualised therapy programmes following specialist assessment delivered through a multidisciplinary team (MDT) including medical, nursing, allied health professional and psychology input. Clinical psychology within the neurodisability service plays a key role in identifying barriers and supporting the person, family, and MDT to overcome them. The assessments provided by the service are specifically used to guide the MDT care plans and interventions together with relevant adaptations consistent with the child’s cognitive and communication needs.
The Regional Children’s Neurodisability Service in Belfast HSC Trust provides specialist oversight for children and young people with cerebral palsy and complex neurodevelopmental conditions, working in partnership with community paediatric teams and locally based services. A specialist nursing workforce supports children and families through the Regional Neurodisability Service and across community and school settings, contributing to co-ordinated care.
Children and young people with cerebral palsy may also receive input from other specialist services, including paediatric neurology, orthopaedics and respiratory medicine, to support holistic management of co-morbidities and planned interventions.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042302%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=475747","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=475747"}},{"id":"475746","reference":"AQW 42301/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-11","answerBy":"2026-03-27","answered":"2026-06-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the waiting times for children with neurological conditions to access physiotherapy and related therapeutic interventions in each Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"My officials have contacted each Trust regarding this specific question and Trusts are unable to extract the information as it is not readily available from their records. It would prove to be disproportionately expensive to gather this information from their lists which include both adults and children assessing care.","answerHtml":"My officials have contacted each Trust regarding this specific question and Trusts are unable to extract the information as it is not readily available from their records. It would prove to be disproportionately expensive to gather this information from their lists which include both adults and children assessing care.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042301%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=475746","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=475746"}},{"id":"475745","reference":"AQW 42300/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-11","answerBy":"2026-03-27","answered":"2026-05-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department has taken to ensure children and young people with neurological conditions have equitable access to therapeutic activity programmes, comparable to those available to their non-disabled peers.","answerText":"My Department is committed to ensuring that children and young people with neurological conditions have equitable access to a range of therapeutic activity programmes comparable to those available to their non-disabled peers.\n\nA key priority within the Autism Strategy is improving regional pathways of care. In support of this, my Department recently consulted on the Children and Young People’s Emotional Health and Wellbeing Framework. The Framework proposes an inclusive, needs‑based approach to neurodiversity which does not require a formal diagnosis as a prerequisite for support. This model aims to reduce stigma, promote earlier intervention, and improve outcomes across health, education, and developmental domains. It is hoped that this shift towards regionally consistent pathways will make access more predictable and reduce existing postcode variation creating a more equitable offer of support across Northern Ireland.\n\nMy Department is currently considering consultation responses and is working with colleagues in the Public Health Agency and Child Health to define the requirements that will underpin this regional pathway and inform future commissioning.\n\nThe Regional Acquired Brain Injury Unit in Belfast is an inpatient facility, accepting individuals aged 16 years and over. The Unit delivers a multidisciplinary rehabilitation model, comprising specialised Consultants, Nursing staff, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech & Language Therapists and Dietitians.\n\nFamily involvement is encouraged as part of the rehabilitation process. Patients also have access to an activity coordinator, providing therapeutic and recreational activities—such as art therapy, music and games—intended to promote wellbeing, enhance social interaction, support confidence-building, and contribute to overall quality of life.\n\nMy Department also funds a regional contract with the Child Brain Injury Trust for Family information/support for children with ABI and a Music therapy contract to support children with disabilities to have access to activity programs.\n\nWithin Belfast Health and Social Care Trust children with neurological conditions may be referred for Physiotherapy assessment and required treatment by their GP, by a Paediatrician or by a specialty Paediatric Consultant. The Paediatric Physiotherapy Teams operate within the Regional Integrated Elective Access Protocol (IEAP) Framework.\n\nThe Paediatric Community Physiotherapy Team aim to see Urgent referrals within 2 weeks and Routine referrals within 13 weeks. Current waiting times for this team are largely within these timescales.\n\nThe Neurosciences Physiotherapy Team at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children (RBHSC) receive referrals for physiotherapy for inpatients with neurological conditions from Paediatric Consultants within RBHSC and from Physiotherapy colleagues in centres outside of Northern Ireland where there has been specialty input at another centre and follow up care is required at RBHSC. Patients are seen and assessed within 24 – 48 hours of referral as inpatients.\n\nThe Neurosciences Physiotherapy team at RBHSC also accept referrals for outpatient assessment/treatment and apply the same IEAP framework as the Community Paediatric team:\n\nUrgent referrals are seen within 2 weeks\n\nRoutine referrals are seen within 13 weeks.\n\nCurrent waiting times for this team are within these timescales. Onward referral may be required to local Physiotherapy teams to continue Physiotherapy intervention if required at the point of discharge. This may be to the BHSCT Community Physiotherapy Team or to their local Community Physiotherapy team if the individual resides outside of Belfast Trust Area.","answerHtml":"My Department is committed to ensuring that children and young people with neurological conditions have equitable access to a range of therapeutic activity programmes comparable to those available to their non-disabled peers.
A key priority within the Autism Strategy is improving regional pathways of care. In support of this, my Department recently consulted on the Children and Young People’s Emotional Health and Wellbeing Framework. The Framework proposes an inclusive, needs‑based approach to neurodiversity which does not require a formal diagnosis as a prerequisite for support. This model aims to reduce stigma, promote earlier intervention, and improve outcomes across health, education, and developmental domains. It is hoped that this shift towards regionally consistent pathways will make access more predictable and reduce existing postcode variation creating a more equitable offer of support across Northern Ireland.
My Department is currently considering consultation responses and is working with colleagues in the Public Health Agency and Child Health to define the requirements that will underpin this regional pathway and inform future commissioning.
The Regional Acquired Brain Injury Unit in Belfast is an inpatient facility, accepting individuals aged 16 years and over. The Unit delivers a multidisciplinary rehabilitation model, comprising specialised Consultants, Nursing staff, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech & Language Therapists and Dietitians.
Family involvement is encouraged as part of the rehabilitation process. Patients also have access to an activity coordinator, providing therapeutic and recreational activities—such as art therapy, music and games—intended to promote wellbeing, enhance social interaction, support confidence-building, and contribute to overall quality of life.
My Department also funds a regional contract with the Child Brain Injury Trust for Family information/support for children with ABI and a Music therapy contract to support children with disabilities to have access to activity programs.
Within Belfast Health and Social Care Trust children with neurological conditions may be referred for Physiotherapy assessment and required treatment by their GP, by a Paediatrician or by a specialty Paediatric Consultant. The Paediatric Physiotherapy Teams operate within the Regional Integrated Elective Access Protocol (IEAP) Framework.
The Paediatric Community Physiotherapy Team aim to see Urgent referrals within 2 weeks and Routine referrals within 13 weeks. Current waiting times for this team are largely within these timescales.
The Neurosciences Physiotherapy Team at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children (RBHSC) receive referrals for physiotherapy for inpatients with neurological conditions from Paediatric Consultants within RBHSC and from Physiotherapy colleagues in centres outside of Northern Ireland where there has been specialty input at another centre and follow up care is required at RBHSC. Patients are seen and assessed within 24 – 48 hours of referral as inpatients.
The Neurosciences Physiotherapy team at RBHSC also accept referrals for outpatient assessment/treatment and apply the same IEAP framework as the Community Paediatric team:
Urgent referrals are seen within 2 weeks
Routine referrals are seen within 13 weeks.
Current waiting times for this team are within these timescales. Onward referral may be required to local Physiotherapy teams to continue Physiotherapy intervention if required at the point of discharge. This may be to the BHSCT Community Physiotherapy Team or to their local Community Physiotherapy team if the individual resides outside of Belfast Trust Area.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042300%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=475745","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=475745"}},{"id":"475744","reference":"AQW 42299/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-11","answerBy":"2026-03-27","answered":"2026-04-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any provision his Department funds to ensure that children and young people with cerebral palsy have access to physical activity and therapeutic movement.","answerText":"All children with cerebral palsy in Northern Ireland are supported through existing commissioned paediatric and community services and receive individualised therapy programmes following specialist assessment delivered through a multidisciplinary team (MDT) including medical, nursing, allied health professional and psychology input. Clinical psychology within the neurodisability service plays a key role in identifying barriers and supporting the person, family, and MDT to overcome them. The assessments provided by the service are specifically used to guide the MDT care plans and interventions together with relevant adaptations consistent with the child’s cognitive and communication needs.\n\nThe Regional Children’s Neurodisability Service in Belfast HSC Trust provides specialist oversight for children and young people with cerebral palsy and complex neurodevelopmental conditions, working in partnership with community paediatric teams and locally based services. A specialist nursing workforce supports children and families through the Regional Neurodisability Service and across community and school settings, contributing to co-ordinated care.\n\nChildren and young people with cerebral palsy may also receive input from other specialist services, including paediatric neurology, orthopaedics and respiratory medicine, to support holistic management of co-morbidities and planned interventions.","answerHtml":"All children with cerebral palsy in Northern Ireland are supported through existing commissioned paediatric and community services and receive individualised therapy programmes following specialist assessment delivered through a multidisciplinary team (MDT) including medical, nursing, allied health professional and psychology input. Clinical psychology within the neurodisability service plays a key role in identifying barriers and supporting the person, family, and MDT to overcome them. The assessments provided by the service are specifically used to guide the MDT care plans and interventions together with relevant adaptations consistent with the child’s cognitive and communication needs.
The Regional Children’s Neurodisability Service in Belfast HSC Trust provides specialist oversight for children and young people with cerebral palsy and complex neurodevelopmental conditions, working in partnership with community paediatric teams and locally based services. A specialist nursing workforce supports children and families through the Regional Neurodisability Service and across community and school settings, contributing to co-ordinated care.
Children and young people with cerebral palsy may also receive input from other specialist services, including paediatric neurology, orthopaedics and respiratory medicine, to support holistic management of co-morbidities and planned interventions.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042299%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=475744","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=475744"}},{"id":"475472","reference":"AQW 42190/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-10","answerBy":"2026-03-26","answered":"2026-04-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has provided any guidance to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service in relation to electric vehicle fires.","answerText":"Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service develops its procedures in line with National Fire Chiefs Council National Operational Guidance and is currently finalising dedicated guidance for managing electric vehicle related incidents.","answerHtml":"Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service develops its procedures in line with National Fire Chiefs Council National Operational Guidance and is currently finalising dedicated guidance for managing electric vehicle related incidents.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042190%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=475472","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=475472"}},{"id":"475471","reference":"AQW 42189/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-10","answerBy":"2026-03-26","answered":"2026-03-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department has put in place any guidance on the safe installation of electric vehicle charging points, in petrol and diesel station forecourts.","answerText":"The provision and operation of EV charging infrastructure is a commercially led activity in the North. Responsibility for the maintenance, development and utilisation of charge points rests solely with the Charge Point Operators (CPOs). Relevant CPOs are best placed to advise on guidance in relation to petrol and diesel station forecourts.\n\nMulti storey car parks must comply with building regulations, which are governed by the Department of Finance.","answerHtml":"The provision and operation of EV charging infrastructure is a commercially led activity in the North. Responsibility for the maintenance, development and utilisation of charge points rests solely with the Charge Point Operators (CPOs). Relevant CPOs are best placed to advise on guidance in relation to petrol and diesel station forecourts.
Multi storey car parks must comply with building regulations, which are governed by the Department of Finance.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042189%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=475471","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=475471"}},{"id":"475470","reference":"AQW 42188/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-10","answerBy":"2026-03-26","answered":"2026-03-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department provides guidance to multi-storey car park providers, regarding (i) electric vehicle safety; and (ii) the installation of electric vehicle charging points.","answerText":"The provision and operation of EV charging infrastructure is a commercially led activity in the North. Responsibility for the maintenance, development and utilisation of charge points rests solely with the Charge Point Operators (CPOs). Relevant CPOs are best placed to advise on guidance in relation to petrol and diesel station forecourts.\n\nMulti storey car parks must comply with building regulations, which are governed by the Department of Finance.","answerHtml":"The provision and operation of EV charging infrastructure is a commercially led activity in the North. Responsibility for the maintenance, development and utilisation of charge points rests solely with the Charge Point Operators (CPOs). Relevant CPOs are best placed to advise on guidance in relation to petrol and diesel station forecourts.
Multi storey car parks must comply with building regulations, which are governed by the Department of Finance.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042188%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=475470","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=475470"}},{"id":"475469","reference":"AQW 42187/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-03-10","answerBy":"2026-03-26","answered":"2026-03-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail how her Department regulates the safe manufacturing and make-up of electric vehicles in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"Vehicle manufacturing standards including electric vehicles are governed by vehicle type approval.\n\nType approval is a reserved matter. The British Secretary of State for Transport has primary responsibility for type approval. As a result of the Protocol, EU law continues to apply here for the purposes of type approval.\n\nConsequently, vehicles sold in the north must either carry EU or UKNI type approval certification.","answerHtml":"Vehicle manufacturing standards including electric vehicles are governed by vehicle type approval.
Type approval is a reserved matter. The British Secretary of State for Transport has primary responsibility for type approval. As a result of the Protocol, EU law continues to apply here for the purposes of type approval.
Consequently, vehicles sold in the north must either carry EU or UKNI type approval certification.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2042187%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=475469","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=475469"}},{"id":"473593","reference":"AQW 41466/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-26","answerBy":"2026-03-13","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 to detail any engagement their Department has had with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology regarding the recommendations arising from the Creating a safer world: the challenge of regulating online pornography report, relevant to ending violence against women and girls.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041466%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=473593","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=473593"}},{"id":"475371","reference":"AQO 3256/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-26","answerBy":"2026-03-09","answered":"2026-03-10","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 how his Marine Protected Areas Strategy for the Northern Ireland Inshore Region 2025-2030 will support the conservation of vital habitats and improve biodiversity.","answerText":"My recently published Marine Protected Areas Strategy outlines the approach which will be taken for the next five years as the focus shifts from designation of marine protected areas to their management.\n\nIt prioritises key habitats and species, improving monitoring and evidence-led decision-making, and promotes nature-based solutions such as blue carbon habitats to enhance climate resilience and support biodiversity recovery. The strategy also recognises the valuable ecosystem services provided by MPAs and the long-term benefits they deliver for coastal communities, while enabling the sustainable use of the wider marine environment.\n\nThere will be a small number of new designations required to fill gaps in the existing network and improve ecological coherence. This will be supported by management measures, where necessary, to ensure features are able to achieve favourable condition and contribute to Good Environmental Status under UK Marine Strategy.\n\nMy Department is also developing a proposal to prohibit anchoring in Outer Belfast Lough Marine Conservation Zone to protect the designated features. This will be subject to public consultation in due course.\n\nBuilding on these strong foundations and using actions set out in both the new MPA Strategy and the Northern Ireland Blue Carbon Action Plan, we will continue working in partnership with stakeholders to restore damaged habitats, enhance biodiversity and support a healthier, more resilient marine environment for the future.","answerHtml":"My recently published Marine Protected Areas Strategy outlines the approach which will be taken for the next five years as the focus shifts from designation of marine protected areas to their management.
It prioritises key habitats and species, improving monitoring and evidence-led decision-making, and promotes nature-based solutions such as blue carbon habitats to enhance climate resilience and support biodiversity recovery. The strategy also recognises the valuable ecosystem services provided by MPAs and the long-term benefits they deliver for coastal communities, while enabling the sustainable use of the wider marine environment.
There will be a small number of new designations required to fill gaps in the existing network and improve ecological coherence. This will be supported by management measures, where necessary, to ensure features are able to achieve favourable condition and contribute to Good Environmental Status under UK Marine Strategy.
My Department is also developing a proposal to prohibit anchoring in Outer Belfast Lough Marine Conservation Zone to protect the designated features. This will be subject to public consultation in due course.
Building on these strong foundations and using actions set out in both the new MPA Strategy and the Northern Ireland Blue Carbon Action Plan, we will continue working in partnership with stakeholders to restore damaged habitats, enhance biodiversity and support a healthier, more resilient marine environment for the future.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203256%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=475371","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=475371"}},{"id":"473264","reference":"AQW 41366/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-25","answerBy":"2026-03-02","answered":"2026-03-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail when the Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme schemes for 2026-27, will be published.","answerText":"The NI Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP) is administered by the Energy Saving Trust on behalf of the NI Utility Regulator. Whilst it is not a DfE programme, I can report that the list of NISEP 2026/27 schemes will be published in early April 2026 and will run from 1st April 26 - 31 March 27.\n\nThe List will be published on the Utility Regulator website.","answerHtml":"The NI Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP) is administered by the Energy Saving Trust on behalf of the NI Utility Regulator. Whilst it is not a DfE programme, I can report that the list of NISEP 2026/27 schemes will be published in early April 2026 and will run from 1st April 26 - 31 March 27.
The List will be published on the Utility Regulator website.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041366%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=473264","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=473264"}},{"id":"472985","reference":"AQW 41270/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-24","answerBy":"2026-03-11","answered":"2026-03-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) any works carried out; and (ii) the amount spent, on maintenance to the seawall at The Parade and Shore Street, Donaghadee, over the last 10 years.","answerText":"Over the past 10 years, my Department has carried out a number of interventions to the section of seawall along Parade, Donaghadee for which it is responsible. These have included routine upkeep and repairs following major weather events, such as those completed in January 2022 and January 2026 to address storm‑related stone displacement and footway defects.\n\nMore recently, in February 2026, my Department carried out further repairs to both the seawall and the adjoining footway following structural damage caused by Storm Chandra.\n\nThe value of maintenance works recorded by the Department on this section of the seawall over the last 10 years is approximately £20,000.","answerHtml":"Over the past 10 years, my Department has carried out a number of interventions to the section of seawall along Parade, Donaghadee for which it is responsible. These have included routine upkeep and repairs following major weather events, such as those completed in January 2022 and January 2026 to address storm‑related stone displacement and footway defects.
More recently, in February 2026, my Department carried out further repairs to both the seawall and the adjoining footway following structural damage caused by Storm Chandra.
The value of maintenance works recorded by the Department on this section of the seawall over the last 10 years is approximately £20,000.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041270%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=472985","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=472985"}},{"id":"472680","reference":"AQW 41193/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-23","answerBy":"2026-03-10","answered":"2026-04-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of how effectively the Managed Care Network’s Strategic Framework and three-year implementation plan will address the ambitions for eating disorders services improvements, as detailed in the Northern Ireland Mental Health Strategy 2021-2031.","answerText":"The Eating Disorder Managed Care Network’s Strategic Framework and three-year implementation plan provides a comprehensive and well coordinated foundation, for delivering the improvements to eating disorder services envisioned within the Northern Ireland Mental Health Strategy 2021–2031.\n\nThe Framework establishes clear regional governance through dedicated workstreams and leadership structures, ensuring consistent oversight and alignment across all Trusts. It strengthens the capability and confidence of the wider system by introducing structured training pathways and a coherent communication approach, both of which are essential to addressing variation in awareness, early identification and management of eating disorders.\n\nThe plan’s focus on aligning and standardising care pathways across the region represents a significant step toward delivering equitable, NICE concordant treatment, while the development of regional supervision, reflective practice and training supports workforce sustainability and high-quality care. The Framework also enhances the system’s capacity for data driven decision making through the implementation of standardised outcome measures and improved use of baseline performance data, providing the evidence base required for future commissioning and service planning. The strong emphasis on coproduction ensures that lived experience informs the design, delivery and evaluation of services in a meaningful and continuous way.\n\nWhile the plan cannot independently deliver the full-service expansion, such as enhanced community and day treatment, without further funding and staffing investment, it effectively positions the region to implement these strategic enhancements efficiently and consistently, once resources become available.","answerHtml":"The Eating Disorder Managed Care Network’s Strategic Framework and three-year implementation plan provides a comprehensive and well coordinated foundation, for delivering the improvements to eating disorder services envisioned within the Northern Ireland Mental Health Strategy 2021–2031.
The Framework establishes clear regional governance through dedicated workstreams and leadership structures, ensuring consistent oversight and alignment across all Trusts. It strengthens the capability and confidence of the wider system by introducing structured training pathways and a coherent communication approach, both of which are essential to addressing variation in awareness, early identification and management of eating disorders.
The plan’s focus on aligning and standardising care pathways across the region represents a significant step toward delivering equitable, NICE concordant treatment, while the development of regional supervision, reflective practice and training supports workforce sustainability and high-quality care. The Framework also enhances the system’s capacity for data driven decision making through the implementation of standardised outcome measures and improved use of baseline performance data, providing the evidence base required for future commissioning and service planning. The strong emphasis on coproduction ensures that lived experience informs the design, delivery and evaluation of services in a meaningful and continuous way.
While the plan cannot independently deliver the full-service expansion, such as enhanced community and day treatment, without further funding and staffing investment, it effectively positions the region to implement these strategic enhancements efficiently and consistently, once resources become available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041193%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=472680","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=472680"}},{"id":"472453","reference":"AQW 41100/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-20","answerBy":"2026-03-09","answered":"2026-03-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the rating status of (i) the Flagship Shopping Centre, Main Street, Bangor; and (ii) the units therein.","answerText":"Land & Property Services has advised that the liable ratepayer for the Flagship Shopping Centre, Main Street, Bangor, is Flagship Bangor Ltd.\n\nThe company is recorded as the ratepayer for 40 vacant units within the centre and currently has an outstanding rates balance of £418,998. No payments have been received against these units since the start of their liability in August 2021.\n\nThere is no rate liability outstanding for the period 2019 to August 2021.","answerHtml":"Land & Property Services has advised that the liable ratepayer for the Flagship Shopping Centre, Main Street, Bangor, is Flagship Bangor Ltd.
The company is recorded as the ratepayer for 40 vacant units within the centre and currently has an outstanding rates balance of £418,998. No payments have been received against these units since the start of their liability in August 2021.
There is no rate liability outstanding for the period 2019 to August 2021.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041100%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=472453","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=472453"}},{"id":"472452","reference":"AQW 41099/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-20","answerBy":"2026-03-09","answered":"2026-03-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail any rates paid by (i) the Flagship Shopping Centre, Main Street, Bangor; and (ii) the units therein, since 2019.","answerText":"I refer the member to my answer for AQW 41100/22-27.","answerHtml":"I refer the member to my answer for AQW 41100/22-27.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2041099%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=472452","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=472452"}},{"id":"474139","reference":"AQO 3223/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-19","answerBy":"2026-03-03","answered":"2026-03-03","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 increase investment in speed detection measures, including fixed and mobile cameras, following the finding that one quarter of respondents identify speeding as their main concern in the Road Safety Issues in Northern Ireland, 2024-25 survey.","answerText":"I want to use this opportunity to express my condolences to the families of the people who have recently lost their lives on our roads. Lives changed in an instant. In 2026 15 people have not returned home following a road traffic collision, this is why road safety remains a top priority for me.\n\nThe policy regarding any review of speed detection cameras is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, and I would direct the member to contact the Partnership directly for this information.\n\nIn light of the results of this Road Safety Issues survey, it is timely that my Department has recently launched an updated Road Safety Action plan. I continue to address the road safety issues that people are most concerned with and that are key in reducing road deaths.\n\nYou will be aware that a Speed Limit review is currently underway and I would encourage everyone to take the time to respond. Other key interventions I am intending to introduce will include a new lower legal alcohol limit, examining options for increasing speeding fines, and the development of new scheme proposals on the Regional Strategic Transport Network, targeting those routes with highest collision rates where engineering-based solutions would mitigate risks.\n\nAlongside this, my Department continues to educate and promote safer road user behaviour, including the ‘Road Wise Up’ campaigns and ongoing ‘Share the Road to Zero’ initiatives, that remind us all of our personal responsibility on the road, and the things we can do to keep ourselves and other safe.","answerHtml":"I want to use this opportunity to express my condolences to the families of the people who have recently lost their lives on our roads. Lives changed in an instant. In 2026 15 people have not returned home following a road traffic collision, this is why road safety remains a top priority for me.
The policy regarding any review of speed detection cameras is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, and I would direct the member to contact the Partnership directly for this information.
In light of the results of this Road Safety Issues survey, it is timely that my Department has recently launched an updated Road Safety Action plan. I continue to address the road safety issues that people are most concerned with and that are key in reducing road deaths.
You will be aware that a Speed Limit review is currently underway and I would encourage everyone to take the time to respond. Other key interventions I am intending to introduce will include a new lower legal alcohol limit, examining options for increasing speeding fines, and the development of new scheme proposals on the Regional Strategic Transport Network, targeting those routes with highest collision rates where engineering-based solutions would mitigate risks.
Alongside this, my Department continues to educate and promote safer road user behaviour, including the ‘Road Wise Up’ campaigns and ongoing ‘Share the Road to Zero’ initiatives, that remind us all of our personal responsibility on the road, and the things we can do to keep ourselves and other safe.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203223%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=474139","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=474139"}},{"id":"472279","reference":"AQO 3190/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-19","answerBy":"2026-03-02","answered":"2026-03-02","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 to outline any consideration being given to a Troubles memorialisation programme.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"The victims and survivors strategy contains a commitment to work with victims and survivors, and wider society, to develop a designated public space of reflection where people can come together to remember our past. Work in this space is complex and sensitive. Currently, the focus of the strategy is on preparations for the new victim support programme. Final allocations for the programme are expected to be made at the end of March. The delivery of the programme is expected to contribute to a range of commitments in the strategy."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"Thank you, deputy First Minister. The strategy for victims and survivors states that there will be an exploration of:"},{"speaker":"","text":"and how this can be acknowledged. Years have now passed, and many people are elderly, so it is important that the survivors have input into that work. How is that ongoing?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"We have had a briefing from our officials around some early preparatory work. The Member will understand fully that it is a hugely sensitive area that needs to be led by victims and survivors. There will certainly not be a one-size-fits-all approach. I have had the great privilege of working with victims and survivors' groups for many years over the past two decades. I have sat with victims and survivors and seen their tears, and I have heard very clearly how much hurt they still suffer now. Whatever we do needs to be incredibly sensitive to that. There is no doubt that the issue of the definition of \"a victim\" has been significant in this space over the past 20 to 30 years. We will be working with victims and survivors. I have said it before and will say it again: in my role, I feel that it is my responsibility to do absolutely nothing that would cause further hurt to people. It is in that context that we are exploring some of the options around the matter."},{"speaker":"Mr McHugh","text":"The deputy First Minister will know that the VSS is a key pillar in the provision of essential services to victims and survivors of the conflict. Given that, will she explain why there are four outstanding appointments to its board? Those appointments should have been made following a public appointments process."},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"I thank the Member for his question. We always strive to ensure that there is as full a complement as possible. We are conscious that there are vacancies on a number of boards at the moment. We have been going through a process to try to fill those vacancies. A number of proposals have been made in this case, and those are under consideration."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203190%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=472279","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-03-02&docID=473424#AQO%203190/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=472279"}},{"id":"471822","reference":"AQW 40788/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-17","answerBy":"2026-03-04","answered":"2026-03-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether his Department has engaged with the Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime in Northern Ireland regarding their Totally Invisible report into the experiences of domestic violence and abuse victims and survivors and children engaging with family court processes.","answerText":"I recognise the importance of the issues raised in the Totally Invisible report published by the Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime, which highlights the experiences of domestic abuse victims, survivors and children who interact with the family courts. While many of the report’s findings relate to the operation of the family justice system, the concerns raised merit careful cross‑departmental consideration.\n\nIn relation to engagement, my Department has directly liaised with the Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime on this work. I have agreed that an official from the Department will participate in the Commissioner’s Family Court Pilot Task and Finish Group, which is being established to scope, design and cost a pilot model for private family law cases involving domestic abuse.\n\nMy Department will continue to work collaboratively with other Departments to help ensure that the legislative framework remains appropriate and responsive. Through our participation in the Family Court Pilot Task and Finish Group and our membership of wider cross‑departmental forums, we will play our part in supporting improvements across the family justice system.","answerHtml":"I recognise the importance of the issues raised in the Totally Invisible report published by the Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime, which highlights the experiences of domestic abuse victims, survivors and children who interact with the family courts. While many of the report’s findings relate to the operation of the family justice system, the concerns raised merit careful cross‑departmental consideration.
In relation to engagement, my Department has directly liaised with the Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime on this work. I have agreed that an official from the Department will participate in the Commissioner’s Family Court Pilot Task and Finish Group, which is being established to scope, design and cost a pilot model for private family law cases involving domestic abuse.
My Department will continue to work collaboratively with other Departments to help ensure that the legislative framework remains appropriate and responsive. Through our participation in the Family Court Pilot Task and Finish Group and our membership of wider cross‑departmental forums, we will play our part in supporting improvements across the family justice system.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040788%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=471822","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=471822"}},{"id":"471821","reference":"AQW 40787/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-17","answerBy":"2026-03-04","answered":"2026-03-02","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 Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime in Northern Ireland's Totally Invisible report, into the experiences of domestic violence and abuse victims and survivors, and children engaging with family court processes.","answerText":"I recognise the seriousness of the issues raised in the Totally Invisible report concerning the experiences of victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse, and of children involved in private family law proceedings. The report highlights concerns about delays, consistency of practice, and a perceived “pro‑contact” culture within parts of the family justice system. These are important matters that deserve full and careful consideration.\n\nMy Department is responsible for the underlying substantive private family law, including the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995. Responsibility for court operations, judicial training, safeguarding practice, administration of contact services, or the wider family justice system, issues which the report highlights, are matters that fall to other Departments.\n\nI have noted those aspects of the report that relate to the legislative framework and I am committed to ensuring that framework remains appropriate and responsive. To support cross‑departmental work, I have nominated an official from my Department to participate in the Family Court Pilot Task and Finish Group being established by the Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime.","answerHtml":"I recognise the seriousness of the issues raised in the Totally Invisible report concerning the experiences of victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse, and of children involved in private family law proceedings. The report highlights concerns about delays, consistency of practice, and a perceived “pro‑contact” culture within parts of the family justice system. These are important matters that deserve full and careful consideration.
My Department is responsible for the underlying substantive private family law, including the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995. Responsibility for court operations, judicial training, safeguarding practice, administration of contact services, or the wider family justice system, issues which the report highlights, are matters that fall to other Departments.
I have noted those aspects of the report that relate to the legislative framework and I am committed to ensuring that framework remains appropriate and responsive. To support cross‑departmental work, I have nominated an official from my Department to participate in the Family Court Pilot Task and Finish Group being established by the Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040787%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=471821","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=471821"}},{"id":"471820","reference":"AQW 40786/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-17","answerBy":"2026-03-04","answered":"2026-03-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of the Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime in Northern Ireland December 2025 report, Totally Invisible, into the experiences of domestic violence and abuse victims and survivors and children engaging with family court processes.","answerText":"I spoke at the launch of the “Totally Invisible” report on 3rd December 2025 and welcomed the research. I am concerned in relation to the findings of the research, that;\n\nThere is a lack of understanding of domestic abuse dynamics among some professionals.\n\nThere is inconsistent application of safeguarding measures, leaving victims and children at risk of being harmed.\n\nThere are delays and complexity in proceedings, which can exacerbate trauma for victims and prolong exposure to risk.\n\nI have nominated representatives from my Department to participate in and contribute to a Family Court Pilot Task & Finish Working Group that the Commissioner for Victims of Crime, Geraldine Hanna, is convening to address findings of the report.","answerHtml":"I spoke at the launch of the “Totally Invisible” report on 3rd December 2025 and welcomed the research. I am concerned in relation to the findings of the research, that;
There is a lack of understanding of domestic abuse dynamics among some professionals.
There is inconsistent application of safeguarding measures, leaving victims and children at risk of being harmed.
There are delays and complexity in proceedings, which can exacerbate trauma for victims and prolong exposure to risk.
I have nominated representatives from my Department to participate in and contribute to a Family Court Pilot Task & Finish Working Group that the Commissioner for Victims of Crime, Geraldine Hanna, is convening to address findings of the report.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040786%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=471820","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=471820"}},{"id":"471819","reference":"AQW 40785/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-17","answerBy":"2026-03-04","answered":"2026-03-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has engaged with the Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime in Northern Ireland in relation to her December 2025 report, Totally Invisible, into the experiences of domestic violence and abuse victims and survivors and children engaging with family court processes.","answerText":"I met with the Commissioner Designate in relation to this research in October 2025 and spoke at the launch event. I have subsequently nominated a number of representatives from my Department to take part in a Family Court Pilot Task and Finish Working Group to examine what practical steps could be taken and the barriers that may need to be overcome, to make sure the family courts consistently protect victims of domestic abuse and their children from further traumatisation.","answerHtml":"I met with the Commissioner Designate in relation to this research in October 2025 and spoke at the launch event. I have subsequently nominated a number of representatives from my Department to take part in a Family Court Pilot Task and Finish Working Group to examine what practical steps could be taken and the barriers that may need to be overcome, to make sure the family courts consistently protect victims of domestic abuse and their children from further traumatisation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040785%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=471819","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=471819"}},{"id":"471558","reference":"AQW 40675/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-16","answerBy":"2026-03-03","answered":"2026-04-13","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 waiting times for a gynaecology appointment, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust. [R]","answerText":"The number of patients waiting for a first consultant-led outpatient appointment under the Gynaecology specialty, by Health and Social Care Trust, is published on a quarterly basis in the Excel file which accompanies the ‘Northern Ireland Outpatient Waiting Time Statistics’ bulletin. The most recent issue of this bulletin has a reporting date of 31 December 2025 and is available to view at:\n\nhttps://www.health-ni.gov.uk/articles/outpatient-waiting-times\n\nThe number of patients waiting for admission for inpatient or day case treatment under the Gynaecology, Gynaecological Oncology, and Gynaecology - Urology specialties, by Health and Social Care Trust, is published on a quarterly basis in the Excel file which accompanies the ‘Northern Ireland Inpatient And Day Case Waiting Time Statistics’ bulletin. The most recent issue of this bulletin has a reporting date of 31 December 2025 and is available to view at:\n\nhttps://www.health-ni.gov.uk/articles/inpatient-waiting-times","answerHtml":"The number of patients waiting for a first consultant-led outpatient appointment under the Gynaecology specialty, by Health and Social Care Trust, is published on a quarterly basis in the Excel file which accompanies the ‘Northern Ireland Outpatient Waiting Time Statistics’ bulletin. The most recent issue of this bulletin has a reporting date of 31 December 2025 and is available to view at:
https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/articles/outpatient-waiting-times
The number of patients waiting for admission for inpatient or day case treatment under the Gynaecology, Gynaecological Oncology, and Gynaecology - Urology specialties, by Health and Social Care Trust, is published on a quarterly basis in the Excel file which accompanies the ‘Northern Ireland Inpatient And Day Case Waiting Time Statistics’ bulletin. The most recent issue of this bulletin has a reporting date of 31 December 2025 and is available to view at:
https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/articles/inpatient-waiting-times
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040675%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=471558","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=471558"}},{"id":"471557","reference":"AQW 40674/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-16","answerBy":"2026-03-03","answered":"2026-03-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health (i) for an update on his Department’s Equality Action Plan 2025-2030; and (ii) to detail how the plan will address gender discrimination in healthcare settings.","answerText":"The Department of Health published its 5-year Equality Action Plan (EAP) 2025-2030 on 19 December 2025. The first annual review of this plan will begin in April 2026.\n\nThe EAP 2025-2030 identified four priority areas for action in relation to gender inequality. These include:\n\nwomen and girls being disproportionately affected by domestic and sexual abuse;\n\nbarriers experienced by some women in accessing healthcare;\n\nmen being disproportionately impacted in the justice system in relation to physical and mental health; and\n\nmen being disproportionately affected by substance misuse.\n\nWhile the actions linked to these priority areas are not designed as direct responses to individual cases of gender-based discrimination, they include relevant departmental frameworks, plans and strategies aimed at addressing systemic causes of gender inequality and improving outcomes across these areas.\n\nWhere evidence of genderbased discrimination arises within healthcare settings, it can be considered by the relevant policy areas and provider organisations under existing governance and complaints structures.","answerHtml":"The Department of Health published its 5-year Equality Action Plan (EAP) 2025-2030 on 19 December 2025. The first annual review of this plan will begin in April 2026.
The EAP 2025-2030 identified four priority areas for action in relation to gender inequality. These include:
women and girls being disproportionately affected by domestic and sexual abuse;
barriers experienced by some women in accessing healthcare;
men being disproportionately impacted in the justice system in relation to physical and mental health; and
men being disproportionately affected by substance misuse.
While the actions linked to these priority areas are not designed as direct responses to individual cases of gender-based discrimination, they include relevant departmental frameworks, plans and strategies aimed at addressing systemic causes of gender inequality and improving outcomes across these areas.
Where evidence of genderbased discrimination arises within healthcare settings, it can be considered by the relevant policy areas and provider organisations under existing governance and complaints structures.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040674%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=471557","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=471557"}},{"id":"471556","reference":"AQW 40673/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-16","answerBy":"2026-03-03","answered":"2026-03-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department engaged with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on its 2025 consultation, Private parking code of practice.","answerText":"My department did not engage with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on its 2025 consultation, Private Parking Code of Practice.","answerHtml":"My department did not engage with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on its 2025 consultation, Private Parking Code of Practice.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040673%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=471556","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=471556"}},{"id":"471555","reference":"AQW 40672/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-16","answerBy":"2026-03-03","answered":"2026-02-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for his assessment of whether the British Parking Association’s Code of Practice adequately promotes meeting the needs and requirements of those with disabilities.","answerText":"My Department is leading on development of the cross-departmental Executive Disability Strategy which is currently out for public consultation.\n\nAll issues identified as a result of the consultation, including an assessment of whether the British Parking Association’s Code of Practice adequately promotes meeting the needs and requirements of those with disabilities, will be looked at on a cross-departmental basis and subsequently by the Disability Forum which is to be established upon NI Executive approval of the finalised Strategy.","answerHtml":"My Department is leading on development of the cross-departmental Executive Disability Strategy which is currently out for public consultation.
All issues identified as a result of the consultation, including an assessment of whether the British Parking Association’s Code of Practice adequately promotes meeting the needs and requirements of those with disabilities, will be looked at on a cross-departmental basis and subsequently by the Disability Forum which is to be established upon NI Executive approval of the finalised Strategy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040672%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=471555","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=471555"}},{"id":"471554","reference":"AQW 40671/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-16","answerBy":"2026-03-03","answered":"2026-02-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether his Department has engaged with the Department for Infrastructure regarding disability access within private parking infrastructure.","answerText":"My Department is leading on development of the cross-departmental Executive Disability Strategy which is currently out for public consultation.\n\nWhile the issue of disability access within private parking infrastructure has not yet been specifically discussed, all issues identified as a result of the consultation, including those related to disability access within private parking infrastructure, will be looked at on a cross-departmental basis and subsequently by the Disability Forum which is to be established upon NI Executive approval of the finalised Strategy.","answerHtml":"My Department is leading on development of the cross-departmental Executive Disability Strategy which is currently out for public consultation.
While the issue of disability access within private parking infrastructure has not yet been specifically discussed, all issues identified as a result of the consultation, including those related to disability access within private parking infrastructure, will be looked at on a cross-departmental basis and subsequently by the Disability Forum which is to be established upon NI Executive approval of the finalised Strategy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040671%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=471554","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=471554"}},{"id":"471023","reference":"AQO 3164/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-12","answerBy":"2026-02-23","answered":null,"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 establishment of the Review of the Religious Education Core Syllabus drafting group.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203164%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=471023","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=471023"}},{"id":"470532","reference":"AQW 40218/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-10","answerBy":"2026-02-25","answered":"2026-02-25","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 development of the Woman's Health Action Plan.","answerText":"I plan to publish the Women's Health Action Plan following completion of the public listening exercise. My Department has helped to fund this important project by Derry Well Women and Queen’s University Belfast who have now completed a women’s health survey and focus groups with harder to reach women. There will be a further round of engagement in partnership with stakeholders and representative organisations during February to share the findings and to identify the priorities and recommendations which will inform the final report to my Department.\n\nThe Plan when published will describe the wide range of policy and service developments supporting women's health, what has been achieved to date and what is achievable in the years ahead within current resources. In addition to delivering against the set of actions, the Plan aims to encourage positive dialogue around women’s health and wellbeing within our health and social care system and in our society.","answerHtml":"I plan to publish the Women's Health Action Plan following completion of the public listening exercise. My Department has helped to fund this important project by Derry Well Women and Queen’s University Belfast who have now completed a women’s health survey and focus groups with harder to reach women. There will be a further round of engagement in partnership with stakeholders and representative organisations during February to share the findings and to identify the priorities and recommendations which will inform the final report to my Department.
The Plan when published will describe the wide range of policy and service developments supporting women's health, what has been achieved to date and what is achievable in the years ahead within current resources. In addition to delivering against the set of actions, the Plan aims to encourage positive dialogue around women’s health and wellbeing within our health and social care system and in our society.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040218%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=470532","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=470532"}},{"id":"470285","reference":"AQW 40124/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-09","answerBy":"2026-02-24","answered":"2026-02-25","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 their Department has taken any preparatory steps, to create the second delivery plan, accompanying the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategic Framework.","answerText":"Significant work has been undertaken in preparation for the next Delivery Plan including consideration of lessons learned from the 2024-2026 delivery plan, engagement with collaborative partners and key stakeholders as well as internal governance approvals to support the plan.\n\nNext steps include presentation of the draft plan which we have approved in principle to the wider Executive for their approval.","answerHtml":"Significant work has been undertaken in preparation for the next Delivery Plan including consideration of lessons learned from the 2024-2026 delivery plan, engagement with collaborative partners and key stakeholders as well as internal governance approvals to support the plan.
Next steps include presentation of the draft plan which we have approved in principle to the wider Executive for their approval.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040124%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=470285","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=470285"}},{"id":"470284","reference":"AQW 40123/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-09","answerBy":"2026-02-24","answered":"2026-02-16","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 to detail any steps their Department will take to evaluate the 2024-2026 Delivery Plan associated with the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategic Framework.","answerText":"Officials continue to evaluate delivery of the 2024–2026 Delivery Plan through a structured framework combining populationlevel indicators with quarterly actionlevel monitoring.\n\nProgrammelevel activity is monitored through OutcomesBased Accountability (OBA) reporting, which assesses the performance of delivery actions across partners. Lessons learned are identified as part of this process and have been used to inform the development of the next Delivery Plan 2026-2028 which we intend to bring to the Executive for approval shortly.\n\nOfficial statistics and survey data, which are reported annually, are also evaluated to help measure the longterm progress toward the six strategic outcomes set out in the Strategic Framework.\n\nAs well as the ongoing monitoring of outcomes, a mid-term review of the Strategic Framework will be taken forward which will include an evaluation of the 2024-2026 delivery plan.","answerHtml":"Officials continue to evaluate delivery of the 2024–2026 Delivery Plan through a structured framework combining populationlevel indicators with quarterly actionlevel monitoring.
Programmelevel activity is monitored through OutcomesBased Accountability (OBA) reporting, which assesses the performance of delivery actions across partners. Lessons learned are identified as part of this process and have been used to inform the development of the next Delivery Plan 2026-2028 which we intend to bring to the Executive for approval shortly.
Official statistics and survey data, which are reported annually, are also evaluated to help measure the longterm progress toward the six strategic outcomes set out in the Strategic Framework.
As well as the ongoing monitoring of outcomes, a mid-term review of the Strategic Framework will be taken forward which will include an evaluation of the 2024-2026 delivery plan.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040123%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=470284","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=470284"}},{"id":"470283","reference":"AQW 40122/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-09","answerBy":"2026-02-24","answered":"2026-02-19","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 whether their Department will consult the original co-design partners. on the second delivery plan, for the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategic Framework.","answerText":"The draft second Delivery Plan 2026-2028 has been informed by feedback from delivery partners which indicates that current delivery models, particularly around the Change Fund, are working well. We have also reflected any lessons learned from the first phase of delivery.\n\nThe second Plan will continue to focus on community investment, collaboration and campaigns in line with the objectives of the Strategic Framework, with a focus on Prevention.\n\nThis approach will allow us to build on momentum established through the first Delivery Plan, ensuring continuity, consolidating good practice and lessons learned and will allow for the scaling of initiatives that have proven effective.","answerHtml":"The draft second Delivery Plan 2026-2028 has been informed by feedback from delivery partners which indicates that current delivery models, particularly around the Change Fund, are working well. We have also reflected any lessons learned from the first phase of delivery.
The second Plan will continue to focus on community investment, collaboration and campaigns in line with the objectives of the Strategic Framework, with a focus on Prevention.
This approach will allow us to build on momentum established through the first Delivery Plan, ensuring continuity, consolidating good practice and lessons learned and will allow for the scaling of initiatives that have proven effective.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040122%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=470283","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=470283"}},{"id":"470282","reference":"AQW 40121/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-09","answerBy":"2026-02-24","answered":"2026-02-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) the number of applications to; and (ii) the total successful amount issued from, the DFI Claims Unit, in the North Down area, for each year, since 2023.","answerText":"The management information my Department holds in relation to roads related public liability claims can be found online at: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/road-asset-maintenance-directorate-management-information-roads-related-claims-period-20202021-20242025.\n\nI would ask the member to be aware of the caveats relating to the information provided in the tables.\n\nTable 3 provides details of roads related public liability claims received in each of the last five full financial years, broken down by Section Office and claim type. Table 7 provides details of claim expenditure for the last five full financial years broken down by Section Office, claim type and expenditure type. Please note Section Offices broadly align with Council areas. The North Down area is covered by Ards and North Down Borough Council. This council area is covered by Ards and North Down Section Office.\n\nClaim figures have been extracted from DfI's Claims Management System, whereas the financial data has been extracted from the NICS accounting system, Account NI. Please note that claims received in a financial year are not always concluded in the same financial year. Therefore, the compensation figure for concluded claims for a given financial year will usually include claims that were received in prior financial years.","answerHtml":"The management information my Department holds in relation to roads related public liability claims can be found online at: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/road-asset-maintenance-directorate-management-information-roads-related-claims-period-20202021-20242025.
I would ask the member to be aware of the caveats relating to the information provided in the tables.
Table 3 provides details of roads related public liability claims received in each of the last five full financial years, broken down by Section Office and claim type. Table 7 provides details of claim expenditure for the last five full financial years broken down by Section Office, claim type and expenditure type. Please note Section Offices broadly align with Council areas. The North Down area is covered by Ards and North Down Borough Council. This council area is covered by Ards and North Down Section Office.
Claim figures have been extracted from DfI's Claims Management System, whereas the financial data has been extracted from the NICS accounting system, Account NI. Please note that claims received in a financial year are not always concluded in the same financial year. Therefore, the compensation figure for concluded claims for a given financial year will usually include claims that were received in prior financial years.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2040121%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=470282","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=470282"}},{"id":"470044","reference":"AQW 39999/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-06","answerBy":"2026-02-11","answered":"2026-03-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any steps her Department has taken to repair the partially collapsed seawall at Parade, Donaghadee.","answerText":"Following a recent period of severe weather and tidal surges along the North Down coastline, a short section of wall under my Department’s ownership partially collapsed on Thursday 5th February. Officials closed an adjacent section of footway and nearby car parking in the interest of public safety until repairs could be assessed and undertaken. I am pleased to confirm that the repair work which commenced on 10 February has now been completed.","answerHtml":"Following a recent period of severe weather and tidal surges along the North Down coastline, a short section of wall under my Department’s ownership partially collapsed on Thursday 5th February. Officials closed an adjacent section of footway and nearby car parking in the interest of public safety until repairs could be assessed and undertaken. I am pleased to confirm that the repair work which commenced on 10 February has now been completed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039999%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=470044","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=470044"}},{"id":"470043","reference":"AQW 39998/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-06","answerBy":"2026-02-23","answered":"2026-03-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any actions her Department has taken to adapt the infrastructure of coastal towns and villages, to mitigate the impacts of climate change.","answerText":"I am, along with the Minister for Environment, Agriculture and Rural Affairs, co-chair of the Coastal Forum. When the Forum last met, in November 2025, good progress had been and the coastal forum working group will produce a stocktake report on the current work programme and make recommendations for the 2026-2031 work programme. This will provide an opportunity to set priorities for the next five years and consider new work areas. My department also inspects and assesses the impact of coastal erosion on the public road network, including its sea walls and other coastal infrastructure where it meets the coastline and will make use of any relevant information from the LiDAR survey.\n\nWhere coastal erosion or flooding impacts directly on key infrastructure such as roads, railways and the Department’s sea defences, these assets are managed through a programme of regular inspection and appropriate maintenance. The Department’s responsibilities for coastal management are limited to approximately 110 km of defences for coastal roads, 26 km of coastal sea defences, two tidal barriers and around 34 km of sea defences protecting the railway network, which are maintained as necessary to ensure safe operation and to mitigate, where practicable, the impacts of climate change.","answerHtml":"I am, along with the Minister for Environment, Agriculture and Rural Affairs, co-chair of the Coastal Forum. When the Forum last met, in November 2025, good progress had been and the coastal forum working group will produce a stocktake report on the current work programme and make recommendations for the 2026-2031 work programme. This will provide an opportunity to set priorities for the next five years and consider new work areas. My department also inspects and assesses the impact of coastal erosion on the public road network, including its sea walls and other coastal infrastructure where it meets the coastline and will make use of any relevant information from the LiDAR survey.
Where coastal erosion or flooding impacts directly on key infrastructure such as roads, railways and the Department’s sea defences, these assets are managed through a programme of regular inspection and appropriate maintenance. The Department’s responsibilities for coastal management are limited to approximately 110 km of defences for coastal roads, 26 km of coastal sea defences, two tidal barriers and around 34 km of sea defences protecting the railway network, which are maintained as necessary to ensure safe operation and to mitigate, where practicable, the impacts of climate change.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039998%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=470043","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=470043"}},{"id":"470042","reference":"AQW 39997/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-06","answerBy":"2026-02-23","answered":"2026-03-11","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 undertake a safety assessment of the remaining seawalls at Parade, Donaghadee, following a partial collapse.","answerText":"Following a recent period of severe weather and tidal surges along the North Down coastline, a short section of wall under my Department’s ownership partially collapsed on Thursday 5th February. Officials closed an adjacent section of footway and nearby car parking in the interest of public safety until repairs could be assessed and undertaken. I am pleased to confirm that the repair work which commenced on 10 February has now been completed.","answerHtml":"Following a recent period of severe weather and tidal surges along the North Down coastline, a short section of wall under my Department’s ownership partially collapsed on Thursday 5th February. Officials closed an adjacent section of footway and nearby car parking in the interest of public safety until repairs could be assessed and undertaken. I am pleased to confirm that the repair work which commenced on 10 February has now been completed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039997%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=470042","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=470042"}},{"id":"469776","reference":"AQO 3112/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-05","answerBy":"2026-02-16","answered":"2026-02-16","answeredOrally":true,"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 work his Department is undertaking to tackle plastic pollution.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I have ambitious goals to protect our environment from plastic pollution, reduce unnecessary waste and promote sustainability. My Department has already taken action with the introduction of legislation to ban single-use vapes and wet wipes containing plastic. My Department is leading on work to bring forward the plastic pollution plan for Northern Ireland. It is an overarching document with the aim of addressing and tackling the problem of plastic pollution in Northern Ireland. The plan will set the course for Northern Ireland to be part of the plastic solution and become a leader in driving the necessary change. A public consultation ran from 2 July 2025 for 12 weeks, with responses from citizens and businesses. Feedback received will be incorporated into the final plan. The plan will collate the targets incorporated in existing policies and strategies and identify actions that will contribute to eliminating unnecessary plastic in Northern Ireland. My officials are working to bring forward regulations to transpose the EU single-use plastics directive into Northern Ireland domestic law, which will remove more commonly littered and unnecessary single-use plastic items from circulation. The primary objective of the single-use plastics directive is to protect our environment. Single-use plastic products are a wasteful use of resources, being used only once before being discarded, impacting on our marine and natural environment. The introduction of those regulations will reduce the volume and impact of plastic products on our environment. Work also continues on the introduction of a deposit return scheme (DRS) for single-use drinks containers, which will launch in Northern Ireland in October 2027."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"Thank you, Minister. What programmes are being supported by the carrier bag levy?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"Thank you, Connie. The carrier bag levy is an example of behavioural change bringing about a positive impact for our environment, with the most recent statistics showing a decrease of almost 6 million bags per annum over a two-year period. The revenue raised helps to support the environment fund. It has delivered a number of projects including Eco-Schools, which engage with young people to further influence positive behaviours and enhance their appreciation of our environment. Both you and I have enjoyed meeting those Eco-Schools. Similarly, the levy also directly funds the Lyric Theatre's eco-project, 'Waste Busters' the musical, which is currently touring schools across all council areas in Northern Ireland, educating and encouraging efforts to protect our resources. I will be attending a production of that in the next few weeks."},{"speaker":"Miss McIlveen","text":"Given that plastic makes up 15% to 20% of a nappy, I ask the Minister, further to my debate in January last year, whether he will provide an update on how he is going to divert nappies and absorbent hygiene products away from residual waste and ensure that valuable, recyclable material is extracted and reused?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"That is an important issue, and it is important that councils do all that they can to find a way to reduce the amount of waste that is going to landfill or for incineration. While my officials have been engaging on the matter, one of the key issues is the role that councils can play. Councils have an additional amount of approximately £50 million in extended producer responsibility for packaging money that they can use to improve their ways to recycle. One of the ways in which to improve recycling and reduce waste management is through what the Member has outlined. Officials will continue to engage, but, ultimately, it is for councils to take that forward. It would be good if I could publish the previous departmental response, which set out the proposed way forward."},{"speaker":"Mr Carroll","text":"Does the Minister agree that a better approach to tackling plastic pollution is to prevent it from being produced and appearing on shop shelves in the first place? It is ridiculous: you go to a shop to buy bananas, and they are covered in plastic. That is absurd. Will the Minister outline what work he is doing to compel or encourage producers and suppliers to stop using plastic, especially single-use plastics?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"My answer is yes. There is a waste hierarchy, and part of that is about reducing the amount of waste that we produce. There is the extended producer responsibility for packaging scheme: that is being brought in across the UK and will, hopefully, incentivise a reduction in the amount of packaging. Furthermore, a scheme is coming into place in October next year. It has been in place down South since February 2024. It is the deposit return scheme, which will encourage people to bring back their bottles, and they will get money for that. It has proven to be very popular down South and in other parts of Europe. I believe that it will be popular here in the North as well. There is lots that we are doing around this. However, there is more that we should do, because we want to make sure that we are not missing the opportunities from the circular economy."},{"speaker":"Mr Durkan","text":"I thank the Minister for his reference to the success of the deposit return scheme in the South. We are due to see it in October next year. What conversations has the Minister had with his counterpart in the South about how the scheme that we will implement here can harmonise with theirs?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I have spoken briefly to my counterpart in the South about that. There is a desire from the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and me to go down South to see the scheme in operation there. One of the key focuses of the deposit return scheme in the UK is that it has to be interoperable with that in the South, which is a key thing that I have been advocating, and I believe that it will be. To be honest, what we have seen in the South is a role model for how we can take forward the scheme in the UK, including Northern Ireland. Staff from the scheme in the South came across to the DRS in the UK and have brought their knowledge with them. It is disappointing that the scheme has not been put in place in the UK sooner, but that is a result of the antics of the previous UK Government on the issue. The new Government, however, are committed to the scheme, and we are rolling it out. It was good to see the operator of the deposit return scheme at an event last week with Retail NI, engaging with local retailers on the issue."},{"speaker":"Mr Gaston","text":"Minister, it is good to hear that you are making progress on tackling plastic pollution. Will you take the opportunity to update the House and enlighten us on what progress you are making on reducing the amount of raw sewage that is currently going into our waterways? I know that that issue does not sit with you, but, given that farmers are always being used as a scapegoat for the actions of Northern Ireland Water (NIW), I am interested to know what progress you have made on reducing the 7 million tons of untreated sewage that goes into our waterways each year."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"I am not sure what plastic has to do with sewage, but I will leave it in your hands, Minister."},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"Plastic and sewage are a bit different, but I am happy to answer the Member's question. What sits with me is regulation and enforcement. A paper will go to the Executive in the next few weeks on how to address the bye ball that NI Water has been given since 2007, when it was unfairly given a special dispensation that other polluters do not have. That needs to be addressed. There is other work in place, which I will outline to the Chamber in the time ahead. The ultimate responsibility for investment in waste water infrastructure and its management sits with the Minister for Infrastructure. We need to be brave and address the issues, because I am acutely aware that not only are they causing harm to our environment but they are affecting housebuilding and economic development in Northern Ireland. Alongside that, we are doing work on plastic pollution, because its wider environmental impact needs to be addressed."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203112%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469776","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-02-16&docID=470673#AQO%203112/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469776"}},{"id":"469761","reference":"AQO 3097/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-05","answerBy":"2026-02-16","answered":"2026-02-16","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 Community-led Review on Rural Women and Girls as part of the Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls Delivery Plan 2024–2026.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs O'Neill","text":"With your permission, Mr Speaker, junior Minister Reilly will answer that question."},{"speaker":"Ms Reilly (Junior Minister, The Executive Office)","text":"Violence against women and girls is an issue that affects all our communities, but we know that rural women and girls often face unique challenges. Often, living far from services and having fewer support options can increase their vulnerability and make it harder for them to get help, protection and justice. Together with the Agriculture Minister, we launched the community-led review on rural women and girls in October 2025. That review is led by the Rural Community Network and the NI Rural Women's Network; two organisations that are embedded in rural communities. The aim of the review is to investigate gender-based violence against rural women and girls through lived experience in order to understand fully the experiences and barriers facing women and girls, as well as the drivers of that violence, abuse and harm. The review will develop practical, rural-sensitive recommendations to shape and improve future policy and practice. The work is progressing well. We will absolutely share the results with you when it has concluded."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"Thank you, junior Minister. Obviously, that was part of the ending violence against women and girls delivery plan for 2024-26, so we are in the year in which that expires. Will you therefore outline the work that the Executive Office is undertaking for the next phase of the delivery plan?"},{"speaker":"Ms Reilly","text":"Yes, absolutely. The second delivery plan will continue to focus on community investment, collaboration and campaigns, in line with the objectives of the strategic framework. That approach will allow us to build on the momentum that we have already established through the first delivery plan. It will ensure continuity and consolidate good practice and lessons learned."},{"speaker":"","text":"It will allow for the scaling of initiatives that have been proven to be effective. That does not mean that we are complacent. It is a live strategy, and we have to move when we see what is working well, what might not be working well and how to adapt to those things."},{"speaker":"","text":"The new delivery plan has been informed by feedback from delivery partners that indicated that the current delivery models, particularly around the change fund, seemed to work well. We have also reflected on lessons learned from the first phase. The next delivery plan will be brought to the Executive very shortly, and, as I said, we will keep Members informed when that happens."},{"speaker":"Ms Ní Chuilín","text":"Junior Minister, you have already answered part of my question in your answer to Connie Egan. In relation to the second delivery plan and the insight, can you give an update on engagement you have had that has shaped your thinking for the next phase of the work to end the scourge of violence against women and girls in all our communities?"},{"speaker":"Ms Reilly","text":"In my previous answer, I outlined some of that. If the strategy is to work, it has to reflect the real challenges and issues that face women and girls in our society. That means actively listening directly to women and girls, local service providers and the community and voluntary organisations on the ground. It also means co-designing solutions, rather than just imposing them on people. It is about making sure that funding, outreach models and service delivery are flexible and capable of meeting everybody's needs."},{"speaker":"Mrs Cameron","text":"I am sure that the junior Minister agrees that the loss of even one life is one too many. Dealing with the loss of a loved one is clearly an already excruciating experience for family and friends, but waiting periods in the legal system can and do amplify that hurt. What work is being undertaken as part of the ending violence against women and girls strategy with the Department of Justice to address those concerns?"},{"speaker":"Ms Reilly","text":"I thank the Member for that question, because it reinforces the fact that the ending violence against women and girls strategy is not just about one Department; it needs a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. I absolutely concur with the Member's comments: waiting for long periods is extremely challenging for victims and families, particularly when they are going through the justice system, whether or not that is to do with a conviction. They have already been through a great deal, and delays, particularly in the justice system, further impact on that. We will continue to work closely with the Department of Justice, which sits on the oversight board and gives important feedback, and other Departments to make sure that we put systems in place and that we have the confidence of victims, survivors and the public."},{"speaker":"Ms Hunter","text":"Junior Minister, will you outline your Department's recent engagement with organisations such as Women's Aid to ensure that the strategy is having the intended impact on the ground, particularly in the north-west, where gender-based violence is, sadly, so prevalent?"},{"speaker":"Ms Reilly","text":"Absolutely. I have touched on that continued approach, particularly with the oversight board and departmental colleagues. It is so important that we continually engage with the partners who deliver services on the ground, because our commitment to ending violence against women and girls is for everyone across society. Safety, dignity and access to support cannot depend on a particular delivery partner. We will continue to work closely with communities and delivery partners to shape delivery and make sure that all women and girls, no matter where they live, are protected and supported."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203097%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469761","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-02-16&docID=470673#AQO%203097/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469761"}},{"id":"469334","reference":"AQW 39686/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-03","answerBy":"2026-02-18","answered":"2026-02-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of post-primary school places available within North Down, broken down by school, for the 2026-2027 academic year intake.","answerText":"The number of Year 8 places available for schools in North Down in 2026-27 is set out in the following table:\n\nSchool\tApproved admissions number\nBangor Academy & Sixth Form College\t262\nBangor Grammar School\t135\nGlenlola Collegiate\t157\nPriory Integrated College\t100\nSt Columbanus’ College\t115\nSullivan Upper School\t150\nTotal\t919","answerHtml":"The number of Year 8 places available for schools in North Down in 2026-27 is set out in the following table:
| School | Approved admissions number |
| Bangor Academy & Sixth Form College | 262 |
| Bangor Grammar School | 135 |
| Glenlola Collegiate | 157 |
| Priory Integrated College | 100 |
| St Columbanus’ College | 115 |
| Sullivan Upper School | 150 |
| Total | 919 |
The business case in respect of the School Enhancement Programme (SEP) project at Clifton School was approved in November 2024 at a total cost of circa £5.2m. The preferred option sought to address identified deficiencies through extension and refurbishment concentrating on provision of senior and transition years, nurture facilities and specialist classrooms. Following my decision to set aside the capital threshold for SEP projects at special schools, the Education Authority has been working with my Department and the school to expand the scope of the project to better meet the needs of staff and pupils.
In addition to the originally approved option, the proposed enhanced project will deliver sports hall provision and four general classrooms as well as refurbishment of the school meals accommodation. Due to the proposed change in scope and increased costs a business case addendum is now being developed. This will be subject to the necessary approvals.
A project board has been established to ensure that the school is kept informed of the progress of the scheme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039685%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469333","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469333"}},{"id":"469332","reference":"AQW 39684/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-03","answerBy":"2026-02-18","answered":"2026-02-18","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 business case relating to Glencraig Integrated Primary School's capital enhancement works.","answerText":"Glencraig Integrated Primary School was announced in January 2020 under the School Enhancement Programme (SEP). The project is being managed by the Education Authority (EA).\n\nThe business case is well developed and is currently with the EA for revision following an initial review by my department’s Economists. Once approved, the SEP project will move to RIBA Stage 2 (Scheme Design).\n\nFunding is available to progress SEP projects through the design stages to pre-tender. A decision to release projects to tender for a contractor will be taken on a case-by-case basis, dependent on budget availability at that time.","answerHtml":"Glencraig Integrated Primary School was announced in January 2020 under the School Enhancement Programme (SEP). The project is being managed by the Education Authority (EA).
The business case is well developed and is currently with the EA for revision following an initial review by my department’s Economists. Once approved, the SEP project will move to RIBA Stage 2 (Scheme Design).
Funding is available to progress SEP projects through the design stages to pre-tender. A decision to release projects to tender for a contractor will be taken on a case-by-case basis, dependent on budget availability at that time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039684%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469332","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469332"}},{"id":"469331","reference":"AQW 39683/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-03","answerBy":"2026-02-18","answered":"2026-02-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the reason why St.Columbanus' College, Bangor, has been enrolled in the School Enhancement Programme, rather than the Major Capital Works Programme.","answerText":"The second call for projects to the School Enhancement Programme (SEP) closed on 28 February 2017. An application to SEP was made on behalf of St Columbanus’ College by the Catholic Council of Maintained Schools (CCMS).\n\nFollowing consideration of their options, the school confirmed that it was content to advance in design under SEP, rather than pursue a future application for a new-build project. The school was announced to proceed in planning and design as a SEP project in January 2019.","answerHtml":"The second call for projects to the School Enhancement Programme (SEP) closed on 28 February 2017. An application to SEP was made on behalf of St Columbanus’ College by the Catholic Council of Maintained Schools (CCMS).
Following consideration of their options, the school confirmed that it was content to advance in design under SEP, rather than pursue a future application for a new-build project. The school was announced to proceed in planning and design as a SEP project in January 2019.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039683%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469331","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469331"}},{"id":"469330","reference":"AQW 39682/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-03","answerBy":"2026-02-18","answered":"2026-02-06","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 School Enhancement Programme proposals for St.Columbanus' College, Bangor.","answerText":"St Columbanus’ College was announced in January 2019 to advance in design under the second call to the School Enhancement Programme (SEP).\n\nThe project will provide a two-storey permanent teaching block for science, PE and drama, as well as a 3G multi use games area. The project is currently at RIBA Stage 3 (Detailed Design).\n\nFunding is available to progress SEP projects through the design stages to pre-tender. A decision to release projects to tender for a contractor will be taken on a case-by-case basis, dependent on budget availability at that time.","answerHtml":"St Columbanus’ College was announced in January 2019 to advance in design under the second call to the School Enhancement Programme (SEP).
The project will provide a two-storey permanent teaching block for science, PE and drama, as well as a 3G multi use games area. The project is currently at RIBA Stage 3 (Detailed Design).
Funding is available to progress SEP projects through the design stages to pre-tender. A decision to release projects to tender for a contractor will be taken on a case-by-case basis, dependent on budget availability at that time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039682%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469330","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469330"}},{"id":"469072","reference":"AQW 39576/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-02","answerBy":"2026-02-17","answered":"2026-02-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the total staffing resource, allocated to her Department's Skills Initiative Branch, each year, since 2020-21.","answerText":"My Department’s Skills Initiatives Branch was established in 2021, details of the total staffing resource allocated are included on table 1.\n\nYear\tSkills Initiatives Branch staffing resource\n2021-2022\t£241,000\n2022-2023\t£353,000\n2023-2024\t£474,000\n2024-2025\t£639,000\n2025-2026\t£758,000\n\nTable 1.\n\nThe Skills Initiatives Branch has delivered a range of strategically important programmes supported by multiple funding streams. In 2021, resources for programme delivery and staffing were provided by the Northern Ireland Office and the Executive’s Economic Recovery Action Plan.\n\nFrom 2022, the Branch assumed the partnership role for the Construction Industry Training Board, a Departmental arm’s length body. Its’ remit expanded further in 2023 to include the Multiply Programme, funded by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and the Green Skills initiative linked to the Energy Strategy. In 2024, responsibilities grew to encompass the Executive’s Skills Fund, and in 2025 the Branch began leading the development of the skills component of the Enhanced Investment Zone.","answerHtml":"My Department’s Skills Initiatives Branch was established in 2021, details of the total staffing resource allocated are included on table 1.
| Year | Skills Initiatives Branch staffing resource |
| 2021-2022 | £241,000 |
| 2022-2023 | £353,000 |
| 2023-2024 | £474,000 |
| 2024-2025 | £639,000 |
| 2025-2026 | £758,000 |
Table 1.
The Skills Initiatives Branch has delivered a range of strategically important programmes supported by multiple funding streams. In 2021, resources for programme delivery and staffing were provided by the Northern Ireland Office and the Executive’s Economic Recovery Action Plan.
From 2022, the Branch assumed the partnership role for the Construction Industry Training Board, a Departmental arm’s length body. Its’ remit expanded further in 2023 to include the Multiply Programme, funded by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and the Green Skills initiative linked to the Energy Strategy. In 2024, responsibilities grew to encompass the Executive’s Skills Fund, and in 2025 the Branch began leading the development of the skills component of the Enhanced Investment Zone.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039576%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469072","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469072"}},{"id":"469071","reference":"AQW 39575/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-02","answerBy":"2026-02-17","answered":"2026-02-10","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 procurement of a building contractor for Bangor Central Integrated Primary School's new school build.","answerText":"The procurement of a building contractor for the new school build is at an advanced stage, with appointment anticipated in the first quarter of 2026. Construction works are expected to commence shortly thereafter.","answerHtml":"The procurement of a building contractor for the new school build is at an advanced stage, with appointment anticipated in the first quarter of 2026. Construction works are expected to commence shortly thereafter.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039575%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469071","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469071"}},{"id":"469070","reference":"AQW 39574/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-02","answerBy":"2026-02-17","answered":"2026-02-12","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 detail the total end-year funding her Department has allocated towards encouraging uptake and growth of apprenticeships, for each year, since 2017-18.","answerText":"Total funding allocated per financial year since 2017-18 is as follows:\n\n2017-18 - £172,878\n\n2018-19 - £256,710\n\n2019-20 - £225,626\n\n2020-21 - £187,053\n\n2021-22 - £247,321\n\n2022-23 - £166,501\n\n2023-24 - £201,980\n\n2024-25 - £650,062\n\nThe above figures cover general promotion of apprenticeships, including twice yearly advertising campaigns, the NI Apprenticeship Awards and all associated design and printing costs. Also included are costs associated with the Apprenticeship Inclusion Challenge Fund and ongoing work to support uptake of Public Sector Apprenticeships.","answerHtml":"Total funding allocated per financial year since 2017-18 is as follows:
2017-18 - £172,878
2018-19 - £256,710
2019-20 - £225,626
2020-21 - £187,053
2021-22 - £247,321
2022-23 - £166,501
2023-24 - £201,980
2024-25 - £650,062
The above figures cover general promotion of apprenticeships, including twice yearly advertising campaigns, the NI Apprenticeship Awards and all associated design and printing costs. Also included are costs associated with the Apprenticeship Inclusion Challenge Fund and ongoing work to support uptake of Public Sector Apprenticeships.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039574%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469070","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469070"}},{"id":"469069","reference":"AQW 39573/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-02","answerBy":"2026-02-17","answered":"2026-02-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the total end-year funding her Department's Skills Initiative Branch received each year, since 2017-18, including staffing costs.","answerText":"My Department’s Skills Initiatives Branch was established in 2021, details of the total end-year funding received each year including staffing costs are included on table 1.\n\nYear\tSkills Initiatives Branch total end-year funding including staffing costs\n2021-2022\t£7,958,000\n2022-2023\t£10,908,000\n2023-2024\t£8,043,000\n2024-2025\t£12,707,000\n2025-2026\t£7,984,000\n\nTable 1.","answerHtml":"My Department’s Skills Initiatives Branch was established in 2021, details of the total end-year funding received each year including staffing costs are included on table 1.
| Year | Skills Initiatives Branch total end-year funding including staffing costs |
| 2021-2022 | £7,958,000 |
| 2022-2023 | £10,908,000 |
| 2023-2024 | £8,043,000 |
| 2024-2025 | £12,707,000 |
| 2025-2026 | £7,984,000 |
Table 1.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039573%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469069","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469069"}},{"id":"469068","reference":"AQW 39572/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-02-02","answerBy":"2026-02-17","answered":"2026-02-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance, pursuant to AQW 35200/22-27, for an update on work to develop a tender for an operator of Ballycopeland Windmill visitor centre and café.","answerText":"The Department for Communities (DfC) is the owner of Ballycopeland Windmill.\n\nDfC provided Construction and Procurement Delivery with a specification for an operator for the site and requested that a tender is issued for the contract.\n\nThe procurement strategy and tender documentation are under development at present. It is envisaged the competition will be published on eTendersNI before 31 March 2026.\n\nAny further information in relation to this project should be directed to the Minister for Communities.","answerHtml":"The Department for Communities (DfC) is the owner of Ballycopeland Windmill.
DfC provided Construction and Procurement Delivery with a specification for an operator for the site and requested that a tender is issued for the contract.
The procurement strategy and tender documentation are under development at present. It is envisaged the competition will be published on eTendersNI before 31 March 2026.
Any further information in relation to this project should be directed to the Minister for Communities.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039572%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=469068","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=469068"}},{"id":"468184","reference":"AQW 39166/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-27","answerBy":"2026-02-11","answered":"2026-02-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any funding her Department has allocated to universities and university colleges for student hardship support, for each year, over the last five years.","answerText":"The funding allocated in respect of financial hardship faced by students in local higher education institutions in each of the last five complete financial years, was as follows:\n\nFinancial Year\tFunding\n2020/21\t£5.6m\n2021/22\t£10.3m\n2022/23\t£6.3m\n2023/24\t£3.8m\n2024/25\t£2.8m\n\nFinancial years 2020/21 to 2023/24 include additional targeted allocations in respect of the financial impact of Covid-19 and the subsequent cost of living crisis on students.","answerHtml":"The funding allocated in respect of financial hardship faced by students in local higher education institutions in each of the last five complete financial years, was as follows:
| Financial Year | Funding |
| 2020/21 | £5.6m |
| 2021/22 | £10.3m |
| 2022/23 | £6.3m |
| 2023/24 | £3.8m |
| 2024/25 | £2.8m |
Financial years 2020/21 to 2023/24 include additional targeted allocations in respect of the financial impact of Covid-19 and the subsequent cost of living crisis on students.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039166%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=468184","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=468184"}},{"id":"468183","reference":"AQW 39165/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-27","answerBy":"2026-02-11","answered":"2026-02-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any circumstances in which (i) full-time; and (ii) part-time, students can access housing support, through the Housing Executive.","answerText":"This is an operational matter for the Housing Executive. I have sought the information requested from the Chief Executive who has advised me as follows:\n\n“We are unaware of any housing support directed specifically at or for students. All applicants seeking permanent rehousing under the Housing Selection Scheme (HSS) must meet the eligibility criteria set out in Chapter 2 of the HSS Guidance manual. These requirements are\n\nAge\n\nConnection to Northern Ireland\n\nEligibility (Unacceptable Behaviour, Persons From Abroad)\n\nIf the applicant satisfies these requirements, regardless of their educational status, they can access housing/homelessness support and will be assessed under the HSS based on their individual circumstances.\n\nAs noted, for any full-time and part-time students, the nature of support provided will be based on their individual circumstances and Housing Advisors will ensure that all appropriate advice and support is provided.\n\nHousing Benefit\n\nHousing Benefit for working age customers is being replaced by the housing costs element of Universal Credit. New Housing Benefit claims for working age customers are only possible if the customer lives in temporary or supported accommodation.\n\nFor eligible students who become homeless, they can make a claim for Housing Benefit.”","answerHtml":"This is an operational matter for the Housing Executive. I have sought the information requested from the Chief Executive who has advised me as follows:
“We are unaware of any housing support directed specifically at or for students. All applicants seeking permanent rehousing under the Housing Selection Scheme (HSS) must meet the eligibility criteria set out in Chapter 2 of the HSS Guidance manual. These requirements are
Age
Connection to Northern Ireland
Eligibility (Unacceptable Behaviour, Persons From Abroad)
If the applicant satisfies these requirements, regardless of their educational status, they can access housing/homelessness support and will be assessed under the HSS based on their individual circumstances.
As noted, for any full-time and part-time students, the nature of support provided will be based on their individual circumstances and Housing Advisors will ensure that all appropriate advice and support is provided.
Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit for working age customers is being replaced by the housing costs element of Universal Credit. New Housing Benefit claims for working age customers are only possible if the customer lives in temporary or supported accommodation.
For eligible students who become homeless, they can make a claim for Housing Benefit.”
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039165%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=468183","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=468183"}},{"id":"468182","reference":"AQW 39164/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-27","answerBy":"2026-02-11","answered":"2026-02-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on the development of postgraduate maintenance grants and loans.","answerText":"Engagement is continuing on the development of draft Terms of Reference for a wider Review of Higher Education Funding.\n\nIt is proposed that the review will include consideration of the financial support available to students, including whether current arrangements remain appropriate and whether support should be extended beyond its existing scope.\n\nThe overall timeframe for the review will be determined once the Terms of Reference are finalised and subject to the availability of resources.","answerHtml":"Engagement is continuing on the development of draft Terms of Reference for a wider Review of Higher Education Funding.
It is proposed that the review will include consideration of the financial support available to students, including whether current arrangements remain appropriate and whether support should be extended beyond its existing scope.
The overall timeframe for the review will be determined once the Terms of Reference are finalised and subject to the availability of resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039164%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=468182","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=468182"}},{"id":"468181","reference":"AQW 39163/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-27","answerBy":"2026-02-11","answered":"2026-02-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any engagement her Department has had with the Department for Communities, to allow students to access universal credit and other forms of low income support.","answerText":"Officials from my Department have engaged with the Department for Communities to ensure that participation on an Assured Skills Academy would not have a detrimental impact on an individual’s award of Universal Credit.\n\nAdditionally, a meeting was held between the two Departments on 4 October 2024 with regards to Further Education Student Support access, and whether those students from households claiming Universal Credit and other forms of low-income support were adversely impacted.","answerHtml":"Officials from my Department have engaged with the Department for Communities to ensure that participation on an Assured Skills Academy would not have a detrimental impact on an individual’s award of Universal Credit.
Additionally, a meeting was held between the two Departments on 4 October 2024 with regards to Further Education Student Support access, and whether those students from households claiming Universal Credit and other forms of low-income support were adversely impacted.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039163%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=468181","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=468181"}},{"id":"468180","reference":"AQW 39162/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-27","answerBy":"2026-02-11","answered":"2026-02-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any steps her Department is taking to alleviate student poverty, within further and higher education.","answerText":"Access to Further and Higher Education is key to addressing equality of opportunity and creating pathways to good jobs. This is particularly important for individuals who experience additional barriers to participation, such as people from a low-income background.\n\nA range of financial assistance is currently available for Further Education learners including Further Education Grants, the Hardship Fund, the Education Maintenance Allowance, free school meals and the Care to Learn childcare scheme.\n\nAs a direct response to current student poverty, I have agreed additional funding this winter to continue the Further Education Sector Cost of Living/Winter Warmer scheme. This provides learners with Cost of Living information sessions including details of student support interventions and a warm meal.\n\nIn the Higher Education sector, means-tested maintenance grants and loans are available to assist with living costs. Ordinarily, receipt of a maintenance grant reduces the level of loan available, however, for students eligible to claim means-tested benefits such as Housing Benefit or Universal Credit whilst studying, a Special Support Grant is available which does not impact on the amount of maintenance loan received.\n\nA range of targeted support for Higher Education students is available in the form of the Disabled Students’ Allowance, Childcare Grant, Parents’ Learning Allowance and Adult Dependants’ Grant. Additional support for students whose access to study might be inhibited by financial considerations, or who face financial difficulties in meeting their living costs, is available through Student Support Funds (also referred to as Hardship Funds), managed by the five local Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) on the Department’s behalf.\n\nMy Department is currently undertaking a review of student support measures to ensure they continue to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in society to enable them to continue their education and training within further education.","answerHtml":"Access to Further and Higher Education is key to addressing equality of opportunity and creating pathways to good jobs. This is particularly important for individuals who experience additional barriers to participation, such as people from a low-income background.
A range of financial assistance is currently available for Further Education learners including Further Education Grants, the Hardship Fund, the Education Maintenance Allowance, free school meals and the Care to Learn childcare scheme.
As a direct response to current student poverty, I have agreed additional funding this winter to continue the Further Education Sector Cost of Living/Winter Warmer scheme. This provides learners with Cost of Living information sessions including details of student support interventions and a warm meal.
In the Higher Education sector, means-tested maintenance grants and loans are available to assist with living costs. Ordinarily, receipt of a maintenance grant reduces the level of loan available, however, for students eligible to claim means-tested benefits such as Housing Benefit or Universal Credit whilst studying, a Special Support Grant is available which does not impact on the amount of maintenance loan received.
A range of targeted support for Higher Education students is available in the form of the Disabled Students’ Allowance, Childcare Grant, Parents’ Learning Allowance and Adult Dependants’ Grant. Additional support for students whose access to study might be inhibited by financial considerations, or who face financial difficulties in meeting their living costs, is available through Student Support Funds (also referred to as Hardship Funds), managed by the five local Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) on the Department’s behalf.
My Department is currently undertaking a review of student support measures to ensure they continue to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in society to enable them to continue their education and training within further education.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2039162%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=468180","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=468180"}},{"id":"467419","reference":"AQO 3024/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-22","answerBy":"2026-02-02","answered":"2026-02-02","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 to outline the funding in place beyond March 2026 for the delivery of the Strategic Framework to End Violence against Women and Girls.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"Mr Speaker, with your permission, junior Minister Joanne Bunting will answer this question and will group questions 4 and 14."},{"speaker":"Ms Bunting (Junior Minister, The Executive Office)","text":"Ending violence against women and girls is one of the most pressing challenges facing society today. We have invested over £5 million in communities, working with partners across society to raise awareness and to equip everyone to be able to take action to prevent it. Early results from regional programmes are positive, with 98% of participants surveyed reporting an increased knowledge of violence against women and girls and 96% reporting a better understanding of what a healthy relationship is."},{"speaker":"","text":"In addition, the projects supported by the change fund reflect what communities need to respond to the crisis. Sports clubs, community groups, faith groups and children and young people and people from urban and rural areas, among others, are all engaged."},{"speaker":"","text":"Budget planning for the period beyond March 2026 will, of course, depend on the outcome of the Executive's Budget process. To support the delivery of the strategic framework, future-year bids have been submitted that reflect the level of investment required to maintain momentum and deliver the programme's ambitions over the long term. The next plan will be brought to the Executive shortly and will continue to deliver the strategic framework objectives. While we are at the start of a long journey, we are laying strong foundations and will continue to assess the longer-term impact of specific interventions."},{"speaker":"Ms Finnegan","text":"I thank the junior Minister for her answer. Will she provide an update on the new campaign on coercive control?"},{"speaker":"Ms Bunting","text":"I am grateful to the Member for her question. We recently conducted a pilot campaign on coercive control that addresses how it makes people feel, using the memorable framework of \"Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes\", which enables women and girls to check in with themselves to identify what coercive control is, understand whether it is impacting on or happening to them or other people whom they know and, from that, understand how to take action. The campaign was developed in partnership with Ulster University and engaged stakeholders, those with lived experience, importantly, and the youth sector, drawing on evidence-based research in its development. In September, a training toolkit for front-line services was delivered by our partners in Ulster University to 43 workers from 20 organisations across a range of sectors. They trialled that training in their own settings for a three-month pilot phase that ended in December 2025. An evaluation of the pilot is under way, and it is anticipated that there will be a region-wide campaign launch in the spring."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"Thank you, junior Minister. Given that progress on ending violence against women and girls needs to be sustained over the long term, how will Ministers in the Executive Office ensure that the outcomes of the programmes under the framework are embedded across Departments and continue beyond individual funding cycles?"},{"speaker":"Ms Bunting","text":"I thank the Member for her question. The Member will be aware that there is considerable collaboration across Departments. It is a priority in the Programme for Government and has so far involved many, if not all, Departments. It is clearly embedded. We know that such cultural change does not happen overnight. From seat belt campaigns and so on, we have seen that such things take time, so we are laying the groundwork. There are regular updates to the Executive on the work. I emphasise to the Member the extent of the collaboration across the Executive and how seriously the Executive take the issue. Key work areas in the delivery plan involve other Departments: for example, the Department for the Economy is looking at safer socialising, the workplace and tertiary education; the Department of Education is leading on an action plan to coordinate interventions that focus on healthy relationships and are targeted at children and young people; and the Education Authority (EA), along with a group of young people and stakeholders, developed a board game called \"Raise Your Game\", the launch of which junior Minister Reilly and I attended. The Member will be aware that there is a collaborative funding model for the extended late-night transport pilot. That is being delivered through the Department for Infrastructure and the Department for the Economy. Many Departments are involved, and we will continue to work together, because everybody in the Executive and in the House recognises that this is a serious issue that must be challenged and faced down."},{"speaker":"Mr Dunne","text":"Given the ever-growing concerns about new forms of abuse, which often include online abuse, will the junior Minister outline what measures are being taken to address violence against women and girls in the online world?"},{"speaker":"Ms Bunting","text":"I am grateful to the Member for his question. We see that type of online behaviour all too frequently. Whether it is intimidation, harassment, bullying, humiliation, embarrassment or name-calling, it is meant to silence women and shut them down, and it is unacceptable. We are committed to ensuring that women and girls are safe and feel safe everywhere. Recent media headlines are a timely reminder of just how important the work is. We are actively engaged with Ofcom on the implementation of the Online Safety Act 2023. Junior Minister Reilly and I recently attended an event to discuss Ofcom's new guidance on a safer online life for women and girls that highlights the growing risks in digital spaces. I attended a similar event on cyber safety for young people, at which similar themes were raised. I assure the Member that we continue to work with Executive colleagues, the PSNI and Ofcom on the online safety of women and girls to ensure that they have a safer life and presence there. Online safety is also a feature of the change fund, which is part of the EVAWG work."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%203024%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=467419","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-02-02&docID=468375#AQO%203024/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=467419"}},{"id":"495307","reference":"AQO 2998/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-15","answerBy":"2026-01-27","answered":"2026-07-20","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 outline any progress made on the introduction of statutory paid leave for miscarriage, including the expected timetable for bringing forward the necessary regulations.","answerText":"I can confirm that the Regulations providing for statutory paid leave in the event of miscarriage has been shared with the Committee for scrutiny and will be laid in line with Assembly procedures at the appropriate time. This follows the publication of the official consultation response, which sets out the final policy position as informed by the broad range of views received. This represents an important milestone in delivering this much needed entitlement.\n\nIt is essential that the Regulations remain on schedule to ensure that entitlement to this new right will commence on 6 April 2026, thereby providing employers and employees with clear guidance. This right will be extended equally to women and their partners who experience a miscarriage, aligning with existing provisions for parents who suffer the loss of a child or stillbirth, and recognising the profound emotional impact these losses can bring. The overarching objective has been to establish a comprehensive and supportive framework for families as they navigate exceptionally difficult moments in their lives.\n\nI would encourage the Assembly to support the timely passage of these Regulations without delay, so that this important commitment to families can be met in full and these protections are available in April 2026.","answerHtml":"I can confirm that the Regulations providing for statutory paid leave in the event of miscarriage has been shared with the Committee for scrutiny and will be laid in line with Assembly procedures at the appropriate time. This follows the publication of the official consultation response, which sets out the final policy position as informed by the broad range of views received. This represents an important milestone in delivering this much needed entitlement.
It is essential that the Regulations remain on schedule to ensure that entitlement to this new right will commence on 6 April 2026, thereby providing employers and employees with clear guidance. This right will be extended equally to women and their partners who experience a miscarriage, aligning with existing provisions for parents who suffer the loss of a child or stillbirth, and recognising the profound emotional impact these losses can bring. The overarching objective has been to establish a comprehensive and supportive framework for families as they navigate exceptionally difficult moments in their lives.
I would encourage the Assembly to support the timely passage of these Regulations without delay, so that this important commitment to families can be met in full and these protections are available in April 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202998%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=495307","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=495307"}},{"id":"465763","reference":"AQW 37978/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-12","answerBy":"2026-01-27","answered":"2026-01-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any steps her Department is taking to facilitate rapid charging for older models of electric vehicles, that utilise the CHAdeMo plug.","answerText":"The provision and operation of EV charging infrastructure is a commercially led activity in the North. Responsibility for the maintenance, development and utilisation of charge points rests solely with the Charge Point Operators (CPOs). Relevant CPOs are best placed to advise you on the further plans within their wider networks.\n\nMy Department engages regularly with the Electric Vehicle Association of Northern Ireland (EVANI) on issues affecting EV owners and the number of CCS chargers (Combined Charging System) being installed is beginning to increase.\n\nDrivers who use the CHAdeMO plug may wish to consider an adapter that enables access to other charger types. EVANI has previously published a review of one such adapter that can be found here: The CCS2 to CHAdeMO Adaptor Review – EVANI\n\nDepartment Officials will continue to highlight this issue in our ongoing stakeholder discussions with CPOs.","answerHtml":"The provision and operation of EV charging infrastructure is a commercially led activity in the North. Responsibility for the maintenance, development and utilisation of charge points rests solely with the Charge Point Operators (CPOs). Relevant CPOs are best placed to advise you on the further plans within their wider networks.
My Department engages regularly with the Electric Vehicle Association of Northern Ireland (EVANI) on issues affecting EV owners and the number of CCS chargers (Combined Charging System) being installed is beginning to increase.
Drivers who use the CHAdeMO plug may wish to consider an adapter that enables access to other charger types. EVANI has previously published a review of one such adapter that can be found here: The CCS2 to CHAdeMO Adaptor Review – EVANI
Department Officials will continue to highlight this issue in our ongoing stakeholder discussions with CPOs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037978%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=465763","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=465763"}},{"id":"465762","reference":"AQW 37977/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-12","answerBy":"2026-01-27","answered":"2026-01-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) any actions his Department is taking to address recruitment and retention challenges in the youth sector, including (a) support for workforce development; (b) pay and conditions; (c) training pathways; and (ii) how these actions align with the objectives of Priorities for Youth.","answerText":"Taking each of these matters in turn:\n\n(i) Any actions to address recruitment and retention challenges in the youth sector, including:\n\n(a) Support for workforce development\n\nIn 2023 the Education Authority (EA) implemented its Volunteer Development Strategy for 2023-2029 to develop and improve the recruitment and retention of volunteers in the youth work sector which has resulted in volunteer recruitment increasing from 18k in 2023 to 22k by 2025.\n\nSince 2022 the EA has provided grant aid assistance to the community and voluntary sector through Regional Strategic Funding to support Regional Voluntary Youth Organisations/Headquarter Bodies to provide workforce development support to their member organisations based on their needs. In addition, the EA has provided bespoke grant aid assistance through Regional Development Funding to support Regional Voluntary Youth Organisations/Headquarter Bodies to provide accredited youth work training, including through the medium of Irish.\n\nThe Education Authority Regional Youth Development Plan 2026-2029 is committing to working in partnership across the youth work sector to develop and implement a workforce development strategy as part of the next planning period. This strategy and subsequent delivery plan will consider actions to address recruitment and retention, workforce development, training pathways underpinned by a sectoral training needs analysis.\n\n(b) Pay and conditions\n\nPay & conditions are nationally agreed (UK wide) with Trade union side (TUS) through the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC). The EA is contractually obliged to apply annual agreements once adopted by JNC.\n\n(c) Training pathways\n\nSince 2019 the EA has funded university fees through the ‘Pathways into a professional career in youth work’ programme. This provides paid employment in a youth work role whilst undertaking either an undergraduate or post-graduate study to obtain their Professional JNC Youth Work Qualification.\n\n(ii) How these actions align with the objectives of Priorities for Youth.\n\nDelivery of previous and future actions related to workforce development is aligned the current policy priority “Development of the Non-Formal Education Workforce”, informed by assessed need and actions identified in the Regional Youth Development Plan.","answerHtml":"Taking each of these matters in turn:
(i) Any actions to address recruitment and retention challenges in the youth sector, including:
(a) Support for workforce development
In 2023 the Education Authority (EA) implemented its Volunteer Development Strategy for 2023-2029 to develop and improve the recruitment and retention of volunteers in the youth work sector which has resulted in volunteer recruitment increasing from 18k in 2023 to 22k by 2025.
Since 2022 the EA has provided grant aid assistance to the community and voluntary sector through Regional Strategic Funding to support Regional Voluntary Youth Organisations/Headquarter Bodies to provide workforce development support to their member organisations based on their needs. In addition, the EA has provided bespoke grant aid assistance through Regional Development Funding to support Regional Voluntary Youth Organisations/Headquarter Bodies to provide accredited youth work training, including through the medium of Irish.
The Education Authority Regional Youth Development Plan 2026-2029 is committing to working in partnership across the youth work sector to develop and implement a workforce development strategy as part of the next planning period. This strategy and subsequent delivery plan will consider actions to address recruitment and retention, workforce development, training pathways underpinned by a sectoral training needs analysis.
(b) Pay and conditions
Pay & conditions are nationally agreed (UK wide) with Trade union side (TUS) through the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC). The EA is contractually obliged to apply annual agreements once adopted by JNC.
(c) Training pathways
Since 2019 the EA has funded university fees through the ‘Pathways into a professional career in youth work’ programme. This provides paid employment in a youth work role whilst undertaking either an undergraduate or post-graduate study to obtain their Professional JNC Youth Work Qualification.
(ii) How these actions align with the objectives of Priorities for Youth.
Delivery of previous and future actions related to workforce development is aligned the current policy priority “Development of the Non-Formal Education Workforce”, informed by assessed need and actions identified in the Regional Youth Development Plan.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037977%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=465762","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=465762"}},{"id":"465294","reference":"AQO 2963/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-08","answerBy":"2026-01-20","answered":"2026-01-20","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Justice","departmentId":"134","minister":"Minister of Justice","question":"To ask the Minister of Justice to outline the impact of criminal barristers’ withdrawal from legal aided Crown Court cases on victims and witnesses of crime.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"With your permission, Mr Speaker, I wish to address questions 2, 8 and 12 together, as they speak to the same issue. As I previously advised the House, engagement to resolve the CBA's concerns has been ongoing since before the outset of its action in November 2024. I remain committed to continuing constructive dialogue. My focus very much remains on solving the dispute in the interests of victims and witnesses, who are suffering very real harm as a result of service withdrawal. That impact cannot be overstated. Last week, I had the opportunity to meet representatives of some of the organisations that are providing support to those who are affected. I commend those organisations again for their efforts to provide information, advice and support. I am, of course, working with them to identify any further assistance that could usefully be provided to victims and witnesses while we continue to strive to end the damaging service withdrawal. To that end, I held a constructive meeting with CBA representatives again last week, and I have proposed a means of navigating the impasse that builds on the work that has been done to date by the working group and that, I believe, would allow the CBA's concerns to be addressed at pace and fulfil our requirements to appropriately manage public money. Crucially, the proposed approach will also involve the Solicitors' Criminal Bar Association, which has remained engaged and committed to the agreed process, and which has continued to deliver services to its clients throughout. As the proposed approach is a matter of ongoing discussion with the CBA membership, it would not be appropriate to elaborate further at this stage. I will, however, keep the Chamber updated."},{"speaker":"Mr O'Toole","text":"Minister, it is important to put on the record that you said something on the record and on the airwaves about a barrister's earnings that was entirely inaccurate. That will have set back relations that have already been frayed between you and the Criminal Bar Association. The people who are suffering are victims and witnesses of crime who are awaiting the criminal justice process. Minister, it speaks to a deeper tendency that people have observed in you, which is a desire to win an argument rather than solve a problem. Will you commit now to entering into a process of mediation with the Criminal Bar Association, as suggested by the Lady Chief Justice?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"I note that, every time that the Member asks a question, he tries in some way to impugn my character or my integrity as part of his questioning. It can never simply be that there is a disagreement and that I am trying to resolve that disagreement. He always has to have a dig at me personally when he asks his question. That is not what I am here to answer. I have already put on the record my error in that quote. Let us be absolutely clear then, for the avoidance of doubt. One barrister — one barrister — received £3·98 million over a three-and-a-half-year period that ended in September 2025. That amount was just over the cumulative total paid to 53% of their colleagues involved in criminal legal aid work over the same period. Those are the facts of the matter, and people can make of those facts what they wish. It demonstrates the core point that I was trying to make, which is that the fact that young barristers are not able to earn a living is not down to the rates of pay but down to the poor distribution of cases amongst the Bar and the concentration of large numbers of cases with a small number of barristers. I am happy to correct the record where I have been wrong, despite what some people say, and I am not about winning an argument here. I am about protecting public money, and I have to be. Were I to come to the Chamber in the context of the budgetary constraints that we face having been profligate in my spending of public money, I am sure that the leader of the Opposition would be the first to his feet to suggest that that is a character trait of mine."},{"speaker":"Mr Harvey","text":"Minister, in your statement last week, you noted that 74% of legal aid expenditure went to just 22% of criminal defence counsel. What more can be done by all involved to ensure that funds and work are being better distributed?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"I thank the Member for his question, and I think that that is a key issue. We know that there are high levels of attrition in the criminal Bar, particularly with newly qualified barristers, and that it is very difficult for people to get, if you like, a foot on the ladder and to gain experience. There are competing tensions in this. Some people will say that they want to have the best possible and most experienced barrister, and that is, of course, everyone's right whether they are legally aided or not. Equally, we have to have a profession that is sustainable, and that relies on being able to give newly qualified barristers the experience that they need to be able to become those most experienced in their field and in the profession. With an ageing criminal Bar and with that deficit of young people being able to make their way, it is part of the overall review of enabling access to justice that we have been taking forward as a Department. Part of that will be around the issue of refresher fees. I do not intend to labour the issue of refresher fees again today, because I realise that it is complex and is subject to discussions with the CBA at this time. I believe that my officials are with the CBA at the moment; at least, they are meant to be if things have gone according to plan. Refresher fees will be incredibly important in redistributing some of the work within the criminal Bar, as will some of the reform that we are hoping to do on the various court tiers. I want to see a fairly paid, sustainable criminal Bar and solicitor profession, but I do not create all the conditions for that. My only leverage is around legal aid. The remainder, on sustainability of the profession, is a matter for the Bar Council itself and for the Law Society, but I will do what I can to support any action that they might take to make that more possible."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"Thank you, Minister. Will you please outline the amount that we are spending on criminal legal aid per capita and how that compares with the rest of the United Kingdom?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"At the moment, we spend around £44 a head on criminal legal aid in Northern Ireland. The equivalent in England, Scotland and Wales is around £22 a head. There are reasons why that may be the case in the Northern Ireland context, however there are significant differences."},{"speaker":"","text":"One of my concerns in enabling access to justice, for example, is that the means test that applies for eligibility to legal aid is set so that the majority of people who do not qualify under that means test still do not find it affordable to access justice."},{"speaker":"","text":"What I would like to do? I have described it as a funnel. I would like the means test to be broader and encompass more people: for example, those who are working but in low-income jobs and may not be able to afford legal advice. I want it to be focused on getting the right advice as early as possible, so that we avoid burdening the court system down the line. I also want to look at the types of cases that are funded to ensure that those are the ones that have the biggest impact on an individual or on points of public law, so that we do not fund anything that is not absolutely essential. There is a definite difference in Northern Ireland. I do not want to read too much into it, but, in fairness, we cannot neglect the fact that we spend more on criminal legal aid than other parts of these islands."},{"speaker":"Ms Sheerin","text":"Minister, will you clarify what meetings or conversations you have had with the CBA to try to bring an end to the strike? What engagement have you had with the Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime regarding the delays felt as a result of the strike by those who have experienced crime?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"When I made my statement last week, I set out the engagement that I had had. I had written to members of the criminal Bar individually to apprise them, first, of the action that I had taken in respect of the request that had been made of me around what we refer to as the \"16% uplift\" in fees — actually, in some cases, it is more than 16%, but that was the broad sweep of uplift that had happened — and in respect of setting up the working group as requested under the chairmanship Judge Burgess. As I went along, I set out all the other asks that had been made and the progress on those. Members of the Justice Committee, who have perhaps been watching this more closely, will be aware that we postponed the issue of cases left on the books until the end of the process in order to give us more time to work with the criminal Bar to address that issue. I have also looked at interim payments, which are important for the cash flow of solicitors and young barristers. We have done lots of things. I met the criminal Bar last week, as I said, and it was a constructive meeting. In response to my letter of 5 January, I got a much clearer idea of what it was that the criminal Bar actually wanted to discuss at this stage. We were able to sit down and look at that ask. Not all of it will be achievable, and I think that they appreciate that that is the case. I sat down with them to look at how we could handle those issues in a way that would expedite a return to full service delivery in the Crown Court and to press with them that, as an interim measure, I would like to see the derogations that have been requested for the most serious cases to be dealt with as generously as possible. I also met last week the Public Prosecution Service (PPS), the voluntary and community sector support organisations —"},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"Time is up, Minister."},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"— and the Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime."},{"speaker":"Mr Carroll","text":"Minister, it appears that you and your Department are now taking a different approach to the criminal barristers' strike, which is certainly welcome. Have you any concerns, Minister, that, if you do not adequately fund criminal barristers and do not meet their demands more generally, they may go after work in more financially lucrative areas of law, leaving working-class communities, in particular, without effective representation in the court system?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"I have always been clear that I am supportive of the criminal Bar and criminal solicitors and the work that they do. The solicitors' criminal Bar has provided me with evidence, as part of the working group, that has allowed us to move on a parole pilot and to increase PACE fees to ensure that people who are in the courts and need support immediately get it. What I will not do is pay additional fees to people who are already being paid particularly well, unless they can prove with evidence that the uplifts in those fees are justified. Tom Burgess said that there was justification for a 16% uplift on the basis of the evidence that was presented to him. He presented that to me, I accepted that, and I backdated it to December 2024. To be absolutely clear, there has been no change in my position. I have always said that, when given the evidence that there is a requirement for fees to be changed, I am willing to respond positively to it. I have done more than say it; I have done it. What I will not do, however, is depart from 'Managing Public Money Northern Ireland' and the accountability that is required of me as Justice Minister in that regard."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202963%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=465294","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2026-01-20&docID=466142#AQO%202963/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=465294"}},{"id":"465921","reference":"AQO 2886/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2026-01-05","answerBy":"2026-01-12","answered":"2026-01-13","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 placements for children with special educational needs for the 2026/27 academic year.","answerText":"Ensuring every child with a statement of special educational needs has an appropriate school placement remains a primary focus for my department and the Education Authority.\n\nSince 2020, circa 6,350 additional SEN places have been created in total.\n\n273 schools, approximately 26% of all schools in Northern Ireland, currently offer specialist provision. There are now over 700 specialist provision classes operating across a range of key stages.\n\nThe EA's early planning for September 2026 identified a need for approximately 950 additional places. EA has been actively working with schools and has already initiated projects estimated to accommodate a significant number of additional placements across specialist provisions and special schools for 2026. The most recent update (as of 12 January 2026) is that there is a current shortfall of circa 365 places. The EA will continue to work with schools to expand SEN places and will continue to seek ways to encourage more schools to become involved. Reducing the cost and length of home to school transport, whilst enhancing positive integration across our school communities.\n\nThroughout November and December, the EA held engagement sessions both in person and online inviting over 300 schools in high-pressure areas to explore the development of specialist provisions within their school community, approximately 90 schools attended. EA is working with those schools that expressed an interest at the events to identify solutions.\n\nMy department and the EA remain committed to the vision that every child with SEN has access to a placement, in their local community and with their peers.\n\nThis will require a fundamental shift towards a system in which all schools offer specialist provision classes.\n\nIn April 2024 I established the SEN capital investment programme to focus funding and resource with a view to proactively delivering additional SEN places and high-quality accommodation for pupils in both special schools and in specialist provision in mainstream schools.\n\nIt is anticipated that investment of circa £93m will be required to deliver the level of accommodation required to meet the demand for SEN places in 2026/27, a significant increase on both of the previous years. This funding currently comes from my Department’s allocated capital budget and, often at the expense of other, critical capital schemes across the school estate.","answerHtml":"Ensuring every child with a statement of special educational needs has an appropriate school placement remains a primary focus for my department and the Education Authority.
Since 2020, circa 6,350 additional SEN places have been created in total.
273 schools, approximately 26% of all schools in Northern Ireland, currently offer specialist provision. There are now over 700 specialist provision classes operating across a range of key stages.
The EA's early planning for September 2026 identified a need for approximately 950 additional places. EA has been actively working with schools and has already initiated projects estimated to accommodate a significant number of additional placements across specialist provisions and special schools for 2026. The most recent update (as of 12 January 2026) is that there is a current shortfall of circa 365 places. The EA will continue to work with schools to expand SEN places and will continue to seek ways to encourage more schools to become involved. Reducing the cost and length of home to school transport, whilst enhancing positive integration across our school communities.
Throughout November and December, the EA held engagement sessions both in person and online inviting over 300 schools in high-pressure areas to explore the development of specialist provisions within their school community, approximately 90 schools attended. EA is working with those schools that expressed an interest at the events to identify solutions.
My department and the EA remain committed to the vision that every child with SEN has access to a placement, in their local community and with their peers.
This will require a fundamental shift towards a system in which all schools offer specialist provision classes.
In April 2024 I established the SEN capital investment programme to focus funding and resource with a view to proactively delivering additional SEN places and high-quality accommodation for pupils in both special schools and in specialist provision in mainstream schools.
It is anticipated that investment of circa £93m will be required to deliver the level of accommodation required to meet the demand for SEN places in 2026/27, a significant increase on both of the previous years. This funding currently comes from my Department’s allocated capital budget and, often at the expense of other, critical capital schemes across the school estate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202886%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=465921","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=465921"}},{"id":"463671","reference":"AQW 37406/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-12","answerBy":"2026-01-02","answered":"2026-01-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities when he will answer AQW 35199/22-27.","answerText":"AQW 35199/22-27 was answered on 8 January 2026.","answerHtml":"AQW 35199/22-27 was answered on 8 January 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037406%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=463671","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=463671"}},{"id":"463670","reference":"AQW 37405/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-12","answerBy":"2026-01-02","answered":"2026-02-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 34236/22-27, to detail the reasons why the current infrastructure and inpatient accommodation Ward 10 North is not suitable to deliver CAR-T Therapy, including how it does not meet the British Society for Haematology and Royal College of Physicians established standards.","answerText":"The current infrastructure and inpatient accommodation available in Ward 10 North is unsuitable due to limitations in the number of isolation rooms, ensuite access and specialist protected (HEPA filtered with positive pressure) rooms.\n\nThe environmental deficiencies of Ward 10 North, do not meet the British Society for Haematology and Royal College of Physicians established standards, which are endorsed by NICE. Furthermore, HTM (Health Technical Memoranda) 03-01 (2021); covers specialised ventilation for healthcare premises and recommends that rooms for haematology inpatients should have HEPA filtration and positive pressure for protective isolation.\n\nHBN (Health Building Note) 04-01 A (2013), covering adult-inpatient facilities, advises that it may be necessary to provide a higher level of isolation, particularly for those patients with airborne diseases or for immuno-suppressed patients who may be at risk of infection from others. In these cases, an isolation suite – which includes an entrance lobby, bedroom and en-suite sanitary facilities – will be required.\n\nHBN 04-01 Supplement 1 (2024): covers special ventilated isolation facilities for patients in acute settings. It sets out that among reasons to isolate in special ventilated isolation facilities are where a patient is known to be especially susceptible to infection or at risk of contamination from other sources, i.e. immunocompromised (protective isolation). It includes the following recommendations:\n\n• Isolation rooms to be lobbied.\n\n• Option for Positive pressure ventilated lobby (PPVL) isolation suite, can be used for source and protective isolation.\n\n• Isolation room lobbies are recommended to be 6.5sqm\n\n• The entire isolation suite envelope should be constructed to a 30-minute fire resisting.\n\nCurrently, none of the 6 transplant rooms within Ward 10N BHSCT comply with the guidelines which pertain to isolation room requirements.","answerHtml":"The current infrastructure and inpatient accommodation available in Ward 10 North is unsuitable due to limitations in the number of isolation rooms, ensuite access and specialist protected (HEPA filtered with positive pressure) rooms.
The environmental deficiencies of Ward 10 North, do not meet the British Society for Haematology and Royal College of Physicians established standards, which are endorsed by NICE. Furthermore, HTM (Health Technical Memoranda) 03-01 (2021); covers specialised ventilation for healthcare premises and recommends that rooms for haematology inpatients should have HEPA filtration and positive pressure for protective isolation.
HBN (Health Building Note) 04-01 A (2013), covering adult-inpatient facilities, advises that it may be necessary to provide a higher level of isolation, particularly for those patients with airborne diseases or for immuno-suppressed patients who may be at risk of infection from others. In these cases, an isolation suite – which includes an entrance lobby, bedroom and en-suite sanitary facilities – will be required.
HBN 04-01 Supplement 1 (2024): covers special ventilated isolation facilities for patients in acute settings. It sets out that among reasons to isolate in special ventilated isolation facilities are where a patient is known to be especially susceptible to infection or at risk of contamination from other sources, i.e. immunocompromised (protective isolation). It includes the following recommendations:
• Isolation rooms to be lobbied.
• Option for Positive pressure ventilated lobby (PPVL) isolation suite, can be used for source and protective isolation.
• Isolation room lobbies are recommended to be 6.5sqm
• The entire isolation suite envelope should be constructed to a 30-minute fire resisting.
Currently, none of the 6 transplant rooms within Ward 10N BHSCT comply with the guidelines which pertain to isolation room requirements.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037405%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=463670","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=463670"}},{"id":"463669","reference":"AQW 37404/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-12","answerBy":"2026-01-02","answered":"2026-01-05","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 introduction of no fault divorce in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"My Department held a public consultation to gather views on potential reforms to the law governing divorce and the dissolution of civil partnerships. The consultation ran from 23 June to 26 September 2025 and sought views on a range of possible changes.\n\nA total of 405 responses were received, comprising 384 online submissions and 21 written responses. A comprehensive analysis of the consultation has been finalised and will be available on the Departmental website shortly.\n\nThe consultation has provided valuable insight into stakeholder views. I have now considered the findings in detail and prepared a paper setting out my proposals for reform of divorce and civil partnership dissolution. I have shared this paper with Ministerial colleagues for their consideration and comment.","answerHtml":"My Department held a public consultation to gather views on potential reforms to the law governing divorce and the dissolution of civil partnerships. The consultation ran from 23 June to 26 September 2025 and sought views on a range of possible changes.
A total of 405 responses were received, comprising 384 online submissions and 21 written responses. A comprehensive analysis of the consultation has been finalised and will be available on the Departmental website shortly.
The consultation has provided valuable insight into stakeholder views. I have now considered the findings in detail and prepared a paper setting out my proposals for reform of divorce and civil partnership dissolution. I have shared this paper with Ministerial colleagues for their consideration and comment.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037404%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=463669","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=463669"}},{"id":"463668","reference":"AQW 37403/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-12","answerBy":"2026-01-02","answered":"2026-01-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department has installed any suicide prevention measures during the 2024/25 financial year.","answerText":"As part of my Department’s work in support of the Protect Life 2 Strategy, my officials continue to engage with stakeholders, including the Mental Health Champion, the Public Health Agency, local Councils and the Cross Departmental Coordinated Action Group, to explore options for progressing suicide prevention infrastructure. The Westlink, Belfast and Foyle Bridge, Derry have been identified as prevalent suicide spots where prevention and safety infrastructure could be installed.\n\nAt the Westlink, my Department is working on a pilot to increase the height of the parapets on Clifton and Divis Street Bridges that has an estimated cost of £1.8m. These parapets would be undertaken through the development of a green living wall instead of the normal metal railings that would be more pleasing to the eye, environmentally friendly and enhance the general appearance in the area. I will be endeavouring to allocate funding in future years to try and get these schemes, that are so important for the local communities, pushed forward.\n\nAt Foyle Bridge, the proposed suicide deterrent measures include additional railings, however due to the complex nature of the structure, a detailed structural assessment must be undertaken to ensure that the bridge would be able to cope with the additional containment measures and increased wind resistance. I have now allocated funding to take forward the structural assessment of the Foyle Bridge and Departmental officials are now engaging with our consultant to progress this as soon as practicable.\n\nI can confirm that my Department did not install any suicide prevention measures during the 2024/25 financial year but is continuing to work proactively with stakeholders to explore what we can do to support this important issue.","answerHtml":"As part of my Department’s work in support of the Protect Life 2 Strategy, my officials continue to engage with stakeholders, including the Mental Health Champion, the Public Health Agency, local Councils and the Cross Departmental Coordinated Action Group, to explore options for progressing suicide prevention infrastructure. The Westlink, Belfast and Foyle Bridge, Derry have been identified as prevalent suicide spots where prevention and safety infrastructure could be installed.
At the Westlink, my Department is working on a pilot to increase the height of the parapets on Clifton and Divis Street Bridges that has an estimated cost of £1.8m. These parapets would be undertaken through the development of a green living wall instead of the normal metal railings that would be more pleasing to the eye, environmentally friendly and enhance the general appearance in the area. I will be endeavouring to allocate funding in future years to try and get these schemes, that are so important for the local communities, pushed forward.
At Foyle Bridge, the proposed suicide deterrent measures include additional railings, however due to the complex nature of the structure, a detailed structural assessment must be undertaken to ensure that the bridge would be able to cope with the additional containment measures and increased wind resistance. I have now allocated funding to take forward the structural assessment of the Foyle Bridge and Departmental officials are now engaging with our consultant to progress this as soon as practicable.
I can confirm that my Department did not install any suicide prevention measures during the 2024/25 financial year but is continuing to work proactively with stakeholders to explore what we can do to support this important issue.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037403%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=463668","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=463668"}},{"id":"463312","reference":"AQW 37214/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-10","answerBy":"2025-12-30","answered":"2025-12-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail whether her Department (i) supported; and (ii) recognised the 2025 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.","answerText":"The 16 Days of Activism initiative has been coordinated by DoF on behalf of all Departments. Material was shared via emails to all staff and on the DfE intranet along with that of all other Departments.\n\nI welcomed the opportunity to speak at the ICTU Safe Leave Rally on 25 November around my commitment to introduce paid safe leave before the end of the Assembly mandate to enable workers who are victims and survivors of domestic abuse to access vital support.","answerHtml":"The 16 Days of Activism initiative has been coordinated by DoF on behalf of all Departments. Material was shared via emails to all staff and on the DfE intranet along with that of all other Departments.
I welcomed the opportunity to speak at the ICTU Safe Leave Rally on 25 November around my commitment to introduce paid safe leave before the end of the Assembly mandate to enable workers who are victims and survivors of domestic abuse to access vital support.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037214%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=463312","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=463312"}},{"id":"463311","reference":"AQW 37213/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-10","answerBy":"2025-12-30","answered":"2026-02-25","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 whether their Department (i) supported; and (ii) recognised, the 2025 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.","answerText":"The Executive Office fully supported and recognised the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence this year: reaffirming our unwavering commitment to ending violence against women and girls and supporting and engaging with partners.\n\nAn Executive Statement was issued, and it made clear the determination of all Ministers to tackle all forms of gender-based violence, abuse and harm; and our social media channels were used to deliver targeted content to raise awareness and encourage action. This included six social media posts with accompanying images and one video.\n\nMinisters attended a number of events throughout the campaign period, including:\n\n‘Souls of Our Shoes’ exhibition in partnership with the Mothers’ Union, highlighting the lived experiences of survivors.\n\nSpeakers’ event at Parliament Buildings, hosted with Women’s Aid Federation, marking International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.\n\nJunior Ministers attended the launch of ‘Raise Your Game’ board game and a comprehensive 10-part toolkit - youth-designed resources developed by The Executive Office and the Education Authority. These resources are equipping young people to challenge and prevent violence against women and girls.","answerHtml":"The Executive Office fully supported and recognised the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence this year: reaffirming our unwavering commitment to ending violence against women and girls and supporting and engaging with partners.
An Executive Statement was issued, and it made clear the determination of all Ministers to tackle all forms of gender-based violence, abuse and harm; and our social media channels were used to deliver targeted content to raise awareness and encourage action. This included six social media posts with accompanying images and one video.
Ministers attended a number of events throughout the campaign period, including:
‘Souls of Our Shoes’ exhibition in partnership with the Mothers’ Union, highlighting the lived experiences of survivors.
Speakers’ event at Parliament Buildings, hosted with Women’s Aid Federation, marking International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Junior Ministers attended the launch of ‘Raise Your Game’ board game and a comprehensive 10-part toolkit - youth-designed resources developed by The Executive Office and the Education Authority. These resources are equipping young people to challenge and prevent violence against women and girls.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037213%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=463311","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=463311"}},{"id":"463310","reference":"AQW 37212/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-10","answerBy":"2025-12-30","answered":"2026-01-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail whether his Department (i) supported; and (ii) recognised, the 2025 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.","answerText":"My Department supported and recognised the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence by publishing the wider Northern Ireland Civil Service campaign material during the period 20 November – 9 December.\n\nThis series of intranet articles raised awareness of a range of issues and supports, as well as reaffirming the Northern Ireland Executive’s commitment to tackle all forms of gender-based violence, abuse and harm.","answerHtml":"My Department supported and recognised the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence by publishing the wider Northern Ireland Civil Service campaign material during the period 20 November – 9 December.
This series of intranet articles raised awareness of a range of issues and supports, as well as reaffirming the Northern Ireland Executive’s commitment to tackle all forms of gender-based violence, abuse and harm.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037212%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=463310","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=463310"}},{"id":"463309","reference":"AQW 37211/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-10","answerBy":"2025-12-30","answered":"2025-12-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail whether his Department (i) supported; and (ii) recognised, the 2025 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.","answerText":"While the department did not run a specific campaign related to the 16 Day of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, it was both supported and recognised as part of the wider Northern Ireland Civil Service campaign, and the reaffirming of the Northern Ireland Executive commitment to tackle all forms of gender-based violence, abuse and harm, on 2 December.","answerHtml":"While the department did not run a specific campaign related to the 16 Day of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, it was both supported and recognised as part of the wider Northern Ireland Civil Service campaign, and the reaffirming of the Northern Ireland Executive commitment to tackle all forms of gender-based violence, abuse and harm, on 2 December.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037211%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=463309","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=463309"}},{"id":"463308","reference":"AQW 37210/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-10","answerBy":"2025-12-30","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail whether his Department (i) supported; and (ii) recognised, the 2025 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037210%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=463308","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=463308"}},{"id":"463101","reference":"AQW 37117/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-09","answerBy":"2025-12-29","answered":"2025-12-19","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 to detail how their Department have reflected the programme requirements for the Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls to the Department of Finance in the development of a multi-year budget.","answerText":"Programme requirements for the Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls have been included within the recent 5 year spending review exercise commissioned by the Department of Finance. This includes details of potential future funding requirements to enable delivery of future delivery plans.","answerHtml":"Programme requirements for the Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls have been included within the recent 5 year spending review exercise commissioned by the Department of Finance. This includes details of potential future funding requirements to enable delivery of future delivery plans.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037117%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=463101","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=463101"}},{"id":"463100","reference":"AQW 37116/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-09","answerBy":"2025-12-29","answered":"2026-01-06","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) an update on the administration of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Local Change Fund; and (ii) whether their Department plans to re-open applications in 2026.","answerText":"The Local Change Fund for 2025/26 supports grassroots organisations tackling violence against women and girls. All 11 Councils have established a Local Change Fund to provide grant funding directly to local community groups to understand what violence against women and girls is and take local action to tackle the issue. Currently 125 projects have been allocated funding under the Local Change Fund with a diverse range of activities and are expected to engage with over 48,000 participants.\n\nAdditional funding has also been provided to Councils to address the oversubscription of Local Change Funds and support the implementation of local responses, raising awareness and building momentum.\n\nEngagement is ongoing with Councils to consider future delivery of the Local Change Fund under the next EVAWG Delivery Plan running from April 2026 to March 2028.","answerHtml":"The Local Change Fund for 2025/26 supports grassroots organisations tackling violence against women and girls. All 11 Councils have established a Local Change Fund to provide grant funding directly to local community groups to understand what violence against women and girls is and take local action to tackle the issue. Currently 125 projects have been allocated funding under the Local Change Fund with a diverse range of activities and are expected to engage with over 48,000 participants.
Additional funding has also been provided to Councils to address the oversubscription of Local Change Funds and support the implementation of local responses, raising awareness and building momentum.
Engagement is ongoing with Councils to consider future delivery of the Local Change Fund under the next EVAWG Delivery Plan running from April 2026 to March 2028.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037116%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=463100","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=463100"}},{"id":"463099","reference":"AQW 37115/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-09","answerBy":"2025-12-29","answered":"2026-01-05","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 creation of an ending violence against women and girls training portfolio for the Civil Service.","answerText":"Officials in NICSHR Learning and Development continue to support The Executive Office’s (TEO) Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Directorate with action 11 of their Delivery Plan 2024-2026.\n\nTEO has provided the draft content of an eLearning package for all NICS staff, focusing on raising awareness of what EVAWG is and how to take action and respond. The intention is the training will be available to all NICS staff by April 2026.","answerHtml":"Officials in NICSHR Learning and Development continue to support The Executive Office’s (TEO) Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Directorate with action 11 of their Delivery Plan 2024-2026.
TEO has provided the draft content of an eLearning package for all NICS staff, focusing on raising awareness of what EVAWG is and how to take action and respond. The intention is the training will be available to all NICS staff by April 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037115%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=463099","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=463099"}},{"id":"463098","reference":"AQW 37114/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-09","answerBy":"2025-12-29","answered":"2026-01-06","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 community led review focusing on deaf and disabled women in relation to the Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls, as outlined in the 2024-2026 Delivery Plan.","answerText":"The Strategic Framework for Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) adopts an intersectional approach, recognising the specific barriers faced by deaf and disabled women and girls. As part of a series of community-led reviews, identified in the 2024-26 Delivery Plan, preparatory work is underway for the review focused on deaf and disabled women and girls. Initial engagement involving disability sector stakeholders is ongoing to ensure lived experience shapes the recommendations. This ongoing work will inform future actions and policy development under the EVAWG Framework.","answerHtml":"The Strategic Framework for Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) adopts an intersectional approach, recognising the specific barriers faced by deaf and disabled women and girls. As part of a series of community-led reviews, identified in the 2024-26 Delivery Plan, preparatory work is underway for the review focused on deaf and disabled women and girls. Initial engagement involving disability sector stakeholders is ongoing to ensure lived experience shapes the recommendations. This ongoing work will inform future actions and policy development under the EVAWG Framework.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037114%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=463098","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=463098"}},{"id":"463097","reference":"AQW 37113/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-09","answerBy":"2025-12-29","answered":"2025-12-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether his Department has engaged with informal education providers as part of his Department’s work to tackle violence against women and girls.","answerText":"The Department is working to embed the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Strategy 2024-31 and the actions outlined within the associated delivery plan. As this work progresses, officials will engage with relevant stakeholders through the established EVAWG mechanisms.","answerHtml":"The Department is working to embed the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Strategy 2024-31 and the actions outlined within the associated delivery plan. As this work progresses, officials will engage with relevant stakeholders through the established EVAWG mechanisms.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037113%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=463097","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=463097"}},{"id":"462906","reference":"AQW 37029/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-08","answerBy":"2025-12-23","answered":"2026-01-06","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 her Department’s Workplace working group to tackle violence against women and girls.","answerText":"The Cross Sectoral Workplace Forum, established under the Executive’s Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG), brings together key stakeholders, including the Labour Relations Agency, Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, Diversity Mark, NIC Irish Congress of Trade Unions, and other partners, to support employers and employees in addressing violence against women and girls in the workplace.\n\nThe Forum is actively engaged and are developing proposals which will align with the strategic aims of the EVAWG Framework.","answerHtml":"The Cross Sectoral Workplace Forum, established under the Executive’s Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG), brings together key stakeholders, including the Labour Relations Agency, Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, Diversity Mark, NIC Irish Congress of Trade Unions, and other partners, to support employers and employees in addressing violence against women and girls in the workplace.
The Forum is actively engaged and are developing proposals which will align with the strategic aims of the EVAWG Framework.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037029%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=462906","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=462906"}},{"id":"462905","reference":"AQW 37028/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-08","answerBy":"2025-12-23","answered":"2026-01-06","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 her Department’s Safer Socialising working group to tackle violence against women and girls.","answerText":"The Safer Socialising Steering Group was established under Action 8 of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Delivery Plan (2024-2026). The group represents a broad cross section of stakeholders working together to improve safety for women and girls when socialising.\n\nWe are committed to supporting and amplifying the work of partner organisations aligned in delivering EVAWG outcomes. The Safer Socialising Steering Group (SSSG) is one mechanism through which we are working to improve coordination and collaboration. In recognition of this and of the importance of safe transportation in supporting the aims of the SSSG, we committed to providing £92,300 as part of a collaborative funding model to support the delivery of a pilot late night bus service in Belfast.\n\nThe cross sectoral group continues to work together to share expertise, align priorities and develop proposals to ensure women and girls feel safe and are safe everywhere, while socialising.","answerHtml":"The Safer Socialising Steering Group was established under Action 8 of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Delivery Plan (2024-2026). The group represents a broad cross section of stakeholders working together to improve safety for women and girls when socialising.
We are committed to supporting and amplifying the work of partner organisations aligned in delivering EVAWG outcomes. The Safer Socialising Steering Group (SSSG) is one mechanism through which we are working to improve coordination and collaboration. In recognition of this and of the importance of safe transportation in supporting the aims of the SSSG, we committed to providing £92,300 as part of a collaborative funding model to support the delivery of a pilot late night bus service in Belfast.
The cross sectoral group continues to work together to share expertise, align priorities and develop proposals to ensure women and girls feel safe and are safe everywhere, while socialising.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037028%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=462905","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=462905"}},{"id":"462904","reference":"AQW 37027/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-08","answerBy":"2025-12-23","answered":"2025-12-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on her Department’s Tertiary Working Group to tackle violence against women and girls.","answerText":"My Department recognises the critical importance of tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) and is committed to supporting this Programme for Government priority. To this end, a Tertiary Working Group has been established to harness the collective expertise, resources, and influence of the Tertiary Education sector and its partners, enabling the sector to contribute strategically and collectively to tackling this issue.\n\nThe Group is chaired by Ulster University and includes representatives from higher education institutions, further education colleges, student unions, the PSNI, health and wellbeing professionals, and other key stakeholders.\n\nThe Group’s remit is to review, develop, and oversee the implementation of comprehensive interventions to prevent and respond to VAWG within our colleges and universities.\n\nThe Group has met on several occasions since its establishment and has held a sector-wide workshop to identify priorities and share best practice. Sub-groups have been established to focus on policy, training, and reporting, with cross-institutional membership.\n\nA key milestone in the Group’s work was the delivery of a sector-wide Capability Building Day, held on 8 December 2025. This full-day event was designed to strengthen the capacity of members and sector leaders by providing expert insights into developing and embedding effective institutional policies, implementing best practice in prevention, including Bystander Intervention, and managing disclosures of sexual violence and supporting survivors.\n\nThe Group continues to work collaboratively to identify gaps, map training provision, and develop shared actions to progress this important issue.","answerHtml":"My Department recognises the critical importance of tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) and is committed to supporting this Programme for Government priority. To this end, a Tertiary Working Group has been established to harness the collective expertise, resources, and influence of the Tertiary Education sector and its partners, enabling the sector to contribute strategically and collectively to tackling this issue.
The Group is chaired by Ulster University and includes representatives from higher education institutions, further education colleges, student unions, the PSNI, health and wellbeing professionals, and other key stakeholders.
The Group’s remit is to review, develop, and oversee the implementation of comprehensive interventions to prevent and respond to VAWG within our colleges and universities.
The Group has met on several occasions since its establishment and has held a sector-wide workshop to identify priorities and share best practice. Sub-groups have been established to focus on policy, training, and reporting, with cross-institutional membership.
A key milestone in the Group’s work was the delivery of a sector-wide Capability Building Day, held on 8 December 2025. This full-day event was designed to strengthen the capacity of members and sector leaders by providing expert insights into developing and embedding effective institutional policies, implementing best practice in prevention, including Bystander Intervention, and managing disclosures of sexual violence and supporting survivors.
The Group continues to work collaboratively to identify gaps, map training provision, and develop shared actions to progress this important issue.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037027%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=462904","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=462904"}},{"id":"462903","reference":"AQW 37026/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-08","answerBy":"2025-12-23","answered":"2025-12-19","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, for an update on the commissioning of their Department’s research on boys and men’s attitudes and behaviours in related to violence against women and girls.","answerText":"Research to identify evidence gaps in understanding attitudes and behaviours of men and boys related to violence against women and girls was commissioned on 19 May 2025 following a formal procurement process, with the contract awarded to Queen’s University Belfast.\n\nThe research will focus on young men and boys aged 16-24. The research process is currently underway, including engagement with stakeholders, development of a scoping review, interviews with organisations who work with young men and boys, focus groups with young men and boys, and a survey. The results are expected to be published in Spring 2026.","answerHtml":"Research to identify evidence gaps in understanding attitudes and behaviours of men and boys related to violence against women and girls was commissioned on 19 May 2025 following a formal procurement process, with the contract awarded to Queen’s University Belfast.
The research will focus on young men and boys aged 16-24. The research process is currently underway, including engagement with stakeholders, development of a scoping review, interviews with organisations who work with young men and boys, focus groups with young men and boys, and a survey. The results are expected to be published in Spring 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037026%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=462903","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=462903"}},{"id":"462902","reference":"AQW 37025/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-08","answerBy":"2025-12-23","answered":"2026-03-10","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 the staffing capacity of the Ending Violence and Girls division within their Department.","answerText":"There are currently 20.86 full time equivalent (FTE) staff in the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Division.","answerHtml":"There are currently 20.86 full time equivalent (FTE) staff in the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Division.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2037025%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=462902","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=462902"}},{"id":"462705","reference":"AQW 36917/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-05","answerBy":"2025-12-22","answered":"2025-12-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the length of the waiting list for cognitive behavioural therapy in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust does not hold a list of individuals waiting for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Individuals on waiting lists for Psychological Therapies will be assessed once they are seen and the resulting model of therapeutic provision agreed upon will be dependent on this assessment. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is one of a range of Psychological Therapies which may be offered.","answerHtml":"The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust does not hold a list of individuals waiting for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Individuals on waiting lists for Psychological Therapies will be assessed once they are seen and the resulting model of therapeutic provision agreed upon will be dependent on this assessment. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is one of a range of Psychological Therapies which may be offered.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036917%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=462705","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=462705"}},{"id":"462704","reference":"AQW 36916/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-05","answerBy":"2025-12-22","answered":"2025-12-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the amount spent by his Department on programmes to support mental health in North Down, in the last five years.","answerText":"Constituency boundaries are not co-terminus with HSC Trust areas.\n\nThe South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT) have indicated that breaking down the amount spent for a single sector, i.e. North Down would involve a significant data extraction and a detailed financial review, therefore the amount spent on programmes to support Mental Health in North Down is not readily available.","answerHtml":"Constituency boundaries are not co-terminus with HSC Trust areas.
The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT) have indicated that breaking down the amount spent for a single sector, i.e. North Down would involve a significant data extraction and a detailed financial review, therefore the amount spent on programmes to support Mental Health in North Down is not readily available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036916%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=462704","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=462704"}},{"id":"462494","reference":"AQW 36823/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-04","answerBy":"2025-12-19","answered":"2025-12-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any guidance his Department have given to pharmacists on the process to verify the identity of those collecting prescriptions.","answerText":"For patient safety and governance issues my Department’s Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) support community pharmacies in having a procedure in place to verify patient identity when collecting prescriptions.\n\nI can confirm the legacy Health and Social Care Board has issued guidance on this, notably as a campaign entitled “Are you the right person?” which featured counter-top stands and posters in community pharmacies.\n\nAdvice was issued again in July 2020 via a formal learning letter, in response to reports of errors due to miscommunication in the environment of screens, face-masks and people collecting medications for others in the community. This recommended community pharmacies take steps to mitigate against errors, providing the example of asking patients or their representatives to state their address back to them.\n\nIn addition, as part of the SPPG Community Pharmacy Assurance Framework, an assurance is asked that that there is a Standard Operating Procedure in place in all community pharmacies for the hand out of prescriptions.\n\nWhilst patient safety and verifying the prescription medications are being handed to the intended person is paramount, there is an expectation that patient confidentiality should be respected. This is outlined in the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland Professional Standards and Guidance for Patient Confidentiality which states all reasonable steps should be taken to ensure appropriate levels of privacy for patient consultations so that confidential information is not overheard or accessed by others.","answerHtml":"For patient safety and governance issues my Department’s Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) support community pharmacies in having a procedure in place to verify patient identity when collecting prescriptions.
I can confirm the legacy Health and Social Care Board has issued guidance on this, notably as a campaign entitled “Are you the right person?” which featured counter-top stands and posters in community pharmacies.
Advice was issued again in July 2020 via a formal learning letter, in response to reports of errors due to miscommunication in the environment of screens, face-masks and people collecting medications for others in the community. This recommended community pharmacies take steps to mitigate against errors, providing the example of asking patients or their representatives to state their address back to them.
In addition, as part of the SPPG Community Pharmacy Assurance Framework, an assurance is asked that that there is a Standard Operating Procedure in place in all community pharmacies for the hand out of prescriptions.
Whilst patient safety and verifying the prescription medications are being handed to the intended person is paramount, there is an expectation that patient confidentiality should be respected. This is outlined in the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland Professional Standards and Guidance for Patient Confidentiality which states all reasonable steps should be taken to ensure appropriate levels of privacy for patient consultations so that confidential information is not overheard or accessed by others.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036823%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=462494","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=462494"}},{"id":"462493","reference":"AQW 36822/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-12-04","answerBy":"2025-12-19","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether confirmation of address is the only mechanism for pharmacists to verify the identity of those collecting prescriptions.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036822%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=462493","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=462493"}},{"id":"461488","reference":"AQO 2863/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-27","answerBy":"2025-12-09","answered":"2025-12-09","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, given that NI Water has paused works to increase capacity in wastewater treatment plants to prevent untreated pollution entering Belfast Lough, to outline any action she will take to ensure the necessary funding is provided to allow these essential works to proceed.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins (The Minister for Infrastructure)","text":"I am clear that there needs to be investment in drainage and waste water treatment around Belfast lough. With regard to the necessary funding for those projects, I assure the Member that I have been working hard to deliver the most funding possible within the budget available to my Department. This year alone, NI Water has received over £500 million of public money, representing 23% of the opening resource and over 40% of the general capital budget allocated to my Department. At opening budget, NI Water was receiving 86% of what, it identified, it could deliver this year, and, when the additional £11 million capital funding that I was able to secure in June monitoring is taken into consideration, that increases to almost 90% of its ask, which is a significant level of investment in our water and waste water infrastructure. It is for the board of NI Water to prioritise the funding that it has been allocated to ensure the delivery of water and waste water services across the North. Members will be familiar with my three-pronged approach, which I am progressing and delivering: securing more investment for waste water infrastructure from Executive colleagues; considering the approach to developer contributions; and bringing in legislation to provide for sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). Additionally, my Department has secured £15 million in funding from the transformation fund that will implement a pilot project to help transform the way in which rainwater is managed in the Belfast area, and I am progressing further bids to the transformation fund for investment in waste water treatment. As I have said on many occasions, however, funding is not the only answer, and I have been encouraged by NI Water's delivery of faster and lower-cost solutions to how it manages waste water. I have advised NI Water to look at more options in that regard, and I look forward to the company using innovation to unlock waste water capacity and protecting the environment in other areas across the North. Finally, in dealing with the very serious challenges in Belfast lough, it is vital that we continue to work collaboratively across government. My Department is working closely with the environmental regulator, officials in DAERA and DFC and other stakeholders as we seek to deliver solutions. I remain committed to working together and will continue to make the case for additional funding to expedite the delivery of those projects in Belfast."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"Thank you, Minister. It is concerning that, as I understand it, NI Water faces a £2 billion funding gap. Can that realistically be addressed by your three-pronged approach, and can you give us more details of the other options that you are exploring?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"As the Member may be aware, that £2 billion shortfall is over a number of years. Given the overall Executive Budget, it would be unrealistic to say that that could be met. However, I am an optimist, and it is important that we look at what is available to us and how we can do that. That is why I have talked about some of the innovation that NI Water has already shown. We have seen delays to the living with water programme for Belfast because of a 60% increase in the original cost. We have to manage and work through that and see how we can continue to deliver on all the issues. I am under no illusions. I have said on many occasions that this is extremely challenging; there is no doubt about that. That is why I am looking at all the options available to me, whether it is through securing additional funding with work through the Executive, the developer contributions options or the sustainable options for waste water treatment and drainage solutions. We can make a real difference. As well as working collaboratively with NI Water, there are solutions out there, and I am working with it to achieve that."},{"speaker":"Ms Finnegan","text":"Will the Minister plan for natural sustainable urban drainage such as the urban drainage transformation project to reduce spills into Belfast lough, thereby improving water quality?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"As I suggested there, the aim of the pilot project is to make a robust case to transform the way in which rainwater is managed in towns and cities by managing rainwater naturally on the surface and slowing the flow into our rivers and pipe drainage system. Slowing that flow will help to reduce flood risks and improve water quality by reducing spills from combined sewers. I recently had the privilege of seeing how that is working in the Eglinton area of Derry. There is a pilot project in place there. We have seen in real life how that is slowing the flow. Hopefully, we will see positive impacts from that. The initial focus of the pilot is in the Fortwilliam and Whitehouse catchments of Belfast, where specific surface water and sewerage issues have been identified. The pilot project aims to retrofit 10,000 cubic metres of rainwater storage that will either divert or delay its entry into the combined sewerage network in order to increase capacity and, therefore, increase the system's capacity to handle storm conditions. As I have said before, such projects and other solutions mean that we can ensure that the water that comes through the system to be treated is water that needs to be treated and is not rainwater that is taking up capacity and using up resource. We are trying to be sensible and use the natural options available to us that will help to alleviate the pressure on the overall system."},{"speaker":"Mr Chambers","text":"With the clock ticking down on the compliance of the Kinnegar treatment plant, where do the unacceptable levels of pollution entering Belfast lough sit in the priorities of the Minister's Department?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"That is a major priority. I have been working with the Agriculture Minister on those serious issues. I have already outlined some of the steps that I am taking to offset that. You will be aware of the recent investigation by the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP): I welcome that, because it gives us an opportunity to look at how we can do things differently. My Department will fully cooperate with the OEP on that. However, compliance is the Department of Agriculture's responsibility. As I have said, I am working collaboratively with the Minister and all stakeholders to see what we can do to address the issue at earliest possible stage."},{"speaker":"Mr O'Toole","text":"Minister, I am slightly at a loss. Your colleague the Finance Minister and you were not impressed by my asking about mismanagement of the capital budget. However, you have just said that there is not enough money for NI Water. You have just handed back £140 million in unspent capital to the centre in this monitoring round. That is remarkable mismanagement. Given that, when will we see a comprehensive, multi-year plan for investment in NI Water? You have talked about a developer levy and about seeking more money from your colleagues: when will that convert into a plan for us to rescue Belfast lough and our water system more generally?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"The Member has chosen his words carefully, because he is fully aware of why there has been an underspend in capital in my Department. The issue with the A5 is completely beyond my control. I cannot spend money that I am not allowed to spend, and that is the reality of it. However, the Member will also be aware that, in the Minister's statement, he outlined a further allocation of almost £60 million back into my Department to deal with some of the issues that he has outlined. That money will be put to good use. Let me be clear: we continue to work extremely hard to deal with the issues that he has outlined. It is unfortunate and disappointing that we are in this position. I would love to have spent that money on the A5 and to have construction well under way. Unfortunately, that was not to be. However, as you know, legal proceedings started today on the appeal. I will continue to look at what is available to me. I have outlined clearly what we are doing through the different avenues of work that are under way to try to tackle the issues. I have outlined exactly how much NI Water has been allocated in this financial year and what we have been able to do with that. I will continue to work with everybody to ensure that we find solutions and continue to make good progress on the issue."},{"speaker":"Mr Gaston","text":"Minister, the farming community is often used by Northern Ireland Water as a convenient scapegoat for the pollution in many of our loughs and waterways. Will the Minister update the House on what immediate steps she is taking to get her own house in order and stop millions of tons of raw sewage being dumped into our loughs and waterways annually by Northern Ireland Water?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"The \"millions of tons\" that the Member refers to might be a wee bit of an exaggeration. I have a breakdown of the content of the spills that have gone into some of the waterways. We do not want any to go in; I want to make that very clear. I do not want anybody to be scapegoated. There is work for us all in tackling the issue, and there is a responsibility on everybody. I will play my part in that. We are working collaboratively with NI Water and other Departments to ensure that we find solutions that are viable, make sense and are realistic in addressing what we are dealing with. Funding is, undoubtedly, a huge challenge, but we have to make the best of the funding that we have. That is what I am committed to doing."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202863%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=461488","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-12-09&docID=462201#AQO%202863/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=461488"}},{"id":"461109","reference":"AQW 36229/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-25","answerBy":"2025-12-10","answered":"2025-12-10","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 his Department’s work to develop a Barnahus model.","answerText":"The Barnahus Working Group, jointly chaired by the Department of Health and Justice, held a workshop in June 2025 to consider an options paper for a Barnahus model in Northern Ireland. A programme of wider stakeholder engagement in relation to the options paper is currently ongoing and plans are in place to engage with people with lived experience. Officials in both Departments are also currently working to determine the relevant high level costs involved.\n\nI understand that a final options paper will be presented to both the Justice Minister and myself for consideration in due course. Implementation of any model will be subject to appropriate funding and resources being made available.","answerHtml":"The Barnahus Working Group, jointly chaired by the Department of Health and Justice, held a workshop in June 2025 to consider an options paper for a Barnahus model in Northern Ireland. A programme of wider stakeholder engagement in relation to the options paper is currently ongoing and plans are in place to engage with people with lived experience. Officials in both Departments are also currently working to determine the relevant high level costs involved.
I understand that a final options paper will be presented to both the Justice Minister and myself for consideration in due course. Implementation of any model will be subject to appropriate funding and resources being made available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036229%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=461109","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=461109"}},{"id":"460592","reference":"AQW 36044/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-21","answerBy":"2025-12-08","answered":"2025-12-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the topics discussed at the most recent meeting of the Coastal Forum.","answerText":"The most recent Coastal Forum, held on Wednesday 19th November, discussed the following topics:\n\nThe Coastal Monitoring and Adaptation Planning project funded by PEACE PLUS.\n\nHow the PEACE PLUS project will contribute to the Climate Change Committee’s recommendation on shoreline management plans.\n\nAn update from the Coastal Forum Working Group, including progress with the Coastal Forum’s Work Programme and considerations for a future Work Programme.\n\nA review of the Coastal Forum’s Terms of Reference.","answerHtml":"The most recent Coastal Forum, held on Wednesday 19th November, discussed the following topics:
The Coastal Monitoring and Adaptation Planning project funded by PEACE PLUS.
How the PEACE PLUS project will contribute to the Climate Change Committee’s recommendation on shoreline management plans.
An update from the Coastal Forum Working Group, including progress with the Coastal Forum’s Work Programme and considerations for a future Work Programme.
A review of the Coastal Forum’s Terms of Reference.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036044%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=460592","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=460592"}},{"id":"460591","reference":"AQW 36043/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-21","answerBy":"2025-12-08","answered":"2025-12-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail a list of attendees at the most recent meeting of the Coastal Forum.","answerText":"The Coastal Forum met in James House, Belfast, on Wednesday 19th November. The list of attendees was as follows:\n\nDepartment for Infrastructure\n\nMinister Kimmins\n\nBronagh O’Kane - SpAd\n\nJames Graham – Private Secretary\n\nRyan Robinson\n\nStuart McDougall\n\nDepartment for Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs\n\nMinister Muir\n\nJohnny Bell - SpAd\n\nWendy Patterson – Private Secretary\n\nColin Armstrong\n\nClaire Vincent\n\nLouise O'Kane\n\nA Deputy Principal from Marine and Fisheries Division\n\nA Student Placement in the Press Office\n\nNational Trust\n\nHeather McLachlan\n\nJade Berman\n\nUniversity of Ulster\n\nDerek Jackson\n\nLocal Authorities\n\nPaul Mawhinney (A&NBC)\n\nLeona McGinn (A&NDBC)\n\nAlastair Curran (Belfast CC)\n\nSteven Bailie (M&EABC)\n\nSinead Murphy (NM&DDC)","answerHtml":"The Coastal Forum met in James House, Belfast, on Wednesday 19th November. The list of attendees was as follows:
Department for Infrastructure
Minister Kimmins
Bronagh O’Kane - SpAd
James Graham – Private Secretary
Ryan Robinson
Stuart McDougall
Department for Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs
Minister Muir
Johnny Bell - SpAd
Wendy Patterson – Private Secretary
Colin Armstrong
Claire Vincent
Louise O'Kane
A Deputy Principal from Marine and Fisheries Division
A Student Placement in the Press Office
National Trust
Heather McLachlan
Jade Berman
University of Ulster
Derek Jackson
Local Authorities
Paul Mawhinney (A&NBC)
Leona McGinn (A&NDBC)
Alastair Curran (Belfast CC)
Steven Bailie (M&EABC)
Sinead Murphy (NM&DDC)
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036043%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=460591","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=460591"}},{"id":"460590","reference":"AQW 36042/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-21","answerBy":"2025-12-08","answered":"2025-12-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the future work programme of the Coastal Forum.","answerText":"During the recent meeting of the Coastal Forum on 19 November, the Coastal Forum agreed that the Coastal Forum Working Group would produce a stocktake report to include recommendations for a future Work Programme covering 2026-2031. These recommendations will then be considered by the Coastal Forum.","answerHtml":"During the recent meeting of the Coastal Forum on 19 November, the Coastal Forum agreed that the Coastal Forum Working Group would produce a stocktake report to include recommendations for a future Work Programme covering 2026-2031. These recommendations will then be considered by the Coastal Forum.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036042%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=460590","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=460590"}},{"id":"460589","reference":"AQW 36041/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-21","answerBy":"2025-12-08","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 34238/22-27, for a breakdown of the number of (i) adults; and (ii) those under-18 who are registered with NHS dental care in North Down.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036041%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=460589","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=460589"}},{"id":"460588","reference":"AQW 36040/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-21","answerBy":"2025-12-08","answered":"2025-12-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy how her Department is supporting the creation of entry level employment opportunities for young people in the hospitality sector.","answerText":"In January this year, my Department launched the Tourism Vision & Action Plan which sets out our ambition for growth over the next 10 years. One of the actions is to develop a bespoke skills action plan for the sector and my officials have established a Tourism Skills Delivery Group to ensure there is adequate skills training provision to meet the requirements of job roles at all levels, now and in the future.\n\nThe Vision highlights that tourism, including the hospitality sector, has the potential to create substantial employment opportunities right across the North and within every section of our society. It provides a career path for school leavers into management and leadership roles that is rarely found across other sectors; a route to greater social mobility for many within our most deprived urban and rural communities; and the soft skills that young people are equipped with when working in the tourism and hospitality industry are highly transferable to a wide range of careers.\n\nI am committed to supporting young people into entry-level roles including those within the hospitality sector. My Department delivers a range of programmes that create clear pathways to employment. Skills for Life and Work (SfLW) and Traineeships provide a non-employed route to gaining Level 1–3 qualifications, helping participants build essential skills and confidence. For those ready to enter the workforce, ApprenticeshipsNI offers an employed route, enabling individuals to earn while they learn and progress within the sector.\n\nMy Department’s Apprenticeship Action Plan, published on 11 August 2025, directly supports the creation of more entry-level jobs for young people, including within the hospitality and tourism sector.\n\nTogether, these initiatives will ensure that people of all ages have flexible options to start and develop their careers in hospitality.","answerHtml":"In January this year, my Department launched the Tourism Vision & Action Plan which sets out our ambition for growth over the next 10 years. One of the actions is to develop a bespoke skills action plan for the sector and my officials have established a Tourism Skills Delivery Group to ensure there is adequate skills training provision to meet the requirements of job roles at all levels, now and in the future.
The Vision highlights that tourism, including the hospitality sector, has the potential to create substantial employment opportunities right across the North and within every section of our society. It provides a career path for school leavers into management and leadership roles that is rarely found across other sectors; a route to greater social mobility for many within our most deprived urban and rural communities; and the soft skills that young people are equipped with when working in the tourism and hospitality industry are highly transferable to a wide range of careers.
I am committed to supporting young people into entry-level roles including those within the hospitality sector. My Department delivers a range of programmes that create clear pathways to employment. Skills for Life and Work (SfLW) and Traineeships provide a non-employed route to gaining Level 1–3 qualifications, helping participants build essential skills and confidence. For those ready to enter the workforce, ApprenticeshipsNI offers an employed route, enabling individuals to earn while they learn and progress within the sector.
My Department’s Apprenticeship Action Plan, published on 11 August 2025, directly supports the creation of more entry-level jobs for young people, including within the hospitality and tourism sector.
Together, these initiatives will ensure that people of all ages have flexible options to start and develop their careers in hospitality.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2036040%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=460588","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=460588"}},{"id":"460336","reference":"AQW 35956/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-20","answerBy":"2025-12-05","answered":"2026-01-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any guidance his Department provides to sports groups on the abuse of trust in youth sporting settings.","answerText":"The Department for Communities has produced Children and Adult Safeguarding Guidance for DfC sponsored Arms Length Bodies. The guidance (available on the Department’s website) is intended to inform DfC sponsored ALBs and staff of their responsibilities under child protection and adults at risk legislation and point them to further sources of information and advice should they need it.\n\nAs this issue is also an operational matter for Sport NI, I have sought the requested information from the interim Chief Executive who has advised me as follows:\n\n“Sport NI has long supported the NSPCC campaign to change the law and close the loophole created when sports coaches were excluded from the initial criteria around “abuse of trust” positions and we celebrated and communicated the change in the law when it came. Sports organisations have been asked for years to ensure their codes of conduct reflected the breach of a position of trust as a reason to remove a coach/official before the law even changed. Since the law changed in NI, Sport NI via our contract with the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) have shared the following information with all National Governing Bodies.\n\nPreventing abuse in positions of trust in sport and activity: https://thecpsu.org.uk/resource-library/best-practice/preventing-abuse-in-positions-of-trust-in-sport-and-activity/ Briefing papers for both the sport and dance sector\n\nPositions of trust – FAQs about the changes: https://thecpsu.org.uk/resource-library/best-practice/positions-of-trust-faqs-about-the-changes/\n\nSport NI have also communicated what is good practice via our Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport workshop delivered to sports coaches across NI”.","answerHtml":"The Department for Communities has produced Children and Adult Safeguarding Guidance for DfC sponsored Arms Length Bodies. The guidance (available on the Department’s website) is intended to inform DfC sponsored ALBs and staff of their responsibilities under child protection and adults at risk legislation and point them to further sources of information and advice should they need it.
As this issue is also an operational matter for Sport NI, I have sought the requested information from the interim Chief Executive who has advised me as follows:
“Sport NI has long supported the NSPCC campaign to change the law and close the loophole created when sports coaches were excluded from the initial criteria around “abuse of trust” positions and we celebrated and communicated the change in the law when it came. Sports organisations have been asked for years to ensure their codes of conduct reflected the breach of a position of trust as a reason to remove a coach/official before the law even changed. Since the law changed in NI, Sport NI via our contract with the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) have shared the following information with all National Governing Bodies.
Preventing abuse in positions of trust in sport and activity: https://thecpsu.org.uk/resource-library/best-practice/preventing-abuse-in-positions-of-trust-in-sport-and-activity/ Briefing papers for both the sport and dance sector
Positions of trust – FAQs about the changes: https://thecpsu.org.uk/resource-library/best-practice/positions-of-trust-faqs-about-the-changes/
Sport NI have also communicated what is good practice via our Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport workshop delivered to sports coaches across NI”.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035956%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=460336","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=460336"}},{"id":"460335","reference":"AQW 35955/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-20","answerBy":"2025-12-05","answered":"2025-12-01","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 their Department has engaged with the UK Government on their upcoming Strategy to End Violence Against Women and Girls, to identify areas for collaboration and sharing of best practice.","answerText":"Ending violence against women and girls is a global challenge, and we are aware that significant steps are being taken in each of our neighbouring jurisdictions.\n\nEVAWG officials regularly engage with counterparts through the Five Jurisdictions’ Forum, which brings together representatives from the NICS, Home Office, Scottish Government, Welsh Government, and the Government of Ireland. The forum was established to enable officials from each of those jurisdictions to look at national developments and provide the opportunity to share information, particularly regarding lessons learned and best practice.\n\nWe also continue to use established structures, such as the British Irish Council, to collaborate on related EVAWG initiatives.","answerHtml":"Ending violence against women and girls is a global challenge, and we are aware that significant steps are being taken in each of our neighbouring jurisdictions.
EVAWG officials regularly engage with counterparts through the Five Jurisdictions’ Forum, which brings together representatives from the NICS, Home Office, Scottish Government, Welsh Government, and the Government of Ireland. The forum was established to enable officials from each of those jurisdictions to look at national developments and provide the opportunity to share information, particularly regarding lessons learned and best practice.
We also continue to use established structures, such as the British Irish Council, to collaborate on related EVAWG initiatives.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035955%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=460335","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=460335"}},{"id":"460334","reference":"AQW 35954/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-20","answerBy":"2025-12-05","answered":"2025-12-15","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 their Department has any plans to review and update the Northern Ireland Civil Contingencies Framework before the end of the 2022-27 Assembly mandate.","answerText":"The ‘Northern Ireland Civil Contingencies Framework’ was published in August 2021 and updated in December 2023 following consultation with multi-agency partners.\n\nA review of the Framework will commence in early 2026. It will be informed by lessons identified through recent responses, such as Storm Eowyn and Amy, along with findings from the COVID-19 Inquiry; and our recent exercising of the ‘Northern Ireland Central Crisis Management Arrangements’ during Exercise Pegasus.\n\nThe review will aim to strengthen resilience and enhance coordination across the NICS and with partner agencies.","answerHtml":"The ‘Northern Ireland Civil Contingencies Framework’ was published in August 2021 and updated in December 2023 following consultation with multi-agency partners.
A review of the Framework will commence in early 2026. It will be informed by lessons identified through recent responses, such as Storm Eowyn and Amy, along with findings from the COVID-19 Inquiry; and our recent exercising of the ‘Northern Ireland Central Crisis Management Arrangements’ during Exercise Pegasus.
The review will aim to strengthen resilience and enhance coordination across the NICS and with partner agencies.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035954%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=460334","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=460334"}},{"id":"460333","reference":"AQW 35953/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-20","answerBy":"2025-12-05","answered":"2025-12-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any support her Department have provided to Translink, to prepare public transport and the rail network, for adverse winter weather conditions.","answerText":"Translink has a comprehensive winter preparedness programme aimed at maintaining safe and reliable public transport and rail services during adverse weather conditions such as snow, ice, flooding, and high winds.\n\nFor bus operations, measures include an annually reviewed Extreme Weather Procedure, winter driving safety bulletins, and real-time monitoring. Bus stations maintain salting and gritting arrangements with reserve stocks and contracted services to ensure safe access.\n\nFor rail services, planning begins in early autumn and includes railhead treatment trains, traction gel applicators, and de-icing of critical infrastructure. Operational adjustments such as speed restrictions and winter safety briefings are applied as needed. Rail infrastructure resilience is supported through remote monitoring of signalling systems, heating mechanisms for level crossings and points, and backup power supplies.","answerHtml":"Translink has a comprehensive winter preparedness programme aimed at maintaining safe and reliable public transport and rail services during adverse weather conditions such as snow, ice, flooding, and high winds.
For bus operations, measures include an annually reviewed Extreme Weather Procedure, winter driving safety bulletins, and real-time monitoring. Bus stations maintain salting and gritting arrangements with reserve stocks and contracted services to ensure safe access.
For rail services, planning begins in early autumn and includes railhead treatment trains, traction gel applicators, and de-icing of critical infrastructure. Operational adjustments such as speed restrictions and winter safety briefings are applied as needed. Rail infrastructure resilience is supported through remote monitoring of signalling systems, heating mechanisms for level crossings and points, and backup power supplies.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035953%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=460333","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=460333"}},{"id":"460332","reference":"AQW 35952/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-20","answerBy":"2025-12-05","answered":"2025-12-05","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 Community Pharmacy Care Home Support Service, in North Down.","answerText":"The community pharmacy care home support service (CPCHSS) provided by participating community pharmacies provides support on the safe handling and administration of medicines to residents in nursing and residential care homes across NI.\n\nThis service provides two scheduled visits between the care home and their paired community pharmacy each financial year. In 2023/24, 407 nursing or residential homes that are registered with RQIA in Northern Ireland benefited from support via the Community Pharmacy Care Home Support Service. Ninety-three of the homes were located in the South Eastern area. Data is not held which can identify how many were in the North Down area.","answerHtml":"The community pharmacy care home support service (CPCHSS) provided by participating community pharmacies provides support on the safe handling and administration of medicines to residents in nursing and residential care homes across NI.
This service provides two scheduled visits between the care home and their paired community pharmacy each financial year. In 2023/24, 407 nursing or residential homes that are registered with RQIA in Northern Ireland benefited from support via the Community Pharmacy Care Home Support Service. Ninety-three of the homes were located in the South Eastern area. Data is not held which can identify how many were in the North Down area.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035952%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=460332","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=460332"}},{"id":"462181","reference":"AQO 2815/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-20","answerBy":"2025-12-02","answered":"2025-12-03","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 how the Shared Island Fund is facilitating cross-border cooperation within agriculture, environment and rural affairs.","answerText":"The Shared Island Fund is delivering practical benefits through enhanced cooperation between Northern Ireland and Ireland across agriculture, environment, and rural affairs. Key initiatives include:\n\nThe Shared Island Pollinator Plan: A €3.86 million programme, including €1.8 million Shared Island funding, to halt and reverse pollinator decline through coordinated monitoring and action across the island.\n\nPeatlands and Natura Community Networks: Collaboration between NIEA and the Republic’s National Parks and Wildlife Service on peatland restoration and ecosystem recovery, supported by allocations under the Shared Island Initiative Peatland Programme and future Natura Communities Network funding.\n\nAn All-Island Biosecurity and Invasive Species Initiative: A five-year project to strengthen biosecurity and manage invasive species through joint risk assessments, awareness campaigns, and catchment-level measures.\n\nA Bovine Tuberculosis Regionalisation Pilot: A cross-border project jointly developed by my department and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Marine to test a regionalised approach to bTB eradication across people, wildlife and cattle measures. The Irish Government has allocated €6.4 million to support this initiative from the Shared Island fund.\n\nThese projects demonstrate how Shared Island funding is enabling knowledge exchange, resource pooling, and coordinated action to address shared challenges, support innovation, and build a sustainable future for communities across the island.","answerHtml":"The Shared Island Fund is delivering practical benefits through enhanced cooperation between Northern Ireland and Ireland across agriculture, environment, and rural affairs. Key initiatives include:
The Shared Island Pollinator Plan: A €3.86 million programme, including €1.8 million Shared Island funding, to halt and reverse pollinator decline through coordinated monitoring and action across the island.
Peatlands and Natura Community Networks: Collaboration between NIEA and the Republic’s National Parks and Wildlife Service on peatland restoration and ecosystem recovery, supported by allocations under the Shared Island Initiative Peatland Programme and future Natura Communities Network funding.
An All-Island Biosecurity and Invasive Species Initiative: A five-year project to strengthen biosecurity and manage invasive species through joint risk assessments, awareness campaigns, and catchment-level measures.
A Bovine Tuberculosis Regionalisation Pilot: A cross-border project jointly developed by my department and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Marine to test a regionalised approach to bTB eradication across people, wildlife and cattle measures. The Irish Government has allocated €6.4 million to support this initiative from the Shared Island fund.
These projects demonstrate how Shared Island funding is enabling knowledge exchange, resource pooling, and coordinated action to address shared challenges, support innovation, and build a sustainable future for communities across the island.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202815%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=462181","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=462181"}},{"id":"460391","reference":"AQO 2779/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-20","answerBy":"2025-12-01","answered":"2025-12-01","answeredOrally":true,"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 implementation of the Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202779%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=460391","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-12-01&docID=461171#AQO%202779/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=460391"}},{"id":"459823","reference":"AQW 35737/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-18","answerBy":"2025-12-03","answered":"2025-12-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the number of; and (ii) location of, Changing Places toilets in hospitals in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust currently has one Changing Places toilet located at the Lisburn Primary and Community Care Centre on the Lagan Valley Hospital Site","answerHtml":"The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust currently has one Changing Places toilet located at the Lisburn Primary and Community Care Centre on the Lagan Valley Hospital Site
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035737%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=459823","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=459823"}},{"id":"458723","reference":"AQW 35332/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-12","answerBy":"2025-11-27","answered":"2026-02-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of patients who receive routine payment for energy costs due to the use of (i) peritoneal dialysis machines in the home; and (ii) haemodialysis treatment in the home, in each year since 2020, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"Peritoneal Dialysis\n\nBHSCT\tNHSCT\tSEHSCT\tSHSCT\tWHSCT\n2024\t27\t\t\t\t10\n2025\t22\tNot available\t12\t15\t11\n\nThe Trusts started providing payments for peritoneal dialysis in 2024 or 2025 on instruction of DoH. Where appropriate, payments have been backdated. Numbers vary throughout the year due to patient turnover related to transplantation rates, new starts etc. SHSCT and WHSCT have provided a snapshot at a point in time.\n\nNorthern Trust have stated that their finance systems do not hold this level of detail and therefore they cannot provide the information.\n\nHome Haemodialysis\n\nBHSCT\tNHSCT\tSEHSCT\tSHSCT\tWHSCT\n2020\t9\t7\t<5\t<5\t<5\n2021\t9\t5\t<5\t<5\t5\n2022\t8\t<5\t<5\t<5\t<5\n2023\t9\t<5\t0\t<5\t<5\n2024\t11\t<5\t0\t<5\t<5\n2025\t11\t<5\t0\t<5\t<5\n\nThe Home Therapies team in Belfast Trust fund and manage electricity payments for the full region for home haemodialysis. Where numbers are under 5 this has been stated and further detail cannot be provided due to possible identification of patients.\n\nI recognise the importance of this issue and my officials continue to engage with Trusts in progressing standardisation of arrangements and good practice with regards communication and are currently working with the Renal Stakeholder Group to organise a workshop to discuss these issues with charitable and patient representatives.","answerHtml":"Peritoneal Dialysis
| BHSCT | NHSCT | SEHSCT | SHSCT | WHSCT | |
| 2024 | 27 | 10 | |||
| 2025 | 22 | Not available | 12 | 15 | 11 |
The Trusts started providing payments for peritoneal dialysis in 2024 or 2025 on instruction of DoH. Where appropriate, payments have been backdated. Numbers vary throughout the year due to patient turnover related to transplantation rates, new starts etc. SHSCT and WHSCT have provided a snapshot at a point in time.
Northern Trust have stated that their finance systems do not hold this level of detail and therefore they cannot provide the information.
Home Haemodialysis
| BHSCT | NHSCT | SEHSCT | SHSCT | WHSCT | |
| 2020 | 9 | 7 | <5 | <5 | <5 |
| 2021 | 9 | 5 | <5 | <5 | 5 |
| 2022 | 8 | <5 | <5 | <5 | <5 |
| 2023 | 9 | <5 | 0 | <5 | <5 |
| 2024 | 11 | <5 | 0 | <5 | <5 |
| 2025 | 11 | <5 | 0 | <5 | <5 |
The Home Therapies team in Belfast Trust fund and manage electricity payments for the full region for home haemodialysis. Where numbers are under 5 this has been stated and further detail cannot be provided due to possible identification of patients.
I recognise the importance of this issue and my officials continue to engage with Trusts in progressing standardisation of arrangements and good practice with regards communication and are currently working with the Renal Stakeholder Group to organise a workshop to discuss these issues with charitable and patient representatives.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035332%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458723","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458723"}},{"id":"458722","reference":"AQW 35331/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-12","answerBy":"2025-11-27","answered":"2025-11-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any steps her Department has taken to improve the accessibility of railway stations in North Down, since 2020.","answerText":"In June 2025, Translink completed the access ramp at Marino station, that is compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act.\n\nI can also advise that Translink is undertaking a project to develop a strategy for improving accessibility across its rail network. This initiative will involve an assessment of accessibility features at all locations across the rail network. The project has included stakeholder engagement with Disabled People’s Organisations to ensure the work being undertaken reflects their needs and priorities. This project will help to inform future investment in the rail network, subject to the availability of future funding.","answerHtml":"In June 2025, Translink completed the access ramp at Marino station, that is compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act.
I can also advise that Translink is undertaking a project to develop a strategy for improving accessibility across its rail network. This initiative will involve an assessment of accessibility features at all locations across the rail network. The project has included stakeholder engagement with Disabled People’s Organisations to ensure the work being undertaken reflects their needs and priorities. This project will help to inform future investment in the rail network, subject to the availability of future funding.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035331%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458722","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458722"}},{"id":"458721","reference":"AQW 35330/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-12","answerBy":"2025-11-27","answered":"2025-11-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 26399/22-27, to detail how his Department engages with (i) Northern Ireland Electricity; and (ii) British Oxygen Company, to ensure fair reimbursement for patients.","answerText":"There is no direct engagement between my Department and Northern Ireland Electricity. My Department manages the procured oxygen service, currently provided by BOC (British Oxygen Company) Homecare Service. As part of this service, BOC reimburses each patient fully for the electricity used by their home oxygen concentrator on a regular basis.","answerHtml":"There is no direct engagement between my Department and Northern Ireland Electricity. My Department manages the procured oxygen service, currently provided by BOC (British Oxygen Company) Homecare Service. As part of this service, BOC reimburses each patient fully for the electricity used by their home oxygen concentrator on a regular basis.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035330%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458721","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458721"}},{"id":"458720","reference":"AQW 35329/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-12","answerBy":"2025-11-27","answered":"2025-11-27","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 his Department's work to address gender bias and discrimination in the healthcare system.","answerText":"Gender bias and discrimination is not measured or quantified across health and social care in Northern Ireland, however, I do accept there are systemic inequalities and certain groups of people face additional barriers to accessing healthcare.\n\nI also understand from qualitative feedback received through engagement on the Women’s Health Action Plan, that many women report feeling dismissed or their pain normalised when seeking help, similar to the experiences reported last year in the publication from the UK Parliament Women and Equalities Committee on women’s reproductive health conditions. My Department is currently considering how to – subject to resources - provide more targeted clinical education about conditions affecting women’s health and wellbeing and to improve awareness and understanding among the wider public to help remove the stigma associated with these health conditions.\n\nMy Department will also be publishing an updated equality action plan for 2025-2030 which will outline work across the HSC to tackle inequality and discrimination in relation to all section 75 groups including gender.","answerHtml":"Gender bias and discrimination is not measured or quantified across health and social care in Northern Ireland, however, I do accept there are systemic inequalities and certain groups of people face additional barriers to accessing healthcare.
I also understand from qualitative feedback received through engagement on the Women’s Health Action Plan, that many women report feeling dismissed or their pain normalised when seeking help, similar to the experiences reported last year in the publication from the UK Parliament Women and Equalities Committee on women’s reproductive health conditions. My Department is currently considering how to – subject to resources - provide more targeted clinical education about conditions affecting women’s health and wellbeing and to improve awareness and understanding among the wider public to help remove the stigma associated with these health conditions.
My Department will also be publishing an updated equality action plan for 2025-2030 which will outline work across the HSC to tackle inequality and discrimination in relation to all section 75 groups including gender.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035329%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458720","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458720"}},{"id":"458719","reference":"AQW 35328/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-12","answerBy":"2025-11-27","answered":"2025-11-19","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 tender process to procure a contractor for Bangor Central Integrated Primary School's new build.","answerText":"The procurement of a building contractor for the new build school is underway. Due to clarification requests from tenderers, it was necessary to extend the tender return deadline to the end of November 2025.\n\nIt is still anticipated that construction will commence on site in the first quarter of 2026.","answerHtml":"The procurement of a building contractor for the new build school is underway. Due to clarification requests from tenderers, it was necessary to extend the tender return deadline to the end of November 2025.
It is still anticipated that construction will commence on site in the first quarter of 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035328%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458719","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458719"}},{"id":"458553","reference":"AQW 35201/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-11","answerBy":"2025-11-26","answered":"2025-11-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 29265/22-27, to detail whether his Department monitors staff attainment of completed bereavement training, in schools.","answerText":"Schools are not required to have a ‘bereavement policy’, however as part of the broader pastoral care arrangements they may have in place a clear structure and process to be followed if a bereavement happens.\n\nThe Education Authority provides bereavement resources and information, including a sample bereavement policy for schools to adapt to meet their individual needs.\n\nThe Department does not monitor completion of bereavement training in schools.","answerHtml":"Schools are not required to have a ‘bereavement policy’, however as part of the broader pastoral care arrangements they may have in place a clear structure and process to be followed if a bereavement happens.
The Education Authority provides bereavement resources and information, including a sample bereavement policy for schools to adapt to meet their individual needs.
The Department does not monitor completion of bereavement training in schools.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035201%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458553","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458553"}},{"id":"458552","reference":"AQW 35200/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-11","answerBy":"2025-11-26","answered":"2026-01-08","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 tender process for the operation of Ballycopeland Windmill visitor centre and café.","answerText":"The Centre of Procurement Excellence partner in the Department of Finance’s Construction and Procurement Delivery (CPD), is currently carrying out work to develop a tender for an operator of this visitor centre and café.","answerHtml":"The Centre of Procurement Excellence partner in the Department of Finance’s Construction and Procurement Delivery (CPD), is currently carrying out work to develop a tender for an operator of this visitor centre and café.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035200%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458552","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458552"}},{"id":"458551","reference":"AQW 35199/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-11","answerBy":"2025-11-26","answered":"2026-01-08","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 timeline for the feasibility study for Grey Point Fort.","answerText":"Work on the feasibility study commenced in October 2025, it is scheduled to be completed by March 2026.","answerHtml":"Work on the feasibility study commenced in October 2025, it is scheduled to be completed by March 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035199%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458551","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458551"}},{"id":"458550","reference":"AQW 35198/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-11","answerBy":"2025-11-26","answered":"2025-11-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 29265/22-27, to detail whether all education settings are expected to have a bereavement policy, for both staff and pupils.","answerText":"Schools are not required to have a ‘bereavement policy’, however as part of the broader pastoral care arrangements they may have in place a clear structure and process to be followed if a bereavement happens.\n\nThe Education Authority provides bereavement resources and information, including a sample bereavement policy for schools to adapt to meet their individual needs.\n\nThe Department does not monitor completion of bereavement training in schools.","answerHtml":"Schools are not required to have a ‘bereavement policy’, however as part of the broader pastoral care arrangements they may have in place a clear structure and process to be followed if a bereavement happens.
The Education Authority provides bereavement resources and information, including a sample bereavement policy for schools to adapt to meet their individual needs.
The Department does not monitor completion of bereavement training in schools.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035198%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458550","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458550"}},{"id":"458549","reference":"AQW 35197/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-11","answerBy":"2025-11-26","answered":"2025-12-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail whether his Department will raise the minimum age for marriage to 18 years old, by the end of the2022-27 mandate.","answerText":"A Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill has been drafted and circulated to my Ministerial colleagues for comment. It includes provision to raise the minimum age for marriage and civil partnership from the present 16 to 18 and is on schedule for introduction in the 2025/26 session.","answerHtml":"A Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill has been drafted and circulated to my Ministerial colleagues for comment. It includes provision to raise the minimum age for marriage and civil partnership from the present 16 to 18 and is on schedule for introduction in the 2025/26 session.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035197%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458549","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458549"}},{"id":"458252","reference":"AQW 35096/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-10","answerBy":"2025-11-14","answered":"2025-11-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Justice","departmentId":"134","minister":"Minister of Justice","question":"To ask the Minister of Justice for her assessment of the regulatory framework concerning the sale and use of fireworks.","answerText":"The regulation of fireworks in Northern Ireland is among the most robust in these islands; the existing regulations provide a framework that seeks to ensure that fireworks are sold and bought responsibly for use in both public and private settings.\n\nA retailer must be licensed by my department to store fireworks. Members of the public and professional fireworks display operators must have a fireworks licence for the use of the fireworks. A fireworks licence includes conditions on use, including specifying the types of fireworks that can be used and the time and location of the display. A fireworks licence will only be issued if deemed safe to do so and additional conditions can be added to any licence as necessary, such a requirement to notify neighbours of the display.\n\nThere is a balance to be struck between those who enjoy fireworks and those who do not which is why I encourage people using fireworks to be considerate as well as following the law.\n\nThe licensing system aids partners, including PSNI, to identify unlicensed and illegal fireworks sale or use. Offences committed under the firework regulations may result in a fine of up to £5,000, or a prison sentence, or both.\n\nThe power to restrict the decibel level of fireworks is a reserved matter; however, as part of the information available to the public, the availability of low and no noise options is included.\n\nIn recognition of the public concern around the misuse of fireworks, I have instructed my officials to examine penalties and enforcement concerning the illegal use or sale or fireworks in the pending review of sentencing issues.","answerHtml":"The regulation of fireworks in Northern Ireland is among the most robust in these islands; the existing regulations provide a framework that seeks to ensure that fireworks are sold and bought responsibly for use in both public and private settings.
A retailer must be licensed by my department to store fireworks. Members of the public and professional fireworks display operators must have a fireworks licence for the use of the fireworks. A fireworks licence includes conditions on use, including specifying the types of fireworks that can be used and the time and location of the display. A fireworks licence will only be issued if deemed safe to do so and additional conditions can be added to any licence as necessary, such a requirement to notify neighbours of the display.
There is a balance to be struck between those who enjoy fireworks and those who do not which is why I encourage people using fireworks to be considerate as well as following the law.
The licensing system aids partners, including PSNI, to identify unlicensed and illegal fireworks sale or use. Offences committed under the firework regulations may result in a fine of up to £5,000, or a prison sentence, or both.
The power to restrict the decibel level of fireworks is a reserved matter; however, as part of the information available to the public, the availability of low and no noise options is included.
In recognition of the public concern around the misuse of fireworks, I have instructed my officials to examine penalties and enforcement concerning the illegal use or sale or fireworks in the pending review of sentencing issues.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035096%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458252","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458252"}},{"id":"458251","reference":"AQW 35095/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-10","answerBy":"2025-11-25","answered":"2025-11-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 29265/22-27, to detail the number of schools, and education providers, who can register with the Being Well Doing Well programme each year.","answerText":"23/24\n(Cohort 1)\t24/25\n(Cohort 2)\t25/26\n(Cohort 3)\nNursery Schools\t10\t11\t10\nPrimary Schools\t87\t94\t110\nPost primary Schools\t24\t34\t21\nSpecial Schools\t3\t10\t10\nEOTAS settings\t1\t1\t4\nTOTAL\t125\t150\t155\n\nIn each academic year, around 130-150 schools register with the programme.","answerHtml":"| 23/24 (Cohort 1) | 24/25 (Cohort 2) | 25/26 (Cohort 3) | |
| Nursery Schools | 10 | 11 | 10 |
| Primary Schools | 87 | 94 | 110 |
| Post primary Schools | 24 | 34 | 21 |
| Special Schools | 3 | 10 | 10 |
| EOTAS settings | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| TOTAL | 125 | 150 | 155 |
In each academic year, around 130-150 schools register with the programme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035095%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458251","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458251"}},{"id":"458250","reference":"AQW 35094/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-10","answerBy":"2025-11-25","answered":"2025-11-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 29265/22-27, to detail the elements of the Being Well Doing Well programme which focus specifically on (i) bereavement support; and (ii) grief education.","answerText":"The Being Well Doing Well programme provides schools with a framework to assess current policy and practice and implement actions to develop emotional health and wellbeing in their school.\n\nAll educational settings that are implementing the Being Well Doing Well programme can avail of in school, ‘Bereavement and Loss’ Professional Learning for all staff (teaching and support staff) if it is identified as an action following their whole school baseline audit. The Learning Intentions aim to:\n\nIncrease awareness of the ways in which children and young people grieve and an understanding of the grief process\n\nExplore effective strategies which support children and young people through bereavement\n\nProvide a Bereavement Policy Framework\n\nThe Being Well Doing Well team have also developed a range of Little Books including The Little Book of Grief for children and young people. This is accompanied by teacher guidance to assist them to approach this sensitive issue.","answerHtml":"The Being Well Doing Well programme provides schools with a framework to assess current policy and practice and implement actions to develop emotional health and wellbeing in their school.
All educational settings that are implementing the Being Well Doing Well programme can avail of in school, ‘Bereavement and Loss’ Professional Learning for all staff (teaching and support staff) if it is identified as an action following their whole school baseline audit. The Learning Intentions aim to:
Increase awareness of the ways in which children and young people grieve and an understanding of the grief process
Explore effective strategies which support children and young people through bereavement
Provide a Bereavement Policy Framework
The Being Well Doing Well team have also developed a range of Little Books including The Little Book of Grief for children and young people. This is accompanied by teacher guidance to assist them to approach this sensitive issue.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035094%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458250","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458250"}},{"id":"458249","reference":"AQW 35093/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-10","answerBy":"2025-11-25","answered":"2025-11-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 29265/22-27, to detail any support on grief and bereavement available to education providers who are not registered with the Being Well Doing Well programme.","answerText":"ANSWER\n\nAll schools have access to the Education Authority (EA) Professional Learning in relation to bereavement.\n\nSchool Principals and Senior Management Team from educational settings not currently implementing the Being Well Doing Well programme can access the EA Professional Learning module A Whole School Approach to Bereavement and Critical Incident Management. This is a 2 day (3.5 hours per day) online professional learning event for staff.\n\nAll educational settings can access bereavement support advice and resources from the EA Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) Helpline which is available during office hours and out of hours. They will also be directed to the EA website which offers bereavement information and resources which can be downloaded.\n\nSchools provide Psychological First Aid and emotional support to staff and pupils after critical incidents involving the bereavement of a pupil or staff member, when needed.\n\nThe Bereaved NI website is a useful resource for everyone to learn more about bereavement and grief, and signposting for specific support.\n\nPaul Givan MLA\n\nMinister of Education","answerHtml":"ANSWER
All schools have access to the Education Authority (EA) Professional Learning in relation to bereavement.
School Principals and Senior Management Team from educational settings not currently implementing the Being Well Doing Well programme can access the EA Professional Learning module A Whole School Approach to Bereavement and Critical Incident Management. This is a 2 day (3.5 hours per day) online professional learning event for staff.
All educational settings can access bereavement support advice and resources from the EA Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) Helpline which is available during office hours and out of hours. They will also be directed to the EA website which offers bereavement information and resources which can be downloaded.
Schools provide Psychological First Aid and emotional support to staff and pupils after critical incidents involving the bereavement of a pupil or staff member, when needed.
The Bereaved NI website is a useful resource for everyone to learn more about bereavement and grief, and signposting for specific support.
Paul Givan MLA
Minister of Education
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035093%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458249","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458249"}},{"id":"458248","reference":"AQW 35092/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-10","answerBy":"2025-11-25","answered":"2025-11-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 29265/22-27, to detail the number of (i) nursery providers; (ii) primary schools; (iii) post primary schools; (iv) special schools; and (v) education other than at school settings, that have registered with the Being Well Doing Well Programme, in each year since its introduction.","answerText":"23/24\n(Cohort 1)\t24/25\n(Cohort 2)\t25/26\n(Cohort 3)\nNursery Schools\t10\t11\t10\nPrimary Schools\t87\t94\t110\nPost primary Schools\t24\t34\t21\nSpecial Schools\t3\t10\t10\nEOTAS settings\t1\t1\t4\nTOTAL\t125\t150\t155\n\nIn each academic year, around 130-150 schools register with the programme.","answerHtml":"| 23/24 (Cohort 1) | 24/25 (Cohort 2) | 25/26 (Cohort 3) | |
| Nursery Schools | 10 | 11 | 10 |
| Primary Schools | 87 | 94 | 110 |
| Post primary Schools | 24 | 34 | 21 |
| Special Schools | 3 | 10 | 10 |
| EOTAS settings | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| TOTAL | 125 | 150 | 155 |
In each academic year, around 130-150 schools register with the programme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2035092%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458248","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458248"}},{"id":"457883","reference":"AQW 34875/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-06","answerBy":"2025-11-21","answered":"2025-11-28","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 Stroke Action Plan.","answerText":"My Department’s Stroke Action Plan sets out six priorities for stroke reform in Northern Ireland (NI). While funding and resource pressures have constrained the pace of implementation, important progress has been made in each priority area.\n\nRegarding priority one which focuses on prevention, progress includes the development of a regional model for a 7-day Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or mini stroke assessment service and the development of action plans for implementation within each Trust.\n\nIn line with priority two, an audit of thrombolysis has been undertaken which has informed the development of recommendations to help promote the achievement of a target rate of 16% for NI.\n\nThe focus of priority three is on the thrombectomy service and progress includes the roll out of Artificial Intelligence software to all eight stroke receiving sites to assist in clinical decision making. In addition, it is anticipated that work on a Strategic Outline Case which will set out the resources required for a 24/7 thrombectomy service will be completed early in 2026.\n\nPriority four focuses on long term support and rehabilitation. Progress includes the development of regional models for both community stroke services and the management of spasticity.\n\nPriority five relates to the introduction of Hyperacute Stroke Care. A Hyperacute Stroke Project Board (HSPB) has been established to oversee a three-phase process to identify the optimum configuration for NI. Phase one of the process which used updated modelling to review measures to drive patient outcomes is now complete. Phase two of the process will involve an assessment of the sustainability of current services. This will be informed by an assessment of the workforce which is currently being progressed by the stroke workforce review under priority six.\n\nPriority six focuses on a stroke workforce review which is now underway. A Workforce Review Steering Group was established in June 2025 to oversee this work and an outline workplan was agreed. The initial focus of the review is on an assessment of the hyperacute and acute workforce which will inform decision making on hyperacute services. It is anticipated that this phase of the review will conclude early in 2026.\n\nIt is important to note, that the Stroke Action Plan priorities will continue to be progressed as far as possible within current resources. However, full implementation will continue to be impacted by funding constraints.","answerHtml":"My Department’s Stroke Action Plan sets out six priorities for stroke reform in Northern Ireland (NI). While funding and resource pressures have constrained the pace of implementation, important progress has been made in each priority area.
Regarding priority one which focuses on prevention, progress includes the development of a regional model for a 7-day Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or mini stroke assessment service and the development of action plans for implementation within each Trust.
In line with priority two, an audit of thrombolysis has been undertaken which has informed the development of recommendations to help promote the achievement of a target rate of 16% for NI.
The focus of priority three is on the thrombectomy service and progress includes the roll out of Artificial Intelligence software to all eight stroke receiving sites to assist in clinical decision making. In addition, it is anticipated that work on a Strategic Outline Case which will set out the resources required for a 24/7 thrombectomy service will be completed early in 2026.
Priority four focuses on long term support and rehabilitation. Progress includes the development of regional models for both community stroke services and the management of spasticity.
Priority five relates to the introduction of Hyperacute Stroke Care. A Hyperacute Stroke Project Board (HSPB) has been established to oversee a three-phase process to identify the optimum configuration for NI. Phase one of the process which used updated modelling to review measures to drive patient outcomes is now complete. Phase two of the process will involve an assessment of the sustainability of current services. This will be informed by an assessment of the workforce which is currently being progressed by the stroke workforce review under priority six.
Priority six focuses on a stroke workforce review which is now underway. A Workforce Review Steering Group was established in June 2025 to oversee this work and an outline workplan was agreed. The initial focus of the review is on an assessment of the hyperacute and acute workforce which will inform decision making on hyperacute services. It is anticipated that this phase of the review will conclude early in 2026.
It is important to note, that the Stroke Action Plan priorities will continue to be progressed as far as possible within current resources. However, full implementation will continue to be impacted by funding constraints.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034875%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=457883","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=457883"}},{"id":"457882","reference":"AQW 34874/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-06","answerBy":"2025-11-21","answered":"2025-11-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the steps her Department has taken to prepare for its winter service in North Down.","answerText":"Prior to the start of each winter service season, my Department carries out a significant amount of pre-planning to ensure a state of readiness. Staffing arrangements have been finalised, pre-season checks on winter service equipment are complete and salt stocks have been replenished.\n\nMy Department commits significant resources to its winter service programme and every night, from the end of October, up to 300 people will be on standby ready to salt main roads, helping drivers across the north to cope with the wintry conditions. Contracts are also in place to enable contractors and farmers to help to clear roads during periods of prolonged snow.\n\nWhile my Department targets the limited resources available for winter service on the busier main through routes, salt bins and grit piles are provided for use by the public, on a self-help basis, on other routes adopted or maintained by my Department, which do not qualify for inclusion on the gritting schedule. Our salt reserves have been filled to capacity over the summer months in preparation for the beginning of winter service, with additional re-orders available throughout the winter as required.\n\nIn addition, my Department has an arrangement with Ards and North Down Borough Council to salt city and town centre footways during times of prolonged ice and snow, and the council will be contacted to ensure continuity of this service for the incoming winter season should conditions dictate.\n\nMy Department’s Winter Service Policy can be viewed via the following link : RSPPG E022, and details of all salting routes can be viewed on my Department’s website via DFI Roads Salted Network.\n\nOur routine maintenance work to provide an annual clean to all DfI gullies in the Ards and North Down Borough Council area is also on-going alongside the routine cleaning of roadside channels and open drains and will continue throughout the winter season.\n\nIn preparation for and during flood events local staff will utilise available resources to support community resilience groups in flood risk areas and respond, where possible, to requests for assistance from the public where property has suffered or is threatened by flooding. Departmental depots are fully stocked with sandbags for temporary flood protection which will be distributed directly when required.","answerHtml":"Prior to the start of each winter service season, my Department carries out a significant amount of pre-planning to ensure a state of readiness. Staffing arrangements have been finalised, pre-season checks on winter service equipment are complete and salt stocks have been replenished.
My Department commits significant resources to its winter service programme and every night, from the end of October, up to 300 people will be on standby ready to salt main roads, helping drivers across the north to cope with the wintry conditions. Contracts are also in place to enable contractors and farmers to help to clear roads during periods of prolonged snow.
While my Department targets the limited resources available for winter service on the busier main through routes, salt bins and grit piles are provided for use by the public, on a self-help basis, on other routes adopted or maintained by my Department, which do not qualify for inclusion on the gritting schedule. Our salt reserves have been filled to capacity over the summer months in preparation for the beginning of winter service, with additional re-orders available throughout the winter as required.
In addition, my Department has an arrangement with Ards and North Down Borough Council to salt city and town centre footways during times of prolonged ice and snow, and the council will be contacted to ensure continuity of this service for the incoming winter season should conditions dictate.
My Department’s Winter Service Policy can be viewed via the following link : RSPPG E022, and details of all salting routes can be viewed on my Department’s website via DFI Roads Salted Network.
Our routine maintenance work to provide an annual clean to all DfI gullies in the Ards and North Down Borough Council area is also on-going alongside the routine cleaning of roadside channels and open drains and will continue throughout the winter season.
In preparation for and during flood events local staff will utilise available resources to support community resilience groups in flood risk areas and respond, where possible, to requests for assistance from the public where property has suffered or is threatened by flooding. Departmental depots are fully stocked with sandbags for temporary flood protection which will be distributed directly when required.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034874%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=457882","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=457882"}},{"id":"457881","reference":"AQW 34873/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-06","answerBy":"2025-11-21","answered":"2025-11-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for a timescale for the introduction for a 24/7 thrombectomy service.","answerText":"The current thrombectomy service operates from 8am-5pm Monday to Sunday. It is estimated that just over £5 million recurrent funding is required to expand to a 24/7 service.\n\nFollowing approval of the final budget for 2025/26, my Department was left with a funding gap of over £600 million. In this context, and while I remain committed to the establishment of a 24/7 thrombectomy service in Northern Ireland, I am currently unable to allocate the required additional funding. Consequently, at this point, I am unable to commit to a timescale for a 24/7 service.\n\nIn the interim, I am committed to maximising access to thrombectomy to ensure that as many people as possible benefit from the service within the current hours of operation. To this end, it should be noted that the thrombectomy rate in Northern Ireland in 2024/25 was 5.2%, higher than the regional rates in England, Scotland and Wales.","answerHtml":"The current thrombectomy service operates from 8am-5pm Monday to Sunday. It is estimated that just over £5 million recurrent funding is required to expand to a 24/7 service.
Following approval of the final budget for 2025/26, my Department was left with a funding gap of over £600 million. In this context, and while I remain committed to the establishment of a 24/7 thrombectomy service in Northern Ireland, I am currently unable to allocate the required additional funding. Consequently, at this point, I am unable to commit to a timescale for a 24/7 service.
In the interim, I am committed to maximising access to thrombectomy to ensure that as many people as possible benefit from the service within the current hours of operation. To this end, it should be noted that the thrombectomy rate in Northern Ireland in 2024/25 was 5.2%, higher than the regional rates 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%2034873%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=457881","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=457881"}},{"id":"457880","reference":"AQW 34872/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-06","answerBy":"2025-11-21","answered":"2025-11-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the budget her Department has allocated for salt boxes for winter 2025-26, broken down by DfI Roads Division.","answerText":"My Department commits significant resources to maintaining approximately 5,600 salt bins that are provided for use by the public, on a self-help basis on public roads which do not qualify for inclusion on the gritting schedule, providing the necessary criteria are met.\n\nThere is no specific budget allocation for salt boxes, instead, when a salt box is requested, my officials will carry out an evaluation using a criteria based system which takes into account various factors including topography, traffic volume, road gradient/geometry, alternative routes as well as other factors such as residential usage and community facilities including schools, hospitals and care homes for the elderly.\n\nResidents can make an application to the Department to request the installation of a salt bin in their area however, provision of new salt boxes is not automatic and may be refused if the location in question is not on the publicly maintained road network; the gradient of the road in question is less than 5%; or if reasonable alternative routes are available.\n\nI can confirm that our salt reserves have been filled to capacity over the summer months in preparation for the beginning of winter service, with additional re-orders available throughout the winter as required.","answerHtml":"My Department commits significant resources to maintaining approximately 5,600 salt bins that are provided for use by the public, on a self-help basis on public roads which do not qualify for inclusion on the gritting schedule, providing the necessary criteria are met.
There is no specific budget allocation for salt boxes, instead, when a salt box is requested, my officials will carry out an evaluation using a criteria based system which takes into account various factors including topography, traffic volume, road gradient/geometry, alternative routes as well as other factors such as residential usage and community facilities including schools, hospitals and care homes for the elderly.
Residents can make an application to the Department to request the installation of a salt bin in their area however, provision of new salt boxes is not automatic and may be refused if the location in question is not on the publicly maintained road network; the gradient of the road in question is less than 5%; or if reasonable alternative routes are available.
I can confirm that our salt reserves have been filled to capacity over the summer months in preparation for the beginning of winter service, with additional re-orders available throughout the winter as required.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034872%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=457880","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=457880"}},{"id":"457879","reference":"AQW 34871/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-06","answerBy":"2025-11-21","answered":"2025-11-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the roads in North Down that have been prioritised in her Department's 2025-26 gritting network.","answerText":"Prior to the start of each winter service season, my Department carries out a significant amount of pre-planning to ensure a state of readiness. Staffing arrangements have been finalised, pre-season checks on winter service equipment are complete and salt stocks have been replenished.\n\nMy Department commits significant resources to its winter service programme and every night, from the end of October, up to 300 people will be on standby ready to salt main roads, helping drivers across the north to cope with the wintry conditions. Contracts are also in place to enable contractors and farmers to help to clear roads during periods of prolonged snow.\n\nWhile my Department targets the limited resources available for winter service on the busier main through routes, salt bins and grit piles are provided for use by the public, on a self-help basis, on other routes adopted or maintained by my Department, which do not qualify for inclusion on the gritting schedule. Our salt reserves have been filled to capacity over the summer months in preparation for the beginning of winter service, with additional re-orders available throughout the winter as required.\n\nIn addition, my Department has an arrangement with Ards and North Down Borough Council to salt city and town centre footways during times of prolonged ice and snow, and the council will be contacted to ensure continuity of this service for the incoming winter season should conditions dictate.\n\nMy Department’s Winter Service Policy can be viewed via the following link : RSPPG E022, and details of all salting routes can be viewed on my Department’s website via DFI Roads Salted Network","answerHtml":"Prior to the start of each winter service season, my Department carries out a significant amount of pre-planning to ensure a state of readiness. Staffing arrangements have been finalised, pre-season checks on winter service equipment are complete and salt stocks have been replenished.
My Department commits significant resources to its winter service programme and every night, from the end of October, up to 300 people will be on standby ready to salt main roads, helping drivers across the north to cope with the wintry conditions. Contracts are also in place to enable contractors and farmers to help to clear roads during periods of prolonged snow.
While my Department targets the limited resources available for winter service on the busier main through routes, salt bins and grit piles are provided for use by the public, on a self-help basis, on other routes adopted or maintained by my Department, which do not qualify for inclusion on the gritting schedule. Our salt reserves have been filled to capacity over the summer months in preparation for the beginning of winter service, with additional re-orders available throughout the winter as required.
In addition, my Department has an arrangement with Ards and North Down Borough Council to salt city and town centre footways during times of prolonged ice and snow, and the council will be contacted to ensure continuity of this service for the incoming winter season should conditions dictate.
My Department’s Winter Service Policy can be viewed via the following link : RSPPG E022, and details of all salting routes can be viewed on my Department’s website via DFI Roads Salted Network
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034871%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=457879","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=457879"}},{"id":"460778","reference":"AQO 2717/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-06","answerBy":"2025-11-18","answered":null,"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 publication of new guidelines on school uniforms.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202717%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=460778","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=460778"}},{"id":"457769","reference":"AQO 2688/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-06","answerBy":"2025-11-17","answered":"2025-11-17","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to outline how his Department is addressing poverty in North Down.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"The issues that people in North Down face with poverty are similar to those that people throughout Northern Ireland face. I am working to address those issues through the development of the anti-poverty strategy and interventions such as the extension of welfare mitigations; the adoption of the new housing supply strategy; the provision of inclusive pathways to work for everyone in Northern Ireland; work on fuel poverty; and the development of a new People and Place strategic framework. In the Ards and North Down Borough Council area, my Make the Call outreach team supported over 1,200 people to access just under £7 million in additional benefits last year. Between 1 February 2024 and 30 June this year, the Housing Executive funded private-sector grants, including affordable warmth, totalling over £3 million. That funding supported 91 home improvement grants and helped 155 homes through the affordable warmth scheme. In this financial year, the neighbourhood renewal programme has invested almost half a million pounds in 13 projects. I have also provided half a million pounds to the independent advice and debt sector and social supermarkets. All that plays a critical role in addressing poverty."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"Thank you, Minister. Community organisations in North Down that deal directly with individuals who live in hardship and poverty feel the loss of your Department's hardship fund. Will you consider reintroducing that fund or introducing a similar fund to support organisations that deal with individuals who are living in poverty?"},{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"I am aware of the impact that that has had, and the Member will be aware of the genesis of it and of how the funding for us to continue it is no longer in place. We will assess the implications of that and, as part of our wider anti-poverty work, take whatever steps we need to in order to make sure that we make the best use of the resources that we have for maximum impact."},{"speaker":"Ms Forsythe","text":"The Minister will be aware that home heating costs are particularly challenging for those who feel the cost-of-living pressures. Will he give an update on the fuel poverty strategy?"},{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"I have said that I will present the fuel poverty strategy by the end of the year, and that is still my intention. We know that, as we head into the winter, the issues become more pressing for people. I am well aware of the costs and difficulties that many people face. I will have the strategy before the Executive by the end of the year, but let us not forget that a strategy by itself does not heat people's homes. That is why, as part of the strategy, I will announce interventions that will help us as we seek to eradicate fuel poverty in Northern Ireland."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202688%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=457769","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-11-17&docID=458629#AQO%202688/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=457769"}},{"id":"457659","reference":"AQW 34724/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-05","answerBy":"2025-11-20","answered":"2025-11-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail how her Department engages with the UK Government to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the Agreement on the Mutual Recognition of Driving Disqualifications Treaty.","answerText":"Mutual recognition of driving disqualifications (MRDD) is an international agreement entered into by the British and Irish Governments, which came into force on 1 August 2017.\n\nMy officials meet with Department of Transport (DfT) officials on a regular basis to discuss Driving Licence matters, including MRDD. Any issues raised are actioned and dealt with in a timely manner.","answerHtml":"Mutual recognition of driving disqualifications (MRDD) is an international agreement entered into by the British and Irish Governments, which came into force on 1 August 2017.
My officials meet with Department of Transport (DfT) officials on a regular basis to discuss Driving Licence matters, including MRDD. Any issues raised are actioned and dealt with in a timely manner.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034724%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=457659","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=457659"}},{"id":"457455","reference":"AQW 34601/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-04","answerBy":"2025-11-19","answered":"2025-11-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how her Department engages with the UK Government to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the Agreement on the Mutual Recognition of Driving Disqualifications Treaty.","answerText":"Mutual recognition of driving disqualifications (MRDD) is an international agreement entered into by the British and Irish Governments, which came into force on 1 August 2017.\n\nMy officials meet with Department of Transport (DfT) officials on a regular basis to discuss Driving Licence matters, including MRDD. I have instructed my officials to raise this issue with DfT.","answerHtml":"Mutual recognition of driving disqualifications (MRDD) is an international agreement entered into by the British and Irish Governments, which came into force on 1 August 2017.
My officials meet with Department of Transport (DfT) officials on a regular basis to discuss Driving Licence matters, including MRDD. I have instructed my officials to raise this issue with DfT.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034601%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=457455","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=457455"}},{"id":"457454","reference":"AQW 34600/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-04","answerBy":"2025-11-19","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health how his Department engages with the Public Health Agency to monitor and evaluate the success of public awareness raising initiatives.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034600%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=457454","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=457454"}},{"id":"457453","reference":"AQW 34599/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-04","answerBy":"2025-11-19","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the public awareness campaigns the Public Health Agency (i) has delivered; and (ii) plans to deliver, in the 2025-26 financial year.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034599%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=457453","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=457453"}},{"id":"457452","reference":"AQW 34598/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-04","answerBy":"2025-11-19","answered":"2025-11-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the total budget allocated to the Public Health Agency for public awareness campaigns in each of the last five years.","answerText":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the total budget allocated to the Public Health Agency for public awareness campaigns in each of the last five years.\n\nDoH budget allocations to PHA for campaign promotional and advertising activity\n£m\n2020/21\t2021/22\t2022/23\t2023/24\t2024/25\n1.2\t1.4\t1.5\t0.5\t0.4\n\nAs part of a drive by all departments to reduce non-essential discretionary spend my department paused campaign advertising campaigns in 2023. Unfortunately, budget pressures have made it necessary that this continued in the following years with the resulting detrimental impacts on our ability to improve public education and awareness on a range of important public health matters.","answerHtml":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the total budget allocated to the Public Health Agency for public awareness campaigns in each of the last five years.
| DoH budget allocations to PHA for campaign promotional and advertising activity £m | ||||
| 2020/21 | 2021/22 | 2022/23 | 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
| 1.2 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 0.4 |
As part of a drive by all departments to reduce non-essential discretionary spend my department paused campaign advertising campaigns in 2023. Unfortunately, budget pressures have made it necessary that this continued in the following years with the resulting detrimental impacts on our ability to improve public education and awareness on a range of important public health matters.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034598%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=457452","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=457452"}},{"id":"457451","reference":"AQW 34597/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-11-04","answerBy":"2025-11-19","answered":"2025-11-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the (i) opening budget; and (ii) year-end budget, of the Public Health Agency in each of the last five years.","answerText":"The opening budget allocation and year end budget allocation to the Public Health Agency in each of the last five years is shown below.\n\nFinancial year\tOpening budget\n£k\tYear-end budget\n£k\n2020-21\t102,710\t117,983\n2021-22\t120,945\t132,685\n2022-23\t121,134\t135,493\n2023-24\t115,388\t138,956\n2024-25\t127,352\t140,962","answerHtml":"The opening budget allocation and year end budget allocation to the Public Health Agency in each of the last five years is shown below.
| Financial year | Opening budget £k | Year-end budget £k |
| 2020-21 | 102,710 | 117,983 |
| 2021-22 | 120,945 | 132,685 |
| 2022-23 | 121,134 | 135,493 |
| 2023-24 | 115,388 | 138,956 |
| 2024-25 | 127,352 | 140,962 |
The ‘Show Us You Care: A Call to Action from Care Experienced Young People’ Report was launched by Voice of Young People in Care (VOYPIC) in Parliament Buildings in October 2025, and several of my officials were in attendance to hear directly from young people who were speaking at the event. The Report reflects their views that the challenges which led to the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care Services are still present, and sets out 12 ‘priority calls to actions’ for policy makers, commissioners, politicians, the media and service providers. These include ensuring safe and stable homes, protecting sibling and wider family relationships, guaranteeing independent advocacy, providing better support for education and mental health, and creating a single children and families agency for Northern Ireland.
My Department is making significant progress on addressing a number of the calls to action set out within the report, through a range of different approaches.
The first call to action focuses on the establishment of a single agency for children and families, as recommended by Professor Ray Jones in his report on the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care Services. VOYPIC played an important role in facilitating the views of young people in the Review, through supporting an ‘Experts by Experience’ group to engage with Professor Jones as he undertook his work. The Justice Minister and I have agreed to work together to identify the steps necessary to establish a Regional Children and Families Authority incorporating children’s social care and youth justice services. The Executive has indicated support for the proposed approach and that work is now underway.
As part of the Reform Programme established to address the challenges which led to the Review, there is a specific focus on enhancing capacity and capability of our residential care provision, in particular through ongoing work to develop a regional strategic plan for children’s residential care. This will in turn ensure we have an estate that serves children across Northern Ireland well, and that every child has a safe place to call home.
In respect of a right to independent advocacy, plans are already in place to introduce statutory independent advocacy services through the phased implementation of the Adoption and Children Act (Northern Ireland) 2022. The Act will also place care planning, and personal education plans, on a statutory basis, contributing to two further calls to action. Finally, and in support of the call to action relating to transitioning from care, the Act will place on a statutory basis the ‘Going the Extra Mile (GEM)’ scheme which allows young people to remain in their foster home beyond their 18th birthday until they reach age 21. The Act will also introduce extended support to care leavers aged 21 to 25, and will introduce a new duty for HSC Trusts to publish information about services which are available to assist care leavers in preparing for adulthood and independent living – the Local Offer for Care Leavers. The Act is being implemented in a phased basis, over a number of years, with implementation subject to the availability of funding.
Actions have also been taken forward under the joint Department of Health / Department of Education Strategy for Looked After Children, ‘A Life Deserved’ to promote positive narratives relating to being in care, addressing the call to action to be proud to those who are looked after or have left care. For example, my Department provides funding for the annual ‘Care Day’ to recognise and celebrate all care experienced children and young people.
More broadly, many of the calls to action are reflective of the 11 building blocks set out in the Northern Ireland Framework for Integrated Therapeutic Care. It has a focus on providing collaborative, individualised, trauma-informed care to meet the assessed needs of each child. The Framework is currently being implemented in residential care settings, but over time it will be expanded to all settings for looked after and care experienced children and young people.
My Department places great importance on working with organisations such as VOYPIC to ensure the voices of children in care and care leavers are heard in issues affecting them. I welcome the publication of Report, and consider that it will make a helpful contribution to further work to improve policies, frameworks and services for these children and young people.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034365%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456653","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456653"}},{"id":"456652","reference":"AQW 34364/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-24","answerBy":"2025-11-10","answered":"2025-11-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether there is a regional approach to protocols relating to domestic and sexual abuse, across Health and Social Care Trusts.","answerText":"There are a number of regional guidance documents providing an operational framework for professionals responding to instances of domestic and sexual abuse;\n\n1. SBNI (Safeguarding Board NI) Regional Policy & Procedures\n\n2. Joint Protocol – Child Abuse Investigations\n\n3. PPANI (Public Protection Arrangements NI) Manual of Practice\n\n4. Joint Protocol – Adult Safeguarding Investigations\n\n5. MARAC (MultiAgency Risk Assessment Conference) Guidance\n\nThese documents are applied consistently across the Health and Social Care Trusts and also provide a framework within which other professional stakeholders respond to reports of domestic and sexual abuse.","answerHtml":"There are a number of regional guidance documents providing an operational framework for professionals responding to instances of domestic and sexual abuse;
1. SBNI (Safeguarding Board NI) Regional Policy & Procedures
2. Joint Protocol – Child Abuse Investigations
3. PPANI (Public Protection Arrangements NI) Manual of Practice
4. Joint Protocol – Adult Safeguarding Investigations
5. MARAC (MultiAgency Risk Assessment Conference) Guidance
These documents are applied consistently across the Health and Social Care Trusts and also provide a framework within which other professional stakeholders respond to reports of domestic and sexual abuse.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034364%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456652","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456652"}},{"id":"456651","reference":"AQW 34363/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-24","answerBy":"2025-11-10","answered":"2025-11-21","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 development of a pilot project for young women who have self-harmed or who are at risk of self-harm, per Theme Four of the Protect Life 2 Implementation Plan 2025-2027.","answerText":"The Public Health Agency (PHA) has scheduled a programme of work to develop a pilot project for young women who have self-harmed or who are at risk of self-harm for the 2026/27 year, subject to funding.\n\nPHA currently fund the Self-Harm Intervention Programme (SHIP) which provides support for those aged 11 years and older who have self-harmed and have needs at Step 2 of the You in Mind care pathway. Health and Social Care Trusts provide services for those requiring support at Step 3 and Step 4.","answerHtml":"The Public Health Agency (PHA) has scheduled a programme of work to develop a pilot project for young women who have self-harmed or who are at risk of self-harm for the 2026/27 year, subject to funding.
PHA currently fund the Self-Harm Intervention Programme (SHIP) which provides support for those aged 11 years and older who have self-harmed and have needs at Step 2 of the You in Mind care pathway. Health and Social Care Trusts provide services for those requiring support at Step 3 and Step 4.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034363%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456651","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456651"}},{"id":"456650","reference":"AQW 34362/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-24","answerBy":"2025-11-10","answered":"2026-01-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities (i) for an update on his Department's Work Psychology Service’s relationship with Lifeline; and (ii) to detail the number of referrals made to Lifeline through the service, in each year since 2020.","answerText":"My Department’s Work Psychology Service has maintained a working relationship with Lifeline for some years for the purpose of enhancing awareness of suicide and self harm for our customer facing staff and to provide direct access to Lifeline’s crisis intervention service for our claimants.\n\nWhilst the Work Psychology Service does not make direct referrals, the Department for Communities has had a process in place to refer vulnerable customers at risk of suicide or self harm to Lifeline since 15 April 2024.\n\nReferrals by year are as follows:\n\n5 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, 14\n\n1 April 2025 to date, 7.","answerHtml":"My Department’s Work Psychology Service has maintained a working relationship with Lifeline for some years for the purpose of enhancing awareness of suicide and self harm for our customer facing staff and to provide direct access to Lifeline’s crisis intervention service for our claimants.
Whilst the Work Psychology Service does not make direct referrals, the Department for Communities has had a process in place to refer vulnerable customers at risk of suicide or self harm to Lifeline since 15 April 2024.
Referrals by year are as follows:
5 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, 14
1 April 2025 to date, 7.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034362%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456650","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456650"}},{"id":"456418","reference":"AQW 34238/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-23","answerBy":"2025-11-07","answered":"2025-11-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of patients in North Down who are registered to receive NHS dental care.","answerText":"The estimated population of the North Down Assembly constituency is 91,800 and with 36,851 registrations at 30 June 2025 (the most recent publicly available statics), the registration rate in the area is 40.1%,\n\nUnder the current contract, dental practitioners have the right to register or not to register a patient as a Health Service patient. To register as a Health Service patient the patient must have a Health Care Number. Children under-18 must be examined as part of the registration process.","answerHtml":"The estimated population of the North Down Assembly constituency is 91,800 and with 36,851 registrations at 30 June 2025 (the most recent publicly available statics), the registration rate in the area is 40.1%,
Under the current contract, dental practitioners have the right to register or not to register a patient as a Health Service patient. To register as a Health Service patient the patient must have a Health Care Number. Children under-18 must be examined as part of the registration process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034238%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456418","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456418"}},{"id":"456417","reference":"AQW 34237/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-23","answerBy":"2025-11-07","answered":"2025-11-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any work his Department is undertaking to improve access to NHS dentists, in North Down.","answerText":"Access to General Dental Services is challenging across Northern Ireland at present and I am aware that some patients, particularly those not currently registered with a dentist are finding it more difficult to obtain an appointment with a Health Service dentist.\n\nGeneral Dental Practitioners (GDPs) are self-employed, independent contractors who are free to choose the amount of HS care they provide, and under the current General Dental Service arrangements, the Department does not have a role in determining the location of dental practices.\n\nIn an effort to improve access for all patients, an additional £7m is being invested in General Dental Services in 2025/26. The investment is funding the continuation of the Enhanced Child Examination Scheme, a 30% enhancement on fees paid to dentists for Health Service fillings, extractions, and root canal treatments, and a further £1.6m allocation to support dental practitioners who continue to provide Health Service dental care for their patients.\n\nIn parallel, the Dental Access Scheme (DAS) continues to provide access for unregistered patients with an urgent or pressing oral health need. Ards and Down falls into the South Eastern Local Commissioning Group (LCG) area. The most recent data shows that 4,159 patients have been seen under DAS in this area up to 30 September 2025.\n\nLonger term, my Department’s Health and Social Care NI three-year plan includes a commitment to develop an action plan and programme of work for the reform of General Dental Services by April 2027.\n\nWhile that work is progressed consideration is being given to other actions which could be taken to improve access to HS dental care for both registered and unregistered patients. This includes the commissioning of a cost-of-service review which will help inform the future direction of General Dental Services.","answerHtml":"Access to General Dental Services is challenging across Northern Ireland at present and I am aware that some patients, particularly those not currently registered with a dentist are finding it more difficult to obtain an appointment with a Health Service dentist.
General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) are self-employed, independent contractors who are free to choose the amount of HS care they provide, and under the current General Dental Service arrangements, the Department does not have a role in determining the location of dental practices.
In an effort to improve access for all patients, an additional £7m is being invested in General Dental Services in 2025/26. The investment is funding the continuation of the Enhanced Child Examination Scheme, a 30% enhancement on fees paid to dentists for Health Service fillings, extractions, and root canal treatments, and a further £1.6m allocation to support dental practitioners who continue to provide Health Service dental care for their patients.
In parallel, the Dental Access Scheme (DAS) continues to provide access for unregistered patients with an urgent or pressing oral health need. Ards and Down falls into the South Eastern Local Commissioning Group (LCG) area. The most recent data shows that 4,159 patients have been seen under DAS in this area up to 30 September 2025.
Longer term, my Department’s Health and Social Care NI three-year plan includes a commitment to develop an action plan and programme of work for the reform of General Dental Services by April 2027.
While that work is progressed consideration is being given to other actions which could be taken to improve access to HS dental care for both registered and unregistered patients. This includes the commissioning of a cost-of-service review which will help inform the future direction of General Dental Services.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034237%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456417","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456417"}},{"id":"456416","reference":"AQW 34236/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-23","answerBy":"2025-11-07","answered":"2025-12-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the rationale as to why CAR T-cell therapy cannot be introduced until a new regional haematology ward based at Belfast City Hospital is opened.","answerText":"The Belfast Trust have confirmed that the current infrastructure and inpatient accommodation at Ward 10 North is not suitable to deliver CAR-T Therapy and this deficiency of environment does not meet the British Society for Haematology and Royal College of Physicians established standards, which are endorsed by NICE. The significant redesign and modernisation of the facility as described in the Outline Business Case for the new Regional Haematology Ward is required in order to remedy these issues and ensure that the BHSCT haematology clinical team is best supported to continue to provide safe, effective and appropriate care to patients requiring complex inpatient treatment.","answerHtml":"The Belfast Trust have confirmed that the current infrastructure and inpatient accommodation at Ward 10 North is not suitable to deliver CAR-T Therapy and this deficiency of environment does not meet the British Society for Haematology and Royal College of Physicians established standards, which are endorsed by NICE. The significant redesign and modernisation of the facility as described in the Outline Business Case for the new Regional Haematology Ward is required in order to remedy these issues and ensure that the BHSCT haematology clinical team is best supported to continue to provide safe, effective and appropriate care to patients requiring complex inpatient treatment.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034236%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456416","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456416"}},{"id":"456415","reference":"AQW 34235/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-23","answerBy":"2025-11-07","answered":"2025-11-03","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 whether the counselling provisions within schools in North Down meets demand.","answerText":"As noted in my previous answer to AQW 34129/22-27, the HOPE post-primary counselling and therapy service is available to all mainstream post-primary schools, EOTAS provisions and special schools that have post-primary aged pupils.\n\nThe Department is not aware of any issues regarding access to this service within schools in North Down.","answerHtml":"As noted in my previous answer to AQW 34129/22-27, the HOPE post-primary counselling and therapy service is available to all mainstream post-primary schools, EOTAS provisions and special schools that have post-primary aged pupils.
The Department is not aware of any issues regarding access to this service within schools in North Down.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034235%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456415","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456415"}},{"id":"456414","reference":"AQW 34234/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-23","answerBy":"2025-11-07","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of the availability of NHS dentists, in North Down.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034234%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456414","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456414"}},{"id":"458312","reference":"AQO 2682/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-23","answerBy":"2025-11-11","answered":"2025-11-12","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 to outline how his proposed Tree Planting Action Plan will help address biodiversity decline and climate change.","answerText":"The management and expansion of our woodlands in Northern Ireland are vital for biodiversity, climate resilience, and community wellbeing. Sustainable forest management and tree planting are central to the Department’s commitment to the climate change and biodiversity challenges.\n\nTaking forward actions identified in the development of the Tree Planting Action Plan will contribute to meeting the objective of 12% forest cover by 2050 and provide greater opportunities to address biodiversity decline and mitigate climate change. The Tree Planting Action Plan will point to the forestry contributions needed to achieve Climate Action Plan targets.\n\nTree planting, particularly with native tree species, helps to address biodiversity decline by restoring degraded habitats, riparian zones, and ancient woodlands. New diverse woodlands support a wide range of flora and fauna, including birds, insects, fungi, and mammals. In establishing new woodlands there is great opportunity to link fragmented habitats, allowing species to migrate, breed, and adapt to environmental changes.\n\nWoodlands and trees sequester carbon and help to mitigate climate change. They contribute to increased climate resilience and provide a sustainable supply of timber, substituting more carbon-intensive products, for example in the housing and construction markets.\n\nI look forward to working with key stakeholders to co-design and develop the Plan and finding innovative ways to encourage and incentivise landowners appropriately to introduce woodland areas as part of their business activities, delivering the biodiversity and wider environmental values for society.","answerHtml":"The management and expansion of our woodlands in Northern Ireland are vital for biodiversity, climate resilience, and community wellbeing. Sustainable forest management and tree planting are central to the Department’s commitment to the climate change and biodiversity challenges.
Taking forward actions identified in the development of the Tree Planting Action Plan will contribute to meeting the objective of 12% forest cover by 2050 and provide greater opportunities to address biodiversity decline and mitigate climate change. The Tree Planting Action Plan will point to the forestry contributions needed to achieve Climate Action Plan targets.
Tree planting, particularly with native tree species, helps to address biodiversity decline by restoring degraded habitats, riparian zones, and ancient woodlands. New diverse woodlands support a wide range of flora and fauna, including birds, insects, fungi, and mammals. In establishing new woodlands there is great opportunity to link fragmented habitats, allowing species to migrate, breed, and adapt to environmental changes.
Woodlands and trees sequester carbon and help to mitigate climate change. They contribute to increased climate resilience and provide a sustainable supply of timber, substituting more carbon-intensive products, for example in the housing and construction markets.
I look forward to working with key stakeholders to co-design and develop the Plan and finding innovative ways to encourage and incentivise landowners appropriately to introduce woodland areas as part of their business activities, delivering the biodiversity and wider environmental values for society.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202682%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=458312","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=458312"}},{"id":"459700","reference":"AQO 2662/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-23","answerBy":"2025-11-10","answered":"2025-11-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Justice","departmentId":"134","minister":"Minister of Justice","question":"To ask the Minister of Justice for an update on the Ending the Harm campaign.","answerText":"AQO 2662 22-27 - ANSWER\n\n‘Ending the Harm’ is a series of public awareness campaigns that highlight the devastating impact of organised crime and paramilitary activity on victims, their families, communities and wider society. The campaign is delivered by the cross-Executive Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime, for which I am lead Minister.\n\nThe current poster campaign specifically highlights a number of ways that paramilitary groups control, coerce and harm communities.\n\nIn December last year independent tracking research was undertaken which showed that this campaign is actively changing perceptions about the harms perpetrated by paramilitary gangs in Northern Ireland. Eighty-nine percent of respondents said that they fully supported what the campaign was saying and trying to do.\n\nLast month a new iteration of the posters was launched which, for the first time, now explicitly references ‘Criminal Gangs’ as well as ‘Paramilitaries’, acknowledging the diverse perspectives on how such organisations are described.\n\nIt continues to exceed expectations online, with the latest data showing campaign engagement is nearly five times higher than the industry average and delivering exceptional value for money. People are not only seeing the message, they’re clicking and watching the videos, showing that the campaign message continues to connect with the public.\n\nThe posters are being displayed across a wide range of outdoor advertising sites as well as featuring online and on social media.","answerHtml":"AQO 2662 22-27 - ANSWER
‘Ending the Harm’ is a series of public awareness campaigns that highlight the devastating impact of organised crime and paramilitary activity on victims, their families, communities and wider society. The campaign is delivered by the cross-Executive Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime, for which I am lead Minister.
The current poster campaign specifically highlights a number of ways that paramilitary groups control, coerce and harm communities.
In December last year independent tracking research was undertaken which showed that this campaign is actively changing perceptions about the harms perpetrated by paramilitary gangs in Northern Ireland. Eighty-nine percent of respondents said that they fully supported what the campaign was saying and trying to do.
Last month a new iteration of the posters was launched which, for the first time, now explicitly references ‘Criminal Gangs’ as well as ‘Paramilitaries’, acknowledging the diverse perspectives on how such organisations are described.
It continues to exceed expectations online, with the latest data showing campaign engagement is nearly five times higher than the industry average and delivering exceptional value for money. People are not only seeing the message, they’re clicking and watching the videos, showing that the campaign message continues to connect with the public.
The posters are being displayed across a wide range of outdoor advertising sites as well as featuring online and on social media.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202662%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=459700","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=459700"}},{"id":"456197","reference":"AQW 34130/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-22","answerBy":"2025-11-06","answered":"2025-11-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any support his Department gives to post-primary schools, on supporting children who return to school after juvenile detention.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) provides coordinated reintegration support for post-primary pupils transitioning back to mainstream education following a juvenile justice placement. This support includes multi-agency planning and may involve EA’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) Local Impact Teams (LIT) through a formal request for involvement. Pupils may also access placements in full-time or partnership Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) centres, alongside tailored transition programmes to support a positive and successful return to mainstream education.\n\nSummary of EA Support Services:\n\nMulti-Agency Collaborative Planning: A team of professionals, including external agencies, works together to support the pupil’s reintegration into their registered school.\n\nRisk Reduction Action Plan (RRAP): Advice and guidance on the development of a Risk Reduction Action Plan (RRAP) and other relevant education plans for the returning pupil\n\nRequest for Involvement: Guidance for school staff on the submission of a Request for Involvement for support from the pupil’s LIT, which may include transition support.\n\nParent/Carer Support: Signposting to relevant services and supports for families.\n\nHOPE Counselling Service: Available to all post-primary pupils in mainstream, special or EOTAS requiring emotional support on request.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) provides coordinated reintegration support for post-primary pupils transitioning back to mainstream education following a juvenile justice placement. This support includes multi-agency planning and may involve EA’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) Local Impact Teams (LIT) through a formal request for involvement. Pupils may also access placements in full-time or partnership Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) centres, alongside tailored transition programmes to support a positive and successful return to mainstream education.
Summary of EA Support Services:
Multi-Agency Collaborative Planning: A team of professionals, including external agencies, works together to support the pupil’s reintegration into their registered school.
Risk Reduction Action Plan (RRAP): Advice and guidance on the development of a Risk Reduction Action Plan (RRAP) and other relevant education plans for the returning pupil
Request for Involvement: Guidance for school staff on the submission of a Request for Involvement for support from the pupil’s LIT, which may include transition support.
Parent/Carer Support: Signposting to relevant services and supports for families.
HOPE Counselling Service: Available to all post-primary pupils in mainstream, special or EOTAS requiring emotional support on request.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034130%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456197","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456197"}},{"id":"456196","reference":"AQW 34129/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-22","answerBy":"2025-11-06","answered":"2025-10-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether his Department offers any specialist counselling services to children in education settings, who have engaged with the justice system.","answerText":"The Department does not offer counselling provision specifically for those who have engaged with the justice system.\n\nThe HOPE post-primary counselling and therapy service is available to all mainstream post-primary schools, EOTAS provisions and special schools that have post-primary aged pupils.","answerHtml":"The Department does not offer counselling provision specifically for those who have engaged with the justice system.
The HOPE post-primary counselling and therapy service is available to all mainstream post-primary schools, EOTAS provisions and special schools that have post-primary aged pupils.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034129%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=456196","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=456196"}},{"id":"455962","reference":"AQW 34026/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-21","answerBy":"2025-11-05","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail what work his Department is undertaking to support teenagers in care, to transition to independent living.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034026%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455962","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455962"}},{"id":"455961","reference":"AQW 34025/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-21","answerBy":"2025-11-05","answered":"2025-11-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any research his Department has completed on victims of domestic and sexual abuse experiencing self-harm and self-harm ideation.","answerText":"The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy (2024-2031) acknowledges the profound impact of domestic and sexual abuse on victims. Its pillars are designed to tackle domestic and sexual abuse, ensuring victims are supported, perpetrators are held to account and society works together to make abuse unacceptable.\n\nA key priority area for the Strategy is to inform policy, legislation and service development with better quality data, research and shared learning. As we progress delivery of the Strategy, we will consider how we can improve data capture and analysis including what local research could be commissioned, to both gauge the effectiveness of our interventions and inform future policy and provision.\n\nThe Lifeline 24 hour crisis helpline, which is available for anyone in distress or despair in Northern Ireland can also provide data where the main presenting issue recorded is related to domestic violence.","answerHtml":"The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy (2024-2031) acknowledges the profound impact of domestic and sexual abuse on victims. Its pillars are designed to tackle domestic and sexual abuse, ensuring victims are supported, perpetrators are held to account and society works together to make abuse unacceptable.
A key priority area for the Strategy is to inform policy, legislation and service development with better quality data, research and shared learning. As we progress delivery of the Strategy, we will consider how we can improve data capture and analysis including what local research could be commissioned, to both gauge the effectiveness of our interventions and inform future policy and provision.
The Lifeline 24 hour crisis helpline, which is available for anyone in distress or despair in Northern Ireland can also provide data where the main presenting issue recorded is related to domestic violence.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034025%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455961","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455961"}},{"id":"455960","reference":"AQW 34024/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-21","answerBy":"2025-11-05","answered":"2025-12-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of whether the capacity of contact centres is meeting demand, in each Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"Each Health and Social Care Trust holds the contract responsibility for child contact centres within their locality.\n\nThese contact centres are utilised to enable children and young people to share safe quality time with parents or significant people in their lives.\n\nEach HSCT has advised that their current contractual arrangements are meeting the demand, exemplified by minimal waiting lists across the region.\n\nOn this basis it is considered that the contact centres currently available, do meet the demand within each Health and Social Care Trust.","answerHtml":"Each Health and Social Care Trust holds the contract responsibility for child contact centres within their locality.
These contact centres are utilised to enable children and young people to share safe quality time with parents or significant people in their lives.
Each HSCT has advised that their current contractual arrangements are meeting the demand, exemplified by minimal waiting lists across the region.
On this basis it is considered that the contact centres currently available, do meet the demand within each Health and Social Care Trust.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034024%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455960","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455960"}},{"id":"455959","reference":"AQW 34023/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-21","answerBy":"2025-11-05","answered":"2025-11-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether osteoporosis will be included as part of the Women’s Health Action Plan.","answerText":"I am aware that women are much more prone to osteoporosis than men, due to a combination of biological, hormonal, and lifestyle factors and particularly after menopause due to hormonal changes. NI Direct provides a useful information source for any person seeking information on osteoporosis at www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/osteoporosis which includes advice on prevention and treatment options.\n\nMy officials are continuing to actively develop the Women’s Health Action Plan. The plan will not include actions on every health condition faced by women, but it will aim to ensure that women are informed about the risk factors and management of certain conditions throughout the course of their life.","answerHtml":"I am aware that women are much more prone to osteoporosis than men, due to a combination of biological, hormonal, and lifestyle factors and particularly after menopause due to hormonal changes. NI Direct provides a useful information source for any person seeking information on osteoporosis at www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/osteoporosis which includes advice on prevention and treatment options.
My officials are continuing to actively develop the Women’s Health Action Plan. The plan will not include actions on every health condition faced by women, but it will aim to ensure that women are informed about the risk factors and management of certain conditions throughout the course of their life.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034023%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455959","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455959"}},{"id":"455958","reference":"AQW 34022/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-21","answerBy":"2025-11-05","answered":"2025-11-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has commissioned any research into the correlation between menopause and osteoporosis.","answerText":"The Department is aware of extensive existing research evidence around menopause and osteoporosis and related NICE recommendations.\n\nThe Health and Social Care (HSC) Research & Development (R&D) Division within the Public Health Agency are responsible for the administration of the Department’s budgetary allocation for Research & Development, including support for research offices in each of the acute Trusts.\n\nThe HSC R&D have not specifically commissioned any research into the correlation between menopause and osteoporosis. Rather, they provide funding for infrastructure, including the NI Clinical Research Network (NICRN) and Clinical Research Facility (NICRF), which supports researchers to carry out work in various disease areas.\n\nIn addition, my Department makes a financial contribution to the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), which funds research into a wide range of conditions, including the menopause and osteoporosis. NI researchers are eligible to apply to NIHR for funding to carry out research in this and other areas.","answerHtml":"The Department is aware of extensive existing research evidence around menopause and osteoporosis and related NICE recommendations.
The Health and Social Care (HSC) Research & Development (R&D) Division within the Public Health Agency are responsible for the administration of the Department’s budgetary allocation for Research & Development, including support for research offices in each of the acute Trusts.
The HSC R&D have not specifically commissioned any research into the correlation between menopause and osteoporosis. Rather, they provide funding for infrastructure, including the NI Clinical Research Network (NICRN) and Clinical Research Facility (NICRF), which supports researchers to carry out work in various disease areas.
In addition, my Department makes a financial contribution to the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), which funds research into a wide range of conditions, including the menopause and osteoporosis. NI researchers are eligible to apply to NIHR for funding to carry out research in this and other areas.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2034022%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455958","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455958"}},{"id":"455686","reference":"AQW 33905/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-20","answerBy":"2025-11-04","answered":"2025-10-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether his Department issues guidance to post-primary schools, in relation to readmittance into year 13 and year 14, on the basis of GCSE and AS Level results.","answerText":"Admission onto a course of post-16 study is a matter for Boards of Governors of individual schools and my Department does not provide guidance in respect of Year 13 admission.\n\nHowever, once pupils are enrolled on a two-year course of study, my Department expects schools to support sixth-form students at every stage of their learning journey. In 2024 my Department wrote to schools to highlight the expectation that schools make every reasonable effort to ensure that pupils can wherever possible remain in their school for Year 14 and are supported to complete their studies over two years as originally planned.","answerHtml":"Admission onto a course of post-16 study is a matter for Boards of Governors of individual schools and my Department does not provide guidance in respect of Year 13 admission.
However, once pupils are enrolled on a two-year course of study, my Department expects schools to support sixth-form students at every stage of their learning journey. In 2024 my Department wrote to schools to highlight the expectation that schools make every reasonable effort to ensure that pupils can wherever possible remain in their school for Year 14 and are supported to complete their studies over two years as originally planned.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033905%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455686","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455686"}},{"id":"455685","reference":"AQW 33904/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-20","answerBy":"2025-11-04","answered":"2025-10-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether his Department monitors the number of pupils who are refused entry into year 13 and year 14 by their post-primary school, due to GCSE and AS Level results criteria.","answerText":"My Department does not hold or monitor this information.","answerHtml":"My Department does not hold or monitor this information.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033904%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455685","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455685"}},{"id":"455684","reference":"AQW 33903/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-20","answerBy":"2025-11-04","answered":"2025-11-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail a timeline for his Department's review of the consultation responses on the Final Report of Regional Review of Neurology Services.","answerText":"My Department undertook a consultation on the report of the Regional Review of Neurology from 07 May 2025 to 06 August 2025. To support engagement and promote participation in the consultation, a series of in-person and online events were held.\n\nNow that the consultation has closed, my officials are currently reviewing both the written responses received and feedback obtained at the engagement events. I expect this work to be completed in the coming weeks. It is intended that this consultation analysis will then inform the development of an implementation plan.","answerHtml":"My Department undertook a consultation on the report of the Regional Review of Neurology from 07 May 2025 to 06 August 2025. To support engagement and promote participation in the consultation, a series of in-person and online events were held.
Now that the consultation has closed, my officials are currently reviewing both the written responses received and feedback obtained at the engagement events. I expect this work to be completed in the coming weeks. It is intended that this consultation analysis will then inform the development of an implementation plan.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033903%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455684","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455684"}},{"id":"455683","reference":"AQW 33902/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-20","answerBy":"2025-11-04","answered":"2025-10-23","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 how his Department is supporting those living with multiple sclerosis.","answerText":"Services for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are provided as part of wider Neurology services in each Trust area. There has been detailed engagement with the clinical teams in each Trust over the past number of years with a view to improving the care and treatment available for people with this condition. As part of this engagement, a Service Specification was developed, consistent with NICE Clinical Guidelines, which sets out the requirements for delivering a multi-disciplinary service consistently across the region.\n\nThe priorities that were identified from the Service Specification were for all Trusts to have dedicated clinics for people with MS, for each Trust to have dedicated MS nursing staff and for the capacity to be available in each Trust to allow infusion delivered disease modifying treatments (DMTs) to be available locally.\n\nInvestments were made over a number of years and each of these priority objectives have been achieved. Colleagues from DoH work closely with HSC Trusts each year to consider the requirements associated with the increasing number of people with MS who are on DMTs. Over £20m is invested across the region in supporting the provision of approved drug treatments to eligible patients.\n\nWhen I published the HSC Reset Plan in July 2025, the commitments in the plan were to\n\nStabilise the HSC system,\n\nDrive forward our system Reform, and\n\nIncrease and improve how we Deliver our services\n\nWhilst not specifically referred to in the plan, I acknowledge that the current new and review waiting times for neurology and wider support services are lengthy and growing for adults across Northern Ireland. This situation has arisen due to several factors, including funding that falls short of objectively assessed need and previous missed opportunities to reform health and social care delivery. I am committed as part of the process to reset services, to addressing this, subject to available funding.\n\nAs part of a process to consider the wider pressures on neurology services, the Department commissioned a Regional Review of Neurology Services. The review was tasked with considering the optimum service configuration for neurology services for the next 10-15 years. The final report of the Neurology Review was published as part of a consultation exercise in May 2025.\n\nA series of consultation events were held over the summer months and the Review Team are now in the process of considering the input received from the consultation events and from responses received on the report before considering next steps. Progress on taking forward the agreed priorities set out in the report will be subject to available funding.","answerHtml":"Services for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are provided as part of wider Neurology services in each Trust area. There has been detailed engagement with the clinical teams in each Trust over the past number of years with a view to improving the care and treatment available for people with this condition. As part of this engagement, a Service Specification was developed, consistent with NICE Clinical Guidelines, which sets out the requirements for delivering a multi-disciplinary service consistently across the region.
The priorities that were identified from the Service Specification were for all Trusts to have dedicated clinics for people with MS, for each Trust to have dedicated MS nursing staff and for the capacity to be available in each Trust to allow infusion delivered disease modifying treatments (DMTs) to be available locally.
Investments were made over a number of years and each of these priority objectives have been achieved. Colleagues from DoH work closely with HSC Trusts each year to consider the requirements associated with the increasing number of people with MS who are on DMTs. Over £20m is invested across the region in supporting the provision of approved drug treatments to eligible patients.
When I published the HSC Reset Plan in July 2025, the commitments in the plan were to
Stabilise the HSC system,
Drive forward our system Reform, and
Increase and improve how we Deliver our services
Whilst not specifically referred to in the plan, I acknowledge that the current new and review waiting times for neurology and wider support services are lengthy and growing for adults across Northern Ireland. This situation has arisen due to several factors, including funding that falls short of objectively assessed need and previous missed opportunities to reform health and social care delivery. I am committed as part of the process to reset services, to addressing this, subject to available funding.
As part of a process to consider the wider pressures on neurology services, the Department commissioned a Regional Review of Neurology Services. The review was tasked with considering the optimum service configuration for neurology services for the next 10-15 years. The final report of the Neurology Review was published as part of a consultation exercise in May 2025.
A series of consultation events were held over the summer months and the Review Team are now in the process of considering the input received from the consultation events and from responses received on the report before considering next steps. Progress on taking forward the agreed priorities set out in the report will be subject to available funding.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033902%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455683","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455683"}},{"id":"455682","reference":"AQW 33901/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-20","answerBy":"2025-11-04","answered":"2025-10-28","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 orthodontist provision in North Down.","answerText":"All general dental practitioners in Northern Ireland can provide orthodontic treatment under the General Dental Services contract without a specialist qualification.\n\nA number of high street specialist orthodontic practices are located across Northern Ireland, with one such practice with four specialist orthodontic dentists located in Bangor, County Down, listed below.\n\nHSC Dentists at specialist orthodontic practices at 30 June 2025 in North Down Assembly Area\n\nDental Practice\tPractice Address\tDentist Name\nBANGOR ORTHODONTICS\t2 BINGHAM LANE, BANGOR, BT20 5DR\tMS J A FINLAY\nMR CONOR ARMSTRONG\nMR KARL GRIMES\nMR PETER TURNER\n\nAcross Northern Ireland there are an additional 24 specialist orthodontic practices. Patients can be referred by their general dental practitioner to any of these specialist practices.\n\nFurthermore, there are Dentists with Enhanced Skills in Orthodontics who provide orthodontic treatment in non-specialist practices, however none of these have made arrangements with the SPPG to provide orthodontic treatments at any of the dental practices in the North Down Assembly Area.\n\nI am aware that there has been in increase in waiting times for orthodontic treatment through specialist practices due to increased demand for treatment and the small number of specialists who are working in practice.\n\nSustainability of the orthodontic workforce is influenced by a number of factors including the available dental workforce. There are currently a number of Dental Core Trainees working within orthodontic specialty in the School of Dentistry, Belfast.\n\nAs of September 2025, there are two orthodontic specialist trainees in post completing the consultant training pathway. In recent years the School of Dentistry has been unable to support orthodontic specialty trainees seeking to complete qualification for entry to the orthodontic Specialist List due to lack of capacity within the consultant team to support the programme.\n\nThe Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency are actively exploring innovative solutions to support orthodontic provision in Northern Ireland. This includes the establishment of a Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy, which began in June 2025, for the first time in Northern Ireland. Orthodontic therapists carry out a range of orthodontic treatment, under the direction of an orthodontist or dentist, as part of skill mix team in specialist practice.","answerHtml":"All general dental practitioners in Northern Ireland can provide orthodontic treatment under the General Dental Services contract without a specialist qualification.
A number of high street specialist orthodontic practices are located across Northern Ireland, with one such practice with four specialist orthodontic dentists located in Bangor, County Down, listed below.
HSC Dentists at specialist orthodontic practices at 30 June 2025 in North Down Assembly Area
| Dental Practice | Practice Address | Dentist Name |
| BANGOR ORTHODONTICS | 2 BINGHAM LANE, BANGOR, BT20 5DR | MS J A FINLAY |
| MR CONOR ARMSTRONG | ||
| MR KARL GRIMES | ||
| MR PETER TURNER | ||
Across Northern Ireland there are an additional 24 specialist orthodontic practices. Patients can be referred by their general dental practitioner to any of these specialist practices.
Furthermore, there are Dentists with Enhanced Skills in Orthodontics who provide orthodontic treatment in non-specialist practices, however none of these have made arrangements with the SPPG to provide orthodontic treatments at any of the dental practices in the North Down Assembly Area.
I am aware that there has been in increase in waiting times for orthodontic treatment through specialist practices due to increased demand for treatment and the small number of specialists who are working in practice.
Sustainability of the orthodontic workforce is influenced by a number of factors including the available dental workforce. There are currently a number of Dental Core Trainees working within orthodontic specialty in the School of Dentistry, Belfast.
As of September 2025, there are two orthodontic specialist trainees in post completing the consultant training pathway. In recent years the School of Dentistry has been unable to support orthodontic specialty trainees seeking to complete qualification for entry to the orthodontic Specialist List due to lack of capacity within the consultant team to support the programme.
The Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency are actively exploring innovative solutions to support orthodontic provision in Northern Ireland. This includes the establishment of a Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy, which began in June 2025, for the first time in Northern Ireland. Orthodontic therapists carry out a range of orthodontic treatment, under the direction of an orthodontist or dentist, as part of skill mix team in specialist practice.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033901%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455682","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455682"}},{"id":"455439","reference":"AQW 33817/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-17","answerBy":"2025-10-22","answered":"2025-10-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for a timescale for the installation of the planned pedestrian crossing on the A2 East Circular Road, near St Columbanus’ College, Bangor.","answerText":"Road safety continues to be a priority for my Department to ensure that all road users can travel safely and with confidence. I am acutely aware that children and young people are amongst the most vulnerable groups using our roads, especially near our schools.\n\nI can confirm a new controlled pedestrian crossing on the A2 East Circular Road, Bangor, has been programmed for this financial year and will be completed as soon as resources are available.","answerHtml":"Road safety continues to be a priority for my Department to ensure that all road users can travel safely and with confidence. I am acutely aware that children and young people are amongst the most vulnerable groups using our roads, especially near our schools.
I can confirm a new controlled pedestrian crossing on the A2 East Circular Road, Bangor, has been programmed for this financial year and will be completed as soon as resources are available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033817%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455439","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455439"}},{"id":"455438","reference":"AQW 33816/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-17","answerBy":"2025-11-03","answered":"2025-10-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the work his Department has undertaken to increase the safety of children on their journey to school, since the beginning of the 2022-27 Assembly mandate.","answerText":"I consider the safety of pupils travelling to and from school of paramount importance. I am keen to explore any measures that my department or the Education Authority (EA) could introduce to improve the safety of school children and I met with the Minister for Infrastructure and the EA at the start of September to discuss this issue. We reviewed the current safety measures on school buses, such as special lighting that alerts other motorists to exercise caution. We discussed ways to refresh and reinforce this messaging and the EA has used its social media channels to draw attention to the ‘Jack and Jill’ lights on its buses and their purpose to alert drivers that children are getting on or off the bus.\n\nI am committed to working with partner agencies to further inform the development of policy and legislation surrounding transport of children to school and my Department participates at a senior level in the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) led Road Safety Strategic Forum. This forum brings different Departments and road safety partners together to consider actions and ensure the delivery of the Northern Ireland Road Safety Strategy to 2030.\n\nThe EA operational responsibility for the delivery of school transport lies with the EA. It is also committed to working with partner agencies and it supports DfI and Translink’s road safety campaigns by encouraging schools to follow the DfI road safety guidance available online, offering additional Safe School Transport information on its website and it regularly shares safety information through its social media channels. The EA recently produced an educational video for pupils with special educational needs who travel on EA buses which highlights ways in which they can be safe on their journey to school and the importance of using seatbelts. Special Educational Needs (SEN) Transport Information and FAQ’s | Education Authority Northern Ireland\n\nRoad safety education provision within schools also has an important role in developing children and young people’s attitudes and behaviours to become safer road users and the school curriculum provides opportunities for teachers to cover the issue of road safety at primary and post-primary level.","answerHtml":"I consider the safety of pupils travelling to and from school of paramount importance. I am keen to explore any measures that my department or the Education Authority (EA) could introduce to improve the safety of school children and I met with the Minister for Infrastructure and the EA at the start of September to discuss this issue. We reviewed the current safety measures on school buses, such as special lighting that alerts other motorists to exercise caution. We discussed ways to refresh and reinforce this messaging and the EA has used its social media channels to draw attention to the ‘Jack and Jill’ lights on its buses and their purpose to alert drivers that children are getting on or off the bus.
I am committed to working with partner agencies to further inform the development of policy and legislation surrounding transport of children to school and my Department participates at a senior level in the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) led Road Safety Strategic Forum. This forum brings different Departments and road safety partners together to consider actions and ensure the delivery of the Northern Ireland Road Safety Strategy to 2030.
The EA operational responsibility for the delivery of school transport lies with the EA. It is also committed to working with partner agencies and it supports DfI and Translink’s road safety campaigns by encouraging schools to follow the DfI road safety guidance available online, offering additional Safe School Transport information on its website and it regularly shares safety information through its social media channels. The EA recently produced an educational video for pupils with special educational needs who travel on EA buses which highlights ways in which they can be safe on their journey to school and the importance of using seatbelts. Special Educational Needs (SEN) Transport Information and FAQ’s | Education Authority Northern Ireland
Road safety education provision within schools also has an important role in developing children and young people’s attitudes and behaviours to become safer road users and the school curriculum provides opportunities for teachers to cover the issue of road safety at primary and post-primary level.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033816%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455438","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455438"}},{"id":"455437","reference":"AQW 33815/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-17","answerBy":"2025-11-03","answered":"2025-11-04","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 re-commencement of the Home to School Transport Review.","answerText":"A review of the Home to School Transport Policy was initiated by DE in 2018; however, this process was paused by the then Minister due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently suspended pending the outcome of the Independent Review of Education.\n\nThe transport policy is extensive in scope and affects a significant number of families, with over 90,000 pupils availing of free school transport each day. It underpins other departmental policies, including school attendance, and provides essential support for many pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Any amendments to the policy criteria have the potential to substantially increase or decrease the number of pupils eligible for free transport. Therefore, any such proposals must be carefully considered within the framework of a full policy review to assess their impact on children and families and to establish the associated financial implications.\n\nI am committed to improving school transport and I want to carry out a review of the transport policy as I feel many of its outworkings can provide challenges and frustrations for parents. Currently, my officials are conducting a scoping exercise to examine key aspects of school transport where improvement is needed. The cost of delivering school transport is considerable, exceeding £120 million in the 2023/24 financial year and due to significant budgetary constraints currently facing the education sector, any policy proposals which may increase the numbers eligible for transport must be carefully evaluated for affordability. My decision on the timing of a comprehensive review of the DE transport policy will be made within the broader strategic and financial context.","answerHtml":"A review of the Home to School Transport Policy was initiated by DE in 2018; however, this process was paused by the then Minister due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently suspended pending the outcome of the Independent Review of Education.
The transport policy is extensive in scope and affects a significant number of families, with over 90,000 pupils availing of free school transport each day. It underpins other departmental policies, including school attendance, and provides essential support for many pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Any amendments to the policy criteria have the potential to substantially increase or decrease the number of pupils eligible for free transport. Therefore, any such proposals must be carefully considered within the framework of a full policy review to assess their impact on children and families and to establish the associated financial implications.
I am committed to improving school transport and I want to carry out a review of the transport policy as I feel many of its outworkings can provide challenges and frustrations for parents. Currently, my officials are conducting a scoping exercise to examine key aspects of school transport where improvement is needed. The cost of delivering school transport is considerable, exceeding £120 million in the 2023/24 financial year and due to significant budgetary constraints currently facing the education sector, any policy proposals which may increase the numbers eligible for transport must be carefully evaluated for affordability. My decision on the timing of a comprehensive review of the DE transport policy will be made within the broader strategic and financial context.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033815%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455437","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455437"}},{"id":"455436","reference":"AQW 33814/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-17","answerBy":"2025-11-03","answered":"2025-10-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils with a statement of special education needs in North Down who rely on taxi provision to get to school.","answerText":"The Education Authority is responsible for the operation and delivery of school transport and it has advised that according to its records, 196 pupils with a statement of special educational needs currently avail of home to school transport by taxi to schools in the Ards and North Down council area.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority is responsible for the operation and delivery of school transport and it has advised that according to its records, 196 pupils with a statement of special educational needs currently avail of home to school transport by taxi to schools in 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%2033814%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455436","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455436"}},{"id":"455435","reference":"AQW 33813/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-17","answerBy":"2025-11-03","answered":"2025-11-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether his Department has any plans to work with the Education Authority to review the exceptional circumstances policy regarding home to school transport.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) is responsible for determining a pupil's eligibility for transport assistance in line with the Department of Education’s Home to School Transport Policy. The policy allows the EA to consider whether transport assistance should be provided in cases which fall outside the criteria where there are exceptional circumstances, but it states that such cases should be, by their very nature, exceptional.\n\nThe EA has published an Exceptional Circumstances Policy and it provides clear guidance for parents on its Transport Appeals process, which include examples of circumstances that may be considered exceptional and those which may not. Because exceptional circumstances are unique, the list of examples is not definitive and the EA must assess each case individually and consider the evidence provided by parents to determine if transport assistance should be provided.\n\nThe decisions made under the Transport Appeals process may be subject to legal scrutiny and the EA’s Exceptional Circumstances Policy and published guidance ensure that it is transparent and consistent in applying the process. I am content that the EA Transport Appeals process operates in line with the requirements of the current DE Home to School Transport Policy.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) is responsible for determining a pupil's eligibility for transport assistance in line with the Department of Education’s Home to School Transport Policy. The policy allows the EA to consider whether transport assistance should be provided in cases which fall outside the criteria where there are exceptional circumstances, but it states that such cases should be, by their very nature, exceptional.
The EA has published an Exceptional Circumstances Policy and it provides clear guidance for parents on its Transport Appeals process, which include examples of circumstances that may be considered exceptional and those which may not. Because exceptional circumstances are unique, the list of examples is not definitive and the EA must assess each case individually and consider the evidence provided by parents to determine if transport assistance should be provided.
The decisions made under the Transport Appeals process may be subject to legal scrutiny and the EA’s Exceptional Circumstances Policy and published guidance ensure that it is transparent and consistent in applying the process. I am content that the EA Transport Appeals process operates in line with the requirements of the current DE Home to School Transport Policy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033813%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455435","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455435"}},{"id":"455251","reference":"AQW 33712/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-16","answerBy":"2025-10-21","answered":"2025-11-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail why the Hardship Fund for community organisations is not being administered in this financial year.","answerText":"Due to my Department’s constrained financial position for 2024/25 and 2025/26, it has not been possible to continue this funding.","answerHtml":"Due to my Department’s constrained financial position for 2024/25 and 2025/26, it has not been possible to continue this funding.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033712%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455251","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455251"}},{"id":"455250","reference":"AQW 33711/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-16","answerBy":"2025-10-31","answered":"2025-10-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether his Department has engaged with Translink and the Education Authority, to ensure school transport aligns more accurately with the post-primary academic calendar.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) is responsible for the operation and delivery of school transport and it maintains regular contact with Translink regarding the alignment of school transport for the start of the new school year.\n\nAll home to school transport services, including those operated by Translink, commence operation on 1st September each year. Individual schools are responsible for determining their own calendar, however the EA writes to each school in February/March to inform them of the non-operational dates for the following academic year and to remind them that home to school transport services do not commence until 1st September.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) is responsible for the operation and delivery of school transport and it maintains regular contact with Translink regarding the alignment of school transport for the start of the new school year.
All home to school transport services, including those operated by Translink, commence operation on 1st September each year. Individual schools are responsible for determining their own calendar, however the EA writes to each school in February/March to inform them of the non-operational dates for the following academic year and to remind them that home to school transport services do not commence until 1st September.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033711%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455250","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455250"}},{"id":"455249","reference":"AQW 33710/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-16","answerBy":"2025-10-31","answered":"2025-11-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail what support his Department can offer community organisations or council-owned spaces that suffer substantial property damage.","answerText":"The Scheme of Emergency Financial Assistance (SEFA) is available to provide financial support to councils in the event of an emergency.\n\nSEFA flooding and non-flooding schemes may cover the cost of materials used for urgent repairs to council-owned buildings or amenities. However, they do not fund improvements beyond restoring the original condition.","answerHtml":"The Scheme of Emergency Financial Assistance (SEFA) is available to provide financial support to councils in the event of an emergency.
SEFA flooding and non-flooding schemes may cover the cost of materials used for urgent repairs to council-owned buildings or amenities. However, they do not fund improvements beyond restoring the original condition.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033710%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455249","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455249"}},{"id":"455248","reference":"AQW 33709/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-16","answerBy":"2025-10-31","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to outline whether his Department has issued any advice to post-primary schools on voluntary contributions.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033709%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455248","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455248"}},{"id":"455247","reference":"AQW 33708/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-16","answerBy":"2025-10-31","answered":"2025-10-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail whether his Department monitors what post-primary schools, set as their voluntary contribution.","answerText":"Under current legislation, voluntary contributions are a matter for Boards of Governors. For this reason, neither the Education Authority nor my Department monitors what schools set as their voluntary contributions recommended to parents.\n\nOn 2 September 2025 my Department issued Circular 2025-10 Charges in grant aided schools to schools. This replaced circular 1991/21 and is consistent with the relevant legislation. The circular draws attention to Chapter 18 of the Governors Guide which sets out the schools’ legal responsibilities with regards school fees, charges, remissions and voluntary contributions.\n\nWhile current legislation permits Boards of Governors to seek voluntary contributions from parents / guardians, any request must make it clear that: there is no obligation to contribute; and registered pupils at the school will not be treated differently according to whether or not their parents/guardians have made a contribution.","answerHtml":"Under current legislation, voluntary contributions are a matter for Boards of Governors. For this reason, neither the Education Authority nor my Department monitors what schools set as their voluntary contributions recommended to parents.
On 2 September 2025 my Department issued Circular 2025-10 Charges in grant aided schools to schools. This replaced circular 1991/21 and is consistent with the relevant legislation. The circular draws attention to Chapter 18 of the Governors Guide which sets out the schools’ legal responsibilities with regards school fees, charges, remissions and voluntary contributions.
While current legislation permits Boards of Governors to seek voluntary contributions from parents / guardians, any request must make it clear that: there is no obligation to contribute; and registered pupils at the school will not be treated differently according to whether or not their parents/guardians have made a contribution.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033708%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=455247","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=455247"}},{"id":"454837","reference":"AQW 33511/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-14","answerBy":"2025-10-29","answered":"2025-11-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) whether her Department engages with the British Parking Association; and (ii) for her assessment of whether private parking enforcement firms in Northern Ireland adhere to the British Parking Association's Code of Practice.","answerText":"My Department regularly engages with the British Parking Association (BPA) to discuss parking matters and potential new parking initiatives.\n\nMy Department has no responsibility for the regulation of private car parks, however, any organisation that operates parking on private land and requests keeper details from the DVLA must be approved by an Accredited Trade Association such as the Approved Operator Scheme (AOS) managed by the British Parking Association. Members of this scheme must adhere to the BPA AOS Code of Practice for the control and enforcement of parking on private land and unregulated public car parks.","answerHtml":"My Department regularly engages with the British Parking Association (BPA) to discuss parking matters and potential new parking initiatives.
My Department has no responsibility for the regulation of private car parks, however, any organisation that operates parking on private land and requests keeper details from the DVLA must be approved by an Accredited Trade Association such as the Approved Operator Scheme (AOS) managed by the British Parking Association. Members of this scheme must adhere to the BPA AOS Code of Practice for the control and enforcement of parking on private land and unregulated public car parks.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033511%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=454837","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=454837"}},{"id":"454836","reference":"AQW 33510/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-14","answerBy":"2025-10-29","answered":"2025-11-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail whether her Department plans to regulate private parking firms, operating in Northern Ireland, before the end of the 2022-27 Assembly mandate.","answerText":"Whilst my Department is responsible for on-street parking enforcement, it has no responsibility for the regulation of private car parks.","answerHtml":"Whilst my Department is responsible for on-street parking enforcement, it has no responsibility for the regulation of private car parks.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033510%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=454836","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=454836"}},{"id":"454835","reference":"AQW 33509/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-14","answerBy":"2025-10-29","answered":"2025-10-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail an update on any preparatory work his Department has undertaken, in anticipation of the closure of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.","answerText":"The Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) is delivered and managed directly by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) with no partnership role for the Executive. The SPF is scheduled to conclude on 31 March 2026, with no direct successor scheme confirmed.\n\nWhile the Local Growth Fund was initially, and as recently as July 2025, mooted by the British Government as a replacement for the SPF, subsequent engagement has clarified that this is no longer the British Government’s view.\n\nIn March 2025, in anticipation of an announcement by the British Government at the Spending Review, I secured Executive agreement on an approach to the Local Growth Fund. This position set out high-level priorities for a future Fund, as well as lessons to be learnt in relation to the deficiencies of the SPF. It also recognised the need for urgent progress.\n\nThe agreed Executive position was shared with officials and Ministers in Whitehall Departments, including MHCLG and the NIO, in March 2025.\n\nI, and my officials, have been pressing for the SPF to be succeeded by something, that both meets local needs, and avoids the repeated funding cliff-edges that our Community and Voluntary Sector have experienced in recent years. I have raised this repeatedly with successive British Government Ministers and will continue to press for a solution.","answerHtml":"The Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) is delivered and managed directly by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) with no partnership role for the Executive. The SPF is scheduled to conclude on 31 March 2026, with no direct successor scheme confirmed.
While the Local Growth Fund was initially, and as recently as July 2025, mooted by the British Government as a replacement for the SPF, subsequent engagement has clarified that this is no longer the British Government’s view.
In March 2025, in anticipation of an announcement by the British Government at the Spending Review, I secured Executive agreement on an approach to the Local Growth Fund. This position set out high-level priorities for a future Fund, as well as lessons to be learnt in relation to the deficiencies of the SPF. It also recognised the need for urgent progress.
The agreed Executive position was shared with officials and Ministers in Whitehall Departments, including MHCLG and the NIO, in March 2025.
I, and my officials, have been pressing for the SPF to be succeeded by something, that both meets local needs, and avoids the repeated funding cliff-edges that our Community and Voluntary Sector have experienced in recent years. I have raised this repeatedly with successive British Government Ministers and will continue to press for a solution.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033509%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=454835","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=454835"}},{"id":"454834","reference":"AQW 33508/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-14","answerBy":"2025-10-29","answered":"2025-10-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail any engagement his Department has had with the UK Government, regarding the introduction of the Local Growth Fund.","answerText":"I refer the Member to answers provided to previous questions AQW 31249/22-27, AQO 2452/22-27, AQO 2458/22-27, AQW 32531/22-27 and AQW 33970/22-27.","answerHtml":"I refer the Member to answers provided to previous questions AQW 31249/22-27, AQO 2452/22-27, AQO 2458/22-27, AQW 32531/22-27 and AQW 33970/22-27.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2033508%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=454834","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=454834"}},{"id":"454179","reference":"AQO 2584/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-09","answerBy":"2025-10-21","answered":"2025-10-21","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to outline any engagement he has had with children and young people in relation to his proposals for the future of CCEA qualifications.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"My proposals reflect a clear ambition to ensure that CCEA GCSEs, AS levels and A levels remain relevant nationally and internationally. While the main consultation is an opportunity for students to inform the proposals, my officials have also been engaging directly with students and young people in a range of settings over the course of the consultation. That engagement has included holding focus group sessions with school students and speaking directly with young people in years 11 to 14. Officials have also met representatives of the Secondary Students' Union of Northern Ireland (SSUNI) and, in collaboration with the EA, have designed a children and young people's version of the consultation questionnaire. That has been shared with youth organisations in order to allow young people the opportunity to share their views."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"Minister, it is extremely important to have youth engagement on any changes to examinations. As, I am sure, you are aware, many young people have raised concerns about the move away from controlled assessment towards higher-stakes examinations. What will you do to ensure that any changes to qualifications will benefit learners of all abilities?"},{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"It is a really important question. That is why we are asking for feedback, particularly from pupils. The engagement that we have already had indicates that there is high pressure when you go into year 11, because, where you are carrying out the modular approach in some subjects, you are formally tested in year 11. The more linear approach is year 12. The evidence shows that academic results are better for those who follow the linear approach rather than the modular approach. We need to look at what the evidence shows about which approach to follow for the best educational outcomes. The high levels of testing that our young people face are also well documented, and many Members have rightly talked about that. There is a high level of testing in lower sixth. I declare an interest, because I have one daughter who has gone through her AS levels — she does not necessarily agree with the proposal, I have to say — and I have another one who has to do them. I know the pressure that it puts on them. Thousands of young people will repeat the exams that they have just sat in lower sixth in order to try to improve their result in upper sixth. Quite a number of weeks of valuable teaching time is lost. Young people can be off school for a number of weeks to carry out revision and sit mocks, and then they are off for a number of weeks to sit the exams. Some young people in lower sixth may not be in school learning for up to seven or eight weeks. There is a balance to be found between how much learning time there is and how much focus there is on testing and qualifications. I am open to hearing people's views on that."},{"speaker":"Mr O'Toole","text":"Minister, I hope that you will listen to the responses to the consultation that you are undertaking — you are already saying that, in your own house, there has been some robust feedback — because the real concern is that pursuing a clear, possibly ideological position will create more high-stakes pressure, particularly for vulnerable kids and, indeed, kids from working-class backgrounds. It is also the case that removing the AS level would make it even harder for Northern pupils to get the requisite points to get into Southern universities. Will you bear both those points in mind when coming to a conclusion?"},{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"Yes. The Member mentioned the points system. I have concern that access to universities in the Republic of Ireland is very difficult for young people in Northern Ireland. There are challenges. Work needs to be carried out at the higher education level to remove those barriers. Many young people would be willing and want to study in the Republic of Ireland, but the barriers to access are challenging. I have said that the view that is emerging from the evidence base is that that approach would be a better one to follow. However, I also hear the conflicting messages that come particularly from young people around the issue. We just need to hear that feedback properly and carefully consider all the responses that we get from the consultation. I encourage teachers and pupils to very much engage in the process. It is a consultation for a reason: it will inform the decision-making process that will then flow after that. I have not reached a firm view at this stage."},{"speaker":"Mr Brett","text":"Can the Minister say when a decision is likely to be taken, bearing in mind that he will take into consideration all the evidence that is produced before making a final decision?"},{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"The consultation is open until 13 November. When it closes, there will be a period of analysis that officials will carry out. We will draw on that analysis and other evidence. I then intend to confirm my policy framework intentions early in 2026. Once that process has concluded and I have taken decisions in respect of it, CCEA Regulation would be required to prepare a regulatory framework from which CCEA, the awarding organisation, would undertake a full revision of its qualifications. Previously, that process has taken a minimum of two years prior to the roll-out of new specifications. Again, I will just emphasise that I have not made decisions in respect of those matters."},{"speaker":"Mr McMurray","text":"As the father of a red-headed daughter as well, I make no comment on fathers disagreeing with daughters. On a serious point, how will young people feed into the consultation on the change? Will the Minister listen to the young people who feed in, especially if they show a bit of, let us say, disagreement with the Minister in that regard?"},{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"I did not realise that we had that in common. There is stakeholder engagement for young people to feed in their views. The consultation is open to everybody to do that, and of course that will all be taken into account and considered. This is not the first time that I have had some disagreement in my house. The mobile phone policy was another one on which I had interesting debates in my house. By way of example, I visited St Ronan's College in Lurgan, one of our largest schools in Northern Ireland, which is participating in the mobile phone pilot scheme. Some of the pupils who had had apprehension and did not agree with the scheme are now very much advocates for it. I appreciate that sometimes people cannot see what benefit the change will deliver until they have experienced that change. That certainly has been the experience of those pupils at St Ronan's in respect of the mobile phone pilot scheme that is being rolled out there. Therefore, that will all be taken into account, where young people can feed into it. However, I appreciate that, until you feel and see that change and the outworkings of it, there will be an apprehension about what it means."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202584%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=454179","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-10-21&docID=454910#AQO%202584/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=454179"}},{"id":"459677","reference":"AQO 2563/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-09","answerBy":"2025-10-20","answered":"2025-11-04","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 for an update on the research into Historical Clerical Child Abuse.","answerText":"We recognise the profound harm caused by clerical child abuse and extend our deepest sympathy and solidarity to all victims and survivors of this appalling abuse. Throughout this process the Junior Ministers have engaged with victims and survivors to hear their stories and their views on what is needed.\n\nWe are very grateful to all those who have participated in the process and shared their experiences.\n\nWork has now completed on three separate pieces of research: one examining records held by faith organisations and statutory agencies; one recording experiences and expectations of victims and survivors; and one examining the safeguarding policies and practices of faith groups. We have received the research reports and are giving them careful consideration.","answerHtml":"We recognise the profound harm caused by clerical child abuse and extend our deepest sympathy and solidarity to all victims and survivors of this appalling abuse. Throughout this process the Junior Ministers have engaged with victims and survivors to hear their stories and their views on what is needed.
We are very grateful to all those who have participated in the process and shared their experiences.
Work has now completed on three separate pieces of research: one examining records held by faith organisations and statutory agencies; one recording experiences and expectations of victims and survivors; and one examining the safeguarding policies and practices of faith groups. We have received the research reports and are giving them careful consideration.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202563%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=459677","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=459677"}},{"id":"453598","reference":"AQW 32959/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-07","answerBy":"2025-10-22","answered":"2025-10-29","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 implementation of recommendations relating to his Department included in the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care Services.","answerText":"The Report of the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care Services, led by Professor Ray Jones, was published in June 2023 and made 53 recommendations. A Children’s Social Care Services Reform Programme was established in April 2023 in advance of the Review reporting to begin to address the issues that led to the Review.\n\nI accepted 34 of the 53 recommendations made by Professor Jones, although many can only be implemented in full with additional investment. 25 of the accepted recommendations are being progressed by the Reform Programme which is led by my Department and the remaining 9 are assigned directly to my Department to take forward.\n\nThrough the Programme, significant and necessary work has been undertaken. The Programme is now moving to a new phase that will be underpinned by a 5-year strategic plan which will provide a clear vision and focus on a small number of strategic priorities for the purpose of driving meaningful and sustainable change across the system.\n\nThe key recommendation of the Review was to establish a Children and Families ALB, incorporating not only children’s social care services but also youth justice, youth and relevant education services. 7 of the Review’s recommendations are related to the establishment of an ALB. The Justice Minister and I recently agreed to work together to identify the steps necessary to establish a Regional Children and Families Authority incorporating children’s social care and youth justice services. The Executive has indicated support for the proposed approach and that work is now underway.\n\nAnnex A provides a table of updated information on the status and progress of each of the 34 accepted Review recommendations.","answerHtml":"The Report of the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care Services, led by Professor Ray Jones, was published in June 2023 and made 53 recommendations. A Children’s Social Care Services Reform Programme was established in April 2023 in advance of the Review reporting to begin to address the issues that led to the Review.
I accepted 34 of the 53 recommendations made by Professor Jones, although many can only be implemented in full with additional investment. 25 of the accepted recommendations are being progressed by the Reform Programme which is led by my Department and the remaining 9 are assigned directly to my Department to take forward.
Through the Programme, significant and necessary work has been undertaken. The Programme is now moving to a new phase that will be underpinned by a 5-year strategic plan which will provide a clear vision and focus on a small number of strategic priorities for the purpose of driving meaningful and sustainable change across the system.
The key recommendation of the Review was to establish a Children and Families ALB, incorporating not only children’s social care services but also youth justice, youth and relevant education services. 7 of the Review’s recommendations are related to the establishment of an ALB. The Justice Minister and I recently agreed to work together to identify the steps necessary to establish a Regional Children and Families Authority incorporating children’s social care and youth justice services. The Executive has indicated support for the proposed approach and that work is now underway.
Annex A provides a table of updated information on the status and progress of each of the 34 accepted Review recommendations.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032959%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=453598","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=453598"}},{"id":"453597","reference":"AQW 32958/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-07","answerBy":"2025-10-22","answered":"2025-10-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when his Department will publish the Children’s Social Care Statistics for Northern Ireland 2024-25.","answerText":"My Department will publish ‘Children’s Social Care Statistics for Northern Ireland 2024-25’ on the 16 October 2025 at 9.30am.\n\nDepartment of Health statistical publication dates can be found on the Information & Analysis Directorate statistics calendar. https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/topics/doh-statistics-and-research.","answerHtml":"My Department will publish ‘Children’s Social Care Statistics for Northern Ireland 2024-25’ on the 16 October 2025 at 9.30am.
Department of Health statistical publication dates can be found on the Information & Analysis Directorate statistics calendar. https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/topics/doh-statistics-and-research.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032958%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=453597","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=453597"}},{"id":"453596","reference":"AQW 32957/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-07","answerBy":"2025-10-22","answered":"2025-10-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the number of Penalty Charge Notices issued by her Department on Market Street, Bangor, in the last three years.","answerText":"Market Street Bangor currently receives scheduled enforcement, Monday to Friday between 8:00 and 18:00.\n\nThe table below show the number of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued on Market Street Bangor in the last three years\n\nYears\tTotal PCN issued\n2023\t222\n2024\t239\n2025*\t262\n\n*1st Jan 2025 – 8th Oct 2025","answerHtml":"Market Street Bangor currently receives scheduled enforcement, Monday to Friday between 8:00 and 18:00.
The table below show the number of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued on Market Street Bangor in the last three years
| Years | Total PCN issued |
| 2023 | 222 |
| 2024 | 239 |
| 2025* | 262 |
*1st Jan 2025 – 8th Oct 2025
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032957%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=453596","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=453596"}},{"id":"453595","reference":"AQW 32956/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-07","answerBy":"2025-10-22","answered":"2025-10-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether parking restrictions on school entrance markings are enforced by traffic attendants during periods of school holidays.","answerText":"Double Yellow Lines (DYLs) located at school entrances are always enforceable, including during school holidays. Some school entrance locations are included as part of Traffic attendants’ routine patrols and my Department can also respond to specific requests for enforcement should parking at a particular location cause a concern.\n\nThe majority of “School Keep Clear” markings are advisory only and, as such, cannot be enforced by Traffic Attendants.\n\nHowever, where “School Keep Clear” markings have been legislated, these will be accompanied by signage advising of restriction dates and times, which can be enforced by Traffic Attendants.","answerHtml":"Double Yellow Lines (DYLs) located at school entrances are always enforceable, including during school holidays. Some school entrance locations are included as part of Traffic attendants’ routine patrols and my Department can also respond to specific requests for enforcement should parking at a particular location cause a concern.
The majority of “School Keep Clear” markings are advisory only and, as such, cannot be enforced by Traffic Attendants.
However, where “School Keep Clear” markings have been legislated, these will be accompanied by signage advising of restriction dates and times, which can be enforced by Traffic Attendants.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032956%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=453595","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=453595"}},{"id":"453140","reference":"AQW 32842/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-06","answerBy":"2025-10-09","answered":"2025-10-30","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 to outline what ring-fenced funding has been available for community-based action in relation to ending violence against women and girls, since September 2024.","answerText":"Since September 2024 up to 31 March 2026; £5.8m has been made available for community-based action through the EVAWG Change Fund. This consists of £4.2m from the allocation specifically ringfenced for EVAWG and £1.6m from TEO baseline budgets.\n\nFunding this year will be used to meet the objectives of the first Delivery Plan which includes proposed local and regional community-based actions. The additional funding will enable TEO to deliver on a larger scale and across a broader spectrum of platforms at both local and regional levels.","answerHtml":"Since September 2024 up to 31 March 2026; £5.8m has been made available for community-based action through the EVAWG Change Fund. This consists of £4.2m from the allocation specifically ringfenced for EVAWG and £1.6m from TEO baseline budgets.
Funding this year will be used to meet the objectives of the first Delivery Plan which includes proposed local and regional community-based actions. The additional funding will enable TEO to deliver on a larger scale and across a broader spectrum of platforms at both local and regional levels.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032842%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=453140","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=453140"}},{"id":"453139","reference":"AQW 32841/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-06","answerBy":"2025-10-21","answered":"2025-10-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any funding his Department has ring-fenced for the (i) production of; and (ii) fulfilment of the Women's Health Action Plan.","answerText":"(i) There is no ringfenced funding currently available for the production of the Women's Health Action Plan. The Department has, however, provided funding of £20k to Derry Well Women (DWW) and Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) to support their large-scale public listening exercise on women’s health. This has delivered a NI Women’s Health Survey, which closed earlier this year, and focus groups are currently underway with hard to reach women and section 75 groups, thereby ensuring the findings are inclusive of all women. A final report will be produced by DWW / QUB which will provide important feedback for inclusion in the Action Plan.\n\n(ii) There is no ringfenced funding available for the fulfilment of the Women's Health Action Plan. The Action plan seeks to bring together the range of ongoing developments in women’s health such as tackling gynae waiting lists, improving maternity safety and the Live Better work which addresses the health inequalities between different groups of women. Whilst some of this work is subject to available funding, there are ongoing initiatives that have funding attached, including for example £4.3m per annum for the delivery of enhanced contraception and abortion services and recent investment of £3.5m to expand gynaecology capacity.","answerHtml":"(i) There is no ringfenced funding currently available for the production of the Women's Health Action Plan. The Department has, however, provided funding of £20k to Derry Well Women (DWW) and Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) to support their large-scale public listening exercise on women’s health. This has delivered a NI Women’s Health Survey, which closed earlier this year, and focus groups are currently underway with hard to reach women and section 75 groups, thereby ensuring the findings are inclusive of all women. A final report will be produced by DWW / QUB which will provide important feedback for inclusion in the Action Plan.
(ii) There is no ringfenced funding available for the fulfilment of the Women's Health Action Plan. The Action plan seeks to bring together the range of ongoing developments in women’s health such as tackling gynae waiting lists, improving maternity safety and the Live Better work which addresses the health inequalities between different groups of women. Whilst some of this work is subject to available funding, there are ongoing initiatives that have funding attached, including for example £4.3m per annum for the delivery of enhanced contraception and abortion services and recent investment of £3.5m to expand gynaecology capacity.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032841%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=453139","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=453139"}},{"id":"453138","reference":"AQW 32840/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-06","answerBy":"2025-10-21","answered":"2025-10-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of the Women's Resource and Development Agency's September 2025 report Health Inequalities in Northern Ireland, Chapter Three: A Woman's Health Strategy for Northern Ireland.","answerText":"Addressing health inequalities is a key priority for me and I acknowledge the work that the Women's Resource and Development Agency are doing in this area. I have asked my officials to consider the findings of this report as part of their overall evidence base for the Woman's Health Action Plan, currently in development.","answerHtml":"Addressing health inequalities is a key priority for me and I acknowledge the work that the Women's Resource and Development Agency are doing in this area. I have asked my officials to consider the findings of this report as part of their overall evidence base for the Woman's Health Action Plan, currently in development.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032840%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=453138","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=453138"}},{"id":"453137","reference":"AQW 32839/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-06","answerBy":"2025-10-21","answered":"2025-10-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to outline whether his Department has considered introducing a women's health commissioner.","answerText":"I am aware that Women’s Health Ambassadors / Champions have been appointed in other jurisdictions and acknowledge the important role they play in raising the profile of women’s health. Given the ongoing budget constraints faced by my Department there are no current plans to introduce a Women’s Health Commissioner for Northern Ireland.","answerHtml":"I am aware that Women’s Health Ambassadors / Champions have been appointed in other jurisdictions and acknowledge the important role they play in raising the profile of women’s health. Given the ongoing budget constraints faced by my Department there are no current plans to introduce a Women’s Health Commissioner for Northern Ireland.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032839%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=453137","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=453137"}},{"id":"453136","reference":"AQW 32838/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-10-06","answerBy":"2025-10-21","answered":"2025-10-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail what steps his Department has taken to consolidate all data and public information on women’s health to one digital, publicly available platform.","answerText":"There is a mandate on the NICS and its Arms-length Bodies to place key information and signposting to resources, on the publicly available NI Direct platform and there is a broad range of women's health information available via this platform.\n\nI have acknowledged the need for better education and awareness on women’s health issues and the identification and management of risk factors as I am aware that a digital platform may not be accessible to all groups of women. My officials are considering how best to make progress within available resources as part of work to develop the Women's Health Action Plan.","answerHtml":"There is a mandate on the NICS and its Arms-length Bodies to place key information and signposting to resources, on the publicly available NI Direct platform and there is a broad range of women's health information available via this platform.
I have acknowledged the need for better education and awareness on women’s health issues and the identification and management of risk factors as I am aware that a digital platform may not be accessible to all groups of women. My officials are considering how best to make progress within available resources as part of work to develop the Women's Health Action Plan.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2032838%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=453136","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=453136"}},{"id":"451283","reference":"AQO 2461/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-25","answerBy":"2025-10-06","answered":"2025-10-06","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 securing contributions from religious orders and institutions towards the financial redress scheme and specialist support services for victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly (The deputy First Minister)","text":"Victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse (HIA) have endured unimaginable pain and suffering over many years. We are committed to ensuring that they get the redress that they deserve. Payments have been received from the Good Shepherd Sisters, Barnardo’s, the De La Salle order and the Diocese of Down and Connor in respect of the De La Salle-run homes. Engagement with those institutions will continue in order to finalise their contributions. Constructive discussions are ongoing with the Irish Church Missions, the Sisters of Nazareth and the Sisters of St Louis. Details of the amounts received will be published once the process is complete."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"I thank the deputy First Minister for her answer. What learning is your Department taking from the process with regard to securing contributions for support services and redress for those impacted by mother-and-baby institutions, Magdalene laundries and workhouses?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"I thank the Member for her question. It is incredibly important that we learn everything that we can from this process and roll that forward. There have been some significant successes in the process across many areas. I would have liked the institutions to have stepped up to make contributions earlier, but we are where we are, and we continue to work with those institutions. The Member is absolutely right: there is a lot of commonality in the issues of HIA and those of mother-and-baby homes. We are acutely aware not just of the importance of contributions from the institutions in light of their part in the harms that were caused but of the strong message that it sends about an acknowledgement of wrongdoing by those institutions. Such an investment is required to support people with redress and, as you rightly pointed out, for services to meet their needs today. As you will know, the junior Ministers are taking that work forward. They are, I understand, engaged in reaching out not just to the Irish Government to talk to them about their experiences of trying to get contributions but across the UK. We will take that learning and ensure that we maximise the opportunity to get contributions."},{"speaker":"Miss Brogan","text":"Is the deputy First Minister able to provide an update on a memorial to victims and survivors?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"Thank you. Yes. I am pleased to say that we are making positive progress on that important issue. We are trying to maximise consensus among victims and survivors. We acknowledge that victims and survivors do not speak with one voice; that is completely understandable. However, we want to move forward with the maximum consensus that we can achieve. I have previously extended my thanks and do so again to the Speaker's Office for all of the help and support that has been given to us to identify a suitable location for the plaque. We are working with a range of individuals and organisations to ensure that they are content with the draft wording of the plaque. We are making significant progress on that, and we hope to be in a position to place the plaque very shortly."},{"speaker":"Mrs Cameron","text":"The deputy First Minister will, I know, agree that there is a moral responsibility and not just a legal responsibility on the institutions to step forward and provide contributions. Does she also agree that voluntary contributions by the institutions would be seen as a sign of good faith?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"I thank the Member for her question. I record my huge thanks to Pam for her work as a junior Minister. She was involved in a significant number of meetings and engagements and on the detail of these matters. You were key in pushing the process forward and getting it to where it is, and I thank you for that work. You are absolutely right. Discussions are ongoing with the mother-and-baby homes about how we can legally require institutions to give contributions. I believe that they should. The Member will be aware that, internationally, there are no examples of other places being able to legally require institutions to make a contribution. The moral obligation, however, is at the heart of this. It should not take legislation to force the hands of the institutions. Those institutions should step forward and step up, acknowledge their role in the significant harms that were caused and come forward with those contributions as soon as possible to avoid us having to take action to force them to do so."},{"speaker":"Mr Gaston","text":"This issue has been a real frustration for me and, indeed, the Committee. Victims are wondering whose side the person appointed by the Executive Office to carry out the negotiations is on. Are they on the side of protecting the institution, or are they there to get value for money for the state? If money is not forthcoming for redress, will the Executive consider going after assets so that victims get money out of the institutions that caused the problem?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"Important issues are at play. At this stage, we have paid out just over £108 million in compensation to well over 5,000 applications received. The scheme is now closed, and only a small number of those applications are left. Those are being assessed, and it is anticipated that the panel will finish that work by November, when the assessment of those remaining applications will be completed. That is the aim. Discussions with the institutions have been ongoing. There are legal challenges, there is no doubt about that. I assure the Member that we have pushed as hard as we can to make it clear that we believe that the institutions must contribute. We believe that there is an absolute moral responsibility as well as an acknowledgement of fault. There are real legal challenges, however, which is why, internationally, no other state has been able to legislate to compel institutions to make contributions. I asked specifically about assets and was advised that asset transfer can sometimes be a liability for the Government due to contamination or the state of premises. Therefore, we need to be careful, if we are to go down that route, that it provides value and additional resources for victims and survivors. Of course, all that is underwritten by the state, and that is the challenge. That £108 million is rightly recognising what people went through. That is going out through the state at the moment with a small contribution from the institutions. We continue to pursue that, but it has been a challenging situation legally."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202461%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=451283","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-10-06&docID=452297#AQO%202461/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=451283"}},{"id":"450457","reference":"AQW 31722/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-22","answerBy":"2025-09-25","answered":"2025-09-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the arrangements in place, between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, to ensure driver disqualifications are shared to apply in both jurisdictions.","answerText":"Arrangements are in place which allow for driving disqualifications for certain road traffic behaviours to be shared by the licensing authorities in each jurisdiction, subject to specified conditions.\n\nWhere a person is disqualified by order of a Court in one jurisdiction, and that person is either normally resident in the other jurisdiction or holds a driving licence issued by that other jurisdiction, the licensing authority in the state where the offence occurred may notify the licensing authority in the other jurisdiction. Having received such a notification, that other licensing authority may impose the disqualification if all relevant conditions are met.\n\nWhere a driver is normally resident in the south, holds a driving licence issued by the southern authorities, and is disqualified by a Court in the south, the Driver and Vehicle Agency would not be notified of such a disqualification.\n\nRegardless of mutual recognition arrangements, if a driver has been disqualified from driving by their own licensing authority, they no longer hold an entitlement to drive in any jurisdiction.","answerHtml":"Arrangements are in place which allow for driving disqualifications for certain road traffic behaviours to be shared by the licensing authorities in each jurisdiction, subject to specified conditions.
Where a person is disqualified by order of a Court in one jurisdiction, and that person is either normally resident in the other jurisdiction or holds a driving licence issued by that other jurisdiction, the licensing authority in the state where the offence occurred may notify the licensing authority in the other jurisdiction. Having received such a notification, that other licensing authority may impose the disqualification if all relevant conditions are met.
Where a driver is normally resident in the south, holds a driving licence issued by the southern authorities, and is disqualified by a Court in the south, the Driver and Vehicle Agency would not be notified of such a disqualification.
Regardless of mutual recognition arrangements, if a driver has been disqualified from driving by their own licensing authority, they no longer hold an entitlement to drive in any jurisdiction.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031722%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=450457","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=450457"}},{"id":"450178","reference":"AQW 31617/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-19","answerBy":"2025-10-06","answered":"2025-10-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any action he is taking to improve accessibility in older public buildings for people with disabilities.","answerText":"The capital budget position in my Department remains extremely challenging in the current financial year which has restricted the ability of this Department to take steps to improve accessibility in older public buildings.\n\nThe capital budget for 2025/26 has been utilised to ensure that all inescapable capital and competing high priority requirements are met in the first instance.","answerHtml":"The capital budget position in my Department remains extremely challenging in the current financial year which has restricted the ability of this Department to take steps to improve accessibility in older public buildings.
The capital budget for 2025/26 has been utilised to ensure that all inescapable capital and competing high priority requirements are met in the first instance.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031617%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=450178","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=450178"}},{"id":"450177","reference":"AQW 31616/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-19","answerBy":"2025-10-06","answered":"2025-10-14","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 to detail any steps they are taking to ensure hospitality businesses understand their legal duty to make reasonable adjustments under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.","answerText":"The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI) has responsibility for enforcing the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA), as amended.\n\nECNI takes a range of steps to ensure service providers, including hospitality businesses, understand their legal duty to make reasonable adjustments under the DDA. These steps include providing tailored guidance and advice, maintaining the Disability Code of Practice, supporting individuals who believe they’ve been discriminated against, and promoting the ‘Every Customer Counts’ initiative to help businesses improve accessibility.","answerHtml":"The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI) has responsibility for enforcing the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA), as amended.
ECNI takes a range of steps to ensure service providers, including hospitality businesses, understand their legal duty to make reasonable adjustments under the DDA. These steps include providing tailored guidance and advice, maintaining the Disability Code of Practice, supporting individuals who believe they’ve been discriminated against, and promoting the ‘Every Customer Counts’ initiative to help businesses improve accessibility.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031616%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=450177","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=450177"}},{"id":"450176","reference":"AQW 31615/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-19","answerBy":"2025-10-06","answered":"2025-10-10","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 plans to strengthen legal protections for people with disabilities in terms of accessibility.","answerText":"We remain firmly committed to promoting equality and strengthening legal protections for people with disabilities, particularly in the area of accessibility.\n\nThis commitment is embedded in the Executive’s Programme for Government (PfG), which prioritises inclusive public services and equal opportunities for all.\n\nWe will continue to work in partnership with stakeholders to ensure that accessibility and equality remain central to the Executive’s agenda.","answerHtml":"We remain firmly committed to promoting equality and strengthening legal protections for people with disabilities, particularly in the area of accessibility.
This commitment is embedded in the Executive’s Programme for Government (PfG), which prioritises inclusive public services and equal opportunities for all.
We will continue to work in partnership with stakeholders to ensure that accessibility and equality remain central to the Executive’s agenda.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031615%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=450176","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=450176"}},{"id":"450067","reference":"AQW 31525/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-18","answerBy":"2025-10-03","answered":"2025-10-10","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 amount of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Local Change Fund has been spent on self-defence classes, broken down by local council area.","answerText":"The following table shows the amount funded under the Local Change Fund for self-defense classes for 2025/26, broken down by Council area.\n\nCouncil\tAmount\nAntrim & Newtownabbey\tNil\nArds & North Down\tNil\nArmagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon\tNil\nBelfast City\t£5,000\nCauseway Coast & Glens\t£5,137\nDerry City & Strabane\tNil\nFermanagh & Omagh\t£500\nLisburn & Castlereagh\t£2,000\nMid & East Antrim\tNil\nMid Ulster\tNil\nNewry, Mourne & Down\tNil","answerHtml":"The following table shows the amount funded under the Local Change Fund for self-defense classes for 2025/26, broken down by Council area.
| Council | Amount |
| Antrim & Newtownabbey | Nil |
| Ards & North Down | Nil |
| Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon | Nil |
| Belfast City | £5,000 |
| Causeway Coast & Glens | £5,137 |
| Derry City & Strabane | Nil |
| Fermanagh & Omagh | £500 |
| Lisburn & Castlereagh | £2,000 |
| Mid & East Antrim | Nil |
| Mid Ulster | Nil |
| Newry, Mourne & Down | Nil |
Information and awareness raising activities provided through the Local Change Fund across Council areas are described in many formats such as educational sessions, preventative workshops, awareness sessions or training.
There is no specific category to provide a single measure of expenditure on ‘information sessions’ by Council area.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031524%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=450066","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=450066"}},{"id":"450065","reference":"AQW 31523/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-18","answerBy":"2025-10-03","answered":"2025-10-03","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 implementation of actions arising from the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2024-2031 - Action Plan Years 1-3, relating to his Department.","answerText":"Work is progressing steadily on the implementation of the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy for which the Department of Health holds lead or joint responsibility for 24 actions within the initial three-year action plan.\n\nIn addition to an initial focus on ensuring the establishment of robust governance structures, key developments include:\n\nthe completion of a review to assess options and provide recommendations for a revised operating model for Local Domestic and Sexual Abuse Partnerships,\n\nin partnership with Justice, the launch of a Small Grants Scheme designed to support community and voluntary organisations in their essential work with victims of domestic and/or sexual abuse,\n\nthe development of a Reflections Booklet for social workers, offering practical insights and guidance on best practice when responding to domestic and sexual abuse cases; and\n\nthe publication of the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland’s ‘Recognising the Impact of Domestic Abuse’ Learning and Development Framework. This framework is designed to standardise training across member agencies and make resources available to the wider community and voluntary sector. It will strengthen the capacity of professionals to understand and respond to the impact of domestic abuse on children.\n\nA comprehensive year 1 progress update on all actions is scheduled for publication in December 2025.","answerHtml":"Work is progressing steadily on the implementation of the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy for which the Department of Health holds lead or joint responsibility for 24 actions within the initial three-year action plan.
In addition to an initial focus on ensuring the establishment of robust governance structures, key developments include:
the completion of a review to assess options and provide recommendations for a revised operating model for Local Domestic and Sexual Abuse Partnerships,
in partnership with Justice, the launch of a Small Grants Scheme designed to support community and voluntary organisations in their essential work with victims of domestic and/or sexual abuse,
the development of a Reflections Booklet for social workers, offering practical insights and guidance on best practice when responding to domestic and sexual abuse cases; and
the publication of the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland’s ‘Recognising the Impact of Domestic Abuse’ Learning and Development Framework. This framework is designed to standardise training across member agencies and make resources available to the wider community and voluntary sector. It will strengthen the capacity of professionals to understand and respond to the impact of domestic abuse on children.
A comprehensive year 1 progress update on all actions is scheduled for publication in December 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031523%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=450065","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=450065"}},{"id":"450064","reference":"AQW 31522/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-18","answerBy":"2025-10-03","answered":"2025-10-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the services that his Department funds to support victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.","answerText":"Each Health and Social Care Trust holds statutory responsibility for providing a range and level of social services appropriate to Children in Need as defined under Article 17 of The Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995. Each Health and Social Care Trust utilises a range of services to support victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.\n\nMy Department currently procures specific Therapeutic Support for Children and Young People who are potentially vulnerable to Child Sexual Exploitation through Barnardo’s.\n\nMy Department also supports the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) through the Department of Health’s Core Grant. Although this Grant does not specifically procure a Therapeutic Service, it does support the NSPCC to deliver their services which includes Therapeutic Support.\n\nMy Department also supports Nexus NI to provide counselling services to adult victims and survivors of sexual abuse and violence. Following an initial assessment each individual will be offered up to 12 counselling sessions, based on presenting need. Referrals to the service will be from a range of agents, including GPs and HSC Trusts, and individuals who self-refer. This provision is currently specifically focussed on supporting individuals who have been victims of sexual abuse and are at the stage of their journey where therapeutic interventions are most likely to have the best outcome.","answerHtml":"Each Health and Social Care Trust holds statutory responsibility for providing a range and level of social services appropriate to Children in Need as defined under Article 17 of The Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995. Each Health and Social Care Trust utilises a range of services to support victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.
My Department currently procures specific Therapeutic Support for Children and Young People who are potentially vulnerable to Child Sexual Exploitation through Barnardo’s.
My Department also supports the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) through the Department of Health’s Core Grant. Although this Grant does not specifically procure a Therapeutic Service, it does support the NSPCC to deliver their services which includes Therapeutic Support.
My Department also supports Nexus NI to provide counselling services to adult victims and survivors of sexual abuse and violence. Following an initial assessment each individual will be offered up to 12 counselling sessions, based on presenting need. Referrals to the service will be from a range of agents, including GPs and HSC Trusts, and individuals who self-refer. This provision is currently specifically focussed on supporting individuals who have been victims of sexual abuse and are at the stage of their journey where therapeutic interventions are most likely to have the best outcome.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031522%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=450064","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=450064"}},{"id":"450063","reference":"AQW 31521/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-18","answerBy":"2025-10-03","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when he will answer (i) AQW 27883/22-27; and (ii) AQW 27935/22-27.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031521%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=450063","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=450063"}},{"id":"449884","reference":"AQW 31419/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-17","answerBy":"2025-10-02","answered":"2025-10-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail (i) any engagement his Department has had with the Housing Executive on its Domestic Violence Action Plan since its publication in 2024; and (ii) whether his Department has contributed any ring-fenced funding to support its progression.","answerText":"My officials receive regular updates from the Housing Executive on progress against actions within its Domestic Violence Action Plan which contribute to the delivery of the Executive’s Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2024-2031.\n\nThe Departments of Health and Justice are joint policy leads for Domestic and Sexual Abuse. The Department of Justice awarded the Housing Executive £73,000 via the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Fund to support delivery of its Domestic Abuse Action Plan in 2025/26.","answerHtml":"My officials receive regular updates from the Housing Executive on progress against actions within its Domestic Violence Action Plan which contribute to the delivery of the Executive’s Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2024-2031.
The Departments of Health and Justice are joint policy leads for Domestic and Sexual Abuse. The Department of Justice awarded the Housing Executive £73,000 via the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Fund to support delivery of its Domestic Abuse Action Plan in 2025/26.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2031419%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=449884","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=449884"}},{"id":"454528","reference":"AQO 2379/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-11","answerBy":"2025-09-22","answered":"2025-10-10","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 International Relations Strategy.","answerText":"The International Relations Strategy is under development and will intersect with broader Executive and departmental strategies and actions. It will be important in setting out our long-term approach to global engagement. The Strategy requires Executive agreement; therefore, it will be subject to consultation and Executive colleagues’ consideration.\n\nWe live in an increasingly interconnected world, where developments and decisions made elsewhere impact on us directly. If we are to drive prosperity and tackle disadvantage across all our communities, and deliver on our Programme for Government ambitions, we must engage with key international partners.","answerHtml":"The International Relations Strategy is under development and will intersect with broader Executive and departmental strategies and actions. It will be important in setting out our long-term approach to global engagement. The Strategy requires Executive agreement; therefore, it will be subject to consultation and Executive colleagues’ consideration.
We live in an increasingly interconnected world, where developments and decisions made elsewhere impact on us directly. If we are to drive prosperity and tackle disadvantage across all our communities, and deliver on our Programme for Government ambitions, we must engage with key international partners.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202379%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=454528","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=454528"}},{"id":"448058","reference":"AQO 2342/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-04","answerBy":"2025-09-15","answered":"2025-09-15","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline any steps her Department is taking to improve road safety on the A2 West Circular Road, Bangor.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"First, I extend my sympathies to the family of the young girl, Jaidyn Rice, who tragically lost her life at the junction of West Circular Road and Clandeboye Road on 8 July. My thoughts are with her family. What they have been going through in the aftermath is unimaginable. I understand that the PSNI is leading an investigation of the collision. On completion of that investigation, my officials will liaise with the police to obtain further information relating to that collision and others in which injuries were sustained. At that point, officials will consider any emerging road safety factors that are relevant to my Department. As I have said, although there have been a number of injury collisions along the route, the majority were at the signal-controlled junctions, and no common causation factor has yet been identified that could be improved by additional safety measures. However, officials routinely review injury collision cluster sites from the data provided by the PSNI, and, if appropriate, an assessment is undertaken. What comes out of the investigation will be critical in informing our approach and next steps."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"Thank you, Minister. I appreciate your words of condolence for Jaidyn's family. Her loss was absolutely horrendous and tragic for her family. Will you give a commitment to Jaidyn's family and the community in Bangor that their voices will be heard, that the incident will be taken seriously in your Department and that you will do everything in your power to ensure that we do not lose another life there?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"Absolutely. When any tragic incident such as that occurs, we have to take a step back and look at it to understand how and why it happened and at what we can do collectively to ensure that no other family goes through that. I have met lots of families who have been through similar incidents, so I would welcome that opportunity. I have spoken to a DUP Member about a potential meeting with the family. I am keen to have that meeting, and I am willing to hear from everyone."},{"speaker":"Mr Chambers","text":"Minister, my supplementary question goes a little beyond the A2 West Circular Road and back towards Belfast. A number of years ago, your Department introduced speed cameras on that road that measured average speed being driven between them. There was a public perception that the cameras were a bluff and did not work, but they had and still have a perceptible impact on speed on that road. Another problem on that road that I have seen recently — it is endemic — is motorists jumping red lights. I am not sure whether your Department has access to any detection mechanism that would deter that practice, because it is only a matter of time —"},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"Right. We have got the question, Mr Chambers."},{"speaker":"Mr Chambers","text":"— before there is a serious collision because of that."},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"I thank the Member for pointing that out. It chimes well with what the Department has been saying about the onus being on all of us to tackle driver behaviour. That is the main cause of all collisions, regardless of whether they result in a fatality. We constantly look at what we can do to improve road safety. I attended the road safety roadshow hosted by Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade just over a week ago. Most important in all such cases is that the onus is on each one of us. We are all road users, be that as a driver, pedestrian, cyclist or whatever we may be, and we have our part to play. It is about doing anything that we can to increase awareness and help people to think differently and be safer on our roads. That protects everyone. To quote one of our campaigns:"},{"speaker":"","text":"Whilst we all think that we are great drivers, to somebody else, you could be the reason why there is a collision. I will take that on board. It is probably more of a policing issue, because it is about enforcement, but I can ask officials to see whether there is anything that we can do. When I was on the road this morning, given the conditions that we were driving in, some of the driver behaviour that I witnessed as I was coming to Stormont was absolutely horrendous. There is something in that for us all to take away as we try to make a difference."},{"speaker":"Ms Sheerin","text":"Minister, I know that, along with my party colleague Councillor Ian Milne, you met a lady in my constituency, Stella McGinn, whose daughter, Caitlin-Rose, tragically lost her life getting off a school bus. I thank you for doing that. Will you outline the steps that you are taking to improve road safety, particularly for children?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"I thank the Member for raising that, and I pay tribute to Stella for her efforts after what can only be described as an absolutely horrendous incident with the loss of her beautiful young daughter. She has used that to focus on how she can protect other children getting to and from school in particular. I have met Stella twice now, and I have so much respect and admiration for her and what she is trying to do. As the Member and the Assembly will know, road safety is a high priority for my Department, and I am committed to working proactively to make our roads safer for everyone. I am acutely aware that children and young people are among the most vulnerable groups using our roads. As Members may be aware, I recently announced an extensive package of road safety measures aimed at safeguarding schoolchildren, particularly when they travel to and from school, including on overtaking school buses. Officials have provided advice on that, and I am considering the best options to take forward. Recently, I met the Education Minister, and we agreed to collaborate on an initiative aimed at increasing awareness of school bus safety. I look forward to seeing how that will progress. Again, it goes back to education and awareness and thinking about all those factors. Whilst we are still in the early stages, our shared goal is that we work directly with schools to ensure that pupils, staff and parents are better informed about the risks and responsibilities associated with school transport. We are exploring the most effective ways to engage with schools and the broader community, whether through targeted campaigns, educational materials or pilot programmes. The bus-rear and on-street school bus safety advertising is currently running: it was reinstated at the start of September in order to align with the start of the school term. Additionally, the road safety teaching-aid calendars have been electronically issued to over 760 primary schools for the new school year."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"Time is up, Minister."},{"speaker":"Mr O'Toole","text":"I will be brief. Minister, you were asked about the Knockbreda Road crossing: that is hugely critical to the community in Rosetta, which has been waiting for it for years. It is also critical for school safety. There are half a dozen primary schools and three post-primary schools in that area. You said that that would happen in due course: can you be more specific? When will the Knockbreda Road crossing, which will open the back entrance to Cherryvale park, finally be completed?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"I recognise the importance of that, and I know that it is a huge issue for the area. I was pleased to be able to say that that project will be taken forward. As I said to my colleague in my previous answer, we are going through the design stage at this point, so, when that concludes, we will have a better sense of a time frame for its implementation."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202342%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=448058","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-09-15&docID=448740#AQO%202342/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=448058"}},{"id":"447656","reference":"AQO 2299/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-01","answerBy":"2025-09-08","answered":"2025-09-08","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to outline any engagement he has had with the Minister of Health to ensure special schools are getting the support they require from health professionals.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Givan (The Minister of Education)","text":"I met the Minister of Health, Mr Nesbitt, in November 2024, and we discussed nursing provision in special schools. I await the outcome of the Public Health Agency review of health needs facing children in special schools. Of course, my officials continue to work closely with colleagues in the Department of Health and the Public Health Agency to consider issues that affect all schools, including our special schools."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"I thank the Minister for his answer. As I am sure that he knows, nurses support children with the most complex medical needs. Will he make the case to the Health Minister that they should not only be retained in schools but reinstated in schools that have removed them?"},{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"That was the basis of a meeting that I also held with the Chairman of the Education Committee, Mr Mathison, at which the case was made forcefully by principals in attendance about the need for medical professionals to be in their facilities. There was a period in which those services were withdrawn. The outworking of that meeting was a report that was commissioned by the Public Health Agency. I understand that that has been completed and submitted to the Chief Nursing Officer for assessment. I expect an outcome from that within the next number of months."},{"speaker":"Mrs Mason","text":"Minister, you will be well aware of the situation in Knockevin School. Can you give us any update on communication that you have had with the principal there? That school has had its onsite nurse removed. You will also be well aware of the growing medical complexities that that school is facing. Can you give us any update on what your Department is doing in that regard?"},{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"Fundamentally, the Department of Health needs to ensure that appropriate health professionals are available. The particular interest is around making sure that allied health professionals are available to help to meet the need. Knockevin and other special schools have made the case — I agree with them — that there needs to be an enhancement and greater provision of medical practitioners in those settings. We have an increasing number of children who, thankfully, are living longer with complex medical needs. They are entitled to an education, but they can receive that education only in special school settings when they are in receipt of the appropriate and necessary medical care. The Department of Health is required to step up and support me, as Education Minister. It is something on which I engaged the Minister of Health, Mr Nesbitt. He has confirmed that he wants to support me in doing that. However, he also indicated the financial pressures that his Department, like my Department, faces. I will continue to champion the needs of our special schools so that they get the right support from our medical professionals."},{"speaker":"Mr Dunne","text":"I appreciate the efforts that you are making on this important issue. Will you outline further what your Department is doing to address the difficulties in accessing support from allied health professionals, given what you have said about the increasing demand and pressures on our special school system?"},{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"I made a transformational statement about special educational needs in the Assembly in January of this year. I quickly followed that up by publishing the special educational needs reform agenda, and I followed up on that with a five-year delivery plan in February 2025, outlining the measures that we need to take to transform our special educational needs provision. That work continues. Funding was secured from the Executive for the transformation work, which will allow us to make some progress in respect of the funding allocations. However, I say this to Members from all parties: if you are serious about helping children with special educational needs — I do not question that you are — that needs to be followed through so that, when I go to the Executive to seek financial support for day-to-day or capital expenditure, we prioritise children with special educational needs. I need Sinn Féin, which holds the purse strings, to support me on that, and it also requires other Ministers, some of whom campaigned for canteens for prisoners, to recognise that we should be getting support for our children with special educational needs. All parties will need to support me as I continue to make the case."},{"speaker":"Mr McGrath","text":"I certainly back what the Minister has just said about helping those in our special needs sector. He referenced earlier some conversations that he had had with the Health Minister. Were there any discussions about autism diagnosis and trying to speed up that process? The impact of delay is seriously restricting the educational outcomes of those people because we cannot get that tailored package for those pupils as quickly as possible."},{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"The Member rightly raises the issue of the statementing process, which is often about carrying out the necessary assessments so that we can identify the needs. I have made it clear that we need to move away from a legalistic statementing process, because teachers can often identify that a young person or child, including those with autism, has additional needs, and we should be able to provide that support without having to go through an often litigious process during which parents are rightly fighting for their children. Part of the transformation that we announced in the reform delivery plan was very much about making sure that we are putting the right support in at the right time and not going through this bureaucratic process, which is often frustrating and delays the interventions that are necessary."},{"speaker":"Mr Gaston","text":"The same crisis is affecting all sectors of the education system. The principal of a mainstream nursery in North Antrim that is taking part in the standardisation day is faced with a situation where a number of pupils who were referred to paediatrics by their health visitors have still not been seen prior to starting nursery. The waiting list for an ASD referral is three years. The standardisation programme helpline does not know what to do to move forward. Minister, do you? Will you commit to reviewing the funding available to nurseries that are taking part in the standardisation programme?"},{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"The Member has outlined issues that I am happy to come back to him on in correspondence. I think that the last point was to do with the standardisation process in nurseries. By that, I assume that he meant converting to full-time hours. Forgive me if I have misunderstood what he was trying to ask. The process around standardisation is one that we are taking forward. Starting this September, 2,500 places have been converted from part-time to full-time provision. That is a welcome increase in the ability of parents to have children in full-time places. We will seek to bring forward another 100 settings for the next academic year, and that will be another 2,000 places that we will move into full-time provision. That is a process that my Department, working with the Education Authority (EA), is carrying forward, and, of course, the criteria around that seek to ensure that there is fairness when it comes to the allocation of the standardisation process."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202299%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=447656","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-09-08&docID=447886#AQO%202299/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=447656"}},{"id":"447645","reference":"AQO 2288/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-09-01","answerBy":"2025-09-08","answered":"2025-09-08","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 for an update on a permanent memorial in Parliament Buildings to victims and survivors, as recommended by the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry report.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"We know how important the memorial plaque is, which is why officials have engaged extensively with victims and survivors in recent months to ensure that they heard a wide range of opinions on the wording. Draft options were shared with representative groups and individuals not affiliated with any group, as well as with the Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse (COSICA) and the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS). A final draft has now been developed, reflecting the views shared during that engagement, and is now under consideration. We remain committed to progressing that important inquiry recommendation and are keen to move forward as quickly as possible."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"I thank the deputy First Minister for her answer. That is welcome progress. Can she provide reassurance that the most recent draft has the full backing of groups of victims and survivors?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"The Member will be aware that the final draft is under consideration at the moment. Officials have undertaken quite a significant task to make sure that there is maximum buy-in and that views have been taken on the specific wording. Although the wording will not reflect exactly what everybody wants, because that is simply not possible, we have followed that process in order to try to get maximum possible buy-in. Hopefully, we will be moving on that very shortly. I take the opportunity to thank you, Mr Speaker, for your help and support. I know that you have been personally involved in working with many of the victims and survivors over a long period. Thank you for your cooperation with the Department and with us to try to get the issue resolved."},{"speaker":"Mrs Dillon","text":"On the back of the question that Connie Egan just asked, can the deputy First Minister give a guarantee that the wording on the plaque will be reflective of the experiences and input of victims and survivors, and can she give us some sense of exactly what that engagement looked like?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"I thank the Member for her question. As indicated, that engagement was very much about communicating with groups but also with individuals and others outside those groups who are known to us, along with extensive engagement with the commissioner and officials who were working to develop that. I am optimistic that the wording of that will reflect consensus across victims and survivors. Our aim was to try to get resolution to what has been an outstanding commitment to victims and survivors for too long. We are all on the same page with really wanting it to be resolved as soon as possible to make sure that victims and survivors can see what was promised to them reflected in this place but also so that we can then move on to look at the other outstanding commitments from that overall inquiry."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"We will move on to topical questions."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202288%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=447645","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-09-08&docID=447886#AQO%202288/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=447645"}},{"id":"445528","reference":"AQW 29647/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-07-01","answerBy":"2025-07-18","answered":"2025-07-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail whether his Department has had any engagement with the Department of Health and Social Care to share learning around the introduction of Right Care Right Person.","answerText":"The importance of learning from England and Wales to inform implementation of the Right Care Right Person (RCRP) model is widely recognised by all RCRP stakeholders and has formed a key consideration in the implementation planning in Northern Ireland. This includes consideration of the joint Home Office and Department of Health and Social Care report evaluating the implementation of the Right Care Right Person approach in England.","answerHtml":"The importance of learning from England and Wales to inform implementation of the Right Care Right Person (RCRP) model is widely recognised by all RCRP stakeholders and has formed a key consideration in the implementation planning in Northern Ireland. This includes consideration of the joint Home Office and Department of Health and Social Care report evaluating the implementation of the Right Care Right Person approach in England.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029647%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445528","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445528"}},{"id":"445527","reference":"AQW 29646/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-07-01","answerBy":"2025-07-18","answered":"2025-07-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail what engagement his Department has had with the PSNI regarding the proposed introduction of Right Care Right Person.","answerText":"Planning for the implementation of the Right Care Right Person (RCRP) model in Northern Ireland is being taken forward in a partnership approach between key stakeholders across Health, Justice and the PSNI.\n\nMy Department is working closely with PSNI at all levels of the RCRP implementation. For example, PSNI colleagues are represented on the overarching RCRP Strategic Group which has been established to provide strategic support for the implementation. The Silver Operational Group is co-chaired by senior officials in Health and the PSNI and membership consists of professionals from both. A number of subgroups have also been established to deliver key strands of the RCRP implementation, reporting to the Silver Group, and are either co-led by PSNI staff or have PSNI staff involved as part of their membership. All these groups continue to meet regularly to ensure a collaborative approach to delivery of the RCRP proposals.","answerHtml":"Planning for the implementation of the Right Care Right Person (RCRP) model in Northern Ireland is being taken forward in a partnership approach between key stakeholders across Health, Justice and the PSNI.
My Department is working closely with PSNI at all levels of the RCRP implementation. For example, PSNI colleagues are represented on the overarching RCRP Strategic Group which has been established to provide strategic support for the implementation. The Silver Operational Group is co-chaired by senior officials in Health and the PSNI and membership consists of professionals from both. A number of subgroups have also been established to deliver key strands of the RCRP implementation, reporting to the Silver Group, and are either co-led by PSNI staff or have PSNI staff involved as part of their membership. All these groups continue to meet regularly to ensure a collaborative approach to delivery of the RCRP proposals.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029646%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445527","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445527"}},{"id":"445526","reference":"AQW 29645/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-07-01","answerBy":"2025-07-18","answered":"2025-07-08","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 work of the Improving Health within Criminal Justice Oversight Group.","answerText":"The Department of Health jointly with the Department of Justice recently published a Progress Report on the Improving Health within Criminal Justice Strategy and Action Plan (May 2025). The Oversight Group approved the report prior to it being shared with the Health and Justice Ministers. The Oversight Group will now consider and approve the recommended way forward with the Strategy, as it has reached its five years life span.","answerHtml":"The Department of Health jointly with the Department of Justice recently published a Progress Report on the Improving Health within Criminal Justice Strategy and Action Plan (May 2025). The Oversight Group approved the report prior to it being shared with the Health and Justice Ministers. The Oversight Group will now consider and approve the recommended way forward with the Strategy, as it has reached its five years life span.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029645%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445526","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445526"}},{"id":"445128","reference":"AQW 29449/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-27","answerBy":"2025-07-16","answered":"2025-07-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department will be running public awareness campaigns for women’s health issues during this financial year.","answerText":"The Women’s Health Action plan remains in development with work ongoing to determine achievable actions based on the significant feedback we received from the stakeholder engagement events earlier this year.\n\nOne of the common themes apparent throughout our stakeholder engagement is the need for better education and awareness on women’s health issues and the identification and management of risk factors. I am aware and have acknowledged this. Unfortunately, as I have also stated previously, ongoing budget pressures limit my ability to commit to specific Women’s Health public awareness campaigns at this time. Officials are considering how best to make progress in this area as the Action Plan develops.\n\nMy Department is also continuing to support, and work alongside, Derry Well Women and Queen’s University Belfast on their large scale public listening exercise with women in NI. The first phase of this work, a Women’s Health Survey which was funded by DoH, has now concluded. The second phase will take place over the coming months and will involve a series of focus groups targeted at “hard-to-reach” women. The findings of the focus groups, alongside, the early analysis from Phase 1 of the listening exercise will provide additional evidence to underpin the Women’s Health Action Plan.","answerHtml":"The Women’s Health Action plan remains in development with work ongoing to determine achievable actions based on the significant feedback we received from the stakeholder engagement events earlier this year.
One of the common themes apparent throughout our stakeholder engagement is the need for better education and awareness on women’s health issues and the identification and management of risk factors. I am aware and have acknowledged this. Unfortunately, as I have also stated previously, ongoing budget pressures limit my ability to commit to specific Women’s Health public awareness campaigns at this time. Officials are considering how best to make progress in this area as the Action Plan develops.
My Department is also continuing to support, and work alongside, Derry Well Women and Queen’s University Belfast on their large scale public listening exercise with women in NI. The first phase of this work, a Women’s Health Survey which was funded by DoH, has now concluded. The second phase will take place over the coming months and will involve a series of focus groups targeted at “hard-to-reach” women. The findings of the focus groups, alongside, the early analysis from Phase 1 of the listening exercise will provide additional evidence to underpin the Women’s Health Action Plan.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029449%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445128","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445128"}},{"id":"445127","reference":"AQW 29448/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-27","answerBy":"2025-07-16","answered":"2025-07-08","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 car parking provision at the Ulster Hospital.","answerText":"The aim of the Department’s policy on car parking is to ensure the effective provision of car parking across all of the Health Estate for patients, visitors and staff. Decisions on how the Department’s policy is applied is for each Health and Social Care Trust (HSCT) to determine to enable them to take into account local issues.\n\nThe Ulster Hospital has approximately 2200 parking spaces of which of approximately 900 are public spaces and 1300 designated for permitted staff parking. Capacity is constrained by the geography of the site, planning restrictions and the number of entrances and exits serving the site.\n\nOn a typical day public car parking capacity at the Ulster Hospital meets the demands of vehicle users although some delays may be experienced at peak times.\n\nThere is insufficient capacity for all staff to be provided with an on-site car parking space, however the trust provides over 100 free off-site staff parking spaces at Dundonald Omniplex with a free shuttlebus operating every 15 minutes at peak times and every 30 minutes at all other times. There are also cycle to work and car share schemes as well as evening and weekend passes for parking out of hours.\n\nThe trust realises that car parking is a genuine concern for their staff and is working with government departments to provide viable alternatives to single occupancy car use and to increase off-site staff car parking capacity.","answerHtml":"The aim of the Department’s policy on car parking is to ensure the effective provision of car parking across all of the Health Estate for patients, visitors and staff. Decisions on how the Department’s policy is applied is for each Health and Social Care Trust (HSCT) to determine to enable them to take into account local issues.
The Ulster Hospital has approximately 2200 parking spaces of which of approximately 900 are public spaces and 1300 designated for permitted staff parking. Capacity is constrained by the geography of the site, planning restrictions and the number of entrances and exits serving the site.
On a typical day public car parking capacity at the Ulster Hospital meets the demands of vehicle users although some delays may be experienced at peak times.
There is insufficient capacity for all staff to be provided with an on-site car parking space, however the trust provides over 100 free off-site staff parking spaces at Dundonald Omniplex with a free shuttlebus operating every 15 minutes at peak times and every 30 minutes at all other times. There are also cycle to work and car share schemes as well as evening and weekend passes for parking out of hours.
The trust realises that car parking is a genuine concern for their staff and is working with government departments to provide viable alternatives to single occupancy car use and to increase off-site staff car parking capacity.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029448%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445127","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445127"}},{"id":"445126","reference":"AQW 29447/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-27","answerBy":"2025-07-16","answered":"2025-07-08","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 Women’s Health Action Plan.","answerText":"The Women’s Health Action plan remains in development with work ongoing to determine achievable actions based on the significant feedback we received from the stakeholder engagement events earlier this year.\n\nOne of the common themes apparent throughout our stakeholder engagement is the need for better education and awareness on women’s health issues and the identification and management of risk factors. I am aware and have acknowledged this. Unfortunately, as I have also stated previously, ongoing budget pressures limit my ability to commit to specific Women’s Health public awareness campaigns at this time. Officials are considering how best to make progress in this area as the Action Plan develops.\n\nMy Department is also continuing to support, and work alongside, Derry Well Women and Queen’s University Belfast on their large scale public listening exercise with women in NI. The first phase of this work, a Women’s Health Survey which was funded by DoH, has now concluded. The second phase will take place over the coming months and will involve a series of focus groups targeted at “hard-to-reach” women. The findings of the focus groups, alongside, the early analysis from Phase 1 of the listening exercise will provide additional evidence to underpin the Women’s Health Action Plan.","answerHtml":"The Women’s Health Action plan remains in development with work ongoing to determine achievable actions based on the significant feedback we received from the stakeholder engagement events earlier this year.
One of the common themes apparent throughout our stakeholder engagement is the need for better education and awareness on women’s health issues and the identification and management of risk factors. I am aware and have acknowledged this. Unfortunately, as I have also stated previously, ongoing budget pressures limit my ability to commit to specific Women’s Health public awareness campaigns at this time. Officials are considering how best to make progress in this area as the Action Plan develops.
My Department is also continuing to support, and work alongside, Derry Well Women and Queen’s University Belfast on their large scale public listening exercise with women in NI. The first phase of this work, a Women’s Health Survey which was funded by DoH, has now concluded. The second phase will take place over the coming months and will involve a series of focus groups targeted at “hard-to-reach” women. The findings of the focus groups, alongside, the early analysis from Phase 1 of the listening exercise will provide additional evidence to underpin the Women’s Health Action Plan.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029447%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=445126","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=445126"}},{"id":"444945","reference":"AQW 29355/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-26","answerBy":"2025-07-01","answered":"2025-07-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education how many children with special educational needs (SEN) do not have school place for the next academic year, in the North Down constituency.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:\n\nAs of Friday 27 June, there are currently eight pupils with a statement of special educational needs and with an address in the North Down constituency area that do not currently have their school place for September 2025 confirmed.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that:
As of Friday 27 June, there are currently eight pupils with a statement of special educational needs and with an address in the North Down constituency area that do not currently have their school place for September 2025 confirmed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029355%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=444945","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=444945"}},{"id":"444944","reference":"AQW 29354/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-26","answerBy":"2025-07-11","answered":"2025-07-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to outline the steps his Department has taken to develop global citizenship education for (i) primary; and (ii) post-primary pupils.","answerText":"Citizenship education is a statutory component of the Northern Ireland Curriculum, designed to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to participate meaningfully in democratic life and contribute to inclusive, cohesive communities both locally and globally.\n\nAt primary level, citizenship is embedded within Personal Development and Mutual Understanding, addressing themes such as diversity, cultural heritage, inclusion, human rights, and conflict resolution. At post-primary level, Local and Global Citizenship is delivered through Learning for Life and Work, enabling pupils to critically explore issues like prejudice, racism, and social justice.\n\nThe Strategic Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum, published on 3 June 2025, provides a compelling case for comprehensive curriculum reform. The report makes twenty-one recommendations and sets out the need for a new curriculum framework that is purpose-led; knowledge-rich; continuous and coherent; specific and focussed; and flexible and inclusive. The Review recommends the rebranding and redesigning of LLW, as well as the need for a new Citizenship, Employability and Personal Development Programme.\n\nI have announced my intention to establish a Curriculum Taskforce to lead the design and development of a new curriculum framework that embodies the principles recommended by the Review and meets the evolving needs of learners across Northern Ireland. The Taskforce will be operational in Autumn 2025","answerHtml":"Citizenship education is a statutory component of the Northern Ireland Curriculum, designed to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to participate meaningfully in democratic life and contribute to inclusive, cohesive communities both locally and globally.
At primary level, citizenship is embedded within Personal Development and Mutual Understanding, addressing themes such as diversity, cultural heritage, inclusion, human rights, and conflict resolution. At post-primary level, Local and Global Citizenship is delivered through Learning for Life and Work, enabling pupils to critically explore issues like prejudice, racism, and social justice.
The Strategic Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum, published on 3 June 2025, provides a compelling case for comprehensive curriculum reform. The report makes twenty-one recommendations and sets out the need for a new curriculum framework that is purpose-led; knowledge-rich; continuous and coherent; specific and focussed; and flexible and inclusive. The Review recommends the rebranding and redesigning of LLW, as well as the need for a new Citizenship, Employability and Personal Development Programme.
I have announced my intention to establish a Curriculum Taskforce to lead the design and development of a new curriculum framework that embodies the principles recommended by the Review and meets the evolving needs of learners across Northern Ireland. The Taskforce will be operational in Autumn 2025
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029354%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=444944","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=444944"}},{"id":"444943","reference":"AQW 29353/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-26","answerBy":"2025-07-11","answered":"2025-07-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education what steps his Department have taken to maximise the role of formal and informal education settings in reducing youth violence.","answerText":"The Education Authority’s Youth Service (EAYS), supported by funding from the Executive’s Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime (EPPOC), has developed a multi-layered youth work model to address violence. This model combines early intervention, mentoring, education, and community engagement to reduce violence and build resilience among young people and includes:\n\nThe ENGAGE programme - focuses on structured mentoring for young people at risk within their communities;\n\nCONNECT - supports young people who present at Hospital Emergency Departments;\n\nThe FUSION project - embeds youth workers in schools to support vulnerable pupils;\n\nEarly Intervention Programme - brings together youth workers and emergency services to engage young people involved in anti-community activities;\n\nThe Mentors in Safety programme - trains young people to lead peer workshops on issues like mental health, bullying, and substance abuse, creating safer environments and stronger peer networks;\n\nThe Y-BOX model - a targeted, evidence-informed intervention developed by Queen’s University Belfast and EA to address youth violence among young men.\n\nThese projects and programmes are underpinned by the EA’s Social Unrest Model, which provides a strategic framework for youth work during social unrest. Youth services adopt a tailored response ranging from universal engagement and prevention to targeted interventions, protection during unrest, and post-event reflection and support.\n\nThe Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 requires schools to record incidents or alleged incidents of bullying type behaviour, their motivation and their outcome. It requires all schools to have an Anti-Bullying policy and preventative measures which are kept under regular review.\n\nArticle 3 of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 as amended by Article 19 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 requires a school to have a discipline policy which outlines the behaviour it expects from pupils and the sanctions it will impose for breaches in discipline.\n\nMy department has produced \"Pastoral Care in Schools: Promoting Positive Behaviour\" guidance which sets out how a school should develop a discipline/positive behaviour policy using a whole school approach in consultation with pupils and parents.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority’s Youth Service (EAYS), supported by funding from the Executive’s Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime (EPPOC), has developed a multi-layered youth work model to address violence. This model combines early intervention, mentoring, education, and community engagement to reduce violence and build resilience among young people and includes:
The ENGAGE programme - focuses on structured mentoring for young people at risk within their communities;
CONNECT - supports young people who present at Hospital Emergency Departments;
The FUSION project - embeds youth workers in schools to support vulnerable pupils;
Early Intervention Programme - brings together youth workers and emergency services to engage young people involved in anti-community activities;
The Mentors in Safety programme - trains young people to lead peer workshops on issues like mental health, bullying, and substance abuse, creating safer environments and stronger peer networks;
The Y-BOX model - a targeted, evidence-informed intervention developed by Queen’s University Belfast and EA to address youth violence among young men.
These projects and programmes are underpinned by the EA’s Social Unrest Model, which provides a strategic framework for youth work during social unrest. Youth services adopt a tailored response ranging from universal engagement and prevention to targeted interventions, protection during unrest, and post-event reflection and support.
The Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 requires schools to record incidents or alleged incidents of bullying type behaviour, their motivation and their outcome. It requires all schools to have an Anti-Bullying policy and preventative measures which are kept under regular review.
Article 3 of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 as amended by Article 19 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 requires a school to have a discipline policy which outlines the behaviour it expects from pupils and the sanctions it will impose for breaches in discipline.
My department has produced "Pastoral Care in Schools: Promoting Positive Behaviour" guidance which sets out how a school should develop a discipline/positive behaviour policy using a whole school approach in consultation with pupils and parents.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029353%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=444943","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=444943"}},{"id":"444942","reference":"AQW 29352/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-26","answerBy":"2025-07-11","answered":"2026-04-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how many flags her Department has removed from street furniture, since March 2024.","answerText":"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 my the PSNI and my Executive colleagues to deal with this issue and remain ready to engage with them going forward.","answerHtml":"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 my the PSNI and my Executive colleagues to deal with this issue and remain ready to engage with them going forward.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029352%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=444942","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=444942"}},{"id":"444941","reference":"AQW 29351/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-26","answerBy":"2025-07-11","answered":"2025-07-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department has made any complaints to the PSNI since March 2024, for the unauthorised erection of flags on street furniture.","answerText":"When a complaint about a flag erected on street furniture is received, my officials will always contact the PSNI for advice and to assess if removal is likely to increase community tensions.","answerHtml":"When a complaint about a flag erected on street furniture is received, my officials will always contact the PSNI for advice and to assess if removal is likely to increase community tensions.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029351%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=444941","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=444941"}},{"id":"444746","reference":"AQW 29266/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-25","answerBy":"2025-07-10","answered":"2025-07-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any action his Department is taking to improve the early screening and identification of (i) dyslexia; and (ii) dyscalculia, in school age children.","answerText":"Early actions from the SEN Reform Agenda will see the implementation of a Graduated Response Framework and roll out of Education Authority (EA) Local IMPACT Teams from September 2025. Both of these actions will see earlier identification and support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN).\n\nThe EA Language and Communication Service has a range of resources and training to support schools in early identification, assessment and intervention in areas including developmental and expressive language and phonological development such as the EA Literacy Inclusion Toolkit, assistive technology software and training modules for schools supporting numeracy difficulties.","answerHtml":"Early actions from the SEN Reform Agenda will see the implementation of a Graduated Response Framework and roll out of Education Authority (EA) Local IMPACT Teams from September 2025. Both of these actions will see earlier identification and support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
The EA Language and Communication Service has a range of resources and training to support schools in early identification, assessment and intervention in areas including developmental and expressive language and phonological development such as the EA Literacy Inclusion Toolkit, assistive technology software and training modules for schools supporting numeracy difficulties.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029266%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=444746","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=444746"}},{"id":"444745","reference":"AQW 29265/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-25","answerBy":"2025-07-10","answered":"2025-06-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to outline any guidance his Department provides to schools on supporting pupils through bereavement and grief.","answerText":"Bereavement is one of many issues that our children and young people may face and demonstrates the importance of schools having a whole school approach to emotional health and wellbeing.\n\nThe Education Authority led ‘Being Well Doing Well’ programme is a key part of helping schools develop and improve their approach, culture and ethos to ensure pupils are supported throughout their school years. This programme includes bereavement as part of its learning and development programme.","answerHtml":"Bereavement is one of many issues that our children and young people may face and demonstrates the importance of schools having a whole school approach to emotional health and wellbeing.
The Education Authority led ‘Being Well Doing Well’ programme is a key part of helping schools develop and improve their approach, culture and ethos to ensure pupils are supported throughout their school years. This programme includes bereavement as part of its learning and development programme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029265%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=444745","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=444745"}},{"id":"444744","reference":"AQW 29264/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-25","answerBy":"2025-07-10","answered":"2025-07-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail whether a feasibility study for Grey Point Fort, Helen’s Bay, will be included in his Department's budget for 2025-26.","answerText":"I have allocated £60k in my 2025-26 budget for a feasibility study of Grey Point Fort.","answerHtml":"I have allocated £60k in my 2025-26 budget for a feasibility study of Grey Point Fort.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029264%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=444744","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=444744"}},{"id":"444743","reference":"AQW 29263/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-25","answerBy":"2025-07-10","answered":"2025-06-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail an update on the timescale for a new building for Crawfordsburn Primary School.","answerText":"The contract for the construction of the new school building for Crawfordsburn Primary School was awarded to Bell Contracts Ltd on 14 May 2025.\n\nConstruction is due to commence on site in July 2025 with completion programmed for November 2026.","answerHtml":"The contract for the construction of the new school building for Crawfordsburn Primary School was awarded to Bell Contracts Ltd on 14 May 2025.
Construction is due to commence on site in July 2025 with completion programmed for November 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029263%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=444743","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=444743"}},{"id":"444742","reference":"AQW 29262/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-06-25","answerBy":"2025-07-10","answered":"2025-07-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities, pursuant to AQW 26073/22-27, to detail an update on the review of seasonal opening arrangements for Holywood Motte for summer 2025.","answerText":"Holywood Motte is open from noon until 4pm on Sundays; my officials are currently recruiting seasonal staff to extend July and August opening hours 10am to 4pm on Sundays and Mondays.","answerHtml":"Holywood Motte is open from noon until 4pm on Sundays; my officials are currently recruiting seasonal staff to extend July and August opening hours 10am to 4pm on Sundays and Mondays.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2029262%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=444742","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=444742"}},{"id":"441459","reference":"AQW 27935/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-30","answerBy":"2025-06-16","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the role of the Children's Court Guardian Agency in (i) public law; and (ii) private law, legal proceedings.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027935%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=441459","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=441459"}},{"id":"441334","reference":"AQW 27884/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-29","answerBy":"2025-06-13","answered":"2025-06-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail retention initiatives for social workers in the Health and Social Care Trusts.","answerText":"All Health and Social Care Trusts deliver a range of initiatives that focus on the retention of social workers. For newly qualified social workers this includes individual coaching, mentoring, and the provision of monthly support sessions. Early-career social workers are also supported by more senior staff to complete their mandatory Assessed Year in Employment requirements which allows them to progress in their HSC career journey.\n\nTrusts provide a range of opportunities designed to encourage the retention of all social work staff which includes:\n\nin-service training,\n\nUniversity-accredited Professional in Practice programmes,\n\nevents which showcase and celebrate best social work practice, and\n\nwellbeing and self-care initiatives.\n\nMy Department has also been working collaboratively with Trusts to develop a range of initiatives designed to support the retention of social workers. These include:\n\nsafer staffing guidance which will help to inform more manageable caseloads for social workers,\n\na career pathway framework for HSC social work,\n\nproducing a comprehensive 10-year workforce plan designed to attract, recruit and retain social workers, and\n\ntackling sickness and absence-from-work rates and sharing best practice on how to prevent and reduce staff absence rates.","answerHtml":"All Health and Social Care Trusts deliver a range of initiatives that focus on the retention of social workers. For newly qualified social workers this includes individual coaching, mentoring, and the provision of monthly support sessions. Early-career social workers are also supported by more senior staff to complete their mandatory Assessed Year in Employment requirements which allows them to progress in their HSC career journey.
Trusts provide a range of opportunities designed to encourage the retention of all social work staff which includes:
in-service training,
University-accredited Professional in Practice programmes,
events which showcase and celebrate best social work practice, and
wellbeing and self-care initiatives.
My Department has also been working collaboratively with Trusts to develop a range of initiatives designed to support the retention of social workers. These include:
safer staffing guidance which will help to inform more manageable caseloads for social workers,
a career pathway framework for HSC social work,
producing a comprehensive 10-year workforce plan designed to attract, recruit and retain social workers, and
tackling sickness and absence-from-work rates and sharing best practice on how to prevent and reduce staff absence rates.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027884%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=441334","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=441334"}},{"id":"441333","reference":"AQW 27883/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-29","answerBy":"2025-06-13","answered":"2025-09-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health how many child contact visits have been cancelled due to staffing availability in the (i) Bangor Child Contact Centre; and (ii) Ards Child Contact centre in the last three years.","answerText":"The South Eastern Trust, which has a Service Level Agreement in place with both Contact Centres, has advised that no contact visits have been cancelled due to staffing availability at either location.\n\nThe Centres are contracted for 48 sessions per annum, which have been delivered in each of the last 3 years with the exception of 2022/23 when a single session was cancelled due to the Bangor facility not being available.","answerHtml":"The South Eastern Trust, which has a Service Level Agreement in place with both Contact Centres, has advised that no contact visits have been cancelled due to staffing availability at either location.
The Centres are contracted for 48 sessions per annum, which have been delivered in each of the last 3 years with the exception of 2022/23 when a single session was cancelled due to the Bangor facility not being available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027883%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=441333","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=441333"}},{"id":"441261","reference":"AQO 2100/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-29","answerBy":"2025-06-09","answered":"2025-06-09","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 a progress update on the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Delivery Plan 2024-2026.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"Mr Speaker, with your permission, junior Minister Cameron will answer this question."},{"speaker":"Mrs Cameron (Junior Minister, The Executive Office)","text":"There has been significant progress on the actions contained in the first ending violence against women and girls delivery plan since it was launched last September. The local and regional EVAWG change funds represent a £3·2 million investment for community and voluntary sector organisations in partnership with councils. We have been delighted to see the impact of the funding at grassroots community level. Councils are embedding action to end violence against women and girls in their service delivery and developing signposting and resources for local communities. In addition, eight community and voluntary sector expert organisations are delivering activity that will strengthen the impact and reach of EVAWG expertise and programmes that support schools, communities and workplaces. The Power to Change campaign, in partnership with the Department of Justice and the PSNI, aims to challenge unacceptable attitudes and reduce harmful behaviours of men and boys. Work is progressing at pace on the development of the second phase of campaign work on EVAWG, and we look forward to sharing more of that with you soon. We are only too aware of the serious and long-lasting impact of online abuse. Many Members in the Chamber have first-hand experience of that form of abuse. Junior Minister Riley and I met Ofcom, which has responsibility for online safety under the Online Safety Act 2023, to outline our concerns. We have also established key sectoral working groups to identify key actions to improve outcomes for women and girls in educational, workplace, social and night-time settings. We intend to provide a progress report to the Executive very soon."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"Thank you, junior Minister. The ending violence against women and girls change fund is very welcome. How does your Department work with local councils to evaluate and monitor how the money is being spent?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Cameron","text":"I thank the Member for that very important question. The change fund is an important part of the delivery plan. We are investing £3·2 million up to March 2026 in community-based action to help end violence against women and girls. The Member will know that the change fund provides grant funding directly to local grassroots community groups in order to build capacity and allow them to take local action. The regional change fund provides grants to regional expert organisations in that field to support their awareness-raising, prevention and capacity-building work. The Executive Office has supported all 11 councils to open local change funds totalling £1·4 million, and those schemes have made awards ranging from £1,000 to £25,000 to local groups. Activity funded under the local change funds is well spread across all communities, including youth groups; sports organisations; schools; businesses; the arts sector; and organisations that support minority ethnic people, people with disabilities and, of course, neurodiverse people. In support of the local change funds, all councils utilised the momentum support, which totalled £655,000 over the January to March 2025 period, with a diverse range of initiatives delivered to raise awareness and public engagement on EVAWG. That strategic investment by the Executive Office has mobilised all 11 councils in bringing EVAWG to the fore in each locality, raising awareness and establishing the basis for longer-term coordination. Eight of the EVAWG expert organisations now deliver as part of the £1·2 million funding from the regional change fund, which covers activity from 1 January 2025 to 31 March 2026. That collective body of work will strengthen the impact and reach of EVAWG expertise and programmes that are offered by key regional and community and voluntary sector organisations to support schools, communities and workplaces."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"Your time for the answer is up."},{"speaker":"Mrs Dillon","text":"I thank the Member for her supplementary question, because it is important for us to understand the evaluation process to make sure that we get the best value for money."},{"speaker":"","text":"Will the Minister please outline how TEO is working collaboratively across the Executive to ensure that we tackle violence against women and girls? What are the expected outcomes from its collaborative work?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Cameron","text":"I thank the Member for her question. If I had finished my previous answer, I would have said that we will absolutely evaluate all the outworkings. As for the Executive's collaborative work, \"Working Better Together\" is one of the six outcomes in the EVAWG strategic framework and is embedded in the Programme for Government. Collaboration with a range of Departments, including Education, Health and Justice, is ongoing, and we remain committed to taking that approach with all Departments. It is worth noting that, just last week, junior Minister Reilly and I chaired the second meeting of the EVAWG oversight group, which includes all the Departments at a senior level and, crucially, the community and voluntary sector, which was instrumental in the co-design of the strategy. It is vital that that cooperation continue throughout the EVAWG strategy's delivery, as the sector's organisations are the experts in that field."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%202100%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=441261","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-06-09&docID=441928#AQO%202100/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=441261"}},{"id":"440714","reference":"AQW 27675/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-23","answerBy":"2025-05-29","answered":"2025-05-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities, pursuant to AQW 26402/22-27, when he will provide an update on timelines.","answerText":"I will issue an update on timelines for the Queen’s Parade project shortly.","answerHtml":"I will issue an update on timelines for the Queen’s Parade project shortly.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027675%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=440714","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=440714"}},{"id":"440394","reference":"AQW 27531/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-21","answerBy":"2025-06-06","answered":"2025-06-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to outline what work his Department is progressing to tackle misogyny and sexism in sport at all levels.","answerText":"In March 2022, my Department launched ‘Active Living’ the Sport and Physical Activity Strategy for Northern Ireland, which includes goals to ensure that sport and physical activity are inclusive, safe, diverse, shared, fun and offers equality of opportunity to participate for all.\n\nThe participation of women and girls in sport and physical activity is fundamental to the Strategy, both from a participation and governance perspective. I am committed to ensuring that women and girls feel welcome, valued, supported and protected at every level in the sport sector, from grassroots participation to high performance and leadership. My Department and Sport NI are actively working to break down the barriers that women and girls face within the sector.\n\nAs this issue is also an operational matter for Sport NI, I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has provided me with a response.\n\nDue to the volume of information to be provided I have arranged for the detail to be placed in the Assembly Library.\n\nFor any future queries relating to operational matters, you may wish to contact the Sport NI directly. Making direct contact with the ALB will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of public resources.","answerHtml":"In March 2022, my Department launched ‘Active Living’ the Sport and Physical Activity Strategy for Northern Ireland, which includes goals to ensure that sport and physical activity are inclusive, safe, diverse, shared, fun and offers equality of opportunity to participate for all.
The participation of women and girls in sport and physical activity is fundamental to the Strategy, both from a participation and governance perspective. I am committed to ensuring that women and girls feel welcome, valued, supported and protected at every level in the sport sector, from grassroots participation to high performance and leadership. My Department and Sport NI are actively working to break down the barriers that women and girls face within the sector.
As this issue is also an operational matter for Sport NI, I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has provided me with a response.
Due to the volume of information to be provided I have arranged for the detail to be placed in the Assembly Library.
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you may wish to contact the Sport NI directly. Making direct contact with the ALB will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of public resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027531%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=440394","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=440394"}},{"id":"440393","reference":"AQW 27530/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-21","answerBy":"2025-06-06","answered":"2025-06-24","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 whether their Department has undertaken a mapping exercise of services relating to Ending Violence Against Women and Girls across the whole of the United Kingdom.","answerText":"As part of the development process for the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategic Framework, a comprehensive scoping exercise was undertaken to review strategies and approaches across other jurisdictions, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, as well as internationally.\n\nIn 2024, we conducted a high-level mapping exercise to identify general services relating to violence against women and girls provided by Northern Ireland Departments. We continue to work closely with neighbouring regions to align our efforts and benefit from shared best practice and learning.","answerHtml":"As part of the development process for the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategic Framework, a comprehensive scoping exercise was undertaken to review strategies and approaches across other jurisdictions, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, as well as internationally.
In 2024, we conducted a high-level mapping exercise to identify general services relating to violence against women and girls provided by Northern Ireland Departments. We continue to work closely with neighbouring regions to align our efforts and benefit from shared best practice and learning.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027530%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=440393","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=440393"}},{"id":"440392","reference":"AQW 27529/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-21","answerBy":"2025-06-06","answered":"2025-06-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether her Department provides domestic abuse awareness training for public transport workers.","answerText":"This issue is an operational matter for Translink. I have sought the requested information and have been advised as follows:\n\nTranslink has a Domestic Violence and Abuse Policy and a Child Protection Policy. Awareness is raised through internal communications and at Corporate Induction. The Domestic Violence and Abuse policy’s associated Management Guidelines provides access to a Domestic Abuse Awareness Raising Tool.\n\nIn addition, all Translink front line staff receive training on the ‘Ask for Angela’ Womens Night Safety Charter NI as well as training on child protection responsibilities including reporting of any concerns.\n\nFor any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact Translink directly at aqw.request@translink.co.uk. Making direct contact with Translink will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.","answerHtml":"This issue is an operational matter for Translink. I have sought the requested information and have been advised as follows:
Translink has a Domestic Violence and Abuse Policy and a Child Protection Policy. Awareness is raised through internal communications and at Corporate Induction. The Domestic Violence and Abuse policy’s associated Management Guidelines provides access to a Domestic Abuse Awareness Raising Tool.
In addition, all Translink front line staff receive training on the ‘Ask for Angela’ Womens Night Safety Charter NI as well as training on child protection responsibilities including reporting of any concerns.
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact Translink directly at aqw.request@translink.co.uk. Making direct contact with Translink will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027529%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=440392","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=440392"}},{"id":"440391","reference":"AQW 27528/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-21","answerBy":"2025-06-06","answered":"2025-06-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether his Department has approved the Outline Business Case for the Reawakening project at the Ulster Folk Museum.","answerText":"My Department has been closely engaging with National Museums NI on the Reawakening project at the Ulster Folk Museum and are continuing to work through the stages of the Department’s internal approval process.","answerHtml":"My Department has been closely engaging with National Museums NI on the Reawakening project at the Ulster Folk Museum and are continuing to work through the stages of the Department’s internal approval process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027528%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=440391","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=440391"}},{"id":"440390","reference":"AQW 27527/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-21","answerBy":"2025-06-06","answered":"2025-06-06","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 if their Department stipulated a preference for Local Change Fund allocations going to groups based in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"The Letters of Offer between TEO and Councils required Councils to adhere to the ‘Core Components of Local Grant Schemes’ in the design and administration of local change funds. These core components defined “eligible applicants” as “CVS organisations formally constituted and legally able to operate in Northern Ireland, and whose primary operations and/or beneficiaries are within the specific local council area to which they are making an application.”","answerHtml":"The Letters of Offer between TEO and Councils required Councils to adhere to the ‘Core Components of Local Grant Schemes’ in the design and administration of local change funds. These core components defined “eligible applicants” as “CVS organisations formally constituted and legally able to operate in Northern Ireland, and whose primary operations and/or beneficiaries are within the specific local council area to which they are making an application.”
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027527%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=440390","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=440390"}},{"id":"439506","reference":"AQW 27112/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-14","answerBy":"2025-05-30","answered":"2025-06-25","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 tender process for the operation of Ballycopeland Windmill visitor centre and café.","answerText":"The tender for an operator for Ballycopeland Windmill was published in February 2025, however no acceptable tenders were submitted.\n\nMy officials are reviewing the tender specification and intend go back out to tender later in 2025.","answerHtml":"The tender for an operator for Ballycopeland Windmill was published in February 2025, however no acceptable tenders were submitted.
My officials are reviewing the tender specification and intend go back out to tender later in 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2027112%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=439506","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=439506"}},{"id":"438685","reference":"AQO 2023/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-08","answerBy":"2025-05-20","answered":"2025-05-20","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of the availability of social workers in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Nesbitt","text":"The South Eastern Trust reports that, as of 12 May 2025, 929 social workers were employed across adult and children’s social work services, which equates to 861 whole-time equivalents. On 31 March 2023, there were 784 whole-time equivalent social workers in the South Eastern Trust. On 31 March 2024, there were 807. I am pleased to report, therefore, that, between 2023 and 2025, the number of social workers has increased by 77. The trust has 53 social work vacancies at band 6 and 11 at band 7. An additional 95 staff are absent from work due to sickness. The trust informed us that it is actively managing sickness levels and providing staff with support to enable them to return to work. Vacancy and absence rates can impact on the availability of social workers, leading to the use of waiting lists or unallocated cases to manage referrals. The trust has implemented a review and monitoring process to ensure the safe management of cases that await allocation in children’s services. The South Eastern Trust participates in a number of Department-led initiatives that are aimed at stabilising the HSC social work workforce, including the fast recruitment of newly qualified workers. It is envisaged that the majority of the 53 vacant band 6 posts in the trust will be offered to newly qualified social workers between June and September 2025. In fact, in the coming months, approximately 240 vacant posts will be offered to newly qualified social workers across all five trusts. The South Eastern Trust has advised that it is prioritising attraction and retention initiatives for social workers and developing the use of a bank of social work staff to fill temporary vacancies. Despite those efforts, there continues to be an inadequate supply of social workers to meet service demands regionally. My Department reviews regularly and seeks to increase the number of commissioned training places to meet the demand."},{"speaker":"Mr Deputy Speaker (Dr Aiken)","text":"Ms Egan, you have 30 seconds."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"Thank you. I thank the Minister for his answer. I understand that the social care workforce review in 2022 indicated that 60 more university training places for social workers will be required every year, but, last year, there were 20 more. How many places will there be in the upcoming year? Will there be enough to meet the demand?"},{"speaker":"Mr Deputy Speaker (Dr Aiken)","text":"Minister, you have 15 seconds."},{"speaker":"Mr Nesbitt","text":"I do not have the exact number to hand. We have made great strides in recruitment and getting away from using agency staff, so we are much more efficient. However, I am afraid that I will have to write to the Member with the exact number that she seeks."},{"speaker":"Mr Deputy Speaker (Dr Aiken)","text":"Thank you, Minister, for keeping to time. That ends the period for listed questions. We 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%202023%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=438685","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-05-20&docID=439413#AQO%202023/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=438685"}},{"id":"438265","reference":"AQW 26556/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-05-02","answerBy":"2025-05-20","answered":"2025-05-15","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 review of guidance on the management of anaphylaxis in schools being undertaken by the (i) Department of Education; and (ii) Education Authority.","answerText":"My department is progressing an update to the ‘Supporting pupils with Medication Needs’ Guidance in collaboration with the Department of Health and the Education Authority.\n\nDepartment of Health guidance on the use of Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (AAIs) in schools appended to the departmental guidance was revised in October 2018.","answerHtml":"My department is progressing an update to the ‘Supporting pupils with Medication Needs’ Guidance in collaboration with the Department of Health and the Education Authority.
Department of Health guidance on the use of Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (AAIs) in schools appended to the departmental guidance was revised in October 2018.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026556%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=438265","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=438265"}},{"id":"438011","reference":"AQW 26402/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-30","answerBy":"2025-05-06","answered":"2025-05-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on the commencement date for the Queen's Parade redevelopment project.","answerText":"My officials, along with Ards and North Down Borough Council, are continuing to work very closely with the developer, Bangor Marine, in an effort to progress this scheme. Outstanding legal matters are almost finalised, which will enable a start on site. These issues have proven more complex than anticipated and I hope to provide an update on timelines soon.","answerHtml":"My officials, along with Ards and North Down Borough Council, are continuing to work very closely with the developer, Bangor Marine, in an effort to progress this scheme. Outstanding legal matters are almost finalised, which will enable a start on site. These issues have proven more complex than anticipated and I hope to provide an update on timelines soon.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026402%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=438011","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=438011"}},{"id":"438010","reference":"AQW 26401/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-30","answerBy":"2025-05-16","answered":"2025-06-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail how his Department has considered the needs of those with long-term medical conditions in the development of his Department's Anti-Poverty Strategy.","answerText":"The draft Executive Anti-Poverty Strategy is founded on an analysis of the risk factors for falling into poverty; the major impacts of poverty on people’s lives; and the factors that enable people to exit poverty. The evidence shows that living with a long-term medical condition is one of those risk factors as well as a potential impact of poverty. Based on this analysis, I have sought actions and commitments from across the Executive departments, including my own, aimed at improving the lives of all people experiencing and at risk of experiencing poverty across all communities in Northern Ireland.","answerHtml":"The draft Executive Anti-Poverty Strategy is founded on an analysis of the risk factors for falling into poverty; the major impacts of poverty on people’s lives; and the factors that enable people to exit poverty. The evidence shows that living with a long-term medical condition is one of those risk factors as well as a potential impact of poverty. Based on this analysis, I have sought actions and commitments from across the Executive departments, including my own, aimed at improving the lives of all people experiencing and at risk of experiencing poverty across all communities in Northern Ireland.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026401%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=438010","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=438010"}},{"id":"438009","reference":"AQW 26400/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-30","answerBy":"2025-05-16","answered":"2025-05-12","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 detail any work her Department has undertaken to reduce household energy bills for those with essential medical equipment in their homes since the beginning of the 2022-2027 Assembly mandate.","answerText":"My Department along with the Utility Regulator (UR) and the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland (CCNI) continues to work closely to ensure that energy is affordable for all consumers. The Path to Net Zero Energy Strategy aims to move away from the imported fossil fuels that put us in the position of a “price-taker”. One of the key objectives of the strategy is to ensure that all consumers, business and domestic, have access to essential and affordable energy to enable an adequate standard of competitiveness. The focus is now on priorities for delivery to ensure that we maximise the benefits for our society and economy as soon as possible. Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE Networks) offer a medical customer care information service to customers who are dependent on life supporting equipment. If they use electrical equipment that is vital to their health, they can register with NIE Networks to receive up-to-date information during a power cut or interruption to your supply. They can register for this service on the NIE Networks website (Register for NIE's critical care service | Northern Ireland Electricity Networks) or by calling NIE Network’s customer helpline on 03457 643 643.","answerHtml":"My Department along with the Utility Regulator (UR) and the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland (CCNI) continues to work closely to ensure that energy is affordable for all consumers. The Path to Net Zero Energy Strategy aims to move away from the imported fossil fuels that put us in the position of a “price-taker”. One of the key objectives of the strategy is to ensure that all consumers, business and domestic, have access to essential and affordable energy to enable an adequate standard of competitiveness. The focus is now on priorities for delivery to ensure that we maximise the benefits for our society and economy as soon as possible. Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE Networks) offer a medical customer care information service to customers who are dependent on life supporting equipment. If they use electrical equipment that is vital to their health, they can register with NIE Networks to receive up-to-date information during a power cut or interruption to your supply. They can register for this service on the NIE Networks website (Register for NIE's critical care service | Northern Ireland Electricity Networks) or by calling NIE Network’s customer helpline on 03457 643 643.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026400%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=438009","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=438009"}},{"id":"438008","reference":"AQW 26399/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-30","answerBy":"2025-05-16","answered":"2025-05-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department provides any financial support to those with essential medical equipment at home in relation to energy costs.","answerText":"The only service area where payment is routinely made in respect of energy costs is Nephrology, where Home Haemodialysis (HHD) patients get £50 a month to go towards electricity costs. This payment is made by BHSCT to all HHD patients regardless of which health trust their care is under.\n\nA reimbursement arrangement is also in place for patients using Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) machines. Usage is significantly less than the HHD machines and therefore payment reflects this. The amount paid in respect of PD usage is £2.36 per week.\n\nThere is a rebate scheme for reimbursement for patients in receipt of home oxygen. This is not administered by Trusts but NIE in conjunction with BOC (British Oxygen Company).","answerHtml":"The only service area where payment is routinely made in respect of energy costs is Nephrology, where Home Haemodialysis (HHD) patients get £50 a month to go towards electricity costs. This payment is made by BHSCT to all HHD patients regardless of which health trust their care is under.
A reimbursement arrangement is also in place for patients using Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) machines. Usage is significantly less than the HHD machines and therefore payment reflects this. The amount paid in respect of PD usage is £2.36 per week.
There is a rebate scheme for reimbursement for patients in receipt of home oxygen. This is not administered by Trusts but NIE in conjunction with BOC (British Oxygen Company).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026399%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=438008","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=438008"}},{"id":"436728","reference":"AQW 26076/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-11","answerBy":"2025-04-30","answered":"2025-04-17","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 review of the Small Business Rate Relief scheme.","answerText":"ANSWER\n\nMy officials have begun preparatory work on the planned Strategic Rating Reviews for 2025/26 and have commenced initial meetings with stakeholders to outline the intended approach.\n\nThe Review process will formally commence after the Easter period with the Terms of Reference being published and provided to MLAs.","answerHtml":"ANSWER
My officials have begun preparatory work on the planned Strategic Rating Reviews for 2025/26 and have commenced initial meetings with stakeholders to outline the intended approach.
The Review process will formally commence after the Easter period with the Terms of Reference being published and provided to MLAs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026076%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436728","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436728"}},{"id":"436727","reference":"AQW 26075/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-11","answerBy":"2025-04-30","answered":"2025-04-18","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 review of Non-Domestic Vacant Rate exclusions.","answerText":"ANSWER\n\nI refer the member to my answer to AQW 26076/22-27.","answerHtml":"ANSWER
I refer the member to my answer to AQW 26076/22-27.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026075%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436727","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436727"}},{"id":"436726","reference":"AQW 26074/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-11","answerBy":"2025-04-30","answered":"2025-04-25","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 plans to commission research on the cost of doing business.","answerText":"ANSWER\n\nI refer the Member to the response provided for AQW 25646/22-27.","answerHtml":"ANSWER
I refer the Member to the response provided for AQW 25646/22-27.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026074%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436726","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436726"}},{"id":"436725","reference":"AQW 26073/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-11","answerBy":"2025-04-30","answered":"2025-05-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether he will extend the opening times for Holywood Motte.","answerText":"I am committed to making our State Care Monuments accessible to all where possible and I am aware of keen public interest in extending the opening hours of Holywood Motte. My officials in Historic Environment Division are currently reviewing their seasonal opening arrangements in advance of summer 2025. I have instructed them to consider extending the opening hours at Holywood Motte as part of this exercise.","answerHtml":"I am committed to making our State Care Monuments accessible to all where possible and I am aware of keen public interest in extending the opening hours of Holywood Motte. My officials in Historic Environment Division are currently reviewing their seasonal opening arrangements in advance of summer 2025. I have instructed them to consider extending the opening hours at Holywood Motte as part of this exercise.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2026073%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436725","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436725"}},{"id":"436539","reference":"AQW 25994/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-10","answerBy":"2025-04-16","answered":"2025-04-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the total number of children that applied through the Education Authority for a pre-school place in North Down for the 2025-26 academic year; (ii) the number of children that did not receive their first choice; and (iii) the number of children that did not receive any allocation in North Down.","answerText":"The EA has advised that at this stage in the pre-school admissions process, 97% of target aged children whose parents applied for a pre-school place have already received an offer of a funded place in a setting of their preference.\n\nThe pre-school admissions process has two stages and stage two remains ongoing at this time. The EA has advised that there are currently sufficient funded places available to accommodate all children who have not yet received the offer of a funded place in a setting of their parents’ preference.\n\nThe current information in respect of the North Down parliamentary constituency area is set out in the table below.\n\nTotal No’ of children that applied for a funded pre-school place in North Down parliamentary constituency area at Stage one\t792\nNo’ of children that did not receive their first preference at Stage one\t96\nNo’ of children that did not receive an offer in a preferred setting in North Down parliamentary constituency area at Stage one\t12\nNo’ of funded pre-school places available at end of Stage one in North Down parliamentary constituency area\t78","answerHtml":"The EA has advised that at this stage in the pre-school admissions process, 97% of target aged children whose parents applied for a pre-school place have already received an offer of a funded place in a setting of their preference.
The pre-school admissions process has two stages and stage two remains ongoing at this time. The EA has advised that there are currently sufficient funded places available to accommodate all children who have not yet received the offer of a funded place in a setting of their parents’ preference.
The current information in respect of the North Down parliamentary constituency area is set out in the table below.
| Total No’ of children that applied for a funded pre-school place in North Down parliamentary constituency area at Stage one | 792 |
| No’ of children that did not receive their first preference at Stage one | 96 |
| No’ of children that did not receive an offer in a preferred setting in North Down parliamentary constituency area at Stage one | 12 |
| No’ of funded pre-school places available at end of Stage one in North Down parliamentary constituency area | 78 |
My Department’s regional planning policy contained in the Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) requires a town centre first approach for the location of new retail development and other main town centre uses. Councils must take account of the SPPS in the preparation of their Local Development Plans (LDPs), including Ards and North Down Borough Council who are continuing with their plan preparation for their draft Plan Strategy, which is anticipated later this year as indicated by the Council timetable. The provisions of the SPPS are also a material consideration in the determination of individual planning applications and appeals.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025993%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436538","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436538"}},{"id":"436537","reference":"AQW 25992/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-10","answerBy":"2025-04-29","answered":"2025-04-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, following a recommendation from the Marcella Domestic Homicide Review, how he will support the Education Authority to develop domestic abuse awareness training for school safeguarding teams.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that a training webinar on domestic abuse and the impact on children and young people is under development, in direct response to the ‘Marcella Domestic Homicide Review’. This will sit alongside the existing training for school safeguarding teams, which includes specific content in respect of domestic abuse.\n\nMy department remains engaged in delivery of key actions as set out in the cross-departmental Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy: Action Plan 2024-2031.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) has advised that a training webinar on domestic abuse and the impact on children and young people is under development, in direct response to the ‘Marcella Domestic Homicide Review’. This will sit alongside the existing training for school safeguarding teams, which includes specific content in respect of domestic abuse.
My department remains engaged in delivery of key actions as set out in the cross-departmental Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy: Action Plan 2024-2031.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025992%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436537","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436537"}},{"id":"436536","reference":"AQW 25991/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-10","answerBy":"2025-04-29","answered":"2025-05-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether his Department will implement the recommendations arising from the Marcella Domestic Homicide Review for the Housing Executive.","answerText":"The Department has noted the publication of the Marcella Domestic Homicide Review and will take time to consider the recommendations in full.\n\nThe Housing Executive launched its Domestic Abuse Action Plan in December 2024 and a new training package has been developed to increase staff awareness of Domestic Abuse.","answerHtml":"The Department has noted the publication of the Marcella Domestic Homicide Review and will take time to consider the recommendations in full.
The Housing Executive launched its Domestic Abuse Action Plan in December 2024 and a new training package has been developed to increase staff awareness of Domestic Abuse.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025991%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436536","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436536"}},{"id":"436535","reference":"AQW 25990/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-10","answerBy":"2025-04-29","answered":"2025-07-25","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 will recall the High Street Task Force to implement the recommendations included in the Delivering a 21st Century High Street report.","answerText":"The High Street Task Force concluded its work when it presented its Report to Junior Ministers in March 2022. Since then, a number of the recommendations have been taken forward by Ministerial colleagues at the Departments for Communities, Economy, Finance, and Infrastructure. Further detail can be sought from those departments.","answerHtml":"The High Street Task Force concluded its work when it presented its Report to Junior Ministers in March 2022. Since then, a number of the recommendations have been taken forward by Ministerial colleagues at the Departments for Communities, Economy, Finance, and Infrastructure. Further detail can be sought from those departments.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025990%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436535","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436535"}},{"id":"436374","reference":"AQW 25901/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-09","answerBy":"2025-04-28","answered":"2025-04-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has any plans to review adherence to current guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence on cardiovascular disease and heart attacks, with a view to identify sex-specific disparities.","answerText":"National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is considered to be best practice in Northern Ireland and my Department maintains a formal link with the Institute. NICE Guidelines are implemented within Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts in line with Department of Health Circular HSC (SQSD) 13/22. My Department is monitoring the Trusts’ adherence to these guidelines. As the current NICE Guidelines pertaining to cardiovascular disease and heart attacks do not identify sex-specific disparities to the extent which would require an adherence review, my Department has no plans for such review.","answerHtml":"National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is considered to be best practice in Northern Ireland and my Department maintains a formal link with the Institute. NICE Guidelines are implemented within Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts in line with Department of Health Circular HSC (SQSD) 13/22. My Department is monitoring the Trusts’ adherence to these guidelines. As the current NICE Guidelines pertaining to cardiovascular disease and heart attacks do not identify sex-specific disparities to the extent which would require an adherence review, my Department has no plans for such review.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025901%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436374","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436374"}},{"id":"436373","reference":"AQW 25900/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-09","answerBy":"2025-04-28","answered":"2025-04-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail how his Department has engaged the Public Health Agency to promote public awareness on the symptoms of heart disease in women.","answerText":"I recognise the need for improved education and information on a wide range of women’s health issues and risk factors, to support women and healthcare professionals in the identification, management and treatment of conditions including cardiovascular disease.\n\nWhile budget pressures continue to limit my Department's ability to improve public education and awareness on a range of important health matters, my officials have been engaging with the Public Health Agency to consider how best to do so within current resources and in a way that meets the specific needs of different groups of women and girls. This will form part of the Women’s Health Action Plan which my Department is developing.\n\nThe Public Health Agency also has an important role to play in promoting education and awareness in relation to public health initiatives which my Department is developing, which aim to tackle the health risks and behaviours that can lead to cardiovascular disease, such as consumption of alcohol, tobacco and vape products and obesity.","answerHtml":"I recognise the need for improved education and information on a wide range of women’s health issues and risk factors, to support women and healthcare professionals in the identification, management and treatment of conditions including cardiovascular disease.
While budget pressures continue to limit my Department's ability to improve public education and awareness on a range of important health matters, my officials have been engaging with the Public Health Agency to consider how best to do so within current resources and in a way that meets the specific needs of different groups of women and girls. This will form part of the Women’s Health Action Plan which my Department is developing.
The Public Health Agency also has an important role to play in promoting education and awareness in relation to public health initiatives which my Department is developing, which aim to tackle the health risks and behaviours that can lead to cardiovascular disease, such as consumption of alcohol, tobacco and vape products and obesity.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025900%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436373","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436373"}},{"id":"436372","reference":"AQW 25899/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-09","answerBy":"2025-04-28","answered":"2025-04-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any training and educational resources his Department has made available to (i) primary; and (ii) secondary care professionals on cardiovascular disease in women.","answerText":"My Department does not directly or routinely provide training and educational resources to healthcare professionals. After completing undergraduate training, which will include up to date learning about cardiovascular disease, clinicians (Doctors, Nurses and other Allied Health Professionals) engage in continuing professional development (CPD) and will address their own learning needs through participation in online and in person courses, reading journal articles, implementing new clinical standards and guidelines, engaging in audit and quality improvement. Much of the ongoing learning and professional development is accessed through the various professional bodies. Within primary care, training can be accessed locally through GP Federations. The content of training delivered by GP Federations is considered and chosen by members of the Federation in keeping with the training needs locally and regionally identified by our health care professionals.\n\nCurrently, Northern Ireland Centre for Pharmacy Learning and Development (NICPLD), which is funded by my Department, offers over 32 CPD hours of cardiovascular education for pharmacists through online modules, live webinars, and face-to-face events. Primary care staff, including pharmacists, may also access a wide breadth of additional cardiovascular content through PrescQIPP, an NHS-funded not-for-profit organisation that promotes safe, evidence-based, and cost-effective prescribing, which is also funded by my Department.\n\nThis education is designed to be comprehensive and inclusive, addressing cardiovascular care across the general population. While not condition-specific by gender, the content is clinically appropriate and applicable to all individuals, supporting pharmacists in the delivery of safe, effective, and equitable cardiovascular care.","answerHtml":"My Department does not directly or routinely provide training and educational resources to healthcare professionals. After completing undergraduate training, which will include up to date learning about cardiovascular disease, clinicians (Doctors, Nurses and other Allied Health Professionals) engage in continuing professional development (CPD) and will address their own learning needs through participation in online and in person courses, reading journal articles, implementing new clinical standards and guidelines, engaging in audit and quality improvement. Much of the ongoing learning and professional development is accessed through the various professional bodies. Within primary care, training can be accessed locally through GP Federations. The content of training delivered by GP Federations is considered and chosen by members of the Federation in keeping with the training needs locally and regionally identified by our health care professionals.
Currently, Northern Ireland Centre for Pharmacy Learning and Development (NICPLD), which is funded by my Department, offers over 32 CPD hours of cardiovascular education for pharmacists through online modules, live webinars, and face-to-face events. Primary care staff, including pharmacists, may also access a wide breadth of additional cardiovascular content through PrescQIPP, an NHS-funded not-for-profit organisation that promotes safe, evidence-based, and cost-effective prescribing, which is also funded by my Department.
This education is designed to be comprehensive and inclusive, addressing cardiovascular care across the general population. While not condition-specific by gender, the content is clinically appropriate and applicable to all individuals, supporting pharmacists in the delivery of safe, effective, and equitable cardiovascular care.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025899%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436372","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436372"}},{"id":"436371","reference":"AQW 25898/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-09","answerBy":"2025-04-28","answered":"2025-04-11","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 her Department evaluates outcomes of the Go Succeed service.","answerText":"The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government as primary funders of the Go Succeed Service is responsible for evaluating its outcomes.","answerHtml":"The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government as primary funders of the Go Succeed Service is responsible for evaluating its outcomes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025898%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=436371","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=436371"}},{"id":"435197","reference":"AQW 25445/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-01","answerBy":"2025-04-16","answered":"2025-04-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education how his Department supports uniformed youth groups.","answerText":"My department provides support to uniformed youth groups through the Education Authority’s Youth Service Grant aid assistance to local and regional uniformed organisations across Northern Ireland as part of the Funding Scheme for Regional and Local Voluntary Youth Organisations.\n\nLocal uniformed organisations who are registered with the Education Authority can apply for “Generic/Non-Targeted” funding annually. The amount funded is between £800-£3,000 per group, depending on the number of young people attending and hours of operation.\n\nGeneric/Non-targeted funding is available to all registered voluntary youth organisations who deliver programmes on a volunteer staff basis and funding can be used to make a contribution to curriculum delivery, insurance and heat/light overheads.\n\nRepresentatives from uniformed groups are invited to attend Local Advisory Group meetings, which take place 6 times per year.\n\nRegional Headquarter organisations can apply for Regional Strategic Funding (Up to £150k per annum), Regional Project Funding (Up to £50k per annum) and Regional Development Funding (funding dependent on the need). The Regional Strategic Funding provides uniformed headquarter bodies with resources to support their local units in the areas of governance; curriculum; representation and collaboration; workforce development; safeguarding and child protection; quality assurance; and youth work outcomes.\n\nIn addition, the Regional Development Funding has been provided to uniformed headquarter organisations to support the recruitment, retention and development of their volunteers locally.","answerHtml":"My department provides support to uniformed youth groups through the Education Authority’s Youth Service Grant aid assistance to local and regional uniformed organisations across Northern Ireland as part of the Funding Scheme for Regional and Local Voluntary Youth Organisations.
Local uniformed organisations who are registered with the Education Authority can apply for “Generic/Non-Targeted” funding annually. The amount funded is between £800-£3,000 per group, depending on the number of young people attending and hours of operation.
Generic/Non-targeted funding is available to all registered voluntary youth organisations who deliver programmes on a volunteer staff basis and funding can be used to make a contribution to curriculum delivery, insurance and heat/light overheads.
Representatives from uniformed groups are invited to attend Local Advisory Group meetings, which take place 6 times per year.
Regional Headquarter organisations can apply for Regional Strategic Funding (Up to £150k per annum), Regional Project Funding (Up to £50k per annum) and Regional Development Funding (funding dependent on the need). The Regional Strategic Funding provides uniformed headquarter bodies with resources to support their local units in the areas of governance; curriculum; representation and collaboration; workforce development; safeguarding and child protection; quality assurance; and youth work outcomes.
In addition, the Regional Development Funding has been provided to uniformed headquarter organisations to support the recruitment, retention and development of their volunteers locally.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025445%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=435197","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=435197"}},{"id":"435196","reference":"AQW 25444/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-04-01","answerBy":"2025-04-16","answered":"2025-04-10","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 review of safety on the A2 between Bangor and Belfast.","answerText":"Road safety remains an extremely high priority for my Department and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and address the needs of all road users.\n\nMy officials are in the process of reviewing the latest Road Traffic Collision data from the PSNI for accident cluster sites, including the A2 Bangor to Belfast dual carriageway, to identify if there are any common causation factors which would benefit from the introduction of effective road safety measures. Any engineering measures which are proposed will be considered for inclusion in a future work programme, subject to available funding.\n\nIn the meantime, I am pleased to advise that my officials have taken forward the cleaning of safety signage along the A2, as well as cutting back any overgrown vegetation. Action has also been taken to resolve reliability issues with the signalised junctions at Ballysallagh and Seahill.\n\nOne of the best ways to ensure the safety of our roads and fulfil our long-term goal of eliminating death and serious injury on roads by 2050 is by changing driver behaviour. As road users we all have a personal responsibility to behave in a way that keeps ourselves and others safe. The sad reality is that if we do not change our own attitudes when we are using the roads, our death toll will continue to increase.","answerHtml":"Road safety remains an extremely high priority for my Department and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and address the needs of all road users.
My officials are in the process of reviewing the latest Road Traffic Collision data from the PSNI for accident cluster sites, including the A2 Bangor to Belfast dual carriageway, to identify if there are any common causation factors which would benefit from the introduction of effective road safety measures. Any engineering measures which are proposed will be considered for inclusion in a future work programme, subject to available funding.
In the meantime, I am pleased to advise that my officials have taken forward the cleaning of safety signage along the A2, as well as cutting back any overgrown vegetation. Action has also been taken to resolve reliability issues with the signalised junctions at Ballysallagh and Seahill.
One of the best ways to ensure the safety of our roads and fulfil our long-term goal of eliminating death and serious injury on roads by 2050 is by changing driver behaviour. As road users we all have a personal responsibility to behave in a way that keeps ourselves and others safe. The sad reality is that if we do not change our own attitudes when we are using the roads, our death toll will continue to increase.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025444%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=435196","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=435196"}},{"id":"434692","reference":"AQW 25269/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-28","answerBy":"2025-04-14","answered":"2025-04-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 23015/22-27, to detail any guidance his Department has issued to Health and Social Care Trusts on hyperthyroidism.","answerText":"NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) produce recommendations to help practitioners and commissioners get the best care to people fast, while ensuring value for money.\n\nWhilst there is no specific Departmental guidance issued to practitioners on hyperthyroidism, my Department have shared the NICE guidelines on this condition.\n\nGuidance on the treatment of Thyroid conditions can be found on the NICE website: Overview | Thyroid disease: assessment and management | Guidance | NICE.","answerHtml":"NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) produce recommendations to help practitioners and commissioners get the best care to people fast, while ensuring value for money.
Whilst there is no specific Departmental guidance issued to practitioners on hyperthyroidism, my Department have shared the NICE guidelines on this condition.
Guidance on the treatment of Thyroid conditions can be found on the NICE website: Overview | Thyroid disease: assessment and management | Guidance | NICE.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025269%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=434692","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=434692"}},{"id":"434691","reference":"AQW 25268/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-28","answerBy":"2025-04-14","answered":"2025-04-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail how his Department engages with the family courts system.","answerText":"My Department is represented on the Shadow Family Justice Board, which was established in response to the 2017 Review of Civil and Family Justice. This is led by a Senior Family Judge and include representation from across the judiciary as well as other government/statutory organisations, including HSC Trusts.\n\nIn addition, my officials engage with the judiciary on specific matters of mutual interest, as such matters arise. Examples include presentations on looked after children in contact with the criminal justice system, and on a new memorandum of understanding between the Department and Probation Board for Northern Ireland relating to reports being provided to the judiciary on the impact on a child arising from a custodial sentence of a parent/carer.\n\nThe approval of Departmental officials is also provided to the court as part of applications made by HSC Trusts under Article 44 of the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995, where a secure accommodation order is being sought in respect of a child aged under 13 years.","answerHtml":"My Department is represented on the Shadow Family Justice Board, which was established in response to the 2017 Review of Civil and Family Justice. This is led by a Senior Family Judge and include representation from across the judiciary as well as other government/statutory organisations, including HSC Trusts.
In addition, my officials engage with the judiciary on specific matters of mutual interest, as such matters arise. Examples include presentations on looked after children in contact with the criminal justice system, and on a new memorandum of understanding between the Department and Probation Board for Northern Ireland relating to reports being provided to the judiciary on the impact on a child arising from a custodial sentence of a parent/carer.
The approval of Departmental officials is also provided to the court as part of applications made by HSC Trusts under Article 44 of the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995, where a secure accommodation order is being sought in respect of a child aged under 13 years.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025268%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=434691","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=434691"}},{"id":"434690","reference":"AQW 25267/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-28","answerBy":"2025-04-14","answered":"2025-04-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for her assessment of the Go Succeed programme.","answerText":"Go Succeed is the Council led business start-up programme for the North of Ireland. It was launched in November 2023 and is majority funded through the British Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF). Go Succeed plays a crucial role in helping entrepreneurs across the North start and grow their own businesses.","answerHtml":"Go Succeed is the Council led business start-up programme for the North of Ireland. It was launched in November 2023 and is majority funded through the British Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF). Go Succeed plays a crucial role in helping entrepreneurs across the North start and grow their own businesses.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025267%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=434690","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=434690"}},{"id":"434102","reference":"AQW 25002/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-25","answerBy":"2025-04-09","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when he will answer (i) AQW 21118/22-27; and (ii) AQW 21119/22-27.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025002%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=434102","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=434102"}},{"id":"434101","reference":"AQW 25001/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-25","answerBy":"2025-04-09","answered":"2025-04-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail how he is implementing the recommendations included in the High Street Task Force’s Delivering a 21st Century High Street report that are relevant to his Department.","answerText":"Of the 14 recommendations in the High Street Task Force Report, three could be identified where DfC would be seen as a significant lead department. These are Recommendations 2, 5 and 12. Both 5 and 12 require Executive endorsement and in the case of Recommendation 5, a significant Capital Budget to allow for implementation.\n\nRecommendation 2 endorses the Living High Streets Craft Kit and recommends that it is rolled out with the necessary support for implementation in each high street, village, town and city centre that is prioritised for action by the relevant district council. This recommendation was recognised as one where DfC, given its relationship to the Ministerial Advisory Group on Architecture and the Built Environment (MAG), would have a leading role.\n\nOn that basis, the Department undertook, subject to available resources, to carry out up to three Pilots of the “Living High Streets Craft Kit”. The first pilot was conducted in Downpatrick and resulted in the launch of the Downpatrick Living High Streets Framework in September 2023.\n\nThe second pilot project, to create the Shankill Living High Streets Framework commenced in September 2024. To date it has delivered an intense series of community ‘Place’ workshops; seeking to understand the positive and negative aspects of the Greater Shankill area. This information has been collated and will now form the basis of an ‘Imagining’ event in April 2025 which will look how the area can be improved. It is expected that the process will conclude in June 2025, when all findings will shape a Physical Development Framework and Action Plan.\n\nRecommendation 5 urges the Executive to prioritise the delivery of place-making by developing and implementing an investment programme for blue-green infrastructure, cleaner and greener public realm and sustainable transport.\n\nAn Outline Business Case for a cross-departmental regeneration programme is currently in development by DfC in partnership with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) and the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). The vision is to implement a strategic and integrated approach to tackling the challenges facing our village, town and city centres. The proposals will be consulted upon in 2025 and the overall Programme will require Executive approval.\n\nRecommendation 12 proposes that the Executive should devolve further powers to local government, including those needed for regeneration. It recommends that Ministers engage with elected representatives from local government and the Assembly to explore the benefits of extending powers in this way.\n\nDue to the significant period, which has passed since the introduction of the last Regeneration Bill (2014), and the experience of recent initiatives in response to Covid-19 e.g. the Covid-19 Recovery Revitalisation and Small Settlements Programmes in partnership DfI and DAERA, the cross-departmental nature of regeneration activities has been clearly demonstrated, confirming the need for Executive consideration of this matter.\n\nSOLACE is currently engaged in work to set out the local government position on this matter and will report when this is complete.","answerHtml":"Of the 14 recommendations in the High Street Task Force Report, three could be identified where DfC would be seen as a significant lead department. These are Recommendations 2, 5 and 12. Both 5 and 12 require Executive endorsement and in the case of Recommendation 5, a significant Capital Budget to allow for implementation.
Recommendation 2 endorses the Living High Streets Craft Kit and recommends that it is rolled out with the necessary support for implementation in each high street, village, town and city centre that is prioritised for action by the relevant district council. This recommendation was recognised as one where DfC, given its relationship to the Ministerial Advisory Group on Architecture and the Built Environment (MAG), would have a leading role.
On that basis, the Department undertook, subject to available resources, to carry out up to three Pilots of the “Living High Streets Craft Kit”. The first pilot was conducted in Downpatrick and resulted in the launch of the Downpatrick Living High Streets Framework in September 2023.
The second pilot project, to create the Shankill Living High Streets Framework commenced in September 2024. To date it has delivered an intense series of community ‘Place’ workshops; seeking to understand the positive and negative aspects of the Greater Shankill area. This information has been collated and will now form the basis of an ‘Imagining’ event in April 2025 which will look how the area can be improved. It is expected that the process will conclude in June 2025, when all findings will shape a Physical Development Framework and Action Plan.
Recommendation 5 urges the Executive to prioritise the delivery of place-making by developing and implementing an investment programme for blue-green infrastructure, cleaner and greener public realm and sustainable transport.
An Outline Business Case for a cross-departmental regeneration programme is currently in development by DfC in partnership with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) and the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). The vision is to implement a strategic and integrated approach to tackling the challenges facing our village, town and city centres. The proposals will be consulted upon in 2025 and the overall Programme will require Executive approval.
Recommendation 12 proposes that the Executive should devolve further powers to local government, including those needed for regeneration. It recommends that Ministers engage with elected representatives from local government and the Assembly to explore the benefits of extending powers in this way.
Due to the significant period, which has passed since the introduction of the last Regeneration Bill (2014), and the experience of recent initiatives in response to Covid-19 e.g. the Covid-19 Recovery Revitalisation and Small Settlements Programmes in partnership DfI and DAERA, the cross-departmental nature of regeneration activities has been clearly demonstrated, confirming the need for Executive consideration of this matter.
SOLACE is currently engaged in work to set out the local government position on this matter and will report when this is complete.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025001%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=434101","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=434101"}},{"id":"434100","reference":"AQW 25000/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-25","answerBy":"2025-04-09","answered":"2025-04-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail how she is implementing the recommendations included in the High Street Task Force’s Delivering a 21st Century High Street report that are relevant to her Department.","answerText":"My Department is responsible for recommendation 8 of the High Street Task Force Report: ‘Fair Work on Our High Streets’. Delivering on this recommendation aligns with my economic priority on Good Jobs. Ongoing work within my Department on the development of a new Employment Rights Bill, promotion of greater adoption of the Real Living Wage, and collaboration with the Labour Relations Agency to create a Good Employment Charter will serve to support implementation of the recommendation.","answerHtml":"My Department is responsible for recommendation 8 of the High Street Task Force Report: ‘Fair Work on Our High Streets’. Delivering on this recommendation aligns with my economic priority on Good Jobs. Ongoing work within my Department on the development of a new Employment Rights Bill, promotion of greater adoption of the Real Living Wage, and collaboration with the Labour Relations Agency to create a Good Employment Charter will serve to support implementation of the recommendation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2025000%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=434100","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=434100"}},{"id":"434099","reference":"AQW 24999/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-25","answerBy":"2025-04-09","answered":"2025-04-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail how he is implementing the recommendations included in the High Street Task Force’s Delivering a 21st Century High Street report that are relevant to his Department.","answerText":"I refer the Member to the answer to AQW 17411/22-27 which provides an outline of my Department’s response to the recommendations.\n\nIn addition to this, the member will also wish to note that on 10 March 2025, following debates in the Assembly, I announced extensions to the both the Small Business Rate Relief scheme and the Back in Business scheme for the 2025/26 rating year.\n\nOn the recommendation for more frequent non-domestic revaluations to ensure fairness, equity and transparency in our taxation system my Department has demonstrated its commitment to this with Land & Property Services conducting non-domestic revaluations in 2015, 2020, 2023 and the next exercise due to be completed in 2026.","answerHtml":"I refer the Member to the answer to AQW 17411/22-27 which provides an outline of my Department’s response to the recommendations.
In addition to this, the member will also wish to note that on 10 March 2025, following debates in the Assembly, I announced extensions to the both the Small Business Rate Relief scheme and the Back in Business scheme for the 2025/26 rating year.
On the recommendation for more frequent non-domestic revaluations to ensure fairness, equity and transparency in our taxation system my Department has demonstrated its commitment to this with Land & Property Services conducting non-domestic revaluations in 2015, 2020, 2023 and the next exercise due to be completed in 2026.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024999%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=434099","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=434099"}},{"id":"434098","reference":"AQW 24998/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-25","answerBy":"2025-04-09","answered":"2025-04-03","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 is implementing the recommendations included in the High Street Task Force’s Delivering a 21st Century High Street report that are relevant to her Department.","answerText":"My Department’s regional planning policy contained in the Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) requires a town centre first approach for the location of new retail development and other main town centre uses. Councils are required to take account of this in the preparation of their Local Development Plans.\n\nI can advise that in October last year my Department responded to correspondence from the First Minister and deputy First Minister in relation to the proposed next steps on implementation of the report of the High Streets Task Force. A senior DfI official has been nominated to sit on any cross departmental group of the relevant departments, along with local councils to explore the opportunities for progressing the recommendations contained in the Task Force Report.","answerHtml":"My Department’s regional planning policy contained in the Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) requires a town centre first approach for the location of new retail development and other main town centre uses. Councils are required to take account of this in the preparation of their Local Development Plans.
I can advise that in October last year my Department responded to correspondence from the First Minister and deputy First Minister in relation to the proposed next steps on implementation of the report of the High Streets Task Force. A senior DfI official has been nominated to sit on any cross departmental group of the relevant departments, along with local councils to explore the opportunities for progressing the recommendations contained in the Task Force Report.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024998%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=434098","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=434098"}},{"id":"432969","reference":"AQW 24538/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-18","answerBy":"2025-04-02","answered":"2025-04-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any guidance his Department has issued to Court Children's Officers relating to recommendations of contact arrangements for children and their parents or guardians.","answerText":"The Department has not issued any guidance specifically relating to recommendations of contact arrangements to Court Children's Officers.","answerHtml":"The Department has not issued any guidance specifically relating to recommendations of contact arrangements to Court Children's Officers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024538%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=432969","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=432969"}},{"id":"432968","reference":"AQW 24537/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-18","answerBy":"2025-04-02","answered":"2025-04-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for his assessment of the March 2025 Violence against women and homelessness report by Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh, which was commissioned by the Community Foundation Northern Ireland.","answerText":"My Department is committed to supporting the delivery of Executive priorities including the Ending of Violence Against Women and Girls and the Domestic and Sexual Abuse strategies and the report can help inform this work.","answerHtml":"My Department is committed to supporting the delivery of Executive priorities including the Ending of Violence Against Women and Girls and the Domestic and Sexual Abuse strategies and the report can help inform this work.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024537%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=432968","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=432968"}},{"id":"432967","reference":"AQW 24536/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-18","answerBy":"2025-04-02","answered":"2025-04-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail any consideration his Department has given to initiating a partnership with a Financial Conduct Authority authorised Cycle to Work provider, in order to improve the Northern Ireland Civil Service cycle to work scheme.","answerText":"The existing Cycle to Work scheme is designed to promote staff health and wellbeing while delivering cost savings and supporting sustainability. The last review of the scheme was in 2022. The Department plans to look at the overall suite of benefits offered to civil servants over the next two years.\n\nThe Department of Finance currently has no plans to partner with any organisations outside of the current Cycle to Work scheme.","answerHtml":"The existing Cycle to Work scheme is designed to promote staff health and wellbeing while delivering cost savings and supporting sustainability. The last review of the scheme was in 2022. The Department plans to look at the overall suite of benefits offered to civil servants over the next two years.
The Department of Finance currently has no plans to partner with any organisations outside of the current Cycle to Work scheme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024536%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=432967","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=432967"}},{"id":"432966","reference":"AQW 24535/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-18","answerBy":"2025-04-02","answered":"2025-03-20","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 implementation of the Fair Employment (School Teachers) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.","answerText":"To ensure the smooth implementation of the Fair Employment (School Teachers) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 a working group was established with management representatives from all of the education sectors.\n\nThis group worked in conjunction with the Equality Commission and guidance for schools was published with the support of Management Side of the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee. The Equality Commission delivering a series of training webinars specifically on the recruitment and selection guidance. The target audience for the webinars was those school governors, principals, heads of departments involved in the recruitment and selection of school teachers.\n\nThe Chair of the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee (TNC) management side wrote to all schools explaining the requirements for the implementation of the Fair Employment (School Teachers) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.\n\nThe Education Authority is responsible for preparing and submitting the annual monitoring return to the Equality Commission for teachers in controlled schools and CCMS is responsible for carrying out this function for teachers in Catholic maintained schools. All other schools with over ten staff are required to submit monitoring returns to the Equality Commission.","answerHtml":"To ensure the smooth implementation of the Fair Employment (School Teachers) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 a working group was established with management representatives from all of the education sectors.
This group worked in conjunction with the Equality Commission and guidance for schools was published with the support of Management Side of the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee. The Equality Commission delivering a series of training webinars specifically on the recruitment and selection guidance. The target audience for the webinars was those school governors, principals, heads of departments involved in the recruitment and selection of school teachers.
The Chair of the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee (TNC) management side wrote to all schools explaining the requirements for the implementation of the Fair Employment (School Teachers) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.
The Education Authority is responsible for preparing and submitting the annual monitoring return to the Equality Commission for teachers in controlled schools and CCMS is responsible for carrying out this function for teachers in Catholic maintained schools. All other schools with over ten staff are required to submit monitoring returns to the Equality Commission.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024535%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=432966","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=432966"}},{"id":"432965","reference":"AQW 24534/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-18","answerBy":"2025-04-02","answered":"2025-03-24","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 for an update on the implementation of the Fair Employment (School Teachers) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.","answerText":"The Fair Employment (School Teachers) Act 2022 came into effect on 12th May 2024. It ensures that all teachers should be allowed to enjoy the same legislative provisions as other workers here, by being included in fair employment monitoring processes.\n\nIn December 2024, The Fair Employment (Monitoring) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024 came into operation. These transitional arrangements aligned reporting processes for schools, for fair employment monitoring purposes.\n\nThe Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 (FETO) places responsibility for fair employment monitoring on the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. The Commission will continue to monitor the employment returns from the education sector, including the information relating to teachers.","answerHtml":"The Fair Employment (School Teachers) Act 2022 came into effect on 12th May 2024. It ensures that all teachers should be allowed to enjoy the same legislative provisions as other workers here, by being included in fair employment monitoring processes.
In December 2024, The Fair Employment (Monitoring) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024 came into operation. These transitional arrangements aligned reporting processes for schools, for fair employment monitoring purposes.
The Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 (FETO) places responsibility for fair employment monitoring on the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. The Commission will continue to monitor the employment returns from the education sector, including the information relating to teachers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024534%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=432965","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=432965"}},{"id":"432640","reference":"AQO 1772/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-13","answerBy":"2025-03-25","answered":"2025-03-25","answeredOrally":true,"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 introduction of Lucy’s Law.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"I have approved a policy proposal that will not only ban third-party sales of pups and kittens in Northern Ireland but facilitate greater transparency and accountability. The proposal would place legal requirements on anyone who wishes to sell or transfer the ownership of a pup or kitten. This will enable purchasers to identify where their pup or kitten has come from and reinforce positive animal welfare measures. My officials held a workshop with councils on 20 February to discuss the proposal and hear their views. Their feedback is being reviewed, and work is progressing towards launching a public consultation soon."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"Thank you, Minister. What lessons can be learned from the implementation of Lucy's law in other parts of the UK?"},{"speaker":"Mr Muir","text":"There were not many benefits from the fact that the Assembly was collapsed for two years, but one benefit is that we can learn from what other areas learned as a result of progressing legislation. One of those areas of legislation was Lucy's law. The introduction of Lucy's law in England aimed to tackle the root causes of animal welfare issues, such as unethical breeding practices, by setting specific criteria for the sale of pets and ensuring that only licensed breeders could sell puppies or kittens. Indeed, the legislation has really helped increase awareness around buying a puppy and responsible dog breeders. Stopping the most unscrupulous breeders is always a challenge, as they continue to operate in the shadows and prey on unsuspecting dog lovers. Therefore, robust legislation is merely one tool. Making Lucy's law work in Northern Ireland will require education so that people do not get duped and know how to spot the telltale signs of rogue breeders. We need our citizens to be brave and report suspicious activity to the relevant statutory organisations so that investigations can be launched. Finally, we need robust enforcement mechanisms so that action can be taken."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201772%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=432640","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-03-25&docID=433027#AQO%201772/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=432640"}},{"id":"432611","reference":"AQO 1743/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-13","answerBy":"2025-03-24","answered":"2025-03-24","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the roll-out of the 20 miles per hour speed limit outside schools.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"With your permission, Mr Speaker, I will answer questions 8 and 9 together. St Mary's Primary School in Killesher is certainly the type of school that would benefit from a further roll-out of the part-time zones at schools programme, which has been very well received. Since 2020-21, my Department has delivered two tranches of the 20 mph speed limit at 216 schools. The total is now 233 schools. As I said, a review of the recent initiative was very positive and can be viewed on my Department's website. The review recommends the provision of a third tranche of part-time 20 mph speed limits at schools. However, that will be more modest in size and is dependent on the availability of funding. The report also concludes that a more targeted approach is needed to ensure that the correct safety intervention is selected, and work to update our policy document is under way. I have asked officials to prepare the programme of schools to be targeted in the next financial year, based on the existing scored listing, but with preference given to rural schools that are located on roads where the national speed limit applies, and consideration of the safety of introducing such measures. St Mary's Primary School in Killesher will, subject to the school's meeting the threshold for inclusion, be considered as part of that work."},{"speaker":"Ms Murphy","text":"I thank the Minister for prioritising rural schools in all our constituencies. What are her plans to address speeding in general?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"I would like to see what can be done to improve attitudes to speeding, not only for road safety purposes but to make places cleaner and greener. I have therefore asked officials to prepare a paper on the use of permanent 20 mph speed limits, particularly, as I said, near schools, in predominantly residential areas and in places such as town centres where a high number of people walk, wheel or cycle. I have also asked that consideration be given to the national speed limits that apply on rural roads and HGV speed limits. To ensure that others' views are considered in the setting of speed limits here, I plan to hold a public consultation exercise on the issue later this year."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"Will the Minister's Department prioritise 20 mph speed limits outside those schools where children have previously been involved in road traffic collisions, such as Grange Park Primary School in my constituency?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"I thank the Member for the question. Given the severity of those issues, all of that will have to be considered and prioritised in the round. We will publish more information as it becomes available and we look at what the permanent scheme might look like. I am happy to take the point on board, if officials have not already done so."},{"speaker":"Mr K Buchanan","text":"Following the recent accident near Castledawson, when Caitlin-Rose McMullan tragically lost her life, what are the Minister's thoughts on changing the law to stop vehicles overtaking stopped or parked buses that are letting children on or off?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"I thank the Member for raising that. It is important to send my thoughts to Caitlin-Rose's family, her friends and the entire school community in that area. It was a very tragic incident. I have two small children, and it impacted on me and on all of us. It is an important issue, and I have looked at what has been done elsewhere in relation to overtaking buses when children are entering and exiting them and how we can improve safety in those areas. I have spoken to my officials and asked them to look at the options, because it is a critical issue and particularly pertinent, given what happened recently."},{"speaker":"Ms D Armstrong","text":"I thank the Minister for considering rural roads in the forthcoming scheme, if it is implemented. Minister, there have been a number of reported near misses at Fivemiletown Primary School and Nursery. Will the Minister advise how much weight is given to schools that are located on A roads?"},{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"As I said, the Department is working on the application and the criteria. The existing scoring will be kept for the latest tranche, but, where specific issues have arisen, that needs to be strongly considered. I am happy for officials to meet the Member, if they have not already done so, to look at that specific case."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201743%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=432611","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-03-24&docID=433026#AQO%201743/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=432611"}},{"id":"432110","reference":"AQW 24180/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-11","answerBy":"2025-03-27","answered":"2025-03-14","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 a new school building for Priory Integrated College, Holywood.","answerText":"The plans for the new school build for Priory Integrated College are well advanced. The technical design and pre-tender estimate (RIBA Stage 4) report was lodged with the Department on 18 December 2024 and this is currently being reviewed by the Department’s technical advisers.\n\nDue to an increase in estimated project costs a Business Case Addendum (BCA) is required and this will be prepared by the Education Authority following the conclusion of the review of the Stage 4 report.\n\nHowever, following conclusion of this current stage, the project will unfortunately be unable to progress to the construction stage until there is sufficient budget available to do so.\n\nI will of course continue to make a strong case for increased and sustained capital funding for Education, to permit this and many other much needed school build projects to proceed to construction as soon as possible.","answerHtml":"The plans for the new school build for Priory Integrated College are well advanced. The technical design and pre-tender estimate (RIBA Stage 4) report was lodged with the Department on 18 December 2024 and this is currently being reviewed by the Department’s technical advisers.
Due to an increase in estimated project costs a Business Case Addendum (BCA) is required and this will be prepared by the Education Authority following the conclusion of the review of the Stage 4 report.
However, following conclusion of this current stage, the project will unfortunately be unable to progress to the construction stage until there is sufficient budget available to do so.
I will of course continue to make a strong case for increased and sustained capital funding for Education, to permit this and many other much needed school build projects to proceed to construction as soon as possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2024180%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=432110","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=432110"}},{"id":"431231","reference":"AQW 23874/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-05","answerBy":"2025-03-11","answered":"2025-03-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on the establishment of an Ending Violence Against Women and Girls in further and higher education working group.","answerText":"My Department has supported the establishment of a sector led Tertiary Working Group on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls. This Group will play a vital role in fostering collaboration across our tertiary institutions, departments and other key stakeholders as we collectively seek to contribute to this priority as set out in the Programme for Government. The first meeting in March focused on establishing a clear Terms of Reference, sharing best practice and identifying key priorities for the Group. I am pleased to note that there is a student representative on this group and that engagement will take place as work progresses with students across all settings including those in further and higher education and those on an apprenticeship programme.","answerHtml":"My Department has supported the establishment of a sector led Tertiary Working Group on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls. This Group will play a vital role in fostering collaboration across our tertiary institutions, departments and other key stakeholders as we collectively seek to contribute to this priority as set out in the Programme for Government. The first meeting in March focused on establishing a clear Terms of Reference, sharing best practice and identifying key priorities for the Group. I am pleased to note that there is a student representative on this group and that engagement will take place as work progresses with students across all settings including those in further and higher education and those on an apprenticeship programme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023874%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=431231","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=431231"}},{"id":"431230","reference":"AQW 23873/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-05","answerBy":"2025-03-21","answered":"2025-03-18","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 creation of an Ending Violence Against Women and Girls training portfolio for the Northern Ireland Civil Service, as outlined in the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Delivery Plan.","answerText":"ANSWER\n\nOfficials within NICSHR, a Directorate within my Department, are working in collaboration with The Executive Office to develop learning interventions to support ending violence against women and girls. This includes current work on an online learning product, which covers the Active Bystander Approach. Additional development proposals include an online learning product to raise awareness generally of violence against women and girls.","answerHtml":"ANSWER
Officials within NICSHR, a Directorate within my Department, are working in collaboration with The Executive Office to develop learning interventions to support ending violence against women and girls. This includes current work on an online learning product, which covers the Active Bystander Approach. Additional development proposals include an online learning product to raise awareness generally of violence against women and girls.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023873%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=431230","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=431230"}},{"id":"431229","reference":"AQW 23872/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-05","answerBy":"2025-03-21","answered":"2025-03-18","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 (i) his Department's work on reviewing divorce, separation and dissolution legislation; and (ii) a timeline for when updated legislation will be brought forward.","answerText":"Work to review the law on divorce, separation and dissolution began in 2024. To date, Department of Finance officials have reviewed the relevant legislation in other jurisdictions and held a series of meetings with key local stakeholders to obtain their views on the current arrangements and on options for change. On foot of this, my officials prepared a scoping paper, which I have now considered, and I have asked them to prepare a public consultation exercise. I hope to launch that in the coming months. Consultation responses, once analysed, will then inform the development and drafting of detailed legislative proposals for the Assembly to consider, amend and approve.\n\nI cannot indicate at this stage when legislation will be passed, however, my aim is for this mandate.","answerHtml":"Work to review the law on divorce, separation and dissolution began in 2024. To date, Department of Finance officials have reviewed the relevant legislation in other jurisdictions and held a series of meetings with key local stakeholders to obtain their views on the current arrangements and on options for change. On foot of this, my officials prepared a scoping paper, which I have now considered, and I have asked them to prepare a public consultation exercise. I hope to launch that in the coming months. Consultation responses, once analysed, will then inform the development and drafting of detailed legislative proposals for the Assembly to consider, amend and approve.
I cannot indicate at this stage when legislation will be passed, however, my aim is for this mandate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023872%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=431229","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=431229"}},{"id":"431228","reference":"AQW 23871/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-05","answerBy":"2025-03-21","answered":"2025-03-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail how her Department plans to involve apprentices in the work her Department leads in to tackle violence against women and girls.","answerText":"My Department has supported the establishment of a sector led Tertiary Working Group on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls. This Group will play a vital role in fostering collaboration across our tertiary institutions, departments and other key stakeholders as we collectively seek to contribute to this priority as set out in the Programme for Government. The first meeting in March focused on establishing a clear Terms of Reference, sharing best practice and identifying key priorities for the Group. I am pleased to note that there is a student representative on this group and that engagement will take place as work progresses with students across all settings including those in further and higher education and those on an apprenticeship programme.","answerHtml":"My Department has supported the establishment of a sector led Tertiary Working Group on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls. This Group will play a vital role in fostering collaboration across our tertiary institutions, departments and other key stakeholders as we collectively seek to contribute to this priority as set out in the Programme for Government. The first meeting in March focused on establishing a clear Terms of Reference, sharing best practice and identifying key priorities for the Group. I am pleased to note that there is a student representative on this group and that engagement will take place as work progresses with students across all settings including those in further and higher education and those on an apprenticeship programme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023871%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=431228","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=431228"}},{"id":"431227","reference":"AQW 23870/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-03-05","answerBy":"2025-03-21","answered":"2025-03-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any plans her Department has to include both further and higher education students in the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls in further and higher education working group.","answerText":"My Department has supported the establishment of a sector led Tertiary Working Group on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls. This Group will play a vital role in fostering collaboration across our tertiary institutions, departments and other key stakeholders as we collectively seek to contribute to this priority as set out in the Programme for Government. The first meeting in March focused on establishing a clear Terms of Reference, sharing best practice and identifying key priorities for the Group. I am pleased to note that there is a student representative on this group and that engagement will take place as work progresses with students across all settings including those in further and higher education and those on an apprenticeship programme.","answerHtml":"My Department has supported the establishment of a sector led Tertiary Working Group on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls. This Group will play a vital role in fostering collaboration across our tertiary institutions, departments and other key stakeholders as we collectively seek to contribute to this priority as set out in the Programme for Government. The first meeting in March focused on establishing a clear Terms of Reference, sharing best practice and identifying key priorities for the Group. I am pleased to note that there is a student representative on this group and that engagement will take place as work progresses with students across all settings including those in further and higher education and those on an apprenticeship programme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023870%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=431227","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=431227"}},{"id":"430404","reference":"AQW 23608/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-28","answerBy":"2025-03-18","answered":"2025-03-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether his Department will provide any financial support to youth services organisations that had their premises damaged during Storm Éowyn.","answerText":"My department administers allocations of capital funding to voluntary youth organisations and is unable to do so outside of a youth capital scheme call. There are not currently any youth capital schemes open for applications and there is no timeline at this stage for a future call.","answerHtml":"My department administers allocations of capital funding to voluntary youth organisations and is unable to do so outside of a youth capital scheme call. There are not currently any youth capital schemes open for applications and there is no timeline at this stage for a future call.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023608%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=430404","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=430404"}},{"id":"430403","reference":"AQW 23607/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-28","answerBy":"2025-03-18","answered":"2025-04-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of individuals recorded with Hashimoto's disease in each of the last three years, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"HSC Trusts do not collect this information as Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common form of primary hypothyroidism in Northern Ireland. Most people are diagnosed and treated in a primary care setting and are never referred to endocrine services in acute hospital. The prevalence rate in our community may be as high as 2-3%.\n\nGiven that the majority of people with this condition are never referred to secondary care, this number would not be reflective of the prevalence rate in the community.","answerHtml":"HSC Trusts do not collect this information as Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common form of primary hypothyroidism in Northern Ireland. Most people are diagnosed and treated in a primary care setting and are never referred to endocrine services in acute hospital. The prevalence rate in our community may be as high as 2-3%.
Given that the majority of people with this condition are never referred to secondary care, this number would not be reflective of the prevalence rate in the community.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023607%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=430403","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=430403"}},{"id":"430402","reference":"AQW 23606/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-28","answerBy":"2025-03-18","answered":"2025-03-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department holds a record of the number of practitioners that deliver both private and public healthcare.","answerText":"My Department does not hold information on the number of GP practitioners who deliver private primary medical services in addition to services under the General Medical Services (GMS) contract.\n\nGeneral Practitioners in Northern Ireland are independent contractors. Under the General Medical Services (GMS) Contracts Regulations 2004, there is no restriction preventing a GP contractor who holds a GMS contract from also providing private primary medical services to individuals who are not registered patients with the practice.\n\nWhere a practice adopts such a hybrid model, it is required to continue to provide GMS services to the practice’s registered patients and there should be no reduction in service provision for those patients.\n\nUnder the Northern Ireland Contract Assurance Framework, practices are required to provide assurance to the Department that funding provided by the Department is not used in the delivery of private services to non-registered patients.","answerHtml":"My Department does not hold information on the number of GP practitioners who deliver private primary medical services in addition to services under the General Medical Services (GMS) contract.
General Practitioners in Northern Ireland are independent contractors. Under the General Medical Services (GMS) Contracts Regulations 2004, there is no restriction preventing a GP contractor who holds a GMS contract from also providing private primary medical services to individuals who are not registered patients with the practice.
Where a practice adopts such a hybrid model, it is required to continue to provide GMS services to the practice’s registered patients and there should be no reduction in service provision for those patients.
Under the Northern Ireland Contract Assurance Framework, practices are required to provide assurance to the Department that funding provided by the Department is not used in the delivery of private services to non-registered patients.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023606%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=430402","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=430402"}},{"id":"429144","reference":"AQW 23018/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-20","answerBy":"2025-03-07","answered":"2025-03-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any work his Department has carried out to address patient ageism across the healthcare system.","answerText":"Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 requires that public authorities, in carrying out their functions relating to Northern Ireland, should have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity between persons of different age.\n\nThe Department undertakes an Audit of Inequalities exercise to identify systemic inequalities across the nine Section 75 Categories to inform the development of its Equality Action Plan which is currently under review. Any issues or concerns in respect of the operational provision of Health & Social Care services should be addressed to the relevant service provider in the first instance","answerHtml":"Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 requires that public authorities, in carrying out their functions relating to Northern Ireland, should have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity between persons of different age.
The Department undertakes an Audit of Inequalities exercise to identify systemic inequalities across the nine Section 75 Categories to inform the development of its Equality Action Plan which is currently under review. Any issues or concerns in respect of the operational provision of Health & Social Care services should be addressed to the relevant service provider in the first instance
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023018%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=429144","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=429144"}},{"id":"429143","reference":"AQW 23017/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-20","answerBy":"2025-03-07","answered":"2025-03-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the process of sharing patient medical history between jurisdictions across the United Kingdom; and (ii) any guidance his Department has issued to Health and Social Care Trusts to accomplish this.","answerText":"The process of sharing patient medical history between jurisdictions across the United Kingdom varies depending on the data sharing requirements, processes employed by care provider organisations involved and associated guidelines. All information must be processed and shared in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Guidance and Codes of Practice issued by the Information Commissioner Office (ICO) must also be followed.\n\nInformation shared for secondary uses must also follow UK data protection law, ICO guidance and the guidance set out in Code of Practice on Protecting the Confidentiality of Service User Information issued by the Department- https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/code-practice-protecting-confidentiality-service-user-information.","answerHtml":"The process of sharing patient medical history between jurisdictions across the United Kingdom varies depending on the data sharing requirements, processes employed by care provider organisations involved and associated guidelines. All information must be processed and shared in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Guidance and Codes of Practice issued by the Information Commissioner Office (ICO) must also be followed.
Information shared for secondary uses must also follow UK data protection law, ICO guidance and the guidance set out in Code of Practice on Protecting the Confidentiality of Service User Information issued by the Department- https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/code-practice-protecting-confidentiality-service-user-information.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023017%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=429143","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=429143"}},{"id":"429142","reference":"AQW 23016/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-20","answerBy":"2025-03-07","answered":"2025-03-07","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 recommendations from the January 2024 Getting It Right First Time Gynaecology Report.","answerText":"My Department’s Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) has established a Regional HSC Gynaecology Services Forum, with Trust and PHA representation, to inform and support service improvement and investment decisions for gynaecology services across Northern Ireland– this will include considering the recommendations in the Getting It Right First Time report.\n\nTask and Finish Groups have been established as part of the Regional HSC Gynaecology Services Forum. These groups will look at developing regional pathways from presentation at GP services into secondary and tertiary care. The pathways will consider at what stages a woman can be managed in general practice with clear guidelines for management and skills transference, when required, and an enhanced triage process on referral ensuring that women receive the required assessment at each stage of their journey. Referral into inpatient and day case care will be standardised and equitable for all patients regardless of where they live.","answerHtml":"My Department’s Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) has established a Regional HSC Gynaecology Services Forum, with Trust and PHA representation, to inform and support service improvement and investment decisions for gynaecology services across Northern Ireland– this will include considering the recommendations in the Getting It Right First Time report.
Task and Finish Groups have been established as part of the Regional HSC Gynaecology Services Forum. These groups will look at developing regional pathways from presentation at GP services into secondary and tertiary care. The pathways will consider at what stages a woman can be managed in general practice with clear guidelines for management and skills transference, when required, and an enhanced triage process on referral ensuring that women receive the required assessment at each stage of their journey. Referral into inpatient and day case care will be standardised and equitable for all patients regardless of where they live.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023016%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=429142","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=429142"}},{"id":"429141","reference":"AQW 23015/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-20","answerBy":"2025-03-07","answered":"2025-03-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the number of individuals with hyperthyroidism, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust; and (ii) any guidance his Department has issued to Health and Social Care Trusts on treatment.","answerText":"My Department does not hold data on the number of individuals with hyperthyroidism.","answerHtml":"My Department does not hold data on the number of individuals with hyperthyroidism.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023015%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=429141","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=429141"}},{"id":"429140","reference":"AQW 23014/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-20","answerBy":"2025-03-07","answered":"2025-04-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of the availability of endocrine specialists in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"Each Trust has provided the following information in regard to the availability of endocrine specialists within their Trust.\n\nBelfast Health and Social Care Trust has confirmed 13 endocrinology consultants.\n\nNorthern Health and Social Care Trust has confirmed 3 permanent endocrine consultants and 2 locum consultants. These consultants are employed as General Medicine Consultants within the Endocrine-Diabetes specialism.\n\nBased on the question as asked, South Eastern Trust is unable to provide an exact number of specialists as there are many people working within wider endocrinology – including within diabetes teams, in surgery for endocrine cancers, and paediatrics.\n\nSouthern Health and Social Care Trust has confirmed 3 substantive general medicine physicians with a specialist interest of diabetology and endocrinology. The Trust has also some locum provision contributing to the diabetes and endocrine service.\n\nWestern Health and Social Care Trust has confirmed 4.89 whole time equivalent consultants, 1.0 whole time equivalent speciality doctor and 1.0 whole time equivalent specialist registrar.","answerHtml":"Each Trust has provided the following information in regard to the availability of endocrine specialists within their Trust.
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has confirmed 13 endocrinology consultants.
Northern Health and Social Care Trust has confirmed 3 permanent endocrine consultants and 2 locum consultants. These consultants are employed as General Medicine Consultants within the Endocrine-Diabetes specialism.
Based on the question as asked, South Eastern Trust is unable to provide an exact number of specialists as there are many people working within wider endocrinology – including within diabetes teams, in surgery for endocrine cancers, and paediatrics.
Southern Health and Social Care Trust has confirmed 3 substantive general medicine physicians with a specialist interest of diabetology and endocrinology. The Trust has also some locum provision contributing to the diabetes and endocrine service.
Western Health and Social Care Trust has confirmed 4.89 whole time equivalent consultants, 1.0 whole time equivalent speciality doctor and 1.0 whole time equivalent specialist registrar.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2023014%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=429140","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=429140"}},{"id":"429240","reference":"AQO 1667/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-20","answerBy":"2025-03-04","answered":"2025-03-04","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline what steps her Department is taking to improve active travel in North Down.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Ms Kimmins","text":"My Department has developed a draft active travel delivery plan including draft network maps for our larger towns and cities such as Bangor, Donaghadee and Holywood in the North Down area. Public consultation on the draft plan closed on 28 February, and I thank everyone who took the time to respond. My officials will now review the submissions received and make any necessary amendments to the plan before submitting it to me for final approval. When it is complete, the plan will complement the Belfast cycling network delivery plan to provide a firm basis for prioritising the delivery of improved active travel infrastructure in our towns and cities, providing enhanced sustainable connectivity for the next 10 years and beyond."},{"speaker":"","text":"My Department also works closely with councils to support them in the delivery of their greenway and active travel priorities. In the Ards and North Down Borough Council area, funding of £6·4 million has been committed by my Department to deliver greenways connecting Comber and Bangor to Newtownards. I recently attended an event marking the commencement of the construction for the Newtownards to Bangor greenway. My officials continue to work with their counterparts in council to finalise the design for the Newtownards to Comber greenway."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"We move now to topical questions."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201667%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=429240","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-03-04&docID=430160#AQO%201667/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=429240"}},{"id":"428770","reference":"AQW 22836/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-18","answerBy":"2025-03-05","answered":"2025-03-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for his Department's assessment of (i) current availability; and (ii) future sustainability of orthodontics in North Down.","answerText":"All general dental practitioners in Northern Ireland can provide orthodontic treatment under the General Dental Services contract without a specialist qualification.\n\nA number of high street specialist orthodontic practices are located across Northern Ireland, with one such practice located in Bangor, County Down.\n\nI am aware that there has been in increase in waiting times for orthodontic treatment through specialist practices due to increased demand for treatment and the small number of specialists who are working in practice.\n\nSustainability of the orthodontic workforce is influenced by a number of factors including the available dental workforce. There are currently a number of Dental Core Trainees working within the orthodontic specialty in the School of Dentistry, Belfast. As of February 2025, there is one orthodontic specialist trainee in post completing the consultant training pathway. In recent years the School of Dentistry has been unable to support the training of orthodontic specialty trainees seeking to complete qualification for entry to the orthodontic Specialist List due to a lack of capacity within the consultant team.\n\nThe Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency are actively exploring innovative solutions to support orthodontic provision in Northern Ireland. This includes the establishment of a Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy, commencing in June 2025, for the first time in Northern Ireland. Orthodontic therapists are able to carry out a range of orthodontic treatment, under the direction of an orthodontist or dentist, as part of skill mix team in specialist practice.","answerHtml":"All general dental practitioners in Northern Ireland can provide orthodontic treatment under the General Dental Services contract without a specialist qualification.
A number of high street specialist orthodontic practices are located across Northern Ireland, with one such practice located in Bangor, County Down.
I am aware that there has been in increase in waiting times for orthodontic treatment through specialist practices due to increased demand for treatment and the small number of specialists who are working in practice.
Sustainability of the orthodontic workforce is influenced by a number of factors including the available dental workforce. There are currently a number of Dental Core Trainees working within the orthodontic specialty in the School of Dentistry, Belfast. As of February 2025, there is one orthodontic specialist trainee in post completing the consultant training pathway. In recent years the School of Dentistry has been unable to support the training of orthodontic specialty trainees seeking to complete qualification for entry to the orthodontic Specialist List due to a lack of capacity within the consultant team.
The Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency are actively exploring innovative solutions to support orthodontic provision in Northern Ireland. This includes the establishment of a Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy, commencing in June 2025, for the first time in Northern Ireland. Orthodontic therapists are able to carry out a range of orthodontic treatment, under the direction of an orthodontist or dentist, as part of skill mix team in specialist practice.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022836%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428770","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428770"}},{"id":"428769","reference":"AQW 22835/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-18","answerBy":"2025-03-05","answered":"2025-02-28","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 whether her Department has considered extending student finance to those privately funding studies at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies, both in relation to (i) fees; and (ii) maintenance support.","answerText":"Postgraduate students, including those studying at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies at Queen’s University Belfast, are generally entitled to a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 but do not have entitlement to maintenance grants or loans. My Department is committed to undertaking a review of higher education funding which, among other issues, will consider the merit and practicability of adjustments to the current package of student support.","answerHtml":"Postgraduate students, including those studying at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies at Queen’s University Belfast, are generally entitled to a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 but do not have entitlement to maintenance grants or loans. My Department is committed to undertaking a review of higher education funding which, among other issues, will consider the merit and practicability of adjustments to the current package of student support.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022835%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428769","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428769"}},{"id":"428768","reference":"AQW 22834/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-18","answerBy":"2025-03-05","answered":"2025-03-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health how his Department works with the Department of Finance to fulfil the Children's Social Care Services Strategic Reform Programme.","answerText":"My Department submitted bids to the Department of Finance to inform the Executive’s consideration of Budget 2025-28. In addition to the bids to cover our inescapable pressures, we submitted bids for other key departmental priorities including Children's Social Care Reform.\n\nUnfortunately, the 2025-26 draft budget allocation to Health will not be sufficient to cover the significant increases in cost, which we will face as a result of pay and price inflation, increased National Insurance contributions for GPs, pharmacists and social care providers and rising demand. This means we are faced with a significant shortfall in funding and while I would like to be able to direct additional investment to areas such as children’s social care reform, I will need to consider all of the funding pressures my Department is facing before I make any final funding decisions.\n\nI also submitted an Executive paper to seek Ministers’ considerations on cross-cutting recommendations made by the Independent Review of Children Social Care Services that will require an Executive position to progress. This included an ask to Ministers to consider the establishment of an Executive Family Wellbeing Fund in line with one of the recommendations from the independent review of children’s social care services. I have not yet received a response from the Minister of Finance on this matter.","answerHtml":"My Department submitted bids to the Department of Finance to inform the Executive’s consideration of Budget 2025-28. In addition to the bids to cover our inescapable pressures, we submitted bids for other key departmental priorities including Children's Social Care Reform.
Unfortunately, the 2025-26 draft budget allocation to Health will not be sufficient to cover the significant increases in cost, which we will face as a result of pay and price inflation, increased National Insurance contributions for GPs, pharmacists and social care providers and rising demand. This means we are faced with a significant shortfall in funding and while I would like to be able to direct additional investment to areas such as children’s social care reform, I will need to consider all of the funding pressures my Department is facing before I make any final funding decisions.
I also submitted an Executive paper to seek Ministers’ considerations on cross-cutting recommendations made by the Independent Review of Children Social Care Services that will require an Executive position to progress. This included an ask to Ministers to consider the establishment of an Executive Family Wellbeing Fund in line with one of the recommendations from the independent review of children’s social care services. I have not yet received a response from the Minister of Finance on this matter.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022834%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428768","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428768"}},{"id":"428767","reference":"AQW 22833/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-18","answerBy":"2025-03-05","answered":"2025-03-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health how his Department works with the Department of Justice to fulfil the Children's Social Care Services Strategic Reform Programme.","answerText":"The Department of Justice is engaged in the Children’s Social Care Services Reform Programme, including through representation on the Reform Programme Board and Programme Workstreams.\n\nThe Reform Programme was established to address a range of known service challenges within children’s social care and to progress recommendations made by the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care Services. 27 of the 53 Review recommendations are being progressed by the Programme. Separately, officials are working directly with Department of Justice officials to progress a number of other recommendations made by the Review that are directly relevant to the Department of Justice. Health and Justice Ministers have engaged in connection with one of the Review’s key recommendations to establish a Children and Families Arm’s Length Body. Like me, the Minister of Justice has publicly indicated her support for the creation of an ALB.","answerHtml":"The Department of Justice is engaged in the Children’s Social Care Services Reform Programme, including through representation on the Reform Programme Board and Programme Workstreams.
The Reform Programme was established to address a range of known service challenges within children’s social care and to progress recommendations made by the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care Services. 27 of the 53 Review recommendations are being progressed by the Programme. Separately, officials are working directly with Department of Justice officials to progress a number of other recommendations made by the Review that are directly relevant to the Department of Justice. Health and Justice Ministers have engaged in connection with one of the Review’s key recommendations to establish a Children and Families Arm’s Length Body. Like me, the Minister of Justice has publicly indicated her support for the creation of an ALB.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022833%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428767","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428767"}},{"id":"428766","reference":"AQW 22832/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-18","answerBy":"2025-03-05","answered":"2025-03-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any steps his Department has taken to make (i) private tenancies; and (ii) mortgages more affordable.","answerText":"In order to help assist with affordability in accessing the private rented sector, my Department has already limited the amount of tenancy deposit that a landlord can request or retain to no more than one month’s rent.\n\nTo assist with ongoing affordability challenges, I have instructed my officials to take forward work to commence a restriction on the frequency of rent increases to once in any 12-month period, with a 3-month written notice to be given. I anticipate that the restriction will be in place from April.\n\nCommencing this legislation will assist low-income tenants by providing an assurance that they will not face multiple or unexpected rent increases over a short period of time.\n\nSupporting people into home ownership who are unable to do so due to affordability issues is another of my Department’s key housing priorities.\n\nThis is demonstrated through the large commitment made to Co-Ownership in recent years, providing £158m in funding, primarily Financial Transactions Capital (FTC), to assist over 4,400 people into home ownership between 2020/21 and 2024/25 through its shared ownership product, Co-Own.\n\nAlthough the first-time buyer market here remains strong, I recognise that this group can face significant challenges to purchase a home, and the availability of a deposit is often as great a barrier to people as the price of the property. That is why it is so important that Co-Ownership customers require significantly lower, and indeed, sometimes no deposit to access their mortgage.","answerHtml":"In order to help assist with affordability in accessing the private rented sector, my Department has already limited the amount of tenancy deposit that a landlord can request or retain to no more than one month’s rent.
To assist with ongoing affordability challenges, I have instructed my officials to take forward work to commence a restriction on the frequency of rent increases to once in any 12-month period, with a 3-month written notice to be given. I anticipate that the restriction will be in place from April.
Commencing this legislation will assist low-income tenants by providing an assurance that they will not face multiple or unexpected rent increases over a short period of time.
Supporting people into home ownership who are unable to do so due to affordability issues is another of my Department’s key housing priorities.
This is demonstrated through the large commitment made to Co-Ownership in recent years, providing £158m in funding, primarily Financial Transactions Capital (FTC), to assist over 4,400 people into home ownership between 2020/21 and 2024/25 through its shared ownership product, Co-Own.
Although the first-time buyer market here remains strong, I recognise that this group can face significant challenges to purchase a home, and the availability of a deposit is often as great a barrier to people as the price of the property. That is why it is so important that Co-Ownership customers require significantly lower, and indeed, sometimes no deposit to access their mortgage.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022832%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428766","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428766"}},{"id":"428427","reference":"AQW 22726/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-17","answerBy":"2025-03-04","answered":"2025-03-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department has taken to ensure appropriate training and support is in place to aid GPs in the timely diagnosis of ovarian cancer.","answerText":"As independent contractors, and in order to provide the services that they are contracting for, GPs will be required to meet the required training and competency standards. All doctors wishing to become GPs undertake training covering a wide range of conditions including recognising ovarian cancer.\n\nGPs are ultimately responsible for ensuring that they maintain their own continuous professional development (CPD) in order to keep their knowledge, skills and training up to date. This includes participation in annual appraisal and in Revalidation, the requirements of which are set by the General Medical Council (GMC). Every licensed doctor must revalidate to show that they are fit to practise and to maintain their licence to work in the UK.\n\nNICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) produce recommendations to help practitioners and commissioners get the best care to people fast, while ensuring value for money. NICE guidelines are shared with GPs once they have been approved for application within Northern Ireland. NICE have guidelines for the recognition and early management of ovarian cancer.\n\nThe Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN) is a strategic clinical network that brings together those who use, provide and commission services to make improvements in patient pathways using an integrated, whole system approach. They provide GP Referral Guidance for Suspected Cancer which includes sections on suspected gynaecological cancers and suspected ovarian cancer.\n\nMy Department have a number of initiatives which are designed to ensure that GPs and Practices can access training readily and at a time that is convenient.\n\nGPNI was established during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure effective communication was maintained, with all those working within GP Primary Care. This service is commissioned from the Eastern GP Federation Support Unit and allocation for this service for 2024/25 is £50.5k. The GPNI website and webinars are now widely accepted as a key regional communications platform designed to improve dissemination of, and access to, information for Primary Care practitioners. GPNI webinars have included a range of cancer related topics including ovarian cancer\n\nPractice Based Learning (PBL) is a programme of learning sessions for GP’s and the wider General Practice staff. The aim of these PBL is to allow dedicated time to be set aside for educational sessions to contribute to the continued professional development of GP’s and their Practice Staff. Provision of PBL was previously developed by the then HSCB for all GP Practices, however from March 2020 SPPG commission the provision of PBL from the Federations for their member Practices. PBL is facilitated by local GP Federation Support Units and £178k has been allocated for PBL for the 24/25 year. They have provided a cost-effective programme of ongoing learning for their GPs, nurses and wider Practice staff.","answerHtml":"As independent contractors, and in order to provide the services that they are contracting for, GPs will be required to meet the required training and competency standards. All doctors wishing to become GPs undertake training covering a wide range of conditions including recognising ovarian cancer.
GPs are ultimately responsible for ensuring that they maintain their own continuous professional development (CPD) in order to keep their knowledge, skills and training up to date. This includes participation in annual appraisal and in Revalidation, the requirements of which are set by the General Medical Council (GMC). Every licensed doctor must revalidate to show that they are fit to practise and to maintain their licence to work in the UK.
NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) produce recommendations to help practitioners and commissioners get the best care to people fast, while ensuring value for money. NICE guidelines are shared with GPs once they have been approved for application within Northern Ireland. NICE have guidelines for the recognition and early management of ovarian cancer.
The Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN) is a strategic clinical network that brings together those who use, provide and commission services to make improvements in patient pathways using an integrated, whole system approach. They provide GP Referral Guidance for Suspected Cancer which includes sections on suspected gynaecological cancers and suspected ovarian cancer.
My Department have a number of initiatives which are designed to ensure that GPs and Practices can access training readily and at a time that is convenient.
GPNI was established during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure effective communication was maintained, with all those working within GP Primary Care. This service is commissioned from the Eastern GP Federation Support Unit and allocation for this service for 2024/25 is £50.5k. The GPNI website and webinars are now widely accepted as a key regional communications platform designed to improve dissemination of, and access to, information for Primary Care practitioners. GPNI webinars have included a range of cancer related topics including ovarian cancer
Practice Based Learning (PBL) is a programme of learning sessions for GP’s and the wider General Practice staff. The aim of these PBL is to allow dedicated time to be set aside for educational sessions to contribute to the continued professional development of GP’s and their Practice Staff. Provision of PBL was previously developed by the then HSCB for all GP Practices, however from March 2020 SPPG commission the provision of PBL from the Federations for their member Practices. PBL is facilitated by local GP Federation Support Units and £178k has been allocated for PBL for the 24/25 year. They have provided a cost-effective programme of ongoing learning for their GPs, nurses and wider Practice staff.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022726%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428427","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428427"}},{"id":"428426","reference":"AQW 22725/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-17","answerBy":"2025-03-04","answered":"2025-03-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any consideration his Department has given to shortening the diagnostic pathway for ovarian cancer.","answerText":"My Department’s has established a Regional Health and Social Care (HSC) Gynaecology Services Forum to oversee the implementation of service improvement recommendations from the “Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Gynaecology Report for Northern Ireland,\" published in January 2024. GIRFT recommendations include streamlining patient pathways to improve diagnostic pathway and efficiency in patient care. This incudes development of pathways that use a range of skills mix of nursing and allied health professionals to assist with triage and diagnostic procedures including colposcopy and hysteroscopy. This should improve timescales in diagnosis for all gynaecological cancers including ovarian cancer.\n\nAll Trusts adhere to NICE guidelines when triaging suspected cancer referrals and detecting ovarian cancer, (NICE CG122: Ovarian cancer: recognition and initial management). To improve ovarian cancer survival, ensuring patients reach diagnostic pathways as early as possible is as important as the diagnostic pathways themselves. The Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN) Gynaecology Clinical Reference Group (CRG) is currently working to update the Primary Care Guidance for Suspected Cancers for red flag gynaecological referral. This guidance will reinforce the need for GPs to test patients presenting with key ovarian cancer symptoms, using the CA125 blood test (to measure raised levels of a protein that can be elevated in women with ovarian or fallopian tube cancer) to refer them appropriately onto the suspect cancer red flag pathway.","answerHtml":"My Department’s has established a Regional Health and Social Care (HSC) Gynaecology Services Forum to oversee the implementation of service improvement recommendations from the “Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Gynaecology Report for Northern Ireland," published in January 2024. GIRFT recommendations include streamlining patient pathways to improve diagnostic pathway and efficiency in patient care. This incudes development of pathways that use a range of skills mix of nursing and allied health professionals to assist with triage and diagnostic procedures including colposcopy and hysteroscopy. This should improve timescales in diagnosis for all gynaecological cancers including ovarian cancer.
All Trusts adhere to NICE guidelines when triaging suspected cancer referrals and detecting ovarian cancer, (NICE CG122: Ovarian cancer: recognition and initial management). To improve ovarian cancer survival, ensuring patients reach diagnostic pathways as early as possible is as important as the diagnostic pathways themselves. The Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN) Gynaecology Clinical Reference Group (CRG) is currently working to update the Primary Care Guidance for Suspected Cancers for red flag gynaecological referral. This guidance will reinforce the need for GPs to test patients presenting with key ovarian cancer symptoms, using the CA125 blood test (to measure raised levels of a protein that can be elevated in women with ovarian or fallopian tube cancer) to refer them appropriately onto the suspect cancer red flag pathway.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022725%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428426","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428426"}},{"id":"428425","reference":"AQW 22724/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-17","answerBy":"2025-03-04","answered":"2025-03-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what focus the Women's Health Action Plan will place on gynaecological cancers, particularly symptom awareness.","answerText":"The Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland 2022-2032 recognises the importance of raising awareness of signs and symptoms of all cancers to enable early diagnosis, treatment and support better outcomes for patients. The Women's Health Action Plan will seek to place a greater focus on conditions which affect women's health and well-being, including gynaecological conditions and cancers.\n\nTo help inform the development of the Action Plan, my Department recently hosted a number of engagement events with women's representative groups and healthcare professionals. It was evident through this constructive dialogue that women want to see improvements in terms of public awareness, information and education on women’s health matters from an early age and across the life course, and I am fully supportive of making this one of the key objectives.\n\nUnfortunately, budget pressures have led to a pause across all campaign advertising currently, with detrimental impacts on my Department's ability to improve public education and awareness on a range of important public health matters including cancer and women's health. However, in conjunction with the Public Health Agency, my officials are considering how best to educate and inform specific groups of women and girls through other approaches in a way that meets their needs as work on the Action Plan continues.","answerHtml":"The Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland 2022-2032 recognises the importance of raising awareness of signs and symptoms of all cancers to enable early diagnosis, treatment and support better outcomes for patients. The Women's Health Action Plan will seek to place a greater focus on conditions which affect women's health and well-being, including gynaecological conditions and cancers.
To help inform the development of the Action Plan, my Department recently hosted a number of engagement events with women's representative groups and healthcare professionals. It was evident through this constructive dialogue that women want to see improvements in terms of public awareness, information and education on women’s health matters from an early age and across the life course, and I am fully supportive of making this one of the key objectives.
Unfortunately, budget pressures have led to a pause across all campaign advertising currently, with detrimental impacts on my Department's ability to improve public education and awareness on a range of important public health matters including cancer and women's health. However, in conjunction with the Public Health Agency, my officials are considering how best to educate and inform specific groups of women and girls through other approaches in a way that meets their needs as work on the Action Plan continues.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022724%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428425","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428425"}},{"id":"428163","reference":"AQW 22632/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-14","answerBy":"2025-03-03","answered":"2025-03-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department is taking to address waiting lists for adult ADHD services in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"There is currently no commissioned service for Adult ADHD and therefore no staff has been specifically recruited to provide this service. Although there is no commissioned Adult ADHD service Belfast, Northern and Southern Eastern Health and Social Care Trusts provide a level of provision from existing staff complement.\n\nSouth Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT) in response to demand, has progressed a small unfunded service for those patients who have transferred with an existing diagnosis and who are prescribed medication and require monitoring as per NICE Guidelines. SEHSCT have advised that the number of staff sessions available for this service varies as it is unfunded and funded work must take priority.\n\nFor patients awaiting a diagnostic assessment, the demand for ADHD assessment far outweighs capacity, which is resulting in long waiting times of several years.\n\nSEHSCT receives referrals for Adult Mental Health Services via Mental Health Assessment Centres located in Newtownards, Lisburn and Downpatrick. Individuals, including those with a potential/confirmed co-morbid ADHD diagnosis are offered a mental health assessment and are managed via the adult mental health core care pathway, where appropriate.\n\nRegarding provision of service for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), demand for assessment and diagnosis has grown across Trusts.\n\nAll Trusts are committed to work closely and collaboratively with commissioners to develop innovative, cost effective, co-produced, quality, and evidenced based services that can meet the needs of adults with ADHD within Trust areas. This work would include the development of clinical pathways.\n\nThe Department is commissioning a research exercise into the current and projected demand with a view to bringing forward recommendations to inform a commissioned ADHD service, subject to future budget availability. The exercise will (amongst other things) seek to establish the prevalence of ADHD (for both children and adults) in Northern Ireland, examine best practice from other jurisdictions and identify challenges and barriers in relation to ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Importantly, it will be expected to make recommendations on what any future commissioned service might look like in terms of, for example, costs, staffing profiles and recommended care pathways.\n\nA research lead has now been identified and work on the research has commenced, with an anticipated completion date of end June 2025.\n\nAny future commissioned service will be subject to both budget availability and evidenced demand, but the research, once completed, will help provide a firm evidence base to inform a future model.","answerHtml":"There is currently no commissioned service for Adult ADHD and therefore no staff has been specifically recruited to provide this service. Although there is no commissioned Adult ADHD service Belfast, Northern and Southern Eastern Health and Social Care Trusts provide a level of provision from existing staff complement.
South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT) in response to demand, has progressed a small unfunded service for those patients who have transferred with an existing diagnosis and who are prescribed medication and require monitoring as per NICE Guidelines. SEHSCT have advised that the number of staff sessions available for this service varies as it is unfunded and funded work must take priority.
For patients awaiting a diagnostic assessment, the demand for ADHD assessment far outweighs capacity, which is resulting in long waiting times of several years.
SEHSCT receives referrals for Adult Mental Health Services via Mental Health Assessment Centres located in Newtownards, Lisburn and Downpatrick. Individuals, including those with a potential/confirmed co-morbid ADHD diagnosis are offered a mental health assessment and are managed via the adult mental health core care pathway, where appropriate.
Regarding provision of service for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), demand for assessment and diagnosis has grown across Trusts.
All Trusts are committed to work closely and collaboratively with commissioners to develop innovative, cost effective, co-produced, quality, and evidenced based services that can meet the needs of adults with ADHD within Trust areas. This work would include the development of clinical pathways.
The Department is commissioning a research exercise into the current and projected demand with a view to bringing forward recommendations to inform a commissioned ADHD service, subject to future budget availability. The exercise will (amongst other things) seek to establish the prevalence of ADHD (for both children and adults) in Northern Ireland, examine best practice from other jurisdictions and identify challenges and barriers in relation to ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Importantly, it will be expected to make recommendations on what any future commissioned service might look like in terms of, for example, costs, staffing profiles and recommended care pathways.
A research lead has now been identified and work on the research has commenced, with an anticipated completion date of end June 2025.
Any future commissioned service will be subject to both budget availability and evidenced demand, but the research, once completed, will help provide a firm evidence base to inform a future model.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022632%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428163","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428163"}},{"id":"428162","reference":"AQW 22631/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-14","answerBy":"2025-03-03","answered":"2025-03-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of staffing levels for adult ADHD service provision in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"There is currently no commissioned service for Adult ADHD and therefore no staff has been specifically recruited to provide this service. Although there is no commissioned Adult ADHD service Belfast, Northern and Southern Eastern Health and Social Care Trusts provide a level of provision from existing staff complement.\n\nSouth Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT) in response to demand, has progressed a small unfunded service for those patients who have transferred with an existing diagnosis and who are prescribed medication and require monitoring as per NICE Guidelines. SEHSCT have advised that the number of staff sessions available for this service varies as it is unfunded and funded work must take priority.\n\nFor patients awaiting a diagnostic assessment, the demand for ADHD assessment far outweighs capacity, which is resulting in long waiting times of several years.\n\nSEHSCT receives referrals for Adult Mental Health Services via Mental Health Assessment Centres located in Newtownards, Lisburn and Downpatrick. Individuals, including those with a potential/confirmed co-morbid ADHD diagnosis are offered a mental health assessment and are managed via the adult mental health core care pathway, where appropriate.\n\nRegarding provision of service for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), demand for assessment and diagnosis has grown across Trusts.\n\nAll Trusts are committed to work closely and collaboratively with commissioners to develop innovative, cost effective, co-produced, quality, and evidenced based services that can meet the needs of adults with ADHD within Trust areas. This work would include the development of clinical pathways.\n\nThe Department is commissioning a research exercise into the current and projected demand with a view to bringing forward recommendations to inform a commissioned ADHD service, subject to future budget availability. The exercise will (amongst other things) seek to establish the prevalence of ADHD (for both children and adults) in Northern Ireland, examine best practice from other jurisdictions and identify challenges and barriers in relation to ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Importantly, it will be expected to make recommendations on what any future commissioned service might look like in terms of, for example, costs, staffing profiles and recommended care pathways.\n\nA research lead has now been identified and work on the research has commenced, with an anticipated completion date of end June 2025.\n\nAny future commissioned service will be subject to both budget availability and evidenced demand, but the research, once completed, will help provide a firm evidence base to inform a future model.","answerHtml":"There is currently no commissioned service for Adult ADHD and therefore no staff has been specifically recruited to provide this service. Although there is no commissioned Adult ADHD service Belfast, Northern and Southern Eastern Health and Social Care Trusts provide a level of provision from existing staff complement.
South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT) in response to demand, has progressed a small unfunded service for those patients who have transferred with an existing diagnosis and who are prescribed medication and require monitoring as per NICE Guidelines. SEHSCT have advised that the number of staff sessions available for this service varies as it is unfunded and funded work must take priority.
For patients awaiting a diagnostic assessment, the demand for ADHD assessment far outweighs capacity, which is resulting in long waiting times of several years.
SEHSCT receives referrals for Adult Mental Health Services via Mental Health Assessment Centres located in Newtownards, Lisburn and Downpatrick. Individuals, including those with a potential/confirmed co-morbid ADHD diagnosis are offered a mental health assessment and are managed via the adult mental health core care pathway, where appropriate.
Regarding provision of service for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), demand for assessment and diagnosis has grown across Trusts.
All Trusts are committed to work closely and collaboratively with commissioners to develop innovative, cost effective, co-produced, quality, and evidenced based services that can meet the needs of adults with ADHD within Trust areas. This work would include the development of clinical pathways.
The Department is commissioning a research exercise into the current and projected demand with a view to bringing forward recommendations to inform a commissioned ADHD service, subject to future budget availability. The exercise will (amongst other things) seek to establish the prevalence of ADHD (for both children and adults) in Northern Ireland, examine best practice from other jurisdictions and identify challenges and barriers in relation to ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Importantly, it will be expected to make recommendations on what any future commissioned service might look like in terms of, for example, costs, staffing profiles and recommended care pathways.
A research lead has now been identified and work on the research has commenced, with an anticipated completion date of end June 2025.
Any future commissioned service will be subject to both budget availability and evidenced demand, but the research, once completed, will help provide a firm evidence base to inform a future model.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022631%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428162","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428162"}},{"id":"428161","reference":"AQW 22630/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-14","answerBy":"2025-03-03","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any work his Department undertakes with each Health and Social Care Trust to support (i) those with endometriosis; and (ii) those with endometriosis symptoms whilst on a waiting list for diagnosis.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022630%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428161","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428161"}},{"id":"428160","reference":"AQW 22629/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-14","answerBy":"2025-03-03","answered":"2025-03-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the current waiting list for a gynaecology appointment, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"Outpatient Waiting Times\n\nThe number of patients waiting for a first consultant-led outpatient appointment under the Gynaecology specialty, by Health and Social Care Trust, is published on a quarterly basis in the ‘Northern Ireland Outpatient Waiting Time Statistics’ bulletin’s associated Excel file. The most recent issue of this bulletin has a reporting date of 30 September 2024 and is available to view at:\n\nhttps://www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/northern-ireland-waiting-time-statistics-outpatient-waiting-times-september-2024\n\nInpatient Waiting Times\n\nThe number of patients waiting for admission for inpatient or day case treatment under the Gynaecology, Gynaecological Oncology, and Gynaecology - Urology specialties, by Health and Social Care Trust, is published on a quarterly basis in the ‘Northern Ireland Inpatient And Day Case Waiting Time Statistics’ bulletin’s associated Excel file. The most recent issue of this bulletin has a reporting date of 30 September 2024 and is available to view at:\n\nhttps://www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/northern-ireland-waiting-time-statistics-inpatient-and-day-case-waiting-times-september-2024","answerHtml":"Outpatient Waiting Times
The number of patients waiting for a first consultant-led outpatient appointment under the Gynaecology specialty, by Health and Social Care Trust, is published on a quarterly basis in the ‘Northern Ireland Outpatient Waiting Time Statistics’ bulletin’s associated Excel file. The most recent issue of this bulletin has a reporting date of 30 September 2024 and is available to view at:
https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/northern-ireland-waiting-time-statistics-outpatient-waiting-times-september-2024
Inpatient Waiting Times
The number of patients waiting for admission for inpatient or day case treatment under the Gynaecology, Gynaecological Oncology, and Gynaecology - Urology specialties, by Health and Social Care Trust, is published on a quarterly basis in the ‘Northern Ireland Inpatient And Day Case Waiting Time Statistics’ bulletin’s associated Excel file. The most recent issue of this bulletin has a reporting date of 30 September 2024 and is available to view at:
https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/northern-ireland-waiting-time-statistics-inpatient-and-day-case-waiting-times-september-2024
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022629%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428160","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428160"}},{"id":"428159","reference":"AQW 22628/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-14","answerBy":"2025-03-03","answered":"2025-03-06","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 waiting list for a laparoscopy to treat endometriosis, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"Unfortunately, HSC Trusts are unable to distinguish which patients are requiring an endometriosis diagnosis as this information is not recorded on hospital systems. Patients also have laparoscopes for other conditions than endometriosis.\n\nTo provide this information would be at disproportionate cost, this would require potentially trawling through hundreds of patient records on inpatient and day case waiting lists to ascertain if they are waiting for an investigative or treatment surgery for suspected endometriosis.","answerHtml":"Unfortunately, HSC Trusts are unable to distinguish which patients are requiring an endometriosis diagnosis as this information is not recorded on hospital systems. Patients also have laparoscopes for other conditions than endometriosis.
To provide this information would be at disproportionate cost, this would require potentially trawling through hundreds of patient records on inpatient and day case waiting lists to ascertain if they are waiting for an investigative or treatment surgery for suspected endometriosis.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022628%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=428159","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=428159"}},{"id":"427288","reference":"AQW 22259/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-10","answerBy":"2025-02-25","answered":"2025-02-21","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 her Department’s rationale for undertaking a mass redundancy exercise in further education colleges in 2024, only to begin recruitment for permanent listings in 2025.","answerText":"Any recruitment is not to fill vacancies for staff who left under the voluntary exit scheme.","answerHtml":"Any recruitment is not to fill vacancies for staff who left under the voluntary exit scheme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2022259%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=427288","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=427288"}},{"id":"426615","reference":"AQW 21881/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-04","answerBy":"2025-02-19","answered":"2025-02-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether provisions to protect victims of domestic abuse who are seeking legal separation from their spouse will be included in the Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill.","answerText":"The Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill, on which my Department consulted in 2021-22, focuses on belief marriage and increasing the current minimum age for marriage and civil partnership from 16 to 18.\n\nWork is separately in progress to review the substantive law on divorce, separation and dissolution. In this our aim is to ensure that the relevant legislation better meets the needs of those who wish to end their marriage or partnership, including people who have experienced domestic abuse.","answerHtml":"The Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill, on which my Department consulted in 2021-22, focuses on belief marriage and increasing the current minimum age for marriage and civil partnership from 16 to 18.
Work is separately in progress to review the substantive law on divorce, separation and dissolution. In this our aim is to ensure that the relevant legislation better meets the needs of those who wish to end their marriage or partnership, including people who have experienced domestic abuse.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021881%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426615","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426615"}},{"id":"426614","reference":"AQW 21880/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-04","answerBy":"2025-02-19","answered":"2025-02-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the support his Department coordinates across the Health and Social Care Trusts for those with adverse childhood experiences.","answerText":"The Department has been involved in awareness raising and research into the impact of childhood trauma for many years.\n\nMore specifically, the Department supports the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI) in its role as lead for Trauma Informed Practice and Trauma Informed Care.\n\nThe SBNI works with Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) to embed Trauma Informed Approach (TIA) to address Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).\n\nThe SBNI has delivered Trauma Informed Organisational Toolkit sessions attended by HSCTs and the HSCTs are represented on the SBNI Trauma Informed Practice Committee. SBNI also provides free access to all HSC staff to regarding raising awareness of the impact of adversities and trauma via online training modules on HSC Learn, with 879 certificates at Level 1 and 512 certificates at Level 2 awarded in 2024.\n\nIn addition to this, the SBNI offer free access to further training for HSC staff via the Solihull Approach modules (Understanding Attachment, Brain development and Trauma).","answerHtml":"The Department has been involved in awareness raising and research into the impact of childhood trauma for many years.
More specifically, the Department supports the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI) in its role as lead for Trauma Informed Practice and Trauma Informed Care.
The SBNI works with Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) to embed Trauma Informed Approach (TIA) to address Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
The SBNI has delivered Trauma Informed Organisational Toolkit sessions attended by HSCTs and the HSCTs are represented on the SBNI Trauma Informed Practice Committee. SBNI also provides free access to all HSC staff to regarding raising awareness of the impact of adversities and trauma via online training modules on HSC Learn, with 879 certificates at Level 1 and 512 certificates at Level 2 awarded in 2024.
In addition to this, the SBNI offer free access to further training for HSC staff via the Solihull Approach modules (Understanding Attachment, Brain development and Trauma).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021880%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426614","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426614"}},{"id":"426613","reference":"AQW 21879/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-04","answerBy":"2025-02-19","answered":"2025-02-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number reports of spiking recorded in each of the last five years, broken down by Emergency Department in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"Unfortunately, the Trust is unable to confirm the number of patients who have attended ED as a result of “spiking”. This information is not routinely recorded and the cost of providing this information, which would require a manual trawl through hundreds of patient’s notes, could only be completed at a disproportionate cost.","answerHtml":"Unfortunately, the Trust is unable to confirm the number of patients who have attended ED as a result of “spiking”. This information is not routinely recorded and the cost of providing this information, which would require a manual trawl through hundreds of patient’s notes, could only be completed at a disproportionate cost.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021879%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426613","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426613"}},{"id":"426320","reference":"AQW 21813/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-03","answerBy":"2025-02-18","answered":"2025-02-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the resource allocation for the South Eastern Domestic Violence Partnership in the last five years.","answerText":"The Domestic and Sexual Violence Partnerships are not formally constituted and therefore not directly resourced by the Department of Health. Each Health and Social Care Trust provides the Partnership within their geographical area with funding for a co-ordinator post, with Partnerships otherwise reliant on funding from other sources.","answerHtml":"The Domestic and Sexual Violence Partnerships are not formally constituted and therefore not directly resourced by the Department of Health. Each Health and Social Care Trust provides the Partnership within their geographical area with funding for a co-ordinator post, with Partnerships otherwise reliant on funding from other sources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021813%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426320","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426320"}},{"id":"426319","reference":"AQW 21812/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-03","answerBy":"2025-02-18","answered":"2025-02-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any actions that are taken by Health and Social Care Trusts following the assignment of a (i) Public Protection flag; and (ii) Public Protection / Sharing to Safeguard flag on encompass.","answerText":"Public Protection flags are assigned to an individual’s record in line with Regional Public Protection Arrangements NI (PPANI) Risk Assessment and Management. PPANI will review the individual’s record depending on their category of risk, every 16 weeks or annually. PPANI staff will review existing flags and amend or remove to reflect any change in the Risk Management Plan. Flags will have an expiry date added where applicable.","answerHtml":"Public Protection flags are assigned to an individual’s record in line with Regional Public Protection Arrangements NI (PPANI) Risk Assessment and Management. PPANI will review the individual’s record depending on their category of risk, every 16 weeks or annually. PPANI staff will review existing flags and amend or remove to reflect any change in the Risk Management Plan. Flags will have an expiry date added where applicable.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021812%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426319","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426319"}},{"id":"426318","reference":"AQW 21811/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-03","answerBy":"2025-02-18","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has access to, and monitors, records to ascertain whether a Public Protection flag on encompass has been assigned to a member of staff that works within a health and social care setting.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021811%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426318","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426318"}},{"id":"426317","reference":"AQW 21810/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-02-03","answerBy":"2025-02-18","answered":"2025-02-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of (i) Public Protection flags; and (ii) Public Protection / Sharing to Safeguard flags that have been issued since the encompass system launched, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"This table below the volume of Public Protection and Safeguarding/Public Protection FYI flags currently assigned to patients broken down by each patient's Trust of Residence on encompass. Public Protection teams in South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT), Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT) and Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT) are currently live on the encompass system.\n\nTrust\tPublic Protection\tSafeguarding/ Public Protection\tTotal\nBHSCT\t697\t969\t1666\nNHSCT\t483\t806\t1289\nSEHSCT\t389\t648\t1037\nSHSCT\t73\t74\t147\nWHSCT\t54\t32\t86\nTotal\t1696\t2529\t4225\n\nWestern Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) & Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT) Public Protection Teams will go live on 8th May 2025.","answerHtml":"This table below the volume of Public Protection and Safeguarding/Public Protection FYI flags currently assigned to patients broken down by each patient's Trust of Residence on encompass. Public Protection teams in South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT), Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT) and Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT) are currently live on the encompass system.
| Trust | Public Protection | Safeguarding/ Public Protection | Total |
| BHSCT | 697 | 969 | 1666 |
| NHSCT | 483 | 806 | 1289 |
| SEHSCT | 389 | 648 | 1037 |
| SHSCT | 73 | 74 | 147 |
| WHSCT | 54 | 32 | 86 |
| Total | 1696 | 2529 | 4225 |
Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) & Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT) Public Protection Teams will go live on 8th May 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021810%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426317","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426317"}},{"id":"426130","reference":"AQW 21736/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-31","answerBy":"2025-02-17","answered":"2025-02-24","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 amount of the recently activated Non-flooding Scheme of Emergency Financial Assistance was spent in the North Down constituency; and (ii) a breakdown of the spend.","answerText":"I have ring-fenced up to £1m to alleviate the impact of Storm Éowyn. As the scheme is still live and costs are re-imbursed to council retrospectively, it is not possible to provide a more detailed breakdown at this stage.","answerHtml":"I have ring-fenced up to £1m to alleviate the impact of Storm Éowyn. As the scheme is still live and costs are re-imbursed to council retrospectively, it is not possible to provide a more detailed breakdown at this stage.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021736%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426130","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426130"}},{"id":"426129","reference":"AQW 21735/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-31","answerBy":"2025-02-17","answered":"2025-02-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the number of requests for traffic calming measures in Donaghadee his Department has received in the last three years.","answerText":"Traffic calming schemes are funded through my Department’s Local Transport Safety Measures (LTSM) budget which covers a range of measures aimed at providing a safer road transport system. Requests are considered in line with current policies and guidance and any works will be subject to prioritisation with all viable proposals competing for limited resource.\n\nMy Department prepares priority lists of traffic calming measures and annual planned programmes of work are presented to respective Councils when budgets have been confirmed.\n\nAs traffic calming measures covers a wide range of requests, any attempt to provide you with the information requested would require an extensive exercise to determine the number related to Donaghadee for a 3 year period. This may only produce data with a limited degree of exactitude and would very likely involve disproportionate costs.\n\nConcerns regarding driver behaviour such as speeding should be directed to the PSNI using their non-emergency 101 number.\n\nOne of the best ways to ensure the safety of our roads and fulfil our long-term goal of eliminating death and serious injury on roads by 2050 is by changing driver behaviour. As road users we all have a personal responsibility to behave in a way that keeps ourselves and others safe. The sad reality is that if we do not change our own attitudes when we are using the roads, our death toll will continue to increase.","answerHtml":"Traffic calming schemes are funded through my Department’s Local Transport Safety Measures (LTSM) budget which covers a range of measures aimed at providing a safer road transport system. Requests are considered in line with current policies and guidance and any works will be subject to prioritisation with all viable proposals competing for limited resource.
My Department prepares priority lists of traffic calming measures and annual planned programmes of work are presented to respective Councils when budgets have been confirmed.
As traffic calming measures covers a wide range of requests, any attempt to provide you with the information requested would require an extensive exercise to determine the number related to Donaghadee for a 3 year period. This may only produce data with a limited degree of exactitude and would very likely involve disproportionate costs.
Concerns regarding driver behaviour such as speeding should be directed to the PSNI using their non-emergency 101 number.
One of the best ways to ensure the safety of our roads and fulfil our long-term goal of eliminating death and serious injury on roads by 2050 is by changing driver behaviour. As road users we all have a personal responsibility to behave in a way that keeps ourselves and others safe. The sad reality is that if we do not change our own attitudes when we are using the roads, our death toll will continue to increase.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021735%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426129","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426129"}},{"id":"426128","reference":"AQW 21734/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-31","answerBy":"2025-02-17","answered":"2025-02-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail any steps her Department is taking to improve in-person access to banking facilities in Bangor city centre.","answerText":"I refer the member to AQW 21733/22-27.","answerHtml":"I refer the member to AQW 21733/22-27.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021734%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426128","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426128"}},{"id":"426127","reference":"AQW 21733/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-31","answerBy":"2025-02-17","answered":"2025-02-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether she has had any discussions with the banking sector in relation to setting up a Banking Hub in Bangor.","answerText":"In her engagements with the banking sector, my predecessor, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, pressed on banks to protect their remaining branch network in the North and to maintain access to cash and vital banking services especially for areas impacted by bank closures, including the timely roll out of banking hubs in impacted areas.\n\nI am therefore disappointed to learn that Halifax has announced that its branch in Bangor is due to close on 29 May 2025. I am also aware that LINK has recently completed an assessment of cash access in Bangor and recommended that no additional services, such as a banking hub, are needed at this time.\n\nI plan to visit the Warrenpoint Banking Hub next month, where I will meet with Cash Access UK and press on the need for appropriate in-person access to banking services for those areas losing bank branches, including Bangor.","answerHtml":"In her engagements with the banking sector, my predecessor, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, pressed on banks to protect their remaining branch network in the North and to maintain access to cash and vital banking services especially for areas impacted by bank closures, including the timely roll out of banking hubs in impacted areas.
I am therefore disappointed to learn that Halifax has announced that its branch in Bangor is due to close on 29 May 2025. I am also aware that LINK has recently completed an assessment of cash access in Bangor and recommended that no additional services, such as a banking hub, are needed at this time.
I plan to visit the Warrenpoint Banking Hub next month, where I will meet with Cash Access UK and press on the need for appropriate in-person access to banking services for those areas losing bank branches, including Bangor.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021733%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=426127","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=426127"}},{"id":"425832","reference":"AQW 21548/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-29","answerBy":"2025-02-13","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the uniform policy for Speech and Language Therapists based in education settings in each Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021548%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425832","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425832"}},{"id":"425831","reference":"AQW 21547/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-29","answerBy":"2025-02-13","answered":"2025-02-20","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 his Department has undertaken to ensure private tenancies are affordable for students.","answerText":"Private rented legislation does not distinguish on the basis of the characteristics of tenants (including whether or not a student lives in the tenancy). My balanced programme of reform will therefore ensure that the Private Rented Sector is a good housing option for all tenants.\n\nIn order to help relieve affordability issues, my Department will restrict the frequency of rent increases to once in any 12-month period, with a 3-month written notice to be given. I have instructed my officials to take forward work to commence this power and I anticipate that the restriction will be in place from April.","answerHtml":"Private rented legislation does not distinguish on the basis of the characteristics of tenants (including whether or not a student lives in the tenancy). My balanced programme of reform will therefore ensure that the Private Rented Sector is a good housing option for all tenants.
In order to help relieve affordability issues, my Department will restrict the frequency of rent increases to once in any 12-month period, with a 3-month written notice to be given. I have instructed my officials to take forward work to commence this power and I anticipate that the restriction will be in place from April.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021547%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425831","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425831"}},{"id":"425830","reference":"AQW 21546/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-29","answerBy":"2025-02-13","answered":"2025-02-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the number of recipients of Education Maintenance Allowance in the last five years, broken down by constituency.","answerText":"Responsibility for the administration of Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA), including the assessment of eligibility and payment of support, has been delegated to the Student Loans Company (SLC). As such, information on recipients is held by the SLC rather than by my Department. The SLC does not currently hold an analysis of EMA recipients broken down by constituency.","answerHtml":"Responsibility for the administration of Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA), including the assessment of eligibility and payment of support, has been delegated to the Student Loans Company (SLC). As such, information on recipients is held by the SLC rather than by my Department. The SLC does not currently hold an analysis of EMA recipients broken down by constituency.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021546%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425830","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425830"}},{"id":"425829","reference":"AQW 21545/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-29","answerBy":"2025-02-13","answered":"2025-02-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he has any plans to improve rail access to the George Best Belfast City Airport.","answerText":"The All-Island Strategic Rail Review (AISRR), examined how the rail network on the island of Ireland can improve sustainable connectivity between major cities, enhance regional accessibility, support balanced regional development and contribute to decarbonisation. Enhancing the integration of rail with other transport modes is one of 13 objectives within the Review. In support of this objective, the Review recommends developing new or improving existing rail-airport connections at both Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City Airport.\n\nTranslink are undertaking a Feasibility Study for options to improve the accessibility and connectivity to George Best Belfast City Airport. The study is examining options for potential connections to the airport including the projected costs for each identified option. The feasibility study is due to be completed by Spring 2025.","answerHtml":"The All-Island Strategic Rail Review (AISRR), examined how the rail network on the island of Ireland can improve sustainable connectivity between major cities, enhance regional accessibility, support balanced regional development and contribute to decarbonisation. Enhancing the integration of rail with other transport modes is one of 13 objectives within the Review. In support of this objective, the Review recommends developing new or improving existing rail-airport connections at both Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City Airport.
Translink are undertaking a Feasibility Study for options to improve the accessibility and connectivity to George Best Belfast City Airport. The study is examining options for potential connections to the airport including the projected costs for each identified option. The feasibility study is due to be completed by Spring 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021545%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425829","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425829"}},{"id":"425828","reference":"AQW 21544/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-29","answerBy":"2025-02-13","answered":"2025-02-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether improving accessibility of the Sydenham bypass footbridge will be included in the ongoing works to the road.","answerText":"The current resurfacing scheme on the A2 Sydenham Bypass is focused on essential carriageway maintenance and structural improvements to ensure the long-term integrity of the road surface and does not include works to modify the accessibility of the footbridge.\n\nAny future works to the footbridge will be considered in line with broader infrastructure priorities and available funding.","answerHtml":"The current resurfacing scheme on the A2 Sydenham Bypass is focused on essential carriageway maintenance and structural improvements to ensure the long-term integrity of the road surface and does not include works to modify the accessibility of the footbridge.
Any future works to the footbridge will be considered in line with broader infrastructure priorities and available funding.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021544%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425828","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425828"}},{"id":"425617","reference":"AQW 21450/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-28","answerBy":"2025-02-12","answered":"2025-02-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether his Department will provide any financial assistance to Ards and North Down Borough Council for repairs to Bangor Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex for damage which occurred during Storm Éowyn.","answerText":"In response to Storm Éowyn, I activated and extended the scope of the Non-flooding Scheme of Emergency Financial Assistance (SEFA) to provide financial assistance to councils.\n\nI have ring-fenced funding of up to £1m for outreach services, delivered in partnership with councils and the community and voluntary sector, to ensure the right supports are in place in the right way for those most in need.\n\nThe costs of repairs to buildings are not eligible for funding under this scheme.","answerHtml":"In response to Storm Éowyn, I activated and extended the scope of the Non-flooding Scheme of Emergency Financial Assistance (SEFA) to provide financial assistance to councils.
I have ring-fenced funding of up to £1m for outreach services, delivered in partnership with councils and the community and voluntary sector, to ensure the right supports are in place in the right way for those most in need.
The costs of repairs to buildings are not eligible for funding under this scheme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021450%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425617","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425617"}},{"id":"425616","reference":"AQW 21449/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-28","answerBy":"2025-02-12","answered":"2025-02-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail any engagement she has had with civil service Trade Unions on the revised Northern Ireland Civil Service Dignity at Work policy.","answerText":"ANSWER\n\nMy department has extensively engaged with Central Trade Union side (CTUS) throughout the review of the Dignity at Work policy.\n\nFormal consultation with CTUS has commenced through the established Whitley procedures with a view to implementing a revised policy before the end of March 2025.","answerHtml":"ANSWER
My department has extensively engaged with Central Trade Union side (CTUS) throughout the review of the Dignity at Work policy.
Formal consultation with CTUS has commenced through the established Whitley procedures with a view to implementing a revised policy before the end of March 2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021449%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425616","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425616"}},{"id":"424933","reference":"AQW 21230/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-23","answerBy":"2025-02-07","answered":"2025-02-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether his Department has had any communication with Ulster Rugby in relation to any incidents of (i) harassment; (ii) bullying; (iii) hazing; and (iv) child safeguarding issues during the Ulster Schools' Cup.","answerText":"The Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (“the Act”) states that the Board of Governors (BoG) must determine the measures to be taken at the school with a view to preventing bullying involving a registered pupil at the school. This includes while the pupil is in the lawful control or charge of a member of the staff of the school or while the pupil is receiving educational provision arranged on behalf of the school and provided elsewhere than on the premises of the school.\n\nThe Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABSIT) within the Education Authority (EA) provides support for schools, educational settings, young people and parents to help them understand the requirements of the Act.\n\nABSIT has a focus on preventative education to embed cultures that eradicate bullying. The team also provides children, young people and parents/carers, with support to deal with specific incidents of bullying.\n\nWhile the EA do not offer any specific service or support directly to school sport teams regarding hazing, and ABSIT do not refer to “hazing” specifically in guidance and advice, behaviours such as this would be addressed through the wider definitions of bullying. The use of the Addressing Bullying Type Behaviour Policy and use of Bullying Concern Assessment Form (BCAF) may be appropriate in this incident.\n\nA school’s BoG has the statutory remit to oversee the implementation of the Act in their setting, within the context of the pastoral suite of Positive Behaviour, Safeguarding and other associated policies.\n\nArticle 3 of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 as amended by Article 19 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 requires a school to have a discipline policy which outlines the behaviour it expects from pupils and the sanctions it will impose for breaches in discipline. The Order does not dictate any fixed format for the discipline policy. Responsibility for discipline within schools’ rests with the school Principal and its BoG and they should promote positive behaviour among pupils attending the school to safeguard their welfare and facilitate their educational progress at school. The Department’s guidance, \"Pastoral Care in Schools: Promoting Positive Behaviour\" sets out how a school should develop a discipline/positive behaviour policy using a whole school approach and in consultation with pupils and parents.\n\nIn addition, the BoG has a statutory duty to safeguard pupils (Articles 17, 18 and 19 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 refer).\n\nNeither the Department nor the Education Authority has had any communication with Ulster Rugby incidents arising during the Ulster Schools' Cup.","answerHtml":"The Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (“the Act”) states that the Board of Governors (BoG) must determine the measures to be taken at the school with a view to preventing bullying involving a registered pupil at the school. This includes while the pupil is in the lawful control or charge of a member of the staff of the school or while the pupil is receiving educational provision arranged on behalf of the school and provided elsewhere than on the premises of the school.
The Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABSIT) within the Education Authority (EA) provides support for schools, educational settings, young people and parents to help them understand the requirements of the Act.
ABSIT has a focus on preventative education to embed cultures that eradicate bullying. The team also provides children, young people and parents/carers, with support to deal with specific incidents of bullying.
While the EA do not offer any specific service or support directly to school sport teams regarding hazing, and ABSIT do not refer to “hazing” specifically in guidance and advice, behaviours such as this would be addressed through the wider definitions of bullying. The use of the Addressing Bullying Type Behaviour Policy and use of Bullying Concern Assessment Form (BCAF) may be appropriate in this incident.
A school’s BoG has the statutory remit to oversee the implementation of the Act in their setting, within the context of the pastoral suite of Positive Behaviour, Safeguarding and other associated policies.
Article 3 of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 as amended by Article 19 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 requires a school to have a discipline policy which outlines the behaviour it expects from pupils and the sanctions it will impose for breaches in discipline. The Order does not dictate any fixed format for the discipline policy. Responsibility for discipline within schools’ rests with the school Principal and its BoG and they should promote positive behaviour among pupils attending the school to safeguard their welfare and facilitate their educational progress at school. The Department’s guidance, "Pastoral Care in Schools: Promoting Positive Behaviour" sets out how a school should develop a discipline/positive behaviour policy using a whole school approach and in consultation with pupils and parents.
In addition, the BoG has a statutory duty to safeguard pupils (Articles 17, 18 and 19 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 refer).
Neither the Department nor the Education Authority has had any communication with Ulster Rugby incidents arising during the Ulster Schools' Cup.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021230%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424933","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424933"}},{"id":"424932","reference":"AQW 21229/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-23","answerBy":"2025-02-07","answered":"2025-02-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any guidance his Department has issued to the Education Authority on hazing in post-primary school sports teams.","answerText":"The Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (“the Act”) states that the Board of Governors (BoG) must determine the measures to be taken at the school with a view to preventing bullying involving a registered pupil at the school. This includes while the pupil is in the lawful control or charge of a member of the staff of the school or while the pupil is receiving educational provision arranged on behalf of the school and provided elsewhere than on the premises of the school.\n\nThe Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABSIT) within the Education Authority (EA) provides support for schools, educational settings, young people and parents to help them understand the requirements of the Act.\n\nABSIT has a focus on preventative education to embed cultures that eradicate bullying. The team also provides children, young people and parents/carers, with support to deal with specific incidents of bullying.\n\nWhile the EA do not offer any specific service or support directly to school sport teams regarding hazing, and ABSIT do not refer to “hazing” specifically in guidance and advice, behaviours such as this would be addressed through the wider definitions of bullying. The use of the Addressing Bullying Type Behaviour Policy and use of Bullying Concern Assessment Form (BCAF) may be appropriate in this incident.\n\nA school’s BoG has the statutory remit to oversee the implementation of the Act in their setting, within the context of the pastoral suite of Positive Behaviour, Safeguarding and other associated policies.\n\nArticle 3 of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 as amended by Article 19 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 requires a school to have a discipline policy which outlines the behaviour it expects from pupils and the sanctions it will impose for breaches in discipline. The Order does not dictate any fixed format for the discipline policy. Responsibility for discipline within schools’ rests with the school Principal and its BoG and they should promote positive behaviour among pupils attending the school to safeguard their welfare and facilitate their educational progress at school. The Department’s guidance, \"Pastoral Care in Schools: Promoting Positive Behaviour\" sets out how a school should develop a discipline/positive behaviour policy using a whole school approach and in consultation with pupils and parents.\n\nIn addition, the BoG has a statutory duty to safeguard pupils (Articles 17, 18 and 19 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 refer).\n\nNeither the Department nor the Education Authority has had any communication with Ulster Rugby incidents arising during the Ulster Schools' Cup.","answerHtml":"The Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (“the Act”) states that the Board of Governors (BoG) must determine the measures to be taken at the school with a view to preventing bullying involving a registered pupil at the school. This includes while the pupil is in the lawful control or charge of a member of the staff of the school or while the pupil is receiving educational provision arranged on behalf of the school and provided elsewhere than on the premises of the school.
The Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABSIT) within the Education Authority (EA) provides support for schools, educational settings, young people and parents to help them understand the requirements of the Act.
ABSIT has a focus on preventative education to embed cultures that eradicate bullying. The team also provides children, young people and parents/carers, with support to deal with specific incidents of bullying.
While the EA do not offer any specific service or support directly to school sport teams regarding hazing, and ABSIT do not refer to “hazing” specifically in guidance and advice, behaviours such as this would be addressed through the wider definitions of bullying. The use of the Addressing Bullying Type Behaviour Policy and use of Bullying Concern Assessment Form (BCAF) may be appropriate in this incident.
A school’s BoG has the statutory remit to oversee the implementation of the Act in their setting, within the context of the pastoral suite of Positive Behaviour, Safeguarding and other associated policies.
Article 3 of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 as amended by Article 19 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 requires a school to have a discipline policy which outlines the behaviour it expects from pupils and the sanctions it will impose for breaches in discipline. The Order does not dictate any fixed format for the discipline policy. Responsibility for discipline within schools’ rests with the school Principal and its BoG and they should promote positive behaviour among pupils attending the school to safeguard their welfare and facilitate their educational progress at school. The Department’s guidance, "Pastoral Care in Schools: Promoting Positive Behaviour" sets out how a school should develop a discipline/positive behaviour policy using a whole school approach and in consultation with pupils and parents.
In addition, the BoG has a statutory duty to safeguard pupils (Articles 17, 18 and 19 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 refer).
Neither the Department nor the Education Authority has had any communication with Ulster Rugby incidents arising during the Ulster Schools' Cup.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021229%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424932","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424932"}},{"id":"424931","reference":"AQW 21228/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-23","answerBy":"2025-02-07","answered":"2025-02-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any action he will take to address incidents of hazing in post-primary school sports teams.","answerText":"The Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (“the Act”) states that the Board of Governors (BoG) must determine the measures to be taken at the school with a view to preventing bullying involving a registered pupil at the school. This includes while the pupil is in the lawful control or charge of a member of the staff of the school or while the pupil is receiving educational provision arranged on behalf of the school and provided elsewhere than on the premises of the school.\n\nThe Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABSIT) within the Education Authority (EA) provides support for schools, educational settings, young people and parents to help them understand the requirements of the Act.\n\nABSIT has a focus on preventative education to embed cultures that eradicate bullying. The team also provides children, young people and parents/carers, with support to deal with specific incidents of bullying.\n\nWhile the EA do not offer any specific service or support directly to school sport teams regarding hazing, and ABSIT do not refer to “hazing” specifically in guidance and advice, behaviours such as this would be addressed through the wider definitions of bullying. The use of the Addressing Bullying Type Behaviour Policy and use of Bullying Concern Assessment Form (BCAF) may be appropriate in this incident.\n\nA school’s BoG has the statutory remit to oversee the implementation of the Act in their setting, within the context of the pastoral suite of Positive Behaviour, Safeguarding and other associated policies.\n\nArticle 3 of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 as amended by Article 19 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 requires a school to have a discipline policy which outlines the behaviour it expects from pupils and the sanctions it will impose for breaches in discipline. The Order does not dictate any fixed format for the discipline policy. Responsibility for discipline within schools’ rests with the school Principal and its BoG and they should promote positive behaviour among pupils attending the school to safeguard their welfare and facilitate their educational progress at school. The Department’s guidance, \"Pastoral Care in Schools: Promoting Positive Behaviour\" sets out how a school should develop a discipline/positive behaviour policy using a whole school approach and in consultation with pupils and parents.\n\nIn addition, the BoG has a statutory duty to safeguard pupils (Articles 17, 18 and 19 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 refer).\n\nNeither the Department nor the Education Authority has had any communication with Ulster Rugby incidents arising during the Ulster Schools' Cup.","answerHtml":"The Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (“the Act”) states that the Board of Governors (BoG) must determine the measures to be taken at the school with a view to preventing bullying involving a registered pupil at the school. This includes while the pupil is in the lawful control or charge of a member of the staff of the school or while the pupil is receiving educational provision arranged on behalf of the school and provided elsewhere than on the premises of the school.
The Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABSIT) within the Education Authority (EA) provides support for schools, educational settings, young people and parents to help them understand the requirements of the Act.
ABSIT has a focus on preventative education to embed cultures that eradicate bullying. The team also provides children, young people and parents/carers, with support to deal with specific incidents of bullying.
While the EA do not offer any specific service or support directly to school sport teams regarding hazing, and ABSIT do not refer to “hazing” specifically in guidance and advice, behaviours such as this would be addressed through the wider definitions of bullying. The use of the Addressing Bullying Type Behaviour Policy and use of Bullying Concern Assessment Form (BCAF) may be appropriate in this incident.
A school’s BoG has the statutory remit to oversee the implementation of the Act in their setting, within the context of the pastoral suite of Positive Behaviour, Safeguarding and other associated policies.
Article 3 of the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 as amended by Article 19 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 requires a school to have a discipline policy which outlines the behaviour it expects from pupils and the sanctions it will impose for breaches in discipline. The Order does not dictate any fixed format for the discipline policy. Responsibility for discipline within schools’ rests with the school Principal and its BoG and they should promote positive behaviour among pupils attending the school to safeguard their welfare and facilitate their educational progress at school. The Department’s guidance, "Pastoral Care in Schools: Promoting Positive Behaviour" sets out how a school should develop a discipline/positive behaviour policy using a whole school approach and in consultation with pupils and parents.
In addition, the BoG has a statutory duty to safeguard pupils (Articles 17, 18 and 19 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 refer).
Neither the Department nor the Education Authority has had any communication with Ulster Rugby incidents arising during the Ulster Schools' Cup.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021228%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424931","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424931"}},{"id":"424930","reference":"AQW 21227/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-23","answerBy":"2025-02-07","answered":"2025-02-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether his Department will update the guidance on Educational Visits to include incidents of hazing.","answerText":"Responsibility for oversight of the Educational Visits guidance resides with the Education Authority (EA) and it also considers making any updates as may be necessary to the guidance. This would include co-ordination and the collation of advice and guidance from a range of EA services in relation to such visits.","answerHtml":"Responsibility for oversight of the Educational Visits guidance resides with the Education Authority (EA) and it also considers making any updates as may be necessary to the guidance. This would include co-ordination and the collation of advice and guidance from a range of EA services in relation to such visits.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021227%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424930","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424930"}},{"id":"424929","reference":"AQW 21226/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-23","answerBy":"2025-02-07","answered":"2025-02-03","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 whether the current Educational Visits guidance for post-primary schools provides adequate measures in relation to the safeguarding of young people.","answerText":"Responsibility for oversight of the Educational Visits guidance resides with the Education Authority (EA) and it also considers making any updates as may be necessary to the guidance. This would include co-ordination and the collation of advice and guidance from a range of EA services in relation to such visits.","answerHtml":"Responsibility for oversight of the Educational Visits guidance resides with the Education Authority (EA) and it also considers making any updates as may be necessary to the guidance. This would include co-ordination and the collation of advice and guidance from a range of EA services in relation to such visits.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021226%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424929","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424929"}},{"id":"424874","reference":"AQO 1484/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-23","answerBy":"2025-02-04","answered":"2025-02-04","answeredOrally":true,"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 actions being taken to improve animal welfare.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201484%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424874","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-02-04&docID=425760#AQO%201484/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424874"}},{"id":"424857","reference":"AQO 1467/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-23","answerBy":"2025-02-03","answered":"2025-02-03","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 the roll-out of the Sexual Offences Legal Advisers scheme.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"In November 2024, I announced the extension of the adult sexual offences legal adviser — SOLA — pilot scheme for a further two years until 31 March 2027. The SOLA service is available to all adult complainants in serious sexual offence cases up to the point of trial and has provided free, independent legal advice to 2,000 complainants since its launch in April 2021. The pilot service, which is delivered by Victim Support NI, was initially established for two years with the option to extend in order to test the arrangements further. My Department is also consulting on legislative proposals for inclusion in a victims and witnesses of crime Bill that would allow SOLAs to provide representation for complainants at court pre-trial in certain circumstances. I encourage all those with an interest to respond to those proposals."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"Minister, will you provide an update on whether you have any plans to include a similar service for children?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Long","text":"The Member will be aware that I am keen to extend the service to young people. I am delighted to be able to update Members on that: later this week, in partnership with Victim Support NI, I will officially launch the children's sexual offences legal adviser scheme. The scheme has been specifically designed to meet the needs of child complainants in serious sexual offence cases and will run for an initial two-year pilot phase. The new children's service will run in tandem with the adult SOLA service until March 2027, when both pilots will be fully evaluated to inform the development and procurement of mainstream services. The new pilot will provide support to some of the most vulnerable of children and marks another important step towards improving victims' experiences in sexual offence cases and helping them to navigate the criminal justice system. One key benefit is that free advice on the criminal justice system will be available even prior to any offence being reported, which will help victims to make informed decisions and may help to increase reporting."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201467%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424857","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-02-03&docID=425759#AQO%201467/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424857"}},{"id":"424756","reference":"AQW 21121/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-22","answerBy":"2025-02-06","answered":"2025-01-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the sites her Department has responsibility for in the North Down constituency.","answerText":"My Department has one owned and three leased buildings in the North Down constituency for the use of civil servants. These are:\n\nRathgael House, Bangor (Owned)\n\nCrown Buildings, East Street, Newtownards (Leased)\n\nCrown Buildings, Hamilton Road, Bangor (Leased)\n\nSketrick House, Newtownards (Leased)","answerHtml":"My Department has one owned and three leased buildings in the North Down constituency for the use of civil servants. These are:
Rathgael House, Bangor (Owned)
Crown Buildings, East Street, Newtownards (Leased)
Crown Buildings, Hamilton Road, Bangor (Leased)
Sketrick House, Newtownards (Leased)
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021121%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424756","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424756"}},{"id":"424755","reference":"AQW 21120/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-22","answerBy":"2025-02-06","answered":"2025-02-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether he will publish a consultation report following the Domestic Abuse Safe Leave regulations consultation which closed in September 2024.","answerText":"My officials are currently reviewing the consultation responses in respect of Safe Leave. My officials are due to brief the Economy Committee on the responses received on 5th February 2025. Following this, the consultation response will be finalised and published in due course.","answerHtml":"My officials are currently reviewing the consultation responses in respect of Safe Leave. My officials are due to brief the Economy Committee on the responses received on 5th February 2025. Following this, the consultation response will be finalised and published in due course.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021120%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424755","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424755"}},{"id":"424754","reference":"AQW 21119/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-22","answerBy":"2025-02-06","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health (i) to detail the waiting times for a child assessment for autism, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust; and (ii) for his assessment of these waiting times.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021119%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424754","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424754"}},{"id":"424753","reference":"AQW 21118/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-22","answerBy":"2025-02-06","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health (i) to detail the waiting times for an adult assessment for autism, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust; and (ii) for his assessment of these waiting times.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021118%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424753","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424753"}},{"id":"424752","reference":"AQW 21117/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-22","answerBy":"2025-02-06","answered":"2025-02-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of whether the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust delivers appropriate support for women who are experiencing menopause alongside other health conditions.","answerText":"I acknowledge the current waiting lists for many services are longer than we would like them to be, and that includes gynaecology services. However, there is currently considerable work underway across the Health and Care System, including South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, to try to reduce waiting lists, although the current financial position does make progress difficult. You will acknowledge you supported the 2024/25 budget settlement.\n\nThe Department’s Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) has established a Regional HSC Gynaecology Services Forum, with Trusts, the Public Health Agency, and General Practitioner representation. This forum will oversee ongoing service improvement, and the implementation and development of gynaecology service pathways at primary, intermediate and secondary care level for local and regional populations, as well as overseeing the implementation of the “Getting It Right First Time” (GIRFT) Gynaecology Report. This work will include the development of a pathway for Menopause to ensure equitable access to services for women across Northern Ireland.\n\nAlongside this, I understand that my officials are also establishing a Regional Engagement Forum in the coming months, this will allow my department to garner expert user feedback from stakeholders.","answerHtml":"I acknowledge the current waiting lists for many services are longer than we would like them to be, and that includes gynaecology services. However, there is currently considerable work underway across the Health and Care System, including South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, to try to reduce waiting lists, although the current financial position does make progress difficult. You will acknowledge you supported the 2024/25 budget settlement.
The Department’s Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) has established a Regional HSC Gynaecology Services Forum, with Trusts, the Public Health Agency, and General Practitioner representation. This forum will oversee ongoing service improvement, and the implementation and development of gynaecology service pathways at primary, intermediate and secondary care level for local and regional populations, as well as overseeing the implementation of the “Getting It Right First Time” (GIRFT) Gynaecology Report. This work will include the development of a pathway for Menopause to ensure equitable access to services for women across Northern Ireland.
Alongside this, I understand that my officials are also establishing a Regional Engagement Forum in the coming months, this will allow my department to garner expert user feedback from stakeholders.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021117%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424752","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424752"}},{"id":"424589","reference":"AQW 21000/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-21","answerBy":"2025-02-05","answered":"2025-02-07","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 delivery to date of the proposed projects outlined in the Annual Report to Ards and North Down Borough Council 2024-2025.","answerText":"My Department endeavours to deliver all projects listed within each of the Annual Roads Reports to Council including those within the Report to Ards and North Down Borough Council.\n\nHowever, there can be external factors resulting in some projects not being delivered within the planned financial year, for example, lack of contractor capacity, severe weather conditions etc. Any project that is not completed as planned will be prioritised for completion in the following year, subject to funding availability and competing priorities, and included in the subsequent Report to Council.","answerHtml":"My Department endeavours to deliver all projects listed within each of the Annual Roads Reports to Council including those within the Report to Ards and North Down Borough Council.
However, there can be external factors resulting in some projects not being delivered within the planned financial year, for example, lack of contractor capacity, severe weather conditions etc. Any project that is not completed as planned will be prioritised for completion in the following year, subject to funding availability and competing priorities, and included in the subsequent Report to Council.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2021000%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424589","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424589"}},{"id":"424588","reference":"AQW 20999/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-21","answerBy":"2025-02-05","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any (i) financial resourcing; and (ii) staff support his Department has made available in each Health and Social Care Trust for those experiencing menopause.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020999%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424588","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424588"}},{"id":"424587","reference":"AQW 20998/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-21","answerBy":"2025-02-05","answered":"2025-02-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any steps his Department is taking to improve sporting facilities in North Down.","answerText":"In accordance with Article 10 of the Recreation and Youth Service (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, the statutory responsibility for the provision of facilities for recreational, sport, physical and cultural activities lies with the relevant local authority for each area.\n\nI understand that Sport NI, an arm’s length body of the Department, is undertaking an infrastructure review of sporting and physical activity facilities across Northern Ireland. When completed it is anticipated the results of this survey will be shared with Councils and the sports sector and may help identify areas where provision of facilities can be improved.\n\nFinally, subject to funding, I hope to announce the reopening of the Your School Your Club initiative for 2025-2026 in the next few months. The purpose of the initiative is to promote community use of school sports facilities outside of normal school hours. Investment is disbursed to revitalise existing school sports facilities or to develop new and additional provision on school sites whilst ensuring access and use for local community users.","answerHtml":"In accordance with Article 10 of the Recreation and Youth Service (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, the statutory responsibility for the provision of facilities for recreational, sport, physical and cultural activities lies with the relevant local authority for each area.
I understand that Sport NI, an arm’s length body of the Department, is undertaking an infrastructure review of sporting and physical activity facilities across Northern Ireland. When completed it is anticipated the results of this survey will be shared with Councils and the sports sector and may help identify areas where provision of facilities can be improved.
Finally, subject to funding, I hope to announce the reopening of the Your School Your Club initiative for 2025-2026 in the next few months. The purpose of the initiative is to promote community use of school sports facilities outside of normal school hours. Investment is disbursed to revitalise existing school sports facilities or to develop new and additional provision on school sites whilst ensuring access and use for local community users.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020998%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424587","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424587"}},{"id":"424586","reference":"AQW 20997/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-21","answerBy":"2025-02-05","answered":"2025-02-05","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 Women’s Health Action Plan.","answerText":"The purpose of the Women’s Health Action Plan, which my Department is currently developing, is to highlight ongoing policy and service development initiatives, and to outline the actions and improvements that can be delivered over the next three years to improve health outcomes for women.\n\nThe focus to date has been on mapping the work that is already under way across the health and social care system (including, for example improving maternity, gynae and menopause services, cervical screening and breast cancer services, and planning for a mother and baby unit) and identifying areas where further action is needed (for example, improving public health awareness around women’s health, providing more training and education for healthcare professionals on these issues, promoting healthy lifestyles and tackling health inequality).\n\nMy Department is currently hosting a number of engagement events to listen and share insights & priorities with a diverse range of women and health professionals to further inform the development of the Action Plan. The pace and extent of delivery will be determined by our available capacity and resources, which remain under extreme pressure.\n\nYou may also be aware that my Department part-funded the Women’s Health Survey for Northern Ireland which launched on 11 November 2024. The survey is being carried out by the School of Nursing & Midwifery at Queen’s University, Belfast, in partnership with Derry Well Women. Its purpose is to hear directly from women about their specific health needs and experiences to help shape planning for women’s health services. The survey will remain open into February 2025 and I would be grateful for your support in sharing the survey and encouraging as many women as possible to take this opportunity to share their views.","answerHtml":"The purpose of the Women’s Health Action Plan, which my Department is currently developing, is to highlight ongoing policy and service development initiatives, and to outline the actions and improvements that can be delivered over the next three years to improve health outcomes for women.
The focus to date has been on mapping the work that is already under way across the health and social care system (including, for example improving maternity, gynae and menopause services, cervical screening and breast cancer services, and planning for a mother and baby unit) and identifying areas where further action is needed (for example, improving public health awareness around women’s health, providing more training and education for healthcare professionals on these issues, promoting healthy lifestyles and tackling health inequality).
My Department is currently hosting a number of engagement events to listen and share insights & priorities with a diverse range of women and health professionals to further inform the development of the Action Plan. The pace and extent of delivery will be determined by our available capacity and resources, which remain under extreme pressure.
You may also be aware that my Department part-funded the Women’s Health Survey for Northern Ireland which launched on 11 November 2024. The survey is being carried out by the School of Nursing & Midwifery at Queen’s University, Belfast, in partnership with Derry Well Women. Its purpose is to hear directly from women about their specific health needs and experiences to help shape planning for women’s health services. The survey will remain open into February 2025 and I would be grateful for your support in sharing the survey and encouraging as many women as possible to take this opportunity to share their views.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020997%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424586","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424586"}},{"id":"424367","reference":"AQW 20901/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-20","answerBy":"2025-02-04","answered":"2025-02-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities how his Department is supporting the Reawakening project at the Ulster Folk Museum.","answerText":"My Department has been closely engaging with National Museums NI on the Reawakening project at the Ulster Folk Museum. National Museums NI are in the process of providing my Department with an updated Outline Business Case for the project. Once this has been received, it will be considered in line with the Department’s internal approval process.","answerHtml":"My Department has been closely engaging with National Museums NI on the Reawakening project at the Ulster Folk Museum. National Museums NI are in the process of providing my Department with an updated Outline Business Case for the project. Once this has been received, it will be considered in line with the Department’s internal approval process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020901%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424367","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424367"}},{"id":"424366","reference":"AQW 20900/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-20","answerBy":"2025-02-04","answered":"2025-01-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to detail the future plans for the recently demolished Rathgael House site on Balloo Road, Bangor.","answerText":"I refer the Member to the answer to AQW 16521/22-27.","answerHtml":"I refer the Member to the answer to AQW 16521/22-27.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020900%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424366","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424366"}},{"id":"424365","reference":"AQW 20899/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-20","answerBy":"2025-02-04","answered":"2025-02-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the number of Penalty Charge Notices issued by his Department in Donaghadee in the last three years, broken down by (i) year; and (ii) location.","answerText":"The table below shows the number of Penalty Charge Notices issued by my Department in Donaghadee in the last three years, broken down by year and location.\n\n2022*\t2023\t2024\nBennett’s Avenue\t0\t0\t3\nBow Street\t19\t21\t21\nBridge Street\t7\t18\t21\nCastle Street\t0\t0\t2\nEast Street\t0\t1\t10\nEdward Street\t0\t1\t0\nHigh Street\t25\t32\t59\nManor Street\t0\t0\t1\nMeadowbank Avenue\t1\t1\t0\nMoat Street\t6\t3\t8\nNew Street\t23\t36\t59\nParade\t6\t8\t36\nUnion Street\t2\t0\t1\nWilliam Street\t0\t2\t0\nTotal\t89\t123\t221\n\n* PCNs issued from 20th January 2022 to 31st December 2022. Earlier data is not retained as per my Department’s Data Retention Policy.","answerHtml":"The table below shows the number of Penalty Charge Notices issued by my Department in Donaghadee in the last three years, broken down by year and location.
| 2022* | 2023 | 2024 | |
| Bennett’s Avenue | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Bow Street | 19 | 21 | 21 |
| Bridge Street | 7 | 18 | 21 |
| Castle Street | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| East Street | 0 | 1 | 10 |
| Edward Street | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| High Street | 25 | 32 | 59 |
| Manor Street | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Meadowbank Avenue | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Moat Street | 6 | 3 | 8 |
| New Street | 23 | 36 | 59 |
| Parade | 6 | 8 | 36 |
| Union Street | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| William Street | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Total | 89 | 123 | 221 |
* PCNs issued from 20th January 2022 to 31st December 2022. Earlier data is not retained as per my Department’s Data Retention Policy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020899%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424365","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424365"}},{"id":"424364","reference":"AQW 20898/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-20","answerBy":"2025-02-04","answered":"2025-02-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the dates of when parking attendants have been active in Donaghadee in the last three years.","answerText":"The table below presents the dates over the last three years on which Traffic Attendants have been active in Donaghadee.\n\n2022\t2023\t2024\n03/01, 04/01, 06/01, 10/01, 13/01, 14/01, 21/01, 25/01, 03/02, 04/02, 05/02, 23/02, 24/02, 02/03, 07/03, 08/03, 25/03, 28/03, 30/03, 31/03, 22/04, 26/04, 02/05, 09/05, 24/05, 03/06, 14/06, 21/06, 28/06, 02/07, 09/07, 16/07, 23/07, 29/07, 30/07, 01/08, 06/08, 10/08, 12/08, 13/08, 18/08, 20/08, 27/08, 03/09, 15/09, 20/09, 23/09, 01/10, 08/10, 12/10, 18/10, 03/11, 11/11, 14/11, 18/11, 25/11, 29/11, 03/12, 12/12,\t04/01, 07/01, 10/01, 12/01, 16/01, 18/01, 19/01, 20/01, 24/01, 08/02, 11/02, 17/02, 21/02, 24/02, 25/02, 07/03, 08/03, 14/03, 18/03, 23/03, 31/03, 04/04, 08/04, 11/04, 13/04., 15/04, 02/05, 05/05, 11/05, 25/05, 29/05, 06/07, 08/07, 10/07, 18/07, 21/07, 22/07, 28/07, 03/08, 05/08, 08/08, 16/08, 17/08, 22/08, 28/08, 29/08, 02/09, 07/09, 12/09, 15/09, 20/09, 27/09, 07/10, 09/10, 13/10, 16/10, 20/10, 04/11, 06/11, 10/11, 15/11, 22/11, 24/11, 29/11, 01/12, 02/12, 06/12, 07/12, 08/12, 12/12, 15/12, 16/12, 21/12, 30/12\t05/01, 06/01, 10/01, 12/01, 13/01, 15/01, 19/01, 20/01, 24/01, 27/01, 30/01, 07/02, 09/02, 10/02, 16/02, 17/02, 05/03, 06/03, 08/03, 09/03, 15/03, 16/03, 27/03, 29/03, 02/04, 06/04, 12/04, 16/04, 17/04, 18/04, 19/04, 22/04, 24/04, 27/04, 04/05, 06/05, 16/05, 18/05, 24/05, 27/05, 29/05, 01/06, 05/06, 07/06, 14/06, 17/06, 19/06, 20/06, 24/06, 27/06, 03/07, 06/07, 10/07, 11/07, 15/07, 17/07, 25/07, 26/07, 31/07, 02/08, 03/08, 06/08, 10/08, 13/08, 14/08, 21/08, 24/08, 28/08, 31/08, 07/09, 13/09, 18/09, 21/09, 04/10, 09/10, 10/10, 15/10, 18/10, 19.10, 23/10, 01/11, 05/11, 08/11, 13/11, 15/11, 18/11, 22/11, 27/11, 29/11, 02/12, 04/12, 05/12, 10/12, 11/12, 14/12, 16/12, 18/12, 20/12, 21/12","answerHtml":"The table below presents the dates over the last three years on which Traffic Attendants have been active in Donaghadee.
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| 03/01, 04/01, 06/01, 10/01, 13/01, 14/01, 21/01, 25/01, 03/02, 04/02, 05/02, 23/02, 24/02, 02/03, 07/03, 08/03, 25/03, 28/03, 30/03, 31/03, 22/04, 26/04, 02/05, 09/05, 24/05, 03/06, 14/06, 21/06, 28/06, 02/07, 09/07, 16/07, 23/07, 29/07, 30/07, 01/08, 06/08, 10/08, 12/08, 13/08, 18/08, 20/08, 27/08, 03/09, 15/09, 20/09, 23/09, 01/10, 08/10, 12/10, 18/10, 03/11, 11/11, 14/11, 18/11, 25/11, 29/11, 03/12, 12/12, | 04/01, 07/01, 10/01, 12/01, 16/01, 18/01, 19/01, 20/01, 24/01, 08/02, 11/02, 17/02, 21/02, 24/02, 25/02, 07/03, 08/03, 14/03, 18/03, 23/03, 31/03, 04/04, 08/04, 11/04, 13/04., 15/04, 02/05, 05/05, 11/05, 25/05, 29/05, 06/07, 08/07, 10/07, 18/07, 21/07, 22/07, 28/07, 03/08, 05/08, 08/08, 16/08, 17/08, 22/08, 28/08, 29/08, 02/09, 07/09, 12/09, 15/09, 20/09, 27/09, 07/10, 09/10, 13/10, 16/10, 20/10, 04/11, 06/11, 10/11, 15/11, 22/11, 24/11, 29/11, 01/12, 02/12, 06/12, 07/12, 08/12, 12/12, 15/12, 16/12, 21/12, 30/12 | 05/01, 06/01, 10/01, 12/01, 13/01, 15/01, 19/01, 20/01, 24/01, 27/01, 30/01, 07/02, 09/02, 10/02, 16/02, 17/02, 05/03, 06/03, 08/03, 09/03, 15/03, 16/03, 27/03, 29/03, 02/04, 06/04, 12/04, 16/04, 17/04, 18/04, 19/04, 22/04, 24/04, 27/04, 04/05, 06/05, 16/05, 18/05, 24/05, 27/05, 29/05, 01/06, 05/06, 07/06, 14/06, 17/06, 19/06, 20/06, 24/06, 27/06, 03/07, 06/07, 10/07, 11/07, 15/07, 17/07, 25/07, 26/07, 31/07, 02/08, 03/08, 06/08, 10/08, 13/08, 14/08, 21/08, 24/08, 28/08, 31/08, 07/09, 13/09, 18/09, 21/09, 04/10, 09/10, 10/10, 15/10, 18/10, 19.10, 23/10, 01/11, 05/11, 08/11, 13/11, 15/11, 18/11, 22/11, 27/11, 29/11, 02/12, 04/12, 05/12, 10/12, 11/12, 14/12, 16/12, 18/12, 20/12, 21/12 |
My Department leads on the Executive’s substance use strategy Preventing Harm, Empowering Recovery which recognises the need to target those most at risk, including those who are homeless, people who inject drugs and those who are in contact with the justice system. This strategy aims to directly reduce the harm for these groups through actions that place emphasis on harm reduction support measures for people who use alcohol and other drugs.
There are no proposals in the strategy on Overdose Prevention Facilities. The issue of criminal sanctions for those found in possession of drugs is an issue that is frequently raised with this type of facility, hence any such intervention would also require a wider assessment of the legal position and be cross-cutting in nature. However, I am aware of the pilot sites that have just opened in Glasgow and Dublin, and my Department will closely watch the development and evaluation of these pilots to assess their potential effectiveness.
In the meantime, it is important to note that there is currently a full range of services available for those who require help and support with substance use issues, and for their families. A directory of services available in each Trust area across Northern Ireland is available online at: https://drugsandalcoholni.info/self-help-resources/.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020897%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424363","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424363"}},{"id":"424127","reference":"AQW 20803/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-17","answerBy":"2025-01-22","answered":"2025-01-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to provide detail on (i) the outstanding legal issues which were recently announced as delaying construction of Queen’s Parade, Bangor; and (ii) the action his Department will take to resolve them.","answerText":"The outstanding issues relate primarily to the Developer’s proposed approach to developing the Marine Gardens site, and the associated legal agreements which are required with the Crown Estate.\n\nMy officials continue to meet regularly with all parties to support the resolution of the remaining outstanding issues.","answerHtml":"The outstanding issues relate primarily to the Developer’s proposed approach to developing the Marine Gardens site, and the associated legal agreements which are required with the Crown Estate.
My officials continue to meet regularly with all parties to support the resolution of the remaining outstanding issues.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020803%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424127","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424127"}},{"id":"424126","reference":"AQW 20802/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-17","answerBy":"2025-02-03","answered":"2025-02-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the budget allocated for salt boxes in the last three years, broken down by constituency.","answerText":"My Department does not hold the information in the format requested, however the table below sets out the cost of salt used in salt boxes, salt/grit piles and for gritting of the roads network by Roads Divisions for the last three financial years.\n\nDivision\t£m\n2021-22\t2022-23\t2023-24\nNorth\t0.6\t1.00\t0.8\nSouth\t0.4\t0.8\t0.6\nEast\t0.3\t0.5\t0.4\nWest\t0.7\t1.1\t0.9","answerHtml":"My Department does not hold the information in the format requested, however the table below sets out the cost of salt used in salt boxes, salt/grit piles and for gritting of the roads network by Roads Divisions for the last three financial years.
| Division | £m | ||
| 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | |
| North | 0.6 | 1.00 | 0.8 |
| South | 0.4 | 0.8 | 0.6 |
| East | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.4 |
| West | 0.7 | 1.1 | 0.9 |
My Department does not hold the requested information on a constituency basis, but it is held by Council area. I can confirm that there have been 717 salt box requests with 30 new installations in the last three years within Ards and North Down Council area.
The member should note that many of the 717 requests can represent duplicate bids at the same location and the number of installations does not directly correlate to the number of requests.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020801%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424125","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424125"}},{"id":"424124","reference":"AQW 20800/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-17","answerBy":"2025-02-03","answered":"2025-02-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health (i) to detail the current staffing levels of Neighbourhood District Nursing in North Down; and (ii) for his assessment of the current staffing levels.","answerText":"The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust advise that they have funding to support one Neighbourhood District Nursing (NDN) team to operate within North Down. The remaining 8 District Nursing teams in North Down have not implemented the NDN model at this time and therefore staffing levels across North Down do not fully reflect the NDN Model.\n\nThe current staffing levels within the one NDN team in North Down is 6.0 whole time equivalent (WTE) staff within the service. This is reflective of additional funding through DoH Delivering Care investment that supported the recruitment of 2 additional staff to support the 24/7 model.\n\nI am pleased to note that due to my Department’s Delivering Care investment there has been a significant increase across the entire District Nursing workforce across all Trusts in terms of staff in post when compared to March 2023. Vacancy levels have reduced from 277.65 WTE in March 2023 to 103.3 WTE in August 2024, a reduction of 174.30 WTE (62.8%).\n\nThe regional average District Nursing staff in post per 10,000 population was 6.44 in 2024 compared with 5.42 in 2023, which reflects those reduced vacancy levels.\n\nMy Department continues to work with Trusts to identify appropriate means by which this improvement can be continued.","answerHtml":"The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust advise that they have funding to support one Neighbourhood District Nursing (NDN) team to operate within North Down. The remaining 8 District Nursing teams in North Down have not implemented the NDN model at this time and therefore staffing levels across North Down do not fully reflect the NDN Model.
The current staffing levels within the one NDN team in North Down is 6.0 whole time equivalent (WTE) staff within the service. This is reflective of additional funding through DoH Delivering Care investment that supported the recruitment of 2 additional staff to support the 24/7 model.
I am pleased to note that due to my Department’s Delivering Care investment there has been a significant increase across the entire District Nursing workforce across all Trusts in terms of staff in post when compared to March 2023. Vacancy levels have reduced from 277.65 WTE in March 2023 to 103.3 WTE in August 2024, a reduction of 174.30 WTE (62.8%).
The regional average District Nursing staff in post per 10,000 population was 6.44 in 2024 compared with 5.42 in 2023, which reflects those reduced vacancy levels.
My Department continues to work with Trusts to identify appropriate means by which this improvement can be continued.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020800%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424124","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424124"}},{"id":"424123","reference":"AQW 20799/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-17","answerBy":"2025-02-03","answered":"2025-02-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any funding that has been available to facilitate nursing home care in North Down in the last five years.","answerText":"North Down is situated in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT). SEHSCT representatives have advised that it is not possible to provide a value solely relating to nursing care homes based in the North Down locality.\n\nSEHSCT representatives have advised that their trust’s total payments to Nursing Homes, in the financial year 2023/24 was £56,358,400 and in the financial year 2024/25 is £52,317,629.00 to date.","answerHtml":"North Down is situated in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT). SEHSCT representatives have advised that it is not possible to provide a value solely relating to nursing care homes based in the North Down locality.
SEHSCT representatives have advised that their trust’s total payments to Nursing Homes, in the financial year 2023/24 was £56,358,400 and in the financial year 2024/25 is £52,317,629.00 to date.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020799%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424123","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424123"}},{"id":"423903","reference":"AQW 20731/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-16","answerBy":"2025-01-21","answered":"2025-01-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities when the Marine Gardens Public Realm Project, Bangor, will begin construction.","answerText":"My officials, along with Ards and North Down Borough Council, are continuing to work closely with the developer, Bangor Marine, to finalise some outstanding legal matters. Construction is expected to commence in the near future and an announcement will be made closer to the time.","answerHtml":"My officials, along with Ards and North Down Borough Council, are continuing to work closely with the developer, Bangor Marine, to finalise some outstanding legal matters. Construction is expected to commence in the near future and an announcement will be made closer to the time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020731%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=423903","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=423903"}},{"id":"423902","reference":"AQW 20730/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-16","answerBy":"2025-01-31","answered":"2025-01-30","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 to detail the allocation of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Local Change Fund for each local council.","answerText":"Council\tTotal\nAntrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council\t£ 160,000\nArds & North Down Borough Council\t£ 180,000\nArmagh, Banbridge& Craigavon Borough Council\t£ 240,000\nBelfast City Council\t£ 365,000\nCauseway Coast & Glens Borough Council\t£ 155,000\nDerry City & Strabane District Council\t£ 165,000\nFermanagh & Omagh District Council\t£ 135,000\nLisburn City & Castlereagh City Council\t£ 160,000\nMid & East Antrim Borough Council\t£ 150,000\nMid Ulster District Council\t£ 165,000\nNewry, Mourne & Down District\t£ 200,000\nTotal\t£2,075,000\n\nPlease see below table on the allocation of funding across councils for the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Local Change Fund, including Momentum Funding, for 2024/25 and 2025/26 Financial Years.","answerHtml":"| Council | Total |
| Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council | £ 160,000 |
| Ards & North Down Borough Council | £ 180,000 |
| Armagh, Banbridge& Craigavon Borough Council | £ 240,000 |
| Belfast City Council | £ 365,000 |
| Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council | £ 155,000 |
| Derry City & Strabane District Council | £ 165,000 |
| Fermanagh & Omagh District Council | £ 135,000 |
| Lisburn City & Castlereagh City Council | £ 160,000 |
| Mid & East Antrim Borough Council | £ 150,000 |
| Mid Ulster District Council | £ 165,000 |
| Newry, Mourne & Down District | £ 200,000 |
| Total | £2,075,000 |
Please see below table on the allocation of funding across councils for the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Local Change Fund, including Momentum Funding, for 2024/25 and 2025/26 Financial Years.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020730%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=423902","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=423902"}},{"id":"423901","reference":"AQW 20729/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-16","answerBy":"2025-01-31","answered":"2025-01-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of children in North Down that received free school meals (i) during the 2023-24 academic year; and (ii) between September 2024 and December 2024.","answerText":"(i) There were 2,976 pupils entitled to free school meals enrolled in schools in the North Down constituency. This figure relates to census day in October 2023, it is not indicative of the whole academic year.\n\n(ii) The Department does not hold this information. Information on the number of pupils entitled to free school meals on census day for the 2024/25 academic year will be published at the end of February.","answerHtml":"(i) There were 2,976 pupils entitled to free school meals enrolled in schools in the North Down constituency. This figure relates to census day in October 2023, it is not indicative of the whole academic year.
(ii) The Department does not hold this information. Information on the number of pupils entitled to free school meals on census day for the 2024/25 academic year will be published at the end of February.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020729%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=423901","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=423901"}},{"id":"423900","reference":"AQW 20728/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-16","answerBy":"2025-01-31","answered":"2025-01-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department has taken to modernise the technology used to process prescriptions.","answerText":"My Departments Strategic Planning and Performance Group leads on the ePharmacy programme which includes a project to replace the current written prescription system with an electronic prescribing system. Whilst there is policy support for this programme my Department continues to operate under significant budgetary and financial constraints including in our Capital budget and timelines have not yet been confirmed. I remain hopeful that the implementation of this project will be able to proceed once capital funding has been prioritised for this programme.\n\nThere are four projects within the ePharmacy programme.\n\nGo Pharmacy NI (to support clinical services delivery in Community Services);\n\nElectronic Transmission of Prescriptions;\n\nElectronic Prescribing Eligibility System (EPES) replacement; and\n\nNI Drug Tariff Masterfile.\n\nA business case is currently in development for capital funding, however due to\n\npressures on the departmental capital budget, this is not likely to be prioritised\n\nuntil 2026/27 at the earliest.","answerHtml":"My Departments Strategic Planning and Performance Group leads on the ePharmacy programme which includes a project to replace the current written prescription system with an electronic prescribing system. Whilst there is policy support for this programme my Department continues to operate under significant budgetary and financial constraints including in our Capital budget and timelines have not yet been confirmed. I remain hopeful that the implementation of this project will be able to proceed once capital funding has been prioritised for this programme.
There are four projects within the ePharmacy programme.
Go Pharmacy NI (to support clinical services delivery in Community Services);
Electronic Transmission of Prescriptions;
Electronic Prescribing Eligibility System (EPES) replacement; and
NI Drug Tariff Masterfile.
A business case is currently in development for capital funding, however due to
pressures on the departmental capital budget, this is not likely to be prioritised
until 2026/27 at the earliest.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020728%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=423900","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=423900"}},{"id":"423899","reference":"AQW 20727/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-16","answerBy":"2025-01-31","answered":"2025-01-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he will conduct a traffic flow survey for Donaghadee.","answerText":"My Department usually undertake traffic surveys for specific traffic management issues, such as for the provision of pedestrian crossings, setting speed limits, traffic calming assessments etc. I can advise that my officials have undertaken numerous traffic data assessments on various routes within the Donaghadee area over several years to inform consideration of a range of traffic related matters.\n\nTraffic data is gathered, via a permanent counter, from A2 Millisle Road, between Donaghadee and Millisle, and published in the annual report within the Traffic and travel information section of the Departmental website: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/traffic-and-travel-information-incorporating-annual-traffic-census-and-variations-traffic-flow.\n\nThe collection of traffic data (obtained from sites such as the A2 Millisle Road) contributes to the effective management of the road network by providing information to assist in the allocation of departmental resources, the development of future proposals for the network and Winter Service provision.\n\nAt present, my officials have no plans to undertake further traffic flow surveys within Donaghadee.","answerHtml":"My Department usually undertake traffic surveys for specific traffic management issues, such as for the provision of pedestrian crossings, setting speed limits, traffic calming assessments etc. I can advise that my officials have undertaken numerous traffic data assessments on various routes within the Donaghadee area over several years to inform consideration of a range of traffic related matters.
Traffic data is gathered, via a permanent counter, from A2 Millisle Road, between Donaghadee and Millisle, and published in the annual report within the Traffic and travel information section of the Departmental website: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/traffic-and-travel-information-incorporating-annual-traffic-census-and-variations-traffic-flow.
The collection of traffic data (obtained from sites such as the A2 Millisle Road) contributes to the effective management of the road network by providing information to assist in the allocation of departmental resources, the development of future proposals for the network and Winter Service provision.
At present, my officials have no plans to undertake further traffic flow surveys within Donaghadee.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2020727%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=423899","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=423899"}},{"id":"425557","reference":"AQO 1444/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-16","answerBy":"2025-01-28","answered":"2025-01-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for her assessment of the effectiveness of the Northern Ireland Civil Service Dignity at Work policy.","answerText":"The Civil Service is committed to creating and sustaining an environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.\n\nThe Dignity at Work policy effectively supports this aim by making staff aware of the types of behaviour that might cause offence, highlighting the sources of information and assistance available and the informal and formal procedures for dealing with inappropriate behaviour.\n\nThe effectiveness of the Dignity at Work policy is evidenced by:\n\nthe relatively low number of civil servants who have raised formal dignity at work complaints in each of the past three financial years when set against total staff numbers of 24,000, and\n\nthe success of the in-house mediation service which enabled informal resolution in 95% of mediations and avoided cases progressing to formal dignity at work complaints.","answerHtml":"The Civil Service is committed to creating and sustaining an environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
The Dignity at Work policy effectively supports this aim by making staff aware of the types of behaviour that might cause offence, highlighting the sources of information and assistance available and the informal and formal procedures for dealing with inappropriate behaviour.
The effectiveness of the Dignity at Work policy is evidenced by:
the relatively low number of civil servants who have raised formal dignity at work complaints in each of the past three financial years when set against total staff numbers of 24,000, and
the success of the in-house mediation service which enabled informal resolution in 95% of mediations and avoided cases progressing to formal dignity at work complaints.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201444%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=425557","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=425557"}},{"id":"423944","reference":"AQO 1407/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-16","answerBy":"2025-01-27","answered":"2025-01-27","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when the Eastern Transport Plan 2035 will be implemented.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd (The Minister for Infrastructure)","text":"The eastern transport plan is one of eight local transport plans that my Department is developing in parallel with each council's local development plan (LDP) process. The eastern transport plan is the largest of the local plans and covers the five councils of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Ards and North Down, Belfast City, Lisburn and Castlereagh, and Mid and East Antrim. It will set the framework for those councils to make transport policy and investment decisions until 2035 and aims to ensure that the transport network meets the needs of people and businesses living and working in and visiting the eastern transport plan area. We are facing an uncertain future, and we need to make radical changes that address issues arising from the environmental emergency and other societal problems that are related to our historical over-reliance and dependency on fossil fuels and the private car. The eastern transport plan uses a vision-and-validate approach that will consider the wider societal challenges that we face, generate a vision for the area and identify transport measures that will help us achieve that vision. That approach and vision are very much aligned with the core objective of my Department to promote and create cleaner and greener connections by achieving measurable increases in sustainable travel. My Department undertook a public engagement exercise to introduce the vision and objectives of the plan to stakeholders and the general public. The level of engagement was high, with over 500 responses and broad agreement from the respondents on the vision and objectives. Owing to the five councils being at different stages in their local development plan, the eastern transport plan will be published in iterations. The Belfast City Council plan is the most advanced, so the first iteration will cover its transport plan. My officials are undertaking a public engagement exercise with key stakeholders on the draft proposals for the Belfast City Council plan. Visioning has commenced for the remainder of the eastern transport plan area, and transport plans will follow when each of the remaining councils' LDP is sufficiently advanced. My officials are working closely with the councils and stakeholders on the progress of the entire plan."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"Thank you, Minister. It is welcome to hear that the eastern transport plan aims to move towards more sustainable modes of travel. How is that in line with your Department's launching of a consultation on allowing even more taxis in bus lanes, however?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"Taxis form part of the public transport network, and taxi services are the part of that network that allows customers to travel from door to door. We have opened up the transport links in and around Grand Central station in particular, so it is important that we ensure that part of our public transport system is allowed in bus lanes in order to deliver people to the new transport hub, which is Grand Central station."},{"speaker":"Mr Boylan","text":"Minister, what steps is your Department taking to improve active travel?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"My Department is undertaking a consultation on the active travel delivery plan. I encourage Members and members of the public to engage with it. A number of public events are taking place, and there is an opportunity for members of the public and elected representatives to respond online. Members know their local area better than anyone. They will therefore know what connections are required in order to ensure that people can use active travel options, whether that means people travelling into their town or village centre or to their local school or their being connected to public transport networks that will allow them to complete longer journeys."},{"speaker":"Mr Gaston","text":"The Minister has talked about the eastern transport plan. I am concerned that large swathes of land in the Ballymena area that are zoned for new roads will never see those roads be built. Has the Department given any consideration to doing away with the proposals in order to allow the land to be released for local regeneration projects?"},{"speaker":"Mr O'Dowd","text":"It is important that the Department work in tandem with councils on their local development plans so that we recognise councils' plans for development in their area and so that councils know what the Department's plans are through the eastern transport plan. The transport plan, when published, will take into account the plans of councils. There will, obviously, be public consultation, and a final plan will then be published, which will allow councils to release land for further development, if needs be."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201407%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=423944","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-01-27&docID=424824#AQO%201407/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=423944"}},{"id":"424434","reference":"AQO 1386/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-09","answerBy":"2025-01-20","answered":"2025-01-20","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 outline what progress he has made to produce a comprehensive strategy on rejuvenating high streets and town centres, further to the debate on the Private Members' Motion on 4 November 2024.","answerText":"Question 10 – AQO 1386/22-27\n\nHigh streets are crucial in energising our local economies and are woven into the fabric of our local communities. Whilst the Department for Communities has a remit for town centre renewal, it is not for one Department to develop a comprehensive strategy.\n\nIn recognition of the cross-departmental approach required to effect meaningful change, TEO commissioned a High Street Task Force which delivered its report and recommendations in 2022.\n\nI have identified that the High Street Task Force Recommendation 8: ‘Fair Work on Our High Streets’ sits within the direct remit of my department. Delivering on this recommendation aligns with my priority on Good Jobs, and my department is already actively working on initiatives that will support its implementation.\n\nRejuvenating our high streets and town centres requires a response from across the Executive and I remain committed to cooperating with my Executive colleagues to find solutions.","answerHtml":"Question 10 – AQO 1386/22-27
High streets are crucial in energising our local economies and are woven into the fabric of our local communities. Whilst the Department for Communities has a remit for town centre renewal, it is not for one Department to develop a comprehensive strategy.
In recognition of the cross-departmental approach required to effect meaningful change, TEO commissioned a High Street Task Force which delivered its report and recommendations in 2022.
I have identified that the High Street Task Force Recommendation 8: ‘Fair Work on Our High Streets’ sits within the direct remit of my department. Delivering on this recommendation aligns with my priority on Good Jobs, and my department is already actively working on initiatives that will support its implementation.
Rejuvenating our high streets and town centres requires a response from across the Executive and I remain committed to cooperating with my Executive colleagues to find solutions.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201386%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424434","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424434"}},{"id":"423149","reference":"AQO 1366/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-09","answerBy":"2025-01-20","answered":"2025-01-20","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 Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201366%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=423149","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2025-01-20&docID=423731#AQO%201366/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=423149"}},{"id":"424025","reference":"AQO 1357/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2025-01-06","answerBy":"2025-01-14","answered":"2025-01-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to outline what support his Department has made available to charities and community groups in North Down during winter 2024-2025.","answerText":"My Department provides financial support to a number of charities and community organisations in the North Down constituency, however this funding is provided on an annual basis and is not specific to the winter period.\n\nWithin the North Down constituency, funding of approximately £513,000 was provided to Voluntary & Community organisation projects in the 2024/2025 financial year.\n\nIn addition, £31.6k was allocated to Ards & North Down Borough Council through the Department’s Community Festivals Fund, which provides grants to community-based festivals.","answerHtml":"My Department provides financial support to a number of charities and community organisations in the North Down constituency, however this funding is provided on an annual basis and is not specific to the winter period.
Within the North Down constituency, funding of approximately £513,000 was provided to Voluntary & Community organisation projects in the 2024/2025 financial year.
In addition, £31.6k was allocated to Ards & North Down Borough Council through the Department’s Community Festivals Fund, which provides grants to community-based festivals.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201357%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=424025","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=424025"}},{"id":"421652","reference":"AQW 19925/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-13","answerBy":"2025-01-03","answered":"2025-01-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the criteria his Department has in place for someone to become approved to give emergency respite to those caring for someone with additional needs.","answerText":"Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) are responsible for the planning and delivery of emergency respite/ Short Break services, aligned to assessed needs.\n\nEmergency respite care is a temporary care solution provided in critical or unforeseen situations when primary caregivers unexpectedly need time off, such as illness or emergencies, or there maybe a safeguarding concern which might mean care needs provided outside of the family home or by someone else.\n\nThe type of emergency care required is identified through an assessment of need. During office hours this assessment is completed by a named worker or through the duty system. Emergency care can be accessed out of hours through the regional emergency social work service.\n\nIn the first instance, an increase in the person’s support system including family/ carers and existing service provisions would be explored. This would include any additional support available through existing respite services that the person may already have access to.\n\nIn Children Services, in an emergency if no family are able to provide increased support or if it is deemed unsuitable for the child to remain in the current situation, the Trust would source Emergency Foster Carers. Foster Carers are registered to provide care on a short-term emergency basis. A robust regional registration and approval system is in place for Foster Carers in Northern Ireland.\n\nTo become a Foster Carer, individuals must undertake ongoing learning and development and also engage with social workers and other parties involved in the child or young person’s life, included educational and health professionals. Rigorous assessments and checks are completed. Together, the five Trusts’ fostering services are supported by HSC NI Adoption and Foster Care.\n\nWithin Adult Services if family/ carers are unable to provide additional support, an increase to any domiciliary care package already in place would be considered. Additional respite/ Short Breaks would also be considered including any service already in place through the Shared Lives Scheme.\n\nShared Lives NI host carers are people who open their homes to support eligible adults with support needs. These carers are registered through a robust process within each Health and Social Care Trust, who are responsible for the delivery of local schemes.\n\nIf there are not appropriate existing services that can be increased, emergency respite/short break services are primarily provided in statutory and independent sector care homes. The Trusts have contractual arrangements in place to enable emergency package of care to be implemented or emergency admissions to care facilities. Contracts are awarded through regional procurement and tendering processes.","answerHtml":"Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) are responsible for the planning and delivery of emergency respite/ Short Break services, aligned to assessed needs.
Emergency respite care is a temporary care solution provided in critical or unforeseen situations when primary caregivers unexpectedly need time off, such as illness or emergencies, or there maybe a safeguarding concern which might mean care needs provided outside of the family home or by someone else.
The type of emergency care required is identified through an assessment of need. During office hours this assessment is completed by a named worker or through the duty system. Emergency care can be accessed out of hours through the regional emergency social work service.
In the first instance, an increase in the person’s support system including family/ carers and existing service provisions would be explored. This would include any additional support available through existing respite services that the person may already have access to.
In Children Services, in an emergency if no family are able to provide increased support or if it is deemed unsuitable for the child to remain in the current situation, the Trust would source Emergency Foster Carers. Foster Carers are registered to provide care on a short-term emergency basis. A robust regional registration and approval system is in place for Foster Carers in Northern Ireland.
To become a Foster Carer, individuals must undertake ongoing learning and development and also engage with social workers and other parties involved in the child or young person’s life, included educational and health professionals. Rigorous assessments and checks are completed. Together, the five Trusts’ fostering services are supported by HSC NI Adoption and Foster Care.
Within Adult Services if family/ carers are unable to provide additional support, an increase to any domiciliary care package already in place would be considered. Additional respite/ Short Breaks would also be considered including any service already in place through the Shared Lives Scheme.
Shared Lives NI host carers are people who open their homes to support eligible adults with support needs. These carers are registered through a robust process within each Health and Social Care Trust, who are responsible for the delivery of local schemes.
If there are not appropriate existing services that can be increased, emergency respite/short break services are primarily provided in statutory and independent sector care homes. The Trusts have contractual arrangements in place to enable emergency package of care to be implemented or emergency admissions to care facilities. Contracts are awarded through regional procurement and tendering processes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019925%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=421652","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=421652"}},{"id":"421651","reference":"AQW 19924/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-13","answerBy":"2025-01-03","answered":"2025-01-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the support his Department has in place to help those urgently seeking emergency respite from caring responsibilities.","answerText":"Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) are responsible for the planning and delivery of emergency respite/ Short Break services, aligned to assessed needs.\n\nEmergency respite care is a temporary care solution provided in critical or unforeseen situations when primary caregivers unexpectedly need time off, such as illness or emergencies, or there maybe a safeguarding concern which might mean care needs provided outside of the family home or by someone else.\n\nThe type of emergency care required is identified through an assessment of need. During office hours this assessment is completed by a named worker or through the duty system. Emergency care can be accessed out of hours through the regional emergency social work service.\n\nIn the first instance, an increase in the person’s support system including family/ carers and existing service provisions would be explored. This would include any additional support available through existing respite services that the person may already have access to.\n\nIn Children Services, in an emergency if no family are able to provide increased support or if it is deemed unsuitable for the child to remain in the current situation, the Trust would source Emergency Foster Carers. Foster Carers are registered to provide care on a short-term emergency basis. A robust regional registration and approval system is in place for Foster Carers in Northern Ireland.\n\nTo become a Foster Carer, individuals must undertake ongoing learning and development and also engage with social workers and other parties involved in the child or young person’s life, included educational and health professionals. Rigorous assessments and checks are completed. Together, the five Trusts’ fostering services are supported by HSC NI Adoption and Foster Care.\n\nWithin Adult Services if family/ carers are unable to provide additional support, an increase to any domiciliary care package already in place would be considered. Additional respite/ Short Breaks would also be considered including any service already in place through the Shared Lives Scheme.\n\nShared Lives NI host carers are people who open their homes to support eligible adults with support needs. These carers are registered through a robust process within each Health and Social Care Trust, who are responsible for the delivery of local schemes.\n\nIf there are not appropriate existing services that can be increased, emergency respite/short break services are primarily provided in statutory and independent sector care homes. The Trusts have contractual arrangements in place to enable emergency package of care to be implemented or emergency admissions to care facilities. Contracts are awarded through regional procurement and tendering processes.","answerHtml":"Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) are responsible for the planning and delivery of emergency respite/ Short Break services, aligned to assessed needs.
Emergency respite care is a temporary care solution provided in critical or unforeseen situations when primary caregivers unexpectedly need time off, such as illness or emergencies, or there maybe a safeguarding concern which might mean care needs provided outside of the family home or by someone else.
The type of emergency care required is identified through an assessment of need. During office hours this assessment is completed by a named worker or through the duty system. Emergency care can be accessed out of hours through the regional emergency social work service.
In the first instance, an increase in the person’s support system including family/ carers and existing service provisions would be explored. This would include any additional support available through existing respite services that the person may already have access to.
In Children Services, in an emergency if no family are able to provide increased support or if it is deemed unsuitable for the child to remain in the current situation, the Trust would source Emergency Foster Carers. Foster Carers are registered to provide care on a short-term emergency basis. A robust regional registration and approval system is in place for Foster Carers in Northern Ireland.
To become a Foster Carer, individuals must undertake ongoing learning and development and also engage with social workers and other parties involved in the child or young person’s life, included educational and health professionals. Rigorous assessments and checks are completed. Together, the five Trusts’ fostering services are supported by HSC NI Adoption and Foster Care.
Within Adult Services if family/ carers are unable to provide additional support, an increase to any domiciliary care package already in place would be considered. Additional respite/ Short Breaks would also be considered including any service already in place through the Shared Lives Scheme.
Shared Lives NI host carers are people who open their homes to support eligible adults with support needs. These carers are registered through a robust process within each Health and Social Care Trust, who are responsible for the delivery of local schemes.
If there are not appropriate existing services that can be increased, emergency respite/short break services are primarily provided in statutory and independent sector care homes. The Trusts have contractual arrangements in place to enable emergency package of care to be implemented or emergency admissions to care facilities. Contracts are awarded through regional procurement and tendering processes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019924%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=421651","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=421651"}},{"id":"421650","reference":"AQW 19923/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-13","answerBy":"2025-01-03","answered":"2025-01-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the funding made available for community groups who deliver care and activity for those with severe learning disabilities in North Down in each financial year since 2019-20.","answerText":"Health and Social Care Trusts are responsible for the provision of services and may commission community groups to deliver services, in accordance with assessed needs and available funding.\n\nThe South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust have outlined the following approximate levels of funding made available from Children and Adult Services to community groups who deliver care and activity, for those with severe learning disabilities in North Down in each year.\n\n2019/2020: £2,383,670\n\n2020/2021: £2,440,088\n\n2021/2022: £3,111,258\n\n2022/2023: £2,199,827\n\n2023/2024: £2,400,961\n\n2024/2025: £2,527,152","answerHtml":"Health and Social Care Trusts are responsible for the provision of services and may commission community groups to deliver services, in accordance with assessed needs and available funding.
The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust have outlined the following approximate levels of funding made available from Children and Adult Services to community groups who deliver care and activity, for those with severe learning disabilities in North Down in each year.
2019/2020: £2,383,670
2020/2021: £2,440,088
2021/2022: £3,111,258
2022/2023: £2,199,827
2023/2024: £2,400,961
2024/2025: £2,527,152
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019923%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=421650","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=421650"}},{"id":"421649","reference":"AQW 19922/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-13","answerBy":"2025-01-03","answered":"2025-01-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any ongoing work by his Department to support parents and guardians whose children have been diagnosed with (i) autism spectrum disorder; (ii) learning difficulties; and (iii) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.","answerText":"In October 2024, I was pleased to announce additional regional funding for the Children with Disability Service. It is intended that this funding will assist with increasing short breaks capacity, and expand family, therapeutic and behavioural supports. The challenges faced by those caring for children who have additional needs is fully recognised, and the positive impact that breaks from caring can have on mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.\n\nDoH has received proposed Short-Term Actions to assist with alleviating the pressures experienced within the Children with Disability Service from all Trusts. These proposals will provide increased residential and short break capacity across the Trusts for Children with Disability, in addition to expanding family, therapeutic & behavioural support.\n\nThe Children’s Social Care Reform Programme are reviewing models of short breaks for children which are working well, to understand how they could be replicated and expanded across Northern Ireland. This includes additional residential capacity as well as specialist short term foster care. There is also a plan to change legislation so that, where it is appropriate to do so, some children can receive short break care without becoming ‘looked after’. It is important to recognise that overnight residential Short Breaks are only a part of the continuum of services needed for children with disabilities, and the opportunities to expand support services that can be provided in the community are being actively considered.\n\nOther supports include\n\nSelf-Directed Support (SDS) options. Direct payments, available through Self-Directed Support increases choice and promotes independence providing for a more flexible response to meeting the needs of service users.\n\nManaged budgets as a way for people to manage and pay for their care and support needs. In a managed budget, a Trust holds the budget, but the individual has control over how it is spent. It is recognised that further work is needed to ensure that people supported by HSC can avail of managed budgets, subject to assessed needs.\n\nCarers Assessments are also offered and completed, when appropriate.\n\nParents and guardians of children diagnosed with ASD, ADHD or LD will have access to all of the supports available through HSC Trusts including access to specialist advice and signposting.\n\nAdvice and signposting for Autism ADHD and Learning Disability is available through the Family Support NI website.\n\nFamilySupportNI - Family support and childcare services across Northern Ireland\n\nSearch Results in Disability - Learning Disability, Autism, ADHD Category\n\nHelp and support is specific to individual families and there is specific ASD supports available in each Trust at the web links below.\n\nBHSCT - Pre-diagnostic Resources - 1\n\nPaediatric ASD Resources - Northern Health and Social Care Trust\n\nAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Co-ordinator (South Eastern Trust) - Directory Listing\n\nAutism Services - 1 (SHSCT)\n\nChildren and Young People’s Autism Service | Western Health & Social Care Trust","answerHtml":"In October 2024, I was pleased to announce additional regional funding for the Children with Disability Service. It is intended that this funding will assist with increasing short breaks capacity, and expand family, therapeutic and behavioural supports. The challenges faced by those caring for children who have additional needs is fully recognised, and the positive impact that breaks from caring can have on mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
DoH has received proposed Short-Term Actions to assist with alleviating the pressures experienced within the Children with Disability Service from all Trusts. These proposals will provide increased residential and short break capacity across the Trusts for Children with Disability, in addition to expanding family, therapeutic & behavioural support.
The Children’s Social Care Reform Programme are reviewing models of short breaks for children which are working well, to understand how they could be replicated and expanded across Northern Ireland. This includes additional residential capacity as well as specialist short term foster care. There is also a plan to change legislation so that, where it is appropriate to do so, some children can receive short break care without becoming ‘looked after’. It is important to recognise that overnight residential Short Breaks are only a part of the continuum of services needed for children with disabilities, and the opportunities to expand support services that can be provided in the community are being actively considered.
Other supports include
Self-Directed Support (SDS) options. Direct payments, available through Self-Directed Support increases choice and promotes independence providing for a more flexible response to meeting the needs of service users.
Managed budgets as a way for people to manage and pay for their care and support needs. In a managed budget, a Trust holds the budget, but the individual has control over how it is spent. It is recognised that further work is needed to ensure that people supported by HSC can avail of managed budgets, subject to assessed needs.
Carers Assessments are also offered and completed, when appropriate.
Parents and guardians of children diagnosed with ASD, ADHD or LD will have access to all of the supports available through HSC Trusts including access to specialist advice and signposting.
Advice and signposting for Autism ADHD and Learning Disability is available through the Family Support NI website.
FamilySupportNI - Family support and childcare services across Northern Ireland
Search Results in Disability - Learning Disability, Autism, ADHD Category
Help and support is specific to individual families and there is specific ASD supports available in each Trust at the web links below.
BHSCT - Pre-diagnostic Resources - 1
Paediatric ASD Resources - Northern Health and Social Care Trust
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Co-ordinator (South Eastern Trust) - Directory Listing
Autism Services - 1 (SHSCT)
Children and Young People’s Autism Service | Western Health & Social Care Trust
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019922%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=421649","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=421649"}},{"id":"421648","reference":"AQW 19921/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-13","answerBy":"2025-01-03","answered":"2025-01-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health how his Department actively incorporates the views of (i) patients; and (ii) patients’ families into the decisions of the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust is committed to its statutory duty with regards to Involvement and Consultation as set out in the Health and Social Care Reform Act (NI) 2009. The involvement of service users, carers and other key stakeholders is ‘at the heart’ of effective planning, delivery and evaluation of our health and social care services.\n\nThe Trust receives feedback from service users and carers through a range of methods, including:\n\n- Online User Feedback System (Care Opinion)\n\n- 10,000 More Voices\n\n- Patient & Client Experience Standards Programme\n\n- Bespoke Survey Programmes\n\n- Compliments\n\n- Complaints\n\n- Public Consultations\n\nFeedback is regularly reviewed by teams and changes are planned and evaluated based on service user and carer experience.\n\nThe Trust has established a Service User Network of service users and carers who are interested in supporting Trust services through involvement opportunities. The Network membership is continuing to grow with an expanding range of opportunities available.\n\nThe Trust has a central Involvement and Experience team, the role of which is to promote and support the embedding of service user and carer Involvement and Experience across the Trust at all levels.\n\nThe Trust has a clear leadership and governance structure in place to ensure service user and carer Involvement and Experience is embedded into policy and practice. The Trust Involvement and Experience Leadership Committee leads the strategic development of the service user and carer Involvement and Experience agenda across the Trust to ensure that Involvement and Experience principles, programmes and initiatives are embedded at service level. Committee membership consists of Trust staff, health and social care partners and service user and carer representatives. Assurances are given at Trust Board.","answerHtml":"The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust is committed to its statutory duty with regards to Involvement and Consultation as set out in the Health and Social Care Reform Act (NI) 2009. The involvement of service users, carers and other key stakeholders is ‘at the heart’ of effective planning, delivery and evaluation of our health and social care services.
The Trust receives feedback from service users and carers through a range of methods, including:
- Online User Feedback System (Care Opinion)
- 10,000 More Voices
- Patient & Client Experience Standards Programme
- Bespoke Survey Programmes
- Compliments
- Complaints
- Public Consultations
Feedback is regularly reviewed by teams and changes are planned and evaluated based on service user and carer experience.
The Trust has established a Service User Network of service users and carers who are interested in supporting Trust services through involvement opportunities. The Network membership is continuing to grow with an expanding range of opportunities available.
The Trust has a central Involvement and Experience team, the role of which is to promote and support the embedding of service user and carer Involvement and Experience across the Trust at all levels.
The Trust has a clear leadership and governance structure in place to ensure service user and carer Involvement and Experience is embedded into policy and practice. The Trust Involvement and Experience Leadership Committee leads the strategic development of the service user and carer Involvement and Experience agenda across the Trust to ensure that Involvement and Experience principles, programmes and initiatives are embedded at service level. Committee membership consists of Trust staff, health and social care partners and service user and carer representatives. Assurances are given at Trust Board.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019921%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=421648","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=421648"}},{"id":"421539","reference":"AQW 19826/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-12","answerBy":"2025-01-02","answered":"2025-01-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail how his Department is regulating day centres for those with additional needs.","answerText":"Day centres are regulated as adult day care settings and offer services to older people and those who have mental health issues, physical disabilities and/or learning disabilities. Settings are defined through legislation as a place where persons in need of prescribed services may attend for the purposes of assessment, rehabilitation or counselling but where they are not provided with board or accommodation.\n\nDay centres are subject to registration and inspection by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Inspection Authority.\n\nMinimum standards can be found at:\n\nhttps://www.rqia.org.uk/RQIA/media/RQIA/Resources/Standards/adult_day_care_standards_-_final_version_-_january_2012.pdf\n\nCommunity-based day opportunities, typically provided by the independent sector, are not regulated in Northern Ireland.","answerHtml":"Day centres are regulated as adult day care settings and offer services to older people and those who have mental health issues, physical disabilities and/or learning disabilities. Settings are defined through legislation as a place where persons in need of prescribed services may attend for the purposes of assessment, rehabilitation or counselling but where they are not provided with board or accommodation.
Day centres are subject to registration and inspection by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Inspection Authority.
Minimum standards can be found at:
https://www.rqia.org.uk/RQIA/media/RQIA/Resources/Standards/adult_day_care_standards_-_final_version_-_january_2012.pdf
Community-based day opportunities, typically provided by the independent sector, are not regulated in Northern Ireland.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019826%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=421539","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=421539"}},{"id":"421538","reference":"AQW 19825/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-12","answerBy":"2025-01-02","answered":"2024-12-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department or a Health and Social Care Trust has made a referral to an overnight respite care facility for (i) adults; and (ii) children, in (a) Scotland; (b) England; (c) Wales; and (d) the Republic of Ireland, in place of a space in Northern Ireland due to lack of availability, since 2022.","answerText":"Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) are responsible for the planning and delivery of respite/Short Break services, aligned to assessed needs. Within both Children’s and Adult Services respite/ Short Breaks are provided within the person’s own home, through the provision of enhanced domiciliary care packages or within the homes of Foster Carers or Shared Lives Carers. Alternatively respite/ Short Breaks can be provided within statutory and independent sector care homes.\n\nMy Department is not aware of any Health and Social Care Trust referring an adult or child to Scotland, England, Wales or the Republic of Ireland for overnight respite care, due to lack of availability in Northern Ireland.\n\nMy Department is currently finalising the Children with Disability Framework and the Learning Disability Service Model for Northern Ireland. Both aim to respond to increased challenges faced by families of children and adults with disability and to support HSCTS in meeting rising demands and increased complexity of need. It is recognised that reform of how services are structured, delivered and resourced, both from a Regional perspective and locally in each of the HSCTs is required, including the provision of respite/Short Break Services.\n\nOn 17 October 2024, I approved the allocation of £2 million in year for children with disabilities, with a recurrent impact of £13.1 million. My Department has ensured this funding has been ringfenced to directly improve short breaks capacity, while rapidly expanding a range of family, therapeutic and behavioural supports.\n\nIn addition, my Department is leading on the reform of Adult Social Care through the Social Care Collaborative Forum. The Commissioning and Contracting workstream and the Maximising Capacity workstream will support best use of current respite/ Short Break provision and expansion of service provision within care home settings.","answerHtml":"Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) are responsible for the planning and delivery of respite/Short Break services, aligned to assessed needs. Within both Children’s and Adult Services respite/ Short Breaks are provided within the person’s own home, through the provision of enhanced domiciliary care packages or within the homes of Foster Carers or Shared Lives Carers. Alternatively respite/ Short Breaks can be provided within statutory and independent sector care homes.
My Department is not aware of any Health and Social Care Trust referring an adult or child to Scotland, England, Wales or the Republic of Ireland for overnight respite care, due to lack of availability in Northern Ireland.
My Department is currently finalising the Children with Disability Framework and the Learning Disability Service Model for Northern Ireland. Both aim to respond to increased challenges faced by families of children and adults with disability and to support HSCTS in meeting rising demands and increased complexity of need. It is recognised that reform of how services are structured, delivered and resourced, both from a Regional perspective and locally in each of the HSCTs is required, including the provision of respite/Short Break Services.
On 17 October 2024, I approved the allocation of £2 million in year for children with disabilities, with a recurrent impact of £13.1 million. My Department has ensured this funding has been ringfenced to directly improve short breaks capacity, while rapidly expanding a range of family, therapeutic and behavioural supports.
In addition, my Department is leading on the reform of Adult Social Care through the Social Care Collaborative Forum. The Commissioning and Contracting workstream and the Maximising Capacity workstream will support best use of current respite/ Short Break provision and expansion of service provision within care home settings.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019825%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=421538","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=421538"}},{"id":"421537","reference":"AQW 19824/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-12","answerBy":"2025-01-02","answered":"2025-01-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the overnight respite care providers available to applicants who live in North Down.","answerText":"1). The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust advise that there is no one on the waiting list for adult short breaks. There are 63 children on the waiting list for overnight short breaks in the South Eastern Trust.\n\n2). The availability of overnight short breaks is adequate for adult services. This is reflected in the fact that there is no one on the waiting list for adult short breaks. The Minister recognises that there are children on the waiting list for overnight short breaks and acknowledges the impact of this on children and their carers. There has been an increasing regional demand for access to short breaks & respite services. It is of note that emergency respite care is available for children and adults. It is provided in critical or unforeseen situations when primary caregivers are unexpectedly unavailable, through illness or emergencies, or there may be a safeguarding concern which may mean that care needs provided outside of the family home.\n\n3). The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust were contacted by Department of Health officials in relation to overnight respite care providers available to applicants who live in North Down. The Trust advises that with regards to adult services they commission the Cedar Foundation to provide two facilities for overnight respite in the North Down area – Croft and Twisel Lodge. Both facilities can provide respite for those who have a brain injury, physical and sensory disability and autism. The Trust can also spot purchase respite from other independent providers as required to meet the needs of adults depending on the assessment of need.\n\nIn relation to children overnight short breaks they are offered in the Greenhill short break facility in Newcastle.\n\nOn 23rd October 2024, the Minister was pleased to be able to approve additional regional funding for the children with disability service. It is intended that this funding will assist with increasing short breaks capacity, and expanding family, therapeutic and behavioural supports. Trusts are actively engaging with Department of Health officials to finalise their proposals.","answerHtml":"1). The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust advise that there is no one on the waiting list for adult short breaks. There are 63 children on the waiting list for overnight short breaks in the South Eastern Trust.
2). The availability of overnight short breaks is adequate for adult services. This is reflected in the fact that there is no one on the waiting list for adult short breaks. The Minister recognises that there are children on the waiting list for overnight short breaks and acknowledges the impact of this on children and their carers. There has been an increasing regional demand for access to short breaks & respite services. It is of note that emergency respite care is available for children and adults. It is provided in critical or unforeseen situations when primary caregivers are unexpectedly unavailable, through illness or emergencies, or there may be a safeguarding concern which may mean that care needs provided outside of the family home.
3). The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust were contacted by Department of Health officials in relation to overnight respite care providers available to applicants who live in North Down. The Trust advises that with regards to adult services they commission the Cedar Foundation to provide two facilities for overnight respite in the North Down area – Croft and Twisel Lodge. Both facilities can provide respite for those who have a brain injury, physical and sensory disability and autism. The Trust can also spot purchase respite from other independent providers as required to meet the needs of adults depending on the assessment of need.
In relation to children overnight short breaks they are offered in the Greenhill short break facility in Newcastle.
On 23rd October 2024, the Minister was pleased to be able to approve additional regional funding for the children with disability service. It is intended that this funding will assist with increasing short breaks capacity, and expanding family, therapeutic and behavioural supports. Trusts are actively engaging with Department of Health officials to finalise their proposals.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019824%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=421537","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=421537"}},{"id":"421536","reference":"AQW 19823/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-12","answerBy":"2025-01-02","answered":"2025-01-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of applicants on a waiting list in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust to avail of (i) adult; and (ii) child overnight respite care.","answerText":"1). The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust advise that there is no one on the waiting list for adult short breaks. There are 63 children on the waiting list for overnight short breaks in the South Eastern Trust.\n\n2). The availability of overnight short breaks is adequate for adult services. This is reflected in the fact that there is no one on the waiting list for adult short breaks. The Minister recognises that there are children on the waiting list for overnight short breaks and acknowledges the impact of this on children and their carers. There has been an increasing regional demand for access to short breaks & respite services. It is of note that emergency respite care is available for children and adults. It is provided in critical or unforeseen situations when primary caregivers are unexpectedly unavailable, through illness or emergencies, or there may be a safeguarding concern which may mean that care needs provided outside of the family home.\n\n3). The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust were contacted by Department of Health officials in relation to overnight respite care providers available to applicants who live in North Down. The Trust advises that with regards to adult services they commission the Cedar Foundation to provide two facilities for overnight respite in the North Down area – Croft and Twisel Lodge. Both facilities can provide respite for those who have a brain injury, physical and sensory disability and autism. The Trust can also spot purchase respite from other independent providers as required to meet the needs of adults depending on the assessment of need.\n\nIn relation to children overnight short breaks they are offered in the Greenhill short break facility in Newcastle.\n\nOn 23rd October 2024, the Minister was pleased to be able to approve additional regional funding for the children with disability service. It is intended that this funding will assist with increasing short breaks capacity, and expanding family, therapeutic and behavioural supports. Trusts are actively engaging with Department of Health officials to finalise their proposals.","answerHtml":"1). The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust advise that there is no one on the waiting list for adult short breaks. There are 63 children on the waiting list for overnight short breaks in the South Eastern Trust.
2). The availability of overnight short breaks is adequate for adult services. This is reflected in the fact that there is no one on the waiting list for adult short breaks. The Minister recognises that there are children on the waiting list for overnight short breaks and acknowledges the impact of this on children and their carers. There has been an increasing regional demand for access to short breaks & respite services. It is of note that emergency respite care is available for children and adults. It is provided in critical or unforeseen situations when primary caregivers are unexpectedly unavailable, through illness or emergencies, or there may be a safeguarding concern which may mean that care needs provided outside of the family home.
3). The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust were contacted by Department of Health officials in relation to overnight respite care providers available to applicants who live in North Down. The Trust advises that with regards to adult services they commission the Cedar Foundation to provide two facilities for overnight respite in the North Down area – Croft and Twisel Lodge. Both facilities can provide respite for those who have a brain injury, physical and sensory disability and autism. The Trust can also spot purchase respite from other independent providers as required to meet the needs of adults depending on the assessment of need.
In relation to children overnight short breaks they are offered in the Greenhill short break facility in Newcastle.
On 23rd October 2024, the Minister was pleased to be able to approve additional regional funding for the children with disability service. It is intended that this funding will assist with increasing short breaks capacity, and expanding family, therapeutic and behavioural supports. Trusts are actively engaging with Department of Health officials to finalise their proposals.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019823%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=421536","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=421536"}},{"id":"421535","reference":"AQW 19822/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-12","answerBy":"2025-01-02","answered":"2025-01-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of whether the availability of overnight respite care provision for both adults and children in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust is adequate.","answerText":"1). The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust advise that there is no one on the waiting list for adult short breaks. There are 63 children on the waiting list for overnight short breaks in the South Eastern Trust.\n\n2). The availability of overnight short breaks is adequate for adult services. This is reflected in the fact that there is no one on the waiting list for adult short breaks. The Minister recognises that there are children on the waiting list for overnight short breaks and acknowledges the impact of this on children and their carers. There has been an increasing regional demand for access to short breaks & respite services. It is of note that emergency respite care is available for children and adults. It is provided in critical or unforeseen situations when primary caregivers are unexpectedly unavailable, through illness or emergencies, or there may be a safeguarding concern which may mean that care needs provided outside of the family home.\n\n3). The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust were contacted by Department of Health officials in relation to overnight respite care providers available to applicants who live in North Down. The Trust advises that with regards to adult services they commission the Cedar Foundation to provide two facilities for overnight respite in the North Down area – Croft and Twisel Lodge. Both facilities can provide respite for those who have a brain injury, physical and sensory disability and autism. The Trust can also spot purchase respite from other independent providers as required to meet the needs of adults depending on the assessment of need.\n\nIn relation to children overnight short breaks they are offered in the Greenhill short break facility in Newcastle.\n\nOn 23rd October 2024, the Minister was pleased to be able to approve additional regional funding for the children with disability service. It is intended that this funding will assist with increasing short breaks capacity, and expanding family, therapeutic and behavioural supports. Trusts are actively engaging with Department of Health officials to finalise their proposals.","answerHtml":"1). The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust advise that there is no one on the waiting list for adult short breaks. There are 63 children on the waiting list for overnight short breaks in the South Eastern Trust.
2). The availability of overnight short breaks is adequate for adult services. This is reflected in the fact that there is no one on the waiting list for adult short breaks. The Minister recognises that there are children on the waiting list for overnight short breaks and acknowledges the impact of this on children and their carers. There has been an increasing regional demand for access to short breaks & respite services. It is of note that emergency respite care is available for children and adults. It is provided in critical or unforeseen situations when primary caregivers are unexpectedly unavailable, through illness or emergencies, or there may be a safeguarding concern which may mean that care needs provided outside of the family home.
3). The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust were contacted by Department of Health officials in relation to overnight respite care providers available to applicants who live in North Down. The Trust advises that with regards to adult services they commission the Cedar Foundation to provide two facilities for overnight respite in the North Down area – Croft and Twisel Lodge. Both facilities can provide respite for those who have a brain injury, physical and sensory disability and autism. The Trust can also spot purchase respite from other independent providers as required to meet the needs of adults depending on the assessment of need.
In relation to children overnight short breaks they are offered in the Greenhill short break facility in Newcastle.
On 23rd October 2024, the Minister was pleased to be able to approve additional regional funding for the children with disability service. It is intended that this funding will assist with increasing short breaks capacity, and expanding family, therapeutic and behavioural supports. Trusts are actively engaging with Department of Health officials to finalise their proposals.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019822%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=421535","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=421535"}},{"id":"421226","reference":"AQW 19655/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-10","answerBy":"2024-12-30","answered":"2025-01-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the (i) criteria; and (ii) application process for receipt of the energy payment provided for grassroots organisations impacted by rising costs in 2022.","answerText":"Since 2022, on three separate occasions my Department has provided payments to support Voluntary & Community Sector (VCS) organisations to meet the pressures associated with the cost-of-living crisis.\n\nOn each occasion payments were limited to those VCS organisations who had a funding relationship with the Department’s Voluntary & Community Division and Community Empowerment Division.\n\nIn May 2022 a payment of £1,000 was offered, with the additional criteria that the organisation’s funding included support for running costs;\n\nIn January 2023 a payment of up to £1,500 was offered with no additional criteria; and\n\nIn March 2024 a payment of £1,500 was provided also with no additional criteria.\n\nFor each payment the application process consisted of eligible organisations indicating that they wished to receive the support offered and completing a declaration to that effect.","answerHtml":"Since 2022, on three separate occasions my Department has provided payments to support Voluntary & Community Sector (VCS) organisations to meet the pressures associated with the cost-of-living crisis.
On each occasion payments were limited to those VCS organisations who had a funding relationship with the Department’s Voluntary & Community Division and Community Empowerment Division.
In May 2022 a payment of £1,000 was offered, with the additional criteria that the organisation’s funding included support for running costs;
In January 2023 a payment of up to £1,500 was offered with no additional criteria; and
In March 2024 a payment of £1,500 was provided also with no additional criteria.
For each payment the application process consisted of eligible organisations indicating that they wished to receive the support offered and completing a declaration to that effect.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019655%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=421226","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=421226"}},{"id":"421225","reference":"AQW 19654/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-10","answerBy":"2024-12-30","answered":"2025-01-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether he is considering introducing a further energy payment for grassroots organisations impacted by rising costs.","answerText":"On 5 June 2024 I announced that, despite the significant shortfall in both the Resource and Capital budget allocations for my department, I had decided to protect the level of resource funding provided to Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) groups through the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme.\n\nIn addition to that, I have provided an additional 5% of resource (£1.45m) of resource funding to organisations funded through my departments, Community Empowerment Division (CED) and Voluntary and Community Division (VCD) programmes.\n\nThis additional resource element is intended, as part of my ongoing commitment to supporting the sector, to make a contribution towards easing the pressures VCS groups face with rising costs.","answerHtml":"On 5 June 2024 I announced that, despite the significant shortfall in both the Resource and Capital budget allocations for my department, I had decided to protect the level of resource funding provided to Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) groups through the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme.
In addition to that, I have provided an additional 5% of resource (£1.45m) of resource funding to organisations funded through my departments, Community Empowerment Division (CED) and Voluntary and Community Division (VCD) programmes.
This additional resource element is intended, as part of my ongoing commitment to supporting the sector, to make a contribution towards easing the pressures VCS groups face with rising costs.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019654%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=421225","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=421225"}},{"id":"421224","reference":"AQW 19653/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-10","answerBy":"2024-12-30","answered":"2025-01-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, following publication of the review of the part-time 20mph speed limits at schools initiative, whether he will consider introducing a 20mph speed limit as standard in the vicinity of all schools, as is the case in Scotland.","answerText":"One of the best ways to ensure safety on our roads and fulfil our long-term goal of eliminating death and serious injury by 2050, is by changing road user behaviour.\n\nAs road users we all have a personal responsibility to behave in a way that keeps ourselves and others safe. The sad reality is that if we do not change our own attitudes, particularly to speed when we are using the roads, our death toll will continue to increase.\n\nAs part of my consideration of the recently published review of the part-time 20mph speed limit at schools initiative I asked my officials to prepare me a paper on 20mph speed limits in general, which is in progress.","answerHtml":"One of the best ways to ensure safety on our roads and fulfil our long-term goal of eliminating death and serious injury by 2050, is by changing road user behaviour.
As road users we all have a personal responsibility to behave in a way that keeps ourselves and others safe. The sad reality is that if we do not change our own attitudes, particularly to speed when we are using the roads, our death toll will continue to increase.
As part of my consideration of the recently published review of the part-time 20mph speed limit at schools initiative I asked my officials to prepare me a paper on 20mph speed limits in general, which is in progress.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019653%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=421224","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=421224"}},{"id":"421223","reference":"AQW 19652/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-10","answerBy":"2024-12-30","answered":"2025-01-30","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 for an update on the progress of actions in the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Delivery Plan 2024 – 2026.","answerText":"The Executive’s Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategic Framework 2024-31 and first Delivery Plan 2024-26 were launched on 16 September 2024.\n\nSince then, progress has been made across multiple areas, reflecting consistent momentum toward achieving the six outcomes within the Strategic Framework.\n\n£3.2 million has been allocated to the EVAWG Change Fund. We launched the EVAWG Local Change Fund on the 8 January 2025 and will open across 11 Councils for applications between January and March 2025, with delivery commencing from April 2025.\n\nMomentum Funding of £600k is also being provided across all 11 Councils in 24/25 to enable them to implement emergency responses, raise awareness and build on the ground momentum.\n\nWe also announced £1.2m investment under the EVAWG Regional Change Fund on 21 January 2025. This funding will be available until March 2026 and will support and partner with eight Community and Voluntary Sector expert organisations who are already leading the way regionally in preventing violence against women and girls.\n\nThey will raise awareness of violence against women and girls, increase understanding of the issue, and build capacity to take action, and equip people to have safe and healthy relationships.\n\nFollowing an open competition, six suppliers have been selected to develop a range of Phase 1 proofs of concept, as part of the Small Business Research Initiative [SBRI] Challenge Fund.\n\nWork is also progressing in collaboration with partners to advance other elements of the Delivery Plan.","answerHtml":"The Executive’s Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategic Framework 2024-31 and first Delivery Plan 2024-26 were launched on 16 September 2024.
Since then, progress has been made across multiple areas, reflecting consistent momentum toward achieving the six outcomes within the Strategic Framework.
£3.2 million has been allocated to the EVAWG Change Fund. We launched the EVAWG Local Change Fund on the 8 January 2025 and will open across 11 Councils for applications between January and March 2025, with delivery commencing from April 2025.
Momentum Funding of £600k is also being provided across all 11 Councils in 24/25 to enable them to implement emergency responses, raise awareness and build on the ground momentum.
We also announced £1.2m investment under the EVAWG Regional Change Fund on 21 January 2025. This funding will be available until March 2026 and will support and partner with eight Community and Voluntary Sector expert organisations who are already leading the way regionally in preventing violence against women and girls.
They will raise awareness of violence against women and girls, increase understanding of the issue, and build capacity to take action, and equip people to have safe and healthy relationships.
Following an open competition, six suppliers have been selected to develop a range of Phase 1 proofs of concept, as part of the Small Business Research Initiative [SBRI] Challenge Fund.
Work is also progressing in collaboration with partners to advance other elements of the Delivery Plan.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019652%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=421223","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=421223"}},{"id":"421222","reference":"AQW 19651/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-10","answerBy":"2024-12-30","answered":"2024-12-17","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 a new build for Bangor Central Integrated Primary School, including a timescale for completion.","answerText":"I announced Bangor Central Integrated Primary School to proceed to construction on 28 May 2024.\n\nFollowing a review of the proposed project a reduction in the total enrolment numbers at the school in recent years was identified, which prompted my officials to engage with school representatives and the school’s Managing Authority regarding the implications of this reduction in enrolment.\n\nI am happy to report that agreement regarding the size of the school and provision of Enhanced Learning Support has now been reached between all parties and the Integrated Consultant Team have updated the final design accordingly.\n\nThe process to procure an Integrated Supply Team is imminent and the current programme estimates construction commencement in October 2025 with completion in April 2027.","answerHtml":"I announced Bangor Central Integrated Primary School to proceed to construction on 28 May 2024.
Following a review of the proposed project a reduction in the total enrolment numbers at the school in recent years was identified, which prompted my officials to engage with school representatives and the school’s Managing Authority regarding the implications of this reduction in enrolment.
I am happy to report that agreement regarding the size of the school and provision of Enhanced Learning Support has now been reached between all parties and the Integrated Consultant Team have updated the final design accordingly.
The process to procure an Integrated Supply Team is imminent and the current programme estimates construction commencement in October 2025 with completion in April 2027.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019651%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=421222","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=421222"}},{"id":"420459","reference":"AQW 19312/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-04","answerBy":"2024-12-19","answered":"2024-12-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) his assessment of the impact of the recent employer National Insurance announcement on dental practices; and (ii) any steps his Department is taking to support dental practices in relation to this.","answerText":"I recognise that the changes arising from the Autumn Budget will have a significant impact on future budget and costs. However, it is not possible to provide a definitive assessment on our future funding position until a budget settlement for future years has been reached. Despite the positive news about the 2024/25 budget, it is still likely we will be facing a significant funding gap in 2025/26 as a result of both inflationary pressures and increased demand.\n\nI acknowledge there are a number of healthcare providers that will be affected by the rise in employer National Insurance contributions announced in the Budget and I understand that as well as General Dental Practitioners, GPs, care homes and hospices have all voiced concerns about the impact this will have on them.\n\nRecognising this and the valuable role played by those providers, these funding pressures will nevertheless need to be considered and prioritised alongside other priorities before I am in a position to make any commitments.","answerHtml":"I recognise that the changes arising from the Autumn Budget will have a significant impact on future budget and costs. However, it is not possible to provide a definitive assessment on our future funding position until a budget settlement for future years has been reached. Despite the positive news about the 2024/25 budget, it is still likely we will be facing a significant funding gap in 2025/26 as a result of both inflationary pressures and increased demand.
I acknowledge there are a number of healthcare providers that will be affected by the rise in employer National Insurance contributions announced in the Budget and I understand that as well as General Dental Practitioners, GPs, care homes and hospices have all voiced concerns about the impact this will have on them.
Recognising this and the valuable role played by those providers, these funding pressures will nevertheless need to be considered and prioritised alongside other priorities before I am in a position to make any commitments.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019312%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420459","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420459"}},{"id":"420458","reference":"AQW 19311/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-12-04","answerBy":"2024-12-19","answered":"2024-12-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail any actions his Department is taking to improve waiting times for occupational therapy appointments in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust area.","answerText":"PHA continue to work with SPPG and Trusts to ensure Allied Health Profession (AHP) services including Occupational Therapy deliver a range of support that reflects the needs of the population of NI and is aligned to evidence based practice.\n\nWork is underway between SPPG and PHA to separate data on waiting times for under and over 18-year olds across elective AHP waiting times including Occupational Therapy. This will help provide a better understanding of the specific waiting times across CYP and adult elective AHP services to help identify demands and trends across each of the Trusts including SET.\n\nStrategies being used by South Eastern Health and Social Care trust to help reduce waiting times are:\n\nwaiting list validation\n\nmonitoring capacity and demand of complex cases\n\nproactive recruitment\n\nutilising bank and agency staff to cover long tern vacancies or absences as appropriate\n\nreviewing new ways of working and assuring appropriate skill mix to maximise efficiency","answerHtml":"PHA continue to work with SPPG and Trusts to ensure Allied Health Profession (AHP) services including Occupational Therapy deliver a range of support that reflects the needs of the population of NI and is aligned to evidence based practice.
Work is underway between SPPG and PHA to separate data on waiting times for under and over 18-year olds across elective AHP waiting times including Occupational Therapy. This will help provide a better understanding of the specific waiting times across CYP and adult elective AHP services to help identify demands and trends across each of the Trusts including SET.
Strategies being used by South Eastern Health and Social Care trust to help reduce waiting times are:
waiting list validation
monitoring capacity and demand of complex cases
proactive recruitment
utilising bank and agency staff to cover long tern vacancies or absences as appropriate
reviewing new ways of working and assuring appropriate skill mix to maximise efficiency
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2019311%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420458","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420458"}},{"id":"419540","reference":"AQW 18975/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-28","answerBy":"2024-12-13","answered":"2024-12-12","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 his work to develop a business case to improve access to the Gender Identity Service in tandem with the Gender Identity Review Group and Gender Identity Liaison Panel.","answerText":"My Department has been working together with the Belfast HSC Trust to address the issues of waiting times, resources, and to develop a new model of care for Gender Identity Services for transgender people living in NI.\n\nAs part of this process, a Gender Identity Service Pathway Review Group was established and Chaired by the Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG), with membership on the group including, the Public Health Agency, the Patient Client Council, the Royal College of General Practitioners and policy officials from my Department. The work of the Pathway Review Group began in September 2019. There was significant engagement undertaken to help inform the review, notwithstanding the obvious challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nA Gender Identity Liaison Panel, which sits under the main Pathway Review Group, was also established to enable those with lived experience to provide input to the review.\n\nOn completion of the review, my officials have continued to work closely and collaboratively with the Belfast HSC Trust, the Gender Identity Review Group and Gender Identity Liaison Group to develop a business case for the first phase of service expansion, which identifies the extra resources required to enhance the capacity of the services to meet the growing demand and includes additionality to address the implications of the Cass Review report. Funding of around £825k will be required recurrently to fund the service development. The business case details the extra medical and nursing resources required, including additional endocrinology provision. General Practitioner shared care arrangements are currently being explored for Phase 2 of this service development.\n\nThe business case was submitted for consideration on 4th November 2024. SPPG officials are currently working with the Belfast Trust to clarify a number of issues as part of the approval process. The business case will then be subject to my consideration.","answerHtml":"My Department has been working together with the Belfast HSC Trust to address the issues of waiting times, resources, and to develop a new model of care for Gender Identity Services for transgender people living in NI.
As part of this process, a Gender Identity Service Pathway Review Group was established and Chaired by the Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG), with membership on the group including, the Public Health Agency, the Patient Client Council, the Royal College of General Practitioners and policy officials from my Department. The work of the Pathway Review Group began in September 2019. There was significant engagement undertaken to help inform the review, notwithstanding the obvious challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Gender Identity Liaison Panel, which sits under the main Pathway Review Group, was also established to enable those with lived experience to provide input to the review.
On completion of the review, my officials have continued to work closely and collaboratively with the Belfast HSC Trust, the Gender Identity Review Group and Gender Identity Liaison Group to develop a business case for the first phase of service expansion, which identifies the extra resources required to enhance the capacity of the services to meet the growing demand and includes additionality to address the implications of the Cass Review report. Funding of around £825k will be required recurrently to fund the service development. The business case details the extra medical and nursing resources required, including additional endocrinology provision. General Practitioner shared care arrangements are currently being explored for Phase 2 of this service development.
The business case was submitted for consideration on 4th November 2024. SPPG officials are currently working with the Belfast Trust to clarify a number of issues as part of the approval process. The business case will then be subject to my consideration.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2018975%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=419540","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=419540"}},{"id":"420348","reference":"AQO 1255/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-21","answerBy":"2024-12-03","answered":"2024-12-03","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 2024-2025 pay award for Northern Ireland Civil Service staff.","answerText":"I met recognised Civil Service Trade Unions immediately following the October Monitoring Round. At that meeting on Tuesday 12 November, I reiterated my commitment to working constructively with unions on Civil Service pay.\n\nOfficials began negotiations with unions on the 2024 pay award last. It would not be appropriate for me to make further comment while those negotiations are ongoing.","answerHtml":"I met recognised Civil Service Trade Unions immediately following the October Monitoring Round. At that meeting on Tuesday 12 November, I reiterated my commitment to working constructively with unions on Civil Service pay.
Officials began negotiations with unions on the 2024 pay award last. It would not be appropriate for me to make further comment while those negotiations are ongoing.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201255%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=420348","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=420348"}},{"id":"419175","reference":"AQO 1212/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-14","answerBy":"2024-11-26","answered":"2024-11-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities what action he is taking to ensure victims of domestic violence are prioritised in the points system for housing allocations.","answerText":"My Department led a review to improve how social homes are allocated in Northern Ireland and is now working closely with The Housing Executive on the implementation of the proposals as part of the Fundamental Review of Allocations.\n\nMy officials are working alongside the Housing Executive to consider independently commissioned research investigating future provision for victims of violence and those at risk or under threat of violence, including victims of domestic abuse.\n\nThis will be used to inform any changes I may make to the Housing Selection Scheme. I can assure you that I am taking a very close interest in this work and I expect to make a decision on this matter soon.","answerHtml":"My Department led a review to improve how social homes are allocated in Northern Ireland and is now working closely with The Housing Executive on the implementation of the proposals as part of the Fundamental Review of Allocations.
My officials are working alongside the Housing Executive to consider independently commissioned research investigating future provision for victims of violence and those at risk or under threat of violence, including victims of domestic abuse.
This will be used to inform any changes I may make to the Housing Selection Scheme. I can assure you that I am taking a very close interest in this work and I expect to make a decision on this matter soon.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201212%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=419175","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=419175"}},{"id":"417242","reference":"AQW 17965/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-11","answerBy":"2024-11-14","answered":"2024-11-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the reasons for the delay of Marine Gardens Public Realm Project, Bangor, until January 2025.","answerText":"Significant progress has been made over recent weeks and months, and the final planning approval has been granted by Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Planning Committee, at its meeting on 5 November 2024.\n\nCompletion of the necessary legal agreements is anticipated in the coming weeks which will pave the way for construction of Phase 1 to commence in January 2025. This has been delayed to minimise the impact to trade in the city centre during the busy holiday period.","answerHtml":"Significant progress has been made over recent weeks and months, and the final planning approval has been granted by Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Planning Committee, at its meeting on 5 November 2024.
Completion of the necessary legal agreements is anticipated in the coming weeks which will pave the way for construction of Phase 1 to commence in January 2025. This has been delayed to minimise the impact to trade in the city centre during the busy holiday period.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017965%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=417242","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=417242"}},{"id":"417241","reference":"AQW 17964/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-11-11","answerBy":"2024-11-26","answered":"2024-11-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Justice","departmentId":"134","minister":"Minister of Justice","question":"To ask the Minister of Justice whether the Tackling Paramilitarism, Criminality and Organised Crime programme will continue on current funding levels beyond the end of March 2025.","answerText":"At its meeting on 5 September, the Executive approved the extension of its Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime to 31 March 2027, with a continued investment of £8m per year for the final two years of the Programme. In the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s budget on 31 October, the UK Government (UKG) also confirmed funding of £8m for the Programme for the financial year 2025-26; UKG funding for 2026-27 – the final year of the Programme - will be considered as part of its Spending Review planned for 2025. The operating assumption is, therefore, that there will be an overall Programme budget of £16m for 2025-26. Executive funding of £8m is earmarked for 2026-27.","answerHtml":"At its meeting on 5 September, the Executive approved the extension of its Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime to 31 March 2027, with a continued investment of £8m per year for the final two years of the Programme. In the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s budget on 31 October, the UK Government (UKG) also confirmed funding of £8m for the Programme for the financial year 2025-26; UKG funding for 2026-27 – the final year of the Programme - will be considered as part of its Spending Review planned for 2025. The operating assumption is, therefore, that there will be an overall Programme budget of £16m for 2025-26. Executive funding of £8m is earmarked for 2026-27.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017964%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=417241","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=417241"}},{"id":"415767","reference":"AQW 17432/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-25","answerBy":"2024-10-30","answered":"2024-11-20","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 to detail all public engagement events that are taking place on the draft Programme for Government consultation.","answerText":"The public consultation launched on 9th September and ran until 4th November. During this period, we held 7 in-person public events and 10 online public events which over 500 people attended. A list of all public events that have taken place are detailed below for your information.\n\nIn addition to these events, we held over 70 events and meetings with stakeholders.\n\nIn-Person Events:\n\nBelfastGirdwood Hub, 10 Girdwood Avenue, Belfast, BT14 6EGTuesday, 1 October 2024 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm\n\nLisburnISLAND Arts Centre, Lagan Valley Island, the Island, BT27 4RLMonday, 7th October 2024, 6:30pm - 8:30pm\n\nBallymenaThe Braid Theatre, 1-29 Bridge St, Ballymena, BT43 5EJTuesday, 8 October 2024 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm\n\nNewryCanal Court Hotel, Merchants Quay, Newry, BT35 8HFThursday, 10 October 2024 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm\n\nDerry/LondonderryDestined, Northwest Disability Learning Centre, 1 Foyle Road, Derry, BT48 6SQTuesday, 15th October 2024 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm\n\nEnniskillenFermanagh House, Broadmeadow Pl, Enniskillen, BT74 7HRThursday, 17 October 2024 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm\n\nCookstownThe Burnavon, Burn Road, BT80 8DNTuesday, 22nd October 2024, 6:30pm - 8:30pm\n\nOnline Events:\n\nWednesday, 25 September 2024 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm\n\nMonday, 30 September 2024 - 7:15pm to 8:15pm\n\nThursday, 3 October 2024 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm\n\nFriday, 4 October 2024 – 12:00pm to 1:00pm\n\nWednesday, 9 October – 12:00pm to 1:00pm\n\nMonday, 14 October 2024 - 7:15pm to 8:15pm\n\nMonday, 21 October 2024 – 12:00pm to 1:00pm\n\nWednesday, 23 October 2024 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm\n\nTuesday, 29 October 2024 - 7:15pm to 8:15pm\n\nThursday, 31 October 2024- 12:00pm to 1:00pm","answerHtml":"The public consultation launched on 9th September and ran until 4th November. During this period, we held 7 in-person public events and 10 online public events which over 500 people attended. A list of all public events that have taken place are detailed below for your information.
In addition to these events, we held over 70 events and meetings with stakeholders.
In-Person Events:
BelfastGirdwood Hub, 10 Girdwood Avenue, Belfast, BT14 6EGTuesday, 1 October 2024 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm
LisburnISLAND Arts Centre, Lagan Valley Island, the Island, BT27 4RLMonday, 7th October 2024, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
BallymenaThe Braid Theatre, 1-29 Bridge St, Ballymena, BT43 5EJTuesday, 8 October 2024 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm
NewryCanal Court Hotel, Merchants Quay, Newry, BT35 8HFThursday, 10 October 2024 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Derry/LondonderryDestined, Northwest Disability Learning Centre, 1 Foyle Road, Derry, BT48 6SQTuesday, 15th October 2024 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm
EnniskillenFermanagh House, Broadmeadow Pl, Enniskillen, BT74 7HRThursday, 17 October 2024 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm
CookstownThe Burnavon, Burn Road, BT80 8DNTuesday, 22nd October 2024, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Online Events:
Wednesday, 25 September 2024 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Monday, 30 September 2024 - 7:15pm to 8:15pm
Thursday, 3 October 2024 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Friday, 4 October 2024 – 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Wednesday, 9 October – 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Monday, 14 October 2024 - 7:15pm to 8:15pm
Monday, 21 October 2024 – 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Wednesday, 23 October 2024 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Tuesday, 29 October 2024 - 7:15pm to 8:15pm
Thursday, 31 October 2024- 12:00pm to 1:00pm
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017432%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415767","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415767"}},{"id":"415766","reference":"AQW 17431/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-25","answerBy":"2024-11-11","answered":"2024-12-20","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 to detail the budget allocation to their Department to promote and encourage civic engagement with the draft Programme for Government consultation.","answerText":"In the eight weeks of public consultation, over 70 events were held and 1,375 responses received.\n\n17 events were held for members of the public, 10 of which were online.\n\nA total of 194 people attended in-person events in Belfast, Lisburn, Ballymena, Newry, Derry/Londonderry, Enniskillen and Cookstown. A total of 205 people attended the 10 online events.\n\nA budget of £27,500 was allocated to this work of which £17,500 was spent on all aspects of the consultation including venue hire, facilitation, and advertising, with £5,300 of this money being spent on civic engagement in the form of venue hire and facilitation.\n\nDespite us holding more events and driving a greater number of responses, this has been delivered at a lower cost, in real terms, to previous Programme for Government consultations, and we would like to thank all organisations who supported this work.","answerHtml":"In the eight weeks of public consultation, over 70 events were held and 1,375 responses received.
17 events were held for members of the public, 10 of which were online.
A total of 194 people attended in-person events in Belfast, Lisburn, Ballymena, Newry, Derry/Londonderry, Enniskillen and Cookstown. A total of 205 people attended the 10 online events.
A budget of £27,500 was allocated to this work of which £17,500 was spent on all aspects of the consultation including venue hire, facilitation, and advertising, with £5,300 of this money being spent on civic engagement in the form of venue hire and facilitation.
Despite us holding more events and driving a greater number of responses, this has been delivered at a lower cost, in real terms, to previous Programme for Government consultations, and we would like to thank all organisations who supported this work.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017431%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415766","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415766"}},{"id":"415584","reference":"AQW 17353/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-24","answerBy":"2024-11-08","answered":"2024-11-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any (i) guidance; and (ii) financial support his Department has in place to support international and cultural exchanges for students in further and higher education in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"Study USA is my Department’s flagship international mobility programme, giving participants distinct academic and personal benefits, as well as equipping them with the skills to compete in a global economy. Eligible students studying at one of our local higher education institutions or further education colleges can apply for the opportunity to avail of a full academic year placement at a US college.\n\nSuccessful applicants benefit from free tuition fees, accommodation, food and travel. I have recently approved an expansion of Study USA, committing £1m of funding per annum, to enable 60 students to participate each year. In addition, I have waived participation fees and approved a bursary of £1,000 to help reduce the financial barriers for students from lower income households.\n\nWhilst not funded directly by my Department, eligible students may also be able to avail of The Turing Scheme, which replaced Erasmus+ and is the British government’s programme to provide funding for students to undertake periods of mobility in another country. My Department does provide eligible Turing Scheme participants with financial support in the form of the Disabled Students' Allowance and universities with funding to allow them to waive tuition fees for any Turing Scheme student undertaking a full year study or work placement as part of their undergraduate degree course.","answerHtml":"Study USA is my Department’s flagship international mobility programme, giving participants distinct academic and personal benefits, as well as equipping them with the skills to compete in a global economy. Eligible students studying at one of our local higher education institutions or further education colleges can apply for the opportunity to avail of a full academic year placement at a US college.
Successful applicants benefit from free tuition fees, accommodation, food and travel. I have recently approved an expansion of Study USA, committing £1m of funding per annum, to enable 60 students to participate each year. In addition, I have waived participation fees and approved a bursary of £1,000 to help reduce the financial barriers for students from lower income households.
Whilst not funded directly by my Department, eligible students may also be able to avail of The Turing Scheme, which replaced Erasmus+ and is the British government’s programme to provide funding for students to undertake periods of mobility in another country. My Department does provide eligible Turing Scheme participants with financial support in the form of the Disabled Students' Allowance and universities with funding to allow them to waive tuition fees for any Turing Scheme student undertaking a full year study or work placement as part of their undergraduate degree course.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017353%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415584","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415584"}},{"id":"415583","reference":"AQW 17352/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-24","answerBy":"2024-11-08","answered":"2024-11-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any (i) guidance; and (ii) financial support his Department has in place to support international and cultural exchanges led by post-primary schools in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"The guidance relating to the arrangements for educational visits involving registered pupils at grant-aided schools is set out in Chapter 14 of the Governor Guide. In addition, the Education Authority has published Educational Visits Guidance for schools on its website.\n\nAll grant-aided schools are funded under the Common Funding Scheme (CFS). The Common Funding Formula (CFF) is the Department’s mechanism for allocating the Aggregated Schools’ Budget (ASB) to schools funded through Local Management of Schools arrangements. A school’s CFF allocation is expected to meet a range of items of expenditure, as detailed in Annex A1 of the CFS, including but not limited to education visits and journeys.\n\nThe CFF does not provide any specific funding to post-primary schools to support international and cultural exchanges. In addition, my Department does not have any other funding in place for this particular purpose outside the ASB (e.g. earmarked funds).","answerHtml":"The guidance relating to the arrangements for educational visits involving registered pupils at grant-aided schools is set out in Chapter 14 of the Governor Guide. In addition, the Education Authority has published Educational Visits Guidance for schools on its website.
All grant-aided schools are funded under the Common Funding Scheme (CFS). The Common Funding Formula (CFF) is the Department’s mechanism for allocating the Aggregated Schools’ Budget (ASB) to schools funded through Local Management of Schools arrangements. A school’s CFF allocation is expected to meet a range of items of expenditure, as detailed in Annex A1 of the CFS, including but not limited to education visits and journeys.
The CFF does not provide any specific funding to post-primary schools to support international and cultural exchanges. In addition, my Department does not have any other funding in place for this particular purpose outside the ASB (e.g. earmarked funds).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017352%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415583","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415583"}},{"id":"415582","reference":"AQW 17351/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-24","answerBy":"2024-11-08","answered":"2024-11-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any (i) guidance; and (ii) financial support his Department has in place to support international and cultural exchanges by youth and community groups in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"My Department does not directly support international and cultural exchanges by youth and community groups in Northern Ireland. This issue is an operational matter for the Department’s Arm’s Length Bodies (ALB) as support for such activities is channelled through them. Making direct contact with the relevant ALB will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of public resources.\n\nDetails of the Department’s ALBs can be found on the Department’s website www.communities-ni.gov.uk","answerHtml":"My Department does not directly support international and cultural exchanges by youth and community groups in Northern Ireland. This issue is an operational matter for the Department’s Arm’s Length Bodies (ALB) as support for such activities is channelled through them. Making direct contact with the relevant ALB will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of public resources.
Details of the Department’s ALBs can be found on the Department’s website www.communities-ni.gov.uk
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017351%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415582","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415582"}},{"id":"415581","reference":"AQW 17350/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-24","answerBy":"2024-11-08","answered":"2024-11-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the funding allocated to maintenance of State Care Monuments in the last five years.","answerText":"My Department allocated £1,392,214 to the maintenance of State Care Monuments in 2019/20. £1,369,355 in 2020/21 and £1,560,834 in 2021/22. In 2022-23 this rose to £1,867,418 and further increased to £1,906,652 in 2023-24.","answerHtml":"My Department allocated £1,392,214 to the maintenance of State Care Monuments in 2019/20. £1,369,355 in 2020/21 and £1,560,834 in 2021/22. In 2022-23 this rose to £1,867,418 and further increased to £1,906,652 in 2023-24.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017350%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415581","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415581"}},{"id":"415649","reference":"AQO 1098/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-24","answerBy":"2024-11-11","answered":"2024-11-11","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to outline whether he is considering a direct subsidy scheme to improve pay for early years and childcare workers to prevent people from leaving the sector.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"The challenges facing the early learning and childcare workforce, including recruitment, retention, qualifications and pay, are well recognised and are being considered as part of the development of the Executive's early learning and childcare strategy. However, aware of the immediate pressures faced by the sector, I secured an additional £7 million of Executive funding to help stabilise existing provision in the current year. That has enabled me to provide additional payments to all groups delivering Sure Start, Pathway, Toybox, non-statutory preschool and other early years programmes to help them manage rising costs, including staff wages. While that has provided some temporary relief, I appreciate that a longer-term solution needs to be found. I am aware of the calls for a direct government intervention to improve the pay and retention of the early years and childcare workforce. However, given that the sector comprises private, voluntary and community sector providers, including self-employed childminders, that needs to be considered in the wider economic and business support context. To that end, the Department for the Economy is leading on a scoping exercise in conjunction with Invest Northern Ireland, the Department of Health, the Department of Education and wider stakeholders to develop a clearer picture of the business support requirements of the childcare sector and to help inform an appropriate government response. That work is due to conclude in March 2025, and it will inform proposals in the draft early learning and childcare strategy that I intend to bring forward to the Executive later in the year. We are committed to finding a balanced solution that promotes workforce stability and values our early years and childcare workers whilst maintaining accessible high-quality childcare options for families across Northern Ireland."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"Thank you, Minister, for your answer. As part of the work that you are doing to support early education and childcare workers, will you consider helping to fund the creation of a professional body for early years and childcare workers?"},{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"A number of bodies that I have met can provide support. There is the NI Childminding Association with Patricia Lewsley. That organisation provides support to childminders that they can turn to. As part of the review and the strategy that we want to take forward, I am happy to look at the idea of a professional body. If it has merit and traction, it could be considered as part of the wider strategy."},{"speaker":"Mr Buckley","text":"Minister, what has been the impact of the subsidy cap, and will it be raised or removed?"},{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"There has been an impact from the cap, and changes have happened. It has had an impact on some of the funding that we have been receiving, but we are assessing what the threshold should be. The cap that exists has affected a small number of people. The overwhelming majority of people have not been impacted by the cap in terms of the costs associated with childcare. A small number have been affected, and we are gathering data on that."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201098%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415649","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2024-11-11&docID=416633#AQO%201098/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415649"}},{"id":"415439","reference":"AQW 17280/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-23","answerBy":"2024-10-28","answered":"2024-10-28","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 cause of the sewage spill in Castle Park, Bangor, on 22 October 2024; and (ii) the steps his Department will take to address it.","answerText":"The management of public wastewater infrastructure is an operational matter for NI Water.\n\nHowever, I have sought the requested information from NI Water and have been advised that:\n\nNI Water was made aware of a sewage leak in Castle Park, Bangor on Tuesday 22nd October 2024. A thorough investigation took place immediately and a major blockage was discovered on a sewer which had been caused by a considerable amount of inappropriate materials and resulted in out of sewer flooding surcharging from a manhole out to Valentines playing fields. NI Water teams were deployed immediately to clear the blockage on the 22 October and remained on site on 23 October 2024 with a jetvac, mini excavator and three field crews to clean up the extensive area affected. NI Water also instructed its contractor to attend with a digger to help with the clean-up, including scraping the area.\n\nNI Water will respond to blockages as required. On this occasion non sewer related debris has entered the system and caused the problem. No amount of investment in our sewers will stop out of sewer flooding if blockages caused by inappropriate materials occur.\n\nFor any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com\n\nMaking direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.","answerHtml":"The management of public wastewater infrastructure is an operational matter for NI Water.
However, I have sought the requested information from NI Water and have been advised that:
NI Water was made aware of a sewage leak in Castle Park, Bangor on Tuesday 22nd October 2024. A thorough investigation took place immediately and a major blockage was discovered on a sewer which had been caused by a considerable amount of inappropriate materials and resulted in out of sewer flooding surcharging from a manhole out to Valentines playing fields. NI Water teams were deployed immediately to clear the blockage on the 22 October and remained on site on 23 October 2024 with a jetvac, mini excavator and three field crews to clean up the extensive area affected. NI Water also instructed its contractor to attend with a digger to help with the clean-up, including scraping the area.
NI Water will respond to blockages as required. On this occasion non sewer related debris has entered the system and caused the problem. No amount of investment in our sewers will stop out of sewer flooding if blockages caused by inappropriate materials occur.
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com
Making direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017280%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415439","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415439"}},{"id":"415438","reference":"AQW 17279/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-23","answerBy":"2024-11-07","answered":"2024-10-30","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 the timeline for finalising a public sector pay deal for 2024-25.","answerText":"I refer the Member to the answer provided for AQW 17363-22-27.","answerHtml":"I refer the Member to the answer provided for AQW 17363-22-27.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017279%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415438","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415438"}},{"id":"415437","reference":"AQW 17278/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-23","answerBy":"2024-11-07","answered":"2024-10-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether she has submitted a bid to Treasury to cover the costs of an increase to the public sector pay award.","answerText":"I have consistently made the case on the need for increased funding for public sector pay awards both in meetings with the Treasury and Chancellor.\n\nThe Chief Secretary to the Treasury has confirmed that the 2024-25 budgets for Whitehall department will be substantively settled at the Autumn Budget on 30 October.\n\nUnder the Barnett formula, the Executive will receive a population based share of any changes to Whitehall departments’ budgets announced on the 30 October. Barnett consequentials are unhypothecated, meaning they do not have to be spent for the purpose which gave rise to the consequential.\n\nFollowing the Autumn Budget announcement, the Executive will decide how to allocate the available funding to address total departmental overcommitments and pay awards.","answerHtml":"I have consistently made the case on the need for increased funding for public sector pay awards both in meetings with the Treasury and Chancellor.
The Chief Secretary to the Treasury has confirmed that the 2024-25 budgets for Whitehall department will be substantively settled at the Autumn Budget on 30 October.
Under the Barnett formula, the Executive will receive a population based share of any changes to Whitehall departments’ budgets announced on the 30 October. Barnett consequentials are unhypothecated, meaning they do not have to be spent for the purpose which gave rise to the consequential.
Following the Autumn Budget announcement, the Executive will decide how to allocate the available funding to address total departmental overcommitments and pay awards.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017278%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415437","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415437"}},{"id":"415220","reference":"AQW 17162/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-22","answerBy":"2024-11-06","answered":"2024-11-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) for his assessment of The Story of Belfast Lough A Document to Inform Engagement between LWWP Partners; and (ii) to detail any actions his Department will take following publication of the document.","answerText":"The ‘Story of Belfast Lough’ was produced by NI Water and published on its website. The key water quality issues in Belfast Lough, referenced in the document, have been known for some time and are identified in my Department’s Living With Water in Belfast Plan, which was published in November 2021 following public consultation and Executive endorsement.\n\nThe NI Water ‘Story of Belfast Lough’ document outlines some of the further work carried out through the Living With Water Programme since 2021. This includes integrated environmental modelling, which was funded by my Department and has been beneficial in identifying the sources of the pollution in Belfast Lough and informing the future design standards for the upgrades needed to the wastewater treatment works that discharge into Belfast Lough.\n\nIt has been accepted that delivery of my Department’s Living With Water in Belfast Plan is the optimum solution to addressing the city’s drainage and wastewater infrastructure issues, which will help protect against flooding, enhance the water environment and grow the economy.\n\nIt was always acknowledged that additional funding would be required to deliver all aspects of the Belfast Plan within the original 12-year timeframe. In the New Decade New Approach agreement, published in January 2020, Living With Water was identified as a beneficiary of increased funding, however, this was not received. In 2023, NI Water also increased the cost estimate of its elements of the Belfast Plan by £700m, pushing the overall costs from £1.4 to £2.1 billion.\n\nAn affordability review conducted by my Department in response to this increase has concluded that the need for the Belfast Plan continues to exist, however, without the necessary budget, its original timescale is no longer achievable. Delivery of the projects in the Belfast Plan will therefore be taken forward by my Department and NI Water as normal business at a scale and pace achievable within available budgets.\n\nIn this financial year, I have provided NI Water with c£0.5billion funding, however, I will continue to make the case for additional funding for water and wastewater services.","answerHtml":"The ‘Story of Belfast Lough’ was produced by NI Water and published on its website. The key water quality issues in Belfast Lough, referenced in the document, have been known for some time and are identified in my Department’s Living With Water in Belfast Plan, which was published in November 2021 following public consultation and Executive endorsement.
The NI Water ‘Story of Belfast Lough’ document outlines some of the further work carried out through the Living With Water Programme since 2021. This includes integrated environmental modelling, which was funded by my Department and has been beneficial in identifying the sources of the pollution in Belfast Lough and informing the future design standards for the upgrades needed to the wastewater treatment works that discharge into Belfast Lough.
It has been accepted that delivery of my Department’s Living With Water in Belfast Plan is the optimum solution to addressing the city’s drainage and wastewater infrastructure issues, which will help protect against flooding, enhance the water environment and grow the economy.
It was always acknowledged that additional funding would be required to deliver all aspects of the Belfast Plan within the original 12-year timeframe. In the New Decade New Approach agreement, published in January 2020, Living With Water was identified as a beneficiary of increased funding, however, this was not received. In 2023, NI Water also increased the cost estimate of its elements of the Belfast Plan by £700m, pushing the overall costs from £1.4 to £2.1 billion.
An affordability review conducted by my Department in response to this increase has concluded that the need for the Belfast Plan continues to exist, however, without the necessary budget, its original timescale is no longer achievable. Delivery of the projects in the Belfast Plan will therefore be taken forward by my Department and NI Water as normal business at a scale and pace achievable within available budgets.
In this financial year, I have provided NI Water with c£0.5billion funding, however, I will continue to make the case for additional funding for water and wastewater services.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017162%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415220","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415220"}},{"id":"415219","reference":"AQW 17161/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-22","answerBy":"2024-11-06","answered":"2024-11-11","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 to detail the organisations that were part of the co-design process for the Strategy for Victims and Survivors of the Troubles/Conflict 2024-2034.","answerText":"We are delighted to have agreed the new Victims and Survivors Strategy.\n\nThe Strategy was developed in three phases, managed by an overarching Collaborative Co-Design planning group. The Executive Office (TEO), Victims and Survivors Service (VSS) and the Commission for Victims and Survivors (CVS) worked together as a Collaborative Co-Design team, holding regular meetings to share information and cross reference findings.\n\nThroughout the development of the Strategy there has been extensive engagement with a range of stakeholders. VSS funded groups, members of the Victims and Survivors Forum and individuals with lived experience were invited to attend co-design events and get involved in working groups to inform the drafting of the new Strategy. The outputs from these events and working groups helped co-design the outcomes and actions which reflect the many complex, varied and changing needs of victims and survivors.\n\nThe following VSS funded Organisations were invited to Co-design Sessions:\n\nAction Mental Health (New Life Counselling Service)\n\nAisling Centre\n\nAntrim Voluntary Welfare Group\n\nAshton Community Trust\n\nAurora Counselling\n\nBarnardo’s (NOVA Project)\n\nCALMS\n\nCentre for Health and Wellbeing\n\nCounty Armagh Phoenix\n\nCunamh\n\nDecorum NI\n\nDerry Well Woman\n\nEly Centre\n\nFAIR\n\nFamilies Beyond Conflict\n\nFamilies Moving On\n\nHoly Trinity Centre\n\nKoram Centre\n\nLarne Voluntary Welfare Group\n\nLenadoon Counselling Services\n\nMAST\n\nMilitary and Police Support of West Tyrone (MAPS)\n\nMUVE Project\n\nNewry and Mourne Local Voluntary Welfare Group\n\nOmagh Police Wives\n\nOut of the Shadows\n\nPaper Trail\n\nPat Finucane Centre\n\nREACT\n\nRelatives for Justice\n\nSouth and East Tyrone Welfare Support (SETWS)\n\nSouth Armagh Rural Women’s Network\n\nSouth East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF)\n\nSouth Tyrone Voluntary Welfare Group\n\nSpringhill Community House\n\nStrule Association\n\nSurvivors of Trauma\n\nTara Centre\n\nTullyvallen Family Support\n\nUDR Coleraine\n\nUDR Castlederg\n\nUDR Enniskillen\n\nUDR Lisnaskea\n\nUlster Human Rights Watch\n\nVAST\n\nWAVE Trauma Centre","answerHtml":"We are delighted to have agreed the new Victims and Survivors Strategy.
The Strategy was developed in three phases, managed by an overarching Collaborative Co-Design planning group. The Executive Office (TEO), Victims and Survivors Service (VSS) and the Commission for Victims and Survivors (CVS) worked together as a Collaborative Co-Design team, holding regular meetings to share information and cross reference findings.
Throughout the development of the Strategy there has been extensive engagement with a range of stakeholders. VSS funded groups, members of the Victims and Survivors Forum and individuals with lived experience were invited to attend co-design events and get involved in working groups to inform the drafting of the new Strategy. The outputs from these events and working groups helped co-design the outcomes and actions which reflect the many complex, varied and changing needs of victims and survivors.
The following VSS funded Organisations were invited to Co-design Sessions:
Action Mental Health (New Life Counselling Service)
Aisling Centre
Antrim Voluntary Welfare Group
Ashton Community Trust
Aurora Counselling
Barnardo’s (NOVA Project)
CALMS
Centre for Health and Wellbeing
County Armagh Phoenix
Cunamh
Decorum NI
Derry Well Woman
Ely Centre
FAIR
Families Beyond Conflict
Families Moving On
Holy Trinity Centre
Koram Centre
Larne Voluntary Welfare Group
Lenadoon Counselling Services
MAST
Military and Police Support of West Tyrone (MAPS)
MUVE Project
Newry and Mourne Local Voluntary Welfare Group
Omagh Police Wives
Out of the Shadows
Paper Trail
Pat Finucane Centre
REACT
Relatives for Justice
South and East Tyrone Welfare Support (SETWS)
South Armagh Rural Women’s Network
South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF)
South Tyrone Voluntary Welfare Group
Springhill Community House
Strule Association
Survivors of Trauma
Tara Centre
Tullyvallen Family Support
UDR Coleraine
UDR Castlederg
UDR Enniskillen
UDR Lisnaskea
Ulster Human Rights Watch
VAST
WAVE Trauma Centre
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017161%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415219","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415219"}},{"id":"415218","reference":"AQW 17160/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-22","answerBy":"2024-11-06","answered":"2024-11-11","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 whether a delivery plan will be developed for the Strategy for Victims and Survivors of the Troubles/Conflict 2024-2034.","answerText":"We are pleased that the new Victims and Survivors Strategy has been endorsed by the Executive.\n\nOur officials have been working to develop action plans for the implementation of the commitments in the Strategy and they have engaged with the Victims and Survivors Service and the Commission for Victims and Survivors on the co-design of new funding programmes to align with the new Strategy.\n\nIt is vital that the action plans and funding programmes are co-designed with stakeholders including VSS, CVS, and community and voluntary groups, to ensure that plans will meet the needs as laid out in the Strategy.\n\nWhen the Strategy was published we wrote to the Chair of the TEO Committee, as we were aware that the Committee has not yet had the opportunity to hear from officials about the new Strategy. Officials would welcome an opportunity to brief the Committee and seek Members’ views on the development of action plans.","answerHtml":"We are pleased that the new Victims and Survivors Strategy has been endorsed by the Executive.
Our officials have been working to develop action plans for the implementation of the commitments in the Strategy and they have engaged with the Victims and Survivors Service and the Commission for Victims and Survivors on the co-design of new funding programmes to align with the new Strategy.
It is vital that the action plans and funding programmes are co-designed with stakeholders including VSS, CVS, and community and voluntary groups, to ensure that plans will meet the needs as laid out in the Strategy.
When the Strategy was published we wrote to the Chair of the TEO Committee, as we were aware that the Committee has not yet had the opportunity to hear from officials about the new Strategy. Officials would welcome an opportunity to brief the Committee and seek Members’ views on the development of action plans.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017160%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415218","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415218"}},{"id":"415217","reference":"AQW 17159/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-22","answerBy":"2024-11-06","answered":"2024-10-28","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 work his Department is currently undertaking to address gender inequality in the workplace.","answerText":"The Department for Communities has responsibility for the Gender Equality Strategy to which my officials have provided input.\n\nWork being carried out by my Department to address gender inequality in the workplace includes:-\n\nAssessing financial childcare support for those wishing to participate in our skills and education programmes.\n\nFunding a number of female-specific training programmes via the Skills Fund. These provide upskilling opportunities in leadership and management for those currently employed and work placement opportunities to enable access for those not in employment. Currently 250 places are available to eligible participants across the North.\n\nA \"Men into Healthcare\" programme is being developed by North West Regional College to support more males to enter the health and social care workforce.\n\nThe Women Returners Access Programme (WRAP) within Step Up has been created to bring women back into the workforce by refreshing skills and building confidence through the provision of a range of flexible interventions, creating progression pathways including employment.\n\nMy Department is also providing support to a small number of young males considering employment opportunities within education.\n\nInvest NI is planning the next competitive call for the Ambition to Grow Supporting Women Programme. This Programme was shaped in partnership with Women in Business NI (WIBNI) and aims to offer up to £30k of support to up to 20 innovative export focused women-led businesses. The support will include grant monies for market development, technical, trade and job creation and will be complimented by a series of Leadership Peer Networks.\n\nInvest NI are working alongside Enterprise Ireland and in partnership with Intertrade Ireland to deliver an All-Island Entrepreneurship Programme of support. This will be funded by the Government of Ireland Shared Island monies. WIBNI will be able to apply for funding under this initiative towards their Grow It Programmes for 2024/2025.\n\nThe Labour Relations Agency (LRA) has produced information, advice and guidance within the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) sphere as many social issues with a gender dimension now feature heavily as workplace issues and to this extent the LRA has, in partnership with bodies such as NIC ICTU, the Equality Commission NI, CIPDNI and others, produced guidance on:\n\nsexual harassment in the workplace,\n\ndomestic violence as a workplace issue,\n\nrespectful conversations, and other gender-related material on issues such as menopause in the workplace and\n\ninclusive recruitment via flexible work practice advice working with bodies such as Timely Careers.\n\nThe LRA also facilitates the Workplace Subgroup Forum for the TEO strategy group on ending violence against women and girls (EVAWAG) and this group met for the first time last week specifically to address strategic issues around what can be done via workplaces to eliminate violence against women and girls.","answerHtml":"The Department for Communities has responsibility for the Gender Equality Strategy to which my officials have provided input.
Work being carried out by my Department to address gender inequality in the workplace includes:-
Assessing financial childcare support for those wishing to participate in our skills and education programmes.
Funding a number of female-specific training programmes via the Skills Fund. These provide upskilling opportunities in leadership and management for those currently employed and work placement opportunities to enable access for those not in employment. Currently 250 places are available to eligible participants across the North.
A "Men into Healthcare" programme is being developed by North West Regional College to support more males to enter the health and social care workforce.
The Women Returners Access Programme (WRAP) within Step Up has been created to bring women back into the workforce by refreshing skills and building confidence through the provision of a range of flexible interventions, creating progression pathways including employment.
My Department is also providing support to a small number of young males considering employment opportunities within education.
Invest NI is planning the next competitive call for the Ambition to Grow Supporting Women Programme. This Programme was shaped in partnership with Women in Business NI (WIBNI) and aims to offer up to £30k of support to up to 20 innovative export focused women-led businesses. The support will include grant monies for market development, technical, trade and job creation and will be complimented by a series of Leadership Peer Networks.
Invest NI are working alongside Enterprise Ireland and in partnership with Intertrade Ireland to deliver an All-Island Entrepreneurship Programme of support. This will be funded by the Government of Ireland Shared Island monies. WIBNI will be able to apply for funding under this initiative towards their Grow It Programmes for 2024/2025.
The Labour Relations Agency (LRA) has produced information, advice and guidance within the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) sphere as many social issues with a gender dimension now feature heavily as workplace issues and to this extent the LRA has, in partnership with bodies such as NIC ICTU, the Equality Commission NI, CIPDNI and others, produced guidance on:
sexual harassment in the workplace,
domestic violence as a workplace issue,
respectful conversations, and other gender-related material on issues such as menopause in the workplace and
inclusive recruitment via flexible work practice advice working with bodies such as Timely Careers.
The LRA also facilitates the Workplace Subgroup Forum for the TEO strategy group on ending violence against women and girls (EVAWAG) and this group met for the first time last week specifically to address strategic issues around what can be done via workplaces to eliminate violence against women and girls.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017159%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=415217","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=415217"}},{"id":"414995","reference":"AQW 17071/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-21","answerBy":"2024-11-05","answered":"2024-10-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail a time frame on preparing detailed guidance for schools on Preventative Education, as outlined in the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy Action Plan.","answerText":"Guidance is being prepared following extensive engagement with a range of stakeholders, which I will consider in due course. I have not yet set a specific time frame for issuing this guidance to schools.","answerHtml":"Guidance is being prepared following extensive engagement with a range of stakeholders, which I will consider in due course. I have not yet set a specific time frame for issuing this guidance to schools.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017071%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=414995","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=414995"}},{"id":"414994","reference":"AQW 17070/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-21","answerBy":"2024-11-05","answered":"2024-10-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on the Domestic Abuse Safe Leave regulations.","answerText":"The consultation on the introduction of paid safe leave from work for victims of domestic abuse closed on 27 September 2024.\n\nThis consultation invited views on the issues that need to be included in the regulations that will implement the provisions of the Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Act (NI) 2022.\n\nThe responses to the consultation are being analysed and will inform next steps and the detail of the regulations.","answerHtml":"The consultation on the introduction of paid safe leave from work for victims of domestic abuse closed on 27 September 2024.
This consultation invited views on the issues that need to be included in the regulations that will implement the provisions of the Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Act (NI) 2022.
The responses to the consultation are being analysed and will inform next steps and the detail of the regulations.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017070%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=414994","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=414994"}},{"id":"414993","reference":"AQW 17069/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-21","answerBy":"2024-11-05","answered":"2024-11-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department will take forward the action arising from the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2023-2030 in relation to the appointment of a Non-Executive Director on each Health and Social Care Trust Board for tackling and preventing domestic and sexual abuse and violence against women and girls.","answerText":"My Department, along with the Department of Justice, published the new Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2024 – 2031, Performance Framework and multi-year Action Plan on 25 September 2024.\n\nThe Strategy is built around 5 pillars: Partnership; Prevention; Children and Young People; Support and Provision and Justice. A key priority area under the Prevention pillar is “Building capacity among people working in frontline and public-facing roles to identify and respond effectively to domestic and/or sexual abuse, including in relation to children and young people, at the earliest opportunity.”\n\nMy Department will work with the Health and Social Care Trusts to identify opportunities to ensure that staff are adequately trained to recognise and respond to domestic and sexual abuse. As part of that work, we intend exploring the possible appointment of a Non-Executive Director to each Health and Social Care Board for tackling and preventing domestic and sexual abuse and violence against women and girls.","answerHtml":"My Department, along with the Department of Justice, published the new Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2024 – 2031, Performance Framework and multi-year Action Plan on 25 September 2024.
The Strategy is built around 5 pillars: Partnership; Prevention; Children and Young People; Support and Provision and Justice. A key priority area under the Prevention pillar is “Building capacity among people working in frontline and public-facing roles to identify and respond effectively to domestic and/or sexual abuse, including in relation to children and young people, at the earliest opportunity.”
My Department will work with the Health and Social Care Trusts to identify opportunities to ensure that staff are adequately trained to recognise and respond to domestic and sexual abuse. As part of that work, we intend exploring the possible appointment of a Non-Executive Director to each Health and Social Care Board for tackling and preventing domestic and sexual abuse and violence against women and girls.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017069%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=414993","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=414993"}},{"id":"414992","reference":"AQW 17068/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-21","answerBy":"2024-11-05","answered":"2024-11-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health how his Department is engaging with those with lived experience as part of delivering the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2023-2030.","answerText":"The development of the new Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2024 – 2031, through the Call for Views in 2022 and the Consultation in 2023, was extensively informed by those with lived experience and the voluntary and community organisations that represent them.\n\nMy Department and the Department of Justice are aware that victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse are also key to the Strategy’s delivery and are committed to ensuring that their lived experience continues to inform our response. The intention is to both listen and respond, including taking further action where this is considered necessary.\n\nIn implementing the strategy, we will engage with those with lived experience, including with the networks that have been established to support work to end violence against women and girls. We will also make available an ongoing survey mechanism through which victims can anonymously provide feedback on the support and services that they have received. Finally, we propose to make best use of the feedback and monitoring mechanisms that service providers already have in place.","answerHtml":"The development of the new Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2024 – 2031, through the Call for Views in 2022 and the Consultation in 2023, was extensively informed by those with lived experience and the voluntary and community organisations that represent them.
My Department and the Department of Justice are aware that victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse are also key to the Strategy’s delivery and are committed to ensuring that their lived experience continues to inform our response. The intention is to both listen and respond, including taking further action where this is considered necessary.
In implementing the strategy, we will engage with those with lived experience, including with the networks that have been established to support work to end violence against women and girls. We will also make available an ongoing survey mechanism through which victims can anonymously provide feedback on the support and services that they have received. Finally, we propose to make best use of the feedback and monitoring mechanisms that service providers already have in place.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017068%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=414992","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=414992"}},{"id":"414991","reference":"AQW 17067/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-21","answerBy":"2024-11-05","answered":"2024-11-05","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 implementation of actions arising from the Online Safety Strategy relating to his Department.","answerText":"Substantial work continues to be carried out under the Executive’s Online Safety Strategy 3 year Action Plan and it is largely proceeding as planned. The work is led by the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI) online safety coordinator. Implementation of actions is overseen by a cross-departmental implementation group (CDIG), chaired by my Department.\n\nThe SBNI’s Online Safety Hub, which was launched in April 2024, delivers on several actions within the Action Plan. It is a central repository of information and support relating to online safety for young people, carers and professionals; content is kept under review. The Online Safety Hub has been shortlisted in the Best Public or Third Sector IT Project category of the 2024 Belfast Telegraph IT Awards; with the winner being announced at an awards ceremony on 15 November 2024.\n\nIn delivery of strategic action 14, draft sample online safety policy templates have been designed by online safety experts in NSPCC in conjunction with members and partners and been reviewed by members of the CDIG. This action is expected to complete in Autumn this year; finalised templates will be published on the Hub.\n\nBetween January and March 2024, the SBNI and PSNI ran a social media campaign for young people and adults about online dangers and reporting pathways. Focusing on sextortion, online grooming and the risks around sharing nude imagery, the campaign was well supported and secured extensive news coverage on Safer Internet Day. This campaign recently won the Best Social Media Campaign for Public Sector at the Northern Ireland Social Media Awards.\n\nIn April 2024, the SBNI collaborated with the National Crime Agency to coordinate an education alert about financially motivated sexual extortion (sextortion). The alert was published on the Hub and issued to all education and youth settings through the Education Authority. It featured information for professionals and a letter for parents/carers with advice on how to talk to their child about sextortion, and how to support them if they become a victim, signposting to the PSNI and Online Safety Hub for further support. The alert secured strong news and social media coverage, supported by the Departments of Health, Justice and Education.","answerHtml":"Substantial work continues to be carried out under the Executive’s Online Safety Strategy 3 year Action Plan and it is largely proceeding as planned. The work is led by the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI) online safety coordinator. Implementation of actions is overseen by a cross-departmental implementation group (CDIG), chaired by my Department.
The SBNI’s Online Safety Hub, which was launched in April 2024, delivers on several actions within the Action Plan. It is a central repository of information and support relating to online safety for young people, carers and professionals; content is kept under review. The Online Safety Hub has been shortlisted in the Best Public or Third Sector IT Project category of the 2024 Belfast Telegraph IT Awards; with the winner being announced at an awards ceremony on 15 November 2024.
In delivery of strategic action 14, draft sample online safety policy templates have been designed by online safety experts in NSPCC in conjunction with members and partners and been reviewed by members of the CDIG. This action is expected to complete in Autumn this year; finalised templates will be published on the Hub.
Between January and March 2024, the SBNI and PSNI ran a social media campaign for young people and adults about online dangers and reporting pathways. Focusing on sextortion, online grooming and the risks around sharing nude imagery, the campaign was well supported and secured extensive news coverage on Safer Internet Day. This campaign recently won the Best Social Media Campaign for Public Sector at the Northern Ireland Social Media Awards.
In April 2024, the SBNI collaborated with the National Crime Agency to coordinate an education alert about financially motivated sexual extortion (sextortion). The alert was published on the Hub and issued to all education and youth settings through the Education Authority. It featured information for professionals and a letter for parents/carers with advice on how to talk to their child about sextortion, and how to support them if they become a victim, signposting to the PSNI and Online Safety Hub for further support. The alert secured strong news and social media coverage, supported by the Departments of Health, Justice and Education.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2017067%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=414991","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=414991"}},{"id":"414631","reference":"AQW 16918/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-17","answerBy":"2024-11-01","answered":"2024-11-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the time frame for the production of the Reflections booklet for Social Workers on Domestic and Sexual Abuse; and (ii) the stakeholders that have been consulted in relation to this booklet.","answerText":"As outlined in my Written Statement of 25 July 2024, Public Health Wales (PHW) was commissioned by WHSCT, in conjunction with the Public Health Agency (PHA), to provide a clinical opinion on the small number of cytology slides associated with the 12 cases identified with a category 3 audit outcome.\n\nOn receipt of the clinical opinions from PHW, information in relation to the 12 cases (with a category 3 audit outcome from the Trust’s invasive cervical cancer audit process and notified as SAIs) was triangulated and assessed by the WHSCT and the PHA. This assessment concluded that the number of category 3 outcomes notified by WHSCT, occurred as a result of the Trust applying a different threshold when categorising cervical cancer audits with an ‘unsatisfactory’ outcome. I have been advised that the WHSCT did not deviate from the 2019 ‘Framework for the Audit of Invasive Cervical Cancers and Disclosure of Findings,’ but instead applied a more rigorous interpretation to the guidance of when an audit outcome is considered to be ‘unsatisfactory’.\n\nAdditional guidance has now been issued by the PHA, using a more recent toolkit published in England, to promote a more standardised approach by all Trusts in NI.","answerHtml":"As outlined in my Written Statement of 25 July 2024, Public Health Wales (PHW) was commissioned by WHSCT, in conjunction with the Public Health Agency (PHA), to provide a clinical opinion on the small number of cytology slides associated with the 12 cases identified with a category 3 audit outcome.
On receipt of the clinical opinions from PHW, information in relation to the 12 cases (with a category 3 audit outcome from the Trust’s invasive cervical cancer audit process and notified as SAIs) was triangulated and assessed by the WHSCT and the PHA. This assessment concluded that the number of category 3 outcomes notified by WHSCT, occurred as a result of the Trust applying a different threshold when categorising cervical cancer audits with an ‘unsatisfactory’ outcome. I have been advised that the WHSCT did not deviate from the 2019 ‘Framework for the Audit of Invasive Cervical Cancers and Disclosure of Findings,’ but instead applied a more rigorous interpretation to the guidance of when an audit outcome is considered to be ‘unsatisfactory’.
Additional guidance has now been issued by the PHA, using a more recent toolkit published in England, to promote a more standardised approach by all Trusts in NI.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016918%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=414631","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=414631"}},{"id":"414630","reference":"AQW 16917/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-17","answerBy":"2024-11-01","answered":"2024-11-19","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 to detail how their Department plans to collaborate and cooperate with local government to deliver relevant actions in the Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls.","answerText":"The Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Strategic Framework recognises the need for a whole of government and whole of society response. Local Government is represented within the EVAWG governance structures and network arrangements are in place to take forward actions within each Council to support the delivery of the Strategic Framework and first Delivery Plan.\n\nA key action in the EVAWG Delivery Plan is to deliver a Change Fund to support community groups to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls. We are now engaging with all local councils to work in partnership with us to deliver the Change Fund. We also hope that the Change Fund will be a catalyst for councils to amplify and extend actions to end violence against women and girls in their plans and programmes.","answerHtml":"The Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Strategic Framework recognises the need for a whole of government and whole of society response. Local Government is represented within the EVAWG governance structures and network arrangements are in place to take forward actions within each Council to support the delivery of the Strategic Framework and first Delivery Plan.
A key action in the EVAWG Delivery Plan is to deliver a Change Fund to support community groups to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls. We are now engaging with all local councils to work in partnership with us to deliver the Change Fund. We also hope that the Change Fund will be a catalyst for councils to amplify and extend actions to end violence against women and girls in their plans and programmes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016917%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=414630","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=414630"}},{"id":"414629","reference":"AQW 16916/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-17","answerBy":"2024-11-01","answered":"2024-11-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether he has plans to increase protections for those living in park homes in the remainder of the 2022-2027 mandate.","answerText":"I can confirm that my Department has indicated within the DfC legislative programme that it is seeking to amend Part 1 of the Schedule to the Caravans Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 to align residential pitch fee percentage increases/decreases with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rather than the Retail Price Index (RPI).\n\nThe amendment is being sought due to CPI being classified by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) as a more appropriate measure of inflation than RPI. That will bring this jurisdiction in line the Mobile Homes (Pitch Fees) Act which received Royal Assent on 2 May 2023 which applies to England and Wales. Scotland is currently in the process of seeking a similar amendment by way of the Housing (Scotland) Bill.\n\nWhether or not such an amendment is possible here within this mandate depends on whether a suitable legislative vehicle can be secured.","answerHtml":"I can confirm that my Department has indicated within the DfC legislative programme that it is seeking to amend Part 1 of the Schedule to the Caravans Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 to align residential pitch fee percentage increases/decreases with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rather than the Retail Price Index (RPI).
The amendment is being sought due to CPI being classified by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) as a more appropriate measure of inflation than RPI. That will bring this jurisdiction in line the Mobile Homes (Pitch Fees) Act which received Royal Assent on 2 May 2023 which applies to England and Wales. Scotland is currently in the process of seeking a similar amendment by way of the Housing (Scotland) Bill.
Whether or not such an amendment is possible here within this mandate depends on whether a suitable legislative vehicle can be secured.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016916%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=414629","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=414629"}},{"id":"414628","reference":"AQW 16915/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-17","answerBy":"2024-11-01","answered":"2024-11-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether his Department plans to legislate on introducing a fit and proper persons test requirement for (i) new; and (ii) existing caravan owners.","answerText":"At present my Department has no plans to bring forward legislation in respect of introducing a fit and proper person test for a site owner. I note that the issue did not arise as a major concern during the 2021 Review of the Caravan Act (NI) 2011.","answerHtml":"At present my Department has no plans to bring forward legislation in respect of introducing a fit and proper person test for a site owner. I note that the issue did not arise as a major concern during the 2021 Review of the Caravan Act (NI) 2011.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016915%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=414628","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=414628"}},{"id":"414627","reference":"AQW 16914/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-17","answerBy":"2024-11-01","answered":"2024-11-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for his assessment of current legislative protections for those living in park homes, compared to other jurisdictions across the UK and Ireland.","answerText":"I consider the current legislative provisions contained within the Caravans Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 continue to be robust in providing protection for those living on residential caravan parks here and compare favourably overall with those provided for in other jurisdictions.\n\nSection 4 of the 2011 Act places a statutory obligation on my Department to review the legislative provisions every five years to assess the legislation remains fit for purpose. The last review in 2021, and published in March 2023, found that the issues or concerns raised by respondents living in residential or holiday caravans already had a pathway for resolution under existing legislation or alternative mechanisms were in place. The follow-on action for my Department from the 2021 Review was to produce factsheets as a quick reference guide to inform both residential occupiers and site owners of their responsibilities under the legislation and provide signposting on the relevant pathway of recourse should difficulties arise. This work is nearing completion and has included engagement with representatives of those living in residential caravan park homes here to ensure the information provided is pitched to suit their needs.\n\nOne issue which was not raised during the review was that the 2011 Act references that a residential pitch fee shall increase or decrease by a percentage aligned to the Retail Price Index (RPI). My Department is proposing an amendment to the legislation to change this to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Although there is no evidence to date to suggest that the legislation as it currently stands is proving to be problematic for those living in residential caravans, the amendment will bring NI in line with other jurisdictions. Whether or not such an amendment is possible within this mandate depends on securing a suitable legislative vehicle.","answerHtml":"I consider the current legislative provisions contained within the Caravans Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 continue to be robust in providing protection for those living on residential caravan parks here and compare favourably overall with those provided for in other jurisdictions.
Section 4 of the 2011 Act places a statutory obligation on my Department to review the legislative provisions every five years to assess the legislation remains fit for purpose. The last review in 2021, and published in March 2023, found that the issues or concerns raised by respondents living in residential or holiday caravans already had a pathway for resolution under existing legislation or alternative mechanisms were in place. The follow-on action for my Department from the 2021 Review was to produce factsheets as a quick reference guide to inform both residential occupiers and site owners of their responsibilities under the legislation and provide signposting on the relevant pathway of recourse should difficulties arise. This work is nearing completion and has included engagement with representatives of those living in residential caravan park homes here to ensure the information provided is pitched to suit their needs.
One issue which was not raised during the review was that the 2011 Act references that a residential pitch fee shall increase or decrease by a percentage aligned to the Retail Price Index (RPI). My Department is proposing an amendment to the legislation to change this to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Although there is no evidence to date to suggest that the legislation as it currently stands is proving to be problematic for those living in residential caravans, the amendment will bring NI in line with other jurisdictions. Whether or not such an amendment is possible within this mandate depends on securing a suitable legislative vehicle.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016914%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=414627","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=414627"}},{"id":"416548","reference":"AQO 1075/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-17","answerBy":"2024-11-05","answered":"2024-11-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance for an updated timeline of the Budget 2025-26 process following the Autumn Budget 2024.","answerText":"The funding envelope for 2025-26 was announced on 30 October with the settlement for further years to be announced in spring 2025. As a result, the Executive will only be able to set a single year Budget for 2025-26 before the start of the financial year in April.\n\nIt is my intention, subject to Executive agreement, to publish a draft Budget by early December to allow time for a full 12 week consultation before a final Budget is agreed by the Executive prior to the start of the new financial year.","answerHtml":"The funding envelope for 2025-26 was announced on 30 October with the settlement for further years to be announced in spring 2025. As a result, the Executive will only be able to set a single year Budget for 2025-26 before the start of the financial year in April.
It is my intention, subject to Executive agreement, to publish a draft Budget by early December to allow time for a full 12 week consultation before a final Budget is agreed by the Executive prior to the start of the new financial year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%201075%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=416548","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=416548"}},{"id":"413483","reference":"AQW 16456/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-09","answerBy":"2024-10-24","answered":"2024-10-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) why Glen Road and Station Road, Craigavad, have not been adopted by his Department; and (ii) whether his Department will adopt these roads.","answerText":"My officials have confirmed that Station Road, Craigavad, from below the railway bridge, and the entire length of the Glen Road, Craigavad, are private roads and not maintained by my Department.\n\nIn circumstances where a road has not been adopted by my Department as part of the street planning functions then Article 9 of the Private Streets (NI) Order 1980 can apply. In such cases the owners or occupiers of the land need to write to the Department requesting that the street become a public road.\n\nI have been advised by my officials that they have not received any formal request for adoption from the land owners or occupiers of Station Road, Craigavad or Glen Road, Craigavad nor any request for an assessment of work required to bring these roads to the required standard for adoption into the public road network.\n\nIt is important to note that the responsibility for carrying out any such remedial works and the associated costs rest solely with the owner / occupiers.","answerHtml":"My officials have confirmed that Station Road, Craigavad, from below the railway bridge, and the entire length of the Glen Road, Craigavad, are private roads and not maintained by my Department.
In circumstances where a road has not been adopted by my Department as part of the street planning functions then Article 9 of the Private Streets (NI) Order 1980 can apply. In such cases the owners or occupiers of the land need to write to the Department requesting that the street become a public road.
I have been advised by my officials that they have not received any formal request for adoption from the land owners or occupiers of Station Road, Craigavad or Glen Road, Craigavad nor any request for an assessment of work required to bring these roads to the required standard for adoption into the public road network.
It is important to note that the responsibility for carrying out any such remedial works and the associated costs rest solely with the owner / occupiers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016456%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=413483","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=413483"}},{"id":"412888","reference":"AQW 16238/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-04","answerBy":"2024-10-09","answered":"2024-10-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) all dates and times the Sydenham bypass will be closed to facilitate the recently announced road improvement scheme; and (ii) how he will ensure the closures are communicated to the public.","answerText":"The £3.8 million road resurfacing scheme on the city bound section of the Sydenham Bypass, Belfast is progressing with overnight and weekend closures in place until Monday 25 November. Weekend closures are taking place over the next seven consecutive weekends, commencing at 10pm Friday 11 October until 6am on Monday 14 October, between the Tillysburn junction and the start of the M3. Weeknight overnight closures are in operation for the duration of the scheme. Some weekend and overnight lane closures will also be required on the country bound lanes to ensure the safety of road workers and the travelling public.\n\nThe majority of the scheme is expected to be completed ahead of the Christmas period during which the road will remain open. However, further closures may be required in the New Year.\n\nElectronic message signs have been in place on the A2 Sydenham Bypass for the last four weeks to advise road users in advance of the works. In addition, information relating to associated road closures and lane restrictions can be found on www.trafficwatchni.com","answerHtml":"The £3.8 million road resurfacing scheme on the city bound section of the Sydenham Bypass, Belfast is progressing with overnight and weekend closures in place until Monday 25 November. Weekend closures are taking place over the next seven consecutive weekends, commencing at 10pm Friday 11 October until 6am on Monday 14 October, between the Tillysburn junction and the start of the M3. Weeknight overnight closures are in operation for the duration of the scheme. Some weekend and overnight lane closures will also be required on the country bound lanes to ensure the safety of road workers and the travelling public.
The majority of the scheme is expected to be completed ahead of the Christmas period during which the road will remain open. However, further closures may be required in the New Year.
Electronic message signs have been in place on the A2 Sydenham Bypass for the last four weeks to advise road users in advance of the works. In addition, information relating to associated road closures and lane restrictions can be found on www.trafficwatchni.com
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016238%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=412888","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=412888"}},{"id":"412305","reference":"AQW 16002/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-10-01","answerBy":"2024-10-04","answered":"2024-10-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the measures his Department will take to provide any support for businesses who have been impacted by suspected fraudulent activity on the Just Eat platform.","answerText":"Businesses that are impacted should consider reporting any alleged fraud to\n\nAction Fraud - https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/protecting-yourself/scams-and-fraud/reporting-fraud.\n\nMy Department’s Trading Standards Service also provides support and assistance to businesses affected by scams. Traders seeking further advice should contact Consumerline on Freephone 0300 123 6262 or by e mail to Consumerline@economy-ni.gov.uk.\n\nAdditionally, Just Eat appear to be aware of attempts by scammers to defraud businesses by gaining access to customer accounts and have provided the following advice to their partners :https://partner.just-eat.co.uk/knowledge-centre/update-on-scammers/","answerHtml":"Businesses that are impacted should consider reporting any alleged fraud to
Action Fraud - https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/protecting-yourself/scams-and-fraud/reporting-fraud.
My Department’s Trading Standards Service also provides support and assistance to businesses affected by scams. Traders seeking further advice should contact Consumerline on Freephone 0300 123 6262 or by e mail to Consumerline@economy-ni.gov.uk.
Additionally, Just Eat appear to be aware of attempts by scammers to defraud businesses by gaining access to customer accounts and have provided the following advice to their partners :https://partner.just-eat.co.uk/knowledge-centre/update-on-scammers/
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2016002%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=412305","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=412305"}},{"id":"411894","reference":"AQW 15858/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-27","answerBy":"2024-10-03","answered":"2024-10-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities how his Department is supporting the creation of new Business Improvement Districts.","answerText":"My Department has policy and legislation responsibility for Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and works closely with local business groups, district councils and other stakeholders where there is interest in establishing a BID.\n\nThe cost of setting up a new BID is usually shared between the Department and the relevant district council; however, any support is dependent on budget availability at the time.\n\nMy officials have written to councils to gauge the level of interest in establishing new BIDs and will provide support and guidance as necessary.","answerHtml":"My Department has policy and legislation responsibility for Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and works closely with local business groups, district councils and other stakeholders where there is interest in establishing a BID.
The cost of setting up a new BID is usually shared between the Department and the relevant district council; however, any support is dependent on budget availability at the time.
My officials have written to councils to gauge the level of interest in establishing new BIDs and will provide support and guidance as necessary.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015858%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=411894","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=411894"}},{"id":"411893","reference":"AQW 15857/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-27","answerBy":"2024-10-14","answered":"2024-10-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for his assessment of the impact that the closure of the Great Victoria Street station in May 2024 has had on the number of rail journeys on the Belfast to Bangor line.","answerText":"Passenger journeys on the Bangor Corridor between May and September 2024 were down 14% on the same period in 2023.","answerHtml":"Passenger journeys on the Bangor Corridor between May and September 2024 were down 14% on the same period in 2023.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015857%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=411893","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=411893"}},{"id":"411892","reference":"AQW 15856/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-27","answerBy":"2024-10-14","answered":"2024-10-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of the availability of social workers in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"The availability of social workers continues to be a challenge across all Health and Social Care Trusts due to recruitment, retention and sickness absence issues.\n\nThe South Eastern Trust have reported that as of 31st August 2024 it employed 950 social workers. The Trust currently has approximately 30 Band 6 social work posts vacant, and 72 social workers absent due to sickness or maternity leave.\n\nThis impacts on social work availability in some services, resulting in the use of waiting lists/unallocated cases to manage referrals. The Trust has implemented a review and monitoring process to ensure the safe management of cases awaiting allocation within Children’s Services.\n\nMy department continues to work collaboratively with all five Health and Social Care Trusts to address vacancy and absence levels in social work services. As with other Trusts, in recent years, the South Eastern Trust have participated in a number of Department-led regional initiatives in an effort to stabilise the HSC social work workforce, including:\n\nCeasing the use of recruitment agency social workers in June 2023.\n\nThe fast-track recruitment of newly qualifying social workers into vacant posts.\n\nParticipating in regional recruitment exercises for Band 6 social work staff.\n\nHowever, despite this activity there continues to be an inadequate supply of social workers to meet service demands, and my department annually reviews and seeks to increase the number of commissioned training places to meet these demands.","answerHtml":"The availability of social workers continues to be a challenge across all Health and Social Care Trusts due to recruitment, retention and sickness absence issues.
The South Eastern Trust have reported that as of 31st August 2024 it employed 950 social workers. The Trust currently has approximately 30 Band 6 social work posts vacant, and 72 social workers absent due to sickness or maternity leave.
This impacts on social work availability in some services, resulting in the use of waiting lists/unallocated cases to manage referrals. The Trust has implemented a review and monitoring process to ensure the safe management of cases awaiting allocation within Children’s Services.
My department continues to work collaboratively with all five Health and Social Care Trusts to address vacancy and absence levels in social work services. As with other Trusts, in recent years, the South Eastern Trust have participated in a number of Department-led regional initiatives in an effort to stabilise the HSC social work workforce, including:
Ceasing the use of recruitment agency social workers in June 2023.
The fast-track recruitment of newly qualifying social workers into vacant posts.
Participating in regional recruitment exercises for Band 6 social work staff.
However, despite this activity there continues to be an inadequate supply of social workers to meet service demands, and my department annually reviews and seeks to increase the number of commissioned training places to meet these demands.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015856%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=411892","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=411892"}},{"id":"411891","reference":"AQW 15855/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-27","answerBy":"2024-10-14","answered":"2024-11-28","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 when they will answer AQW 13394/22-27.","answerText":"AQW 13394/22-27 was answered on 22 November 2024.","answerHtml":"AQW 13394/22-27 was answered on 22 November 2024.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015855%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=411891","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=411891"}},{"id":"411890","reference":"AQW 15854/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-27","answerBy":"2024-10-14","answered":"2024-12-11","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, pursuant to AQW 12386/22-27, for their assessment of whether the funding provided to the Northern Ireland Bureau China represents value for money.","answerText":"Through our draft Programme for Government, we have set out an ambitious programme of change, including job creation and growing a sustainable economy that works for all. The Northern Ireland Bureau in China, alongside our other overseas offices and the Invest NI network, will play a key role in this regard.\n\nOur draft International Relations Strategy currently under development will set out our ambition to build on the goodwill and strong levels of interest that the Bureau has established in developing our relations and pursuing opportunities both in China and across the wider Asia-Pacific region.","answerHtml":"Through our draft Programme for Government, we have set out an ambitious programme of change, including job creation and growing a sustainable economy that works for all. The Northern Ireland Bureau in China, alongside our other overseas offices and the Invest NI network, will play a key role in this regard.
Our draft International Relations Strategy currently under development will set out our ambition to build on the goodwill and strong levels of interest that the Bureau has established in developing our relations and pursuing opportunities both in China and across the wider Asia-Pacific region.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015854%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=411890","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=411890"}},{"id":"411346","reference":"AQW 15621/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-24","answerBy":"2024-10-09","answered":"2024-11-13","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 will bring forward legislation on managing coastal change and designate responsibility to a Department to oversee coastal risk management from climate change, as recommended by the Climate Change Committee report Adapting to climate change – Progress in Northern Ireland April 2023.","answerText":"The Climate Change Committee report ‘Adapting to climate change – Progress in Northern Ireland April 2023’ allocated a target to the Northern Ireland Executive, and not The Executive Office (TEO), to consider bringing forward legislation on managing coastal change and designate responsibility to a NICS department to oversee coastal risk management from climate change.\n\nThe Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) co-chair the Coastal Erosion Forum which is working collaboratively to address the challenges associated with coastal change. We have no plan to change this approach at this point.","answerHtml":"The Climate Change Committee report ‘Adapting to climate change – Progress in Northern Ireland April 2023’ allocated a target to the Northern Ireland Executive, and not The Executive Office (TEO), to consider bringing forward legislation on managing coastal change and designate responsibility to a NICS department to oversee coastal risk management from climate change.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) co-chair the Coastal Erosion Forum which is working collaboratively to address the challenges associated with coastal change. We have no plan to change this approach at this point.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015621%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=411346","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=411346"}},{"id":"411345","reference":"AQW 15620/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-24","answerBy":"2024-10-09","answered":"2024-10-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 12130/22-27, for an update on the review of safety on the A2 between Bangor and Belfast.","answerText":"I would confirm that, as per my response to AQW12130/22-27, road safety remains an extremely high priority for my Department and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and address the needs of all road users.\n\nMy officials continue to review sites where there are clusters of collisions on the A2 to identify if there are any common causation factors for these collisions which would permit the introduction of an effective road safety measure. Once the review is completed, and any engineering measures are proposed, they will be considered for inclusion in a future work programme, subject to available funding.\n\nConcerns regarding driver behaviour such as speeding should be directed to the PSNI using the non-emergency 101.\n\nOne of the best ways to ensure safety on our roads and fulfil our long-term goal of eliminating death and serious injury by 2050, is by changing road user behaviour. As road users we all have a personal responsibility to behave in a way that keeps ourselves and others safe. The sad reality is that if we do not change our own attitudes when we are using the roads, our death toll will continue to increase.","answerHtml":"I would confirm that, as per my response to AQW12130/22-27, road safety remains an extremely high priority for my Department and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and address the needs of all road users.
My officials continue to review sites where there are clusters of collisions on the A2 to identify if there are any common causation factors for these collisions which would permit the introduction of an effective road safety measure. Once the review is completed, and any engineering measures are proposed, they will be considered for inclusion in a future work programme, subject to available funding.
Concerns regarding driver behaviour such as speeding should be directed to the PSNI using the non-emergency 101.
One of the best ways to ensure safety on our roads and fulfil our long-term goal of eliminating death and serious injury by 2050, is by changing road user behaviour. As road users we all have a personal responsibility to behave in a way that keeps ourselves and others safe. The sad reality is that if we do not change our own attitudes when we are using the roads, our death toll will continue to increase.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015620%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=411345","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=411345"}},{"id":"411344","reference":"AQW 15619/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-24","answerBy":"2024-10-09","answered":"2024-09-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance (i) why the Northern Ireland Civil Service cycle to work scheme is limited to £1,000 total cost, when the UK Government Civil Service have set theirs at £4,000; and (ii) whether she has any plans to increase the limit.","answerText":"The £1,000 limit on cycle to work salary sacrifice is based on a requirement that, if any employer exceeds this limit, the employer becomes subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority which is an administrative burden that is not resourced. The Civil Service will keep this issue under review as part of its work on developing the range of benefits available to civil servants","answerHtml":"The £1,000 limit on cycle to work salary sacrifice is based on a requirement that, if any employer exceeds this limit, the employer becomes subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority which is an administrative burden that is not resourced. The Civil Service will keep this issue under review as part of its work on developing the range of benefits available to civil servants
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015619%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=411344","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=411344"}},{"id":"411343","reference":"AQW 15618/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-24","answerBy":"2024-10-09","answered":"2024-10-09","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 Coastal Forum meetings his Department has attended in the last three years, including the dates of the meetings.","answerText":"Since 2021, the Coastal Forum has met on two occasions on 24 June 2021 and 14 March 2022. DfI officials attended both meetings.","answerHtml":"Since 2021, the Coastal Forum has met on two occasions on 24 June 2021 and 14 March 2022. DfI officials attended both meetings.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015618%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=411343","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=411343"}},{"id":"410949","reference":"AQW 15440/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-20","answerBy":"2024-09-25","answered":"2024-10-11","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 for a timescale for the launch of the Change Fund, as outlined in the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Delivery Plan 2024 – 2026.","answerText":"The Change Fund will build on and complement prevention work, supporting grassroots groups and community and voluntary sector organisations to do more, further build capacity and be better equipped to address the significant issues in their area.\n\nAn initial amount of £3 million is earmarked for the Change Fund over the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 financial years, subject to budget. Work is continuing at pace to put in place the necessary supporting arrangements and further details will be announced in the time ahead.","answerHtml":"The Change Fund will build on and complement prevention work, supporting grassroots groups and community and voluntary sector organisations to do more, further build capacity and be better equipped to address the significant issues in their area.
An initial amount of £3 million is earmarked for the Change Fund over the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 financial years, subject to budget. Work is continuing at pace to put in place the necessary supporting arrangements and further details will be announced in the time ahead.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015440%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=410949","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=410949"}},{"id":"410948","reference":"AQW 15439/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-20","answerBy":"2024-10-07","answered":"2024-10-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance how she will ensure that any proposed changes to non-domestic rates will protect and encourage the growth of small, local businesses in the current economic climate.","answerText":"This rating year my Department is providing support to almost 30,000 businesses through the Small Business Rate Relief scheme which provides rate relief of up to 50%.\n\nIn addition, 2,459 businesses with a valuation under the Small Businesses Rate Relief threshold of £15,000 receive Industrial Derating, providing rate support of 70%.\n\nIn May I reintroduced the ‘Back in Business’ scheme to help and encourage new and expanding businesses by providing 50% rates support to new businesses in their vital first two years in business. I also reintroduced the Rural Automated Teller Machine exemption to assist cashflow for businesses in rural areas.\n\nIn terms of augmenting that work, following the recent rating consultation I will be bringing forward short, medium and long-term rating policy proposals for the Executive’s consideration. These proposals will include a more strategic longer-term policy approach.\n\nI will also continue my engagement with business bodies, organisations and wider society to work together to build a progressive rates system which grows our tax base and stimulates our economy.","answerHtml":"This rating year my Department is providing support to almost 30,000 businesses through the Small Business Rate Relief scheme which provides rate relief of up to 50%.
In addition, 2,459 businesses with a valuation under the Small Businesses Rate Relief threshold of £15,000 receive Industrial Derating, providing rate support of 70%.
In May I reintroduced the ‘Back in Business’ scheme to help and encourage new and expanding businesses by providing 50% rates support to new businesses in their vital first two years in business. I also reintroduced the Rural Automated Teller Machine exemption to assist cashflow for businesses in rural areas.
In terms of augmenting that work, following the recent rating consultation I will be bringing forward short, medium and long-term rating policy proposals for the Executive’s consideration. These proposals will include a more strategic longer-term policy approach.
I will also continue my engagement with business bodies, organisations and wider society to work together to build a progressive rates system which grows our tax base and stimulates our economy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015439%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=410948","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=410948"}},{"id":"410947","reference":"AQW 15438/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-20","answerBy":"2024-10-07","answered":"2024-10-08","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 the timescale for their Department to commission reports to identify evidence gaps in Northern Ireland, as outlined in the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Delivery Plan 2024 – 2026.","answerText":"Data and evidence are essential for understanding the problem of violence against women and girls, measuring our progress towards ending it, and informing funding, service design and delivery decisions.\n\nPreliminary work at a high level has already commenced on the gap analysis of front-line general service provision for victims and survivors of violence against women and girls.\n\nWork is also ongoing to commission research on men and boys’ attitudes and behaviours related to violence against women and girls. It is anticipated that this research will commence within this financial year.","answerHtml":"Data and evidence are essential for understanding the problem of violence against women and girls, measuring our progress towards ending it, and informing funding, service design and delivery decisions.
Preliminary work at a high level has already commenced on the gap analysis of front-line general service provision for victims and survivors of violence against women and girls.
Work is also ongoing to commission research on men and boys’ attitudes and behaviours related to violence against women and girls. It is anticipated that this research will commence within this financial year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015438%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=410947","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=410947"}},{"id":"410946","reference":"AQW 15437/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-20","answerBy":"2024-10-07","answered":"2024-09-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education how he will deliver on actions attributed to his Department in the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Delivery Plan 2024 – 2026.","answerText":"Addressing violence against women and girls is an issue for all areas of society and education has a role in supporting that. The Delivery Plan brings into sharp focus my Department's responsibilities, and we will consider how the curriculum can support the wider strategy, with schools having an important role to play in addressing violence against women and girls.\n\nMy Department will contribute to the Delivery Plan and is establishing an Oversight Group to decide how the actions it is required to take forward will be delivered together with key delivery partners including the Executive Office. This will include engagement with stakeholders. Officials will bring forward recommendations for my consideration in due course. In turn I will want to consider whether any agreed actions should to be brought to the Executive.\n\nOur curriculum is already designed to provide opportunities to educate young people to develop healthy relationships. Pupils have the opportunity to explore their management of a range of feelings and emotions and those of others; initiating, developing and sustaining mutually satisfying relationships, explore the qualities of a loving, respectful relationship and develop coping strategies to deal with challenging relationship scenarios.\n\nSchools are supported to deliver the curriculum by the development, by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment, of teaching materials including materials in respect of Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse, Healthy, Positive Sexual Expression and Relationships and Consent all of which are relevant to the strategy.","answerHtml":"Addressing violence against women and girls is an issue for all areas of society and education has a role in supporting that. The Delivery Plan brings into sharp focus my Department's responsibilities, and we will consider how the curriculum can support the wider strategy, with schools having an important role to play in addressing violence against women and girls.
My Department will contribute to the Delivery Plan and is establishing an Oversight Group to decide how the actions it is required to take forward will be delivered together with key delivery partners including the Executive Office. This will include engagement with stakeholders. Officials will bring forward recommendations for my consideration in due course. In turn I will want to consider whether any agreed actions should to be brought to the Executive.
Our curriculum is already designed to provide opportunities to educate young people to develop healthy relationships. Pupils have the opportunity to explore their management of a range of feelings and emotions and those of others; initiating, developing and sustaining mutually satisfying relationships, explore the qualities of a loving, respectful relationship and develop coping strategies to deal with challenging relationship scenarios.
Schools are supported to deliver the curriculum by the development, by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment, of teaching materials including materials in respect of Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse, Healthy, Positive Sexual Expression and Relationships and Consent all of which are relevant to the strategy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2015437%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=410946","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=410946"}},{"id":"409823","reference":"AQW 14928/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-12","answerBy":"2024-09-27","answered":"2024-09-23","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 businesses in North Down that have availed of the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme in the last three years.","answerText":"Land & Property Services does not hold data at Parliamentary Constituency level, therefore figures have been provided in the table below for Ards and North Down District Council at 31st March for each of the three rating years.\n\nRating Year\tNo. of occupancies\n2021/22\t2,236\n2022/23\t2,300\n2023/24\t2,257","answerHtml":"Land & Property Services does not hold data at Parliamentary Constituency level, therefore figures have been provided in the table below for Ards and North Down District Council at 31st March for each of the three rating years.
| Rating Year | No. of occupancies |
| 2021/22 | 2,236 |
| 2022/23 | 2,300 |
| 2023/24 | 2,257 |
The Help with Health Costs (HwHC) scheme provides individuals, primarily on low incomes, with financial help towards the cost of dental treatment, eyesight tests, glasses or contact lens, and travel costs for Health and Social Care (HSC) treatment on referral by a doctor or dentist.
The Department does not provide a specific funding allocation for the HwHC scheme. The Business Services Organisation (BSO), usually through individual dental and optical practices, administer the HwHC scheme on behalf of the Department of Health for the purposes of dental treatment, eyesight tests and glasses or contact lens vouchers.
The number of exempt patients (and thus provided help with their health care costs) residing in the North Down Assembly Area, and the associated fees/costs covered by the health service, is shown in the tables below. Figures are provided for the last three financial years, including figures up to 2023-24, the latest publicly available annual Accredited Official Statistics. Please note: Financial year relates to when claim was paid, this is not necessarily the same year as when the activity took place.
Table 1: Number of Exempt Dental Patients Seen and Total Item of Service (IoS) Fees of Exempt Patients residing in North Down Assembly Area by Financial Year
| Financial Year | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 |
| Patients Seen1 | 13,523 | 15,536 | 15,295 |
| Total IoS Fees2 | £885,000 | £1,056,000 | £1,043,000 |
The total number of patients to have received treatment under any of the exemption categories listed as eligible for financial support. If a patient appears in multiple exemption categories or more than once in an exemption category they will only be counted once in this total.
Based on paid claims and information supplied by dentist making the claim. Excludes all private work, and secondary care activity. Total fees are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds.
The total IoS fees for patients represent a sum of the codes of all treatments that were undergone by patients claiming exemption. Excludes registration fees paid in relation to children and adults. For patients aged under 18, a number of minor treatments (e.g. examinations, x-rays, scale and polish) are included in the capitation fee – these patients will be included but only claimable treatments will be included in the IoS fees.
Table 2: Number of Exempt Ophthalmic Patients provided with a Sight Test and Total Sight Test Fees of Exempt Patients residing in North Down Assembly Area by Financial Year
| Financial Year | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 |
| Total Patients1,3 | 23,302 | 24,000 | 25,753 |
| Total Sight Test Fees3 | £558,000 | £596,000 | £671,000 |
The total number of patients to have received treatment under any of the exemption categories listed as eligible for financial support. If a patient appears in multiple exemption categories or more than once in an exemption category they will only be counted once in this total.
Based on paid claims and information supplied by optician making the claim. Excludes all private work, prison activity and secondary care activity. Total fees are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds.
Figures exclude support to patients who claim partial exemption through a HC3 form (around 0.01% of sight test claims at NI level) as their assembly area of residence cannot be determined.
Table 3: Number of Exempt Ophthalmic Patients provided with a Voucher and Total Voucher Cost of Exempt Patients residing in North Down Assembly Area by Financial Year
| Financial Year | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 |
| Total Patients1 | 6,305 | 6,105 | 6,022 |
| Total Voucher Cost | £361,000 | £353,000 | £357,000 |
The total number of patients to have received treatment under any of the exemption categories listed as eligible for financial support. If a patient appears in multiple exemption categories or more than once in an exemption category they will only be counted once in this total.
Based on paid claims and information supplied by optician making the claim. Excludes all private work, prison activity and secondary care activity. Total fees are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds.
In relation to help with hospital travel costs. HSC Trusts, usually through individual hospitals, administer the Hospital Travel Cost Scheme on behalf of the Department of Health. This scheme is funded through their overall budget allocation. HSC Trusts are responsible for informing patients of their entitlement, checking the appropriate travel costs and refunding travel costs to which patients are entitled.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014927%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=409822","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=409822"}},{"id":"409821","reference":"AQW 14926/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-12","answerBy":"2024-09-27","answered":"2024-10-01","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 the International Relations Strategy will be published.","answerText":"Officials have undertaken extensive preparatory work and engagement and are now in the process of preparing a draft International Relations Strategy which will form the basis for further engagement and a public consultation.","answerHtml":"Officials have undertaken extensive preparatory work and engagement and are now in the process of preparing a draft International Relations Strategy which will form the basis for further engagement and a public consultation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014926%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=409821","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=409821"}},{"id":"409820","reference":"AQW 14925/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-12","answerBy":"2024-09-27","answered":"2024-10-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the average time it has taken DFI Roads Division to respond to a report over the last two years.","answerText":"My Department does not maintain statistics in the format requested.\n\nFollowing reported pothole defects from the public it may be necessary for my officials to carry out a site investigation to reach a decision on whether the pothole meets our intervention criteria and the creation of an instructed surface defect record.\n\nMy Department receives a high volume of surface defect related enquiries, and regrettably it is not possible to investigate all enquiries immediately. It is likely that some faults will not be investigated until the next routine inspection of the area.\n\nIf, after investigation, it is found that the reported pothole requires action, our current standards specify a range of response times for the repair of defects, depending on factors such as their severity and the volume of traffic on the road. They range from one calendar day for the most serious defects, to periods of five working days and four weeks for less serious defects. The least serious defects are only required to be repaired in the next work programme for that route.\n\nIf it becomes apparent that the relevant response time cannot be met, then my Department has the option of installing signs to warn road users of a possible danger.","answerHtml":"My Department does not maintain statistics in the format requested.
Following reported pothole defects from the public it may be necessary for my officials to carry out a site investigation to reach a decision on whether the pothole meets our intervention criteria and the creation of an instructed surface defect record.
My Department receives a high volume of surface defect related enquiries, and regrettably it is not possible to investigate all enquiries immediately. It is likely that some faults will not be investigated until the next routine inspection of the area.
If, after investigation, it is found that the reported pothole requires action, our current standards specify a range of response times for the repair of defects, depending on factors such as their severity and the volume of traffic on the road. They range from one calendar day for the most serious defects, to periods of five working days and four weeks for less serious defects. The least serious defects are only required to be repaired in the next work programme for that route.
If it becomes apparent that the relevant response time cannot be met, then my Department has the option of installing signs to warn road users of a possible danger.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014925%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=409820","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=409820"}},{"id":"409819","reference":"AQW 14924/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-12","answerBy":"2024-09-27","answered":"2024-10-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the allocation of funding spent on weed control in North Down over the last three years.","answerText":"The Department delivers a programme of weed control aimed at ensuring the safety of road users and preventing the deterioration of the road pavement. Expenditure on weed control by constituency area is not held. However, records of expenditure on Grass Cutting, Weed control and Tree Maintenance for Southern Division is maintained and set out in Table 1 below for the past three completed financial years from 2021-22 to 2023-24:\n\nTable 1\n\nGrass Cutting, Weed Control and Tree Maintenance\t2021-22\n£m\t2022-23\n£m\t2023-24\n£m\n1.7\t1.4\t2.0\n\nSouthern Division expenditure covers Ards and North Down, Newry, Mourne and Down and Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon council areas.","answerHtml":"The Department delivers a programme of weed control aimed at ensuring the safety of road users and preventing the deterioration of the road pavement. Expenditure on weed control by constituency area is not held. However, records of expenditure on Grass Cutting, Weed control and Tree Maintenance for Southern Division is maintained and set out in Table 1 below for the past three completed financial years from 2021-22 to 2023-24:
Table 1
| Grass Cutting, Weed Control and Tree Maintenance | 2021-22 £m | 2022-23 £m | 2023-24 £m |
| 1.7 | 1.4 | 2.0 |
Southern Division expenditure covers Ards and North Down, Newry, Mourne and Down and Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon council areas.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014924%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=409819","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=409819"}},{"id":"409886","reference":"AQO 830/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-12","answerBy":"2024-09-23","answered":"2024-09-23","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on his Department’s consultation on the proposed Good Jobs Employment Rights Bill.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr C Murphy","text":"I launched the consultation on the good jobs employment rights Bill on 1 July 2024. My officials and I have engaged with stakeholders before and during the consultation. I welcome the constructive engagement to date. The consultation covers four key aspects of a good job: terms of employment; pay and benefits; voice and representation; and work-life balance. Stakeholder responses to the consultation will help to inform the content of my Bill. I encourage everyone with an interest in that important issue to respond to the consultation before it closes on 30 September 2024. I am especially keen to hear from workers and employers with personal experience of and views on how to address the issues covered by the document."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"Thank you, Minister. As I am sure you know, the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 provides for the making of gender pay gap regulations and requires the publication of a gender pay strategy and action plan within 18 months. Will you commit to working with colleagues to consider making those regulations alongside the good jobs Bill?"},{"speaker":"Mr C Murphy","text":"We are certainly open to considering what is needed. The consultation is open-ended and without predetermination, so, if people feel that there are issues that the Department has not adequately addressed, on which legislation or strengthening of the process is needed, we are very happy to hear about them and, if possible, to take action where that is required. The consultation officially closes on 30 September, but we have spoken to people before and during the consultation, and we will speak to people afterwards in order to chart an approach in the time ahead. The intention is to introduce legislation by the end of next year, but, if there are particular issues that the Member wishes to raise, we are very happy to hear about them and see how they can be addressed."},{"speaker":"Mr Kearney","text":"Minister, you touched on the conclusion of the review, scheduled for 30 September. To what extent have workers, businesses and the trade union movement been engaged with to maximise their participation? Can you give us a sense of the quality of the responses that have been received?"},{"speaker":"Mr C Murphy","text":"As I said, the consultation began, in effect, before the document was issued. This is the most substantial piece of employment legislation since the Good Friday Agreement. It is playing catch-up in a lot of areas, such as protection for workers, so there has been a lot of proactive engagement to make sure that we have on the table all the issues that we need to address. We have directly met trade unions and representatives of employers and businesses from a variety of sectors. We have met various stakeholders to hear their views on the consultation in a mixture of one-to-one meetings and large events attended by multiple stakeholders. Most recently, on Friday, the Department hosted a conference with Dr Lisa Wilson and other experts in the field of employment relations from across Ireland and Britain. The engagement has been constructive. People come from different perspectives on some of the issues, of course, and that will be discussed with them, but I have been encouraged by the quality and the constructive nature of the conversation to date. Trade union representatives and business organisations have been in the same room discussing the issues. That will be beneficial in the longer term, when we enter the legislative process and bring the Bill through the Assembly."},{"speaker":"Mr McGlone","text":"Employees and workers in the agriculture sector face different sets of challenges in their work, not only cyclically through the seasons but daily. Has your Department engaged with workers from that sector on the special challenges that they face and how they, too, can be accommodated in the Bill?"},{"speaker":"Mr C Murphy","text":"At the heart of the Bill is provision for a minimum threshold for protection of workers and workers' rights. That will apply to all workers whatever their sector. There has been engagement with trade unions representing a broad range of workers."},{"speaker":"","text":"If the Member feels that there is a gap in a particular sector, I can check with the Department to see whether there was specific engagement with agriculture workers. If he senses that there is a gap, I am happy for departmental officials to engage with him to see what particular issues those workers are dealing with. At its core, however, the Bill is about providing a minimum standard of protection for workers in jobs to make sure that terms and conditions apply to people and that their rights are protected, regardless of the sector from which they come."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20830%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=409886","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2024-09-23&docID=410650#AQO%20830/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=409886"}},{"id":"409379","reference":"AQW 14648/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-09","answerBy":"2024-09-24","answered":"2024-09-18","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 Gender Equality Strategy.","answerText":"Details of the proposed timetable for the next steps in developing the Gender Equality Strategy will issue in the coming months.\n\nWhile the Department for Communities is leading on the four Executive Social Inclusion Strategies (Anti-Poverty; Disability; Gender Equality; Sexual Orientation), final decisions on their content, publication and implementation will be subject to Executive agreement and public consultation.\n\nI am committed to working with all my Ministerial colleagues to ensure that the Social Inclusion Strategies are taken forward in the most effective and expeditious way possible, taking account of departmental budget allocations and the need to develop prioritised, sustainable and deliverable Strategy action plans.","answerHtml":"Details of the proposed timetable for the next steps in developing the Gender Equality Strategy will issue in the coming months.
While the Department for Communities is leading on the four Executive Social Inclusion Strategies (Anti-Poverty; Disability; Gender Equality; Sexual Orientation), final decisions on their content, publication and implementation will be subject to Executive agreement and public consultation.
I am committed to working with all my Ministerial colleagues to ensure that the Social Inclusion Strategies are taken forward in the most effective and expeditious way possible, taking account of departmental budget allocations and the need to develop prioritised, sustainable and deliverable Strategy action plans.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014648%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=409379","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=409379"}},{"id":"409378","reference":"AQW 14647/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-09","answerBy":"2024-09-24","answered":"2024-09-27","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 detail any ongoing work to maximize the skills pipeline in North Down in conjunction with the Belfast Region City Deal.","answerText":"My Department is working with stakeholders across business, education, and skills to deliver a skills system across the region which will support both individuals and businesses to reach their full potential.\n\nMy Department funds delivery of the Level 2 Traineeship which is a full-time vocational education and training programme open to anyone over 16 years of age who is unemployed.\n\nIn 2022/3 there were 60 trainees undertaking the programme in the North Down Parliamentary constituency area.\n\nLatest official statistics indicate that there are just over 400 apprentices from the North Down constituency area participating on the Department’s ApprenticeshipsNI and Higher Level Apprenticeship programmes.\n\nIn addition, as part of the Belfast Region City Deal the SHED 1.0 project is currently in the early stages of development. This project, intended as part of the Ards and North Down Innovation Hub, is designed to provide space for technologists, local SMEs and communities to pursue innovation projects at small to medium scale, providing growth in skills, employment and the economy.\n\nThe project will specifically focus on creative and digital skills, with Holywood chosen as the most appropriate site due to the number and quality of this type of employment in the town and its connections to the industry.","answerHtml":"My Department is working with stakeholders across business, education, and skills to deliver a skills system across the region which will support both individuals and businesses to reach their full potential.
My Department funds delivery of the Level 2 Traineeship which is a full-time vocational education and training programme open to anyone over 16 years of age who is unemployed.
In 2022/3 there were 60 trainees undertaking the programme in the North Down Parliamentary constituency area.
Latest official statistics indicate that there are just over 400 apprentices from the North Down constituency area participating on the Department’s ApprenticeshipsNI and Higher Level Apprenticeship programmes.
In addition, as part of the Belfast Region City Deal the SHED 1.0 project is currently in the early stages of development. This project, intended as part of the Ards and North Down Innovation Hub, is designed to provide space for technologists, local SMEs and communities to pursue innovation projects at small to medium scale, providing growth in skills, employment and the economy.
The project will specifically focus on creative and digital skills, with Holywood chosen as the most appropriate site due to the number and quality of this type of employment in the town and its connections to the industry.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014647%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=409378","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=409378"}},{"id":"409377","reference":"AQW 14646/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-09","answerBy":"2024-09-24","answered":"2024-09-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the funding allocated to support community pharmacy in North Down in the last three years.","answerText":"The level of government funding for community pharmacies in NI compares favourably to other parts of the UK. Against the backdrop of the current severe budgetary pressures and the multiple demands for additional funding across all parts of health and social care, additional investment continues to be provided to the community pharmacy sector.\n\nFunding for community pharmacies in NI has increased in recent years.\n\nIn relation to the last 3 years, the opening position for 22/23 was £117m.\n\nThe opening position in 2023/24 was £128m. There was additional funding invested in 2023/24 linked with service pressures and additional services. Therefore, by year-end, over £140m was invested in community pharmacy services in 2023/24.\n\nThe additional recurrent funding invested in 2023/24 has brought the recurrent funding to over £134m at the start of 2024/25. Prior to the allocation of a budget for the 2024/25 year, my Department committed to providing additional funding to this opening position in recognition of the service pressures that this sector is facing and within what is affordable. The opening annual budget for the community pharmacy sector is £147m, a rise of £19m in 2024 compared to April 2023.\n\nThis includes committing an additional £2m per quarter in 2024/25 in respect of ongoing service pressures. Whether this can be made recurrent will be dependent upon the delivery of efficiencies and the budget allocation.\n\nSPPG does not hold sub-regional funding budgets for community pharmacy services.","answerHtml":"The level of government funding for community pharmacies in NI compares favourably to other parts of the UK. Against the backdrop of the current severe budgetary pressures and the multiple demands for additional funding across all parts of health and social care, additional investment continues to be provided to the community pharmacy sector.
Funding for community pharmacies in NI has increased in recent years.
In relation to the last 3 years, the opening position for 22/23 was £117m.
The opening position in 2023/24 was £128m. There was additional funding invested in 2023/24 linked with service pressures and additional services. Therefore, by year-end, over £140m was invested in community pharmacy services in 2023/24.
The additional recurrent funding invested in 2023/24 has brought the recurrent funding to over £134m at the start of 2024/25. Prior to the allocation of a budget for the 2024/25 year, my Department committed to providing additional funding to this opening position in recognition of the service pressures that this sector is facing and within what is affordable. The opening annual budget for the community pharmacy sector is £147m, a rise of £19m in 2024 compared to April 2023.
This includes committing an additional £2m per quarter in 2024/25 in respect of ongoing service pressures. Whether this can be made recurrent will be dependent upon the delivery of efficiencies and the budget allocation.
SPPG does not hold sub-regional funding budgets for community pharmacy services.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014646%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=409377","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=409377"}},{"id":"410485","reference":"AQO 804/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-05","answerBy":"2024-09-17","answered":"2024-09-18","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 timeline of the development proposal for Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College to change to Integrated status.","answerText":"On 8 February 2024, the Education Authority (EA) published Development Proposal 727 at the request of the Board of Governors (BoGs) of Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College proposing that:\n\nBangor Academy and Sixth Form College will transform to Controlled Integrated Status with effect from 1 September 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.\n\nThe statutory two-month objection period in relation to this Development Proposal ended on 22 April 2024 and I am informed that a draft report is currently undergoing final review and will shortly be passed to me to inform my decision.","answerHtml":"On 8 February 2024, the Education Authority (EA) published Development Proposal 727 at the request of the Board of Governors (BoGs) of Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College proposing that:
Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College will transform to Controlled Integrated Status with effect from 1 September 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.
The statutory two-month objection period in relation to this Development Proposal ended on 22 April 2024 and I am informed that a draft report is currently undergoing final review and will shortly be passed to me to inform my decision.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20804%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=410485","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=410485"}},{"id":"410082","reference":"AQO 780/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-09-05","answerBy":"2024-09-16","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance to outline what discussions she has had with the UK Government regarding the UK Shared Prosperity Fund beyond March 2025.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20780%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=410082","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=410082"}},{"id":"407381","reference":"AQW 14079/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-07-02","answerBy":"2024-07-19","answered":"2024-07-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy, pursuant to AQW 11723/22-27, to detail the results of the post project evaluation of the Skill Up programme.","answerText":"The post project evaluation of the Skill Up programme (2021/2024) has recently been completed. It is now being reviewed by Officials in my Department. The final evaluation report will be shared with the Economy Committee and placed in the public domain in due course.","answerHtml":"The post project evaluation of the Skill Up programme (2021/2024) has recently been completed. It is now being reviewed by Officials in my Department. The final evaluation report will be shared with the Economy Committee and placed in the public domain in due course.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2014079%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=407381","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=407381"}},{"id":"407051","reference":"AQW 13952/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-28","answerBy":"2024-07-17","answered":"2024-07-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for a timeline for the publication of his Department's review report on residents' parking schemes.","answerText":"The review of residents’ parking schemes is complete, and I have had the opportunity to consider the draft review report. I have asked for a small number of amendments to be made to the report and plan to issue the final review report in August.","answerHtml":"The review of residents’ parking schemes is complete, and I have had the opportunity to consider the draft review report. I have asked for a small number of amendments to be made to the report and plan to issue the final review report in August.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013952%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=407051","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=407051"}},{"id":"406331","reference":"AQW 13637/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-20","answerBy":"2024-07-05","answered":"2024-07-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has fulfilled the funding requirements outlined in the Mental Health Strategy 2021-2031 Funding Plan since its publication.","answerText":"The Mental Health Strategy 2021-2031 was published alongside a 10-year Funding Plan. The Funding Plan outlined that £1.2bn is needed to fully implement the Strategy over the 10-year period. This investment required to deliver the Strategy is in addition to existing expenditure in mental health services.\n\nTo date, in the absence of additional funding, the Department has been using its existing funding to progress implementation of the Strategy. While this funding has allowed the commencement of enabling actions and scope to take forward work on some other priorities, it does not match the levels of funding as set out in the Funding Plan. A comparison between what has been allocated to the Strategy against the requirement outlined within the funding plan is set out below.\n\nYear\tFunding Allocation\n(£m)\tRequirement within Funding Plan (£m)\n2021/22\t0.65\t0.65\n2022/23\t4.1\t9.59\n2023/24\t5.5\t24.38\n\nAs a result, delivery plans to date have prioritised those actions which will have a direct service user impact, such as those aimed at alleviating pressures and improving outcomes, as well as those that will continue to enable longer term reform of our mental health provision.\n\nThe allocation for 2024/25 has not yet been finalised but it is expected that the gap between what is allocated and what is set out in the Funding Plan will continue to grow in the absence of additional funding.","answerHtml":"The Mental Health Strategy 2021-2031 was published alongside a 10-year Funding Plan. The Funding Plan outlined that £1.2bn is needed to fully implement the Strategy over the 10-year period. This investment required to deliver the Strategy is in addition to existing expenditure in mental health services.
To date, in the absence of additional funding, the Department has been using its existing funding to progress implementation of the Strategy. While this funding has allowed the commencement of enabling actions and scope to take forward work on some other priorities, it does not match the levels of funding as set out in the Funding Plan. A comparison between what has been allocated to the Strategy against the requirement outlined within the funding plan is set out below.
| Year | Funding Allocation (£m) | Requirement within Funding Plan (£m) |
| 2021/22 | 0.65 | 0.65 |
| 2022/23 | 4.1 | 9.59 |
| 2023/24 | 5.5 | 24.38 |
As a result, delivery plans to date have prioritised those actions which will have a direct service user impact, such as those aimed at alleviating pressures and improving outcomes, as well as those that will continue to enable longer term reform of our mental health provision.
The allocation for 2024/25 has not yet been finalised but it is expected that the gap between what is allocated and what is set out in the Funding Plan will continue to grow in the absence of additional funding.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013637%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=406331","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=406331"}},{"id":"406330","reference":"AQW 13636/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-20","answerBy":"2024-07-05","answered":"2024-07-18","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 Mental Health Strategy Delivery Plan for 2023/24.","answerText":"Delivery of the Mental Health Strategy has been taking place within an extremely challenging financial context using existing, limited resources to take forward actions. As a result of this, the Strategy is being implemented through Annual Delivery Plans which set year-on-year priorities and actions. In 2023/24, progress was made in taking forward a number of actions, including:\n\nImplementation of the community perinatal mental health service across the region, with teams now in place in all Trusts.\n\nCo-design of a three-year implementation plan for the establishment of the Regional Mental Health Service (RMHS).\n\nCompletion of a three-year Early Intervention and Prevention Action Plan, with progress made on implementation of actions.\n\nCompletion and publication of an independent Mental Health workforce review, with work underway to begin planning implementation of key recommendations.\n\nAdditional investment in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to enhance existing provision and alleviate pressures.\n\nRoll-out of the emotional health and wellbeing teams in schools, with initial cohort of schools identified and engaged.\n\nEstablishment of the Digital Mental Health Board and appointment of project leads to develop a digital mental health service action plan.\n\nCompletion of a review exploring the optimal approach to engaging the community and voluntary sector in the development of mental health policy and provision.\n\nThe Annual Delivery Plan for 2024/25 is currently being finalised and will set out a fuller update on progress made against agreed deliverables in 2023/24. This Plan will also set out an agreed set of actions which will be taken forward in 2024/25.","answerHtml":"Delivery of the Mental Health Strategy has been taking place within an extremely challenging financial context using existing, limited resources to take forward actions. As a result of this, the Strategy is being implemented through Annual Delivery Plans which set year-on-year priorities and actions. In 2023/24, progress was made in taking forward a number of actions, including:
Implementation of the community perinatal mental health service across the region, with teams now in place in all Trusts.
Co-design of a three-year implementation plan for the establishment of the Regional Mental Health Service (RMHS).
Completion of a three-year Early Intervention and Prevention Action Plan, with progress made on implementation of actions.
Completion and publication of an independent Mental Health workforce review, with work underway to begin planning implementation of key recommendations.
Additional investment in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to enhance existing provision and alleviate pressures.
Roll-out of the emotional health and wellbeing teams in schools, with initial cohort of schools identified and engaged.
Establishment of the Digital Mental Health Board and appointment of project leads to develop a digital mental health service action plan.
Completion of a review exploring the optimal approach to engaging the community and voluntary sector in the development of mental health policy and provision.
The Annual Delivery Plan for 2024/25 is currently being finalised and will set out a fuller update on progress made against agreed deliverables in 2023/24. This Plan will also set out an agreed set of actions which will be taken forward in 2024/25.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013636%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=406330","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=406330"}},{"id":"406329","reference":"AQW 13635/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-20","answerBy":"2024-07-05","answered":"2024-07-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for a breakdown of the funding provided to projects in North Down from the Mental Health Support Fund, for each year since the inception of the fund.","answerText":"The funding provided to projects in North Down from the Mental Health Support Fund, for each year since the inception of the fund is as follows:\n\nOrganisation\tTotal Funding Awarded\tAmount received in year 21/22\tAmount received in year 22/23\tAmount received in year 23/24\tAmount received in year 24/25\nACET (Northern Ireland) Limited\t£101,000.00\t£47,000.00\t£47,000.00\t£7,000.00\t£0.00\nFind Help NI\t£259,022.00\t£63,270.50\t£84,360.64\t£109,390.86\t£2,000.00\nHolywood Family Trust\t£249,270.00\t£62,317.50\t£62,317.50\t£124,635.00\t£0.00\nNorth Down Community Network\t£256,900.00\t£62,475.00\t£68,425.00\t£98,950.00\t£27,050.00\nBarnardo's Northern Ireland\t£94,915.00\t£0.00\t£47,457.50\t£47,457.50\t£0.00\nAGE North Down & Ards (AGENDA)\t£46,238.00\t£34,584.00\t£0.00\t£0.00\t£11,654.00\n\nNorth Down Community Network and AGENDA are still pending uplift payments of £2,000 and £3,008, respectively, both of which should be processed in the coming months. These figures have been included in this table for these organisations.","answerHtml":"The funding provided to projects in North Down from the Mental Health Support Fund, for each year since the inception of the fund is as follows:
| Organisation | Total Funding Awarded | Amount received in year 21/22 | Amount received in year 22/23 | Amount received in year 23/24 | Amount received in year 24/25 |
| ACET (Northern Ireland) Limited | £101,000.00 | £47,000.00 | £47,000.00 | £7,000.00 | £0.00 |
| Find Help NI | £259,022.00 | £63,270.50 | £84,360.64 | £109,390.86 | £2,000.00 |
| Holywood Family Trust | £249,270.00 | £62,317.50 | £62,317.50 | £124,635.00 | £0.00 |
| North Down Community Network | £256,900.00 | £62,475.00 | £68,425.00 | £98,950.00 | £27,050.00 |
| Barnardo's Northern Ireland | £94,915.00 | £0.00 | £47,457.50 | £47,457.50 | £0.00 |
| AGE North Down & Ards (AGENDA) | £46,238.00 | £34,584.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £11,654.00 |
North Down Community Network and AGENDA are still pending uplift payments of £2,000 and £3,008, respectively, both of which should be processed in the coming months. These figures have been included in this table for these organisations.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013635%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=406329","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=406329"}},{"id":"406389","reference":"AQO 708/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-20","answerBy":"2024-07-02","answered":"2024-07-02","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 interim Public Service Transformation Board.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Dr Archibald (The Minister of Finance)","text":"Public services across many sectors are in critical need of investment to ensure the quality and efficiency of service that citizens quite rightly expect. Transformation is also essential if the Executive are to put their finances on a more sustainable footing. The financial package for the restored Executive includes £235 million of ring-fenced funding for public-sector transformation. That will provide £47 million each year over a five-year period. On 9 May, the Executive agreed my proposed approach for making quick progress on the use of that important funding. I have now established and appointed members to an interim public-sector transformation board chaired by the head of the Civil Service, Jayne Brady. The interim board has been working at pace and, supported by my officials, issued a call for transformation proposals on 31 May. Those have now been received, and I am pleased to report that all Departments have submitted proposals. The interim board is currently assessing proposals to determine which are genuinely transformative and how projects could be prioritised to make the most effective use of the funding available. It will then make its recommendations to me on that basis. Work is ongoing separately to develop the terms of reference for the board. Once all of that is completed, I will bring recommendations to the Executive for agreement. While the funding will in no way tackle the magnitude of issues in hand, I am committed to using it as effectively as possible to develop and implement a model of delivery that will stimulate the wider transformation of public services."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"I thank the Minister for her answer. It is good to hear about the work that the interim board has done so far. What is the timetable for establishing the board on a permanent basis?"},{"speaker":"Dr Archibald","text":"The board has been established on an interim basis to allow us to make progress with the funding for this financial year. We did not want to be in a position in which we were not able to receive proposals and thus not spend the £47 million, which would potentially have put us in the position of losing some of the money or having to ask for it to be re-profiled. We will seek to put the board on a firm and permanent footing. I anticipate that, once the board has completed its work on developing them, the terms of reference will come to the Executive. I imagine that that will happen over the summer months. Come the autumn, we will look at the membership more widely and the terms of reference. We have established the board with three permanent members, but we may look at the mechanism for bringing in independent experts who are able to provide specific advice on particular projects."},{"speaker":"Mr McGuigan","text":"What criteria will Departments need to meet? How will the proposals be assessed?"},{"speaker":"Dr Archibald","text":"The letter from the interim transformation board to Departments requested that proposals aim to meet some or all of the following objectives: to increase financial sustainability of public services; to transform the model of delivery of public services to improve effectiveness and efficiency, to meet increased demands and improve outcomes for citizens; and to ensure prevention or cost savings through early intervention. Further guidance was provided through the pro forma that Departments were asked to complete. Large-scale proposals of £10 million or more that pass an initial sift will undergo an additional process for application and assessment, given the higher levels of transformation investment sought. The interim board may also take advice from subject matter experts to inform its decisions and/or ask to meet Departments to discuss and understand their proposals better."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20708%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=406389","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2024-07-02&docID=406827#AQO%20708/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=406389"}},{"id":"408367","reference":"AQO 703/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-20","answerBy":"2024-07-01","answered":"2024-07-23","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 reviewing the protocol for Gateway Service referrals from the PSNI to ensure that vulnerable children receive the protection and support needed.","answerText":"Ensuring the right response at the right time for children and young people who are referred to Children’s Gateway teams is of the upmost importance.\n\nThere is not a separate protocol for Gateway Service referrals from the PSNI.\n\nInstead, Children’s Gateway teams consider referrals from all organisations, including the PSNI, utilising the regional ‘Understanding the Needs of Children In Northern Ireland’ guidance and under the statutory responsibility set out in the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children within its area who are in need. Gateway teams screen and threshold referrals received to determine the most appropriate response, either through initial assessment by a Social Worker, onward sign posting or no further action.\n\nPSNI referrals for alleged or suspected child abuse are considered under the ‘Protocol for Joint Investigation by Social Workers and Police Officer of Alleged or Suspected Cases of Child Abuse, April 2021’. Following a referral under this protocol Gateway teams and PSNI will jointly consider relevant information known and make an assessment of the information, allegation and context before a decision regarding a joint investigation is made.\n\nThere is currently ongoing liaison between Department of Health officials and Health and Social Care Trusts to review the referrals that are being made to Children’s Gateway teams by the PSNI. This work aims to ensure that referrals made are appropriate and receive a timely and proportionate response.\n\nDepartment of Health officials also continue to liaise with PSNI colleagues in respect of the referral information that is being sent to Children’s Gateway teams in respect of the quality and timeliness of information. This will support Gateway services to screen and threshold referrals accurately, and ensure no Child in Need is failed to be noticed.","answerHtml":"Ensuring the right response at the right time for children and young people who are referred to Children’s Gateway teams is of the upmost importance.
There is not a separate protocol for Gateway Service referrals from the PSNI.
Instead, Children’s Gateway teams consider referrals from all organisations, including the PSNI, utilising the regional ‘Understanding the Needs of Children In Northern Ireland’ guidance and under the statutory responsibility set out in the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children within its area who are in need. Gateway teams screen and threshold referrals received to determine the most appropriate response, either through initial assessment by a Social Worker, onward sign posting or no further action.
PSNI referrals for alleged or suspected child abuse are considered under the ‘Protocol for Joint Investigation by Social Workers and Police Officer of Alleged or Suspected Cases of Child Abuse, April 2021’. Following a referral under this protocol Gateway teams and PSNI will jointly consider relevant information known and make an assessment of the information, allegation and context before a decision regarding a joint investigation is made.
There is currently ongoing liaison between Department of Health officials and Health and Social Care Trusts to review the referrals that are being made to Children’s Gateway teams by the PSNI. This work aims to ensure that referrals made are appropriate and receive a timely and proportionate response.
Department of Health officials also continue to liaise with PSNI colleagues in respect of the referral information that is being sent to Children’s Gateway teams in respect of the quality and timeliness of information. This will support Gateway services to screen and threshold referrals accurately, and ensure no Child in Need is failed to be noticed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20703%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=408367","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=408367"}},{"id":"405650","reference":"AQW 13395/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-14","answerBy":"2024-07-01","answered":"2024-07-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any engagement he has had with the PSNI in relation to flags on street furniture since coming into office.","answerText":"I can advise the member that I have not had any direct engagement with PSNI in relation to flags on street furniture since coming into office.\n\nHowever, upon receiving a complaint, or a request for removal of an attachment, and the location having been established, my officials contact the PSNI to determine if removal is likely to increase the risk of local community tension.\n\nFinding 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":"I can advise the member that I have not had any direct engagement with PSNI in relation to flags on street furniture since coming into office.
However, upon receiving a complaint, or a request for removal of an attachment, and the location having been established, my officials contact the PSNI to determine if removal is likely to increase the risk of local community tension.
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%2013395%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=405650","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=405650"}},{"id":"405649","reference":"AQW 13394/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-14","answerBy":"2024-07-01","answered":"2024-11-22","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 their assessment of the Joint Flags Protocol 2005.","answerText":"At a community level we have seen examples of where the Joint Flags Protocol has worked well, with community organisations working with political representatives and other agencies to find solutions to issues through consensus and discussion.\n\nWe recognise, though, that work around flags continues to be one of our society’s challenging issues. Finding consensus on a way forward on such issues can be challenging. However, recent Assembly debates confirm there is shared opposition to offensive displays such as paramilitary flags.\n\nIssues related to flags were considered most recently by the Commission for Flags, Identity, Culture and Traditions (FICT). We are currently considering a submission from officials outlining possible next steps in relation to issues associated with the FICT report.","answerHtml":"At a community level we have seen examples of where the Joint Flags Protocol has worked well, with community organisations working with political representatives and other agencies to find solutions to issues through consensus and discussion.
We recognise, though, that work around flags continues to be one of our society’s challenging issues. Finding consensus on a way forward on such issues can be challenging. However, recent Assembly debates confirm there is shared opposition to offensive displays such as paramilitary flags.
Issues related to flags were considered most recently by the Commission for Flags, Identity, Culture and Traditions (FICT). We are currently considering a submission from officials outlining possible next steps in relation to issues associated with the FICT report.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013394%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=405649","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=405649"}},{"id":"405648","reference":"AQW 13393/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-14","answerBy":"2024-07-01","answered":"2024-06-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he will provide a school crossing patrol on Abbey Road outside Millisle Primary School.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) is responsible for the operation of the School Crossing Patrol Scheme, which includes undertaking assessments of potential locations in line with Road Safety GB School Crossing Patrol Service Guidelines to determine if a crossing patrol should be introduced.\n\nThe EA has advised me that an assessment has been carried out at Abbey Road, outside Millisle Primary School, and that a review of that assessment was also undertaken and the scoring adjusted to take account of further information provided by the school in relation to a traffic incident which occurred in June. I am informed that the site at Abbey Road does not meet the minimum threshold criteria for the introduction of a School Crossing Patrol.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) is responsible for the operation of the School Crossing Patrol Scheme, which includes undertaking assessments of potential locations in line with Road Safety GB School Crossing Patrol Service Guidelines to determine if a crossing patrol should be introduced.
The EA has advised me that an assessment has been carried out at Abbey Road, outside Millisle Primary School, and that a review of that assessment was also undertaken and the scoring adjusted to take account of further information provided by the school in relation to a traffic incident which occurred in June. I am informed that the site at Abbey Road does not meet the minimum threshold criteria for the introduction of a School Crossing Patrol.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013393%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=405648","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=405648"}},{"id":"405647","reference":"AQW 13392/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-14","answerBy":"2024-07-01","answered":"2024-06-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the number of children deemed homeless in North Down in the last three years.","answerText":"The biannual Northern Ireland Homelessness Bulletin October 2023 – March 2024, published on 13 June, contains information on a range of areas relating to homelessness and is available at https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/publications/northern-ireland-homelessness-bulletin-october-2023-march-2024.\n\nPlease refer to Section 2 in the accompanying tables for detail on Homelessness acceptances. Table 2.7 details the number of children from households accepted as homeless by age bracket, however we do not hold this information specific to North Down.","answerHtml":"The biannual Northern Ireland Homelessness Bulletin October 2023 – March 2024, published on 13 June, contains information on a range of areas relating to homelessness and is available at https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/publications/northern-ireland-homelessness-bulletin-october-2023-march-2024.
Please refer to Section 2 in the accompanying tables for detail on Homelessness acceptances. Table 2.7 details the number of children from households accepted as homeless by age bracket, however we do not hold this information specific to North Down.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013392%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=405647","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=405647"}},{"id":"405646","reference":"AQW 13391/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-14","answerBy":"2024-07-01","answered":"2024-07-05","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 he has to address obstructive pavement parking.","answerText":"The recent introduction of the Footways (Prohibition of Waiting) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 allows the Department to enforce against vehicles found parked on footways alongside bus lanes, bus stops/stands, mandatory cycle lanes and mandatory ‘School Keep Clear’ markings. The legislation adds to list of specific areas where footway parking is prohibited, and I believe it is a positive step forward in deterring inconsiderate pavement parking.\n\nThe Department routinely reminds drivers to ‘think before you park’ and continues to take action against vehicles that are in contravention of parking restrictions, including those that apply to footways. Where we cannot act, the police can enforce against vehicles found to be obstructing a footway.\n\nOn 6 December 2023 the Department released a Findings Report on the responses received to the consultation on inconsiderate pavement parking. This can be accessed using this link;\n\nhttps://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/inconsiderate-pavement-parking-findings-report I plan to issue a formal response to the consultation exercise when I have had the opportunity to consider the Findings Report.","answerHtml":"The recent introduction of the Footways (Prohibition of Waiting) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 allows the Department to enforce against vehicles found parked on footways alongside bus lanes, bus stops/stands, mandatory cycle lanes and mandatory ‘School Keep Clear’ markings. The legislation adds to list of specific areas where footway parking is prohibited, and I believe it is a positive step forward in deterring inconsiderate pavement parking.
The Department routinely reminds drivers to ‘think before you park’ and continues to take action against vehicles that are in contravention of parking restrictions, including those that apply to footways. Where we cannot act, the police can enforce against vehicles found to be obstructing a footway.
On 6 December 2023 the Department released a Findings Report on the responses received to the consultation on inconsiderate pavement parking. This can be accessed using this link;
https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/inconsiderate-pavement-parking-findings-report I plan to issue a formal response to the consultation exercise when I have had the opportunity to consider the Findings Report.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013391%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=405646","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=405646"}},{"id":"406665","reference":"AQO 646/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-13","answerBy":"2024-06-24","answered":"2024-06-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether he will include paid carer's leave in the proposed employment bill.","answerText":"Question 7 - AQO 646/22-27\n\nI intend to bring forward an Employment Rights Bill within the current mandate to ensure our employment law framework operates effectively for employees and businesses.\n\nI am aware there have been calls for the leave to be a paid right which go beyond the provisions in Britain, the South of Ireland and the EU.\n\nThe cost of providing paid carer’s leave would be considerable and would have to be fully funded by the Executive. In addition to the costs of providing paid carer’s leave there are other possible implications such as the availability of funding for any HMRC system changes that would be required.\n\nThese changes would require considerable set up costs and the ongoing annual costs would be substantial.\n\nCarer’s leave is one of the issues within an Employment Rights Bill that I intend to consult upon and any policy proposals for new legislation will be informed by the outcome of the consultation process.\n\nThese in turn will also need the necessary approvals from the Executive and the Assembly.","answerHtml":"Question 7 - AQO 646/22-27
I intend to bring forward an Employment Rights Bill within the current mandate to ensure our employment law framework operates effectively for employees and businesses.
I am aware there have been calls for the leave to be a paid right which go beyond the provisions in Britain, the South of Ireland and the EU.
The cost of providing paid carer’s leave would be considerable and would have to be fully funded by the Executive. In addition to the costs of providing paid carer’s leave there are other possible implications such as the availability of funding for any HMRC system changes that would be required.
These changes would require considerable set up costs and the ongoing annual costs would be substantial.
Carer’s leave is one of the issues within an Employment Rights Bill that I intend to consult upon and any policy proposals for new legislation will be informed by the outcome of the consultation process.
These in turn will also need the necessary approvals from the Executive and the Assembly.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20646%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=406665","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=406665"}},{"id":"405366","reference":"AQW 13286/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-12","answerBy":"2024-06-27","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the safe staffing levels in the Ulster Hospital; and (ii) the number of days the Ulster Hospital dropped below the safe staffing levels in the last three years.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013286%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=405366","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=405366"}},{"id":"405365","reference":"AQW 13285/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-12","answerBy":"2024-06-27","answered":"2024-06-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether his Department has issued guidance to schools in relation to hosting political events during the pre-election period.","answerText":"DE Circular 2024/09 “Use of school premises for political events – Advice” was issued to all schools on 24 May 2024. Details of the circular contents can be found here.\n\nDE Circular 2024/09 - Use of School Premises for Political Events - Advice | Department of Education (education-ni.gov.uk)","answerHtml":"DE Circular 2024/09 “Use of school premises for political events – Advice” was issued to all schools on 24 May 2024. Details of the circular contents can be found here.
DE Circular 2024/09 - Use of School Premises for Political Events - Advice | Department of Education (education-ni.gov.uk)
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013285%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=405365","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=405365"}},{"id":"405204","reference":"AQW 13222/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-11","answerBy":"2024-06-26","answered":"2024-06-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 11969/22-27, to detail his Department’s road defect intervention criteria, in accordance with the limited service maintenance policy.","answerText":"My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to underfunding and austerity by the British Government. As a result, my Department has had to reduce its routine road maintenance activities to a limited service which means my Department can only repair the highest priority defects across the network.\n\nDefects greater than 50mm depth are being repaired across all roads. On high traffic roads, defects greater than 20mm are also being repaired. Pursuant to AQW 11969/22-27, Castle Park Road is a low traffic road and therefore, in accordance with the limited service maintenance policy, defects greater than 50mm will be repaired.\n\nA copy of these standards can be found at:\n\nhttps://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/infrastructure/road-maintenance-standards-for-safety-limited-service-in-2021-22-dem-160-21.pdf","answerHtml":"My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to underfunding and austerity by the British Government. As a result, my Department has had to reduce its routine road maintenance activities to a limited service which means my Department can only repair the highest priority defects across the network.
Defects greater than 50mm depth are being repaired across all roads. On high traffic roads, defects greater than 20mm are also being repaired. Pursuant to AQW 11969/22-27, Castle Park Road is a low traffic road and therefore, in accordance with the limited service maintenance policy, defects greater than 50mm will be repaired.
A copy of these standards can be found at:
https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/infrastructure/road-maintenance-standards-for-safety-limited-service-in-2021-22-dem-160-21.pdf
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013222%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=405204","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=405204"}},{"id":"405203","reference":"AQW 13221/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-11","answerBy":"2024-06-26","answered":"2024-06-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of people that have been able to access calcitonin gene-related peptide medications in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust in the last five years.","answerText":"My Department has a formal link with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) under which NICE Technology Appraisals are reviewed locally for their legal and policy applicability here, and where found to be applicable, they are endorsed for implementation within Health and Social Care (HSC) organisations. In practice, this means that treatments that have been recommended by NICE for routine use in the NHS in England are also available in Northern Ireland. This process is relevant to the commissioning of treatments for migraines including calcitonin gene-related peptide medications.\n\nIn the last five years NICE have recommended a number of treatments for migraine which have been endorsed for use in Northern Ireland. It should be noted that most of these treatments are predominately provided within primary care and the SPPG does not hold prescribing data for SEHSCT.\n\nHowever, the SPPG is able to provide the number of successful Cost-per-Case applications submitted by a secondary care clinician and approved by SPPG. These figures are not likely to represent the total usage of these treatments and it should be noted that a successful CPC application does not guarantee that an individual began treatment.\n\nTA\tTreatment\tNo. in SEHSCT\nTA906\n(July 2023)\tRimegepant\t0\nTA871\n(March 2023)\tEpitinezumab\t0\nTA764\n(February 2022)\tFremanezumab\t0\nTA682\n(March 2021)\tErenumab\t0\nTA659\n(November 2020)\tGalcanezumab\t0\nTA631\n(July 2020)\tFremanezumab\t10","answerHtml":"My Department has a formal link with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) under which NICE Technology Appraisals are reviewed locally for their legal and policy applicability here, and where found to be applicable, they are endorsed for implementation within Health and Social Care (HSC) organisations. In practice, this means that treatments that have been recommended by NICE for routine use in the NHS in England are also available in Northern Ireland. This process is relevant to the commissioning of treatments for migraines including calcitonin gene-related peptide medications.
In the last five years NICE have recommended a number of treatments for migraine which have been endorsed for use in Northern Ireland. It should be noted that most of these treatments are predominately provided within primary care and the SPPG does not hold prescribing data for SEHSCT.
However, the SPPG is able to provide the number of successful Cost-per-Case applications submitted by a secondary care clinician and approved by SPPG. These figures are not likely to represent the total usage of these treatments and it should be noted that a successful CPC application does not guarantee that an individual began treatment.
| TA | Treatment | No. in SEHSCT |
| TA906 (July 2023) | Rimegepant | 0 |
| TA871 (March 2023) | Epitinezumab | 0 |
| TA764 (February 2022) | Fremanezumab | 0 |
| TA682 (March 2021) | Erenumab | 0 |
| TA659 (November 2020) | Galcanezumab | 0 |
| TA631 (July 2020) | Fremanezumab | 10 |
The introduction of the Neurology Acute referral Management system (NARMS)in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust has led to headache referrals being streamlined to advice, investigation or face to face clinic review pathways.
The advice pathway (25-47% of referrals) had a written response with guidance within 48 hours (pre-encompass), investigations (17-20% of referrals) were largely radiological red flag CT performed within a 2-6 week timeframe and clinic appointments (33-47% of referrals) were seen within maximum 12 weeks.
The service has experienced some staffing pressures which has seen an increase in waiting times but these should be addressed later in the summer.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013220%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=405202","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=405202"}},{"id":"405201","reference":"AQW 13219/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-11","answerBy":"2024-06-26","answered":"2024-06-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any engagement he has had with (i) Artemis Technologies; and (ii) Condor Ferries in relation to the electric passenger ferry pilot between Bangor and Belfast.","answerText":"I met with Artemis in August 2022 when I was previously in this post.\n\nMy Department has met Artemis Technologies on its proposed Belfast to Bangor ferry route on a number of occasions. At the most recent meeting, on 16 May 2024, which was also attended by a representative from Condor Ferries, officials were provided with an update on progress.","answerHtml":"I met with Artemis in August 2022 when I was previously in this post.
My Department has met Artemis Technologies on its proposed Belfast to Bangor ferry route on a number of occasions. At the most recent meeting, on 16 May 2024, which was also attended by a representative from Condor Ferries, officials were provided with an update on progress.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013219%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=405201","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=405201"}},{"id":"405000","reference":"AQW 13165/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-10","answerBy":"2024-06-25","answered":"2024-06-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Northern Ireland Assembly Commission","departmentId":"2","minister":"Assembly Commission","question":"To ask the Assembly Commission why lockers are not available at the entrance to the Public Gallery of the Assembly Chamber to enable visitors to store bags.","answerText":"Due to the limited space that is available at the entrance to the Public Gallery of the Assembly Chamber storage boxes have been provided for small items such as mobile phones and wallets. As this area is an evacuation route in the event of an emergency evacuation it is important that it is kept clear.\n\nThe Assembly Commission has however provided larger lockers that visitors are able to store bags in at the ramped entrance to the Great Hall.","answerHtml":"Due to the limited space that is available at the entrance to the Public Gallery of the Assembly Chamber storage boxes have been provided for small items such as mobile phones and wallets. As this area is an evacuation route in the event of an emergency evacuation it is important that it is kept clear.
The Assembly Commission has however provided larger lockers that visitors are able to store bags in at the ramped entrance to the Great Hall.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013165%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=405000","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=405000"}},{"id":"404999","reference":"AQW 13164/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-10","answerBy":"2024-06-25","answered":"2024-06-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail his plans to reduce waiting times for cancer treatment in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"The Department continues to work with all Trusts to reduce the current waiting time for cancer treatments. In the first quarter of 2024/25 non-recurrent funding has been allocated to Trusts to support additional waiting list initiative work, using both inhouse and independent sector capacity. In addition, the Department continues to facilitate the equalisation and reduction of waiting times through the inter-Trust transfer of patients.\n\nThe Strategic Planning and Performance Group of DOH meet quarterly with trust colleagues to review performance against 14-day breast, 31 and 62 targets/pathways to maximise on efficiencies within current service provision. Trusts also provide Cancer Performance Optimisation Plans. These plans are intended to reduce variation in practice, reduce variation in waiting times, maximising workforce capacity and skill mix, thereby optimising capacity and productivity within core service provision.\n\nIn 23/24, the South Easter Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT) experienced a 10% increase in referrals compared to 2022/23. SEHSCT continues to work with Primary Care to ensure that patients are referred appropriately. Recently, GP events have been delivered and were well attended and well received.\n\nSEHSCT recognises the absolute priority of reducing cancer waiting times and works continuously to improve these using all parts of its multi-professional team. The following list is by no means exhaustive but highlights some of the many examples of actions that SEHSCT is currently taking to reduce the waiting times for patients:\n\nBi-weekly Director-led cancer-focused improvement group established in 2024 to develop and monitor action plans and mitigations specifically in regard to reducing the waiting time between referral and first outpatient appointment.\n\nWorking with specialties to implement enhanced triage to reduce the demand for red flag services.\n\nReview of specialty capacity to ensure maximisation of red flag slots in clinic, including utilising virtual clinics where appropriate.\n\nImplementation of seasonal templates to manage predicted increases in demand.\n\nUtilising non-recurrent funding to provide additional outpatient and diagnostic capacity via Waiting List Initiatives and Independent Sector (IS) clinics.\n\nTrust inclusion in the Vague Symptom Pathway to commence in summer 2024 as part of the NI Cancer Strategy programme.\n\nWhere appropriate, instigating direct to test pathways to accelerate decision making relating to diagnosis of cancer\n\nThe Trust has also implemented a number of innovative service developments focused on improving diagnosis and treatment pathways:\n\nTransurethral laser ablation (TULA) has recently been set up.\n\nThe mole mapping service has been running for 18 months and is diagnosing patients earlier.\n\nFurther development of advanced endoscopic techniques for polyp excision, including full-thickness endoscopic resection.\n\nPhoto triage implemented in dermatology.\n\nImportantly, once diagnosed, 95% of patients start treatment within 31 days of their decision to treat.","answerHtml":"The Department continues to work with all Trusts to reduce the current waiting time for cancer treatments. In the first quarter of 2024/25 non-recurrent funding has been allocated to Trusts to support additional waiting list initiative work, using both inhouse and independent sector capacity. In addition, the Department continues to facilitate the equalisation and reduction of waiting times through the inter-Trust transfer of patients.
The Strategic Planning and Performance Group of DOH meet quarterly with trust colleagues to review performance against 14-day breast, 31 and 62 targets/pathways to maximise on efficiencies within current service provision. Trusts also provide Cancer Performance Optimisation Plans. These plans are intended to reduce variation in practice, reduce variation in waiting times, maximising workforce capacity and skill mix, thereby optimising capacity and productivity within core service provision.
In 23/24, the South Easter Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT) experienced a 10% increase in referrals compared to 2022/23. SEHSCT continues to work with Primary Care to ensure that patients are referred appropriately. Recently, GP events have been delivered and were well attended and well received.
SEHSCT recognises the absolute priority of reducing cancer waiting times and works continuously to improve these using all parts of its multi-professional team. The following list is by no means exhaustive but highlights some of the many examples of actions that SEHSCT is currently taking to reduce the waiting times for patients:
Bi-weekly Director-led cancer-focused improvement group established in 2024 to develop and monitor action plans and mitigations specifically in regard to reducing the waiting time between referral and first outpatient appointment.
Working with specialties to implement enhanced triage to reduce the demand for red flag services.
Review of specialty capacity to ensure maximisation of red flag slots in clinic, including utilising virtual clinics where appropriate.
Implementation of seasonal templates to manage predicted increases in demand.
Utilising non-recurrent funding to provide additional outpatient and diagnostic capacity via Waiting List Initiatives and Independent Sector (IS) clinics.
Trust inclusion in the Vague Symptom Pathway to commence in summer 2024 as part of the NI Cancer Strategy programme.
Where appropriate, instigating direct to test pathways to accelerate decision making relating to diagnosis of cancer
The Trust has also implemented a number of innovative service developments focused on improving diagnosis and treatment pathways:
Transurethral laser ablation (TULA) has recently been set up.
The mole mapping service has been running for 18 months and is diagnosing patients earlier.
Further development of advanced endoscopic techniques for polyp excision, including full-thickness endoscopic resection.
Photo triage implemented in dermatology.
Importantly, once diagnosed, 95% of patients start treatment within 31 days of their decision to treat.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013164%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=404999","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=404999"}},{"id":"404998","reference":"AQW 13163/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-10","answerBy":"2024-06-25","answered":"2024-06-24","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 Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland 2022-2032.","answerText":"Significant progress has been made to deliver a number of Cancer Strategy actions, for example:\n\nTwo Rapid Diagnosis Centres (RDC) delivering a vague symptoms pathway for people with vague but worrying symptoms which may be cancer, for patients across the region.\n\nHaematology pathway reviews have been completed. Officials are currently implementing the recommendations to help improve service delivery and sustainability.\n\nA review of cancer support services for Adolescents and Young Adults has also been completed, with work progressing to implement the recommendations.\n\nBreast cancer services in Northern Ireland are being reviewed, with view to developing a more resilient and equitable service model.\n\nA directory of cancer support services has been developed to help signpost those impacted by a cancer diagnosis to support services in their area.\n\nWork to develop a Cancer Research Strategy is progressing, with plans to publish during the current financial year.\n\nNorthern Ireland was the first part of the UK to commence work to implement an optimal care pathway for pancreatic cancer patients.\n\nWhilst there has been progress, it will not be possible to fully implement the cancer strategy without significant additional investment over the coming years.","answerHtml":"Significant progress has been made to deliver a number of Cancer Strategy actions, for example:
Two Rapid Diagnosis Centres (RDC) delivering a vague symptoms pathway for people with vague but worrying symptoms which may be cancer, for patients across the region.
Haematology pathway reviews have been completed. Officials are currently implementing the recommendations to help improve service delivery and sustainability.
A review of cancer support services for Adolescents and Young Adults has also been completed, with work progressing to implement the recommendations.
Breast cancer services in Northern Ireland are being reviewed, with view to developing a more resilient and equitable service model.
A directory of cancer support services has been developed to help signpost those impacted by a cancer diagnosis to support services in their area.
Work to develop a Cancer Research Strategy is progressing, with plans to publish during the current financial year.
Northern Ireland was the first part of the UK to commence work to implement an optimal care pathway for pancreatic cancer patients.
Whilst there has been progress, it will not be possible to fully implement the cancer strategy without significant additional investment over the coming years.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013163%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=404998","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=404998"}},{"id":"404997","reference":"AQW 13162/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-10","answerBy":"2024-06-25","answered":"2024-06-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he has made any representation to the Electoral Commission in relation to the use of yLink Smartcards as an acceptable form of voter identification.","answerText":"I can confirm that my Department has not made any representation to the Electoral Commission in relation to the use of yLink Smartcards as an acceptable form of voter identification.","answerHtml":"I can confirm that my Department has not made any representation to the Electoral Commission in relation to the use of yLink Smartcards as an acceptable form of voter identification.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013162%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=404997","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=404997"}},{"id":"404996","reference":"AQW 13161/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-10","answerBy":"2024-06-25","answered":"2024-06-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether he has made any representation to the Electoral Commission in relation to the use of student cards as an acceptable form of voter identification.","answerText":"I have not made representations to the Electoral Commission in relation to the use of student cards as an acceptable form of voter identification.\n\nThis is not a matter for the Department for the Economy as voter identification is not within my Department’s remit.\n\nThe Electoral Office for Northern Ireland provides a list of appropriate identification documents for voters. This can be found at https://www.eoni.org.uk/Vote/Voting-at-a-polling-place","answerHtml":"I have not made representations to the Electoral Commission in relation to the use of student cards as an acceptable form of voter identification.
This is not a matter for the Department for the Economy as voter identification is not within my Department’s remit.
The Electoral Office for Northern Ireland provides a list of appropriate identification documents for voters. This can be found at https://www.eoni.org.uk/Vote/Voting-at-a-polling-place
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013161%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=404996","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=404996"}},{"id":"404816","reference":"AQW 13103/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-07","answerBy":"2024-06-24","answered":"2024-06-19","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, pursuant to AQW 12219/22-27, to detail (i) the expenditure of the Executive Insight and Strategy Unit; and (ii) the areas of research which have been explored.","answerText":"In the 2023/24 financial year the Executive Insight and Strategy Unit (EISU) spent approximately £215k on staffing (one Director, 1 DP Economist and 0.5 FTE admin support), including employee costs and travel and subsistence.\n\nThe areas of research that have been explored include:\n\nMeasuring the Missions (People, Planet, Prosperity & Peace);\n\nNI Economic progress; and\n\nOther ad hoc research to support Ministerial and Head of Civil service engagements, such as Venture Capital & Private Equity.","answerHtml":"In the 2023/24 financial year the Executive Insight and Strategy Unit (EISU) spent approximately £215k on staffing (one Director, 1 DP Economist and 0.5 FTE admin support), including employee costs and travel and subsistence.
The areas of research that have been explored include:
Measuring the Missions (People, Planet, Prosperity & Peace);
NI Economic progress; and
Other ad hoc research to support Ministerial and Head of Civil service engagements, such as Venture Capital & Private Equity.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013103%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=404816","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=404816"}},{"id":"404815","reference":"AQW 13102/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-07","answerBy":"2024-06-24","answered":"2024-06-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the (i) number of claims in North Down to the Road Claims Unit; and (ii) amount paid out in those claims, in each of the last five years.","answerText":"My Department maintains its claims records by Section Office area which broadly align with Council areas. The number of claims received for accidents that occurred in the Ards and North Down Section Office area for the last five full financial years are detailed in the table below.\n\n2019/2020\t2020/2021\t2021/2022\t2022/2023\t2023/2024\nArds & North Down\t312\t280\t247\t371\t686\n\nThese figures include claims for vehicle damage, personal injury and property damage.\n\nThe compensation paid on claims for accidents that occurred in the Ards and North Down Section Office area for the last five full financial years are detailed in the table below.\n\n2019/2020\t2020/2021\t2021/2022\t2022/2023\t2023/2024\nArds & North Down\t£244,566.27\t£280,957.61\t£314,190.14\t£316,770.16\t£425,081.19\n\nAgain, these figures include claims for vehicle damage, personal injury and property damage.\n\nIn addition, note that claims received in a financial year are not always concluded in the same financial year. Therefore, the claims expenditure figures for a given financial year will usually include claims that were received in prior financial years.","answerHtml":"My Department maintains its claims records by Section Office area which broadly align with Council areas. The number of claims received for accidents that occurred in the Ards and North Down Section Office area for the last five full financial years are detailed in the table below.
| 2019/2020 | 2020/2021 | 2021/2022 | 2022/2023 | 2023/2024 | |
| Ards & North Down | 312 | 280 | 247 | 371 | 686 |
These figures include claims for vehicle damage, personal injury and property damage.
The compensation paid on claims for accidents that occurred in the Ards and North Down Section Office area for the last five full financial years are detailed in the table below.
| 2019/2020 | 2020/2021 | 2021/2022 | 2022/2023 | 2023/2024 | |
| Ards & North Down | £244,566.27 | £280,957.61 | £314,190.14 | £316,770.16 | £425,081.19 |
Again, these figures include claims for vehicle damage, personal injury and property damage.
In addition, note that claims received in a financial year are not always concluded in the same financial year. Therefore, the claims expenditure figures for a given financial year will usually include claims that were received in prior financial years.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013102%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=404815","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=404815"}},{"id":"404814","reference":"AQW 13101/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-07","answerBy":"2024-06-24","answered":"2024-07-24","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, following the closure of the public consultation on the new Strategy for Victims and Survivors, to detail the timeframe for the publication of the strategy.","answerText":"Officials are currently reviewing responses to the public consultation which closed on 29 March, after which we will receive an updated Strategy for our consideration. We expect that we will receive this in the coming weeks, and it is our intention to publish after the summer recess. The updated Strategy will be presented to the TEO Committee in due course.","answerHtml":"Officials are currently reviewing responses to the public consultation which closed on 29 March, after which we will receive an updated Strategy for our consideration. We expect that we will receive this in the coming weeks, and it is our intention to publish after the summer recess. The updated Strategy will be presented to the TEO Committee in due course.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013101%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=404814","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=404814"}},{"id":"404813","reference":"AQW 13100/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-07","answerBy":"2024-06-24","answered":"2024-06-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether his Department plans to install any permanent speed indicator devices in North Down during the 2024-25 financial year.","answerText":"Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) are not considered to be traffic signs and do not fall under the remit of my department as they fall under the remit of Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSPs) and are funded by the Department of Justice through the Northern Ireland Policing Board.\n\nI recognise the road safety benefits SID signs can bring and my department works in partnership with the above mentioned bodies to ensure their safe and managed placement through developed policy Speed Indicator Devices DEM 191/23 (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk).\n\nMy department is aware of 6 locations identified by the PCSP for SID signs in the North Down and Ards area but would suggest that you make contact with your local PCSP for details of their specific locations.","answerHtml":"Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) are not considered to be traffic signs and do not fall under the remit of my department as they fall under the remit of Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSPs) and are funded by the Department of Justice through the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
I recognise the road safety benefits SID signs can bring and my department works in partnership with the above mentioned bodies to ensure their safe and managed placement through developed policy Speed Indicator Devices DEM 191/23 (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk).
My department is aware of 6 locations identified by the PCSP for SID signs in the North Down and Ards area but would suggest that you make contact with your local PCSP for details of their specific locations.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013100%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=404813","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=404813"}},{"id":"404812","reference":"AQW 13099/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-07","answerBy":"2024-06-24","answered":"2024-06-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, following the announcement on interim change to eligibility criteria, for his assessment of how many additional children in North Down will avail of free school meals and uniform grants.","answerText":"The 2023/24 school census shows 2,976 pupils attending a school in the North Down constituency are entitled to free school meals. While the Department is not able to model the impact of the interim rise in the income threshold for free school meals and uniform grant applications at constituency level, this interim rise seeks to broadly maintain the same number of children and young people able to access these supports in the 24/25 academic year.","answerHtml":"The 2023/24 school census shows 2,976 pupils attending a school in the North Down constituency are entitled to free school meals. While the Department is not able to model the impact of the interim rise in the income threshold for free school meals and uniform grant applications at constituency level, this interim rise seeks to broadly maintain the same number of children and young people able to access these supports in the 24/25 academic year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2013099%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=404812","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=404812"}},{"id":"405948","reference":"AQO 610/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-06","answerBy":"2024-06-17","answered":"2024-06-18","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 for an update on the redevelopment of Whitespots Country Park, Newtownards.","answerText":"The redevelopment of Whitespots Country Park is being delivered by Ards and North Down Borough Council with my Department acting as the ‘Accountable Department’ under the Complementary Funds. The Complementary Fund is contributing £7.4m to the project with a further £1.1m from the DAERA Environment Fund and a remaining Council contribution of £0.8m.\n\nThe Outline Business Case has received final approval, and the Letter of Offer will be issued in next few weeks. The project has a completion date of spring 2029.","answerHtml":"The redevelopment of Whitespots Country Park is being delivered by Ards and North Down Borough Council with my Department acting as the ‘Accountable Department’ under the Complementary Funds. The Complementary Fund is contributing £7.4m to the project with a further £1.1m from the DAERA Environment Fund and a remaining Council contribution of £0.8m.
The Outline Business Case has received final approval, and the Letter of Offer will be issued in next few weeks. The project has a completion date of spring 2029.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20610%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=405948","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=405948"}},{"id":"404324","reference":"AQW 12929/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-04","answerBy":"2024-06-19","answered":"2024-06-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 12383/22-27, whether he will amend policy arrangements set out in DE Circular 1996/41, to ensure pupils in statutory preschool settings can access Education Authority transport services.","answerText":"A change to the Home to School Transport policy would require a full review of the current policy.\n\nMy Department is currently considering the report published by the Independent Review of Education and work is progressing on an end-to-end review of SEN. Work is also underway on an action plan arising from the EA Landscape Review, to include detailed consideration of the operational delivery of services such as school transport.\n\nIt is in this context that I will consider the utility and timing of a new separate review of the Home to School Transport Policy and the associated policy options. Given the very significant budgetary pressures facing my Department, I need to give careful consideration to the affordability of any changes to the transport policy that would result in the widening of the criteria to access transport provision.","answerHtml":"A change to the Home to School Transport policy would require a full review of the current policy.
My Department is currently considering the report published by the Independent Review of Education and work is progressing on an end-to-end review of SEN. Work is also underway on an action plan arising from the EA Landscape Review, to include detailed consideration of the operational delivery of services such as school transport.
It is in this context that I will consider the utility and timing of a new separate review of the Home to School Transport Policy and the associated policy options. Given the very significant budgetary pressures facing my Department, I need to give careful consideration to the affordability of any changes to the transport policy that would result in the widening of the criteria to access transport provision.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012929%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=404324","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=404324"}},{"id":"404323","reference":"AQW 12928/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-04","answerBy":"2024-06-19","answered":"2024-06-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure on what date the Event Duration Monitor was installed at Brompton Road wastewater pumping station.","answerText":"The management of public wastewater pumping stations is an operational matter for NI Water. However, I have sought the requested information from NI Water and have been advised as follows:\n\nNI Water has advised that the event duration monitor at Brompton Road wastewater pumping station was installed and in effective use from 9 February 2024.\n\nFor any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com\n\nMaking direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.","answerHtml":"The management of public wastewater pumping stations is an operational matter for NI Water. However, I have sought the requested information from NI Water and have been advised as follows:
NI Water has advised that the event duration monitor at Brompton Road wastewater pumping station was installed and in effective use from 9 February 2024.
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com
Making direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012928%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=404323","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=404323"}},{"id":"404322","reference":"AQW 12927/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-04","answerBy":"2024-06-19","answered":"2024-06-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the services available to (i) diagnose; and (ii) treat Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, in all Health and Social Care Trusts.","answerText":"Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of rare inherited conditions that affect connective tissue and range in severity. The route to diagnosis will likely initially occur with the patient’s GP who may make a referral to secondary care for assessment by a specialist. The specialist will assess the indications for EDS and agree the appropriate clinical care plan. This may include referral for genetic testing (for very rare presentations) and/or referral to a specialist provider in GB consistent with the patient’s clinical needs.\n\nAlthough there is no specific treatment for EDS, it is possible to manage many of the symptoms, with support and advice from a range of healthcare professionals such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy. My Department is committed to improving services available for patients living with rare conditions as evidenced by the UK Rare Diseases Framework which was jointly published by the four UK Health Ministers on 9 January 2021 and the Northern Ireland Rare Diseases Action Plan, published in 2022.\n\nThe work of the Action Plan is being advanced under the leadership of my Department through the NI Rare Disease Implementation Group. Areas of work in progress include the development of clinical pathways for rare diseases to support and inform health professionals, patients and their families on how conditions are identified, diagnosed and managed including the input and role of wider HSC highly specialised service providers in their care.","answerHtml":"Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of rare inherited conditions that affect connective tissue and range in severity. The route to diagnosis will likely initially occur with the patient’s GP who may make a referral to secondary care for assessment by a specialist. The specialist will assess the indications for EDS and agree the appropriate clinical care plan. This may include referral for genetic testing (for very rare presentations) and/or referral to a specialist provider in GB consistent with the patient’s clinical needs.
Although there is no specific treatment for EDS, it is possible to manage many of the symptoms, with support and advice from a range of healthcare professionals such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy. My Department is committed to improving services available for patients living with rare conditions as evidenced by the UK Rare Diseases Framework which was jointly published by the four UK Health Ministers on 9 January 2021 and the Northern Ireland Rare Diseases Action Plan, published in 2022.
The work of the Action Plan is being advanced under the leadership of my Department through the NI Rare Disease Implementation Group. Areas of work in progress include the development of clinical pathways for rare diseases to support and inform health professionals, patients and their families on how conditions are identified, diagnosed and managed including the input and role of wider HSC highly specialised service providers in their care.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012927%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=404322","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=404322"}},{"id":"404321","reference":"AQW 12926/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-06-04","answerBy":"2024-06-19","answered":"2024-06-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of people in Northern Ireland currently diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes.","answerText":"Information on the number of people in Northern Ireland that are living with a diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) is not held centrally. Each of the five Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) was, therefore, asked to provide a response.\n\nWhile Belfast, Northern and Western HSCTs responded that their systems do not record the required information, the answers and other information that they provided now follow. The Southern and South Eastern HSCTs were unable to provide a response within the required time frame.\n\nBelfast HSCT\n\nBelfast HSCT responded that ‘Ehlers-Danlos syndromes’ is a non-specific term used for a collection of quite distinct conditions. Clinical Genetics do not keep a population register of patients with any of the various EDS conditions, but the Genetics database flags 87 people in Northern Ireland with a confirmed diagnosis. This is a mixed dataset based purely on diagnostic coding and has not been validated.\n\nBelfast HSCT recommended the patient support group ‘Ehlers-Danlos Support UK’ (https://www.ehlers-danlos.org/) for information about this patient group.\n\nNorthern HSCT\n\nNorthern HSCT responded that prevalence in the community is estimated to be 1 in 500 by some studies, depending on the definition of EDS. Apart from rare genetic forms there are no specific diagnostic tests, and it has no way to estimate current numbers attending.\n\nWestern HSCT\n\nWestern HSCT responded that there are no waiting lists or specialties that would identify these patients easily and it does not hold an active list of patients with this condition.","answerHtml":"Information on the number of people in Northern Ireland that are living with a diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) is not held centrally. Each of the five Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) was, therefore, asked to provide a response.
While Belfast, Northern and Western HSCTs responded that their systems do not record the required information, the answers and other information that they provided now follow. The Southern and South Eastern HSCTs were unable to provide a response within the required time frame.
Belfast HSCT
Belfast HSCT responded that ‘Ehlers-Danlos syndromes’ is a non-specific term used for a collection of quite distinct conditions. Clinical Genetics do not keep a population register of patients with any of the various EDS conditions, but the Genetics database flags 87 people in Northern Ireland with a confirmed diagnosis. This is a mixed dataset based purely on diagnostic coding and has not been validated.
Belfast HSCT recommended the patient support group ‘Ehlers-Danlos Support UK’ (https://www.ehlers-danlos.org/) for information about this patient group.
Northern HSCT
Northern HSCT responded that prevalence in the community is estimated to be 1 in 500 by some studies, depending on the definition of EDS. Apart from rare genetic forms there are no specific diagnostic tests, and it has no way to estimate current numbers attending.
Western HSCT
Western HSCT responded that there are no waiting lists or specialties that would identify these patients easily and it does not hold an active list of patients with this condition.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012926%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=404321","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=404321"}},{"id":"403651","reference":"AQW 12730/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-30","answerBy":"2024-06-14","answered":"2024-06-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether the recently announced capital funding for Crawfordsburn Primary School will include a new building for Bright Sparks Preschool.","answerText":"Funding of accommodation for Bright Sparks Pre-school will not be provided as part of the Crawfordsburn Primary School new build project.\n\nAs previously advised, in my response to AQW 12306/22-27, the Education Authority is currently investigating options to resolve the accommodation issues at Bright Sparks Pre-School.","answerHtml":"Funding of accommodation for Bright Sparks Pre-school will not be provided as part of the Crawfordsburn Primary School new build project.
As previously advised, in my response to AQW 12306/22-27, the Education Authority is currently investigating options to resolve the accommodation issues at Bright Sparks Pre-School.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012730%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=403651","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=403651"}},{"id":"403650","reference":"AQW 12729/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-30","answerBy":"2024-06-14","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the advice provided by his Department to pharmacies in relation to the Ask for ANI scheme; and (ii) the number of pharmacies engaging in the scheme.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012729%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=403650","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=403650"}},{"id":"403649","reference":"AQW 12728/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-30","answerBy":"2024-06-14","answered":"2024-06-11","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 pilot of the Ask for ANI scheme across Jobs and Benefits offices.","answerText":"The Home Office Ask for ANI pilot scheme commenced on 20 February 2023 in four Jobs & Benefit offices located in Andersonstown, Armagh, Larne, and Lisnagelvin, however the Home Office evaluation of these pilots remains outstanding.\n\nIn recognition of the help and support required for victims of domestic violence and abuse, staff from each of the Department’s 35 Jobs and Benefits offices attended specialist domestic violence and abuse training delivered by Onus in November 2023. Each office has been successfully accredited with a Workplace Safe Place Charter and has a dedicated Safe Space where victims can be sensitively guided to. This will enable them to contact friends or family, the PSNI or specialist domestic abuse services for support and advice.","answerHtml":"The Home Office Ask for ANI pilot scheme commenced on 20 February 2023 in four Jobs & Benefit offices located in Andersonstown, Armagh, Larne, and Lisnagelvin, however the Home Office evaluation of these pilots remains outstanding.
In recognition of the help and support required for victims of domestic violence and abuse, staff from each of the Department’s 35 Jobs and Benefits offices attended specialist domestic violence and abuse training delivered by Onus in November 2023. Each office has been successfully accredited with a Workplace Safe Place Charter and has a dedicated Safe Space where victims can be sensitively guided to. This will enable them to contact friends or family, the PSNI or specialist domestic abuse services for support and advice.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012728%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=403649","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=403649"}},{"id":"403711","reference":"AQO 554/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-30","answerBy":"2024-06-10","answered":"2024-06-10","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 to give an update on the appointment of a Permanent Secretary to the Executive Office.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"The head of the Civil Service launched an external recruitment exercise to fill vacancies in two permanent secretary roles in December 2023. The competition produced two successful candidates. One of the successful candidates, Mr Ian Snowden, was appointed to the Department for the Economy post on 28 March 2024."},{"speaker":"","text":"The Executive Office post remains vacant, however. The next step is that the TEO permanent secretary role will be filled on an interim basis through an internal temporary promotion opportunity."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"We now move to topical questions."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20554%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=403711","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2024-06-10&docID=404547#AQO%20554/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=403711"}},{"id":"403374","reference":"AQW 12601/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-28","answerBy":"2024-06-12","answered":"2024-06-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) why the resurfacing of the Groomsport Road roundabout has not been completed by the announced timeframe of 29 March 2024; and (ii) when he anticipates the work will be completed.","answerText":"The scheme commenced on 19 February 2024 and, with the exception of the final surface, was substantially complete on 19 April 2024.\n\nThe final resurfacing was completed on 27 May 2024 with only a few minor items such as topsoiling of verges and setting of ironwork completed on 31 May 2024.","answerHtml":"The scheme commenced on 19 February 2024 and, with the exception of the final surface, was substantially complete on 19 April 2024.
The final resurfacing was completed on 27 May 2024 with only a few minor items such as topsoiling of verges and setting of ironwork completed on 31 May 2024.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012601%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=403374","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=403374"}},{"id":"403373","reference":"AQW 12600/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-28","answerBy":"2024-06-12","answered":"2024-06-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the (i) consultation; and (ii) communication his Department has undertaken with local residents in relation to the road closures to enable works to the Groomsport Road roundabout.","answerText":"The Groomsport Road roundabout scheme commenced on 19 February 2024 and was substantially complete by 19 April 2024 with only the final surfacing to be completed over two consecutive weekends in May.\n\nFormal public consultation is not required when carrying out resurfacing and other relatively minor road maintenance activities, however discussions are held with external stakeholders such as the PSNI and directly adjacent property owners as required.\n\nIn the case of the Groomsport Roundabout scheme, careful planning and consideration was given to the delivery of this scheme to help minimise traffic disruption and details of the closures were communicated to the public via Variable Message and Black on Yellow advisory signs, strategically placed at all approaches to the works. Details were also posted on my Department’s TrafficWatchNI website. During the works traffic ‘Marshalls’ were provided by the contractor to help minimise disruption.\n\nIn advance of the scheme commencing, a press release was also published providing general information to the public.","answerHtml":"The Groomsport Road roundabout scheme commenced on 19 February 2024 and was substantially complete by 19 April 2024 with only the final surfacing to be completed over two consecutive weekends in May.
Formal public consultation is not required when carrying out resurfacing and other relatively minor road maintenance activities, however discussions are held with external stakeholders such as the PSNI and directly adjacent property owners as required.
In the case of the Groomsport Roundabout scheme, careful planning and consideration was given to the delivery of this scheme to help minimise traffic disruption and details of the closures were communicated to the public via Variable Message and Black on Yellow advisory signs, strategically placed at all approaches to the works. Details were also posted on my Department’s TrafficWatchNI website. During the works traffic ‘Marshalls’ were provided by the contractor to help minimise disruption.
In advance of the scheme commencing, a press release was also published providing general information to the public.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012600%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=403373","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=403373"}},{"id":"403113","reference":"AQW 12533/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-24","answerBy":"2024-06-11","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health (i) whether his Department issues guidance to GPs in relation to delivering test results which may cause distress to patients; and (ii) for his assessment of using a text message to deliver such results.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012533%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=403113","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=403113"}},{"id":"403112","reference":"AQW 12532/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-24","answerBy":"2024-06-11","answered":"2024-06-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of people in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust who exited a waiting list due to accessing private health care, in each of the last three years.","answerText":"This information is not available centrally in the Department. The South Eastern Trust was asked to provide a response. This is presented in table 1 below.\n\nTable 1. Number of patients who exited a waiting list due to accessing private health care, 2021/2022-2023/2024\n\nOutpatients\tDischarges\n2021/2022\t1064\n2022/2023\t1155\n2023/2024 (to 8/11/23)*\t786\n\nInpatient/Day Case\tRemovals\n2021/2022\t257\n2022/2023\t375\n2023/2024 (to 8/11/23)*\t210\n\nSource: South Eastern HSC Trust\n\nFigures refer to number of patients who exited the waiting list due to accessing private care in the South Eastern Trust over the last three financial years. Figures are separated into Outpatients and Inpatients/Day Case patients. This information is taken from the patient administration system (PAS) and would be as a result of patient validation.\n\n* Due to the roll out of encompass in South Eastern Trust, figures after 8 November 2023 are not currently available.","answerHtml":"This information is not available centrally in the Department. The South Eastern Trust was asked to provide a response. This is presented in table 1 below.
Table 1. Number of patients who exited a waiting list due to accessing private health care, 2021/2022-2023/2024
| Outpatients | Discharges |
| 2021/2022 | 1064 |
| 2022/2023 | 1155 |
| 2023/2024 (to 8/11/23)* | 786 |
| Inpatient/Day Case | Removals |
| 2021/2022 | 257 |
| 2022/2023 | 375 |
| 2023/2024 (to 8/11/23)* | 210 |
Source: South Eastern HSC Trust
Figures refer to number of patients who exited the waiting list due to accessing private care in the South Eastern Trust over the last three financial years. Figures are separated into Outpatients and Inpatients/Day Case patients. This information is taken from the patient administration system (PAS) and would be as a result of patient validation.
* Due to the roll out of encompass in South Eastern Trust, figures after 8 November 2023 are not currently available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012532%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=403112","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=403112"}},{"id":"403111","reference":"AQW 12531/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-24","answerBy":"2024-06-11","answered":null,"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 waiting time for a colposcopy, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012531%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=403111","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=403111"}},{"id":"403110","reference":"AQW 12530/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-24","answerBy":"2024-06-11","answered":"2024-06-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health (i) whether Health and Social Care Trusts notify a patient when they become aware of a data breach concerning personal information; and (ii) whether his Department holds any monitoring data in relation to this.","answerText":"Under Data Protection legislation each Health and Social Care organisation is designated an independent ‘data controller’. The Information Commissioner’s guidance, states that they should have policies and procedures in place to manage potential data breaches. These will include consideration of notification of breaches to the Information Commissioner’s Office and to data subjects involved.\n\nThe Department does not monitor information in relation to such matters as this is the responsibility of the regulator.","answerHtml":"Under Data Protection legislation each Health and Social Care organisation is designated an independent ‘data controller’. The Information Commissioner’s guidance, states that they should have policies and procedures in place to manage potential data breaches. These will include consideration of notification of breaches to the Information Commissioner’s Office and to data subjects involved.
The Department does not monitor information in relation to such matters as this is the responsibility of the regulator.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012530%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=403110","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=403110"}},{"id":"402959","reference":"AQW 12469/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-23","answerBy":"2024-06-10","answered":"2024-06-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when his Department's active travel delivery plan will be published.","answerText":"My Department is developing an Active Travel Delivery Plan that includes a full update of our design guidance for active travel and active travel network plans for the largest towns and cities in the North.\n\nWe are aiming to consult on draft proposals for the Active Travel Delivery Plan later this year and officials are currently working to finalise the various workstreams over the coming months. Once adopted, the plan will provide our teams with a firm basis for the prioritisation of active travel investment within our towns and cities for the next ten years and beyond.","answerHtml":"My Department is developing an Active Travel Delivery Plan that includes a full update of our design guidance for active travel and active travel network plans for the largest towns and cities in the North.
We are aiming to consult on draft proposals for the Active Travel Delivery Plan later this year and officials are currently working to finalise the various workstreams over the coming months. Once adopted, the plan will provide our teams with a firm basis for the prioritisation of active travel investment within our towns and cities for the next ten years and beyond.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012469%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=402959","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=402959"}},{"id":"403026","reference":"AQO 525/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-23","answerBy":"2024-06-04","answered":"2024-06-04","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether independent celebrants will be included in the Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Dr Archibald (The Minister of Finance)","text":"I intend to bring forward marriage law reforms that will create more choice and flexibility for couples seeking to marry, provide equality between those with religious and non-religious beliefs and bring this jurisdiction into line with international best practice on marriage age. I believe that that is all to be welcomed and look forward to debating those important reforms in the Assembly in due course. Regulation of marriages undertaken by independent celebrants would require significant further reform of existing marriage legislation. I do not consider that reform in relation to that issue is a priority, and it should not hold up the important reforms that are planned to proceed in the legislation, including in particular the intention to increase minimum marriage age, which I am keen to see implemented without additional delay."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"Thank you, Minister. There were lots of welcome commitments there. However, if you are committing to introducing the legislation during the mandate, why was it not included in the Executive's legislative programme?"},{"speaker":"Dr Archibald","text":"As the Member might be aware, the Executive's legislative programme that has been published is for this calendar year only, up until December 2024. The policy preparation for this legislation is quite far advanced, and I intend to bring it to the Executive soon."},{"speaker":"Mr Delargy","text":"Minister, what changes are you planning to bring forward in respect of marriage law?"},{"speaker":"Dr Archibald","text":"I propose bringing forward reforms that will place belief marriages formally on an equal footing to religious marriages, replacing the temporary arrangements that are currently in place. In addition, I propose increasing the minimum age of marriage and civil partnership from the current 16 to 18. That will bring this jurisdiction into line with established best practice. Provisions will be included around the recognition of marriages elsewhere where one party is under 18 and lives in this jurisdiction. It will also provide for criminal offences for adults who arrange or attempt to arrange the marriage of a person who is under 18. Those are important reforms that will help to safeguard our children and young people. I recently circulated an Executive paper to my ministerial colleagues asking for their views, and I am confident that the plan that I have set out will receive the necessary support for us to proceed with that work. Subject to competing legislative priorities, I hope to see a Bill introduced to the Assembly in the early part of next year."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20525%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=403026","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2024-06-04&docID=403413#AQO%20525/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=403026"}},{"id":"403016","reference":"AQO 515/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-23","answerBy":"2024-06-03","answered":"2024-06-03","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to outline his plans to commission research into bullying in schools.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"Mr Speaker, with your permission, I will answer questions 3 and 6 together. The Addressing Bullying in Schools Act 2016 came into operation on 1 September 2021. The Act has three core parts: it provides a common definition of \"bullying\"; establishes a new duty for schools to record all incidents of bullying, including their motivation and outcome; and requires boards of governors to take responsibility for the development, implementation, monitoring and periodic review of their schools' anti-bullying policies. Concerns were raised during the public consultation on the legislative proposals that led to the Act that any such data that was held by the Department of Education or the Education Authority would be subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and therefore could potentially allow external organisations to create bullying league tables. The then Education Minister subsequently stated that there were no plans to collect or publish any information in relation to bullying incidents. The Department has therefore not directly collated data from schools in relation to bullying incidents. Following initial information and training offers, the Department established the addressing bullying in schools implementation team (ABSIT) in September 2022. The data is held by ABSIT within EA in its response to referrals. Between September 2022 and March 2024, ABSIT responded to 577 referrals relating to bullying-type behaviour. The team has provided specific support to schools with regard to 185 significant bullying-type cases and delivered training to 147 school leadership teams and bespoke training to 110 school governors. Since its launch in January 2024, level 1 foundation training on the Act has been completed by 3,848 educationalists."},{"speaker":"Mr Chambers","text":"Minister, thank you for that answer. Does the Minister anticipate the data being used to develop a universal approach across all schools to tackling bullying, or does he believe that a tailored solution in individual schools is the best way forward?"},{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"We need to make sure that, where there is best practice, we disseminate it. That is something that, of course, we will want to do and facilitate. I have outlined how we have been making efforts to address those issues. Often, schools are best placed, with the right kind of support, which needs to be consistent across Northern Ireland, to resolve those issues. However, where we can identify best practice, it is important that we disseminate that information."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"Minister, research from Cara-Friend shows that 68% of pupils in secondary school who are LGBTQ+ are bullied due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. What plans do you and your Department have to tackle homophobic and transphobic bullying in schools?"},{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"All forms of bullying are wrong. Bullying in respect of one's sexual orientation is wrong. It is important that schools address that issue alongside other forms of bullying that take place. Of course, my Department will continue, with the Education Authority, to support schools when it comes to addressing bullying behaviour, which is unacceptable in our school system."},{"speaker":"Mr Dunne","text":"I thank the Minister for his commitment to tackling bullying. Is there best practice in other jurisdictions that we can learn from, particularly on the ever-increasing rise of cyberbullying, which impacts on children and young people so much more, given that it can take place beyond school opening hours?"},{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"The Department will collect data from other jurisdictions and further research will be carried out on the issue. Where we identify alternative methods that we are not already using to address the issues, we will learn from them. Data on bullying experiences among children and young people has been gathered by Governments in England, Wales and Scotland through a range of health, well-being and crime surveys. However, our understanding is that data on bullying-type behaviour is an issue just to disseminate. The answer is yes. We will carry out further research to identify other international approaches to managing the problem."},{"speaker":"Mr McNulty","text":"Minister, in relation to your answer to the previous question, further research will not cut it in addressing bullying in schools, specifically on social media platforms. We know that children are dying because of bullying behaviours on those platforms. What communications have you and your Department had with those companies to outline their responsibilities, given that their platforms are havens for bullies and bullying behaviours, which are having a devastating impact on the children and young people who are on the receiving end?"},{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"It is about actions and further research to make sure that, where the actions that we are taking can be improved, they are improved. It is not an either/or. We are doing far more than just doing research on the issue. I outlined the measures and the impacts that we have already had in trying to support schools. The Member raises an important issue about online social media abuse. Children, in particular, given their sensitive age, are much more vulnerable to that than adults, and it can be devastating for adults as well. It is vital that we support schools as they manage the issues around online communication and social media posts. All of that can be difficult to do. What I can do to support schools I will do. Where we can have research to provide better-informed practices, we will do that to help inform how we address those issues."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20515%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=403016","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2024-06-03&docID=403412#AQO%20515/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=403016"}},{"id":"402749","reference":"AQW 12386/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-22","answerBy":"2024-06-07","answered":"2024-06-14","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 for a breakdown of funding provided to the (i) NI Bureau in Washington; (ii) NI Bureau in China; and (iii) Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels, in the last five years.","answerText":"The table below sets out the resource funding provided to the three overseas offices in the last five years.\n\nOffice of the NI Executive Brussels\tNorthern Ireland Bureau Washington\tNorthern Ireland Bureau China\n\n2023-24\t760,480.37\t1,090,146.87\t239,009.87\n(subject to audit)\n2022-23\t832,438.70\t1,183,612.92\t378,204.24\n\n2021-22\t923,248.66\t1,148,250.01\t397,155.31\n\n2020-21\t841,142.62\t1,061,991.24\t373,542.72\n\n2019-20\t847,801.14\t1,362,555.26\t437,650.03\n\nThe figures exclude depreciation.\n\nThe funding for Brussels in 2021/22 and 2022/23 includes ring fenced funding for the NI Protocol of £80k and £147k respectively allocated to the EULITS project.\n\nThe introduction of IFRS 16 in 2022/23 impacted the accounting treatment of leases such that rental payments are no longer reflected as resource departmental expenditure limits spend and are therefore excluded from the figures:\n\nWashington c£260k;\n\nBrussels c£205k;\n\nBeijing c£60k.","answerHtml":"The table below sets out the resource funding provided to the three overseas offices in the last five years.
| Office of the NI Executive Brussels | Northern Ireland Bureau Washington | Northern Ireland Bureau China | |
| 2023-24 | 760,480.37 | 1,090,146.87 | 239,009.87 |
| (subject to audit) | |||
| 2022-23 | 832,438.70 | 1,183,612.92 | 378,204.24 |
| 2021-22 | 923,248.66 | 1,148,250.01 | 397,155.31 |
| 2020-21 | 841,142.62 | 1,061,991.24 | 373,542.72 |
| 2019-20 | 847,801.14 | 1,362,555.26 | 437,650.03 |
The figures exclude depreciation.
The funding for Brussels in 2021/22 and 2022/23 includes ring fenced funding for the NI Protocol of £80k and £147k respectively allocated to the EULITS project.
The introduction of IFRS 16 in 2022/23 impacted the accounting treatment of leases such that rental payments are no longer reflected as resource departmental expenditure limits spend and are therefore excluded from the figures:
Washington c£260k;
Brussels c£205k;
Beijing c£60k.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012386%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=402749","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=402749"}},{"id":"402748","reference":"AQW 12385/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-22","answerBy":"2024-06-07","answered":"2024-06-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the advice his Department provides to housing associations in relation to housing people with a history of anti-social behaviour and sex offences in the same vicinity as vulnerable adults.","answerText":"My Department provides the Housing Executive with detailed ASB guidance which covers a number of different scenarios including guidance on when someone is ineligible for an allocation as a result of unacceptable behaviour including serious Anti-Social Behaviour. This is incorporated into Chapter 2 of the Housing Selection Scheme Guidance Manual.\n\nThe Criminal Justice Order (NI) 2008 created the Public Protection Arrangements for Northern Ireland (PPANI) which brings together a number of agencies and departments including the Police, Probation, Prison Service, Health & Social Care Boards and Health & Social Care Trusts, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, NSPCC to work together to provide effective assessment and management of the risks posed by certain sexual and violent offenders, including individuals who have committed violent offences within a domestic setting.\n\nThe Chief Executive of the Housing Executive has advised of the following:\n\n“In respect of housing individuals with relevant sex offences within PPANI the decision as to whether an offer of accommodation is suitable is a matter for the relevant PPANI agency, primarily the Police Service of Northern Ireland or Probation Board for Northern Ireland. In such circumstances any housing association making an offer of accommodation to a person within PPANI should in the first instance contact the Housing Executive who will liaise with the relevant PPANI agency in respect of the suitability or otherwise of any offer. The Housing Executive and other PPANI agencies have sought to promote the PPANI arrangements by means of a number of workshops with Housing Associations whereby each PPANI organisation outlined the support they offer in respect of risk management. Attendance at such sessions was at the discretion of housing associations.”","answerHtml":"My Department provides the Housing Executive with detailed ASB guidance which covers a number of different scenarios including guidance on when someone is ineligible for an allocation as a result of unacceptable behaviour including serious Anti-Social Behaviour. This is incorporated into Chapter 2 of the Housing Selection Scheme Guidance Manual.
The Criminal Justice Order (NI) 2008 created the Public Protection Arrangements for Northern Ireland (PPANI) which brings together a number of agencies and departments including the Police, Probation, Prison Service, Health & Social Care Boards and Health & Social Care Trusts, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, NSPCC to work together to provide effective assessment and management of the risks posed by certain sexual and violent offenders, including individuals who have committed violent offences within a domestic setting.
The Chief Executive of the Housing Executive has advised of the following:
“In respect of housing individuals with relevant sex offences within PPANI the decision as to whether an offer of accommodation is suitable is a matter for the relevant PPANI agency, primarily the Police Service of Northern Ireland or Probation Board for Northern Ireland. In such circumstances any housing association making an offer of accommodation to a person within PPANI should in the first instance contact the Housing Executive who will liaise with the relevant PPANI agency in respect of the suitability or otherwise of any offer. The Housing Executive and other PPANI agencies have sought to promote the PPANI arrangements by means of a number of workshops with Housing Associations whereby each PPANI organisation outlined the support they offer in respect of risk management. Attendance at such sessions was at the discretion of housing associations.”
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012385%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=402748","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=402748"}},{"id":"402747","reference":"AQW 12384/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-22","answerBy":"2024-06-07","answered":"2024-06-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the amount spent on youth services in North Down in the last five years.","answerText":"The Education Authority are currently unable to provide a breakdown solely for North Down as spend on youth services is held by district council area. However, the amount spent on youth services in Ards & North Down district council in the last five years is as follows:\n\nYear\tEA Recurrent\tEA Capital\tComments\n19-20\t£659,307\t£0\n20-21\t£620,470\t£245,070\tIncludes 56k Covid Relief Funding\n21-22\t£1,138,057\t£299,944\t(includes £324k of Covid Relief funding/DE Capital/MIS Scheme)\n22-23\t£958,163\t£10,352\n23-24\t£1,087,641\t£5,377\n\nVoluntary Capital\n\nYouth Organisation\t2023/24\t2022/23\t2021/22\t2020/21\t2019/20\tTOTAL\nGirlguiding Ulster\t£23, 736\t£544,643\t£9,645\t£408\t£59,447\t£637,879\n\nThe Department has asked EA to look at how, moving forward, figures can be provided at a more specific area level, including by constituency.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority are currently unable to provide a breakdown solely for North Down as spend on youth services is held by district council area. However, the amount spent on youth services in Ards & North Down district council in the last five years is as follows:
| Year | EA Recurrent | EA Capital | Comments |
| 19-20 | £659,307 | £0 | |
| 20-21 | £620,470 | £245,070 | Includes 56k Covid Relief Funding |
| 21-22 | £1,138,057 | £299,944 | (includes £324k of Covid Relief funding/DE Capital/MIS Scheme) |
| 22-23 | £958,163 | £10,352 | |
| 23-24 | £1,087,641 | £5,377 |
Voluntary Capital
| Youth Organisation | 2023/24 | 2022/23 | 2021/22 | 2020/21 | 2019/20 | TOTAL |
| Girlguiding Ulster | £23, 736 | £544,643 | £9,645 | £408 | £59,447 | £637,879 |
The Department has asked EA to look at how, moving forward, figures can be provided at a more specific area level, including by constituency.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012384%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=402747","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=402747"}},{"id":"402746","reference":"AQW 12383/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-22","answerBy":"2024-06-07","answered":"2024-06-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education why statutory nursery schools are unable to access Education Authority bus services.","answerText":"The Education Authority (EA) is required to provide transport assistance to eligible pupils at grant aided schools under Article 52 (in conjunction with Article 44) of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 (as substituted), in accordance with arrangements approved by the Department of Education (DE).\n\nEligibility for transport assistance is determined by the EA in line with the policy arrangements set out in the DE Circular 1996/41. Under this policy, pupils below compulsory school age, including those in reception classes, are not eligible for assistance with transport.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority (EA) is required to provide transport assistance to eligible pupils at grant aided schools under Article 52 (in conjunction with Article 44) of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 (as substituted), in accordance with arrangements approved by the Department of Education (DE).
Eligibility for transport assistance is determined by the EA in line with the policy arrangements set out in the DE Circular 1996/41. Under this policy, pupils below compulsory school age, including those in reception classes, are not eligible for assistance with transport.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012383%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=402746","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=402746"}},{"id":"402569","reference":"AQW 12309/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-21","answerBy":"2024-06-06","answered":"2024-05-23","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 development proposal for Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College to transform to Controlled Integrated status.","answerText":"On 8 February 2024, the Education Authority (EA) published DP 727 at the request of the Board of Governors (BoGs) of Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College proposing that:\n\nBangor Academy and Sixth Form College will transform to Controlled Integrated Status with effect from 1 September 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.\n\nThe statutory two-month objection period in relation to this DP ended on 22 April 2024 and I am informed that my officials are preparing a submission for my consideration.\n\nThe assessment of any DP is a complex process and requires careful consideration of all evidence to ensure decisions are taken in the best interests of all children and to ensure they have access to high quality education that is viable and sustainable in the long term.\n\nI have not yet received a submission for my consideration and am therefore unable to provide a precise date by which a decision will be taken.","answerHtml":"On 8 February 2024, the Education Authority (EA) published DP 727 at the request of the Board of Governors (BoGs) of Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College proposing that:
Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College will transform to Controlled Integrated Status with effect from 1 September 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.
The statutory two-month objection period in relation to this DP ended on 22 April 2024 and I am informed that my officials are preparing a submission for my consideration.
The assessment of any DP is a complex process and requires careful consideration of all evidence to ensure decisions are taken in the best interests of all children and to ensure they have access to high quality education that is viable and sustainable in the long term.
I have not yet received a submission for my consideration and am therefore unable to provide a precise date by which a decision will be taken.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012309%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=402569","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=402569"}},{"id":"402568","reference":"AQW 12308/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-21","answerBy":"2024-06-06","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the (i) number; and (ii) percentage of inpatients in the Ulster Hospital who are unable to be discharged due to the lack of availability of domiciliary care and suitable care home places.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012308%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=402568","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=402568"}},{"id":"402567","reference":"AQW 12307/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-21","answerBy":"2024-06-06","answered":"2024-06-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of the availability of domiciliary care packages in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"Unfortunately, it remains the position that the demand for a home care service outweighs capacity alongside the challenges to retain and recruit home care workers across the region.\n\nHowever, South Eastern H&SC Trust has made a marked improvement with a reduction of 47% in the unmet need as at end of March 2024. There are currently 5530 packages of care being actively delivered in the South Eastern H&SC Trust settlement areas, Belfast, Down and Lisburn, North Down and Ards.","answerHtml":"Unfortunately, it remains the position that the demand for a home care service outweighs capacity alongside the challenges to retain and recruit home care workers across the region.
However, South Eastern H&SC Trust has made a marked improvement with a reduction of 47% in the unmet need as at end of March 2024. There are currently 5530 packages of care being actively delivered in the South Eastern H&SC Trust settlement areas, Belfast, Down and Lisburn, North Down and Ards.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012307%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=402567","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=402567"}},{"id":"402566","reference":"AQW 12306/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-21","answerBy":"2024-06-06","answered":"2024-06-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 11363/22-27, for an update on a resolution for the accommodation of Bright Sparks Preschool, Crawfordsburn.","answerText":"Bright Sparks Pre-School continues to operate from Crawfordsburn Primary School whilst the Education Authority (EA) investigates options to resolve the current accommodation issues.\n\nA further meeting took place with Bright Sparks representatives on 30 May 2024.\n\nProposals for remedial works have been sent to the South-Eastern and Social Care Trust for consideration, thereafter a meeting is to be set up with the EA, when a final decision will be taken.","answerHtml":"Bright Sparks Pre-School continues to operate from Crawfordsburn Primary School whilst the Education Authority (EA) investigates options to resolve the current accommodation issues.
A further meeting took place with Bright Sparks representatives on 30 May 2024.
Proposals for remedial works have been sent to the South-Eastern and Social Care Trust for consideration, thereafter a meeting is to be set up with the EA, when a final decision will be taken.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012306%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=402566","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=402566"}},{"id":"402565","reference":"AQW 12305/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-21","answerBy":"2024-06-06","answered":"2024-06-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail his plans for active travel in North Down for the 2024-25 financial year.","answerText":"The Department is currently developing an Active Travel Network Delivery Plan for the North, which includes a full update of our design guidance and proposed active travel network plans for our larger towns and cities, including Bangor, Holywood, and Donaghadee. We plan to consult on draft proposals for the Active Travel Network Plan later in 2024.\n\nI would also refer the Member to the current council reports which provide details of schemes in delivery in the Ards and North Down Council area - https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/list-council-reports-202324\n\nThe Department also previously issued letters of offer to the Ards and North Down Council for the delivery of two greenways, namely: Comber to Newtownards Greenway and Newtownards to Green Road Bangor Greenway. The Department is continuing to engage with the Council on these projects.","answerHtml":"The Department is currently developing an Active Travel Network Delivery Plan for the North, which includes a full update of our design guidance and proposed active travel network plans for our larger towns and cities, including Bangor, Holywood, and Donaghadee. We plan to consult on draft proposals for the Active Travel Network Plan later in 2024.
I would also refer the Member to the current council reports which provide details of schemes in delivery in the Ards and North Down Council area - https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/list-council-reports-202324
The Department also previously issued letters of offer to the Ards and North Down Council for the delivery of two greenways, namely: Comber to Newtownards Greenway and Newtownards to Green Road Bangor Greenway. The Department is continuing to engage with the Council on these projects.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012305%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=402565","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=402565"}},{"id":"402326","reference":"AQW 12220/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-20","answerBy":"2024-06-05","answered":"2024-06-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education (i) whether the decision to reject the proposal to close Queen Elizabeth II Primary School, Kilskeery, was consistent with his Department's decision to close St Anne’s Primary School, Donaghadee; and (ii) to detail the rationale for the decisions in relation to both schools.","answerText":"On 13 May 2024 I took the decision not to approve Development Proposal (DP) 720 - Queen Elizabeth II Primary School will discontinue with effect from 31 August 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter.\n\nThe reason for my decision (which is accessible on the Department’s website at the following link: Minister's Decision.pdf (education-ni.gov.uk)) is:\n\n“Having carefully considered all of the evidence and analysis with regards to this proposal against the Sustainable Schools Policy and also carefully considered those comments received during the statutory objection period, I have decided not to approve the proposal for closure. I would of course expect the Board of Governors to monitor the school closely against SSP criteria and ongoing support to be provided by the EA as managing authority”.\n\nThe decision in relation to DP 673 (closure of St Anne’s Primary School, Donaghadee) was taken by the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Education and is accessible at this link: Department’s website","answerHtml":"On 13 May 2024 I took the decision not to approve Development Proposal (DP) 720 - Queen Elizabeth II Primary School will discontinue with effect from 31 August 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter.
The reason for my decision (which is accessible on the Department’s website at the following link: Minister's Decision.pdf (education-ni.gov.uk)) is:
“Having carefully considered all of the evidence and analysis with regards to this proposal against the Sustainable Schools Policy and also carefully considered those comments received during the statutory objection period, I have decided not to approve the proposal for closure. I would of course expect the Board of Governors to monitor the school closely against SSP criteria and ongoing support to be provided by the EA as managing authority”.
The decision in relation to DP 673 (closure of St Anne’s Primary School, Donaghadee) was taken by the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Education and is accessible at this link: Department’s website
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012220%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=402326","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=402326"}},{"id":"402325","reference":"AQW 12219/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-20","answerBy":"2024-06-05","answered":"2024-06-04","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 for an update on the work of their Department's Economic Policy Unit.","answerText":"The Executive Insight and Strategy Unit (formerly known as the Economic Policy Unit) was formed in 2023 to develop a stronger understanding of our performance and international competitiveness, and to support policy development.\n\nThe unit continues to develop the relevant socio-economic research, data, and emerging trends at regional, national, European, and global level. Identifying gaps in data and capability and working with colleagues across the Executive and external stakeholders.","answerHtml":"The Executive Insight and Strategy Unit (formerly known as the Economic Policy Unit) was formed in 2023 to develop a stronger understanding of our performance and international competitiveness, and to support policy development.
The unit continues to develop the relevant socio-economic research, data, and emerging trends at regional, national, European, and global level. Identifying gaps in data and capability and working with colleagues across the Executive and external stakeholders.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012219%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=402325","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=402325"}},{"id":"402085","reference":"AQW 12132/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-17","answerBy":"2024-06-04","answered":"2024-05-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail what (i) financial resources; (ii) access to support services; and (iii) guidance is available to schools to educate about sexual misconduct.","answerText":"My department provides funding to a range of arms-length and non-departmental public bodies, including the Education Authority (EA) and Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA), to provide support and resources for schools in relation to child protection, safeguarding and the preventative curriculum. There are no financial resources dedicated specifically to the issue of sexual misconduct, as this sits within the wider context of safeguarding, child protection and the curriculum.\n\nThe EA’s Child Protection Support Service (CPSS) provides safeguarding support, advice and guidance and training, which includes harmful sexual behaviour, to education settings as well as to the EA Youth Service. The CPSS also operates a support helpline in relation to safeguarding concerns. Regional CPSS offices may also direct schools to relevant localised supports.\n\nMy department issues statutory guidance to schools and other educational settings to support them in safeguarding and protecting children and young people. Safeguarding and Child Protection in Schools - A Guide for Schools aims to assist the school Board of Governors and school staff in fulfilling their safeguarding and child protection responsibilities. This guidance includes information relating to harmful sexual behaviours and signposts other agencies and support services, including Gateway Services, Social Services and the PSNI.\n\nCircular - 2022/02 - Children Who Display Harmful Sexual Behaviour provides specific guidance for schools and other educational settings about identification and management of harmful sexual behaviour displayed by children and young people, including supports in place as part of any Safety and Support Plans and Risk Assessment and Management Plans. This Circular also signposts appropriate support services and resources including the CPSS, Social Services, the Youth Justice Agency and PSNI.","answerHtml":"My department provides funding to a range of arms-length and non-departmental public bodies, including the Education Authority (EA) and Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA), to provide support and resources for schools in relation to child protection, safeguarding and the preventative curriculum. There are no financial resources dedicated specifically to the issue of sexual misconduct, as this sits within the wider context of safeguarding, child protection and the curriculum.
The EA’s Child Protection Support Service (CPSS) provides safeguarding support, advice and guidance and training, which includes harmful sexual behaviour, to education settings as well as to the EA Youth Service. The CPSS also operates a support helpline in relation to safeguarding concerns. Regional CPSS offices may also direct schools to relevant localised supports.
My department issues statutory guidance to schools and other educational settings to support them in safeguarding and protecting children and young people. Safeguarding and Child Protection in Schools - A Guide for Schools aims to assist the school Board of Governors and school staff in fulfilling their safeguarding and child protection responsibilities. This guidance includes information relating to harmful sexual behaviours and signposts other agencies and support services, including Gateway Services, Social Services and the PSNI.
Circular - 2022/02 - Children Who Display Harmful Sexual Behaviour provides specific guidance for schools and other educational settings about identification and management of harmful sexual behaviour displayed by children and young people, including supports in place as part of any Safety and Support Plans and Risk Assessment and Management Plans. This Circular also signposts appropriate support services and resources including the CPSS, Social Services, the Youth Justice Agency and PSNI.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012132%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=402085","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=402085"}},{"id":"402084","reference":"AQW 12131/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-17","answerBy":"2024-06-04","answered":"2024-05-24","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 steps her Department is taking to promote tourism in North Down.","answerText":"Tourism NI has regularly promoted the North Down Area through its seasonal marketing campaigns which are targeted to specific market segments based on extensive research. One of the most recent pieces of promotional activity was the launch of a major Spring advertising campaign on 22 January 2024 which ran until 31 March.\n\nThe campaign featured TV, radio, press, press supplements, outdoor, social and digital advertising, all underpinned by a comprehensive PR strategy.\n\nA double page spread dedicated to the Mournes and Strangford including North Down was contained within a 24-page Tourism NI consumer supplement alongside full page press advertorials have featured in national press titles North and South.\n\nRadio stings dedicated to North Down were broadcast across North of Ireland radio stations featuring North Down Museum, the Starfish Cafe, Mount Stewart and Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen.\n\nPlanning is in train for the next campaign due to take place in autumn, and with regional balance one of my key priorities, North Down will again be featured.\n\nTourism NI also works with its partner Tourism Ireland to host international media, with North Down featuring regularly in many media itineraries. The Crawfordsburn Inn recently featured in a piece on ‘Yonder’fr’ by French Journalist, Alain Maurice following his trip to the North of Ireland hosted by Tourism NI. In addition, the North Down Coastal path was featured in the itinerary of a recent media trip in February 2024, undertaken by the ‘Curious Pixie’, a travel influencer whose website and content are viewed in over 120 countries.\n\nTourism NI has an ongoing programme of PR activity North and South, with tourism businesses and visitor experiences from North Down regularly featuring in PR content, media trips, and a commissioned TV programme on Virgin Media TV. A media trip in August 2023 included Noble restaurant and Bangor resulting in coverage in the Irish Times and Irish Examiner. Another example from Spring 2024 is a piece in the Irish Times commissioned by Tourism NI, called ‘Leap into a romantic getaway in Northern Ireland’; The North Down Coastal Path was specifically mentioned as a ‘must see’ place to visit.\n\nNorth Down regularly features across the Discover Northern Ireland social media pages. For example, The Culloden Hotel and Spa was featured in Instagram and Facebook posts in both January and February 2024 highlighting it as the perfect hotel for a romantic getaway and spa break. Also, Donaghadee was the focus of a Facebook post in November 2023 which showcased the filming locations of the BBC's Hope Street.\n\nTourism NI also works closely with the tourism industry in North Down and across the North to support the development of engaging and immersive tourism experiences.","answerHtml":"Tourism NI has regularly promoted the North Down Area through its seasonal marketing campaigns which are targeted to specific market segments based on extensive research. One of the most recent pieces of promotional activity was the launch of a major Spring advertising campaign on 22 January 2024 which ran until 31 March.
The campaign featured TV, radio, press, press supplements, outdoor, social and digital advertising, all underpinned by a comprehensive PR strategy.
A double page spread dedicated to the Mournes and Strangford including North Down was contained within a 24-page Tourism NI consumer supplement alongside full page press advertorials have featured in national press titles North and South.
Radio stings dedicated to North Down were broadcast across North of Ireland radio stations featuring North Down Museum, the Starfish Cafe, Mount Stewart and Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen.
Planning is in train for the next campaign due to take place in autumn, and with regional balance one of my key priorities, North Down will again be featured.
Tourism NI also works with its partner Tourism Ireland to host international media, with North Down featuring regularly in many media itineraries. The Crawfordsburn Inn recently featured in a piece on ‘Yonder’fr’ by French Journalist, Alain Maurice following his trip to the North of Ireland hosted by Tourism NI. In addition, the North Down Coastal path was featured in the itinerary of a recent media trip in February 2024, undertaken by the ‘Curious Pixie’, a travel influencer whose website and content are viewed in over 120 countries.
Tourism NI has an ongoing programme of PR activity North and South, with tourism businesses and visitor experiences from North Down regularly featuring in PR content, media trips, and a commissioned TV programme on Virgin Media TV. A media trip in August 2023 included Noble restaurant and Bangor resulting in coverage in the Irish Times and Irish Examiner. Another example from Spring 2024 is a piece in the Irish Times commissioned by Tourism NI, called ‘Leap into a romantic getaway in Northern Ireland’; The North Down Coastal Path was specifically mentioned as a ‘must see’ place to visit.
North Down regularly features across the Discover Northern Ireland social media pages. For example, The Culloden Hotel and Spa was featured in Instagram and Facebook posts in both January and February 2024 highlighting it as the perfect hotel for a romantic getaway and spa break. Also, Donaghadee was the focus of a Facebook post in November 2023 which showcased the filming locations of the BBC's Hope Street.
Tourism NI also works closely with the tourism industry in North Down and across the North to support the development of engaging and immersive tourism experiences.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012131%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=402084","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=402084"}},{"id":"402083","reference":"AQW 12130/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-17","answerBy":"2024-06-04","answered":"2024-06-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he will conduct a review of safety on the A2 between Bangor and Belfast.","answerText":"Road safety is an extremely high priority for my Department and it is committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users.\n\nOfficials will review the sites where there are clusters of collisions on the A2 to identify if there are any common causation factors for these collisions which would allow an effective road safety measure to be introduced.\n\nConcerns regarding driver behaviour such as speeding should be directed to the PSNI using the non-emergency 101.\n\nOne of the best ways to ensure the safety of our roads and fulfil our long-term goal of eliminating death and serious injury on roads by 2050 is by changing driver behaviour. If driver attitudes towards speeding and careless driving do not change, our death toll, which has increased in the past year, will continue to rise","answerHtml":"Road safety is an extremely high priority for my Department and it is committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users.
Officials will review the sites where there are clusters of collisions on the A2 to identify if there are any common causation factors for these collisions which would allow an effective road safety measure to be introduced.
Concerns regarding driver behaviour such as speeding should be directed to the PSNI using the non-emergency 101.
One of the best ways to ensure the safety of our roads and fulfil our long-term goal of eliminating death and serious injury on roads by 2050 is by changing driver behaviour. If driver attitudes towards speeding and careless driving do not change, our death toll, which has increased in the past year, will continue to rise
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012130%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=402083","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=402083"}},{"id":"402082","reference":"AQW 12129/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-17","answerBy":"2024-06-04","answered":"2024-05-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether information in relation to incidences of sexual violence and harassment which have occurred in further education colleges between students is recorded by her Department.","answerText":"The Department does not record incidences of sexual violence and harassment which have occurred in Further Education colleges between students. Where such allegations are made, they are recorded and investigated by individual Further Education colleges under Safeguarding, Care and Welfare policies and procedures.","answerHtml":"The Department does not record incidences of sexual violence and harassment which have occurred in Further Education colleges between students. Where such allegations are made, they are recorded and investigated by individual Further Education colleges under Safeguarding, Care and Welfare policies and procedures.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012129%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=402082","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=402082"}},{"id":"402081","reference":"AQW 12128/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-17","answerBy":"2024-06-04","answered":"2024-05-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether information in relation to incidences of sexual violence and harassment which have occurred in schools between pupils is recorded by (i) his Department; and (ii) the Education Authority.","answerText":"The Department of Education (DE) and the Education Authority (EA) do not record information in relation to all incidences of sexual violence and harassment in schools. Record keeping in relation to safeguarding and child protection matters is the responsibility of individual schools and their Boards of Governors (BoGs). BoGs should ensure that the arrangements operated by the school for the retention, management and release of records comply with statutory requirements, including data protection legislation.\n\nThe Department. Circular 2020/07 - Child Protection: Record Keeping in Schools provides a framework for managing child protection records in order to ensure schools create and retain reliable records to demonstrate accountability for decisions and actions taken.\n\nThe Safeguarding and Child Protection in Schools - A Guide for Schools provides guidance on wider safeguarding and child protection, including harmful sexual behaviour and record keeping in schools where there is a child protection concern. Circular 2022/02 - Children Who Display Harmful Sexual Behaviour provides specific guidance for schools and other educational settings about identification and management of harmful sexual behaviour displayed by children and young people.\n\nThe EA’s Child Protection Support Service (CPSS) provides training to designated safeguarding roles within schools and advice on managing a range of child protection concerns, including harmful sexual behaviour, via its helpline. CPSS record details of the types of advice and support sought by schools and provide updates on any areas of concern to inform policy, training needs etc. CPSS also maintain records on the number of Risk Assessment Management Plans developed under the DE circular 2022/02, given their role in supporting the school Principal and Designated Teacher for Child Protection in managing this process.","answerHtml":"The Department of Education (DE) and the Education Authority (EA) do not record information in relation to all incidences of sexual violence and harassment in schools. Record keeping in relation to safeguarding and child protection matters is the responsibility of individual schools and their Boards of Governors (BoGs). BoGs should ensure that the arrangements operated by the school for the retention, management and release of records comply with statutory requirements, including data protection legislation.
The Department. Circular 2020/07 - Child Protection: Record Keeping in Schools provides a framework for managing child protection records in order to ensure schools create and retain reliable records to demonstrate accountability for decisions and actions taken.
The Safeguarding and Child Protection in Schools - A Guide for Schools provides guidance on wider safeguarding and child protection, including harmful sexual behaviour and record keeping in schools where there is a child protection concern. Circular 2022/02 - Children Who Display Harmful Sexual Behaviour provides specific guidance for schools and other educational settings about identification and management of harmful sexual behaviour displayed by children and young people.
The EA’s Child Protection Support Service (CPSS) provides training to designated safeguarding roles within schools and advice on managing a range of child protection concerns, including harmful sexual behaviour, via its helpline. CPSS record details of the types of advice and support sought by schools and provide updates on any areas of concern to inform policy, training needs etc. CPSS also maintain records on the number of Risk Assessment Management Plans developed under the DE circular 2022/02, given their role in supporting the school Principal and Designated Teacher for Child Protection in managing this process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012128%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=402081","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=402081"}},{"id":"401874","reference":"AQW 12062/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-16","answerBy":"2024-06-03","answered":"2024-06-05","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) for their assessment of the Women Against Violence Europe handbook, Prevention and Support Standards for Women Survivors of Violence; and (ii) whether recommendations on budgeting and costing the prevention of violence against women and support services for survivors will be a consideration when allocating funding for the Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls.","answerText":"The Women Against Violence Europe (WAVE) Handbook: Prevention and Support Standards for Women Survivors of Violence sets out an overview of the key legal developments and practical advances enabled by the Istanbul Convention. WAVE is a network of over 170 European women’s NGOs working towards prevention and protection of women and children from violence.\n\nThe draft Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategic Framework has been informed by international standards and a range of best practice research. We will consider new research as relevant.","answerHtml":"The Women Against Violence Europe (WAVE) Handbook: Prevention and Support Standards for Women Survivors of Violence sets out an overview of the key legal developments and practical advances enabled by the Istanbul Convention. WAVE is a network of over 170 European women’s NGOs working towards prevention and protection of women and children from violence.
The draft Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategic Framework has been informed by international standards and a range of best practice research. We will consider new research as relevant.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012062%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=401874","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=401874"}},{"id":"401873","reference":"AQW 12061/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-16","answerBy":"2024-06-03","answered":"2024-06-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the funding provided by his Department for (i) rape crisis referral centres; and (ii) sexual assault referral centres in each of the last three years.","answerText":"In NI, we have only one Sexual Assault Referral Centre, which is funded by Department of Health. The Rape Crisis NI is a voluntary sector organisation which is funded by the Joseph Rountree Foundation and the Justice and Equality Fund.\n\nSexual assault referral centres (SARCs) offer medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused. The cost of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre, operated by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT), was:\n\n2020/2021 £1,035,045\n\n2021/2022 £1,067,132\n\n2022/2023 £1,612,204\n\nPlease note:\n\n2023/24 costs are not yet available\n\nThe figures above are sourced from Trust Cost Submissions.\n\nThese figures represent actual expenditure including any non-recurrent expenditure by Trusts.\n\nExpenditure is quoted as fully absorbed costs; this means figures include direct, indirect, overheads and capital charges costs.\n\nFrom 2020/21 to 2021/22 per Ministerial agreement, the annual costing returns were temporarily suspended during the Covid Pandemic and to allow a regional costing system to be implemented.\n\nDuring this period, it was agreed that the 2019/20 costs would be uplifted by 2.5% for 2020/21 and a further 3.1% for 2021/22.\n\nCosts produced for 2022/23 are the first through the new regional system for 2022-23 and therefore are subject to further review and refinement.\n\nThe reporting period is financial year April-March; i.e. '2022/2023' is financial year ending March 2023.\n\nIn addition to the expenditure identified clearly above as relating to sexual assault, there may be other relevant support services being provided for which the expenditure is not necessarily labelled as for sexual assault victims, as costs are not recorded by reason for referral.","answerHtml":"In NI, we have only one Sexual Assault Referral Centre, which is funded by Department of Health. The Rape Crisis NI is a voluntary sector organisation which is funded by the Joseph Rountree Foundation and the Justice and Equality Fund.
Sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) offer medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused. The cost of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre, operated by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT), was:
2020/2021 £1,035,045
2021/2022 £1,067,132
2022/2023 £1,612,204
Please note:
2023/24 costs are not yet available
The figures above are sourced from Trust Cost Submissions.
These figures represent actual expenditure including any non-recurrent expenditure by Trusts.
Expenditure is quoted as fully absorbed costs; this means figures include direct, indirect, overheads and capital charges costs.
From 2020/21 to 2021/22 per Ministerial agreement, the annual costing returns were temporarily suspended during the Covid Pandemic and to allow a regional costing system to be implemented.
During this period, it was agreed that the 2019/20 costs would be uplifted by 2.5% for 2020/21 and a further 3.1% for 2021/22.
Costs produced for 2022/23 are the first through the new regional system for 2022-23 and therefore are subject to further review and refinement.
The reporting period is financial year April-March; i.e. '2022/2023' is financial year ending March 2023.
In addition to the expenditure identified clearly above as relating to sexual assault, there may be other relevant support services being provided for which the expenditure is not necessarily labelled as for sexual assault victims, as costs are not recorded by reason for referral.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012061%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=401873","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=401873"}},{"id":"401872","reference":"AQW 12060/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-16","answerBy":"2024-06-03","answered":"2024-06-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he will introduce a part-time 20mph speed limit outside Grange Park Primary School, Bangor, in the 2024-25 financial year.","answerText":"There have been two tranches of part time 20mph speed limits delivered, which introduced these measures at 215 schools, an investment of about £4m. A review is underway to determine if a further tranche of the 20mph schools programme is justified. The findings of this review will be made public later this year.","answerHtml":"There have been two tranches of part time 20mph speed limits delivered, which introduced these measures at 215 schools, an investment of about £4m. A review is underway to determine if a further tranche of the 20mph schools programme is justified. The findings of this review will be made public later this year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012060%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=401872","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=401872"}},{"id":"401871","reference":"AQW 12059/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-16","answerBy":"2024-06-03","answered":"2024-06-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for his assessment of road safety on the A2 between Bangor and Belfast.","answerText":"Road safety is an extremely high priority for my Department and I am committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users.\n\nOfficials will review the sites where there are clusters of collisions on the A2 to identify if there are any common causation factors for these collisions which would allow an effective road safety measure to be introduced.\n\nConcerns regarding driver behaviour such as speeding should be directed to the PSNI using the non-emergency 101.\n\nOne of the best ways to ensure the safety of our roads and fulfil our long-term goal of eliminating death and serious injury on roads by 2050 is by changing driver behaviour. If driver attitudes towards speeding and careless driving do not change, our death toll, which has increased in the past year, will continue to rise","answerHtml":"Road safety is an extremely high priority for my Department and I am committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and to address the needs of all road users.
Officials will review the sites where there are clusters of collisions on the A2 to identify if there are any common causation factors for these collisions which would allow an effective road safety measure to be introduced.
Concerns regarding driver behaviour such as speeding should be directed to the PSNI using the non-emergency 101.
One of the best ways to ensure the safety of our roads and fulfil our long-term goal of eliminating death and serious injury on roads by 2050 is by changing driver behaviour. If driver attitudes towards speeding and careless driving do not change, our death toll, which has increased in the past year, will continue to rise
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012059%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=401871","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=401871"}},{"id":"401870","reference":"AQW 12058/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-16","answerBy":"2024-06-03","answered":"2024-06-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he has any plans to introduce a third-party right of appeal in planning decisions.","answerText":"I remain committed to ensuring that our planning system continues to work in an efficient and effective way and will continue to review the progress that has been made to date. Progress is however dependent on the resources available to key areas of the system. I have no current plans to introduce a third -party right of appeal.","answerHtml":"I remain committed to ensuring that our planning system continues to work in an efficient and effective way and will continue to review the progress that has been made to date. Progress is however dependent on the resources available to key areas of the system. I have no current plans to introduce a third -party right of appeal.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2012058%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=401870","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=401870"}},{"id":"401669","reference":"AQW 11973/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-15","answerBy":"2024-05-31","answered":"2024-05-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Northern Ireland Assembly Commission","departmentId":"2","minister":"Assembly Commission","question":"To ask the Assembly Commission for its assessment of the affordability of the provision of catering for voluntary and charity groups visiting Parliament Buildings.","answerText":"When providing catering services for voluntary and charity groups, the event organiser, during the planning of their event, discusses their requirements and associated budget with our contractor’s representative on site at Parliament Buildings. Typically, catering is then provided within the budget envelope.","answerHtml":"When providing catering services for voluntary and charity groups, the event organiser, during the planning of their event, discusses their requirements and associated budget with our contractor’s representative on site at Parliament Buildings. Typically, catering is then provided within the budget envelope.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011973%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=401669","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=401669"}},{"id":"401668","reference":"AQW 11972/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-15","answerBy":"2024-05-31","answered":"2024-05-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health (i) for his assessment of the report A Workforce Fit for the Future: RCGPNI Retention Strategy; and (ii) whether he will implement the recommendations arising from the report.","answerText":"I welcome the publication of the Royal College of General Practitioners ‘A Workforce Fit for the Future’ Retention Strategy and was pleased to speak at its recent launch. I recognise the ongoing challenges facing General Practice that are set out in the strategy and the impact of the increasing demand and workload pressures on GPs that it highlights.\n\nMy Department is progressing work in a number of the key areas outlined in the Retention Strategy. This includes the recently agreed 2024/25 General Medical Services (GMS) contract which is also an important step forward to achieving greater stability in General Practice. The contract makes significant progress against key aims identified by GPs in their negotiations, including provision of £5million dedicated to GP indemnity, as an interim measure, pending identification of the long-term model for future provision.\n\nWe are focussing on building the GP workforce, including the Attract, Recruit and Retain scheme, the GP Retainer Scheme and the GP Induction and Refresher Scheme, and increasing the number of GP training places to its current level of 121. We are also taking steps to increase the range of healthcare professionals working in primary care through the roll out of Multi-disciplinary Teams (MDTs) and the introduction of new roles such as Advanced Nurse Practitioners, additional General Practice Nurses and General Practice Pharmacists.\n\nIn terms of the GP Fellowship Scheme, my Department is considering how the Scheme might be further developed, subject to available funding, to extend the range and scope of Fellowship placement opportunities and provide for Educational Bursaries to be available for all Fellows.\n\nMy Department has also developed guidance which will improve management of the interface between primary and secondary care and is engaging with relevant NICS Departments and public bodies to explore ways to reduce the administrative burden on GP practices of completing non-statutory administrative tasks and the unnecessary directing of patients to GPs.\n\nMy Department is committed to working to identify solutions to the issues facing General Practice, including further roll out of MDTs, exploring digital solutions and working with GPs and HSC Trusts to promote stability in General Medical Services. However, progress on initiatives will be constrained by the availability of the necessary funding to support this.\n\nRegrettably, the 2024-25 Budget outcome for my Department was significantly less than what we required and has resulted in 2.3% less funding in 2024-25 than we spent in 2023-24. Health will be facing significant budgetary pressures in 2024-25 with some extremely difficult decisions required to manage within the budget allocated.","answerHtml":"I welcome the publication of the Royal College of General Practitioners ‘A Workforce Fit for the Future’ Retention Strategy and was pleased to speak at its recent launch. I recognise the ongoing challenges facing General Practice that are set out in the strategy and the impact of the increasing demand and workload pressures on GPs that it highlights.
My Department is progressing work in a number of the key areas outlined in the Retention Strategy. This includes the recently agreed 2024/25 General Medical Services (GMS) contract which is also an important step forward to achieving greater stability in General Practice. The contract makes significant progress against key aims identified by GPs in their negotiations, including provision of £5million dedicated to GP indemnity, as an interim measure, pending identification of the long-term model for future provision.
We are focussing on building the GP workforce, including the Attract, Recruit and Retain scheme, the GP Retainer Scheme and the GP Induction and Refresher Scheme, and increasing the number of GP training places to its current level of 121. We are also taking steps to increase the range of healthcare professionals working in primary care through the roll out of Multi-disciplinary Teams (MDTs) and the introduction of new roles such as Advanced Nurse Practitioners, additional General Practice Nurses and General Practice Pharmacists.
In terms of the GP Fellowship Scheme, my Department is considering how the Scheme might be further developed, subject to available funding, to extend the range and scope of Fellowship placement opportunities and provide for Educational Bursaries to be available for all Fellows.
My Department has also developed guidance which will improve management of the interface between primary and secondary care and is engaging with relevant NICS Departments and public bodies to explore ways to reduce the administrative burden on GP practices of completing non-statutory administrative tasks and the unnecessary directing of patients to GPs.
My Department is committed to working to identify solutions to the issues facing General Practice, including further roll out of MDTs, exploring digital solutions and working with GPs and HSC Trusts to promote stability in General Medical Services. However, progress on initiatives will be constrained by the availability of the necessary funding to support this.
Regrettably, the 2024-25 Budget outcome for my Department was significantly less than what we required and has resulted in 2.3% less funding in 2024-25 than we spent in 2023-24. Health will be facing significant budgetary pressures in 2024-25 with some extremely difficult decisions required to manage within the budget allocated.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011972%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=401668","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=401668"}},{"id":"401667","reference":"AQW 11971/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-15","answerBy":"2024-05-31","answered":"2024-06-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether a feasibility study for Grey Point Fort, Helen’s Bay, will be included in his Department's budget for 2024-25.","answerText":"My Department has bid for monies for a feasibility study for the State Care Monument of Grey Point Fort in 2024/25. However, budgets remain undecided. At this time, I can only assure you of our commitment to progress plans for the fort once funding becomes available.","answerHtml":"My Department has bid for monies for a feasibility study for the State Care Monument of Grey Point Fort in 2024/25. However, budgets remain undecided. At this time, I can only assure you of our commitment to progress plans for the fort once funding becomes available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011971%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=401667","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=401667"}},{"id":"401666","reference":"AQW 11970/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-15","answerBy":"2024-05-31","answered":"2024-06-19","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 when they will answer (i) AQW 7281/22-27; and (ii) AQW 8508/22-27.","answerText":"(i) AQW 7281/22-27 was answered on 14 June 2024.\n\n(ii) AQW 8508/22-27 was answered on 6 June 2024.","answerHtml":"(i) AQW 7281/22-27 was answered on 14 June 2024.
(ii) AQW 8508/22-27 was answered on 6 June 2024.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011970%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=401666","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=401666"}},{"id":"401665","reference":"AQW 11969/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-15","answerBy":"2024-05-31","answered":"2024-05-31","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for his assessment of the (i) condition; and (ii) structural integrity of Castle Park Road, Bangor.","answerText":"My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to austerity by the British Government which has meant that it has had to introduce a limited service maintenance policy, meaning that only the highest priority road defects are repaired. This underfunding has unfortunately resulted in a deteriorating road network.\n\nCastle Park Road was last inspected on 9 April 2024 and is considered to be structurally sound. There were no defects that met the intervention criteria in accordance with the current limited-service maintenance policy. My Department will continue to monitor this area and repair defects in accordance with the current policy.\n\nThe value of our infrastructure cannot be overstated, and I will continue to work with Executive colleagues to ensure appropriate investment is made.","answerHtml":"My Department has been operating in a difficult financial environment for a number of years due to austerity by the British Government which has meant that it has had to introduce a limited service maintenance policy, meaning that only the highest priority road defects are repaired. This underfunding has unfortunately resulted in a deteriorating road network.
Castle Park Road was last inspected on 9 April 2024 and is considered to be structurally sound. There were no defects that met the intervention criteria in accordance with the current limited-service maintenance policy. My Department will continue to monitor this area and repair defects in accordance with the current policy.
The value of our infrastructure cannot be overstated, and I will continue to work with Executive colleagues to ensure appropriate investment is made.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011969%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=401665","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=401665"}},{"id":"401328","reference":"AQW 11814/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-13","answerBy":"2024-05-29","answered":"2024-05-28","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 (i) for their assessment of the reason the Northern Ireland Strategic Migration Partnership closed; and (ii) whether their Department has carried out any formal evaluation of the partnership.","answerText":"The Northern Ireland Strategic Migration Partnership (NISMP) was hosted by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) between 2011 and 2022. One member of staff was employed, and when the post became vacant in April 2022, NILGA advised that they believed they were not the correct organisation to host the NISMP.\n\nThe Executive Office agreed with Home Office to formally take on some of the SMP functions, primarily those focusing on communication and engagement, to co-ordinate and encourage multi-agency support for asylum seekers and their integration into our society. This fits with our co-ordination responsibilities.\n\nAs TEO was not responsible for the establishment of the NISMP, the Department has not carried out any formal evaluation. We will continue to review the new arrangements for the communication and engagement responsibilities we have adopted, with Home Office, to ensure they are fit for purpose and meet local needs going forward.","answerHtml":"The Northern Ireland Strategic Migration Partnership (NISMP) was hosted by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) between 2011 and 2022. One member of staff was employed, and when the post became vacant in April 2022, NILGA advised that they believed they were not the correct organisation to host the NISMP.
The Executive Office agreed with Home Office to formally take on some of the SMP functions, primarily those focusing on communication and engagement, to co-ordinate and encourage multi-agency support for asylum seekers and their integration into our society. This fits with our co-ordination responsibilities.
As TEO was not responsible for the establishment of the NISMP, the Department has not carried out any formal evaluation. We will continue to review the new arrangements for the communication and engagement responsibilities we have adopted, with Home Office, to ensure they are fit for purpose and meet local needs going forward.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011814%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=401328","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=401328"}},{"id":"401327","reference":"AQW 11813/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-13","answerBy":"2024-05-29","answered":"2024-07-19","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 to detail the work being carried out to ensure completion of the statutory duty to promote equality of opportunity for all visa holders.","answerText":"Immigration status is not a devolved matter.\n\nThere are however extensive legal protections in place in respect of equality in this jurisdiction.\n\nSection 75(1) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 requires departments and other public authorities when carrying out functions to have due regard to:\n\nthe need to promote equality of opportunity across protected characteristics of religious belief, political opinion, gender, race, disability, age, marital status, dependants, and sexual orientation ; and\n\nregard to the desirability of promoting good relations between persons of different political opinion, religious belief, and racial group.\n\nThese obligations, and the commitments in our Equality Scheme, are at the core of policy and decision making in The Executive Office. Consultation papers on new policy proposals can be made available in a range of formats and variety of languages.\n\nOur Department takes a leading role in seeking to embed the section 75 duties across government here. We also sponsor the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, which has a responsibility to promote equality of opportunity and good relations, and to provide equality rights advice to employers and members of the public.","answerHtml":"Immigration status is not a devolved matter.
There are however extensive legal protections in place in respect of equality in this jurisdiction.
Section 75(1) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 requires departments and other public authorities when carrying out functions to have due regard to:
the need to promote equality of opportunity across protected characteristics of religious belief, political opinion, gender, race, disability, age, marital status, dependants, and sexual orientation ; and
regard to the desirability of promoting good relations between persons of different political opinion, religious belief, and racial group.
These obligations, and the commitments in our Equality Scheme, are at the core of policy and decision making in The Executive Office. Consultation papers on new policy proposals can be made available in a range of formats and variety of languages.
Our Department takes a leading role in seeking to embed the section 75 duties across government here. We also sponsor the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, which has a responsibility to promote equality of opportunity and good relations, and to provide equality rights advice to employers and members of the public.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011813%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=401327","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=401327"}},{"id":"401326","reference":"AQW 11812/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-13","answerBy":"2024-05-29","answered":"2024-05-23","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 the Dispersal Fund, including a breakdown of its allocation by local council area.","answerText":"Since 2022/23, Full Dispersal funding has been provided by Home Office to enhance the capacity and infrastructure to support the wider dispersal of asylum seekers here. We were pleased to have been able to allocate £1.54million of this funding to councils to develop local support over the past two financial years, as follows:\n\nAntrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council\t£88,478\nArds and North Down Borough Council\t£152,939\nArmagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council\t£84,218\nBelfast City Council\t£406,228\nCauseway Coast and Glens Borough Council\t£162,095\nDerry City and Strabane District Council\t£59,448\nFermanagh and Omagh District Council\t£79,262\nLisburn and Castlereagh City Council\t£173,390\nMid and East Antrim Borough Council\t£50,000\nMid Ulster District Council\t£143,175\nNewry, Mourne and Down District Council\t£147,695\nTOTAL\t£1,546,928\n\nIn the absence of confirmed funding by Home Office for 2024/25, unfortunately we are not in a position to determine further allocations. We continue to press Home Office for confirmation of this year’s funding.","answerHtml":"Since 2022/23, Full Dispersal funding has been provided by Home Office to enhance the capacity and infrastructure to support the wider dispersal of asylum seekers here. We were pleased to have been able to allocate £1.54million of this funding to councils to develop local support over the past two financial years, as follows:
| Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council | £88,478 |
| Ards and North Down Borough Council | £152,939 |
| Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council | £84,218 |
| Belfast City Council | £406,228 |
| Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council | £162,095 |
| Derry City and Strabane District Council | £59,448 |
| Fermanagh and Omagh District Council | £79,262 |
| Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council | £173,390 |
| Mid and East Antrim Borough Council | £50,000 |
| Mid Ulster District Council | £143,175 |
| Newry, Mourne and Down District Council | £147,695 |
| TOTAL | £1,546,928 |
In the absence of confirmed funding by Home Office for 2024/25, unfortunately we are not in a position to determine further allocations. We continue to press Home Office for confirmation of this year’s funding.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011812%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=401326","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=401326"}},{"id":"401325","reference":"AQW 11811/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-13","answerBy":"2024-05-29","answered":"2024-05-23","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 detail the (i) financial; and (ii) transition support provided to asylum seekers who enter roles on the Shortage Occupation List.","answerText":"Immigration policy is an excepted matter. Decisions in respect of financial and transition support for those who are permitted to enter roles on the now Immigration Salary List (previously the Shortage Occupation List), whilst awaiting an asylum claim, therefore remain the responsibility of the Home Office.\n\nOnce granted refugee status, support services provided in the devolved sphere would not be impacted if an individual had previously been given permission to work, by Home Office, whilst awaiting their asylum claim decision.","answerHtml":"Immigration policy is an excepted matter. Decisions in respect of financial and transition support for those who are permitted to enter roles on the now Immigration Salary List (previously the Shortage Occupation List), whilst awaiting an asylum claim, therefore remain the responsibility of the Home Office.
Once granted refugee status, support services provided in the devolved sphere would not be impacted if an individual had previously been given permission to work, by Home Office, whilst awaiting their asylum claim decision.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011811%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=401325","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=401325"}},{"id":"401092","reference":"AQW 11723/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-10","answerBy":"2024-05-28","answered":"2024-05-22","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 funding for the Skill Up Programme will be made available in the 2024-25 financial year; and (ii) for an update on the evaluation the 2023-24 Skill Up Programme.","answerText":"Long term strategic investment in our skills system will enable a flourishing economy and I am considering the best means of closing the skills gap, including which associated programmes and funding will best address this.\n\nThe Post Project Evaluation of the three-year Skill Up programme will be completed by 30th June 2024.","answerHtml":"Long term strategic investment in our skills system will enable a flourishing economy and I am considering the best means of closing the skills gap, including which associated programmes and funding will best address this.
The Post Project Evaluation of the three-year Skill Up programme will be completed by 30th June 2024.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011723%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=401092","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=401092"}},{"id":"401091","reference":"AQW 11722/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-10","answerBy":"2024-05-28","answered":"2024-07-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the steps being taken to reduce the waiting list of large families seeking long-term social housing in North Down.","answerText":"This issue is an operational matter for the Housing Executive. I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows:\n\n“There were 122 large families on the waiting list for the North Down Parliamentary Constituency, 91 of whom were deemed to be in housing stress at the end of December 2023. There were 20 allocations of social homes to large families on the waiting list over the preceding 12 months.\n\nIn terms of housing supply there are currently 98 Housing Executive properties with four or more bedrooms in the North Down Parliamentary Constituency.\n\nThere are currently no 4-bedroom properties included within the Social Housing Development Programme (SHDP) in the North Down Constituency. The proportion of applicants from single person, elderly and small family households is significantly higher; however, NIHE continue to engage with Housing Associations to identify and progress schemes which will deliver a sustainable mix of house types to meet current and future needs.\n\nThere have been 151 social homes delivered in North Down Parliamentary Constituency in the last 5 years which have included 31 no. 1 bed homes, 94 no. 2 bed homes, 25 no. 3 bed homes and 1 no. 4 bed home. This aligns to those profile of applicants in acute housing need and is kept under annual review”.\n\nFor any future queries relating to operational matters, you may wish to contact the Northern Ireland Housing Executive directly. Making direct contact with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of public resources.","answerHtml":"This issue is an operational matter for the Housing Executive. I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows:
“There were 122 large families on the waiting list for the North Down Parliamentary Constituency, 91 of whom were deemed to be in housing stress at the end of December 2023. There were 20 allocations of social homes to large families on the waiting list over the preceding 12 months.
In terms of housing supply there are currently 98 Housing Executive properties with four or more bedrooms in the North Down Parliamentary Constituency.
There are currently no 4-bedroom properties included within the Social Housing Development Programme (SHDP) in the North Down Constituency. The proportion of applicants from single person, elderly and small family households is significantly higher; however, NIHE continue to engage with Housing Associations to identify and progress schemes which will deliver a sustainable mix of house types to meet current and future needs.
There have been 151 social homes delivered in North Down Parliamentary Constituency in the last 5 years which have included 31 no. 1 bed homes, 94 no. 2 bed homes, 25 no. 3 bed homes and 1 no. 4 bed home. This aligns to those profile of applicants in acute housing need and is kept under annual review”.
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you may wish to contact the Northern Ireland Housing Executive directly. Making direct contact with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of public resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011722%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=401091","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=401091"}},{"id":"401090","reference":"AQW 11721/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-10","answerBy":"2024-05-28","answered":"2024-06-03","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 wheelchair accessible social houses in North Down.","answerText":"This issue is an operational matter for the Housing Executive.\n\nI have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows:\n\n“Work is ongoing to survey all NIHE properties across NI to classify them on an Accessible Housing Register. Regrettably in the absence of the full picture NIHE are not in a position at this time to provide the requested data.\n\nThe Housing Executive does not hold Housing Association stock figures”\n\nFor any future queries relating to operational matters, you may wish to contact the NIHE directly. Making direct contact with the ALB will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of public resources.","answerHtml":"This issue is an operational matter for the Housing Executive.
I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows:
“Work is ongoing to survey all NIHE properties across NI to classify them on an Accessible Housing Register. Regrettably in the absence of the full picture NIHE are not in a position at this time to provide the requested data.
The Housing Executive does not hold Housing Association stock figures”
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you may wish to contact the NIHE directly. Making direct contact with the ALB will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of public resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011721%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=401090","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=401090"}},{"id":"401089","reference":"AQW 11720/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-10","answerBy":"2024-05-28","answered":"2024-05-28","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 6866/22-27, why work to install a new pedestrian crossing on Bloomfield Road, Bangor, has not commenced.","answerText":"The installation of a new pedestrian crossing on the Bloomfield Road, Bangor is listed within the Ards and North Down Borough Council Annual Report 2023/24 and the work was initially anticipated to commence on-site before the end of March 2024.\n\nHowever, there was a slight delay but I am pleased to advise that work has started on site to facilitate NIE works and the remaining works will be scheduled for completion during the school holidays, taking into account the availability of resources and capacity.","answerHtml":"The installation of a new pedestrian crossing on the Bloomfield Road, Bangor is listed within the Ards and North Down Borough Council Annual Report 2023/24 and the work was initially anticipated to commence on-site before the end of March 2024.
However, there was a slight delay but I am pleased to advise that work has started on site to facilitate NIE works and the remaining works will be scheduled for completion during the school holidays, taking into account the availability of resources and capacity.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011720%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=401089","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=401089"}},{"id":"401088","reference":"AQW 11719/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-10","answerBy":"2024-05-28","answered":"2024-06-20","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 to detail when (i) the Ending Violence against Women and Girls strategic framework will be approved; and (ii) the associated implementation plan will commence.","answerText":"We remain committed to bringing forward the Strategic Framework for Ending Violence Against Women and Girls and associated action plan for consideration by the Executive Committee as soon as possible.\n\nOptions are currently being considered and it is anticipated the updated Framework and Action Plan will be brought to the Executive shortly.","answerHtml":"We remain committed to bringing forward the Strategic Framework for Ending Violence Against Women and Girls and associated action plan for consideration by the Executive Committee as soon as possible.
Options are currently being considered and it is anticipated the updated Framework and Action Plan will be brought to the Executive shortly.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011719%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=401088","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=401088"}},{"id":"400236","reference":"AQW 11363/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-05-03","answerBy":"2024-05-09","answered":"2024-05-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the date he became aware of the outcome of a building condition survey carried out in June 2023 by the Education Authority into Bright Sparks Preschool, Crawfordsburn.","answerText":"I accepted an invitation to visit Bright Sparks pre-school on Wednesday 1 May 2024.\n\nDuring this visit, the Chairperson of Bright Sparks Management Committee referenced the condition survey which had been carried out on the modular unit where the pre-school provider was operating from.\n\nHowever, I was also made aware that discussions had taken place with Education Authority representatives on Monday 29 April regarding the accommodation provision.\n\nI understand that a further survey on the modular unit is to be undertaken this week by the Education Authority to identify urgent statutory remedial works required on the modular unit and that a further meeting is planned for 16 May to try and agree a resolution of the ongoing accommodation issues.","answerHtml":"I accepted an invitation to visit Bright Sparks pre-school on Wednesday 1 May 2024.
During this visit, the Chairperson of Bright Sparks Management Committee referenced the condition survey which had been carried out on the modular unit where the pre-school provider was operating from.
However, I was also made aware that discussions had taken place with Education Authority representatives on Monday 29 April regarding the accommodation provision.
I understand that a further survey on the modular unit is to be undertaken this week by the Education Authority to identify urgent statutory remedial works required on the modular unit and that a further meeting is planned for 16 May to try and agree a resolution of the ongoing accommodation issues.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2011363%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=400236","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=400236"}},{"id":"398610","reference":"AQW 10697/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-23","answerBy":"2024-05-09","answered":"2024-05-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether the requirements in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Clinical Guideline CG174 have been implemented in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"My Department has a formal link with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) under which NICE Clinical Guidelines are reviewed locally for their legal and policy applicability here, and where found to be applicable, they are endorsed for implementation within Health and Social Care (HSC) organisations. NICE Clinical Guideline CG174 - Intravenous fluid therapy in adults in hospital was endorsed by my Department for implementation in July 2014.\n\nThe former HSCB, in collaboration with Trusts established a regional Task and Finish Group which identified the recommendations which would have the greatest impact on patient care and subsequently prioritised these for implementation.\n\nThe following priorities were identified and individual subgroups were established to take forward implementation:\n\nEducation and training – medical, nursing and pharmacy\n\nDevelopment of a Fluid Management Chart\n\nDevelopment of an Audit Tool\n\nThe work of these groups has now been completed. However, the agreed action plan has resource implications which has not yet been secured.","answerHtml":"My Department has a formal link with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) under which NICE Clinical Guidelines are reviewed locally for their legal and policy applicability here, and where found to be applicable, they are endorsed for implementation within Health and Social Care (HSC) organisations. NICE Clinical Guideline CG174 - Intravenous fluid therapy in adults in hospital was endorsed by my Department for implementation in July 2014.
The former HSCB, in collaboration with Trusts established a regional Task and Finish Group which identified the recommendations which would have the greatest impact on patient care and subsequently prioritised these for implementation.
The following priorities were identified and individual subgroups were established to take forward implementation:
Education and training – medical, nursing and pharmacy
Development of a Fluid Management Chart
Development of an Audit Tool
The work of these groups has now been completed. However, the agreed action plan has resource implications which has not yet been secured.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010697%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=398610","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=398610"}},{"id":"398609","reference":"AQW 10696/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-23","answerBy":"2024-05-09","answered":"2024-05-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health how many adults had recorded sodium levels of less than 112, broken down by hospital, in each year since 2017.","answerText":"Information on the number of adults i.e. people aged 18 and over, with particular recorded sodium levels is not held centrally. Each of the five Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) was, therefore, asked to provide a response.\n\nFigures for the numbers of adults in Southern, South Eastern, and Western HSCTs with sodium results of less than 112 mmol/L, broken down by hospital, in each financial year since 2016/17, are given in Table 1 which follows.\n\nBelfast and Northern HSCTs provided figures that are not directly comparable to those in Table 1. These figures are given in Tables 2 and 3.\n\nSouthern, South Eastern, and Western HSCTs\n\nSouthern, South Eastern and Western HSCTs provided data which have been combined in the following table in response to this question.\n\nTable 1. Number1 of adults with sodium results of\n\nless than 112 mmol/L, by hospital and financial year\n\nHospital\t16/17\t17/18\t18/19\t19/20\t20/21\t21/22\t22/23\t23/24\nCraigavon Area2\t17\t16\t16\t10\t19\t21\t26\t31\nDaisy Hill2\t5\t5\t15\t9\t<5\t8\t9\t13\nUlster3\t<5\t22\t9\t13\t18\t18\t14\t20\nAltnagelvin\t5\t14\t13\t11\t15\t13\t23\t21\nSouth West Acute\t5\t7\t9\t7\t<5\t6\t8\t5\n\nSource: Southern, South Eastern, and Western HSCTs.\n\n1Figures between 1 and 4 have been suppressed to prevent patient disclosure.\n\n2Less than, or equal to, 112 mmol/L.\n\n3There is a nil return for Ards and Bangor Community Hospitals. Figures for Downe and Lagan Valley Hospitals are held by Belfast Labs and are, therefore, not included in South Eastern HSCT’s response.\n\nBelfast HSCT\n\nWhile Belfast HSCT did not break down its data by financial year, it did provide the following table in response to this question, which extends over two pages.\n\nTable 2. Number1 of adults with sodium results of\n\nless than 112 mmol/L\n\nHospital\t2016\t2017\t2018\t2019\t2020\t2021\t2022\t2023\tTotal\nBelfast City Hospital\t6\t14\t8\t12\t<5\t5\t9\t7\t63\nBelvoir Park Hospital2\t<5\t<5\t<5\t<5\t<5\t<5\t<5\t<5\t17\nMater Infirmorum Hospital\t13\t5\t7\t7\t10\t7\t12\t7\t68\nMusgrave Park Hospital\t<5\t<5\t<5\t<5\t<5\t<5\t5\t0\t12\nNorthern Ireland Hospice\t0\t0\t<5\t0\t0\t0\t0\t0\t<5\nRoyal Maternity Hospital\t<5\t<5\t0\t<5\t<5\t<5\t<5\t<5\t13\nHospital\t2016\t2017\t2018\t2019\t2020\t2021\t2022\t2023\tTotal\nRoyal Victoria Hospital\t18\t33\t28\t27\t42\t45\t52\t56\t301\nLagan Valley Hospital3\t<5\t8\t<5\t<5\t<5\t<5\t0\t<5\t21\nDowne Hospital3\t0\t<5\t<5\t<5\t0\t0\t<5\t<5\t10\n\nSource: Belfast HSCT.\n\n1Figures between 1 and 4 have been suppressed to prevent patient disclosure.\n\n2Figures for Belvoir Park Hospital relate to the Cancer Centre BCH as this is how these figures are recorded on LabCenter and some IT Systems.\n\n3Figures for Lagan Valley and Downe Hospitals are held by Belfast Labs and are, therefore, included in Belfast HSCT’s response.\n\nNorthern HSCT\n\nWhile Northern HSCT did not break down its data by hospital or financial year, it did provide the following table in response to this question.\n\nTable 3. Number of adults with sodium results of\n\nless than, or equal to, 112 mmol/L\n\n2017\t2018\t2019\t2020\t2021\t2022\t2023\t2024\tTotal\nNo. of events1\t27\t31\t34\t33\t22\t34\t34\t9\t224\n\nSource: Northern HSCT.\n\n1Laboratory-based sodium data for each presentation by an adult with a sodium result of less than, or equal to, 112 mmol/L.","answerHtml":"Information on the number of adults i.e. people aged 18 and over, with particular recorded sodium levels is not held centrally. Each of the five Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) was, therefore, asked to provide a response.
Figures for the numbers of adults in Southern, South Eastern, and Western HSCTs with sodium results of less than 112 mmol/L, broken down by hospital, in each financial year since 2016/17, are given in Table 1 which follows.
Belfast and Northern HSCTs provided figures that are not directly comparable to those in Table 1. These figures are given in Tables 2 and 3.
Southern, South Eastern, and Western HSCTs
Southern, South Eastern and Western HSCTs provided data which have been combined in the following table in response to this question.
Table 1. Number1 of adults with sodium results of
less than 112 mmol/L, by hospital and financial year
| Hospital | 16/17 | 17/18 | 18/19 | 19/20 | 20/21 | 21/22 | 22/23 | 23/24 |
| Craigavon Area2 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 10 | 19 | 21 | 26 | 31 |
| Daisy Hill2 | 5 | 5 | 15 | 9 | <5 | 8 | 9 | 13 |
| Ulster3 | <5 | 22 | 9 | 13 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 20 |
| Altnagelvin | 5 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 15 | 13 | 23 | 21 |
| South West Acute | 5 | 7 | 9 | 7 | <5 | 6 | 8 | 5 |
Source: Southern, South Eastern, and Western HSCTs.
1Figures between 1 and 4 have been suppressed to prevent patient disclosure.
2Less than, or equal to, 112 mmol/L.
3There is a nil return for Ards and Bangor Community Hospitals. Figures for Downe and Lagan Valley Hospitals are held by Belfast Labs and are, therefore, not included in South Eastern HSCT’s response.
Belfast HSCT
While Belfast HSCT did not break down its data by financial year, it did provide the following table in response to this question, which extends over two pages.
Table 2. Number1 of adults with sodium results of
less than 112 mmol/L
| Hospital | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | Total |
| Belfast City Hospital | 6 | 14 | 8 | 12 | <5 | 5 | 9 | 7 | 63 |
| Belvoir Park Hospital2 | <5 | <5 | <5 | <5 | <5 | <5 | <5 | <5 | 17 |
| Mater Infirmorum Hospital | 13 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 7 | 12 | 7 | 68 |
| Musgrave Park Hospital | <5 | <5 | <5 | <5 | <5 | <5 | 5 | 0 | 12 |
| Northern Ireland Hospice | 0 | 0 | <5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | <5 |
| Royal Maternity Hospital | <5 | <5 | 0 | <5 | <5 | <5 | <5 | <5 | 13 |
| Hospital | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | Total |
| Royal Victoria Hospital | 18 | 33 | 28 | 27 | 42 | 45 | 52 | 56 | 301 |
| Lagan Valley Hospital3 | <5 | 8 | <5 | <5 | <5 | <5 | 0 | <5 | 21 |
| Downe Hospital3 | 0 | <5 | <5 | <5 | 0 | 0 | <5 | <5 | 10 |
Source: Belfast HSCT.
1Figures between 1 and 4 have been suppressed to prevent patient disclosure.
2Figures for Belvoir Park Hospital relate to the Cancer Centre BCH as this is how these figures are recorded on LabCenter and some IT Systems.
3Figures for Lagan Valley and Downe Hospitals are held by Belfast Labs and are, therefore, included in Belfast HSCT’s response.
Northern HSCT
While Northern HSCT did not break down its data by hospital or financial year, it did provide the following table in response to this question.
Table 3. Number of adults with sodium results of
less than, or equal to, 112 mmol/L
| 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | Total | |
| No. of events1 | 27 | 31 | 34 | 33 | 22 | 34 | 34 | 9 | 224 |
Source: Northern HSCT.
1Laboratory-based sodium data for each presentation by an adult with a sodium result of less than, or equal to, 112 mmol/L.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010696%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=398609","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=398609"}},{"id":"398608","reference":"AQW 10695/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-23","answerBy":"2024-05-09","answered":"2024-05-02","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 9717/22-27, whether the recipients of the fund have received confirmation from the Department that the funding is secure until March 2025.","answerText":"Funding availability for the first progress period from April to July 2024 has been confirmed. Funded organisations received notification of this on 3 April 2024.","answerHtml":"Funding availability for the first progress period from April to July 2024 has been confirmed. Funded organisations received notification of this on 3 April 2024.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010695%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=398608","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=398608"}},{"id":"398397","reference":"AQW 10595/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-22","answerBy":"2024-05-08","answered":"2024-05-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for his assessment of the (i) condition; and (ii) structural integrity of Moss Road, Millisle.","answerText":"My Department is aware of the condition of Moss Road, Millisle. Verge strengthening / stabilisation works are required at several locations along Moss Road in advance of resurfacing.\n\nThe design of the proposed works is well advanced and currently going through the road safety audit process. It is currently envisaged that verge strengthening work will commence during the current financial year subject to acquiring the necessary lands and budget availability.\n\nIn addition, a number of large-scale repairs, remote from the verge strengthening work, have been programmed for Moss Road. These are planned to commence in the coming months.\n\nThe full programme for 2024-25 will be developed and published once future budgets have been agreed. In the meantime, officials in my Department will continue to undertake regular inspections and repair defects in accordance with the Department’s policy.","answerHtml":"My Department is aware of the condition of Moss Road, Millisle. Verge strengthening / stabilisation works are required at several locations along Moss Road in advance of resurfacing.
The design of the proposed works is well advanced and currently going through the road safety audit process. It is currently envisaged that verge strengthening work will commence during the current financial year subject to acquiring the necessary lands and budget availability.
In addition, a number of large-scale repairs, remote from the verge strengthening work, have been programmed for Moss Road. These are planned to commence in the coming months.
The full programme for 2024-25 will be developed and published once future budgets have been agreed. In the meantime, officials in my Department will continue to undertake regular inspections and repair defects in accordance with the Department’s policy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010595%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=398397","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=398397"}},{"id":"398396","reference":"AQW 10594/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-22","answerBy":"2024-05-08","answered":"2024-05-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he will introduce measures to prevent overtaking on Moss Road, Millisle.","answerText":"All requests for improvements to the road network are assessed in line with my Department’s current policies and guidance and all works are subject to prioritisation within the funding available.\n\nHazard warning road markings are currently provided as centre lines on the Moss Road at locations where it is necessary to highlight to road users the presence of a road junction, central refuge or other hazard. It is not proposed to introduce any further measures to prevent overtaking on the Moss Road at this time.\n\nConcerns regarding driver behaviour such as speeding should be directed to the PSNI using the non-emergency 101.\n\nOne of the best ways to ensure the safety of our roads and fulfil our long term goal of eliminating death and serious injury on roads by 2050 is by changing driver behaviour. If all of us who are drivers do not change our attitudes towards speeding and careless driving, our death toll, which has increased in the past year, will continue to increase.","answerHtml":"All requests for improvements to the road network are assessed in line with my Department’s current policies and guidance and all works are subject to prioritisation within the funding available.
Hazard warning road markings are currently provided as centre lines on the Moss Road at locations where it is necessary to highlight to road users the presence of a road junction, central refuge or other hazard. It is not proposed to introduce any further measures to prevent overtaking on the Moss Road at this time.
Concerns regarding driver behaviour such as speeding should be directed to the PSNI using the non-emergency 101.
One of the best ways to ensure the safety of our roads and fulfil our long term goal of eliminating death and serious injury on roads by 2050 is by changing driver behaviour. If all of us who are drivers do not change our attitudes towards speeding and careless driving, our death toll, which has increased in the past year, will continue to increase.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010594%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=398396","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=398396"}},{"id":"398395","reference":"AQW 10593/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-22","answerBy":"2024-05-08","answered":"2024-05-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether his Department will resurface Groomsport Road, Bangor.","answerText":"The programme for 2024-25 will be developed and published once future budgets have been agreed. In the meantime, officials in my Department will continue to undertake regular inspections and repair defects in accordance with the Department’s policy.","answerHtml":"The programme for 2024-25 will be developed and published once future budgets have been agreed. In the meantime, officials in my Department will continue to undertake regular inspections and repair defects in accordance with the Department’s policy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010593%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=398395","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=398395"}},{"id":"398394","reference":"AQW 10592/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-22","answerBy":"2024-05-08","answered":"2024-05-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether his Department will resurface Clandeboye Road, Bangor.","answerText":"The programme for 2024-25 will be developed and published once future budgets have been agreed. In the meantime, officials in my Department will continue to undertake regular inspections and repair defects in accordance with the Department’s policy.","answerHtml":"The programme for 2024-25 will be developed and published once future budgets have been agreed. In the meantime, officials in my Department will continue to undertake regular inspections and repair defects in accordance with the Department’s policy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010592%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=398394","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=398394"}},{"id":"399457","reference":"AQO 365/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-18","answerBy":"2024-04-29","answered":"2024-04-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on the implementation of the framework Developing a more strategic approach to 14-19 Education and Training.","answerText":"Oral Question No 13 & 14 – AQO 365 & AQO 366/22-27\n\nI recently met with my Ministerial colleague, the Minister for Education to discuss the 14-19 Framework and other shared priorities.\n\nDuring this meeting we reaffirmed our commitment to our departments working collaboratively to support the educational opportunities for all our young people.\n\nGiven the importance of this work, Minister Givan and I jointly tasked officials with preparing proposals for our consideration to further enhance delivery of the Framework and joint working across the system.","answerHtml":"Oral Question No 13 & 14 – AQO 365 & AQO 366/22-27
I recently met with my Ministerial colleague, the Minister for Education to discuss the 14-19 Framework and other shared priorities.
During this meeting we reaffirmed our commitment to our departments working collaboratively to support the educational opportunities for all our young people.
Given the importance of this work, Minister Givan and I jointly tasked officials with preparing proposals for our consideration to further enhance delivery of the Framework and joint working across the system.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20365%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=399457","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=399457"}},{"id":"397818","reference":"AQW 10296/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-17","answerBy":"2024-05-02","answered":"2024-05-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether his Department will resurface the A2 road between Donaghadee and Millisle.","answerText":"Resurfacing schemes are funded through my Department’s Structural Maintenance Programme. Regrettably, for some time the available investment has not kept pace with what is needed to maintain all our roads in a reasonable condition.\n\nWhile there are many roads that would benefit from investment, due to limited budget resources, resurfacing work is taken forward through the prioritisation of those deemed most in need for intervention. I am very aware of the long-term underfunding from which our road network has suffered.","answerHtml":"Resurfacing schemes are funded through my Department’s Structural Maintenance Programme. Regrettably, for some time the available investment has not kept pace with what is needed to maintain all our roads in a reasonable condition.
While there are many roads that would benefit from investment, due to limited budget resources, resurfacing work is taken forward through the prioritisation of those deemed most in need for intervention. I am very aware of the long-term underfunding from which our road network has suffered.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010296%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=397818","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=397818"}},{"id":"397625","reference":"AQW 10200/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-16","answerBy":"2024-05-01","answered":"2024-04-24","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 to detail the number of determinations made by the Victims’ Payment Board which have been (i) appealed; and (ii) overturned following an appeal, since the introduction of the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme.","answerText":"As of 15 April 2024, 1,251 determinations have been made by the Victims’ Payments Board since the Scheme opened to applications.\n\nOf these, 162 determinations have been appealed with 46 successful.","answerHtml":"As of 15 April 2024, 1,251 determinations have been made by the Victims’ Payments Board since the Scheme opened to applications.
Of these, 162 determinations have been appealed with 46 successful.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010200%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=397625","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=397625"}},{"id":"397624","reference":"AQW 10199/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-16","answerBy":"2024-05-01","answered":"2024-04-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, following the announcement of the uplift of admissions for Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College, for his assessment of the capacity of the school to accommodate the number of pupils approved for enrolment.","answerText":"The uplift to admissions at Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College brings the school’s approved numbers into line with the level at which the school has already been operating.\n\nI am aware that the school requires additional accommodation to meet the needs of its increased enrolment and it had been anticipated that a scheme to deliver this additional accommodation would be completed for September 2024 however, due to complications arising from the Public Private Partnership contract this is no longer possible.\n\nThe Education Authority is proactively pursuing alternative proposals to deliver the accommodation, but it is anticipated that there could be a delay of up to 12 months.","answerHtml":"The uplift to admissions at Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College brings the school’s approved numbers into line with the level at which the school has already been operating.
I am aware that the school requires additional accommodation to meet the needs of its increased enrolment and it had been anticipated that a scheme to deliver this additional accommodation would be completed for September 2024 however, due to complications arising from the Public Private Partnership contract this is no longer possible.
The Education Authority is proactively pursuing alternative proposals to deliver the accommodation, but it is anticipated that there could be a delay of up to 12 months.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010199%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=397624","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=397624"}},{"id":"397623","reference":"AQW 10198/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-16","answerBy":"2024-05-01","answered":"2024-04-23","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 modular buildings planned for Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College.","answerText":"The uplift to admissions at Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College brings the school’s approved numbers into line with the level at which the school has already been operating.\n\nI am aware that the school requires additional accommodation to meet the needs of its increased enrolment and it had been anticipated that a scheme to deliver this additional accommodation would be completed for September 2024 however, due to complications arising from the Public Private Partnership contract this is no longer possible.\n\nThe Education Authority is proactively pursuing alternative proposals to deliver the accommodation, but it is anticipated that there could be a delay of up to 12 months.","answerHtml":"The uplift to admissions at Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College brings the school’s approved numbers into line with the level at which the school has already been operating.
I am aware that the school requires additional accommodation to meet the needs of its increased enrolment and it had been anticipated that a scheme to deliver this additional accommodation would be completed for September 2024 however, due to complications arising from the Public Private Partnership contract this is no longer possible.
The Education Authority is proactively pursuing alternative proposals to deliver the accommodation, but it is anticipated that there could be a delay of up to 12 months.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010198%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=397623","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=397623"}},{"id":"397622","reference":"AQW 10197/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-16","answerBy":"2024-05-01","answered":"2024-04-24","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 to detail the amount spent on the Communities in Transition Project since its introduction, broken down by focus area.","answerText":"As of 31 March 2024, Communities in Transition (CIT) has awarded over £19 million to projects across the eight CIT geographical areas. The breakdown is as follows:\n\nCarrickfergus and Larne £2,088,013.\n\nDerry/Londonderry£1,884,606.\n\nNorth Down£1,540,709.\n\nLurgan/Craigavon £1,146,861.\n\nWest Belfast £2,630,702.\n\nNorth Belfast £1,363,507.\n\nShankill £1,705,975.\n\nEast Belfast £1,778,823.\n\nRegional Projects £5,183,813.","answerHtml":"As of 31 March 2024, Communities in Transition (CIT) has awarded over £19 million to projects across the eight CIT geographical areas. The breakdown is as follows:
Carrickfergus and Larne £2,088,013.
Derry/Londonderry£1,884,606.
North Down£1,540,709.
Lurgan/Craigavon £1,146,861.
West Belfast £2,630,702.
North Belfast £1,363,507.
Shankill £1,705,975.
East Belfast £1,778,823.
Regional Projects £5,183,813.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%2010197%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=397622","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=397622"}},{"id":"397103","reference":"AQO 327/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-11","answerBy":"2024-04-23","answered":"2024-04-23","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities what financial support will be available for people from Northern Ireland competing in the Paralympic Games.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"I eagerly await the upcoming Paralympic Games in Paris for the opportunity to watch athletes from Northern Ireland competing on the world stage. Northern Ireland has a number of noteworthy Paralympic athletes, including Claire Taggart, who is from my constituency, and James MacSorley. Both Paralympians have represented Team GB and NI at recent games."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"Thank you, Minister. I agree that we have absolutely fantastic Para athletes in Northern Ireland. I give a shout-out to Kelly Gallagher from my constituency, who was one of the first women on Team GB to win gold in Para alpine games. Minister, what plans do you and your Department have to ensure that people with disabilities can access sport across Northern Ireland?"},{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"I should have answered the Member's initial question fully by saying that £37,000 has been provided to individual Paralympic athletes through the athlete award programme and that, since 2020, Disability Sport Northern Ireland has received £663,502 from Sport NI. The Member asked what support we can give those who are disabled to take part in sport, which is of interest to me. I am pleased that we will soon bring forward a disability strategy that will have a sporting element, but, overall, I want to see more people taking part in sport, especially those who have been under-represented in the past, such as women and disabled people. I think that I have an invitation to meet people who are interested in the issue, and I am more than happy to meet them as we put together the disability strategy."},{"speaker":"Ms Brownlee","text":"I thank the Minister for his positive responses. Will he detail the practical support that will be provided for those athletes?"},{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"Yes. Sport NI offers its facilities at the Sports Institute in Jordanstown, in our constituency, which seeks to support national governing bodies by helping to improve individual athletes' sport performance through the provision of its science, medicine and support programmes. That includes performance management, performance skills, performance analysis, performance nutrition, strength and conditioning and sports medicine."},{"speaker":"Madam Principal Deputy Speaker","text":"Paula Bradshaw is not in her place."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20327%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=397103","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2024-04-23&docID=397733#AQO%20327/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=397103"}},{"id":"396799","reference":"AQW 9798/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-10","answerBy":"2024-04-25","answered":"2024-04-22","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 an update on progress in relation to the provision of financial support schemes for the installation of (i) domestic heat pumps; and (i) any other domestic renewable energy sources.","answerText":"My department is currently preparing a public consultation on a low carbon heat support scheme in line with Action 8 of the Energy Strategy Action Plan for 2023. The outcome of this consultation will help to inform options regarding the design, rules, and guidance of future support for low carbon heating technologies which will include heat pumps.\n\nThe Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 set out a target of 80% of electricity consumption to be from renewable sources in the north of Ireland by 2030. Essential to meeting this target will be the establishment of a support scheme for renewable electricity.\n\nDepartmental officials are currently working on a scheme design that will incentivise investment in larger scale renewable electricity projects ensuring consumers pay a fair price for electricity produced locally.\n\nOptions for microgeneration support, including domestic renewable generation such as solar panels, will continue to be evaluated as part of our net zero ambitions.\n\nIndependent advice on solar panels, heat pumps and other energy efficiency matters is available from organisations such as the Energy Saving Trust. These technologies have the potential to provide an attractive payback to businesses without grant support.","answerHtml":"My department is currently preparing a public consultation on a low carbon heat support scheme in line with Action 8 of the Energy Strategy Action Plan for 2023. The outcome of this consultation will help to inform options regarding the design, rules, and guidance of future support for low carbon heating technologies which will include heat pumps.
The Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 set out a target of 80% of electricity consumption to be from renewable sources in the north of Ireland by 2030. Essential to meeting this target will be the establishment of a support scheme for renewable electricity.
Departmental officials are currently working on a scheme design that will incentivise investment in larger scale renewable electricity projects ensuring consumers pay a fair price for electricity produced locally.
Options for microgeneration support, including domestic renewable generation such as solar panels, will continue to be evaluated as part of our net zero ambitions.
Independent advice on solar panels, heat pumps and other energy efficiency matters is available from organisations such as the Energy Saving Trust. These technologies have the potential to provide an attractive payback to businesses without grant support.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209798%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=396799","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=396799"}},{"id":"396798","reference":"AQW 9797/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-10","answerBy":"2024-04-25","answered":"2024-04-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy when he will be launching a public consultation on a low carbon heat support scheme, in line with Action 8 of the Energy Strategy Action Plan 2023.","answerText":"My department is currently preparing a public consultation on a low carbon heat support scheme in line with Action 8 of the Energy Strategy Action Plan for 2023, with a view to publishing in Summer 2024. The outcome of this consultation will help to inform options regarding the design, rules, and guidance of future support for low carbon heating technologies which will include heat pumps.","answerHtml":"My department is currently preparing a public consultation on a low carbon heat support scheme in line with Action 8 of the Energy Strategy Action Plan for 2023, with a view to publishing in Summer 2024. The outcome of this consultation will help to inform options regarding the design, rules, and guidance of future support for low carbon heating technologies which will include heat pumps.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209797%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=396798","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=396798"}},{"id":"396649","reference":"AQW 9719/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-09","answerBy":"2024-04-24","answered":"2024-04-22","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 Ballycopeland Windmill visitor centre, Millisle.","answerText":"Officials from the Historic Environment Division are opening the heritage buildings to the public, free of charge, Thursday to Monday.\n\nOfficials are continuing to meet potential operators with the objective of establishing a sustainable commercial model for the site.","answerHtml":"Officials from the Historic Environment Division are opening the heritage buildings to the public, free of charge, Thursday to Monday.
Officials are continuing to meet potential operators with the objective of establishing a sustainable commercial model for the site.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209719%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=396649","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=396649"}},{"id":"396648","reference":"AQW 9718/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-09","answerBy":"2024-04-24","answered":"2024-04-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when the Annual Report to Ards and North Down Borough Council for the 2024-25 financial year will be published.","answerText":"The 2024-25 work programmes for the Ards and North Down area, as with all other Council areas, are currently being developed in advance of budgets being confirmed. It will take several weeks after budgets are confirmed to finalise and prepare the report and agree a date to present to each Council.\n\nFollowing the presentation to Council, the Report will be published on the Department’s website and issued to MLAs and MPs in each respective Council area and placed in the Assembly library.","answerHtml":"The 2024-25 work programmes for the Ards and North Down area, as with all other Council areas, are currently being developed in advance of budgets being confirmed. It will take several weeks after budgets are confirmed to finalise and prepare the report and agree a date to present to each Council.
Following the presentation to Council, the Report will be published on the Department’s website and issued to MLAs and MPs in each respective Council area and placed in the Assembly library.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209718%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=396648","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=396648"}},{"id":"396647","reference":"AQW 9717/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-04-09","answerBy":"2024-04-24","answered":"2024-04-19","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 for an update on the Minority Ethnic Development Fund.","answerText":"Since its establishment in 2002 the Minority Ethnic Development Fund (MEDF) has enabled hundreds of projects and groups to support minority ethnic people. In line with a review of the Fund, a 3-year funding scheme is currently in place from April 2022 – March 2025 and there are 31 successful applications currently being supported. More information on the Fund and organisations currently receiving funding can be found at.\n\nwww.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/articles/racial-equality#toc-6\n\nwww.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/minority-ethnic-development-fund-successful-organisations","answerHtml":"Since its establishment in 2002 the Minority Ethnic Development Fund (MEDF) has enabled hundreds of projects and groups to support minority ethnic people. In line with a review of the Fund, a 3-year funding scheme is currently in place from April 2022 – March 2025 and there are 31 successful applications currently being supported. More information on the Fund and organisations currently receiving funding can be found at.
www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/articles/racial-equality#toc-6
www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/minority-ethnic-development-fund-successful-organisations
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209717%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=396647","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=396647"}},{"id":"395143","reference":"AQW 9372/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-21","answerBy":"2024-03-26","answered":"2024-04-04","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 a Programme for Government.","answerText":"Work on the Programme for Government continues at pace and we aim to provide a draft Programme for Government for further consideration in the coming weeks.","answerHtml":"Work on the Programme for Government continues at pace and we aim to provide a draft Programme for Government for further consideration in the coming weeks.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209372%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=395143","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=395143"}},{"id":"395142","reference":"AQW 9371/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-21","answerBy":"2024-04-09","answered":"2024-04-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline his Department's spending on active travel in North Down in the last three years, including details of the projects in which the spend occurred.","answerText":"Monitoring of Active Travel spend within the Department is not broken down by parliamentary constituency. The North Down constituency falls within the Ards and North Down Borough Council area which forms part of DfI Southern Division.\n\nThe following figures were recorded against Southern Division’s specific capital Active Travel projects for the current financial year to 31 January 2024 and the three previous financial years:\n\nFinancial Year\t£m\n2020/21\t0.4\n2021/22\t1.9\n2022/23\t0.9\n2023/24 (to January 2024)\t1.0\n\nThe Department also issued letters of offer to the Ards and North Down Council for the delivery of two greenways, namely: Comber to Newtownards Greenway (£2.4m) and Newtownards to Green Road Bangor Greenway (£2.3m).\n\nProjects relating to Active Travel in Ards and North Down Council area can be found in each of the Department’s Roads Reports to Council;\n\nAnnual Report to Ards and North Down Borough Council 2020/2021 | Department for Infrastructure (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk)\n\nAnnual Report to Ards and North Down Borough Council 2021/2022 | Department for Infrastructure (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk)\n\nAnnual Report to Ards and North Down Borough Council 2022/2023 | Department for Infrastructure (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk)\n\nAnnual Report to Ards and North Down Borough Council 2023/2024 | Department for Infrastructure (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk)","answerHtml":"Monitoring of Active Travel spend within the Department is not broken down by parliamentary constituency. The North Down constituency falls within the Ards and North Down Borough Council area which forms part of DfI Southern Division.
The following figures were recorded against Southern Division’s specific capital Active Travel projects for the current financial year to 31 January 2024 and the three previous financial years:
| Financial Year | £m |
| 2020/21 | 0.4 |
| 2021/22 | 1.9 |
| 2022/23 | 0.9 |
| 2023/24 (to January 2024) | 1.0 |
The Department also issued letters of offer to the Ards and North Down Council for the delivery of two greenways, namely: Comber to Newtownards Greenway (£2.4m) and Newtownards to Green Road Bangor Greenway (£2.3m).
Projects relating to Active Travel in Ards and North Down Council area can be found in each of the Department’s Roads Reports to Council;
Annual Report to Ards and North Down Borough Council 2020/2021 | Department for Infrastructure (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk)
Annual Report to Ards and North Down Borough Council 2021/2022 | Department for Infrastructure (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk)
Annual Report to Ards and North Down Borough Council 2022/2023 | Department for Infrastructure (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk)
Annual Report to Ards and North Down Borough Council 2023/2024 | Department for Infrastructure (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk)
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209371%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=395142","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=395142"}},{"id":"395141","reference":"AQW 9370/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-21","answerBy":"2024-04-09","answered":"2024-04-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure why the resurfacing of the Groomsport Road roundabout was prioritised before other outstanding maintenance projects in North Down.","answerText":"There are a number of factors used when determining the need for road resurfacing, including road usage, general surface condition, structural deformation, public enquiries and public liability claims.\n\nGroomsport Road Roundabout forms part of the busy A2 corridor and had started to show signs of structural failure so was included in the 2021/22 resurfacing programme. However, it could not be completed due to contractor capacity issues prior to the expiry of the contract in November 2021.\n\nThe scheme was planned for inclusion in the 2024/25 resurfacing programme subject to available resources. However, following an in-year reallocation of capital funding the scheme has been brought forward into this 2023/24 year.\n\nAll the schemes in the North Down Area which are listed in the 2023/24 Council Report have been delivered.","answerHtml":"There are a number of factors used when determining the need for road resurfacing, including road usage, general surface condition, structural deformation, public enquiries and public liability claims.
Groomsport Road Roundabout forms part of the busy A2 corridor and had started to show signs of structural failure so was included in the 2021/22 resurfacing programme. However, it could not be completed due to contractor capacity issues prior to the expiry of the contract in November 2021.
The scheme was planned for inclusion in the 2024/25 resurfacing programme subject to available resources. However, following an in-year reallocation of capital funding the scheme has been brought forward into this 2023/24 year.
All the schemes in the North Down Area which are listed in the 2023/24 Council Report have been delivered.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209370%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=395141","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=395141"}},{"id":"395140","reference":"AQW 9369/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-21","answerBy":"2024-04-09","answered":"2024-04-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health why up-to-date statistics on terminations of pregnancy are not published on his Department's website.","answerText":"The Department publishes an annual report on terminations of pregnancy carried out in Northern Ireland. The most recent report was published in January 2023 and covered the period 1 April 2021 – 31 March 2022.\n\nThe data contained within this report, however, only considers those terminations carried out in HSC Hospitals in Northern Ireland as an inpatient or day case, in line with the definitions and scope of previous iterations of this publication.\n\nFollowing the commissioning of abortion services in Northern Ireland, as instructed by the Secretary of State on 2 December 2022, work is ongoing to ensure that future annual publications include statistics on all terminations of pregnancy in Northern Ireland. As a result, the next annual publication which has been delayed until June 2024 will include statistics from the introduction of the Abortion (Northern Ireland) (No 2) Regulations 2020 on 31 March 2020 to March 2023 respectively.","answerHtml":"The Department publishes an annual report on terminations of pregnancy carried out in Northern Ireland. The most recent report was published in January 2023 and covered the period 1 April 2021 – 31 March 2022.
The data contained within this report, however, only considers those terminations carried out in HSC Hospitals in Northern Ireland as an inpatient or day case, in line with the definitions and scope of previous iterations of this publication.
Following the commissioning of abortion services in Northern Ireland, as instructed by the Secretary of State on 2 December 2022, work is ongoing to ensure that future annual publications include statistics on all terminations of pregnancy in Northern Ireland. As a result, the next annual publication which has been delayed until June 2024 will include statistics from the introduction of the Abortion (Northern Ireland) (No 2) Regulations 2020 on 31 March 2020 to March 2023 respectively.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209369%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=395140","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=395140"}},{"id":"395139","reference":"AQW 9368/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-21","answerBy":"2024-04-09","answered":"2024-04-19","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 what plans they have to establish a Citizen’s Assembly, as recommended in New Decade, New Approach.","answerText":"We recognise the role that society plays in supporting policy making and we will be examining all approaches to civic participation which are effective and value for cost.","answerHtml":"We recognise the role that society plays in supporting policy making and we will be examining all approaches to civic participation which are effective and value for cost.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209368%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=395139","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=395139"}},{"id":"397720","reference":"AQO 286/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-21","answerBy":"2024-04-16","answered":"2024-04-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what action his Department is taking to address flooding in North Down.","answerText":"My Department has responded to a number of flooding incidents over recent months in North Down, most notably within the Bangor area.\n\nFlooding in the Bangor Area will be examined as part of a wider ‘Bangor Significant Flood Risk Area’ study, which is already on my Department’s Rivers Directorate 10-year capital works programme.\n\nThe study will consider the recent flood events in Autumn 2023 and seek to identify if there are any viable flood alleviation options to mitigate flood risk in this area.","answerHtml":"My Department has responded to a number of flooding incidents over recent months in North Down, most notably within the Bangor area.
Flooding in the Bangor Area will be examined as part of a wider ‘Bangor Significant Flood Risk Area’ study, which is already on my Department’s Rivers Directorate 10-year capital works programme.
The study will consider the recent flood events in Autumn 2023 and seek to identify if there are any viable flood alleviation options to mitigate flood risk in this area.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20286%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=397720","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=397720"}},{"id":"395186","reference":"AQO 250/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-21","answerBy":"2024-04-15","answered":"2024-04-15","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 Communities in Transition Project.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly (The deputy First Minister)","text":"Through Communities in Transition, we are determined to build a safer society, free from the negative influences of paramilitarism, criminality and coercive control. The tackling paramilitarism, criminality and organised crime (TPCOC) programme has been extended into 2024-25, following a commitment from the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive. The programme will invest £2·3 million in CIT for 2024-25, subject to the agreement of the Executive's Budget for this year. CIT has delivered 82 projects, totalling £19 million, across the eight CIT areas. Some 51 projects have been completed, and the remaining 31 contracts are continuing into 2024-25, with a renewed focus on the main issues impacting on communities from paramilitarism, criminality and coercive control. If we are to bring about lasting change and release all communities from the grip of paramilitary control, we need to continue to adopt a holistic approach to tackling systemic issues and work in partnership with our local communities."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"Thank you very much, deputy First Minister. I have seen the great work of projects funded by CIT in my constituency. Will more flexibility be shown in the areas targeted for the next tranche of funding?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"It is always difficult, because a boundary is drawn around certain areas that either qualify or do not qualify, and sometimes it can, of course, be as simple as a house to a house or a street to a street. We therefore try to show flexibility in many of the Executive Office programmes. For Urban Villages, for example, we were able to adopt that flexible approach. I agree with the Member that there should be flexibility in the CIT project as it moves forward. We are undertaking the evaluation of phase 2, and that evaluation will inform phase 3. The matter raised by the Member has certainly come up, and I have heard her on that issue."},{"speaker":"Mr Kingston","text":"How successful has the CIT project been to date? What has been delivered through it?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"There have been 156 social action projects delivered already. Those projects account for 9,000 participants. The Member will be aware that the projects are not to replace but to supplement and complement PSNI activities to tackle criminality. They are therefore projects that work very much with the community on building community resilience and community capacity and on encouraging young people in those communities to pursue positive and progressive pathways, particularly through training, education and sport, into employment. It is vital that those communities have that bright future and that they feel the dividend from a peaceful and stable Northern Ireland. That is what the projects have been focused on."},{"speaker":"Mr Chambers","text":"Will the Minister confirm whether she has had discussions with the Justice Minister about moving away from the use of the term \"paramilitaries\" and to focus instead on calling them what they are, which is drug dealers, child abusers and organised crime gangs?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"There is undoubtedly a significant amount of criminality from some individuals and organisations, but there are uniquely Northern Ireland aspects involved, because some of the organisations have their roots and origins in our past and in the Troubles. Of course, that brings a particular dimension to the situation. That is why the programme takes that into account. As I indicated, a light touch is certainly not being applied to criminality. The programme is in place to work alongside the PSNI and support it in tackling criminality and to have a zero-tolerance approach to criminality, drug dealing and other abuses in communities: those abuses that bring our communities down. It is important to note that, in those communities, there are many fantastic examples of community work, organisations, young people, families and community activity, so areas should not be simply viewed through the prism of the criminality and other aspects that have plagued them for some considerable time."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"Before I call Mark Durkan, I ask the deputy First Minister to point the microphone towards herself. Hansard staff are struggling to hear her."},{"speaker":"Mr Durkan","text":"I have also seen at first hand some extremely successful CIT projects in the Creggan area of my constituency — I commend all involved in them — but there are other projects, the effectiveness of which is perhaps not as obvious. That has sometimes led to frustration in the community. There are questions —"},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"Do you have a question, Mark?"},{"speaker":"Mr Durkan","text":"— that the deputy First Minister may be able to answer about how projects are selected for funding and about how new projects can come forward under the process."},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"As I said in my initial answer, in this phase of CIT, we will have £2·3 million to invest this year. That is building on the work of the previous two years. We are now moving towards phase 3 of CIT. A consultation has been under way for some time, looking at which projects have been most effective and why some of the projects that have been supported have, perhaps, not been as effective as it was hoped that they would be. That is all set within the matrix of the key principles of CIT. As I indicated, those are about building community resilience, working with communities and young people, and the transitioning of young people, through sport, training and other initiatives, towards positive futures. Many of those projects are based on best practice, but, as we know, that does not guarantee that they will work. That is why that consultation and evaluation is important to inform the way forward into CIT phase 3, which must take into account some of the issues that the Member has raised."},{"speaker":"Mr Allister","text":"Does transitioning not have to start closer to home in the Executive Office? Is there any sign of the Minister's partner in the Government's transitioning towards being able to condemn IRA murders? We have just had another example of the failure to condemn after the focus on the horrendous Kingsmills massacre. Surely that is a baby step, but a necessary step, for anyone in the Government?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"It is welcome that we have had the opportunity today to mark the appalling atrocity that happened at Kingsmills. We know that it has been a long and difficult journey for the families. The coroner confirmed that it was a deeply sectarian attack. Certainly, personally speaking, I have absolutely no issue with standing here and saying very clearly that all terrorism is wrong. There was always an alternative. I certainly urge all members of the Executive to do the same."},{"speaker":"Mrs Dillon","text":"Can you provide an overview of the successes and key deliverables of the CIT programme, please?"},{"speaker":"Mrs Little-Pengelly","text":"There were a number of key themes in the programme, including community development, health and well-being, environment and culture, community safety and policing, personal transition, addressing the needs of young people and expansion of restorative practices. I am pleased to say that, following that in-depth consultation and evaluation of this over the past number of weeks and months, there has been positive feedback on the outcomes of working with communities. Obviously, we will go into more detail on the types of projects that seem to have worked very well, but, importantly, what we need to do is learn from that and ensure that we are pulling forward that best practice, not just into the third phase of CIT but into a number of other programmes that we are working on in communities to build that community resilience, because, of course, what works here to build that resilience and social capital in those communities will work with a range of other projects that the Executive are focusing on."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20250%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=395186","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2024-04-15&docID=396689#AQO%20250/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=395186"}},{"id":"394445","reference":"AQW 9056/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-15","answerBy":"2024-04-04","answered":"2024-04-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he has any plans to address traffic congestion on Main Street, Crawfordsburn.","answerText":"I can advise there are extensive existing waiting restrictions in the form of double yellow lines to facilitate traffic progression throughout Crawfordsburn Village. Crawfordsburn Village has numerous residential properties, and it is not considered appropriate to restrict the parking further at this time.\n\nIt is recognised that Crawfordsburn Village will have some delays during peak periods. However, there are concerns that addressing these peak period delays could inappropriately attract further commuting traffic through the Village rather than using the A2 Belfast Road.\n\nConcerns about vehicles which are parked inappropriately which cause an obstruction or danger to any other road users should be reported to the to the police who is the enforcement authority using their non-emergency number 101.","answerHtml":"I can advise there are extensive existing waiting restrictions in the form of double yellow lines to facilitate traffic progression throughout Crawfordsburn Village. Crawfordsburn Village has numerous residential properties, and it is not considered appropriate to restrict the parking further at this time.
It is recognised that Crawfordsburn Village will have some delays during peak periods. However, there are concerns that addressing these peak period delays could inappropriately attract further commuting traffic through the Village rather than using the A2 Belfast Road.
Concerns about vehicles which are parked inappropriately which cause an obstruction or danger to any other road users should be reported to the to the police who is the enforcement authority using 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%209056%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=394445","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=394445"}},{"id":"394444","reference":"AQW 9055/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-15","answerBy":"2024-04-04","answered":"2024-04-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how many Penalty Charge Notices have been issued by his Department in Crawfordsburn in each of the last three years.","answerText":"7 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) have been issued in Crawfordsburn in the last 3 years as follows:\n\n13th August 2022 – 3 PCNs\n\n26th August 2023 – 3 PCNs\n\n5th September 2023 – 1 PCN","answerHtml":"7 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) have been issued in Crawfordsburn in the last 3 years as follows:
13th August 2022 – 3 PCNs
26th August 2023 – 3 PCNs
5th September 2023 – 1 PCN
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209055%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=394444","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=394444"}},{"id":"394443","reference":"AQW 9054/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-15","answerBy":"2024-04-04","answered":"2024-04-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what action he is taking to ensure NI Water responds to planning consultations in a timely manner.","answerText":"My department works with statutory planning consultees to help speed up responses to planning applications through the ongoing work of the Planning Statutory Consultee Forum which links statutory consultees with local planning authorities. NI Water is represented on, and participates in, this forum.\n\nNI Water has returned 85% or more of their statutory responses within the 21-day target in four of the last five years and reported their best performance to date (97% of responses on time) in 2021-22 (the most recent available annual statistics).","answerHtml":"My department works with statutory planning consultees to help speed up responses to planning applications through the ongoing work of the Planning Statutory Consultee Forum which links statutory consultees with local planning authorities. NI Water is represented on, and participates in, this forum.
NI Water has returned 85% or more of their statutory responses within the 21-day target in four of the last five years and reported their best performance to date (97% of responses on time) in 2021-22 (the most recent available annual statistics).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%209054%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=394443","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=394443"}},{"id":"394184","reference":"AQW 8951/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-14","answerBy":"2024-04-03","answered":"2024-04-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) whether his Department has concluded work on the review of the feasibility study pertaining to flood risk management in Omagh town; and (ii) to provide a timeline for the publication of potential options to reduce flood risk in Omagh town.","answerText":"A review of the feasibility study for Omagh is ongoing and it is expected to be completed by the end of the summer. Once the review has been completed my Department will consider how best to communicate any viable proposals.","answerHtml":"A review of the feasibility study for Omagh is ongoing and it is expected to be completed by the end of the summer. Once the review has been completed my Department will consider how best to communicate any viable proposals.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208951%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=394184","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=394184"}},{"id":"394183","reference":"AQW 8950/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-14","answerBy":"2024-04-03","answered":"2024-04-11","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 he has any plans to align pay for further education lecturers with school teachers.","answerText":"Further Education lecturers’ pay, as well as the terms and conditions of employment, are matters for the Further Education colleges as employers. However, I am committed to improving pay for Further Education lecturers and regard this as a priority issue.\n\nFollowing the concerns raised by Further Education lecturers regarding the announcement of the teachers’ pay agreement, I have asked my officials to explore the options for aligning further education lecturers pay with teachers.","answerHtml":"Further Education lecturers’ pay, as well as the terms and conditions of employment, are matters for the Further Education colleges as employers. However, I am committed to improving pay for Further Education lecturers and regard this as a priority issue.
Following the concerns raised by Further Education lecturers regarding the announcement of the teachers’ pay agreement, I have asked my officials to explore the options for aligning further education lecturers pay with teachers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208950%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=394183","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=394183"}},{"id":"394182","reference":"AQW 8949/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-14","answerBy":"2024-04-03","answered":"2024-04-12","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 their assessment of the Historical Institutional Abuse Redress Board criteria including that a spouse, partner and child is eligible to apply on behalf of a deceased person, but not a sibling.","answerText":"Under the direction of the former Head of the Civil Service (HOCS), draft legislation based wholly on the Hart Report recommendations was developed in 2018.\n\nFollowing a full 16-week consultation exercise, which received 526 responses, a consultation report, policy position paper and draft legislation were sent to the then Secretary of State. Thereafter, at the request of the Secretary of State, the former HOCS led a series of discussions with local political parties to agree their position on those policy issues. The draft Bill to establish the Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse (COSICA) and the HIA Redress Board reflected that political consensus and subsequently the legislation was enacted on 5 November 2019.\n\nThe Hart Report recognised that not all redress schemes allowed surviving spouses or children to receive part or all of the compensation that an abused person would have received before they died. However, the Hart Report noted that the adverse experiences of victims and survivors had an impact throughout their adult lives when it came to being a parent or spouse, and that their families suffered as a result of that childhood experience. Hart therefore recommended that it would be just and humane that only those directly affected, namely the spouse or children of a deceased individual should be able to claim 75% of the compensation that would have been awarded to their spouse or parent. However, following responses to the consultation and engagement with the local political parties, it was agreed that no reduction would be made to any application made in respect of a deceased individual.\n\nSection 6 of the Historical Institutional Abuse (Northern Ireland) Act 2019 provides for applications in respect of entitlement to claim compensation in respect of a deceased person.","answerHtml":"Under the direction of the former Head of the Civil Service (HOCS), draft legislation based wholly on the Hart Report recommendations was developed in 2018.
Following a full 16-week consultation exercise, which received 526 responses, a consultation report, policy position paper and draft legislation were sent to the then Secretary of State. Thereafter, at the request of the Secretary of State, the former HOCS led a series of discussions with local political parties to agree their position on those policy issues. The draft Bill to establish the Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse (COSICA) and the HIA Redress Board reflected that political consensus and subsequently the legislation was enacted on 5 November 2019.
The Hart Report recognised that not all redress schemes allowed surviving spouses or children to receive part or all of the compensation that an abused person would have received before they died. However, the Hart Report noted that the adverse experiences of victims and survivors had an impact throughout their adult lives when it came to being a parent or spouse, and that their families suffered as a result of that childhood experience. Hart therefore recommended that it would be just and humane that only those directly affected, namely the spouse or children of a deceased individual should be able to claim 75% of the compensation that would have been awarded to their spouse or parent. However, following responses to the consultation and engagement with the local political parties, it was agreed that no reduction would be made to any application made in respect of a deceased individual.
Section 6 of the Historical Institutional Abuse (Northern Ireland) Act 2019 provides for applications in respect of entitlement to claim compensation in respect of a deceased person.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208949%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=394182","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=394182"}},{"id":"394181","reference":"AQW 8948/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-14","answerBy":"2024-04-03","answered":"2024-04-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether his Department will resurface Crawfordsburn Road, Bangor.","answerText":"Resurfacing schemes are funded through my Department’s Structural Maintenance Programme; regrettably, for some time the available investment has not kept pace with what is needed to maintain all of our roads in a reasonable condition.\n\nWhile there are many roads that would benefit from investment, due to limited budget resources, resurfacing work is taken forward through the prioritisation of those deemed most in need for intervention.\n\nI am very aware of the long-term underfunding from which our road network has suffered as a result of years of Tory austerity and cuts. Therefore, I have recently announced the immediate investment of an additional £1m in road maintenance to begin to address the growing backlog of pothole repairs. This much needed funding will be used between now and the end of the financial year to target areas of particular need with small scale resurfacing schemes designed to repair areas that have suffered the most and where localised repairs are less effective.\n\nI have also allocated over £8m of additional funding to structural maintenance to allow further large scale resurfacing schemes to be delivered. This represents a significant investment in improving the structural integrity of our road network.\n\nDetails of the planned list of resurfacing schemes for the 2024/25 financial year in the Ards and North Down Borough Council area will be included in the Department’s Annual Report to Council once future budgets are finalised.","answerHtml":"Resurfacing schemes are funded through my Department’s Structural Maintenance Programme; regrettably, for some time the available investment has not kept pace with what is needed to maintain all of our roads in a reasonable condition.
While there are many roads that would benefit from investment, due to limited budget resources, resurfacing work is taken forward through the prioritisation of those deemed most in need for intervention.
I am very aware of the long-term underfunding from which our road network has suffered as a result of years of Tory austerity and cuts. Therefore, I have recently announced the immediate investment of an additional £1m in road maintenance to begin to address the growing backlog of pothole repairs. This much needed funding will be used between now and the end of the financial year to target areas of particular need with small scale resurfacing schemes designed to repair areas that have suffered the most and where localised repairs are less effective.
I have also allocated over £8m of additional funding to structural maintenance to allow further large scale resurfacing schemes to be delivered. This represents a significant investment in improving the structural integrity of our road network.
Details of the planned list of resurfacing schemes for the 2024/25 financial year in the Ards and North Down Borough Council area will be included in the Department’s Annual Report to Council once future budgets are finalised.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208948%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=394181","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=394181"}},{"id":"394180","reference":"AQW 8947/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-14","answerBy":"2024-04-03","answered":"2024-04-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how many Penalty Charge Notices have been issued to vehicles parked in a cycle lane, in each of the last three years.","answerText":"The Traffic Management (Northern Ireland) Order 2005 gives my Department the power to issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) when a vehicle is detected parked on a legislated Mandatory Cycle Lane. These are cycle lanes which are part of the carriageway (road) and are identified by a solid white line or by a raised traffic island. 53 PCNs have been issued to vehicles parked on a legislated mandatory cycle lane between 15th March 2021 and 14th March 2024.\n\nAdvisory Cycle Lanes, which are identified by a broken white line, cycle tracks on footways or those separate from the carriageway, are not generally enforceable by a Traffic Attendant unless there are parking restrictions marked on the carriageway, for example yellow lines, as these would also apply to the cycle lane, track, or footway. As PCNs do not record the actual location of the vehicle, it is not possible to detail the total number of PCNs issued to vehicles parked on cycle lanes, cycle tracks or on footways separate from the carriageway.","answerHtml":"The Traffic Management (Northern Ireland) Order 2005 gives my Department the power to issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) when a vehicle is detected parked on a legislated Mandatory Cycle Lane. These are cycle lanes which are part of the carriageway (road) and are identified by a solid white line or by a raised traffic island. 53 PCNs have been issued to vehicles parked on a legislated mandatory cycle lane between 15th March 2021 and 14th March 2024.
Advisory Cycle Lanes, which are identified by a broken white line, cycle tracks on footways or those separate from the carriageway, are not generally enforceable by a Traffic Attendant unless there are parking restrictions marked on the carriageway, for example yellow lines, as these would also apply to the cycle lane, track, or footway. As PCNs do not record the actual location of the vehicle, it is not possible to detail the total number of PCNs issued to vehicles parked on cycle lanes, cycle tracks or on footways separate from the carriageway.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208947%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=394180","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=394180"}},{"id":"397333","reference":"AQO 232/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-14","answerBy":"2024-04-08","answered":"2024-04-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, following the Healthy Happy Minds pilot, what steps he will take to ensure the provision of counselling services in primary schools.","answerText":"An independent post project evaluation of the pilot has been carried out and is available on the Department’s website.\n\nI will assess the findings of the evaluation and take the time to consider this along with wider research / feedback from stakeholders in developing the Department’s longer-term approach.","answerHtml":"An independent post project evaluation of the pilot has been carried out and is available on the Department’s website.
I will assess the findings of the evaluation and take the time to consider this along with wider research / feedback from stakeholders in developing the Department’s longer-term approach.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20232%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=397333","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=397333"}},{"id":"393647","reference":"AQW 8730/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-12","answerBy":"2024-03-28","answered":"2024-05-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities, following comments by the Speaker at the conclusion of Question Time on 12 March 2024, whether he will supply the information requested in AQW 6991/22-27.","answerText":"This issue is an operational matter for the Housing Executive.\n\nI have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows:\n\n“The tables below set out our planned maintenance and improvement schemes for our housing stock in the North Down constituency area for 2024/25, 2025/26 and 2026/27. It should be noted that while all of these schemes will include locations and properties that are in the constituency, some of the schemes may also include locations and properties that are not.\n\nDelivery of these schemes as indicated is subject to funding, scheme development and approvals being secured in line with anticipated timescales, and delivery contracts being available.\n\nWorkstream\tScheme\tDwellings\n2024/25\nExternal Cyclical\nMaintenance\tLoughview, Holywood Phase 2 ECM\t118\nWindows\tDonaghadee DGL\t127\nBathroom/ Kitchen/ Rewire\tAva Street & Clandeboye Bangor BKR\t63\nHelen’s Bay/ Holywood BKR\t39\nBreezemount Estate BKR\t81\nBathrooms\tConlig Bathrooms\t43\nLisnabreen, Bathrooms\t82\nHeating\tConlig/ Breezemount\t60\nKilcooley, Bangor\t62\nCavity Wall Insulation\tLisnabreen, Bangor CWI\t114\nCrawfordsburn/ Helens Bay CWI\t54\nRedburn/ Loughview, Holywood CWI\t161\nExternal Wall Insulation\tAbbey Ring/ West Link, Loughview Estate No Fines\t49\nLoughview Estate No Fines\t67\nWhitehill Estate No Fines\t83\n\n2025/26\nExternal Cyclical Maintenance\tKilcooley Phase 1, Bangor ECM\t309\nRoofs\tBloomfield Estate Roofs\t166\nWindows\tMillisle DGL\t82\nBathroom/ Kitchen/ Rewire\tRathgill Estate BKR\t49\nBloomfield Estate, Bangor Phase 2 BKR\t33\nWhitehill Estate, Bangor Phase 1 BKR\t47\nBathrooms\tJubilee/ Rathgill Bathrooms\t40\nHeating\tBangor Estates 07/08\t95\nBangor Estates 08/09\t65\nBreezemount, Rathgill, Willowbrook, Bangor & Holywood (08/09)\t67\nKilcooley / Clandeboye Estates, Bangor\t75\nCavity Wall Insulation\tBloomfield Estate, Bangor CWI\t218\nRathgill Estate, Bangor CWI\t284\nCapital Improvement\tBallyferris Walk, Bangor\t6\n\n2026/27\nExternal Cyclical Maintainence\tHolywood ECM\t325\nBathroom/ Kitchen/ Rewire\tClanmorris, Bangor BKR\t36\nWhitehill Phase 2/ North Down Rurals BKR\t49\nBloomfield Bangor Phase 3 BKR\t85\nWillowbrook Bangor BKR\t80\nBathrooms\tDonaghadee Bathrooms\t121\nHeating\tBangor Estates\t94\nBreezemount Conlig\t72\nCavity Wall Insulation\tBreezemount/ Skipperstone Road, Bangor CWI\t177\nWillowbrook Estate, Bangor CWI\t114 ”\n\nFor any future queries relating to operational matters, you may wish to contact the Housing Executive directly. Making direct contact with them will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of public resources.","answerHtml":"This issue is an operational matter for the Housing Executive.
I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows:
“The tables below set out our planned maintenance and improvement schemes for our housing stock in the North Down constituency area for 2024/25, 2025/26 and 2026/27. It should be noted that while all of these schemes will include locations and properties that are in the constituency, some of the schemes may also include locations and properties that are not.
Delivery of these schemes as indicated is subject to funding, scheme development and approvals being secured in line with anticipated timescales, and delivery contracts being available.
| Workstream | Scheme | Dwellings |
| 2024/25 | ||
| External Cyclical Maintenance | Loughview, Holywood Phase 2 ECM | 118 |
| Windows | Donaghadee DGL | 127 |
| Bathroom/ Kitchen/ Rewire | Ava Street & Clandeboye Bangor BKR | 63 |
| Helen’s Bay/ Holywood BKR | 39 | |
| Breezemount Estate BKR | 81 | |
| Bathrooms | Conlig Bathrooms | 43 |
| Lisnabreen, Bathrooms | 82 | |
| Heating | Conlig/ Breezemount | 60 |
| Kilcooley, Bangor | 62 | |
| Cavity Wall Insulation | Lisnabreen, Bangor CWI | 114 |
| Crawfordsburn/ Helens Bay CWI | 54 | |
| Redburn/ Loughview, Holywood CWI | 161 | |
| External Wall Insulation | Abbey Ring/ West Link, Loughview Estate No Fines | 49 |
| Loughview Estate No Fines | 67 | |
| Whitehill Estate No Fines | 83 |
| 2025/26 | ||
| External Cyclical Maintenance | Kilcooley Phase 1, Bangor ECM | 309 |
| Roofs | Bloomfield Estate Roofs | 166 |
| Windows | Millisle DGL | 82 |
| Bathroom/ Kitchen/ Rewire | Rathgill Estate BKR | 49 |
| Bloomfield Estate, Bangor Phase 2 BKR | 33 | |
| Whitehill Estate, Bangor Phase 1 BKR | 47 | |
| Bathrooms | Jubilee/ Rathgill Bathrooms | 40 |
| Heating | Bangor Estates 07/08 | 95 |
| Bangor Estates 08/09 | 65 | |
| Breezemount, Rathgill, Willowbrook, Bangor & Holywood (08/09) | 67 | |
| Kilcooley / Clandeboye Estates, Bangor | 75 | |
| Cavity Wall Insulation | Bloomfield Estate, Bangor CWI | 218 |
| Rathgill Estate, Bangor CWI | 284 | |
| Capital Improvement | Ballyferris Walk, Bangor | 6 |
| 2026/27 | ||
| External Cyclical Maintainence | Holywood ECM | 325 |
| Bathroom/ Kitchen/ Rewire | Clanmorris, Bangor BKR | 36 |
| Whitehill Phase 2/ North Down Rurals BKR | 49 | |
| Bloomfield Bangor Phase 3 BKR | 85 | |
| Willowbrook Bangor BKR | 80 | |
| Bathrooms | Donaghadee Bathrooms | 121 |
| Heating | Bangor Estates | 94 |
| Breezemount Conlig | 72 | |
| Cavity Wall Insulation | Breezemount/ Skipperstone Road, Bangor CWI | 177 |
| Willowbrook Estate, Bangor CWI | 114 ” |
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you may wish to contact the Housing Executive directly. Making direct contact with them will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of public resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208730%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=393647","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=393647"}},{"id":"393646","reference":"AQW 8729/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-12","answerBy":"2024-03-28","answered":"2024-06-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities, following comments by the Speaker at the conclusion of Question Time on 12 March 2024, whether he will supply the information requested in AQW 6597/22-27.","answerText":"This issue is an operational matter for the Housing Executive.\n\nI have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows:\n\n“The waiting list figures for North Down parliamentary constituency as at end December 2023 are:\n\nDec-23\tTotal no. of Applicants\tApplicants in Housing Stress (30 points or more)\tFDA\tAllocations\nNorth Down Parl Const\t1957\t1416\t1139\t255\nNorthern Ireland\t46461\t34651\t28614\t5691\n\nNotes:\n\nApplicant Information (all applicants / applicants in housing stress / FDA) is as at end December 2023.\n\nAllocation information refers to the number of allocations in the preceding 12-month period.\n\nFDA refers to Full Duty Applicants – these are applicants accepted as being homeless, to whom the Housing Executive owes a duty under the Homelessness legislation, Article 10(2) of the Housing (NI) Order, 1988 to “secure that accommodation becomes available for his/her occupation”.”\n\nFor any future queries relating to operational matters, you may wish to contact the Housing Executive directly. Making direct contact with them will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of public resources.","answerHtml":"This issue is an operational matter for the Housing Executive.
I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows:
“The waiting list figures for North Down parliamentary constituency as at end December 2023 are:
| Dec-23 | Total no. of Applicants | Applicants in Housing Stress (30 points or more) | FDA | Allocations |
| North Down Parl Const | 1957 | 1416 | 1139 | 255 |
| Northern Ireland | 46461 | 34651 | 28614 | 5691 |
Notes:
Applicant Information (all applicants / applicants in housing stress / FDA) is as at end December 2023.
Allocation information refers to the number of allocations in the preceding 12-month period.
FDA refers to Full Duty Applicants – these are applicants accepted as being homeless, to whom the Housing Executive owes a duty under the Homelessness legislation, Article 10(2) of the Housing (NI) Order, 1988 to “secure that accommodation becomes available for his/her occupation”.”
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you may wish to contact the Housing Executive directly. Making direct contact with them will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of public resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208729%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=393646","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=393646"}},{"id":"393645","reference":"AQW 8728/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-12","answerBy":"2024-03-28","answered":"2024-05-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities, following comments by the Speaker at the conclusion of Question Time on 12 March 2024, whether he will supply the information requested in AQW 6595/22-27.","answerText":"This issue is an operational matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.\n\nI have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows:\n\n“The Social Housing Development Programme (SHDP) is approved on a 3-Year rolling basis, so details of new social housing proposals for the North Down Parliamentary Constituency are only available for the period 2024/25 – 2026/27.\n\nWithin the North Down Parliamentary Constituency there are currently 61 social housing units under construction. I have provided the detail of these units in Table 1 below.\n\nAdditionally, there are 100 social housing units programmed to start as part of the Social Housing Development Programme (SHDP) 2024/25 – 2026/27. The delivery of these and the wider Social Housing Development Programme will be subject to sufficient capital budget being made available to my Department. I have provided details of these units in Table 2 below.\n\nPlease note that programmed schemes can be lost or slip to future programme years for a variety of reasons e.g. relating to delays in acquiring sites and/or failure to secure Planning Approval. Additional schemes can also be added to the SHDP ‘in-year’ through Competitive Land, Design & Build procurement route and/or the purchase of Existing Satisfactory / Off-the-Shelf properties.\n\nTable 1: Social housing units under construction in the North Down Parliamentary Constituency\n\nHousing Association\tScheme Name\tLocation\tType\tUnits\tOnsite Year\tCompletionYear\nArk\tDonaghadee Road\tBangor\tCompetitive Land Design & Build\t8\t2022/23\t2024/25\nArk\t12 Ballywalter Road\tMillisle\tCompetitive Land Design & Build\t9\t2023/24\t2024/25\nClanmil\tSavoy Redevelopment (Blocks B & C)\tBangor\tNew Build\t26\t2021/22\t2024/25\nHabinteg/Woven\tBalmoral Dale, Phase 2\tBangor\tSocial Housing via Planning Gain\t17\t2023/24\t2024/25\nNB Housing\t10 Abbey Gardens\tMillisle\tRehab\t1\t2022/23\t2024/25\n\nTable 2: Social housing units programmed to start through the SHDP 2024/25 – 2026/27 in the North Down Parliamentary Constituency\n\nHousing Association\tScheme Name\tLocation\tType\tUnits\tOnsite Year\tCompletionYear\nAlpha\tMeeting House Street\tPortaferry\tNew Build\t6\t2024/25\t2025/26\nChoice\tWorcester Avenue\tBangor\tNew Build\t49\t2025/26\t2028/29\nClanmil\tBangor Marina Regeneration\tBangor\tNew Build\t32\t2025/26\t2027/28\nRadius\tCastle Street\tComber\tCompetitive Land Design & Build\t13\t2025/26\t2026/27 “\n\nFor any future queries relating to operational matters, you may wish to contact the Northern Ireland Housing Executive directly at Public.Affairsunit@nihe.gov.uk Making direct contact with the ALB will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of public resources.","answerHtml":"This issue is an operational matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows:
“The Social Housing Development Programme (SHDP) is approved on a 3-Year rolling basis, so details of new social housing proposals for the North Down Parliamentary Constituency are only available for the period 2024/25 – 2026/27.
Within the North Down Parliamentary Constituency there are currently 61 social housing units under construction. I have provided the detail of these units in Table 1 below.
Additionally, there are 100 social housing units programmed to start as part of the Social Housing Development Programme (SHDP) 2024/25 – 2026/27. The delivery of these and the wider Social Housing Development Programme will be subject to sufficient capital budget being made available to my Department. I have provided details of these units in Table 2 below.
Please note that programmed schemes can be lost or slip to future programme years for a variety of reasons e.g. relating to delays in acquiring sites and/or failure to secure Planning Approval. Additional schemes can also be added to the SHDP ‘in-year’ through Competitive Land, Design & Build procurement route and/or the purchase of Existing Satisfactory / Off-the-Shelf properties.
Table 1: Social housing units under construction in the North Down Parliamentary Constituency
| Housing Association | Scheme Name | Location | Type | Units | Onsite Year | CompletionYear |
| Ark | Donaghadee Road | Bangor | Competitive Land Design & Build | 8 | 2022/23 | 2024/25 |
| Ark | 12 Ballywalter Road | Millisle | Competitive Land Design & Build | 9 | 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
| Clanmil | Savoy Redevelopment (Blocks B & C) | Bangor | New Build | 26 | 2021/22 | 2024/25 |
| Habinteg/Woven | Balmoral Dale, Phase 2 | Bangor | Social Housing via Planning Gain | 17 | 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
| NB Housing | 10 Abbey Gardens | Millisle | Rehab | 1 | 2022/23 | 2024/25 |
Table 2: Social housing units programmed to start through the SHDP 2024/25 – 2026/27 in the North Down Parliamentary Constituency
| Housing Association | Scheme Name | Location | Type | Units | Onsite Year | CompletionYear |
| Alpha | Meeting House Street | Portaferry | New Build | 6 | 2024/25 | 2025/26 |
| Choice | Worcester Avenue | Bangor | New Build | 49 | 2025/26 | 2028/29 |
| Clanmil | Bangor Marina Regeneration | Bangor | New Build | 32 | 2025/26 | 2027/28 |
| Radius | Castle Street | Comber | Competitive Land Design & Build | 13 | 2025/26 | 2026/27 “ |
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you may wish to contact the Northern Ireland Housing Executive directly at Public.Affairsunit@nihe.gov.uk Making direct contact with the ALB will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of public resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208728%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=393645","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=393645"}},{"id":"393644","reference":"AQW 8727/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-12","answerBy":"2024-03-28","answered":"2024-05-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities, following comments by the Speaker at the conclusion of Question Time on 12 March 2024, whether he will supply the information requested in AQW 6596/22-27.","answerText":"This issue is an operational matter for the Housing Executive. I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows.\n\n“The Housing Executive’s Ards & North Down Area Office boundary is coterminous with the Ards & North Down Local Government District, with premises in both Newtownards and Bangor.\n\nThere were 79 Housing Executive tenanted properties purchased under the House Sales Scheme within this LGD in the last 3 years, broken down as follows:\n\nNIHE tenanted properties sold under the House Sales Scheme\nFinancial Year\tBangor\tNewtownards\tArds & North Down LGD\n2021/22\t14\t11\t25\n2022/23\t11\t23\t34\n2023/24\t10\t10\t20”\n\nFor any future queries relating to operational matters, you may wish to contact the Housing Executive directly. Making direct contact with the Housing Executive will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of public resources.","answerHtml":"This issue is an operational matter for the Housing Executive. I have sought the requested information from the Chief Executive, who has advised me as follows.
“The Housing Executive’s Ards & North Down Area Office boundary is coterminous with the Ards & North Down Local Government District, with premises in both Newtownards and Bangor.
There were 79 Housing Executive tenanted properties purchased under the House Sales Scheme within this LGD in the last 3 years, broken down as follows:
| NIHE tenanted properties sold under the House Sales Scheme | |||
| Financial Year | Bangor | Newtownards | Ards & North Down LGD |
| 2021/22 | 14 | 11 | 25 |
| 2022/23 | 11 | 23 | 34 |
| 2023/24 | 10 | 10 | 20” |
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you may wish to contact the Housing Executive directly. Making direct contact with the Housing Executive will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of public resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208727%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=393644","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=393644"}},{"id":"393371","reference":"AQW 8613/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-11","answerBy":"2024-03-27","answered":"2024-03-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether all proposed schemes contained in the Annual Report to Ards and North Down Borough Council 2023-24 will be completed by the end of the financial year.","answerText":"The programming of delivery of the schemes proposed within the Annual Report to Ards and North Down Borough Council 2023-24 can be impacted by a range of factors including availability of resources and capacity, both Departmental and contractor, and also other events such as severe adverse weather. My officials are striving to advance the completion of those schemes which were identified for delivery in the Report during the 2023-24 financial year. Any of these schemes that are not completed during this financial year will be prioritised for completion early in the 2024-25 financial year.","answerHtml":"The programming of delivery of the schemes proposed within the Annual Report to Ards and North Down Borough Council 2023-24 can be impacted by a range of factors including availability of resources and capacity, both Departmental and contractor, and also other events such as severe adverse weather. My officials are striving to advance the completion of those schemes which were identified for delivery in the Report during the 2023-24 financial year. Any of these schemes that are not completed during this financial year will be prioritised for completion early in the 2024-25 financial year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208613%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=393371","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=393371"}},{"id":"393370","reference":"AQW 8612/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-11","answerBy":"2024-03-27","answered":"2024-03-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he has any plans to review the definition of socially disadvantaged, in relation to the statutory admissions criteria for pre-schools.","answerText":"The definition of “socially disadvantaged circumstances” has had to be extended over time to ‘read in’ new welfare payments which have subsumed those named in the legislation.\n\nI am aware that this legislation needs to be reviewed. A consultation to seek views on the matter ran from 19 April to 16 July 2021 and confirmed that there is no longer support for the indefinite retention of this statutory priority criterion but its removal is only likely to receive the necessary support when all children have access to 22.5 hours of pre-school per week – a level of provision currently available to just 40% of children across Northern Ireland.\n\nIt is my intention to move to a position where 22.5 hours is the standard offer and the socially disadvantaged criterion can be removed completely. This will take some time to achieve and will be subject to agreement and significant investment by the Assembly.\n\nIn the meantime, I can reassure you that there are sufficient places in every area across Northern Ireland to provide a funded pre-school education place for every target aged child whose parents want it.","answerHtml":"The definition of “socially disadvantaged circumstances” has had to be extended over time to ‘read in’ new welfare payments which have subsumed those named in the legislation.
I am aware that this legislation needs to be reviewed. A consultation to seek views on the matter ran from 19 April to 16 July 2021 and confirmed that there is no longer support for the indefinite retention of this statutory priority criterion but its removal is only likely to receive the necessary support when all children have access to 22.5 hours of pre-school per week – a level of provision currently available to just 40% of children across Northern Ireland.
It is my intention to move to a position where 22.5 hours is the standard offer and the socially disadvantaged criterion can be removed completely. This will take some time to achieve and will be subject to agreement and significant investment by the Assembly.
In the meantime, I can reassure you that there are sufficient places in every area across Northern Ireland to provide a funded pre-school education place for every target aged child whose parents want it.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208612%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=393370","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=393370"}},{"id":"393369","reference":"AQW 8611/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-11","answerBy":"2024-03-27","answered":"2024-04-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education why uniform grants are not available for pupils in statutory pre-school settings.","answerText":"Uniform grants are available as a contribution towards the costs of school uniform for low-income families with children of compulsory school-age. It is not compulsory for children in Northern Ireland to attend pre-school and therefore in keeping with other parts of the UK, uniform grants are not available to the families of children attending pre-school.","answerHtml":"Uniform grants are available as a contribution towards the costs of school uniform for low-income families with children of compulsory school-age. It is not compulsory for children in Northern Ireland to attend pre-school and therefore in keeping with other parts of the UK, uniform grants are not available to the families of children attending pre-school.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208611%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=393369","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=393369"}},{"id":"393086","reference":"AQW 8508/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-08","answerBy":"2024-03-26","answered":"2024-06-06","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 any representations they have made to the Secretary of State regarding the review of the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme.","answerText":"Ministers’ have written to the Secretary of State to support the extension of the backdating deadline, which will allow more time for eligible applicants to avail of backdated payments.\n\nTEO officials have met with NIO officials to discuss the review of the Scheme. The conversation focused on the Scheme Principles, as set out in Regulation 4 of the Victims’ Payments Regulations 2020 and TEO’s view of progress in relation to the Principles through the implementation and delivery of the Scheme.","answerHtml":"Ministers’ have written to the Secretary of State to support the extension of the backdating deadline, which will allow more time for eligible applicants to avail of backdated payments.
TEO officials have met with NIO officials to discuss the review of the Scheme. The conversation focused on the Scheme Principles, as set out in Regulation 4 of the Victims’ Payments Regulations 2020 and TEO’s view of progress in relation to the Principles through the implementation and delivery of the Scheme.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208508%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=393086","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=393086"}},{"id":"393085","reference":"AQW 8507/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-08","answerBy":"2024-03-26","answered":"2024-03-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when the draft Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan will be published.","answerText":"The Department is in the process of developing a new Transport Strategy that will help to shape the vision and strategic priorities for transport through to 2035. Once this is published, it will help to inform the Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan. At this stage, I am not in a position to advise on a publication date.","answerHtml":"The Department is in the process of developing a new Transport Strategy that will help to shape the vision and strategic priorities for transport through to 2035. Once this is published, it will help to inform the Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan. At this stage, I am not in a position to advise on a publication date.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208507%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=393085","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=393085"}},{"id":"393084","reference":"AQW 8506/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-08","answerBy":"2024-03-26","answered":"2024-03-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what consideration he has given to reopening Craigavad Railway Station.","answerText":"My Department is working towards finalising the All-Island Strategic Rail Review which considers how the rail network on the island of Ireland can improve sustainable connectivity between major cities, enhance regional accessibility, support balanced regional development and contribute to decarbonisation. The Review includes a recommendation to explore the case for developing new stations, however, being at a strategic level, the Review has not considered the location of these stations.\n\nOnce the Review is published, further work will be required to prioritise the recommendations and then to undertake feasibility studies and develop business cases to support any future investment decisions, including those in relation to the development of any new rail halts along the existing network.","answerHtml":"My Department is working towards finalising the All-Island Strategic Rail Review which considers how the rail network on the island of Ireland can improve sustainable connectivity between major cities, enhance regional accessibility, support balanced regional development and contribute to decarbonisation. The Review includes a recommendation to explore the case for developing new stations, however, being at a strategic level, the Review has not considered the location of these stations.
Once the Review is published, further work will be required to prioritise the recommendations and then to undertake feasibility studies and develop business cases to support any future investment decisions, including those in relation to the development of any new rail halts along the existing network.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208506%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=393084","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=393084"}},{"id":"393083","reference":"AQW 8505/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-08","answerBy":"2024-03-26","answered":"2024-03-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail any engagement he has had with (i) the Education Authority; and (ii) teaching trade unions in relation to the recruitment and retention of teaching staff.","answerText":"I have had no direct engagement with the Education Authority in relation to the recruitment and retention of teaching staff however I have met with the Northern Ireland Teaching Council (NITC) and the issue of some post-primary schools experiencing difficulties in recruiting for certain subject areas has been raised. The unions also indicated that their opinion is that teachers in Northern Ireland not receiving a pay award for 2021, 2022 and 2023 has impacted on the recruitment and retention of teaching staff.\n\nIntensive engagement has been ongoing between both sides of the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee (TNC) to resolve the ongoing teachers’ pay dispute. TNC includes representatives from teachers’ employers, sectoral interests and the Department as well as representatives from the five main teachers’ unions.\n\nA significant formal pay offer has now been made to NITC which, if accepted, will bring the salary of a beginning teacher in Northern Ireland to £30,000 which is the same as a beginning teacher in England. This is a 24.3% pay rise for beginning teachers. The pay offer equates to a cumulative total of 10.4% plus £1000 being applied to the other teachers’ and leadership pay scales.\n\nIt is expected that the acceptance of the pay offer will address many of the recruitment and retention issues expressed to me. Engagement will continue through TNC to address any outstanding factors which may be impacting on the recruitment and retention of teaching staff.\n\nMy Department recognises the need to develop a sector-wide approach to strategic teacher workforce planning, and plans to engage with key stakeholders to get a better understanding of any identified shortfall areas.","answerHtml":"I have had no direct engagement with the Education Authority in relation to the recruitment and retention of teaching staff however I have met with the Northern Ireland Teaching Council (NITC) and the issue of some post-primary schools experiencing difficulties in recruiting for certain subject areas has been raised. The unions also indicated that their opinion is that teachers in Northern Ireland not receiving a pay award for 2021, 2022 and 2023 has impacted on the recruitment and retention of teaching staff.
Intensive engagement has been ongoing between both sides of the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee (TNC) to resolve the ongoing teachers’ pay dispute. TNC includes representatives from teachers’ employers, sectoral interests and the Department as well as representatives from the five main teachers’ unions.
A significant formal pay offer has now been made to NITC which, if accepted, will bring the salary of a beginning teacher in Northern Ireland to £30,000 which is the same as a beginning teacher in England. This is a 24.3% pay rise for beginning teachers. The pay offer equates to a cumulative total of 10.4% plus £1000 being applied to the other teachers’ and leadership pay scales.
It is expected that the acceptance of the pay offer will address many of the recruitment and retention issues expressed to me. Engagement will continue through TNC to address any outstanding factors which may be impacting on the recruitment and retention of teaching staff.
My Department recognises the need to develop a sector-wide approach to strategic teacher workforce planning, and plans to engage with key stakeholders to get a better understanding of any identified shortfall areas.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208505%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=393083","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=393083"}},{"id":"392825","reference":"AQW 8413/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-07","answerBy":"2024-03-12","answered":"2024-03-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether his Department will introduce measures on the Bryansburn Road roundabout, Bangor, to improve road safety.","answerText":"All requests for improvements to the road network, including road improvement schemes, are assessed in line with my Department’s current policies and guidance and all works are subject to prioritisation within the funding available.\n\nA review of Bryansburn Road roundabout, Bangor indicates that measures have previously been implemented at this location and the roundabout currently has a good road safety record. There are no plans to implement any additional measures at this time.\n\nDetails of the planned list of local transport and safety measures for the 2023/24 financial year are provided in the Department’s Annual Report for Ards and North Down which can be found at; https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/infrastructure/annual-report-ards-and-north-down-borough-council-2023.pdf\n\nLocal transport and safety measures programmed for 2024/25 will be prepared when budgets are confirmed and will be presented to Council in due course.\n\nConcerns regarding driver behaviour such as inconsiderate parking and/or speeding should be directed to the PSNI using the non emergency 101.\n\nOne of the best ways to ensure the safety of our roads and fulfil our long term goal of eliminating death and serious injury on roads by 2050 is by changing driver behaviour. If all of us who are drivers do not change our attitudes towards speeding and careless driving, our death toll, which has increased in the past year, will continue to increase.","answerHtml":"All requests for improvements to the road network, including road improvement schemes, are assessed in line with my Department’s current policies and guidance and all works are subject to prioritisation within the funding available.
A review of Bryansburn Road roundabout, Bangor indicates that measures have previously been implemented at this location and the roundabout currently has a good road safety record. There are no plans to implement any additional measures at this time.
Details of the planned list of local transport and safety measures for the 2023/24 financial year are provided in the Department’s Annual Report for Ards and North Down which can be found at; https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/infrastructure/annual-report-ards-and-north-down-borough-council-2023.pdf
Local transport and safety measures programmed for 2024/25 will be prepared when budgets are confirmed and will be presented to Council in due course.
Concerns regarding driver behaviour such as inconsiderate parking and/or speeding should be directed to the PSNI using the non emergency 101.
One of the best ways to ensure the safety of our roads and fulfil our long term goal of eliminating death and serious injury on roads by 2050 is by changing driver behaviour. If all of us who are drivers do not change our attitudes towards speeding and careless driving, our death toll, which has increased in the past year, will continue to increase.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208413%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=392825","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=392825"}},{"id":"392824","reference":"AQW 8412/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-07","answerBy":"2024-03-25","answered":"2024-03-20","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 for a timescale for a redress scheme for victims and survivors of Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses, as recommended by the Truth Recovery Design Panel's report.","answerText":"Work on a draft Bill, covering both the establishment of the Public Inquiry and the Financial Redress Scheme, is well advanced but there are some key policy decisions which the Executive will need to consider before it is ready to go out to public consultation. The consultation period is likely to be 12 weeks and, once responses are analysed and any amendments are made, the draft Bill will then be introduced in the Assembly. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a definitive time period for the financial redress scheme opening, but we are committed to progressing as quickly as possible. Regarding non-financial redress – there is already important support services which has supported over 300 victim and survivors to date. Other non-financial redress elements like apology and memorialisation are critical parts of this process.","answerHtml":"Work on a draft Bill, covering both the establishment of the Public Inquiry and the Financial Redress Scheme, is well advanced but there are some key policy decisions which the Executive will need to consider before it is ready to go out to public consultation. The consultation period is likely to be 12 weeks and, once responses are analysed and any amendments are made, the draft Bill will then be introduced in the Assembly. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a definitive time period for the financial redress scheme opening, but we are committed to progressing as quickly as possible. Regarding non-financial redress – there is already important support services which has supported over 300 victim and survivors to date. Other non-financial redress elements like apology and memorialisation are critical parts of this process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208412%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=392824","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=392824"}},{"id":"392823","reference":"AQW 8411/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-07","answerBy":"2024-03-25","answered":"2024-03-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 6994/22-27, why pedestrian safety was not a consideration in his Department’s decision.","answerText":"Road safety is one of my highest priorities and I am committed to reduce and remove, where possible, those risks through engineering measures that fall within the remit of the Department.\n\nTo this end my officials have reviewed the junction of Belfast Road and Abbey Ring, Holywood in relation to pedestrian safety and concluded that the existing engineering measures are appropriate and comply with the Department’s current policy guidelines.\n\nI am aware that there are limited parking opportunities in this area when events are being held and I would reiterate that concerns about vehicles which are parked inappropriately which cause an obstruction or danger to any other road users should be reported to the to the police who is the enforcement authority using their non-emergency number 101.","answerHtml":"Road safety is one of my highest priorities and I am committed to reduce and remove, where possible, those risks through engineering measures that fall within the remit of the Department.
To this end my officials have reviewed the junction of Belfast Road and Abbey Ring, Holywood in relation to pedestrian safety and concluded that the existing engineering measures are appropriate and comply with the Department’s current policy guidelines.
I am aware that there are limited parking opportunities in this area when events are being held and I would reiterate that concerns about vehicles which are parked inappropriately which cause an obstruction or danger to any other road users should be reported to the to the police who is the enforcement authority using 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%208411%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=392823","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=392823"}},{"id":"392822","reference":"AQW 8410/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-07","answerBy":"2024-03-25","answered":"2024-03-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he will introduce parking restrictions on Belfast Road, Holywood.","answerText":"Error: Attribute and namespace nodes cannot be added to the parent element after a text, comment, pi, or sub-element node has already been added.","answerHtml":"Error: Attribute and namespace nodes cannot be added to the parent element after a text, comment, pi, or sub-element node has already been added.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208410%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=392822","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=392822"}},{"id":"392821","reference":"AQW 8409/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-07","answerBy":"2024-03-25","answered":"2024-03-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what action his Department has taken to improve road safety on Belfast Road, Holywood.","answerText":"In November 2022 and September 2023, the Divisional team completed reviews of the existing engineering measures on the Belfast Road, Holywood which concluded that the existing arrangements on this location complied with current policy guidelines and did not identify any further road safety improvements that would bring further road safety benefits to the area.\n\nAll requests for improvements to the road network, including road improvement schemes, are assessed in line with my Department’s current policies and guidance and all works are subject to prioritisation within the funding available.\n\nDetails of the planned list of local transport and safety measures for the 2023/24 financial year are provided in the Department’s Annual Report for Ards and North Down which can be found at; https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/infrastructure/annual-report-ards-and-north-down-borough-council-2023.pdf\n\nLocal transport and safety measures programmed for 2024/25 will be prepared when budgets are confirmed and will be presented to Council in due course.\n\nIssues relating to inconsiderate parking and/or speeding should be directed to the PSNI which has responsibility for enforcement relating to both matters.","answerHtml":"In November 2022 and September 2023, the Divisional team completed reviews of the existing engineering measures on the Belfast Road, Holywood which concluded that the existing arrangements on this location complied with current policy guidelines and did not identify any further road safety improvements that would bring further road safety benefits to the area.
All requests for improvements to the road network, including road improvement schemes, are assessed in line with my Department’s current policies and guidance and all works are subject to prioritisation within the funding available.
Details of the planned list of local transport and safety measures for the 2023/24 financial year are provided in the Department’s Annual Report for Ards and North Down which can be found at; https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/infrastructure/annual-report-ards-and-north-down-borough-council-2023.pdf
Local transport and safety measures programmed for 2024/25 will be prepared when budgets are confirmed and will be presented to Council in due course.
Issues relating to inconsiderate parking and/or speeding should be directed to the PSNI which has responsibility for enforcement relating to both matters.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208409%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=392821","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=392821"}},{"id":"392544","reference":"AQW 8305/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-06","answerBy":"2024-03-11","answered":"2024-03-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the availability of NHS dental services for children in North Down.","answerText":"General Dental Practitioners are independent contractors and are not required to register new patients. Neither does the Department commission Health Service places in practices, for adults or children.\n\nThere are nineteen practices in the North Down Assembly Area who have made arrangements with the Strategic Performance and Planning Department to provide Health Service dentistry. The Department does not hold any information as to whether these practices currently have room to accept new registrations of children.\n\nGeneral Dental Practices in the North Down Assembly Area at 31st December 2023\n\nPractice1, 2\tPractice Address\nAbbey Dental Surgery\t32 ABBEY STREET, BANGOR, BT20 4JA\nBallyholme Dental Practice\t22A GROOMSPORT ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 5LN\nBangor Orthodontics\t2 BINGHAM LANE, BANGOR, BT20 5DR\nBrunswick Dental Practice\t38 BRUNSWICK ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 3DU\nBUPA Dental Care Bangor Springhill\tBANGOR SPRINGHILL, 4A KILLEEN AVENUE, BT19 1NB\nCastlebawn Dental Practice\t32-34 Victoria Road, Bangor, BT20 5EX\nClandeboye Dental Clinic\t109G CLANDEBOYE ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 3JW\nDonaghadee Dental Surgery\t55/57 HIGH STREET, DONAGHADEE, BT21 0AQ\nHamilton Road Dental\t42 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LE\nHarbour Dental Practice\t13 THE PARADE, DONAGHADEE, BT21 0AE\nHazeldene Dental Practice\t64 DONAGHADEE RD, BANGOR, BT20 4QX\nHelens Bay Dental Practice\t1A STATION ROAD, HELENS BAY, BT19 1TN\nHigh Street Dental Practice\t116 HIGH STREET, HOLYWOOD, BT18 9HW\nHollywood Dental Care\t128 HIGH STREET, HOLYWOOD, BT18 9HW\nLivingston Dental Healthcare\t38 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LE\nMercer Dental Care\t97 BRUNSWICK ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 3DW\nNigel Smith Dental Care\t107 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LN\nRichard Loane & Associates\t4 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LE\nShore Road Dental & Implant Clinic\t32 SHORE ROAD, HOLYWOOD, BT18 9HX\n\nActive dental surgeries at the 31st December 2023.\n\nList may include a number of Orthodontic and Specialist Practices. These practices do not typically have registered patient lists, with instead patients normally seen on referral from a GDS dental practice.\n\nA key part of the access issues facing patients are the rates being paid to our dentists for treatment. The absence of Executive Ministers has delayed the recommended pay uplifts for staffing groups for 2023/24. In recent days I have considered proposals for a pay uplift for General Dental Services for 2023/24 that is in line with recommendations contained in the 51st Doctors and Dentists Review Board report. My intentions were communicated to the British Dental Association (Northern Ireland) on 5 March 2024 and the Department awaits a response. Officials have already been making arrangements in anticipation of funding being made available to ensure that uplifts can be implemented as quickly as possible.\n\nI am currently considering investment proposals to further support General Dental Services into 2024/25, which will be shared with the British Dental Association in due course.\n\nA consultation on both Older Persons’ and Children’s Oral Health Improvement plans came to an end this week, on 4 March. The consultation ran for 12 weeks and sought feedback on the recommendations made in each plan.\n\nA pilot scheme is currently running to provide appointments to unregistered patients who require emergency dental treatment during the working week. If a patient is not registered with a dentist, requires emergency dental treatment, and has been unable to access an appointment, they can contact their local Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) office for advice.","answerHtml":"General Dental Practitioners are independent contractors and are not required to register new patients. Neither does the Department commission Health Service places in practices, for adults or children.
There are nineteen practices in the North Down Assembly Area who have made arrangements with the Strategic Performance and Planning Department to provide Health Service dentistry. The Department does not hold any information as to whether these practices currently have room to accept new registrations of children.
General Dental Practices in the North Down Assembly Area at 31st December 2023
| Practice1, 2 | Practice Address |
| Abbey Dental Surgery | 32 ABBEY STREET, BANGOR, BT20 4JA |
| Ballyholme Dental Practice | 22A GROOMSPORT ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 5LN |
| Bangor Orthodontics | 2 BINGHAM LANE, BANGOR, BT20 5DR |
| Brunswick Dental Practice | 38 BRUNSWICK ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 3DU |
| BUPA Dental Care Bangor Springhill | BANGOR SPRINGHILL, 4A KILLEEN AVENUE, BT19 1NB |
| Castlebawn Dental Practice | 32-34 Victoria Road, Bangor, BT20 5EX |
| Clandeboye Dental Clinic | 109G CLANDEBOYE ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 3JW |
| Donaghadee Dental Surgery | 55/57 HIGH STREET, DONAGHADEE, BT21 0AQ |
| Hamilton Road Dental | 42 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LE |
| Harbour Dental Practice | 13 THE PARADE, DONAGHADEE, BT21 0AE |
| Hazeldene Dental Practice | 64 DONAGHADEE RD, BANGOR, BT20 4QX |
| Helens Bay Dental Practice | 1A STATION ROAD, HELENS BAY, BT19 1TN |
| High Street Dental Practice | 116 HIGH STREET, HOLYWOOD, BT18 9HW |
| Hollywood Dental Care | 128 HIGH STREET, HOLYWOOD, BT18 9HW |
| Livingston Dental Healthcare | 38 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LE |
| Mercer Dental Care | 97 BRUNSWICK ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 3DW |
| Nigel Smith Dental Care | 107 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LN |
| Richard Loane & Associates | 4 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LE |
| Shore Road Dental & Implant Clinic | 32 SHORE ROAD, HOLYWOOD, BT18 9HX |
Active dental surgeries at the 31st December 2023.
List may include a number of Orthodontic and Specialist Practices. These practices do not typically have registered patient lists, with instead patients normally seen on referral from a GDS dental practice.
A key part of the access issues facing patients are the rates being paid to our dentists for treatment. The absence of Executive Ministers has delayed the recommended pay uplifts for staffing groups for 2023/24. In recent days I have considered proposals for a pay uplift for General Dental Services for 2023/24 that is in line with recommendations contained in the 51st Doctors and Dentists Review Board report. My intentions were communicated to the British Dental Association (Northern Ireland) on 5 March 2024 and the Department awaits a response. Officials have already been making arrangements in anticipation of funding being made available to ensure that uplifts can be implemented as quickly as possible.
I am currently considering investment proposals to further support General Dental Services into 2024/25, which will be shared with the British Dental Association in due course.
A consultation on both Older Persons’ and Children’s Oral Health Improvement plans came to an end this week, on 4 March. The consultation ran for 12 weeks and sought feedback on the recommendations made in each plan.
A pilot scheme is currently running to provide appointments to unregistered patients who require emergency dental treatment during the working week. If a patient is not registered with a dentist, requires emergency dental treatment, and has been unable to access an appointment, they can contact their local Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) office for advice.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208305%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=392544","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=392544"}},{"id":"392543","reference":"AQW 8304/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-06","answerBy":"2024-03-22","answered":"2024-03-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of the long-term impact of the lack of access to an NHS dentist for children.","answerText":"There is increasing evidence that children who develop problems in their primary teeth may be at increased risk of disease and poor oral health in adolescence and adulthood. Therefore, it is important to identify children who are at risk of tooth decay at an early stage to implement preventative interventions to protect young teeth and establish good habits. Dental attendance can be an important predictor of oral health across the life course.\n\nIn addition, untreated tooth decay can cause pain and infections (often requiring the use of multiple courses of antibiotics) that may lead to problems with sleeping, eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Children who have poor oral health often miss more school and this can also impact on work attendance for parents and carers.\n\nDental attendance in line with NICE guidance regarding risk-based recall intervals can help to support child oral health and reduce the need for more invasive dental interventions.","answerHtml":"There is increasing evidence that children who develop problems in their primary teeth may be at increased risk of disease and poor oral health in adolescence and adulthood. Therefore, it is important to identify children who are at risk of tooth decay at an early stage to implement preventative interventions to protect young teeth and establish good habits. Dental attendance can be an important predictor of oral health across the life course.
In addition, untreated tooth decay can cause pain and infections (often requiring the use of multiple courses of antibiotics) that may lead to problems with sleeping, eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Children who have poor oral health often miss more school and this can also impact on work attendance for parents and carers.
Dental attendance in line with NICE guidance regarding risk-based recall intervals can help to support child oral health and reduce the need for more invasive dental interventions.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208304%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=392543","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=392543"}},{"id":"392542","reference":"AQW 8303/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-06","answerBy":"2024-03-22","answered":"2024-03-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what action he is taking to ensure children can access NHS dental services.","answerText":"General Dental Practitioners are independent contractors and are not required to register new patients. Neither does the Department commission Health Service places in practices, for adults or children.\n\nThere are nineteen practices in the North Down Assembly Area who have made arrangements with the Strategic Performance and Planning Department to provide Health Service dentistry. The Department does not hold any information as to whether these practices currently have room to accept new registrations of children.\n\nGeneral Dental Practices in the North Down Assembly Area at 31st December 2023\n\nPractice1, 2\tPractice Address\nAbbey Dental Surgery\t32 ABBEY STREET, BANGOR, BT20 4JA\nBallyholme Dental Practice\t22A GROOMSPORT ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 5LN\nBangor Orthodontics\t2 BINGHAM LANE, BANGOR, BT20 5DR\nBrunswick Dental Practice\t38 BRUNSWICK ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 3DU\nBUPA Dental Care Bangor Springhill\tBANGOR SPRINGHILL, 4A KILLEEN AVENUE, BT19 1NB\nCastlebawn Dental Practice\t32-34 Victoria Road, Bangor, BT20 5EX\nClandeboye Dental Clinic\t109G CLANDEBOYE ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 3JW\nDonaghadee Dental Surgery\t55/57 HIGH STREET, DONAGHADEE, BT21 0AQ\nHamilton Road Dental\t42 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LE\nHarbour Dental Practice\t13 THE PARADE, DONAGHADEE, BT21 0AE\nHazeldene Dental Practice\t64 DONAGHADEE RD, BANGOR, BT20 4QX\nHelens Bay Dental Practice\t1A STATION ROAD, HELENS BAY, BT19 1TN\nHigh Street Dental Practice\t116 HIGH STREET, HOLYWOOD, BT18 9HW\nHollywood Dental Care\t128 HIGH STREET, HOLYWOOD, BT18 9HW\nLivingston Dental Healthcare\t38 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LE\nMercer Dental Care\t97 BRUNSWICK ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 3DW\nNigel Smith Dental Care\t107 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LN\nRichard Loane & Associates\t4 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LE\nShore Road Dental & Implant Clinic\t32 SHORE ROAD, HOLYWOOD, BT18 9HX\n\nActive dental surgeries at the 31st December 2023.\n\nList may include a number of Orthodontic and Specialist Practices. These practices do not typically have registered patient lists, with instead patients normally seen on referral from a GDS dental practice.\n\nA key part of the access issues facing patients are the rates being paid to our dentists for treatment. The absence of Executive Ministers has delayed the recommended pay uplifts for staffing groups for 2023/24. In recent days I have considered proposals for a pay uplift for General Dental Services for 2023/24 that is in line with recommendations contained in the 51st Doctors and Dentists Review Board report. My intentions were communicated to the British Dental Association (Northern Ireland) on 5 March 2024 and the Department awaits a response. Officials have already been making arrangements in anticipation of funding being made available to ensure that uplifts can be implemented as quickly as possible.\n\nI am currently considering investment proposals to further support General Dental Services into 2024/25, which will be shared with the British Dental Association in due course.\n\nA consultation on both Older Persons’ and Children’s Oral Health Improvement plans came to an end this week, on 4 March. The consultation ran for 12 weeks and sought feedback on the recommendations made in each plan.\n\nA pilot scheme is currently running to provide appointments to unregistered patients who require emergency dental treatment during the working week. If a patient is not registered with a dentist, requires emergency dental treatment, and has been unable to access an appointment, they can contact their local Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) office for advice.","answerHtml":"General Dental Practitioners are independent contractors and are not required to register new patients. Neither does the Department commission Health Service places in practices, for adults or children.
There are nineteen practices in the North Down Assembly Area who have made arrangements with the Strategic Performance and Planning Department to provide Health Service dentistry. The Department does not hold any information as to whether these practices currently have room to accept new registrations of children.
General Dental Practices in the North Down Assembly Area at 31st December 2023
| Practice1, 2 | Practice Address |
| Abbey Dental Surgery | 32 ABBEY STREET, BANGOR, BT20 4JA |
| Ballyholme Dental Practice | 22A GROOMSPORT ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 5LN |
| Bangor Orthodontics | 2 BINGHAM LANE, BANGOR, BT20 5DR |
| Brunswick Dental Practice | 38 BRUNSWICK ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 3DU |
| BUPA Dental Care Bangor Springhill | BANGOR SPRINGHILL, 4A KILLEEN AVENUE, BT19 1NB |
| Castlebawn Dental Practice | 32-34 Victoria Road, Bangor, BT20 5EX |
| Clandeboye Dental Clinic | 109G CLANDEBOYE ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 3JW |
| Donaghadee Dental Surgery | 55/57 HIGH STREET, DONAGHADEE, BT21 0AQ |
| Hamilton Road Dental | 42 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LE |
| Harbour Dental Practice | 13 THE PARADE, DONAGHADEE, BT21 0AE |
| Hazeldene Dental Practice | 64 DONAGHADEE RD, BANGOR, BT20 4QX |
| Helens Bay Dental Practice | 1A STATION ROAD, HELENS BAY, BT19 1TN |
| High Street Dental Practice | 116 HIGH STREET, HOLYWOOD, BT18 9HW |
| Hollywood Dental Care | 128 HIGH STREET, HOLYWOOD, BT18 9HW |
| Livingston Dental Healthcare | 38 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LE |
| Mercer Dental Care | 97 BRUNSWICK ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 3DW |
| Nigel Smith Dental Care | 107 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LN |
| Richard Loane & Associates | 4 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LE |
| Shore Road Dental & Implant Clinic | 32 SHORE ROAD, HOLYWOOD, BT18 9HX |
Active dental surgeries at the 31st December 2023.
List may include a number of Orthodontic and Specialist Practices. These practices do not typically have registered patient lists, with instead patients normally seen on referral from a GDS dental practice.
A key part of the access issues facing patients are the rates being paid to our dentists for treatment. The absence of Executive Ministers has delayed the recommended pay uplifts for staffing groups for 2023/24. In recent days I have considered proposals for a pay uplift for General Dental Services for 2023/24 that is in line with recommendations contained in the 51st Doctors and Dentists Review Board report. My intentions were communicated to the British Dental Association (Northern Ireland) on 5 March 2024 and the Department awaits a response. Officials have already been making arrangements in anticipation of funding being made available to ensure that uplifts can be implemented as quickly as possible.
I am currently considering investment proposals to further support General Dental Services into 2024/25, which will be shared with the British Dental Association in due course.
A consultation on both Older Persons’ and Children’s Oral Health Improvement plans came to an end this week, on 4 March. The consultation ran for 12 weeks and sought feedback on the recommendations made in each plan.
A pilot scheme is currently running to provide appointments to unregistered patients who require emergency dental treatment during the working week. If a patient is not registered with a dentist, requires emergency dental treatment, and has been unable to access an appointment, they can contact their local Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) office for advice.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208303%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=392542","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=392542"}},{"id":"392293","reference":"AQW 8197/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-05","answerBy":"2024-03-21","answered":"2024-03-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education what funding is available to schools to install air filtration units in classrooms.","answerText":"My Department does not provide specific funding for air filtration units in classrooms.\n\nWhere natural ventilation is proven to be deficient in a school the issue should be reported to the Education Authority’s Maintenance Helpdesk.\n\nRemedial works will be undertaken to rectify the situation which may include repairs or replacement of windows or the installation of an air ventilation system.","answerHtml":"My Department does not provide specific funding for air filtration units in classrooms.
Where natural ventilation is proven to be deficient in a school the issue should be reported to the Education Authority’s Maintenance Helpdesk.
Remedial works will be undertaken to rectify the situation which may include repairs or replacement of windows or the installation of an air ventilation system.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208197%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=392293","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=392293"}},{"id":"392292","reference":"AQW 8196/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-05","answerBy":"2024-03-21","answered":"2024-03-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether all new school buildings will include air filtration units in classrooms.","answerText":"All classrooms in new school builds are ventilated in line with BB101:2018 and will be served via Mechanical Ventilation units with Heat Recovery (MVHR), which is now standard practice.\n\nThe MVHR filtration will be compliant with EN 13779 'Ventilation and room-conditioning systems in non-residential buildings' as set out in BB101:2018, and with World Health Organisation (2005) air quality guidelines.","answerHtml":"All classrooms in new school builds are ventilated in line with BB101:2018 and will be served via Mechanical Ventilation units with Heat Recovery (MVHR), which is now standard practice.
The MVHR filtration will be compliant with EN 13779 'Ventilation and room-conditioning systems in non-residential buildings' as set out in BB101:2018, and with World Health Organisation (2005) air quality guidelines.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208196%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=392292","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=392292"}},{"id":"392291","reference":"AQW 8195/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-05","answerBy":"2024-03-21","answered":"2024-03-20","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 ensure patients in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust with a diagnosis of ADHD can access lisdexamphetamine.","answerText":"Patients in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, and others across Northern Ireland who are affected by the intermittent supply of lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse®) products should contact their prescriber or relevant healthcare professional for advice on treatment options.\n\nAs seen in my response to AQW 8194/22-27, communication has been issued to healthcare professionals providing advice and action to take during this period of supply disruption to help minimise the impact on patients. My Department is also continuing to monitor the supply situation with relevant stakeholders, including DHSC and the other devolved governments, and where necessary national and locally tried and tested mitigation arrangements can be enacted.","answerHtml":"Patients in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, and others across Northern Ireland who are affected by the intermittent supply of lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse®) products should contact their prescriber or relevant healthcare professional for advice on treatment options.
As seen in my response to AQW 8194/22-27, communication has been issued to healthcare professionals providing advice and action to take during this period of supply disruption to help minimise the impact on patients. My Department is also continuing to monitor the supply situation with relevant stakeholders, including DHSC and the other devolved governments, and where necessary national and locally tried and tested mitigation arrangements can be enacted.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208195%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=392291","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=392291"}},{"id":"392290","reference":"AQW 8194/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-05","answerBy":"2024-03-21","answered":"2024-03-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what action he will take to address the shortage of lisdexamphetamine.","answerText":"There are national and locally tried and tested contingency arrangements in place for dealing with any medicine supply disruption, which includes providing communications to healthcare professionals to help mitigate the impact a supply disruption may have on patients ensuring they can continue to access treatments.\n\nAs a consequence of the ongoing supply disruption to lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse®), my Department issued an updated Medicine Supply Notification (MPS 3159) to Health and Social Care (HSC) providers on 13 February 2024. This guidance provides healthcare professionals with an update on the current supply disruption, with intermittent supplies expected to continue until April 2024 for these products. The update also provides advice and actions for healthcare professionals to help mitigate the impact an intermittent supply disruption will have on an affected patient, which reflects messaging agreed by all the UK administrations.\n\nHealthcare professionals can also access the Department of Health and Social Care’s (DHSC) Specialist Pharmacy Service (SPS) website to receive up-to-date shortage information and the anticipated resupply dates for those lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse®) products affected.\n\nAs this is a UK wide supply disruption and DHSC leads on the arrangements for maintaining medicines supply chains to the UK, my Department will continue to work closely with DHSC and other relevant partners, including the other devolved governments on this matter to minimise the impact these supply disruptions will have on patients Northern Ireland.","answerHtml":"There are national and locally tried and tested contingency arrangements in place for dealing with any medicine supply disruption, which includes providing communications to healthcare professionals to help mitigate the impact a supply disruption may have on patients ensuring they can continue to access treatments.
As a consequence of the ongoing supply disruption to lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse®), my Department issued an updated Medicine Supply Notification (MPS 3159) to Health and Social Care (HSC) providers on 13 February 2024. This guidance provides healthcare professionals with an update on the current supply disruption, with intermittent supplies expected to continue until April 2024 for these products. The update also provides advice and actions for healthcare professionals to help mitigate the impact an intermittent supply disruption will have on an affected patient, which reflects messaging agreed by all the UK administrations.
Healthcare professionals can also access the Department of Health and Social Care’s (DHSC) Specialist Pharmacy Service (SPS) website to receive up-to-date shortage information and the anticipated resupply dates for those lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse®) products affected.
As this is a UK wide supply disruption and DHSC leads on the arrangements for maintaining medicines supply chains to the UK, my Department will continue to work closely with DHSC and other relevant partners, including the other devolved governments on this matter to minimise the impact these supply disruptions will have on patients Northern Ireland.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208194%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=392290","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=392290"}},{"id":"392025","reference":"AQW 8066/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-04","answerBy":"2024-03-07","answered":"2024-03-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether he will reinstate funding for specialist counselling services for victims of sexual abuse.","answerText":"On 4 March 2024 in my statement to the Assembly, I advised that funding for specialist counselling services for victims of sexual abuse would not be withdrawn.\n\nI provided reassurance regarding my ongoing commitment to the importance of the provision of specialist counselling services for victims of sexual abuse.\n\nI acknowledged that the current contract with Nexus was due to end automatically on 31 March 2024 and that there had been ongoing under performance issues.\n\nHowever, in order to avoid a gap in provision in services for new people coming forward, I approved a further extension of 12 months to this contract to allow further discussions to occur to map out future sustainable arrangements.","answerHtml":"On 4 March 2024 in my statement to the Assembly, I advised that funding for specialist counselling services for victims of sexual abuse would not be withdrawn.
I provided reassurance regarding my ongoing commitment to the importance of the provision of specialist counselling services for victims of sexual abuse.
I acknowledged that the current contract with Nexus was due to end automatically on 31 March 2024 and that there had been ongoing under performance issues.
However, in order to avoid a gap in provision in services for new people coming forward, I approved a further extension of 12 months to this contract to allow further discussions to occur to map out future sustainable arrangements.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208066%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=392025","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=392025"}},{"id":"392024","reference":"AQW 8065/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-04","answerBy":"2024-03-20","answered":"2024-03-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities, pursuant to AQO 38/22-27, to detail the business case for Ballycopeland Windmill, Millisle.","answerText":"The Business Case is still being finalised. Officials in Historic Environment Division (HED) have gathered data to test options:\n\nEngage USEL to operate the site;\n\nContract with an alternative operator; or\n\nClose and repurpose the facility for alternative use.\n\nThe Business Case is taking into account the previous investment in the Windmill and, alongside the heritage merits, the wider DFC objectives involved in the promotion of and support for employment for those with disabilities. The preferred option has yet to be established. A decision may remain subject to confirmation of budget for 24/25.","answerHtml":"The Business Case is still being finalised. Officials in Historic Environment Division (HED) have gathered data to test options:
Engage USEL to operate the site;
Contract with an alternative operator; or
Close and repurpose the facility for alternative use.
The Business Case is taking into account the previous investment in the Windmill and, alongside the heritage merits, the wider DFC objectives involved in the promotion of and support for employment for those with disabilities. The preferred option has yet to be established. A decision may remain subject to confirmation of budget for 24/25.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208065%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=392024","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=392024"}},{"id":"392023","reference":"AQW 8064/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-04","answerBy":"2024-03-20","answered":"2024-03-22","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 appointment of a Commissioner for Public Appointments.","answerText":"In May 2021 a public appointment competition was launched for the role of Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland (CPANI), although an appointment decision was not reached prior to the end of the last mandate.\n\nIn the absence of an Executive, CPANI was added to the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2022 list of specified offices to allow the appointment function to be exercised by the Secretary of State. However, this did not happen prior to the recent return of the Executive.\n\nThe appointing authority for CPANI has therefore now reverted to the First Minister and deputy First Minister acting jointly.\n\nGiven the passage of time, officials are currently in the process of exploring appropriate next steps.","answerHtml":"In May 2021 a public appointment competition was launched for the role of Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland (CPANI), although an appointment decision was not reached prior to the end of the last mandate.
In the absence of an Executive, CPANI was added to the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2022 list of specified offices to allow the appointment function to be exercised by the Secretary of State. However, this did not happen prior to the recent return of the Executive.
The appointing authority for CPANI has therefore now reverted to the First Minister and deputy First Minister acting jointly.
Given the passage of time, officials are currently in the process of exploring appropriate next steps.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208064%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=392023","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=392023"}},{"id":"392022","reference":"AQW 8063/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-04","answerBy":"2024-03-20","answered":"2024-03-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail his plans to expand access to NHS dental services in North Down.","answerText":"General Dental Practitioners are independent contractors and are not required to register new patients. Neither does the Department commission Health Service places in practices, for adults or children.\n\nThere are nineteen practices in the North Down Assembly Area who have made arrangements with the Strategic Performance and Planning Department to provide Health Service dentistry. The Department does not hold any information as to whether these practices currently have room to accept new registrations of children.\n\nGeneral Dental Practices in the North Down Assembly Area at 31st December 2023\n\nPractice1, 2\tPractice Address\nAbbey Dental Surgery\t32 ABBEY STREET, BANGOR, BT20 4JA\nBallyholme Dental Practice\t22A GROOMSPORT ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 5LN\nBangor Orthodontics\t2 BINGHAM LANE, BANGOR, BT20 5DR\nBrunswick Dental Practice\t38 BRUNSWICK ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 3DU\nBUPA Dental Care Bangor Springhill\tBANGOR SPRINGHILL, 4A KILLEEN AVENUE, BT19 1NB\nCastlebawn Dental Practice\t32-34 Victoria Road, Bangor, BT20 5EX\nClandeboye Dental Clinic\t109G CLANDEBOYE ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 3JW\nDonaghadee Dental Surgery\t55/57 HIGH STREET, DONAGHADEE, BT21 0AQ\nHamilton Road Dental\t42 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LE\nHarbour Dental Practice\t13 THE PARADE, DONAGHADEE, BT21 0AE\nHazeldene Dental Practice\t64 DONAGHADEE RD, BANGOR, BT20 4QX\nHelens Bay Dental Practice\t1A STATION ROAD, HELENS BAY, BT19 1TN\nHigh Street Dental Practice\t116 HIGH STREET, HOLYWOOD, BT18 9HW\nHollywood Dental Care\t128 HIGH STREET, HOLYWOOD, BT18 9HW\nLivingston Dental Healthcare\t38 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LE\nMercer Dental Care\t97 BRUNSWICK ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 3DW\nNigel Smith Dental Care\t107 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LN\nRichard Loane & Associates\t4 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LE\nShore Road Dental & Implant Clinic\t32 SHORE ROAD, HOLYWOOD, BT18 9HX\n\nActive dental surgeries at the 31st December 2023.\n\nList may include a number of Orthodontic and Specialist Practices. These practices do not typically have registered patient lists, with instead patients normally seen on referral from a GDS dental practice.\n\nA key part of the access issues facing patients are the rates being paid to our dentists for treatment. The absence of Executive Ministers has delayed the recommended pay uplifts for staffing groups for 2023/24. In recent days I have considered proposals for a pay uplift for General Dental Services for 2023/24 that is in line with recommendations contained in the 51st Doctors and Dentists Review Board report. My intentions were communicated to the British Dental Association (Northern Ireland) on 5 March 2024 and the Department awaits a response. Officials have already been making arrangements in anticipation of funding being made available to ensure that uplifts can be implemented as quickly as possible.\n\nI am currently considering investment proposals to further support General Dental Services into 2024/25, which will be shared with the British Dental Association in due course.\n\nA consultation on both Older Persons’ and Children’s Oral Health Improvement plans came to an end this week, on 4 March. The consultation ran for 12 weeks and sought feedback on the recommendations made in each plan.\n\nA pilot scheme is currently running to provide appointments to unregistered patients who require emergency dental treatment during the working week. If a patient is not registered with a dentist, requires emergency dental treatment, and has been unable to access an appointment, they can contact their local Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) office for advice.","answerHtml":"General Dental Practitioners are independent contractors and are not required to register new patients. Neither does the Department commission Health Service places in practices, for adults or children.
There are nineteen practices in the North Down Assembly Area who have made arrangements with the Strategic Performance and Planning Department to provide Health Service dentistry. The Department does not hold any information as to whether these practices currently have room to accept new registrations of children.
General Dental Practices in the North Down Assembly Area at 31st December 2023
| Practice1, 2 | Practice Address |
| Abbey Dental Surgery | 32 ABBEY STREET, BANGOR, BT20 4JA |
| Ballyholme Dental Practice | 22A GROOMSPORT ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 5LN |
| Bangor Orthodontics | 2 BINGHAM LANE, BANGOR, BT20 5DR |
| Brunswick Dental Practice | 38 BRUNSWICK ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 3DU |
| BUPA Dental Care Bangor Springhill | BANGOR SPRINGHILL, 4A KILLEEN AVENUE, BT19 1NB |
| Castlebawn Dental Practice | 32-34 Victoria Road, Bangor, BT20 5EX |
| Clandeboye Dental Clinic | 109G CLANDEBOYE ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 3JW |
| Donaghadee Dental Surgery | 55/57 HIGH STREET, DONAGHADEE, BT21 0AQ |
| Hamilton Road Dental | 42 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LE |
| Harbour Dental Practice | 13 THE PARADE, DONAGHADEE, BT21 0AE |
| Hazeldene Dental Practice | 64 DONAGHADEE RD, BANGOR, BT20 4QX |
| Helens Bay Dental Practice | 1A STATION ROAD, HELENS BAY, BT19 1TN |
| High Street Dental Practice | 116 HIGH STREET, HOLYWOOD, BT18 9HW |
| Hollywood Dental Care | 128 HIGH STREET, HOLYWOOD, BT18 9HW |
| Livingston Dental Healthcare | 38 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LE |
| Mercer Dental Care | 97 BRUNSWICK ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 3DW |
| Nigel Smith Dental Care | 107 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LN |
| Richard Loane & Associates | 4 HAMILTON ROAD, BANGOR, BT20 4LE |
| Shore Road Dental & Implant Clinic | 32 SHORE ROAD, HOLYWOOD, BT18 9HX |
Active dental surgeries at the 31st December 2023.
List may include a number of Orthodontic and Specialist Practices. These practices do not typically have registered patient lists, with instead patients normally seen on referral from a GDS dental practice.
A key part of the access issues facing patients are the rates being paid to our dentists for treatment. The absence of Executive Ministers has delayed the recommended pay uplifts for staffing groups for 2023/24. In recent days I have considered proposals for a pay uplift for General Dental Services for 2023/24 that is in line with recommendations contained in the 51st Doctors and Dentists Review Board report. My intentions were communicated to the British Dental Association (Northern Ireland) on 5 March 2024 and the Department awaits a response. Officials have already been making arrangements in anticipation of funding being made available to ensure that uplifts can be implemented as quickly as possible.
I am currently considering investment proposals to further support General Dental Services into 2024/25, which will be shared with the British Dental Association in due course.
A consultation on both Older Persons’ and Children’s Oral Health Improvement plans came to an end this week, on 4 March. The consultation ran for 12 weeks and sought feedback on the recommendations made in each plan.
A pilot scheme is currently running to provide appointments to unregistered patients who require emergency dental treatment during the working week. If a patient is not registered with a dentist, requires emergency dental treatment, and has been unable to access an appointment, they can contact their local Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) office for advice.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208063%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=392022","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=392022"}},{"id":"392021","reference":"AQW 8062/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-03-04","answerBy":"2024-03-20","answered":"2024-03-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department’s No More Silos action plan was in line with recommendations contained in the Bengoa report.","answerText":"The No More Silos (NMS) Action Plan was published in October 2020 in response to the COVD-19 pandemic. The aim of the plan was to implement quickly some of the emerging findings from the then ongoing Urgent and Emergency Care Review, to ensure that urgent and emergency care services across primary and secondary care could be maintained and improved in an environment that was safe for patients and staff.\n\nThe NMS Action Plan was developed in a way that was consistent with the recommendations made in the Bengoa Report.","answerHtml":"The No More Silos (NMS) Action Plan was published in October 2020 in response to the COVD-19 pandemic. The aim of the plan was to implement quickly some of the emerging findings from the then ongoing Urgent and Emergency Care Review, to ensure that urgent and emergency care services across primary and secondary care could be maintained and improved in an environment that was safe for patients and staff.
The NMS Action Plan was developed in a way that was consistent with the recommendations made in the Bengoa Report.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%208062%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=392021","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=392021"}},{"id":"391388","reference":"AQW 7856/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-29","answerBy":"2024-03-15","answered":"2024-03-05","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 pay and grading review for non-teaching staff.","answerText":"My officials are currently working with the Education Authority to urgently address queries in relation to the Pay & Grading review business case. I have asked them to complete this work as quickly as possible as I am committed to ensuring that support staff in the education sector are paid at a fair level for the important work they do.\n\nThere are significant costs associated with the Pay & Grading review and my Department will need additional funding from the Executive in order to implement its recommendations. While funding for the review was not provided as part of the recent financial package from HM Treasury, the Finance Minister has advised that this issue can be revisited as part of the Budget 2024-25 process.","answerHtml":"My officials are currently working with the Education Authority to urgently address queries in relation to the Pay & Grading review business case. I have asked them to complete this work as quickly as possible as I am committed to ensuring that support staff in the education sector are paid at a fair level for the important work they do.
There are significant costs associated with the Pay & Grading review and my Department will need additional funding from the Executive in order to implement its recommendations. While funding for the review was not provided as part of the recent financial package from HM Treasury, the Finance Minister has advised that this issue can be revisited as part of the Budget 2024-25 process.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207856%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=391388","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=391388"}},{"id":"391387","reference":"AQW 7855/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-29","answerBy":"2024-03-15","answered":"2024-03-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether he will conduct a pay review for interpreters employed by Health and Social Care NI.","answerText":"Face-to-face spoken language interpreters are independent self-employed contractors who are not employed by the Health and Social Care (HSC) service but are paid for their service through the Business Services Organisation (BSO) at an agreed rate.\n\nHSC Interpreters must be registered with BSO and adhere to the HSC Terms of Engagement. This stipulates an hourly rate of pay as well as a preparation payment.\n\nThe Department is aware that pay has not increased for a number of years and the impact this is having on the valuable service that interpreters provide. You will however be aware of the significant financial constraints within the wider Health Service. There have been a number of correspondences to my office regarding this issue and as such I have asked the Strategic Planning and Performance Group to review this matter.\n\nI will endeavour to do the best I can to come to a suitable resolution.","answerHtml":"Face-to-face spoken language interpreters are independent self-employed contractors who are not employed by the Health and Social Care (HSC) service but are paid for their service through the Business Services Organisation (BSO) at an agreed rate.
HSC Interpreters must be registered with BSO and adhere to the HSC Terms of Engagement. This stipulates an hourly rate of pay as well as a preparation payment.
The Department is aware that pay has not increased for a number of years and the impact this is having on the valuable service that interpreters provide. You will however be aware of the significant financial constraints within the wider Health Service. There have been a number of correspondences to my office regarding this issue and as such I have asked the Strategic Planning and Performance Group to review this matter.
I will endeavour to do the best I can to come to a suitable resolution.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207855%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=391387","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=391387"}},{"id":"391386","reference":"AQW 7854/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-29","answerBy":"2024-03-15","answered":"2024-03-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of the impact the new Minor Injuries Unit at the Ulster Hospital has had on waiting times in the Emergency Department.","answerText":"Since opening in September 2023, the Minor Injury Unit in the Ulster has seen over 10,000 patients, with only 5 complaints.\n\nThe Trust has had 9 formally logged compliments and the patient experience surveys have delivered excellent feedback, from those who have used the service, with over 97% recommending it.\n\nAs part of the consultation process, the Trust will be engaging in a formal assessment of the changes to its Minor Injury Service.","answerHtml":"Since opening in September 2023, the Minor Injury Unit in the Ulster has seen over 10,000 patients, with only 5 complaints.
The Trust has had 9 formally logged compliments and the patient experience surveys have delivered excellent feedback, from those who have used the service, with over 97% recommending it.
As part of the consultation process, the Trust will be engaging in a formal assessment of the changes to its Minor Injury Service.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207854%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=391386","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=391386"}},{"id":"391385","reference":"AQW 7853/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-29","answerBy":"2024-03-15","answered":"2024-03-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health how many complaints the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust has received in relation to the Minor Injuries Unit at the Ulster Hospital.","answerText":"The new enhanced Minor Injury Unit opened on the Ulster hospital site on 6 September 2023.\n\nSince then the Trust has treated 10,000 patients there and received only 5 complaints.\n\nIn the same period, the Trust has received 9 formal compliments concerning the Enhanced Minor Injury Service.\n\nPatient surveys have received excellent feedback on the service with over 97% of patients, who have used the Minor Injury Unit, recommending it.\n\nPatients have an opportunity to share their experiences of health and care via the Care Opinion website and the Trust welcomes those views so that it can further develop its service.","answerHtml":"The new enhanced Minor Injury Unit opened on the Ulster hospital site on 6 September 2023.
Since then the Trust has treated 10,000 patients there and received only 5 complaints.
In the same period, the Trust has received 9 formal compliments concerning the Enhanced Minor Injury Service.
Patient surveys have received excellent feedback on the service with over 97% of patients, who have used the Minor Injury Unit, recommending it.
Patients have an opportunity to share their experiences of health and care via the Care Opinion website and the Trust welcomes those views so that it can further develop its service.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207853%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=391385","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=391385"}},{"id":"391384","reference":"AQW 7852/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-29","answerBy":"2024-03-15","answered":"2024-03-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for a timescale for the delivery of a new building for the Urgent Care Centre at the Ulster Hospital.","answerText":"The new Urgent Care Centre (UCC) and associated new X Ray Department are to be co-located underneath the Ulster Hospital Acute Services Block Emergency Department, within existing vacant shell space. Works have commenced on site and the UCC and X-Ray Department are to be completed in late 2024/2025.","answerHtml":"The new Urgent Care Centre (UCC) and associated new X Ray Department are to be co-located underneath the Ulster Hospital Acute Services Block Emergency Department, within existing vacant shell space. Works have commenced on site and the UCC and X-Ray Department are to be completed in late 2024/2025.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207852%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=391384","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=391384"}},{"id":"391463","reference":"AQO 163/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-29","answerBy":"2024-03-12","answered":"2024-03-12","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 regeneration of Queen’s Parade, Bangor.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"My officials have been working closely with Ards and North Down Borough Council and the developer, Bangor Marine, to bring forward plans for the development of the site by way of a development agreement. I take this opportunity to pay tribute to officials from the Department for Communities who have worked very hard on this over many years. The Bangor Marine team is working through the pre-commencement planning conditions. In tandem with that, discussions continue with the Crown Estate about securing the necessary approvals for elements of the project that will be located on Crown Estate land. Bangor Marine has started to clear trees and shrubbery from the Marine Gardens part of the site, in advance of the nesting season, to accommodate the commencement of the construction of the public realm works, which are programmed to begin later this year. That will provide an economic boost to the wider Ards and North Down economy through increased tourism, city-centre living and increased employment opportunities."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"Thank you, Minister. The Queen's Parade site in Bangor has been derelict since before I was born. People in Bangor are very keen to see the regeneration happen. Unfortunately, the project has been plagued by delays. On your Department's website, it is stated that works were expected to start in summer 2023. When can we expect building to take place? Can you give the people of Bangor hope that you will prioritise the project?"},{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"I always hope that I can give the people of Bangor hope. Hopefully, I will do that in many ways in the remainder of my time in office. I completely understand the frustration over the site. As the Member indicated, this has been going on for many decades. I know that people in the area have wanted to see the site progress for a long time. She will be aware of the negotiations that I mentioned with the Crown Estate. Those negotiations have been somewhat protracted. They have gone on a lot longer than any of us would have liked them to and, as a result, could push back the planned start date of this summer. The Member will, however, be aware of the works that have taken place so far, and I can give her an assurance that the issue will be pushed forward by my Department so that the regeneration happens as quickly as possible. I am delighted that I will very soon be visiting the site to see for myself the work that is going to be done. It was on my first or second day in office that Mr Dunne extended an invitation to me to visit it, so I look forward to seeing the potential that is there. It could be an absolute game changer, bringing significant economic and social benefits for the people of Bangor and, indeed, more widely."},{"speaker":"Mr Chambers","text":"I welcome the Minister's comments. Have any time limits been incorporated into the contract with the developer to ensure that the project's various stages are completed on time?"},{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"I am not aware of any hard and fast dates having been included to ensure that the work is completed. The target date is spring 2027, and I certainly hope that the work can be progressed and finished. As I said in my answer to Ms Egan, I will do everything that I can, where my Department has responsibility, to make sure that the project is moved on as quickly as possible. I understand the benefits that it can bring, and I want people to enjoy those benefits as soon as possible."},{"speaker":"Mr McCrossan","text":"Will the Minister provide an update on the regeneration of Strabane town centre and what progress has been made on the public realm scheme?"},{"speaker":"Mr Lyons","text":"Yes. This is another area that has been some time in the making. The Strabane public realm project is at the business case stage and is now scheduled for casework committee consideration within my Department. There have been a number of iterations of the business case, and my officials have been working closely with Londonderry and Strabane District Council in getting the business case finalised for casework consideration over the past months. The project is of a scale that will require my approval as well as the Department of Finance's approval. In consideration of the project, I will want to consider the budget requirements alongside other capital funding priorities within my Department."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%20163%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=391463","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2024-03-12&docID=392361#AQO%20163/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=391463"}},{"id":"391128","reference":"AQW 7739/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-28","answerBy":"2024-03-04","answered":"2024-03-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education how he intends deliver a new school building for Bangor Central Integrated Primary School given that Fresh Start funding is no longer available to them.","answerText":"I have placed the 10 remaining former Fresh Start projects that are not yet in contract into my Department’s conventional major works programme to continue to advance in design and planning. The projects will proceed to construction when planning is complete and affordable within the wider education budget context.\n\nAll of the projects have been submitted as capital bids for 2024-25 to the Department of Finance and I trust all Executive parties will support this bid for capital funding.","answerHtml":"I have placed the 10 remaining former Fresh Start projects that are not yet in contract into my Department’s conventional major works programme to continue to advance in design and planning. The projects will proceed to construction when planning is complete and affordable within the wider education budget context.
All of the projects have been submitted as capital bids for 2024-25 to the Department of Finance and I trust all Executive parties will support this bid for capital funding.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207739%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=391128","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=391128"}},{"id":"391127","reference":"AQW 7738/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-28","answerBy":"2024-03-14","answered":"2024-03-14","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 investment announcement, to detail the road maintenance schemes which will be taken forward in North Down.","answerText":"The additional £8.1m funding for my Department’s Structural Maintenance Programme is to deliver additional resurfacing schemes and continue to address the poor condition of our road network. This funding has now been allocated across all four of my Department’s road divisions.\n\nWork has started on the planning and delivery of new schemes for delivery this financial year. However, the development and delivery of the programmes is on-going so full breakdown of these is not yet available.","answerHtml":"The additional £8.1m funding for my Department’s Structural Maintenance Programme is to deliver additional resurfacing schemes and continue to address the poor condition of our road network. This funding has now been allocated across all four of my Department’s road divisions.
Work has started on the planning and delivery of new schemes for delivery this financial year. However, the development and delivery of the programmes is on-going so full breakdown of these is not yet available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207738%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=391127","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=391127"}},{"id":"391126","reference":"AQW 7737/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-28","answerBy":"2024-03-14","answered":"2024-03-06","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 impact bursaries provided for courses that lead to qualified teacher status in England, have on enrolments in Northern Ireland, where such bursaries are not available.","answerText":"My Department does not currently operate any bursary schemes for ITE programmes in Northern Ireland as (unlike other parts of the United Kingdom); there has traditionally been an oversupply in the overall number of teachers in Northern Ireland.\n\nWe are, however, aware of recent concerns about teacher supply issues, particularly in some post-primary subjects. We recognise the need to develop a sector-wide approach to strategic teacher workforce planning. My Department therefore plans to engage with key stakeholders to understand better any workforce shortages and gaps.\n\nWhile consideration may be given to the introduction of ITE bursary schemes to address specific teacher shortages, such schemes would have to be tightly targeted and would remain subject to available funding.\n\nIt is recognised that the existence of bursaries in England could attract individuals who might otherwise have considered undertaking their ITE programme in Northern Ireland. However, teacher supply issues are multifaceted, and it is essential to note that there are many factors which determine students’ decisions on whether to apply for an ITE course in Northern Ireland.\n\nIt should also be noted that the ITE courses provided in Northern Ireland do not lead to Qualified Teacher Status, rather they lead to qualifications which meet the requirements of the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland’s qualification rules (as set out in GTCNI Guidance 01/2015 (Revised March 2017)).","answerHtml":"My Department does not currently operate any bursary schemes for ITE programmes in Northern Ireland as (unlike other parts of the United Kingdom); there has traditionally been an oversupply in the overall number of teachers in Northern Ireland.
We are, however, aware of recent concerns about teacher supply issues, particularly in some post-primary subjects. We recognise the need to develop a sector-wide approach to strategic teacher workforce planning. My Department therefore plans to engage with key stakeholders to understand better any workforce shortages and gaps.
While consideration may be given to the introduction of ITE bursary schemes to address specific teacher shortages, such schemes would have to be tightly targeted and would remain subject to available funding.
It is recognised that the existence of bursaries in England could attract individuals who might otherwise have considered undertaking their ITE programme in Northern Ireland. However, teacher supply issues are multifaceted, and it is essential to note that there are many factors which determine students’ decisions on whether to apply for an ITE course in Northern Ireland.
It should also be noted that the ITE courses provided in Northern Ireland do not lead to Qualified Teacher Status, rather they lead to qualifications which meet the requirements of the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland’s qualification rules (as set out in GTCNI Guidance 01/2015 (Revised March 2017)).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207737%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=391126","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=391126"}},{"id":"391125","reference":"AQW 7736/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-28","answerBy":"2024-03-14","answered":"2024-03-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education how he intends deliver a new school building for Priory Integrated College, Holywood, given that Fresh Start funding is no longer available to them.","answerText":"I have placed the 10 remaining former Fresh Start projects that are not yet in contract into my Department’s conventional major works programme to continue to advance in design and planning. The projects will proceed to construction when planning is complete and affordable within the wider education budget context.\n\nAll of the projects have been submitted as capital bids for 2024-25 to the Department of Finance and I trust all Executive parties will support this bid for capital funding.","answerHtml":"I have placed the 10 remaining former Fresh Start projects that are not yet in contract into my Department’s conventional major works programme to continue to advance in design and planning. The projects will proceed to construction when planning is complete and affordable within the wider education budget context.
All of the projects have been submitted as capital bids for 2024-25 to the Department of Finance and I trust all Executive parties will support this bid for capital funding.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207736%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=391125","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=391125"}},{"id":"390923","reference":"AQW 7643/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-27","answerBy":"2024-03-01","answered":"2024-03-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he will provide a school crossing patrol urgently for Grange Park Primary School, Bangor, following a recent road traffic collision involving a pupil.","answerText":"I was concerned to hear about this incident and I hope the pupil involved is recovering well. The Education Authority (EA) is responsible for the operation of the School Crossing Patrol Scheme (SCP) Scheme and it has advised me that it has been in contact with Grange Park Primary School in relation to this incident.\n\nThe EA must undertake an assessment of any potential SCP locations in line with Road Safety GB ROSPA, School Crossing Patrol Services Guidelines. I am informed that the EA will liaise with the school, and required statutory bodies, in undertaking an assessment and if the location meets the requirements, it will progress to recruitment of an SCP as matter of urgency.","answerHtml":"I was concerned to hear about this incident and I hope the pupil involved is recovering well. The Education Authority (EA) is responsible for the operation of the School Crossing Patrol Scheme (SCP) Scheme and it has advised me that it has been in contact with Grange Park Primary School in relation to this incident.
The EA must undertake an assessment of any potential SCP locations in line with Road Safety GB ROSPA, School Crossing Patrol Services Guidelines. I am informed that the EA will liaise with the school, and required statutory bodies, in undertaking an assessment and if the location meets the requirements, it will progress to recruitment of an SCP as matter of urgency.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207643%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=390923","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=390923"}},{"id":"390922","reference":"AQW 7642/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-27","answerBy":"2024-03-13","answered":"2024-03-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education why bursaries are not provided for courses that lead to qualified teacher status in Northern Ireland, as is the case in England.","answerText":"My Department does not currently operate any bursary schemes for ITE programmes in Northern Ireland as (unlike other parts of the United Kingdom); there has traditionally been an oversupply in the overall number of teachers in Northern Ireland.\n\nWe are, however, aware of recent concerns about teacher supply issues, particularly in some post-primary subjects. We recognise the need to develop a sector-wide approach to strategic teacher workforce planning. My Department therefore plans to engage with key stakeholders to understand better any workforce shortages and gaps.\n\nWhile consideration may be given to the introduction of ITE bursary schemes to address specific teacher shortages, such schemes would have to be tightly targeted and would remain subject to available funding.\n\nIt is recognised that the existence of bursaries in England could attract individuals who might otherwise have considered undertaking their ITE programme in Northern Ireland. However, teacher supply issues are multifaceted, and it is essential to note that there are many factors which determine students’ decisions on whether to apply for an ITE course in Northern Ireland.\n\nIt should also be noted that the ITE courses provided in Northern Ireland do not lead to Qualified Teacher Status, rather they lead to qualifications which meet the requirements of the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland’s qualification rules (as set out in GTCNI Guidance 01/2015 (Revised March 2017)).","answerHtml":"My Department does not currently operate any bursary schemes for ITE programmes in Northern Ireland as (unlike other parts of the United Kingdom); there has traditionally been an oversupply in the overall number of teachers in Northern Ireland.
We are, however, aware of recent concerns about teacher supply issues, particularly in some post-primary subjects. We recognise the need to develop a sector-wide approach to strategic teacher workforce planning. My Department therefore plans to engage with key stakeholders to understand better any workforce shortages and gaps.
While consideration may be given to the introduction of ITE bursary schemes to address specific teacher shortages, such schemes would have to be tightly targeted and would remain subject to available funding.
It is recognised that the existence of bursaries in England could attract individuals who might otherwise have considered undertaking their ITE programme in Northern Ireland. However, teacher supply issues are multifaceted, and it is essential to note that there are many factors which determine students’ decisions on whether to apply for an ITE course in Northern Ireland.
It should also be noted that the ITE courses provided in Northern Ireland do not lead to Qualified Teacher Status, rather they lead to qualifications which meet the requirements of the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland’s qualification rules (as set out in GTCNI Guidance 01/2015 (Revised March 2017)).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207642%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=390922","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=390922"}},{"id":"390921","reference":"AQW 7641/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-27","answerBy":"2024-03-13","answered":"2024-03-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether he has made deputations to HM Treasury regarding reducing the VAT rate for hospitality businesses in Northern Ireland, given the increase in running costs.","answerText":"VAT is an Excepted Matter and responsibility for any reduction in VAT is an issue for the British Treasury to decide upon.\n\nOver recent years, my Department has repeatedly raised with the British Treasury, the negative impact the higher level of VAT on tourism & hospitality is having locally compared to the lower rate that applies in the South. My officials continue to highlight the adverse impacts of the taxation system locally in their regular meetings with Treasury counterparts.\n\nAt our first meeting, I pressed the Chief Secretary to the Treasury that a new Fiscal Framework, which provides funding based on need and a basis for increased fiscal powers for the Executive, should be an immediate priority. This will better enable the Executive to sustainably fund public services and provide support for both citizens and businesses during the ongoing cost of living / business crisis.","answerHtml":"VAT is an Excepted Matter and responsibility for any reduction in VAT is an issue for the British Treasury to decide upon.
Over recent years, my Department has repeatedly raised with the British Treasury, the negative impact the higher level of VAT on tourism & hospitality is having locally compared to the lower rate that applies in the South. My officials continue to highlight the adverse impacts of the taxation system locally in their regular meetings with Treasury counterparts.
At our first meeting, I pressed the Chief Secretary to the Treasury that a new Fiscal Framework, which provides funding based on need and a basis for increased fiscal powers for the Executive, should be an immediate priority. This will better enable the Executive to sustainably fund public services and provide support for both citizens and businesses during the ongoing cost of living / business crisis.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207641%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=390921","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=390921"}},{"id":"390920","reference":"AQW 7640/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-27","answerBy":"2024-03-13","answered":"2024-03-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy what financial support he intends to provide to hospitality businesses who are struggling with increased running costs.","answerText":"My department is taking steps to support businesses facing high energy costs through delivery of the Executive’s ‘Path to Net Zero Energy’ Strategy. I also intend to work with Executive colleagues to consider the High Street Task Force recommendations to take this agenda forward.\n\nThe level of VAT is also an issue for hospitality businesses and the Department of Finance has repeatedly raised with the Treasury the negative impacts on hospitality of high levels of VAT.","answerHtml":"My department is taking steps to support businesses facing high energy costs through delivery of the Executive’s ‘Path to Net Zero Energy’ Strategy. I also intend to work with Executive colleagues to consider the High Street Task Force recommendations to take this agenda forward.
The level of VAT is also an issue for hospitality businesses and the Department of Finance has repeatedly raised with the Treasury the negative impacts on hospitality of high levels of VAT.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207640%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=390920","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=390920"}},{"id":"390919","reference":"AQW 7639/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-27","answerBy":"2024-03-13","answered":"2024-03-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he has any plans to introduce bursaries for courses that lead to qualified teacher status, as is the case in England.","answerText":"My Department does not currently operate any bursary schemes for ITE programmes in Northern Ireland as (unlike other parts of the United Kingdom); there has traditionally been an oversupply in the overall number of teachers in Northern Ireland.\n\nWe are, however, aware of recent concerns about teacher supply issues, particularly in some post-primary subjects. We recognise the need to develop a sector-wide approach to strategic teacher workforce planning. My Department therefore plans to engage with key stakeholders to understand better any workforce shortages and gaps.\n\nWhile consideration may be given to the introduction of ITE bursary schemes to address specific teacher shortages, such schemes would have to be tightly targeted and would remain subject to available funding.\n\nIt is recognised that the existence of bursaries in England could attract individuals who might otherwise have considered undertaking their ITE programme in Northern Ireland. However, teacher supply issues are multifaceted, and it is essential to note that there are many factors which determine students’ decisions on whether to apply for an ITE course in Northern Ireland.\n\nIt should also be noted that the ITE courses provided in Northern Ireland do not lead to Qualified Teacher Status, rather they lead to qualifications which meet the requirements of the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland’s qualification rules (as set out in GTCNI Guidance 01/2015 (Revised March 2017)).","answerHtml":"My Department does not currently operate any bursary schemes for ITE programmes in Northern Ireland as (unlike other parts of the United Kingdom); there has traditionally been an oversupply in the overall number of teachers in Northern Ireland.
We are, however, aware of recent concerns about teacher supply issues, particularly in some post-primary subjects. We recognise the need to develop a sector-wide approach to strategic teacher workforce planning. My Department therefore plans to engage with key stakeholders to understand better any workforce shortages and gaps.
While consideration may be given to the introduction of ITE bursary schemes to address specific teacher shortages, such schemes would have to be tightly targeted and would remain subject to available funding.
It is recognised that the existence of bursaries in England could attract individuals who might otherwise have considered undertaking their ITE programme in Northern Ireland. However, teacher supply issues are multifaceted, and it is essential to note that there are many factors which determine students’ decisions on whether to apply for an ITE course in Northern Ireland.
It should also be noted that the ITE courses provided in Northern Ireland do not lead to Qualified Teacher Status, rather they lead to qualifications which meet the requirements of the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland’s qualification rules (as set out in GTCNI Guidance 01/2015 (Revised March 2017)).
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207639%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=390919","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=390919"}},{"id":"390101","reference":"AQW 7283/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-22","answerBy":"2024-03-08","answered":"2024-03-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he has plans to introduce further Residents' Parking Schemes.","answerText":"A review of residents’ parking schemes has been completed and the review report, which will establish the policy for such schemes going forward, will be published when I have considered its findings.","answerHtml":"A review of residents’ parking schemes has been completed and the review report, which will establish the policy for such schemes going forward, will be published when I have considered its findings.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207283%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=390101","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=390101"}},{"id":"390100","reference":"AQW 7282/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-22","answerBy":"2024-03-08","answered":"2024-03-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what consideration his Department has given to installing traffic lights at the junction of Seapark Road, Holywood, and the A2.","answerText":"The A2 is a strategic trunk road route that carries some 38,000 vehicles per day and is a priority for traffic progression. I am advised that there are currently no safety concerns at the junction of Seapark Road, Holywood with the A2. Due to these factors there are no current plans to install traffic signals at this junction.","answerHtml":"The A2 is a strategic trunk road route that carries some 38,000 vehicles per day and is a priority for traffic progression. I am advised that there are currently no safety concerns at the junction of Seapark Road, Holywood with the A2. Due to these factors there are no current plans to install traffic signals at this junction.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207282%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=390100","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=390100"}},{"id":"390099","reference":"AQW 7281/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-22","answerBy":"2024-03-08","answered":"2024-06-14","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 for a timescale on the erection of a memorial to victims and survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse.","answerText":"The issue of a memorial is sensitive for victims and survivors. Many of whom have different views how this should be progressed. The late Sir Anthony Hart recognised this in the Inquiry report.\n\nOur officials have engaged with victims’ and survivors’ group representatives since March 2022 on this matter and have considered advice from the Commissioner. A cross-departmental sub-group was established to examine ways of meeting as many different views as possible. Ministers will shortly be meeting victims’ and survivors’ representative groups, and will consider all proposals to implement this recommendation.","answerHtml":"The issue of a memorial is sensitive for victims and survivors. Many of whom have different views how this should be progressed. The late Sir Anthony Hart recognised this in the Inquiry report.
Our officials have engaged with victims’ and survivors’ group representatives since March 2022 on this matter and have considered advice from the Commissioner. A cross-departmental sub-group was established to examine ways of meeting as many different views as possible. Ministers will shortly be meeting victims’ and survivors’ representative groups, and will consider all proposals to implement this recommendation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207281%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=390099","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=390099"}},{"id":"389777","reference":"AQW 7153/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-21","answerBy":"2024-03-07","answered":"2024-03-13","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 a timescale of the appointment of a Northern Ireland Climate Commissioner.","answerText":"The NI Climate Commissioner will play a prominent role in overseeing and reporting on the commitments made of all Departments in the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.\n\nTEO officials have taken forward significant policy development work on options for establishing the office of the Climate Commissioner.\n\nWe will consider these options in the weeks ahead to determine the most appropriate way to progress with the establishment of the office, and the appointment of an NI Climate Commissioner.\n\nThe timescale for the appointment of a Commissioner will be established once the necessary duties and powers of the office have been agreed.","answerHtml":"The NI Climate Commissioner will play a prominent role in overseeing and reporting on the commitments made of all Departments in the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.
TEO officials have taken forward significant policy development work on options for establishing the office of the Climate Commissioner.
We will consider these options in the weeks ahead to determine the most appropriate way to progress with the establishment of the office, and the appointment of an NI Climate Commissioner.
The timescale for the appointment of a Commissioner will be established once the necessary duties and powers of the office have been agreed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207153%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=389777","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=389777"}},{"id":"389776","reference":"AQW 7152/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-21","answerBy":"2024-03-07","answered":"2024-03-11","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 progress of the street light repair at Twisel Bridge, Holywood.","answerText":"My officials advise me that the street light in question is mounted on an NIE owned pole and can only be accessed and repaired by an NIE engineer. Due to the storm damage caused by the recent inclement weather, NIE engineers have been prioritising the repair of the electrical network. However, I can advise that NIE have repaired the fault and the light is now operational.","answerHtml":"My officials advise me that the street light in question is mounted on an NIE owned pole and can only be accessed and repaired by an NIE engineer. Due to the storm damage caused by the recent inclement weather, NIE engineers have been prioritising the repair of the electrical network. However, I can advise that NIE have repaired the fault and the light is now operational.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207152%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=389776","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=389776"}},{"id":"389775","reference":"AQW 7151/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-21","answerBy":"2024-03-07","answered":"2024-02-27","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 of his Department to progress the Bangor Waterfront Development within the Belfast Region City Deal.","answerText":"My Officials are working in collaboration with colleagues in the Ards and North Down Borough Council to deliver the Bangor Waterfront Belfast Region City Deal project.\n\nMy Department has approved the Outline Business Case, and issued the Contract for Funding for the project in January 2023. Work is currently progressing well to appoint design teams and further develop the proposals to inform a Final Business Case. My Officials continue to work on the various City Deal Project-and-Programme Board governance structures to support and oversee the delivery of this transformational project.","answerHtml":"My Officials are working in collaboration with colleagues in the Ards and North Down Borough Council to deliver the Bangor Waterfront Belfast Region City Deal project.
My Department has approved the Outline Business Case, and issued the Contract for Funding for the project in January 2023. Work is currently progressing well to appoint design teams and further develop the proposals to inform a Final Business Case. My Officials continue to work on the various City Deal Project-and-Programme Board governance structures to support and oversee the delivery of this transformational project.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%207151%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=389775","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=389775"}},{"id":"389506","reference":"AQW 6995/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-20","answerBy":"2024-03-06","answered":"2024-03-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he will introduce parking restrictions on (i) Seapark Road; and (ii) Ballymenoch Park, Holywood.","answerText":"Officials will assess the need for additional restrictions within this area from May to September during the period when the Department is aware of reports of inconsiderate parking. If a change is proposed it will be considered for inclusion in the work programme for the next financial year, which is presented to council each year and then published online.\n\nConcerns about vehicles which are parked inappropriately which cause an obstruction or danger to any other road users should be reported to the to the police who is the enforcement authority using their non-emergency number 101.","answerHtml":"Officials will assess the need for additional restrictions within this area from May to September during the period when the Department is aware of reports of inconsiderate parking. If a change is proposed it will be considered for inclusion in the work programme for the next financial year, which is presented to council each year and then published online.
Concerns about vehicles which are parked inappropriately which cause an obstruction or danger to any other road users should be reported to the to the police who is the enforcement authority using 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%206995%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=389506","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=389506"}},{"id":"389505","reference":"AQW 6994/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-20","answerBy":"2024-03-06","answered":"2024-03-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he will introduce parking restrictions at the junction of Belfast Road and Abbey Ring, Holywood.","answerText":"I can advise that waiting restrictions such as double yellow lines, may be introduced on the road network where parking is causing an obstruction to other traffic, resulting in progression issues, in the form of queues, tailbacks or difficulties making turning movements.\n\nMy Department has previously assesses the Belfast Road / Abbey Ring junction for 15m corner restrictions in the form of double yellow lines and given the road width at the location and no history of traffic progression issues, it is not considered appropriate to introduce permanent restrictions at this junction.\n\nConcerns about vehicles which are parked inappropriately which cause an obstruction or danger to any other road users should be reported to the to the police who is the enforcement authority using their non-emergency number 101.","answerHtml":"I can advise that waiting restrictions such as double yellow lines, may be introduced on the road network where parking is causing an obstruction to other traffic, resulting in progression issues, in the form of queues, tailbacks or difficulties making turning movements.
My Department has previously assesses the Belfast Road / Abbey Ring junction for 15m corner restrictions in the form of double yellow lines and given the road width at the location and no history of traffic progression issues, it is not considered appropriate to introduce permanent restrictions at this junction.
Concerns about vehicles which are parked inappropriately which cause an obstruction or danger to any other road users should be reported to the to the police who is the enforcement authority using 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%206994%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=389505","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=389505"}},{"id":"389504","reference":"AQW 6993/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-20","answerBy":"2024-03-06","answered":"2024-02-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he will reverse his Department's decision to close St. Anne’s Primary School, Donaghadee.","answerText":"St Anne’s Primary School closed with effect from 31 October 2023, and I do not intend to reverse the decision.\n\nI understand that the Member will be aware that the decisions to approve closure and not to approve the transformation of the school to controlled integrated status were the subject of legal challenge.\n\nLeave for Judicial Review was refused. In his rationale for refusing leave, the presiding judge concluded that there were no arguable grounds to the challenge which had a realistic prospect of success.\n\nI and my Department will continue to encourage, facilitate and support the development of integrated education.","answerHtml":"St Anne’s Primary School closed with effect from 31 October 2023, and I do not intend to reverse the decision.
I understand that the Member will be aware that the decisions to approve closure and not to approve the transformation of the school to controlled integrated status were the subject of legal challenge.
Leave for Judicial Review was refused. In his rationale for refusing leave, the presiding judge concluded that there were no arguable grounds to the challenge which had a realistic prospect of success.
I and my Department will continue to encourage, facilitate and support the development of integrated education.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206993%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=389504","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=389504"}},{"id":"389503","reference":"AQW 6992/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-20","answerBy":"2024-03-06","answered":"2024-03-06","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 correspondence with Ards and North Down Borough Council regarding the revitalisation of the steps on Bangor seafront, between Queens Parade and Princetown Road.","answerText":"Ards and North Down Borough Council contacted my Department in October 2022 and March 2023 seeking agreement to the Council’s proposal to undertake work to the steps on Bangor seafront which the Department accepted. My Department has no record of any more recent correspondence or discussion on the matter.","answerHtml":"Ards and North Down Borough Council contacted my Department in October 2022 and March 2023 seeking agreement to the Council’s proposal to undertake work to the steps on Bangor seafront which the Department accepted. My Department has no record of any more recent correspondence or discussion on the matter.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206992%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=389503","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=389503"}},{"id":"389502","reference":"AQW 6991/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-20","answerBy":"2024-03-06","answered":"2024-02-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail all Housing Executive refurbishment schemes planned in North Down over the next three years.","answerText":"Housing Executive refurbishment schemes planned in North Down over the next three years are an operational matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.\n\nYou should therefore direct your question to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive at public.affairsunit@nihe.gov.uk.","answerHtml":"Housing Executive refurbishment schemes planned in North Down over the next three years are an operational matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
You should therefore direct your question to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive at public.affairsunit@nihe.gov.uk.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206991%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=389502","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=389502"}},{"id":"389252","reference":"AQW 6866/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-19","answerBy":"2024-03-05","answered":"2024-03-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for the timescale to install a pedestrian crossing on Bloomfield Road, Bangor.","answerText":"The installation of a new pedestrian crossing on the Bloomfield Road, Bangor is listed within the Ards and North Down Borough Council Annual Report 2023/24 and the work is anticipated to commence on-site before the end of March 2024.\n\nMy officials are working to confirm the exact timing for the delivery of this scheme which will be agreed in consultation with the Department’s contractor, taking into account the availability of resources and capacity.","answerHtml":"The installation of a new pedestrian crossing on the Bloomfield Road, Bangor is listed within the Ards and North Down Borough Council Annual Report 2023/24 and the work is anticipated to commence on-site before the end of March 2024.
My officials are working to confirm the exact timing for the delivery of this scheme which will be agreed in consultation with the Department’s contractor, taking into account the availability of resources and capacity.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206866%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=389252","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=389252"}},{"id":"389043","reference":"AQW 6732/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-16","answerBy":"2024-03-04","answered":"2024-04-04","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 detail the work of their departmental Children’s Champion in the last three years.","answerText":"Key work undertaken by the departmental Children’s Champion over the last three years includes:\n\nInitial engagement with the NI Youth Forum and the NI Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY) on issues such as establishing a regular mechanism for youth engagement on policy areas within the remit of TEO.\n\nSupporting implementation of, and promoting the use of, Child Rights Impact Assessments (CRIAs) in the development of any new policy.\n\nDevelopment of Child Friendly questionnaires for gathering outcomes data on Good Relations Programmes.\n\nChampioning the participation of young people in policy development. Across TEO, youth consultation has played a key role in a number of policy developments including the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, the Covid Recovery Plan, the Refugee Integration Strategy, and the current review of the T:BUC Strategy.","answerHtml":"Key work undertaken by the departmental Children’s Champion over the last three years includes:
Initial engagement with the NI Youth Forum and the NI Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY) on issues such as establishing a regular mechanism for youth engagement on policy areas within the remit of TEO.
Supporting implementation of, and promoting the use of, Child Rights Impact Assessments (CRIAs) in the development of any new policy.
Development of Child Friendly questionnaires for gathering outcomes data on Good Relations Programmes.
Championing the participation of young people in policy development. Across TEO, youth consultation has played a key role in a number of policy developments including the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, the Covid Recovery Plan, the Refugee Integration Strategy, and the current review of the T:BUC Strategy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206732%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=389043","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=389043"}},{"id":"389042","reference":"AQW 6731/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-16","answerBy":"2024-03-04","answered":"2024-03-05","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how many flags his Department has removed from street furniture in the last five years, broken down by constituency.","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\nWith the exception of a few banners which presented danger to road users, my Department has not removed any flags from street furniture in the last five years.\n\nFinding 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.
With the exception of a few banners which presented danger to road users, my Department has not removed any flags from street furniture in the last five years.
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%206731%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=389042","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=389042"}},{"id":"389041","reference":"AQW 6730/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-16","answerBy":"2024-03-04","answered":"2024-03-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how many prosecutions his Department has pursued for the unauthorised erection of flags on street furniture, in the last five years.","answerText":"My Department does not have the powers to progress prosecutions, this would be for PSNI to progress.\n\nMy Department has not made any complaints to PSNI against individuals in the last five years.","answerHtml":"My Department does not have the powers to progress prosecutions, this would be for PSNI to progress.
My Department has not made any complaints to PSNI against individuals in the last five years.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206730%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=389041","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=389041"}},{"id":"389040","reference":"AQW 6729/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-16","answerBy":"2024-03-04","answered":"2024-03-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how many Penalty Charge Notices have been issued by his Department in Helen’s Bay, Co. Down, over the last five years.","answerText":"There were 560 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued in Helen’s Bay (Church Road, Fort Road, and Grey Point) between 18 February 2021 and 19 February 2024.\n\nAs per the Department’s Retention and Disposal schedule, older PCN data is not retained.\n\nHelen’s Bay falls under the Bangor area for the reporting of PCNs. This data is regularly published through the OpenDataNI portal at https://www.opendatani.gov.uk/@department-for-infrastructure/penalty-charge-notice-data","answerHtml":"There were 560 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued in Helen’s Bay (Church Road, Fort Road, and Grey Point) between 18 February 2021 and 19 February 2024.
As per the Department’s Retention and Disposal schedule, older PCN data is not retained.
Helen’s Bay falls under the Bangor area for the reporting of PCNs. This data is regularly published through the OpenDataNI portal at https://www.opendatani.gov.uk/@department-for-infrastructure/penalty-charge-notice-data
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206729%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=389040","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=389040"}},{"id":"389039","reference":"AQW 6728/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-16","answerBy":"2024-03-04","answered":"2024-02-22","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 Reawakening the Ulster Folk Museum project.","answerText":"The Reawakening the Ulster Folk Museum project is an operational matter for National Museums NI.\n\nYou should, therefore, direct your question to National Museums NI at info@nationalmuseumsni.org.","answerHtml":"The Reawakening the Ulster Folk Museum project is an operational matter for National Museums NI.
You should, therefore, direct your question to National Museums NI at info@nationalmuseumsni.org.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206728%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=389039","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=389039"}},{"id":"388676","reference":"AQW 6598/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-15","answerBy":"2024-03-01","answered":"2024-03-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for his plans to address the funding shortfall faced by community pharmacies.","answerText":"I very much appreciate the extremely important work that community pharmacies deliver for our population.\n\nI have received representation from pharmacy contractors and from their representative body, Community Pharmacy NI (CPNI).\n\nAn urgent meeting was held this week to with representatives of CPNI to consider the funding issues. I have asked my Department to address some of the pressures that pharmacies are facing within what is available and affordable. I encouraged CPNI to continue to work with Department officials to seek ways to ensure the pharmacy service can develop in line with our shared strategic objectives.","answerHtml":"I very much appreciate the extremely important work that community pharmacies deliver for our population.
I have received representation from pharmacy contractors and from their representative body, Community Pharmacy NI (CPNI).
An urgent meeting was held this week to with representatives of CPNI to consider the funding issues. I have asked my Department to address some of the pressures that pharmacies are facing within what is available and affordable. I encouraged CPNI to continue to work with Department officials to seek ways to ensure the pharmacy service can develop in line with our shared strategic objectives.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206598%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=388676","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=388676"}},{"id":"388675","reference":"AQW 6597/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-15","answerBy":"2024-03-01","answered":"2024-02-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities (i) how many people are on the social housing waiting list in North Down; and (ii) how many on the list are considered homeless.","answerText":"The Housing Executive is best placed to directly answer questions, which relate to wholly operational matters under its remit. The Housing Executive has a dedicated MLA response team, which can be contacted at public.affairsunit@nihe.gov.uk in relation to your specific query.","answerHtml":"The Housing Executive is best placed to directly answer questions, which relate to wholly operational matters under its remit. The Housing Executive has a dedicated MLA response team, which can be contacted at public.affairsunit@nihe.gov.uk in relation to your specific query.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206597%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=388675","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=388675"}},{"id":"388674","reference":"AQW 6596/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-15","answerBy":"2024-03-01","answered":"2024-02-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities how many social houses in North Down have been purchased through the House Sales Scheme in the last three years.","answerText":"Unfortunately, this information is not available in the format requested, details are not recorded by Council area.\n\nPlease see figures below listing the number of Housing Association properties sold under the House Sales Scheme for the requested years.\n\nYEAR\tHOUSE SALES BY HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS\n2019/2020\t97\n2020/2021\t89\n2021/2022\t160\n2022/2023\tNot yet available\n\nThe Housing Executive is best placed to directly answer questions, which relate to wholly operational matters under its remit. The Housing Executive has a dedicated MLA response team, which can be contacted at public.affairsunit@nihe.gov.uk in relation to your specific query.","answerHtml":"Unfortunately, this information is not available in the format requested, details are not recorded by Council area.
Please see figures below listing the number of Housing Association properties sold under the House Sales Scheme for the requested years.
| YEAR | HOUSE SALES BY HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS |
| 2019/2020 | 97 |
| 2020/2021 | 89 |
| 2021/2022 | 160 |
| 2022/2023 | Not yet available |
The Housing Executive is best placed to directly answer questions, which relate to wholly operational matters under its remit. The Housing Executive has a dedicated MLA response team, which can be contacted at public.affairsunit@nihe.gov.uk in relation to your specific query.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206596%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=388674","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=388674"}},{"id":"388673","reference":"AQW 6595/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-15","answerBy":"2024-03-01","answered":"2024-02-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any plans for new build social housing in North Down in the next five years.","answerText":"The information you have requested regarding plans for new build social housing in North Down over the next five years, is an operational matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.\n\nYou should, therefore, direct your question to Northern Ireland Housing Executive at Public.Affairsunit@nihe.gov.uk","answerHtml":"The information you have requested regarding plans for new build social housing in North Down over the next five years, is an operational matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
You should, therefore, direct your question to Northern Ireland Housing Executive at Public.Affairsunit@nihe.gov.uk
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206595%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=388673","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=388673"}},{"id":"391194","reference":"AQO 90/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-15","answerBy":"2024-02-27","answered":"2024-02-27","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 financial settlement, published on 13 February 2024, will have any impact on previous funding commitments arising from the Fresh Start Agreement for shared and integrated education.","answerText":"£150 million of the Fresh Start funding package for shared education and shared housing has been re-packaged by the British Government into the funding accompanying the restoration of the Executive.\n\nSome shared and integrated education projects that were initially being considered to progress using Fresh Start funding have not yet become contractually committed. Fresh Start funding will no longer be available to take forward these projects.\n\nIt will now a matter for the Executive to determine allocations for departments, including Capital allocations to the Department of Education in its Budget for 2024-25.","answerHtml":"£150 million of the Fresh Start funding package for shared education and shared housing has been re-packaged by the British Government into the funding accompanying the restoration of the Executive.
Some shared and integrated education projects that were initially being considered to progress using Fresh Start funding have not yet become contractually committed. Fresh Start funding will no longer be available to take forward these projects.
It will now a matter for the Executive to determine allocations for departments, including Capital allocations to the Department of Education in its Budget for 2024-25.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%2090%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=391194","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=391194"}},{"id":"388753","reference":"AQO 68/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-15","answerBy":"2024-02-26","answered":"2024-02-26","answeredOrally":true,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to provide an update on the End to End Review of Special Educational Needs.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":[{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"The Department of Education and the Education Authority embarked on an end-to-end review of special educational needs in early 2023 to examine the entire special educational needs system from a policy perspective and ensure that delivery and outcomes are in line with objectives and policy intent. Phase 1 of the review, which involved scoping the review and establishing appropriate governance structures, is complete. Phase 2 has commenced and primarily focuses on stakeholder engagement to ensure that all decisions and solutions are underpinned by meaningful engagement. In addition to targeted engagement with individuals and organisations, a programme of engagement events is being developed for schools, parents and carers, children and young people and wider stakeholders so that they can share their knowledge and experience and be part of co-designing a more agile and improved special educational needs system. Following that engagement phase, an action plan will be developed for implementation. I expect the implementation plan to be ready for September 2024. The overall vision of the end-to-end review is to ensure that all children with special educational needs get the right support delivered by the right people at the right time and in the right place through a high-quality education that is cost-effective and improves outcomes."},{"speaker":"Ms Egan","text":"Will the Minister give assurances to pupils and parents that, at the start of the academic year in September, children with special educational needs will not still be sitting unaware of what school they are going to, as has happened in previous years?"},{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"I thank the Member for raising that point. In October 2023, following what happened in the previous academic year, a strategic placement group was established in the Department. That group meets every week and has deputy permanent secretary-level engagement. The new post of director of special educational needs placements was created in January 2024. The group meets at the highest levels. It meets about the issue every week, because we recognise that a real challenge is coming in September. I cannot — I wish I could — give a guarantee that every child will have a placement by then. I do not believe that that will be the case, despite the urgency and priority that I place on this in my Department. I want to provide some reassurance to the House and to parents, and we will touch on this in the debate on the substantive motion on the issue in the House this afternoon. This is a priority for me, and I want to provide the support that is necessary. I have come into office at a time when there are real pressures and challenges in this area, but I am very much committed to doing all that I can to help."},{"speaker":"Mr Kingston","text":"When does the Minister think the new special educational needs framework will be fully implemented?"},{"speaker":"Mr Givan","text":"Following public consultation on the draft new SEN regulations and code of practice in 2021, several changes have been made to both documents to take on board the views of those who responded. The new regulations are in the final stages of drafting and, once all the necessary approvals are in place, they will be presented to the Education Committee before being placed before the Assembly for consideration."},{"speaker":"","text":"My officials are working closely with the Education Authority on a timetable for commencing each provision in the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 and associated SEN regulations. The Act places additional duties on the EA and on boards of governors in schools, including the appointment of a learning support coordinator and for each child on the SEN register to have a personal learning plan. Agreed additional funding of £30 million per annum has been identified to support schools to implement the legislative changes, but, due to budget constraints, only £11 million was made available to schools for 2023-24. Unless the full amount is made available in future years, it will negatively impact on the outcomes of children with special educational needs."},{"speaker":"Mr Speaker","text":"We will now move to topical questions."}],"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%2068%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=388753","officialReport":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/report.aspx?&eveDate=2024-02-26&docID=389673#AQO%2068/22-27","api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=388753"}},{"id":"388449","reference":"AQW 6444/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-14","answerBy":"2024-02-29","answered":"2024-02-20","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 progress for a new building for Bangor Central Integrated Primary School.","answerText":"This project is in the final stage of design with a planning application submitted in July 2022. Procurement of a contractor is programmed to commence following receipt of planning permission, subject to capital funding being available.","answerHtml":"This project is in the final stage of design with a planning application submitted in July 2022. Procurement of a contractor is programmed to commence following receipt of planning permission, subject to capital funding being available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206444%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=388449","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=388449"}},{"id":"388448","reference":"AQW 6443/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-14","answerBy":"2024-02-29","answered":"2024-02-26","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) date and time; and (ii) volume of untreated sewage discharge from Brompton Road Wastewater Pumping Station into Belfast Lough, over the last three years.","answerText":"The issue you raised is an operational matter for NI Water. You should therefore, direct your question to NI Water, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com","answerHtml":"The issue you raised is an operational matter for NI Water. You should therefore, direct your question to NI Water, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206443%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=388448","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=388448"}},{"id":"388447","reference":"AQW 6442/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-14","answerBy":"2024-02-29","answered":"2024-02-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for the timescale to install the pedestrian crossing on the A2 East Circular Road, Bangor, between the Groomsport Road roundabout and the Donaghadee Road roundabout.","answerText":"The installation of a new Puffin Crossing on the A2 East Circular Road, Bangor is identified in the Ards and North Down Borough Council Annual Report 2023/24 for the work to be completed during the 2024/25 financial year. Link to the report; Annual Report to Ards and North Down Borough Council 2023/2024 | Department for Infrastructure (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk)\n\nThe exact timing for the delivery of this scheme will be agreed in consultation with the Department’s contractor, taking into account the availability of resources and capacity.","answerHtml":"The installation of a new Puffin Crossing on the A2 East Circular Road, Bangor is identified in the Ards and North Down Borough Council Annual Report 2023/24 for the work to be completed during the 2024/25 financial year. Link to the report; Annual Report to Ards and North Down Borough Council 2023/2024 | Department for Infrastructure (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk)
The exact timing for the delivery of this scheme will be agreed in consultation with the Department’s contractor, taking into account the availability of resources and capacity.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206442%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=388447","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=388447"}},{"id":"388446","reference":"AQW 6441/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-14","answerBy":"2024-02-29","answered":"2024-02-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he will introduce a part-time 20mph speed limit zone outside Grange Park Primary School, Bangor.","answerText":"Part-time 20mph limits near schools are implemented based on assessments considering collision history, speed, traffic volume, infrastructure, and site constraints. Schools have been assessed in accordance with the Department’s policy ‘Road Safety at Schools’ which can be viewed at: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/road-safety-schools-rsppg-e070\n\nThe program to date has been rolled out in two tranches, with the most recent completed in November 2022. Over the coming weeks, I will be considering my priorities, including the potential for a further tranche of the 20mph schools programme, in the context of the funding that is currently available to my Department.","answerHtml":"Part-time 20mph limits near schools are implemented based on assessments considering collision history, speed, traffic volume, infrastructure, and site constraints. Schools have been assessed in accordance with the Department’s policy ‘Road Safety at Schools’ which can be viewed at: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/road-safety-schools-rsppg-e070
The program to date has been rolled out in two tranches, with the most recent completed in November 2022. Over the coming weeks, I will be considering my priorities, including the potential for a further tranche of the 20mph schools programme, in the context of the funding that is currently available to my Department.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206441%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=388446","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=388446"}},{"id":"388445","reference":"AQW 6440/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-14","answerBy":"2024-02-29","answered":"2024-02-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities what engagement he has had with the Crown Estate in relation to permissions needed to progress the redevelopment of Queens Parade, Bangor.","answerText":"My officials, in the Department’s Regional Development Office, along with Ards and North Down Borough Council, are continuing to work collaboratively with the developer, Bangor Marine, to progress the regeneration of Queen’s Parade.\n\nBangor Marine and Ards and North Down Borough Council are working together to secure the approvals required for the developer’s proposals that fall on the section of the scheme belonging to the Crown Estate, currently the Marine Gardens car park. Given that the negotiations between the parties are of a commercial nature, I have not had any engagement with the Crown Estate. I am hopeful that agreement will be reached in the near future and work can proceed later this year to unlock the regeneration potential of this key City Centre site.","answerHtml":"My officials, in the Department’s Regional Development Office, along with Ards and North Down Borough Council, are continuing to work collaboratively with the developer, Bangor Marine, to progress the regeneration of Queen’s Parade.
Bangor Marine and Ards and North Down Borough Council are working together to secure the approvals required for the developer’s proposals that fall on the section of the scheme belonging to the Crown Estate, currently the Marine Gardens car park. Given that the negotiations between the parties are of a commercial nature, I have not had any engagement with the Crown Estate. I am hopeful that agreement will be reached in the near future and work can proceed later this year to unlock the regeneration potential of this key City Centre site.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206440%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=388445","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=388445"}},{"id":"388281","reference":"AQW 6322/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-13","answerBy":"2024-02-16","answered":"2024-02-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 5482/22-27, when the new provider for the Promote Day Opportunities Centre will be confirmed.","answerText":"Action Mental Health informed the South Eastern HSC Trust (SEHSCT) in November 2023 that it would not be renewing its contract to deliver the Promote Day Opportunity Service in Bangor after 31st March 2024.\n\nAware of the impact this decision by Action Mental Health would have on the service users and their families, SEHSCT immediately began to find an alternative provider. A new provider has been secured and the Trust are hopeful that transition arrangements will progress imminently. A plan is in place to ensure that this transition will be as seamless as possible.\n\nSEHSCT continues to meet with Action Mental Health as they are responsible for engaging with their current staff to keep them updated on the position.\n\nA further meeting between SEHSCT and AMH Promote families has been arranged for week commencing 23 February 2024 to provide an update on the current position.","answerHtml":"Action Mental Health informed the South Eastern HSC Trust (SEHSCT) in November 2023 that it would not be renewing its contract to deliver the Promote Day Opportunity Service in Bangor after 31st March 2024.
Aware of the impact this decision by Action Mental Health would have on the service users and their families, SEHSCT immediately began to find an alternative provider. A new provider has been secured and the Trust are hopeful that transition arrangements will progress imminently. A plan is in place to ensure that this transition will be as seamless as possible.
SEHSCT continues to meet with Action Mental Health as they are responsible for engaging with their current staff to keep them updated on the position.
A further meeting between SEHSCT and AMH Promote families has been arranged for week commencing 23 February 2024 to provide an update on the current position.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206322%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=388281","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=388281"}},{"id":"388280","reference":"AQW 6321/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-13","answerBy":"2024-02-28","answered":"2024-04-26","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 for a timescale on the appointment of the (i) Irish Language Commissioner; and (ii) Commissioner for the Ulster-Scots and Ulster British Tradition.","answerText":"TEO is taking forward the necessary arrangements to implement the provisions of this Act for which it is responsible.\n\nThis will be in-line with our decisions.\n\nMembers will be kept informed on progress.","answerHtml":"TEO is taking forward the necessary arrangements to implement the provisions of this Act for which it is responsible.
This will be in-line with our decisions.
Members will be kept informed on progress.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206321%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=388280","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=388280"}},{"id":"388279","reference":"AQW 6320/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-13","answerBy":"2024-02-28","answered":"2024-02-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail his plans to address the recurrent flooding on Rugby Avenue, Bangor.","answerText":"Officials in my department have reviewed the recent flooding at Rugby Avenue, Bangor and consider the cause to be a build-up of leaves on gully gratings that prevented the surface water from entering the drainage system. When removed, the drainage system worked as designed and the flooding cleared. My officials will continue to monitor the system and take action as required.","answerHtml":"Officials in my department have reviewed the recent flooding at Rugby Avenue, Bangor and consider the cause to be a build-up of leaves on gully gratings that prevented the surface water from entering the drainage system. When removed, the drainage system worked as designed and the flooding cleared. My officials will continue to monitor the system and take action as required.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206320%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=388279","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=388279"}},{"id":"388278","reference":"AQW 6319/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-13","answerBy":"2024-02-28","answered":"2024-02-23","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail his plans to address the recurrent flooding at Ballysallagh Road Bridge, Bangor.","answerText":"The recent flooding at Ballysallagh Road Bridge, Bangor has been attributed to a damaged section of drainage that is remote from the road. Repair work is currently being undertaken and is nearing completion.","answerHtml":"The recent flooding at Ballysallagh Road Bridge, Bangor has been attributed to a damaged section of drainage that is remote from the road. Repair work is currently being undertaken and is nearing completion.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206319%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=388278","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=388278"}},{"id":"388277","reference":"AQW 6318/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-13","answerBy":"2024-02-28","answered":"2024-02-29","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 works to address the recurrent flooding on Bridge Road, Helen’s Bay.","answerText":"Following extensive investigation works at Bridge Road, Helen’s Bay, officials have determined that the recent flooding was attributed to damaged drainage within private property. A temporary solution was installed in December 2023 which has been successful in preventing a reoccurrence of flooding during recent prolonged periods of rain. My Department is currently taking forward a design of a new drainage system to substantively resolve the matter and it is hoped this will be delivered in the 2024/25 financial year.","answerHtml":"Following extensive investigation works at Bridge Road, Helen’s Bay, officials have determined that the recent flooding was attributed to damaged drainage within private property. A temporary solution was installed in December 2023 which has been successful in preventing a reoccurrence of flooding during recent prolonged periods of rain. My Department is currently taking forward a design of a new drainage system to substantively resolve the matter and it is hoped this will be delivered in the 2024/25 financial year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206318%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=388277","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=388277"}},{"id":"387767","reference":"AQW 6044/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-09","answerBy":"2024-02-14","answered":"2024-02-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to detail the current waiting times for red flag breast clinic referrals, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"As part of the Cancer Waiting Times publications which are released quarterly by the Department, the length of wait from an urgent GP referral for suspect breast cancer to first appointment with a breast cancer specialist is monitored and reported on. The most recent publication was published on 11th January 2024. This can be found at the following link:\n\nNorthern Ireland waiting time statistics: cancer waiting times July - September 2023 | Department of Health (health-ni.gov.uk).\n\nThe next publication will be issued on Thursday 28th March 2024.","answerHtml":"As part of the Cancer Waiting Times publications which are released quarterly by the Department, the length of wait from an urgent GP referral for suspect breast cancer to first appointment with a breast cancer specialist is monitored and reported on. The most recent publication was published on 11th January 2024. This can be found at the following link:
Northern Ireland waiting time statistics: cancer waiting times July - September 2023 | Department of Health (health-ni.gov.uk).
The next publication will be issued on Thursday 28th March 2024.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206044%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387767","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387767"}},{"id":"387766","reference":"AQW 6043/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-09","answerBy":"2024-02-26","answered":"2024-02-20","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 for their assessment of the Commissioner for Victims and Survivors advice to government regarding the needs of those bereaved due to Troubles-related incidents.","answerText":"We are extremely sympathetic to the issues affecting bereaved victims and survivors, and we are keen to address their needs and acknowledge the ongoing loss felt by many.\n\nWe have not yet had an opportunity to consider the Commissioner’s advice paper, but we are committed to doing so as part of the development of the new Strategy for Victims and Survivors.","answerHtml":"We are extremely sympathetic to the issues affecting bereaved victims and survivors, and we are keen to address their needs and acknowledge the ongoing loss felt by many.
We have not yet had an opportunity to consider the Commissioner’s advice paper, but we are committed to doing so as part of the development of the new Strategy for Victims and Survivors.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206043%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387766","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387766"}},{"id":"387765","reference":"AQW 6042/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-09","answerBy":"2024-02-26","answered":"2024-03-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when work will commence to repair structural defects on Moss Road, Millisle.","answerText":"Resurfacing schemes are funded through my Department’s Structural Maintenance Programme; regrettably, for some time the available investment has not kept pace with what is needed to maintain all of our roads in a reasonable condition.\n\nWhile there are many roads that would benefit from investment, due to limited budget resources, resurfacing work is taken forward through the prioritisation of those deemed most in need for intervention. I am very aware of the long-term underfunding from which our road network has suffered.\n\nTherefore, I have recently announced the immediate investment of an additional £1m in road maintenance to begin to address the growing backlog of pothole repairs. This much needed funding will be used between now and the end of the financial year to target areas of particular need with small scale resurfacing schemes designed to repair areas that have suffered the most and where localised repairs are less effective.\n\nI have also allocated over £8m of additional funding to structural maintenance to allow further large scale resurfacing schemes to be delivered. This represents a significant investment in improving the structural integrity of our road network.\n\nHowever, this is only the beginning of much needed investment in our road infrastructure. The importance of a well maintained road network cannot be understated but this requires investment. I will continue to seek the support of Executive colleagues to enable this to happen.","answerHtml":"Resurfacing schemes are funded through my Department’s Structural Maintenance Programme; regrettably, for some time the available investment has not kept pace with what is needed to maintain all of our roads in a reasonable condition.
While there are many roads that would benefit from investment, due to limited budget resources, resurfacing work is taken forward through the prioritisation of those deemed most in need for intervention. I am very aware of the long-term underfunding from which our road network has suffered.
Therefore, I have recently announced the immediate investment of an additional £1m in road maintenance to begin to address the growing backlog of pothole repairs. This much needed funding will be used between now and the end of the financial year to target areas of particular need with small scale resurfacing schemes designed to repair areas that have suffered the most and where localised repairs are less effective.
I have also allocated over £8m of additional funding to structural maintenance to allow further large scale resurfacing schemes to be delivered. This represents a significant investment in improving the structural integrity of our road network.
However, this is only the beginning of much needed investment in our road infrastructure. The importance of a well maintained road network cannot be understated but this requires investment. I will continue to seek the support of Executive colleagues to enable this to happen.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206042%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387765","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387765"}},{"id":"387764","reference":"AQW 6041/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-09","answerBy":"2024-02-26","answered":"2024-02-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what action he is taking to ensure red-flagged breast clinic referrals are meeting their target of receiving an appointment within two weeks.","answerText":"The Department continues to work with all Trusts to reduce the current waiting time for breast assessments. Non-recurrent funding has been allocated to Trusts in 2023/24 to support additional waiting list initiative work, using both inhouse and independent sector capacity. In addition, the Department continues to facilitate the equalisation and reduction of waiting times through the inter-Trust transfer of patients.\n\nBringing our waiting lists to an acceptable level across a range of specialties, including breast services, is a long term collective effort requiring sustained and substantial investment and additional staffing. The scale at which I will be able to tackle the unacceptable waiting lists will be greatly influenced by the outcome of the current budgetary discussions.","answerHtml":"The Department continues to work with all Trusts to reduce the current waiting time for breast assessments. Non-recurrent funding has been allocated to Trusts in 2023/24 to support additional waiting list initiative work, using both inhouse and independent sector capacity. In addition, the Department continues to facilitate the equalisation and reduction of waiting times through the inter-Trust transfer of patients.
Bringing our waiting lists to an acceptable level across a range of specialties, including breast services, is a long term collective effort requiring sustained and substantial investment and additional staffing. The scale at which I will be able to tackle the unacceptable waiting lists will be greatly influenced by the outcome of the current budgetary discussions.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206041%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387764","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387764"}},{"id":"387763","reference":"AQW 6040/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-09","answerBy":"2024-02-26","answered":"2024-02-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether he will ensure his Department publishes up to date waiting times for red-flagged breast clinic referrals.","answerText":"As part of the Cancer Waiting Times publications which are released quarterly by the Department, the length of wait from an urgent GP referral for suspect breast cancer to first appointment with a breast cancer specialist is monitored and reported on in figure 3 and table 5. The most recent publication was published on 11th January 2024. This can be found at the following link:\n\nNorthern Ireland waiting time statistics: cancer waiting times July - September 2023 | Department of Health (health-ni.gov.uk).\n\nThe number of referrals received by HSC Trusts for suspect breast cancer has been temporarily removed from this publication due to data quality issues currently under review and it is hoped that this data will be available in the next release of this publication on Thursday 28th March 2024.","answerHtml":"As part of the Cancer Waiting Times publications which are released quarterly by the Department, the length of wait from an urgent GP referral for suspect breast cancer to first appointment with a breast cancer specialist is monitored and reported on in figure 3 and table 5. The most recent publication was published on 11th January 2024. This can be found at the following link:
Northern Ireland waiting time statistics: cancer waiting times July - September 2023 | Department of Health (health-ni.gov.uk).
The number of referrals received by HSC Trusts for suspect breast cancer has been temporarily removed from this publication due to data quality issues currently under review and it is hoped that this data will be available in the next release of this publication on Thursday 28th March 2024.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%206040%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387763","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387763"}},{"id":"389578","reference":"AQO 38/22-27","type":"Oral","typeCode":"AQO","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-08","answerBy":"2024-02-20","answered":"2024-02-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to outline his plans for the future of Ballycopeland Windmill visitor centre and ability café.","answerText":"I am very aware of the importance of my Department’s state care monuments to local communities and their role in attracting visitors.\n\nI am equally aware of the importance of supporting people with disabilities to move closer, into and sustain employment through a range or pre-employment and in-work support provision.\n\nBoth of these elements of my Department’s responsibilities come together with regard to Ballycopeland Windmill, a state care monument where Ulster Supported Employment Limited (USEL) manage the facilities including the Ability Cafe.\n\nThe challenge of finding a viable operating model for the site, within a difficult budgetary environment, is one that I have instructed my officials to examine further. They are assembling a business case to assess a number of options.\n\nI anticipate that this work will be complete by the end of February.\n\nDecisions following the review may at that stage remain subject to confirmation of budget for 24/25.","answerHtml":"I am very aware of the importance of my Department’s state care monuments to local communities and their role in attracting visitors.
I am equally aware of the importance of supporting people with disabilities to move closer, into and sustain employment through a range or pre-employment and in-work support provision.
Both of these elements of my Department’s responsibilities come together with regard to Ballycopeland Windmill, a state care monument where Ulster Supported Employment Limited (USEL) manage the facilities including the Ability Cafe.
The challenge of finding a viable operating model for the site, within a difficult budgetary environment, is one that I have instructed my officials to examine further. They are assembling a business case to assess a number of options.
I anticipate that this work will be complete by the end of February.
Decisions following the review may at that stage remain subject to confirmation of budget for 24/25.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/oralsearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQO%2038%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=389578","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=389578"}},{"id":"387321","reference":"AQW 5758/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-07","answerBy":"2024-02-22","answered":"2024-02-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities when Grey Point Fort, Helen’s Bay, will reopen to the public.","answerText":"It is with regret that, due to DfC’s currently constrained ability as a result of budgetary pressures to invest in its State Care Monuments, I am not in a position at the present time to advise when Grey Point Fort will be reopened. I appreciate the closure of Grey Point Fort has been disappointing for many in the local community.","answerHtml":"It is with regret that, due to DfC’s currently constrained ability as a result of budgetary pressures to invest in its State Care Monuments, I am not in a position at the present time to advise when Grey Point Fort will be reopened. I appreciate the closure of Grey Point Fort has been disappointing for many in the local community.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205758%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387321","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387321"}},{"id":"387320","reference":"AQW 5757/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-07","answerBy":"2024-02-22","answered":"2024-02-15","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for a timescale on the revitalisation of Grey Point Fort, Helen’s Bay.","answerText":"Our plans to revitalise the Fort are currently on hold due to my Department’s significantly constrained ability, in light of budgetary pressures, to invest in our State Care Monuments.\n\nA site conservation management plan has been completed and included feedback from a public consultation forum in 2022. A feasibility study will be the next step to inform the future development of the site - which will include an assessment of potential operating models.\n\nI appreciate the closure of Grey Point Fort has been disappointing for many in the local community. At this time, I can only assure you of our commitment to progress planning for the fort once funding becomes available.","answerHtml":"Our plans to revitalise the Fort are currently on hold due to my Department’s significantly constrained ability, in light of budgetary pressures, to invest in our State Care Monuments.
A site conservation management plan has been completed and included feedback from a public consultation forum in 2022. A feasibility study will be the next step to inform the future development of the site - which will include an assessment of potential operating models.
I appreciate the closure of Grey Point Fort has been disappointing for many in the local community. At this time, I can only assure you of our commitment to progress planning for the fort once funding becomes available.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205757%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387320","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387320"}},{"id":"387319","reference":"AQW 5756/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-07","answerBy":"2024-02-22","answered":"2024-02-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether he will ensure the Domestic and Sexual Abuse helpline and counselling services for children and young people are adequately funded.","answerText":"My Department jointly funds the 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline with the Department of Justice and the Department for Communities. The Helpline is a confidential, Freephone service available 24/7.\n\nMy Department jointly with the PSNI, also funds the Rowan Sexual Assault Referral Centre, which delivers 24/7 support and services to children, young people, women and men who have been sexually abused, assaulted or raped, whether this has happened in the past or more recently. The Rowan can provide information and advice on accessing other specialist support services and counselling which are available from a range of statutory, voluntary and community organisations.\n\nThe Belfast Health and Social Care Trust provides, on a regional basis, investigation and therapeutic support for children suspected or confirmed to be victims of sexual abuse through the Child Care Centre. In addition, there are a range of therapeutic services in all five HSC Trusts aimed at specific groups of children and young people. My Department is continuing to invest in these services in the context of the roll-out of the Framework for Integrated Therapeutic Care.\n\nFinally, my Department contracts Barnardo’s NI to provide therapeutic support for children and young people who are potentially vulnerable to child sexual exploitation.","answerHtml":"My Department jointly funds the 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline with the Department of Justice and the Department for Communities. The Helpline is a confidential, Freephone service available 24/7.
My Department jointly with the PSNI, also funds the Rowan Sexual Assault Referral Centre, which delivers 24/7 support and services to children, young people, women and men who have been sexually abused, assaulted or raped, whether this has happened in the past or more recently. The Rowan can provide information and advice on accessing other specialist support services and counselling which are available from a range of statutory, voluntary and community organisations.
The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust provides, on a regional basis, investigation and therapeutic support for children suspected or confirmed to be victims of sexual abuse through the Child Care Centre. In addition, there are a range of therapeutic services in all five HSC Trusts aimed at specific groups of children and young people. My Department is continuing to invest in these services in the context of the roll-out of the Framework for Integrated Therapeutic Care.
Finally, my Department contracts Barnardo’s NI to provide therapeutic support for children and young people who are potentially vulnerable to child sexual exploitation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205756%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387319","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387319"}},{"id":"387318","reference":"AQW 5755/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-07","answerBy":"2024-02-22","answered":"2024-02-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education what support his Department is providing to Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College to transform to Integrated status.","answerText":"The statutory process for any eligible school to transform to integrated status begins with the parental ballot. My Department paid for the parental ballot for Rathmore Primary School and Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College. Following a successful ballot, work continues to enable a case for change and Development Proposal to be published, which is the current stage for both schools.\n\nMy Department has produced guidance, Integration Works, setting out the steps to be taken before and after the statutory process begins – early community and parental engagement underpinning successful transformations.\n\nMy Department funds both the Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) and the Education Authority (EA) to provide on the ground support to schools considering transformation – both organisations are sources of operational expertise and can therefore provide such support throughout the transformation process. NICIE has advised that, in the case of Rathmore Primary School, two Senior Development Officers and two Development Officers have worked, and continue to work, with the school. In the case of Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College, two Senior Development Officers and three Development Officers are providing this support. This is in addition to EA officers in the Shared Education and Sectoral Support Team, and Area Planning providing support e.g. for Transformation Action Plans (mechanism by which a school designs their vision for the transformed school, involving a self-evaluation process and a roadmap for the way ahead) and in preparing the cases for change.","answerHtml":"The statutory process for any eligible school to transform to integrated status begins with the parental ballot. My Department paid for the parental ballot for Rathmore Primary School and Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College. Following a successful ballot, work continues to enable a case for change and Development Proposal to be published, which is the current stage for both schools.
My Department has produced guidance, Integration Works, setting out the steps to be taken before and after the statutory process begins – early community and parental engagement underpinning successful transformations.
My Department funds both the Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) and the Education Authority (EA) to provide on the ground support to schools considering transformation – both organisations are sources of operational expertise and can therefore provide such support throughout the transformation process. NICIE has advised that, in the case of Rathmore Primary School, two Senior Development Officers and two Development Officers have worked, and continue to work, with the school. In the case of Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College, two Senior Development Officers and three Development Officers are providing this support. This is in addition to EA officers in the Shared Education and Sectoral Support Team, and Area Planning providing support e.g. for Transformation Action Plans (mechanism by which a school designs their vision for the transformed school, involving a self-evaluation process and a roadmap for the way ahead) and in preparing the cases for change.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205755%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387318","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387318"}},{"id":"387317","reference":"AQW 5754/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-07","answerBy":"2024-02-22","answered":"2024-02-14","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education what support his Department is providing to Rathmore Primary School, Bangor, to transform to Integrated status.","answerText":"The statutory process for any eligible school to transform to integrated status begins with the parental ballot. My Department paid for the parental ballot for Rathmore Primary School and Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College. Following a successful ballot, work continues to enable a case for change and Development Proposal to be published, which is the current stage for both schools.\n\nMy Department has produced guidance, Integration Works, setting out the steps to be taken before and after the statutory process begins – early community and parental engagement underpinning successful transformations.\n\nMy Department funds both the Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) and the Education Authority (EA) to provide on the ground support to schools considering transformation – both organisations are sources of operational expertise and can therefore provide such support throughout the transformation process. NICIE has advised that, in the case of Rathmore Primary School, two Senior Development Officers and two Development Officers have worked, and continue to work, with the school. In the case of Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College, two Senior Development Officers and three Development Officers are providing this support. This is in addition to EA officers in the Shared Education and Sectoral Support Team, and Area Planning providing support e.g. for Transformation Action Plans (mechanism by which a school designs their vision for the transformed school, involving a self-evaluation process and a roadmap for the way ahead) and in preparing the cases for change.","answerHtml":"The statutory process for any eligible school to transform to integrated status begins with the parental ballot. My Department paid for the parental ballot for Rathmore Primary School and Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College. Following a successful ballot, work continues to enable a case for change and Development Proposal to be published, which is the current stage for both schools.
My Department has produced guidance, Integration Works, setting out the steps to be taken before and after the statutory process begins – early community and parental engagement underpinning successful transformations.
My Department funds both the Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) and the Education Authority (EA) to provide on the ground support to schools considering transformation – both organisations are sources of operational expertise and can therefore provide such support throughout the transformation process. NICIE has advised that, in the case of Rathmore Primary School, two Senior Development Officers and two Development Officers have worked, and continue to work, with the school. In the case of Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College, two Senior Development Officers and three Development Officers are providing this support. This is in addition to EA officers in the Shared Education and Sectoral Support Team, and Area Planning providing support e.g. for Transformation Action Plans (mechanism by which a school designs their vision for the transformed school, involving a self-evaluation process and a roadmap for the way ahead) and in preparing the cases for change.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205754%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387317","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387317"}},{"id":"387113","reference":"AQW 5611/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-06","answerBy":"2024-02-21","answered":"2024-02-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether he will provide funding required to secure the future of Ballycopeland Windmill Visitor Centre and Ability Cafe.","answerText":"I have directed my officials to bring forward recommendations on how best to maintain access to this important heritage asset and the café. I understand the significance of the Windmill and café to the local community and its importance in attracting visitors to the area.","answerHtml":"I have directed my officials to bring forward recommendations on how best to maintain access to this important heritage asset and the café. I understand the significance of the Windmill and café to the local community and its importance in attracting visitors to the area.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205611%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387113","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387113"}},{"id":"387112","reference":"AQW 5610/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-06","answerBy":"2024-02-21","answered":"2024-02-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to outline the rationale behind the decision to close the Ballycopeland Windmill Visitor Centre and Ability Cafe.","answerText":"My Department has not taken a decision to close the Ballycopeland Windmill Visitor Centre and Ability Café.\n\nUlster Supported Employment Limited (USEL) currently manages the site, and the Department has worked during 2023/24 to attempt to address a subsidy request to support USEL’s continued operation from 2024/25 to 2026/27.\n\nTo this point, officials in the Department have not been able to confirm this subsidy due to budget uncertainty beyond this financial year. Unfortunately, this has meant that USEL cannot renew their Service Level Agreement with the Department to continue their Ballycopeland operation beyond 31 March.\n\nI have directed my officials as soon as possible to bring forward recommendations on how best to maintain access to this important heritage asset and the café. I understand the significance of the Windmill and café to the local community and its importance in attracting visitors to the area.","answerHtml":"My Department has not taken a decision to close the Ballycopeland Windmill Visitor Centre and Ability Café.
Ulster Supported Employment Limited (USEL) currently manages the site, and the Department has worked during 2023/24 to attempt to address a subsidy request to support USEL’s continued operation from 2024/25 to 2026/27.
To this point, officials in the Department have not been able to confirm this subsidy due to budget uncertainty beyond this financial year. Unfortunately, this has meant that USEL cannot renew their Service Level Agreement with the Department to continue their Ballycopeland operation beyond 31 March.
I have directed my officials as soon as possible to bring forward recommendations on how best to maintain access to this important heritage asset and the café. I understand the significance of the Windmill and café to the local community and its importance in attracting visitors to the area.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205610%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387112","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387112"}},{"id":"387111","reference":"AQW 5609/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-06","answerBy":"2024-02-21","answered":"2024-02-15","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 appointment of a Commissioner for Victims and Survivors.","answerText":"TEO officials are currently working on the administrative preparations and the documentation required to begin the recruitment process for a new Commissioner for Victims and Survivors.\n\nThe Commission for Victims and Survivors is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments (CPANI) and, as such, the appointment process must comply with the Code of Practice for Ministerial Public Appointments. We hope to launch the appointment competition soon. It is estimated that it could take up to 6 months to complete the recruitment competition.\n\nAs a body corporate the Commission continues in legal existence even in the absence of a Commissioner. The Chief Executive Officer of CVS will now be responsible for the day-to-day business of the Commission. CVS will continue to operate on the basis of the work programme which was agreed by the previous Commissioner.","answerHtml":"TEO officials are currently working on the administrative preparations and the documentation required to begin the recruitment process for a new Commissioner for Victims and Survivors.
The Commission for Victims and Survivors is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments (CPANI) and, as such, the appointment process must comply with the Code of Practice for Ministerial Public Appointments. We hope to launch the appointment competition soon. It is estimated that it could take up to 6 months to complete the recruitment competition.
As a body corporate the Commission continues in legal existence even in the absence of a Commissioner. The Chief Executive Officer of CVS will now be responsible for the day-to-day business of the Commission. CVS will continue to operate on the basis of the work programme which was agreed by the previous Commissioner.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205609%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387111","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387111"}},{"id":"387110","reference":"AQW 5608/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-06","answerBy":"2024-02-21","answered":"2024-02-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he will reinstate the double yellow lines on Brompton Road, Bangor, which were removed during resurfacing works in 2023.","answerText":"I am advised there was no legislation for the double yellow line road markings which were on Brompton Road, Bangor prior to it being resurfaced, therefore new legislation will need to be created before the road markings can be reinstated.\n\nI can confirm that the Department is content to progress with a ‘No Waiting’ restriction at this location and that the legislative process has commenced. However, it must be noted that this legislative process will require public consultation and can take some time.\n\nDetails of this and other planned legislation for the introduction of Waiting Restrictions for the area can be found in the Ards and North Down Borough Council Annual Report 2023/24 in the Assembly Library.","answerHtml":"I am advised there was no legislation for the double yellow line road markings which were on Brompton Road, Bangor prior to it being resurfaced, therefore new legislation will need to be created before the road markings can be reinstated.
I can confirm that the Department is content to progress with a ‘No Waiting’ restriction at this location and that the legislative process has commenced. However, it must be noted that this legislative process will require public consultation and can take some time.
Details of this and other planned legislation for the introduction of Waiting Restrictions for the area can be found in the Ards and North Down Borough Council Annual Report 2023/24 in the Assembly Library.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205608%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387110","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387110"}},{"id":"387109","reference":"AQW 5607/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-06","answerBy":"2024-02-21","answered":"2024-02-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether he will reinstate core grant funding for Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland.","answerText":"I refer the member to my response to AQW 5744/22-27.","answerHtml":"I refer the member to my response to AQW 5744/22-27.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205607%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=387109","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=387109"}},{"id":"386946","reference":"AQW 5483/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-05","answerBy":"2024-02-20","answered":"2024-02-15","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 a timeline for the implementation of the draft Strategic Framework for Ending Violence Against Women and Girls.","answerText":"We are committed to bringing forward the draft Strategic Framework for Ending Violence Against Women and Girls for consideration by the Executive Committee as soon as possible. Our officials are liaising with Departmental colleagues and members of the Co-design group regarding the outcome of the public consultation, with a view to submitting the draft Strategic Framework to the Executive in coming weeks. Preparatory work to enable effective delivery is continuing, as outlined in the Foundational Action Plan, and a draft Implementation Plan (for the first two years of what is a proposed seven-year Strategy) is being developed for consideration by Ministers.","answerHtml":"We are committed to bringing forward the draft Strategic Framework for Ending Violence Against Women and Girls for consideration by the Executive Committee as soon as possible. Our officials are liaising with Departmental colleagues and members of the Co-design group regarding the outcome of the public consultation, with a view to submitting the draft Strategic Framework to the Executive in coming weeks. Preparatory work to enable effective delivery is continuing, as outlined in the Foundational Action Plan, and a draft Implementation Plan (for the first two years of what is a proposed seven-year Strategy) is being developed for consideration by Ministers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205483%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=386946","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=386946"}},{"id":"386945","reference":"AQW 5482/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-05","answerBy":"2024-02-20","answered":"2024-02-09","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether he will ensure that Promote Day Opportunities Centre in Bangor has sufficient funding to deliver services.","answerText":"I am aware that Action Mental Health (AMH) Promote provides a valuable service to enable people with learning disabilities to access diverse day activities and develop greater levels of independence. AMH informed SEHSCT in November 2023 that it would not be renewing its contract to deliver the Promote Day Opportunity Service in Bangor after 31 March 2024, due to wider financial pressures.\n\nSEHSCT have worked closely with the provider since June 2023 to better understand the challenges faced and to identify options that would enable continued delivery of services. Unfortunately, it is not feasible to continue the service with the current operating model.\n\nSEHSCT have identified an alternative provider to continue delivery of the service at the current site in Bangor. Throughout this process there has been and will continue to be engagement with service users, families and the providers.\n\nThe Department remains committed to the expansion of day opportunities for people with learning disabilities. Throughout 2023, the Department has led on an exercise to finalise a draft service model for learning disability, which includes several outcomes and actions to expand day services and short breaks in Northern Ireland. The current draft has been shared with key stakeholders to inform the next phase of this work and wider consultation.\n\nIn parallel to this work, the Department’s Strategic Planning and Performance Group are working closely with Trusts to undertake a financial review of adult learning disability services.","answerHtml":"I am aware that Action Mental Health (AMH) Promote provides a valuable service to enable people with learning disabilities to access diverse day activities and develop greater levels of independence. AMH informed SEHSCT in November 2023 that it would not be renewing its contract to deliver the Promote Day Opportunity Service in Bangor after 31 March 2024, due to wider financial pressures.
SEHSCT have worked closely with the provider since June 2023 to better understand the challenges faced and to identify options that would enable continued delivery of services. Unfortunately, it is not feasible to continue the service with the current operating model.
SEHSCT have identified an alternative provider to continue delivery of the service at the current site in Bangor. Throughout this process there has been and will continue to be engagement with service users, families and the providers.
The Department remains committed to the expansion of day opportunities for people with learning disabilities. Throughout 2023, the Department has led on an exercise to finalise a draft service model for learning disability, which includes several outcomes and actions to expand day services and short breaks in Northern Ireland. The current draft has been shared with key stakeholders to inform the next phase of this work and wider consultation.
In parallel to this work, the Department’s Strategic Planning and Performance Group are working closely with Trusts to undertake a financial review of adult learning disability services.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205482%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=386945","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=386945"}},{"id":"386944","reference":"AQW 5481/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-05","answerBy":"2024-02-20","answered":"2024-02-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether he will resume the Happy Healthy Minds programme.","answerText":"The Healthy Happy Minds Pilot concluded on 31 March 2023. An evaluation of the pilot has been carried out and I will assess its findings as I seek to better support the emotional health and wellbeing of learners. The Independent Counselling Service for Schools (ICSS) remains available to post-primary age pupils.","answerHtml":"The Healthy Happy Minds Pilot concluded on 31 March 2023. An evaluation of the pilot has been carried out and I will assess its findings as I seek to better support the emotional health and wellbeing of learners. The Independent Counselling Service for Schools (ICSS) remains available to post-primary age pupils.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205481%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=386944","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=386944"}},{"id":"386943","reference":"AQW 5480/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-05","answerBy":"2024-02-20","answered":"2024-02-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to outline his plans to address the waiting time for results of cervical screening tests in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.","answerText":"Since primary HPV (human papillomavirus) testing was fully introduced into the cervical screening pathway on 11th December 2023 the turnaround time for the issuing of results has improved. The results of cervical screening samples which test negative for HPV are being issued to the woman’s GP within 2 weeks. Where screening samples test positive for HPV, cytology assessment is also carried out, so the issuing of results will take a few weeks longer.\n\nFor those women whose tests were taken prior to 11th December 2023, plans are now in place to clear the backlog and release results over the following weeks. It should be noted that the slides in the backlog had already been tested for HPV and those slides that tested positive were prioritised for cytology assessment.","answerHtml":"Since primary HPV (human papillomavirus) testing was fully introduced into the cervical screening pathway on 11th December 2023 the turnaround time for the issuing of results has improved. The results of cervical screening samples which test negative for HPV are being issued to the woman’s GP within 2 weeks. Where screening samples test positive for HPV, cytology assessment is also carried out, so the issuing of results will take a few weeks longer.
For those women whose tests were taken prior to 11th December 2023, plans are now in place to clear the backlog and release results over the following weeks. It should be noted that the slides in the backlog had already been tested for HPV and those slides that tested positive were prioritised for cytology assessment.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205480%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=386943","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=386943"}},{"id":"386942","reference":"AQW 5479/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2024-02-05","answerBy":"2024-02-20","answered":"2024-02-22","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he will direct NI Water to remove the fence erected at Seacourt Pumping Station, Bangor.","answerText":"This issue is an operational matter for NI Water. You should therefore, direct your question to NI Water, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com","answerHtml":"This issue is an operational matter for NI Water. You should therefore, direct your question to NI Water, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205479%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=386942","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=386942"}},{"id":"385467","reference":"AQW 5296/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-26","answerBy":"2024-02-16","answered":"2024-02-13","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 16 new Nurture Groups being established in primary schools under the Fair Start Action Plan.","answerText":"All 16 new Nurture Groups established under the Fair Start Action Plan are operational. In terms of the related capital works at each of these Primary Schools, nine have been completed in full, two are due for completion by the end of this month and five are waiting planning permission for modular accommodation.","answerHtml":"All 16 new Nurture Groups established under the Fair Start Action Plan are operational. In terms of the related capital works at each of these Primary Schools, nine have been completed in full, two are due for completion by the end of this month and five are waiting planning permission for modular accommodation.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205296%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=385467","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=385467"}},{"id":"385466","reference":"AQW 5295/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-26","answerBy":"2024-02-16","answered":"2024-03-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether teachers still have to pay an annual registration fee to the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland, despite the Council’s dissolution.","answerText":"GTCNI has yet to be dissolved and continues to exist as a Non Departmental Public Body (NDPB) of DE, currently operating under direct Departmental oversight. Its staff continue to deliver their statutory function of registering new teachers entering the profession and maintaining the registration of the existing teaching workforce. Registration is seen as an important safeguard, helping to protect the quality of the teaching workforce in our schools.\n\nThe NDPB continues to be funded through the annual fee paid by all registered teachers and these fees will continue to be collected until legislation to dissolve and replace GTCNI can be brought through the Assembly.","answerHtml":"GTCNI has yet to be dissolved and continues to exist as a Non Departmental Public Body (NDPB) of DE, currently operating under direct Departmental oversight. Its staff continue to deliver their statutory function of registering new teachers entering the profession and maintaining the registration of the existing teaching workforce. Registration is seen as an important safeguard, helping to protect the quality of the teaching workforce in our schools.
The NDPB continues to be funded through the annual fee paid by all registered teachers and these fees will continue to be collected until legislation to dissolve and replace GTCNI can be brought through the Assembly.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205295%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=385466","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=385466"}},{"id":"385465","reference":"AQW 5294/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-26","answerBy":"2024-02-16","answered":"2024-07-30","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 he will remove restrictions on the type of apprenticeship with funding available, for people aged 25 and over.","answerText":"This question was asked in the previous mandate and to the previous Minister for the Economy.","answerHtml":"This question was asked in the previous mandate and to the previous Minister for the Economy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205294%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=385465","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=385465"}},{"id":"385464","reference":"AQW 5293/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-26","answerBy":"2022-10-31","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 whether he will allocate additional money to the Mental Health Support Fund given the high levels of interest and over subscription.","answerText":"Unfortunately due to there being no Minister in post after midnight on the 27th of October, my Department will be unable to answer the question.","answerHtml":"Unfortunately due to there being no Minister in post after midnight on the 27th of October, my Department will be unable to answer the question.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205293%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=385464","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=385464"}},{"id":"385339","reference":"AQW 5235/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-25","answerBy":"2024-02-15","answered":"2024-02-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland has informed teachers that their contact details have potentially been leaked following a reported data breach.","answerText":"The data breach which was reported in the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland’s (GTCNI) 2020-21 Annual Report and Accounts occurred in March 2021.\n\nIt did not involve the GTCNI’s teacher registration database and was restricted to the release of information on a very small number of teachers (<5) all of whom were immediately informed.\n\nThe GTCNI also informed the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) who investigated the breach. The ICO concluded that the remedial actions taken by the GTCNI were appropriate and robust and it did not need to take any further action.","answerHtml":"The data breach which was reported in the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland’s (GTCNI) 2020-21 Annual Report and Accounts occurred in March 2021.
It did not involve the GTCNI’s teacher registration database and was restricted to the release of information on a very small number of teachers (<5) all of whom were immediately informed.
The GTCNI also informed the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) who investigated the breach. The ICO concluded that the remedial actions taken by the GTCNI were appropriate and robust and it did not need to take any further action.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205235%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=385339","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=385339"}},{"id":"385338","reference":"AQW 5234/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-25","answerBy":"2024-02-15","answered":"2024-02-08","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 public consultation on the functions delivered by the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland.","answerText":"The public consultation ran from 13 June to 30 September 2022 and a detailed analysis of the responses received was published in October 2022. A link to the analysis can be found here. Consultation on Functions Delivered by GTCNI - Analysis of Responses\n\nA majority of those who responded agreed that all of GTCNI's current functions should be maintained and that the establishment of a new regulatory body for the profession should be the preferred way forward. This will require new primary legislation.\n\nSince then, the Department has undertaken further engagement with the profession, with other UK and ROI teaching regulators and with other stakeholders. These discussions have allowed us to refine our thinking on the form a replacement for GTCNI should take.\n\nAn update on our current thinking was shared with every teacher on 05 February 2024. As part of this process, we are seeking further feedback from the profession, prior to officials presenting options and recommendations for a GTCNI replacement Bill for Ministerial consideration.","answerHtml":"The public consultation ran from 13 June to 30 September 2022 and a detailed analysis of the responses received was published in October 2022. A link to the analysis can be found here. Consultation on Functions Delivered by GTCNI - Analysis of Responses
A majority of those who responded agreed that all of GTCNI's current functions should be maintained and that the establishment of a new regulatory body for the profession should be the preferred way forward. This will require new primary legislation.
Since then, the Department has undertaken further engagement with the profession, with other UK and ROI teaching regulators and with other stakeholders. These discussions have allowed us to refine our thinking on the form a replacement for GTCNI should take.
An update on our current thinking was shared with every teacher on 05 February 2024. As part of this process, we are seeking further feedback from the profession, prior to officials presenting options and recommendations for a GTCNI replacement Bill for Ministerial consideration.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205234%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=385338","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=385338"}},{"id":"385337","reference":"AQW 5233/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-25","answerBy":"2024-02-15","answered":"2024-02-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education why pre-school educational settings cannot access the C2K network.","answerText":"The Education Authority signed a contract in December 2023 with a new Strategic Partner and School Management System provider that will transform the Educational Technology provision in all schools and include, for the first time, provision for all statutory nursery schools.\n\nThis system will be rolled out under the Education Information Solutions (EdIS) programme. It should be noted that all statutory nursery teachers have received Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Plus devices in line with what their colleagues have received in Primary, Post Primary, Special and Education other than at school (EOTAS) centres.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority signed a contract in December 2023 with a new Strategic Partner and School Management System provider that will transform the Educational Technology provision in all schools and include, for the first time, provision for all statutory nursery schools.
This system will be rolled out under the Education Information Solutions (EdIS) programme. It should be noted that all statutory nursery teachers have received Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Plus devices in line with what their colleagues have received in Primary, Post Primary, Special and Education other than at school (EOTAS) centres.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205233%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=385337","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=385337"}},{"id":"385336","reference":"AQW 5232/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-25","answerBy":"2024-02-15","answered":"2024-02-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education for (i) a breakdown of all educational settings which will receive devices from the Digital Device scheme; and (ii) a timescale for when they will receive the devices.","answerText":"To date, there have been three delivery phases to DE’s Digital Devices Scheme with further phases planned subject to the availability of capital funding.\n\nMore than 9,000 digital devices have been provided in the last 2 years as a result of the Fair Start action (Key Area 3 (x)), the equivalent of more than £2 million pounds of capital investment.\n\nDevices in Phase 1 were delivered during Autumn/Winter 2022. Devices in Phase 2 were delivered in Spring 2023 and devices in Phase 3 took place in Autumn 2023.\n\nThe following tables set out the recipient schools. A list of schools who are awaiting devices (based on Phase 3 returns) has also been included.\n\nPHASE 1 – DELIVERED AUTUMN 2022\nSchool Ref Number\tSchool Name\n3010862\tAbbots Cross Primary School\n4310019\tArdmore House Special School\n2316695\tArdnashee School and College\n3210134\tBallyclare Secondary School\n5016117\tBallyoran PS\n3016252\tBallysally Primary School\n1016076\tBallysillan Primary School & Nursery Unit\n1210022\tBelfast Boys' Model School\n1210021\tBelfast Model School for Girls\n1016059\tBlack Mountain Primary School, Belfast\n4260309\tBlackwater Integrated College,\n1230321\tBlessed Trinity College\n4013023\tBloomfield Primary School\n1046593\tBunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh\n1046596\tBunscoil Bheann Mhadagáin\n3010873\tBushmills Primary School & Nursery Unit\n1010282\tCarr's Glen PS\n1310003\tCedar Lodge Special School\n2036449\tChrist the King PS & Nursery\n1056483\tCliftonville IPS\n1240291\tColáiste Feirste\n1010063\tCurrie Primary & Nursery Unit\n1230182\tDe La Salle College\n3016063\tDunclug Primary School\n4210262\tDundonald High School\n3210222\tDunluce School\n1010323\tEdenbrooke\n1010255\tElmgrove Primary School and Nursery Unit\n1010146\tEuston Street Primary School, Belfast\n1016205\tFane Street Primary school\n1310012\tFleming Fulton School\n1010205\tForth River Primary\n2016564\tFountain Primary School\n1046672\tGaelscoil an Lonnáin\n1046671\tGaelscoil na Móna\n1016485\tGlenwood PS\n1016604\tHarmony Primary School\n3016052\tHarpur's Hill Primary School, Coleraine\n1260269\tHazelwood Integrated College\n1066531\tHazelwood Integrated Primary\n3016038\tHollybank PS\n1030194\tHoly Cross Boys'\n1030331\tHoly Cross Girls' PS\n1036566\tHoly Family PS\n1036623\tHoly Trinity Primary School\n1036697\tJohn Paul ll P.S.\n4016002\tKilcooley Primary School & Nursery Unit\n2316528\tKnockavoe School and Resource Centre\n4013334\tKnockmore Primary\n2036475\tLong Tower Primary School\n4316273\tLongstone School\n1770005\tEOTAS settings\n1016537\tLowwood Primary School\n1260294\tMalone Integrated College\n1016498\tMalvern PS\n1230104\tMercy College Belfast\n1036041\tMercy Primary School\n1010267\tNettlefield PS\n3260290\tNorth Coast Integrated College\n2260276\tOakgrove Integrated College\n1030326\tOur Lady's Girls' Primary School\n1316500\tPark School and Outreach Service\n4316515\tParkview Special School\n3010895\tRathcoole PS, NU and ASC\n1036471\tSacred Heart Boys' PS\n2230081\tSaint Mary's College, Derry\n1036042\tSaint Vincent de Paul Primary School\n1046641\tScoil an Droichid\n4046600\tScoil Na Fuiseoige\n1010266\tSeaview Primary School\n4010882\tSeymour Hill Primary School\n1010221\tSpringfield Primary School\n1036621\tSr Joseph's PS Slate Street\n2230188\tSt Cecilia's College\n1036630\tSt Clare's PS\n4230223\tSt Colm's High School\n1230155\tSt Genevieve's High School\n2036032\tSt John's Primary School, Bligh's Lane\n2230131\tSt Joseph's Boys' School\n4036480\tSt Kieran's PS\n1230053\tSt Louise's Comprehensive College\n1036048\tSt Mary’s Star of the Sea Ps\n1036505\tSt Matthew's Primary School, Belfast\n2036008\tSt Patrick's PS\n1036698\tSt Patrick's PS\n2036461\tSt Therese's PS\n4033008\tSt. Anne's PS\n2036142\tSt. Brigids Primary School, Carnhill\n4033036\tSt. Mary's PS Killyleagh\n2036143\tSt. Oliver Plunkett P.S.\n1036602\tSt. Oliver Plunkett Primary School\n2036227\tSt. Paul's Primary & Nursery School\n1036620\tSt. Peter's\n1036388\tSt.Mary’s P.S.\n2036084\tSteelstown P.S.& Nursery Unit\n3010860\tSunnylands Primary School\n1010301\tTaughmonagh Primary School\n4010885\tTonagh Primary School\n1016655\tVictoria Park Primary School\n4016083\tWest Winds Primary\n1016532\tWheatfield Primary and Nursery School\n2316694\tWillowbridge\n\nPHASE 2 – DELIVERED SPRING 2023\nSchool Ref Number\tSchool Name\n3210313\tAbbey Community College\n1210015\tAshfield Boys' HS\n3013331\tBallycraigy Primary School\n4013013\tBelvoir Park Primary School\n5011179\tBessbrook PS\n4210316\tBreda Academy\n4316022\tBrookfield Special Primary\n4016503\tBrooklands Primary School\n5250216\tBrownlow Integrated College\n2036574\tBunscoil Cholmcille\n2036465\tChapel Road Primary School\n4036618\tChrist the Redeemer PS\n4011670\tClandeboye PS\n1316584\tClarawood Special School\n3210300\tColeraine College\n1066580\tCranmore Integrated Primary and Nursery School\n4011632\tCregagh Primary School\n5011520\tDromore Road Primary School\n1016242\tDundela\n3016249\tEarlview Primary School and Nursery\n1046571\tGaelscoil na bhFál\n5046637\tGaelscoil Uí Néill\n2016071\tGreenhaw Primary School\n4011300\tGrey Abbey PS\n3016037\tGreystone Primary School\n3010781\tHarryville Primary School and Nursery Unit\n1036576\tHoly Child Primary School\n3250202\tIntegrated College Glengormley\n2016003\tJones Memorial PS\n3012237\tKillowen Primary School, Coleraine\n4316516\tKnockevin\n4010743\tLargymore Primary School\n3013325\tLeaney Primary\n1010325\tLigoniel Primary School and Nursery Unit\n2016426\tLimavady Central PS\n3010883\tLinn Primary School\n4010807\tLisburn Central Primary School\n2210306\tLisneal College\n3012264\tMillburn Primary School\n1310016\tMitchell House School\n4210012\tMovilla High School\n2046646\tNaíscoil & Gaelscoil Éadain Mhóir\n2012261\tNewbuildings PS\n2011879\tNewtownbutler Primary School\n4016144\tOld Warren Primary School\n3230075\tOur Lady of Lourdes Ballymoney\n4051601\tPortaferry Integrated Primary\n3316609\tRiverside Special School\n2030364\tRosemount Primary And Nursery School\n2036259\tSacred Heart PS\n2036473\tSaint Eithne's Primary School\n3056231\tSix Mile IPS\n1010307\tSpringhill PS\n3030900\tSt Anthony's PS\n2036703\tSt Catherine's Primary School\n5230321\tSt John the Baptist's College\n1230275\tSt Joseph's College, Belfast\n5031340\tSt Joseph's Primary Newry\n4036113\tSt Nicholas PS Ardglass\n5036099\tSt Patrick’s PS\n2230122\tSt Patrick's & St Brigid's College\n1036589\tSt Teresa's Primary School\n2230100\tSt. Joseph’s College\n1036466\tSt. Malachy's PS\n5031158\tSt. Patrick's Nursery and Primary School\n3316547\tThornfield House School\n5011190\tTullygally P\n3010827\tWhitehouse Primary School\n3010842\tWilliam Pinkerton Memorial Primary School\n5066554\tWindmill Integrated Primary School\n5016451\tWindsor Hill Primary school\n3016225\tWoodlawn Primary School\n\nPHASE 3 – DELIVERED AUTUMN 2023\nSchool Ref Number\tSchool Name\n5032736\tSt Mary’s\n1050232\tHarding Memorial Integrated Primary School\n5031166\tSt. Michael's P.S. Clady\n4011567\tBallynahinch PS & NU\n3010880\tKing's Park Primary School\n1036688\tST JOHN THE BAPTIST PS BELFAST\n3046653\tGaelscoil an Chaistil\n2032287\tTermoncanice Primary School Limavady\n2031869\tSt Mary's PS Newtownbutler\n2410311\tStrabane Academy\n2032212\tGlendermott Primary School & Nursery Unit\n5036110\tSt. joseph's PS and NU\n4031350\tSt Malachy's Primary School Kilclief\n5210121\tCity of Armagh High School\n3012250\tPortstewart Primary School and Nursery Unit\n2030373\tNazareth House P.S\n4230224\tDe La Salle High School\n4230161\tSt Colman's High & Sixth Form College\n5230108\tSt Mary's High School, Newry\n5031070\tSt Michaels PS\n5012726\tCookstown Primary School\n2230301\tHoly Cross College\n4316614\tLakewood Special school\n2230144\tSt Patrick's College Dungiven\n4011373\tKirkistown Primary School\n4011681\tMillisle Primary School & Nursery Unit\n3250207\tParkhall Integrated College\n2260283\tDrumragh Integrated College\n5046692\tGaelscoil na mBeann\n4210029\tThe High School Ballynahinch\n3050841\tCentral Integrated PS, Carrickfergus\n2210302\tLimavady High School\n5036101\tSt Brendan's PS, Craigavon\n2012638\tEdwards Primary School\n2016203\tLisnagelvin Primary School\n3050859\tCrumlin Integrated PS\n3210323\tCarrickfergus Academy\n5031080\tClintyclay Primary School\n4011462\tCastle Gardens PS\n2036696\tSt Mary's Primary School\n4031673\tSt Mary's Primary School Dunsford\n2230148\tSt. John's B&E College\n2036095\tSt Mary s PS Cloughcor\n5031108\tClea P.S.\n3010795\tLandhead PS\n3052071\tCarhill Integrated Primary School\n4016235\tDownpatrick PS\n5066657\tPhoenix Integrated Primary School\n1013018\tKnocknagoney Primary\n2032682\tSt Eugene's PS, Victoria Bridge\n3230203\tEdmund Rice College\n5031184\tSt. Anthony's Primary School, Craigavon\n5230278\tHoly Trinity College Cookstown\n2012298\tBallykelly PS\n3010847\tPortrush Primary School\n4230165\tSaint Patrick's Academy, Lisburn\n3053333\tBallycastle Integrated PS\n3036679\tSt Brigid's PS\n5230192\tSt Joseph's College\n2036247\tSt Columba's PS\n3010696\tWoodburn Primary School\n5031133\tSt Malachy's Primary School\n2210312\tDevenish College\n2036107\tSt. Joseph's Primary\n2230077\tSt Mary's Limavady\n5066554\tWindmill Integrated Primary\n4011646\tVictoria Primary School\n5316520\tDonard School\n2036045\tSt Canice Primary School and Nursery Unit Dungiven\n\nSCHOOLS IN PHASE 3 WAITING DEVICES - SUBJECT TO CAPITAL FUNDING\nSchool Ref Number\tSchool Name\n3210208\tDunclug College\n3210133\tBallymoney High School\n5031176\tSt. Peter's Primary School and Nursery Unit\n3016040\tArmoy Primary School\n3016170\tBallyhenry PS\n4230107\tSt Columbanus College\n3010883\tLinn Primary School\n3010486\tLarne and Inver PS\n5316521\tCeara School\n2046638\tGaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh\n4250072\tFort Hill Integrated College\n2012711\tDonemana Primary School\n2010380\tModel Primary School\n4210045\tNendrum College\n3030900\tSt Anthony's Primary School\n5316523\tSperrinview Special School\n2016089\tGibson Primary School\n3032297\tSt Malachy's Primary School\n5016065\tDickson primary School and Nursery Unit\n4230067\tSt Columba's College Portaferry\n2016151\tIrvinestown Primary School\n4230023\tSt Mary's High School, Downpatrick\n2230109\tSt. Mary's College Irvinestown\n5036122\tJonesboro' PS\n4210201\tLaurelhill Community College\n2210065\tCastlederg High\n2230099\tSt Fanchea's College\n4230102\tSt Colmcille's High School\n5011129\tHart Memorial Ps\n5316577\tLISANALLY SPECIAL SCHOOL\n3230084\tSt Patrick's College, Ballymena\n5036610\tSt Francis of Assisi PS\n5210186\tNewry High\n1420021\tSt. Mary's Christian Brothers' Grammar School\n5036590\tPrimate Dixon PS\n4066611\tOakwood Integrated Primary School and Nursery Unit\n4210046\tGlastry College\n3230308\tSt Benedict's College\n4051680\tBangor Central Integrated Primary School\n4016004\tLondonderry Primary School\n2066665\tRoe Valley Integrated Primary School\n2016442\tSion Mills Primary School\n2210306\tLisneal College\n5031126\tMount Saint Catherines Armagh","answerHtml":"To date, there have been three delivery phases to DE’s Digital Devices Scheme with further phases planned subject to the availability of capital funding.
More than 9,000 digital devices have been provided in the last 2 years as a result of the Fair Start action (Key Area 3 (x)), the equivalent of more than £2 million pounds of capital investment.
Devices in Phase 1 were delivered during Autumn/Winter 2022. Devices in Phase 2 were delivered in Spring 2023 and devices in Phase 3 took place in Autumn 2023.
The following tables set out the recipient schools. A list of schools who are awaiting devices (based on Phase 3 returns) has also been included.
| PHASE 1 – DELIVERED AUTUMN 2022 | |
| School Ref Number | School Name |
| 3010862 | Abbots Cross Primary School |
| 4310019 | Ardmore House Special School |
| 2316695 | Ardnashee School and College |
| 3210134 | Ballyclare Secondary School |
| 5016117 | Ballyoran PS |
| 3016252 | Ballysally Primary School |
| 1016076 | Ballysillan Primary School & Nursery Unit |
| 1210022 | Belfast Boys' Model School |
| 1210021 | Belfast Model School for Girls |
| 1016059 | Black Mountain Primary School, Belfast |
| 4260309 | Blackwater Integrated College, |
| 1230321 | Blessed Trinity College |
| 4013023 | Bloomfield Primary School |
| 1046593 | Bunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh |
| 1046596 | Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagáin |
| 3010873 | Bushmills Primary School & Nursery Unit |
| 1010282 | Carr's Glen PS |
| 1310003 | Cedar Lodge Special School |
| 2036449 | Christ the King PS & Nursery |
| 1056483 | Cliftonville IPS |
| 1240291 | Coláiste Feirste |
| 1010063 | Currie Primary & Nursery Unit |
| 1230182 | De La Salle College |
| 3016063 | Dunclug Primary School |
| 4210262 | Dundonald High School |
| 3210222 | Dunluce School |
| 1010323 | Edenbrooke |
| 1010255 | Elmgrove Primary School and Nursery Unit |
| 1010146 | Euston Street Primary School, Belfast |
| 1016205 | Fane Street Primary school |
| 1310012 | Fleming Fulton School |
| 1010205 | Forth River Primary |
| 2016564 | Fountain Primary School |
| 1046672 | Gaelscoil an Lonnáin |
| 1046671 | Gaelscoil na Móna |
| 1016485 | Glenwood PS |
| 1016604 | Harmony Primary School |
| 3016052 | Harpur's Hill Primary School, Coleraine |
| 1260269 | Hazelwood Integrated College |
| 1066531 | Hazelwood Integrated Primary |
| 3016038 | Hollybank PS |
| 1030194 | Holy Cross Boys' |
| 1030331 | Holy Cross Girls' PS |
| 1036566 | Holy Family PS |
| 1036623 | Holy Trinity Primary School |
| 1036697 | John Paul ll P.S. |
| 4016002 | Kilcooley Primary School & Nursery Unit |
| 2316528 | Knockavoe School and Resource Centre |
| 4013334 | Knockmore Primary |
| 2036475 | Long Tower Primary School |
| 4316273 | Longstone School |
| 1770005 | EOTAS settings |
| 1016537 | Lowwood Primary School |
| 1260294 | Malone Integrated College |
| 1016498 | Malvern PS |
| 1230104 | Mercy College Belfast |
| 1036041 | Mercy Primary School |
| 1010267 | Nettlefield PS |
| 3260290 | North Coast Integrated College |
| 2260276 | Oakgrove Integrated College |
| 1030326 | Our Lady's Girls' Primary School |
| 1316500 | Park School and Outreach Service |
| 4316515 | Parkview Special School |
| 3010895 | Rathcoole PS, NU and ASC |
| 1036471 | Sacred Heart Boys' PS |
| 2230081 | Saint Mary's College, Derry |
| 1036042 | Saint Vincent de Paul Primary School |
| 1046641 | Scoil an Droichid |
| 4046600 | Scoil Na Fuiseoige |
| 1010266 | Seaview Primary School |
| 4010882 | Seymour Hill Primary School |
| 1010221 | Springfield Primary School |
| 1036621 | Sr Joseph's PS Slate Street |
| 2230188 | St Cecilia's College |
| 1036630 | St Clare's PS |
| 4230223 | St Colm's High School |
| 1230155 | St Genevieve's High School |
| 2036032 | St John's Primary School, Bligh's Lane |
| 2230131 | St Joseph's Boys' School |
| 4036480 | St Kieran's PS |
| 1230053 | St Louise's Comprehensive College |
| 1036048 | St Mary’s Star of the Sea Ps |
| 1036505 | St Matthew's Primary School, Belfast |
| 2036008 | St Patrick's PS |
| 1036698 | St Patrick's PS |
| 2036461 | St Therese's PS |
| 4033008 | St. Anne's PS |
| 2036142 | St. Brigids Primary School, Carnhill |
| 4033036 | St. Mary's PS Killyleagh |
| 2036143 | St. Oliver Plunkett P.S. |
| 1036602 | St. Oliver Plunkett Primary School |
| 2036227 | St. Paul's Primary & Nursery School |
| 1036620 | St. Peter's |
| 1036388 | St.Mary’s P.S. |
| 2036084 | Steelstown P.S.& Nursery Unit |
| 3010860 | Sunnylands Primary School |
| 1010301 | Taughmonagh Primary School |
| 4010885 | Tonagh Primary School |
| 1016655 | Victoria Park Primary School |
| 4016083 | West Winds Primary |
| 1016532 | Wheatfield Primary and Nursery School |
| 2316694 | Willowbridge |
| PHASE 2 – DELIVERED SPRING 2023 | |
| School Ref Number | School Name |
| 3210313 | Abbey Community College |
| 1210015 | Ashfield Boys' HS |
| 3013331 | Ballycraigy Primary School |
| 4013013 | Belvoir Park Primary School |
| 5011179 | Bessbrook PS |
| 4210316 | Breda Academy |
| 4316022 | Brookfield Special Primary |
| 4016503 | Brooklands Primary School |
| 5250216 | Brownlow Integrated College |
| 2036574 | Bunscoil Cholmcille |
| 2036465 | Chapel Road Primary School |
| 4036618 | Christ the Redeemer PS |
| 4011670 | Clandeboye PS |
| 1316584 | Clarawood Special School |
| 3210300 | Coleraine College |
| 1066580 | Cranmore Integrated Primary and Nursery School |
| 4011632 | Cregagh Primary School |
| 5011520 | Dromore Road Primary School |
| 1016242 | Dundela |
| 3016249 | Earlview Primary School and Nursery |
| 1046571 | Gaelscoil na bhFál |
| 5046637 | Gaelscoil Uí Néill |
| 2016071 | Greenhaw Primary School |
| 4011300 | Grey Abbey PS |
| 3016037 | Greystone Primary School |
| 3010781 | Harryville Primary School and Nursery Unit |
| 1036576 | Holy Child Primary School |
| 3250202 | Integrated College Glengormley |
| 2016003 | Jones Memorial PS |
| 3012237 | Killowen Primary School, Coleraine |
| 4316516 | Knockevin |
| 4010743 | Largymore Primary School |
| 3013325 | Leaney Primary |
| 1010325 | Ligoniel Primary School and Nursery Unit |
| 2016426 | Limavady Central PS |
| 3010883 | Linn Primary School |
| 4010807 | Lisburn Central Primary School |
| 2210306 | Lisneal College |
| 3012264 | Millburn Primary School |
| 1310016 | Mitchell House School |
| 4210012 | Movilla High School |
| 2046646 | Naíscoil & Gaelscoil Éadain Mhóir |
| 2012261 | Newbuildings PS |
| 2011879 | Newtownbutler Primary School |
| 4016144 | Old Warren Primary School |
| 3230075 | Our Lady of Lourdes Ballymoney |
| 4051601 | Portaferry Integrated Primary |
| 3316609 | Riverside Special School |
| 2030364 | Rosemount Primary And Nursery School |
| 2036259 | Sacred Heart PS |
| 2036473 | Saint Eithne's Primary School |
| 3056231 | Six Mile IPS |
| 1010307 | Springhill PS |
| 3030900 | St Anthony's PS |
| 2036703 | St Catherine's Primary School |
| 5230321 | St John the Baptist's College |
| 1230275 | St Joseph's College, Belfast |
| 5031340 | St Joseph's Primary Newry |
| 4036113 | St Nicholas PS Ardglass |
| 5036099 | St Patrick’s PS |
| 2230122 | St Patrick's & St Brigid's College |
| 1036589 | St Teresa's Primary School |
| 2230100 | St. Joseph’s College |
| 1036466 | St. Malachy's PS |
| 5031158 | St. Patrick's Nursery and Primary School |
| 3316547 | Thornfield House School |
| 5011190 | Tullygally P |
| 3010827 | Whitehouse Primary School |
| 3010842 | William Pinkerton Memorial Primary School |
| 5066554 | Windmill Integrated Primary School |
| 5016451 | Windsor Hill Primary school |
| 3016225 | Woodlawn Primary School |
| PHASE 3 – DELIVERED AUTUMN 2023 | |
| School Ref Number | School Name |
| 5032736 | St Mary’s |
| 1050232 | Harding Memorial Integrated Primary School |
| 5031166 | St. Michael's P.S. Clady |
| 4011567 | Ballynahinch PS & NU |
| 3010880 | King's Park Primary School |
| 1036688 | ST JOHN THE BAPTIST PS BELFAST |
| 3046653 | Gaelscoil an Chaistil |
| 2032287 | Termoncanice Primary School Limavady |
| 2031869 | St Mary's PS Newtownbutler |
| 2410311 | Strabane Academy |
| 2032212 | Glendermott Primary School & Nursery Unit |
| 5036110 | St. joseph's PS and NU |
| 4031350 | St Malachy's Primary School Kilclief |
| 5210121 | City of Armagh High School |
| 3012250 | Portstewart Primary School and Nursery Unit |
| 2030373 | Nazareth House P.S |
| 4230224 | De La Salle High School |
| 4230161 | St Colman's High & Sixth Form College |
| 5230108 | St Mary's High School, Newry |
| 5031070 | St Michaels PS |
| 5012726 | Cookstown Primary School |
| 2230301 | Holy Cross College |
| 4316614 | Lakewood Special school |
| 2230144 | St Patrick's College Dungiven |
| 4011373 | Kirkistown Primary School |
| 4011681 | Millisle Primary School & Nursery Unit |
| 3250207 | Parkhall Integrated College |
| 2260283 | Drumragh Integrated College |
| 5046692 | Gaelscoil na mBeann |
| 4210029 | The High School Ballynahinch |
| 3050841 | Central Integrated PS, Carrickfergus |
| 2210302 | Limavady High School |
| 5036101 | St Brendan's PS, Craigavon |
| 2012638 | Edwards Primary School |
| 2016203 | Lisnagelvin Primary School |
| 3050859 | Crumlin Integrated PS |
| 3210323 | Carrickfergus Academy |
| 5031080 | Clintyclay Primary School |
| 4011462 | Castle Gardens PS |
| 2036696 | St Mary's Primary School |
| 4031673 | St Mary's Primary School Dunsford |
| 2230148 | St. John's B&E College |
| 2036095 | St Mary s PS Cloughcor |
| 5031108 | Clea P.S. |
| 3010795 | Landhead PS |
| 3052071 | Carhill Integrated Primary School |
| 4016235 | Downpatrick PS |
| 5066657 | Phoenix Integrated Primary School |
| 1013018 | Knocknagoney Primary |
| 2032682 | St Eugene's PS, Victoria Bridge |
| 3230203 | Edmund Rice College |
| 5031184 | St. Anthony's Primary School, Craigavon |
| 5230278 | Holy Trinity College Cookstown |
| 2012298 | Ballykelly PS |
| 3010847 | Portrush Primary School |
| 4230165 | Saint Patrick's Academy, Lisburn |
| 3053333 | Ballycastle Integrated PS |
| 3036679 | St Brigid's PS |
| 5230192 | St Joseph's College |
| 2036247 | St Columba's PS |
| 3010696 | Woodburn Primary School |
| 5031133 | St Malachy's Primary School |
| 2210312 | Devenish College |
| 2036107 | St. Joseph's Primary |
| 2230077 | St Mary's Limavady |
| 5066554 | Windmill Integrated Primary |
| 4011646 | Victoria Primary School |
| 5316520 | Donard School |
| 2036045 | St Canice Primary School and Nursery Unit Dungiven |
| SCHOOLS IN PHASE 3 WAITING DEVICES - SUBJECT TO CAPITAL FUNDING | |
| School Ref Number | School Name |
| 3210208 | Dunclug College |
| 3210133 | Ballymoney High School |
| 5031176 | St. Peter's Primary School and Nursery Unit |
| 3016040 | Armoy Primary School |
| 3016170 | Ballyhenry PS |
| 4230107 | St Columbanus College |
| 3010883 | Linn Primary School |
| 3010486 | Larne and Inver PS |
| 5316521 | Ceara School |
| 2046638 | Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh |
| 4250072 | Fort Hill Integrated College |
| 2012711 | Donemana Primary School |
| 2010380 | Model Primary School |
| 4210045 | Nendrum College |
| 3030900 | St Anthony's Primary School |
| 5316523 | Sperrinview Special School |
| 2016089 | Gibson Primary School |
| 3032297 | St Malachy's Primary School |
| 5016065 | Dickson primary School and Nursery Unit |
| 4230067 | St Columba's College Portaferry |
| 2016151 | Irvinestown Primary School |
| 4230023 | St Mary's High School, Downpatrick |
| 2230109 | St. Mary's College Irvinestown |
| 5036122 | Jonesboro' PS |
| 4210201 | Laurelhill Community College |
| 2210065 | Castlederg High |
| 2230099 | St Fanchea's College |
| 4230102 | St Colmcille's High School |
| 5011129 | Hart Memorial Ps |
| 5316577 | LISANALLY SPECIAL SCHOOL |
| 3230084 | St Patrick's College, Ballymena |
| 5036610 | St Francis of Assisi PS |
| 5210186 | Newry High |
| 1420021 | St. Mary's Christian Brothers' Grammar School |
| 5036590 | Primate Dixon PS |
| 4066611 | Oakwood Integrated Primary School and Nursery Unit |
| 4210046 | Glastry College |
| 3230308 | St Benedict's College |
| 4051680 | Bangor Central Integrated Primary School |
| 4016004 | Londonderry Primary School |
| 2066665 | Roe Valley Integrated Primary School |
| 2016442 | Sion Mills Primary School |
| 2210306 | Lisneal College |
| 5031126 | Mount Saint Catherines Armagh |
While nursery schools do not currently receive a specific principal release time allocation, these schools do receive additional funding which can be used to facilitate release time. Nursery schools currently receive a higher 'per pupil' funding rate as a result of the higher Age Weighted Pupil Unit (AWPU) weighting factor of 1.452 as compared to 1.08 for a primary school pupil. The additional funding provides flexibility for nursery principals to use as required, including engaging substitute teaching cover to release time for the principal to carry out administrative duties.
The issue of nursery principal release time has been raised through the Review of Workload Impact on School Leaders and DE officials are engaging with the teachers’ unions regarding this matter.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205231%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=385335","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=385335"}},{"id":"385128","reference":"AQW 5152/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-24","answerBy":"2024-02-14","answered":"2024-07-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy what assistance his Department is providing to businesses for (i) energy bills; and (ii) rates, in the context of the cost of living crisis.","answerText":"This question was asked in the previous mandate and to the previous Minister for the Economy.","answerHtml":"This question was asked in the previous mandate and to the previous Minister for the Economy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205152%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=385128","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=385128"}},{"id":"385127","reference":"AQW 5151/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-24","answerBy":"2022-11-08","answered":"2022-10-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance whether he will commission an independent review of the Rating System in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"There are no current plans for an independent review of the rating system. It would be a matter for any incoming Executive to decide if there was merit in any such review, or if this would constitute best use of resources in light of past work in this area, in particular the 2019 Business Rates Review which has already resulted in several policy changes.","answerHtml":"There are no current plans for an independent review of the rating system. It would be a matter for any incoming Executive to decide if there was merit in any such review, or if this would constitute best use of resources in light of past work in this area, in particular the 2019 Business Rates Review which has already resulted in several policy changes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205151%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=385127","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=385127"}},{"id":"385126","reference":"AQW 5150/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-24","answerBy":"2022-11-08","answered":"2022-10-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health (i) why Health Visitors cannot share information with primary and pre-schools to assist with identifying Special Educational Needs; and (ii) what work is being undertaken by his Department to allow this.","answerText":"My Department is currently considering how information sharing between health and education professionals can be improved to deliver better outcomes for children as part of our response to the “A Fair Start” report.","answerHtml":"My Department is currently considering how information sharing between health and education professionals can be improved to deliver better outcomes for children as part of our response to the “A Fair Start” report.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205150%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=385126","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=385126"}},{"id":"385125","reference":"AQW 5149/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-24","answerBy":"2022-11-08","answered":"2022-10-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health (i) why Child Development Services cannot share information with primary and pre-schools to assist with identifying Special Educational Needs; and (ii) what work is being undertaken by his Department to allow this.","answerText":"I refer the member to the response to AQW 5150/22-27.","answerHtml":"I refer the member to the response to AQW 5150/22-27.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205149%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=385125","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=385125"}},{"id":"385124","reference":"AQW 5148/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-24","answerBy":"2022-10-27","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 4308/22-27, (i) what plans his Department has to engage with the community and voluntary sector regarding the priorities contained within the draft sexual health improvement action plan; and (ii) whether a budget has been identified to implement the new plan.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205148%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=385124","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=385124"}},{"id":"385016","reference":"AQW 5099/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-21","answerBy":"2022-11-07","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 how many times (i) West Circular Road, Bangor; (ii) Balloo Avenue, Bangor; and (iii) Newtownards Road, Bangor have flooded or ponding has occurred, in the last five years.","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%205099%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=385016","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=385016"}},{"id":"385015","reference":"AQW 5098/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-21","answerBy":"2022-11-07","answered":"2022-10-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of the impact repeated flooding of Newtownards Road, Bangor has on the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service to deliver its services, in the context of the flooding occurring adjacent to their premises.","answerText":"Unfortunately, due to there being no Minister in post after midnight on the 27th of October, my Department will be unable to answer the question.","answerHtml":"Unfortunately, due to there being no Minister in post after midnight on the 27th of October, my Department will be unable to answer the question.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205098%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=385015","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=385015"}},{"id":"385014","reference":"AQW 5097/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-21","answerBy":"2022-11-07","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 what engagement his Department has had with NI Water to address the issue of the repeated flooding of (i) West Circular Road, Bangor; (ii) Balloo Avenue, Bangor; and (iii) Newtownards Road, Bangor.","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%205097%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=385014","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=385014"}},{"id":"385013","reference":"AQW 5096/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-21","answerBy":"2022-11-07","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 what measures his Department is taking to address the issue of the repeated flooding of (i) West Circular Road, Bangor; (ii) Balloo Avenue, Bangor; and (iii) Newtownards Road, Bangor.","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%205096%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=385013","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=385013"}},{"id":"384896","reference":"AQW 5033/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-20","answerBy":"2024-02-12","answered":"2024-02-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education why recommendations 5, 18, 21, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, and 39 of the Independent Review of Integrated Education have not been approved and actioned by her Department.","answerText":"Further to the then Minister’s response to AQW 4074/22-27, it was a Ministerial decision that these recommendations were not approved therefore they would not be actioned by my Department.\n\nIn relation to the reasons the specific recommendations were not approved:\n\n5 - there are already a range of surveys undertaken about the experiences of children and young people, including attitudinal information, and this is capable of being analysed by school type;\n\n18 - the Education and Training Inspectorate self-evaluation framework for schools is not intended to be sector specific;\n\n21 - the Association of Principals and Teachers in Integrated Schools – APTIS – is an established cross-phase association that meets regularly;\n\n29, 30, 31, 32, and 39 – Fresh Start capital funding has specific and set parameters and the funding is fully committed;\n\n34, 35, 36 – the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) runs an Excellence in Integrated Education Award for integrated schools; additionally, when its views were sought in 2020 by the then Minister, NICIE advised it did not consider the kitemark to be the most effective means of celebrating integrated success. These views formed part of the overall consideration of the recommendations contained in the Independent Review of Integrated Education report.","answerHtml":"Further to the then Minister’s response to AQW 4074/22-27, it was a Ministerial decision that these recommendations were not approved therefore they would not be actioned by my Department.
In relation to the reasons the specific recommendations were not approved:
5 - there are already a range of surveys undertaken about the experiences of children and young people, including attitudinal information, and this is capable of being analysed by school type;
18 - the Education and Training Inspectorate self-evaluation framework for schools is not intended to be sector specific;
21 - the Association of Principals and Teachers in Integrated Schools – APTIS – is an established cross-phase association that meets regularly;
29, 30, 31, 32, and 39 – Fresh Start capital funding has specific and set parameters and the funding is fully committed;
34, 35, 36 – the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) runs an Excellence in Integrated Education Award for integrated schools; additionally, when its views were sought in 2020 by the then Minister, NICIE advised it did not consider the kitemark to be the most effective means of celebrating integrated success. These views formed part of the overall consideration of the recommendations contained in the Independent Review of Integrated Education report.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205033%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384896","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384896"}},{"id":"384895","reference":"AQW 5032/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-20","answerBy":"2024-02-12","answered":"2024-02-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education (i) for a timescale for her Department’s implementation of the Fair Employment (School Teachers) Act; and (ii) what preparation is being undertaken to ensure the successful implementation of the Act.","answerText":"The Fair Employment (School Teachers) Bill completed its passage through the Assembly on 24 March 2022 and received Royal Assent on 12 May 2022.\n\nPreparations are currently being made for the enactment of the Fair Employment (School Teachers) Northern Ireland Act from May 2024.\n\nA cross-sector working group, led by the EA, has been established to scope the operational impact of this change in legislation. The group will ensure that the employing authorities across the education sector are prepared for full compliance with the legal requirements of the Equality Commission Northern Ireland’s Fair Employment Code of Practice.\n\nThe Equality Commission has published guidance for schools which may be downloaded from the Commission’s website: School Teachers – A Guide on Recruitment and Selection and a series of training webinars specifically on the recruitment and selection guidance will be delivered.","answerHtml":"The Fair Employment (School Teachers) Bill completed its passage through the Assembly on 24 March 2022 and received Royal Assent on 12 May 2022.
Preparations are currently being made for the enactment of the Fair Employment (School Teachers) Northern Ireland Act from May 2024.
A cross-sector working group, led by the EA, has been established to scope the operational impact of this change in legislation. The group will ensure that the employing authorities across the education sector are prepared for full compliance with the legal requirements of the Equality Commission Northern Ireland’s Fair Employment Code of Practice.
The Equality Commission has published guidance for schools which may be downloaded from the Commission’s website: School Teachers – A Guide on Recruitment and Selection and a series of training webinars specifically on the recruitment and selection guidance will be delivered.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205032%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384895","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384895"}},{"id":"384894","reference":"AQW 5031/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-20","answerBy":"2024-02-12","answered":"2024-07-29","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 the enrolment figures for Further Education Colleges in the last five years.","answerText":"This question was asked in the previous mandate and to the previous Minister for the Economy.","answerHtml":"This question was asked in the previous mandate and to the previous Minister for the Economy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205031%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384894","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384894"}},{"id":"384893","reference":"AQW 5030/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-20","answerBy":"2024-02-12","answered":"2024-03-04","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 implementation of the recommendations from the Review of the Use of Restraint and Seclusion in Educational Settings.","answerText":"The Review of the Use of Restraint and Seclusion in Educational Settings made six recommendations.\n\nIn terms of recommendation 1, I plan to consider this matter further with my officials before determining the appropriate next steps.\n\nRecommendations 2, 3 and 5 relate to the publication of statutory guidance on the use of restrictive and supportive practices in educational settings. Department of Education officials engaged with a wide range of stakeholders to co-design draft statutory guidance in accordance with the report recommendations, and a public consultation on the draft guidance ran from 5th September to 10th November 2023. The responses to the consultation are currently being analysed. Subject to my approval, the consultation report will be published on the Departmental website in due course and I will consider the next steps to be taken thereafter.\n\nOn recommendation 4, officials continue to work with Health colleagues to develop regional guidance on pupils’ medication and healthcare needs including the use of equipment in educational settings. It is anticipated that guidance in relation to medication needs will be ready for publication during summer term.\n\nRecommendation 6, which relates to the Department commissioning a periodic review and publishing a report on the use of restrictive and supportive practices in educational settings, can only be progressed once the statutory guidance is in place.","answerHtml":"The Review of the Use of Restraint and Seclusion in Educational Settings made six recommendations.
In terms of recommendation 1, I plan to consider this matter further with my officials before determining the appropriate next steps.
Recommendations 2, 3 and 5 relate to the publication of statutory guidance on the use of restrictive and supportive practices in educational settings. Department of Education officials engaged with a wide range of stakeholders to co-design draft statutory guidance in accordance with the report recommendations, and a public consultation on the draft guidance ran from 5th September to 10th November 2023. The responses to the consultation are currently being analysed. Subject to my approval, the consultation report will be published on the Departmental website in due course and I will consider the next steps to be taken thereafter.
On recommendation 4, officials continue to work with Health colleagues to develop regional guidance on pupils’ medication and healthcare needs including the use of equipment in educational settings. It is anticipated that guidance in relation to medication needs will be ready for publication during summer term.
Recommendation 6, which relates to the Department commissioning a periodic review and publishing a report on the use of restrictive and supportive practices in educational settings, can only be progressed once the statutory guidance is in place.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%205030%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384893","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384893"}},{"id":"384762","reference":"AQW 4951/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-19","answerBy":"2024-02-09","answered":"2024-07-25","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 students registered at Further Education Colleges will receive a hardship payment to help with the cost of living crisis.","answerText":"This question was asked in the previous mandate and to the previous Minister for the Economy.","answerHtml":"This question was asked in the previous mandate and to the previous Minister for the Economy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204951%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384762","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384762"}},{"id":"384761","reference":"AQW 4950/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-19","answerBy":"2022-11-03","answered":"2022-10-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether a Covid-19 booster vaccination will be offered to all Health and Social Care staff, including Care Home and Pharmacy staff.","answerText":"The COVID-19 vaccination programme has followed the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations (JCVI) and for the autumn programme, JCVI have recommended frontline health and social care workers should be offered a booster vaccination.\n\nTherefore all frontline staff in Trusts as well as frontline staff in independent contractors such as GPs, dentists and community pharmacists are eligible to receive a booster dose via a Trust led clinic or at a participating community pharmacy. In addition, all care home staff will be offered a booster vaccination while community pharmacy teams visit every care home in Northern Ireland to offer vaccination to all residents.","answerHtml":"The COVID-19 vaccination programme has followed the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations (JCVI) and for the autumn programme, JCVI have recommended frontline health and social care workers should be offered a booster vaccination.
Therefore all frontline staff in Trusts as well as frontline staff in independent contractors such as GPs, dentists and community pharmacists are eligible to receive a booster dose via a Trust led clinic or at a participating community pharmacy. In addition, all care home staff will be offered a booster vaccination while community pharmacy teams visit every care home in Northern Ireland to offer vaccination to all residents.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204950%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384761","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384761"}},{"id":"384760","reference":"AQW 4949/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-19","answerBy":"2022-11-03","answered":"2022-10-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health (i) for an update on the rollout of the Covid-19 booster vaccination programme this winter; and (ii) which groups can avail of a Covid-19 booster vaccination.","answerText":"The autumn COVID-19 booster vaccination programme was launched in September and remains on course for completion in December, in line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations (JCVI). The number of doses given to date can viewed on the vaccination dashboard - NI Covid-19 Vaccinations Dashboard - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Northern Ireland.\n\nJust over one million people in NI are eligible and the programme is being implemented using a combination of GPs, community pharmacies and Trust vaccination clinics with GPs expected to administer the majority of vaccinations by inviting their eligible patients to attend a vaccination clinic.\n\nJCVI recommended that for the 2022 autumn booster programme the following groups should be offered vaccination:\n\nResidents in care homes and staff working in care homes.\n\nFrontline Health and Social Care Workers\n\nAll adults aged 50 years and over (this includes those turning 50 years of age by 31 March 2023)\n\nPersons aged 5 to 49 years in a clinical risk group - including pregnant women\n\nPersons aged 5 to 49 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression or carers.","answerHtml":"The autumn COVID-19 booster vaccination programme was launched in September and remains on course for completion in December, in line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations (JCVI). The number of doses given to date can viewed on the vaccination dashboard - NI Covid-19 Vaccinations Dashboard - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Northern Ireland.
Just over one million people in NI are eligible and the programme is being implemented using a combination of GPs, community pharmacies and Trust vaccination clinics with GPs expected to administer the majority of vaccinations by inviting their eligible patients to attend a vaccination clinic.
JCVI recommended that for the 2022 autumn booster programme the following groups should be offered vaccination:
Residents in care homes and staff working in care homes.
Frontline Health and Social Care Workers
All adults aged 50 years and over (this includes those turning 50 years of age by 31 March 2023)
Persons aged 5 to 49 years in a clinical risk group - including pregnant women
Persons aged 5 to 49 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression or carers.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204949%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384760","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384760"}},{"id":"384753","reference":"AQW 4942/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-19","answerBy":"2022-10-24","answered":"2022-10-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education (i) why some substitute teachers have not received payment in October 2022 for work completed in September 2022; and (ii) what steps she is taking to address this situation.","answerText":"I would refer the member to my answer to AQW 4860/22-27 submitted on 21 October, which set out the reasons why some supply teachers did not receive timely payment for some or all of their salary. It also provided the position in respect of my direction for interim emergency payments to be processed for all affected teachers.\n\nIn respect of addressing outstanding issues with the new NISTR system, work continues to make further improvements and changes to system logic based on the payment difficulties encountered and on other user feedback. This includes block bookings for individual recurrent days of the week, improvements to the sign-off process and critically, the generation of an automated payroll file. Planned additional features will continue to be added throughout the developmental phase.","answerHtml":"I would refer the member to my answer to AQW 4860/22-27 submitted on 21 October, which set out the reasons why some supply teachers did not receive timely payment for some or all of their salary. It also provided the position in respect of my direction for interim emergency payments to be processed for all affected teachers.
In respect of addressing outstanding issues with the new NISTR system, work continues to make further improvements and changes to system logic based on the payment difficulties encountered and on other user feedback. This includes block bookings for individual recurrent days of the week, improvements to the sign-off process and critically, the generation of an automated payroll file. Planned additional features will continue to be added throughout the developmental phase.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204942%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384753","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384753"}},{"id":"384583","reference":"AQW 4868/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-18","answerBy":"2022-11-02","answered":"2022-10-24","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health how he plans to (i) address Long Covid; and (ii) support people living with Long Covid.","answerText":"Knowledge of Long Covid/Post-COVID-19 Syndrome (PCS) is still evolving. The condition is complex with more than one body system affected. Individuals can have unique combinations of fluctuating symptoms. There is no specific diagnostic test for PCS and the published evidence base for interventions specifically aimed at a curative treatment is sparse at present.\n\nHigh quality research is needed to inform future treatments and models of care. Until then, the current service is focussed on holistic assessment, exclusion of other significant conditions, identifying patients with breathlessness who may benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation and those who need onward referral to secondary or community services. This is complemented by signposting to self-management resources.\n\nAs new evidence becomes available my Department will continue to review and update Long Covid services in Northern Ireland. This will inform the service model moving forward.\n\n(ii) The following services to support and assist people who are living with this condition have been established in all 5 HSC Trusts.\n\nStrand 1 - Post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) patients referred by primary or secondary care to a one-stop-shop MDT assessment service\n\nPatients can be referred to the MDT assessment clinic from primary and secondary care. Patients receive an holistic assessment to include:\n\nidentifying patients with breathlessness who may benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation; and,\n\nthose who may need onward referral to secondary or community services and/or signposting to self-management resources.\n\nStrand 2: - Bespoke pulmonary rehabilitation / dysfunctional breathing service for patients with significant respiratory symptoms post-COVID-19\n\nThe purpose of this strand is to put in place timely, effective arrangements for outpatient rehabilitation following COVID-19 resulting in significant respiratory symptoms.\n\nStrand 3 - Patients discharged from critical care (both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19)\n\nThe purpose of this strand is to put in place timely, effective arrangements for the follow-up and assessment of people discharged from critical care (both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19), reflecting the known risk of long-term sequelae following a long stay in critical care.\n\nStrand 4 - Strengthening psychology support to all Trusts\n\nThe psychological impact of COVID-19 (depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, traumatic bereavement, psychosis, risk to self and/or others) is recognised in extant national guidance. Each Trust has been supported to recruit an additional senior psychologist, with their main role supporting strand 3, but also providing advice to staff working in strands 1 and 2.\n\nStrand 5 - Regional MDT clinical physiology, SLT and dietetic support\n\nSelected patients may need diagnostic tests by respiratory clinical physiologists, onward referral for dietetic and speech and language therapy (SLT) from the one-stop-shop MDT assessment service, the critical care follow-up and pulmonary rehabilitation strands.\n\nStrand 6 - Signposting and access to self-management resources\n\nPatients in NI can access self-management resources which include the NHS App Your Covid Recovery (Managing The Effects | Your COVID Recovery)","answerHtml":"Knowledge of Long Covid/Post-COVID-19 Syndrome (PCS) is still evolving. The condition is complex with more than one body system affected. Individuals can have unique combinations of fluctuating symptoms. There is no specific diagnostic test for PCS and the published evidence base for interventions specifically aimed at a curative treatment is sparse at present.
High quality research is needed to inform future treatments and models of care. Until then, the current service is focussed on holistic assessment, exclusion of other significant conditions, identifying patients with breathlessness who may benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation and those who need onward referral to secondary or community services. This is complemented by signposting to self-management resources.
As new evidence becomes available my Department will continue to review and update Long Covid services in Northern Ireland. This will inform the service model moving forward.
(ii) The following services to support and assist people who are living with this condition have been established in all 5 HSC Trusts.
Strand 1 - Post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) patients referred by primary or secondary care to a one-stop-shop MDT assessment service
Patients can be referred to the MDT assessment clinic from primary and secondary care. Patients receive an holistic assessment to include:
identifying patients with breathlessness who may benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation; and,
those who may need onward referral to secondary or community services and/or signposting to self-management resources.
Strand 2: - Bespoke pulmonary rehabilitation / dysfunctional breathing service for patients with significant respiratory symptoms post-COVID-19
The purpose of this strand is to put in place timely, effective arrangements for outpatient rehabilitation following COVID-19 resulting in significant respiratory symptoms.
Strand 3 - Patients discharged from critical care (both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19)
The purpose of this strand is to put in place timely, effective arrangements for the follow-up and assessment of people discharged from critical care (both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19), reflecting the known risk of long-term sequelae following a long stay in critical care.
Strand 4 - Strengthening psychology support to all Trusts
The psychological impact of COVID-19 (depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, traumatic bereavement, psychosis, risk to self and/or others) is recognised in extant national guidance. Each Trust has been supported to recruit an additional senior psychologist, with their main role supporting strand 3, but also providing advice to staff working in strands 1 and 2.
Strand 5 - Regional MDT clinical physiology, SLT and dietetic support
Selected patients may need diagnostic tests by respiratory clinical physiologists, onward referral for dietetic and speech and language therapy (SLT) from the one-stop-shop MDT assessment service, the critical care follow-up and pulmonary rehabilitation strands.
Strand 6 - Signposting and access to self-management resources
Patients in NI can access self-management resources which include the NHS App Your Covid Recovery (Managing The Effects | Your COVID Recovery)
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204868%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384583","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384583"}},{"id":"384578","reference":"AQW 4863/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-18","answerBy":"2022-11-02","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 what plans his Department has to increase the number and connectivity of cycle lanes in North Down.","answerText":"I can confirm that my Department takes active travel very seriously and recognise the benefits of increasing the number of and connectivity of cycle lanes across the north including in North Down and while there are no immediate plans for works in the North Down area, officials will, over the coming months and years, be developing proposals across all areas and in conjunction with local councils to improve the walking, cycling and wheeling network.\n\nShould you have any further questions on this matter, please contact DfI Roads Southern Division at: dfiroads.southern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.","answerHtml":"I can confirm that my Department takes active travel very seriously and recognise the benefits of increasing the number of and connectivity of cycle lanes across the north including in North Down and while there are no immediate plans for works in the North Down area, officials will, over the coming months and years, be developing proposals across all areas and in conjunction with local councils to improve the walking, cycling and wheeling network.
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%204863%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384578","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384578"}},{"id":"384577","reference":"AQW 4862/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-18","answerBy":"2022-11-02","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 what power his Department has to address parking on, and obstruction of, cycle lanes.","answerText":"The Traffic Management (Northern Ireland) Order 2005 gives my Department the power to issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) when a vehicle is detected parked on a legislated Mandatory Cycle Lane. These are cycle lanes which are part of the carriageway (road) and are identified by a solid white line or by a raised traffic island.\n\nAdvisory Cycle Lanes, which are identified by a broken white line, cycle tracks on footways or those separate from the carriageway, are not generally enforceable by a Traffic Attendant unless there are parking restrictions marked on the carriageway, for example yellow lines, as these would also apply to the cycle lane, track or footway.\n\nVehicles parked causing an obstruction, where no parking restrictions are marked on the carriageway, are a matter for the PSNI.","answerHtml":"The Traffic Management (Northern Ireland) Order 2005 gives my Department the power to issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) when a vehicle is detected parked on a legislated Mandatory Cycle Lane. These are cycle lanes which are part of the carriageway (road) and are identified by a solid white line or by a raised traffic island.
Advisory Cycle Lanes, which are identified by a broken white line, cycle tracks on footways or those separate from the carriageway, are not generally enforceable by a Traffic Attendant unless there are parking restrictions marked on the carriageway, for example yellow lines, as these would also apply to the cycle lane, track or footway.
Vehicles parked causing an obstruction, where no parking restrictions are marked on the carriageway, are a matter for the PSNI.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204862%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384577","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384577"}},{"id":"384576","reference":"AQW 4861/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-18","answerBy":"2024-02-08","answered":"2024-07-25","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 all registered University students in Northern Ireland will receive a hardship payment to help with the cost-of-living crisis.","answerText":"This question was asked in the previous mandate and to the previous Minister for the Economy.","answerHtml":"This question was asked in the previous mandate and to the previous Minister for the Economy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204861%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384576","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384576"}},{"id":"384575","reference":"AQW 4860/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-18","answerBy":"2022-10-21","answered":"2022-10-21","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education how many substitute teachers have not had payments processed by the Northern Ireland Substitute Teacher Register and are subsequently overdue payments.","answerText":"The Department funds the Education Authority to administer the NI Supply Teacher Register (NISTR) which is effectively a booking system enabling schools to source and engage professionally qualified teachers who have undergone a range of pre-employment checks. On the third working day of each month, a file of approved (signed-off) bookings is extracted from the NISTR and sent to the Department for processing of salary to temporary teachers on schools’ behalf.\n\nThere have been a number of issues regarding the implementation of a new NISTR system and the timely payment of temporary teachers. The Department and the EA continue to work together intensively, alongside stakeholder groups, to ensure that immediate steps are taken to ensure staff are paid for their valuable service. In the current exceptional circumstances, particularly in light of the cost-of-living crisis, the Department has asked the EA to process interim emergency payments to all teachers impacted as a matter of urgency.\n\nDue to administrative errors in extracting the file and uploading it to the payroll system; 309 temporary and supply teachers received only partial salary on 18 October for bookings that were approved by schools and should have been paid under normal circumstances. The EA has sincerely apologised for this error and is processing interim emergency payments to reach these teachers by 25 October.\n\nThe other factor that has caused problems in the timely payment of temporary teachers relates to the fact that the appropriate approval processes at school level were not completed in line with the payroll deadline. This prevented payment being made on the planned date for an estimated 300 teachers. Incorrect data input in respect of hours worked also appears to have featured in the sign-off process. The EA is contacting all relevant schools to seek confirmation of attendance, check period of service and obtain other necessary sign-off information to enable further interim emergency payments to pursued.","answerHtml":"The Department funds the Education Authority to administer the NI Supply Teacher Register (NISTR) which is effectively a booking system enabling schools to source and engage professionally qualified teachers who have undergone a range of pre-employment checks. On the third working day of each month, a file of approved (signed-off) bookings is extracted from the NISTR and sent to the Department for processing of salary to temporary teachers on schools’ behalf.
There have been a number of issues regarding the implementation of a new NISTR system and the timely payment of temporary teachers. The Department and the EA continue to work together intensively, alongside stakeholder groups, to ensure that immediate steps are taken to ensure staff are paid for their valuable service. In the current exceptional circumstances, particularly in light of the cost-of-living crisis, the Department has asked the EA to process interim emergency payments to all teachers impacted as a matter of urgency.
Due to administrative errors in extracting the file and uploading it to the payroll system; 309 temporary and supply teachers received only partial salary on 18 October for bookings that were approved by schools and should have been paid under normal circumstances. The EA has sincerely apologised for this error and is processing interim emergency payments to reach these teachers by 25 October.
The other factor that has caused problems in the timely payment of temporary teachers relates to the fact that the appropriate approval processes at school level were not completed in line with the payroll deadline. This prevented payment being made on the planned date for an estimated 300 teachers. Incorrect data input in respect of hours worked also appears to have featured in the sign-off process. The EA is contacting all relevant schools to seek confirmation of attendance, check period of service and obtain other necessary sign-off information to enable further interim emergency payments to pursued.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204860%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384575","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384575"}},{"id":"384416","reference":"AQW 4806/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-17","answerBy":"2024-02-07","answered":"2024-02-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether she will amend The Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007 to include Relationship and Sexuality Education.","answerText":"These are historical questions from 2022 and the answer below is therefore based on the current position in respect of Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE).\n\nRelationships and Sexuality education (RSE) is mandatory for all pupils of compulsory school age as set out in The Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007. The statutory curriculum for Personal Development and Mutual Understanding at primary level and the Personal Development strand of Learning for Life and Work at post-primary level, prescribes the high-level minimum content RSE at each key stage. This is the minimum entitlement that all young people must receive. The minimum content provides flexibility and schools have a high degree of autonomy over what is taught.\n\nOn 5 June 2023 the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland brought forward Regulations under his powers in section 9 of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019 to ensure that the recommendations in paragraphs 85 and 86 of the 2018 report of the United Nations Committee on the Ending of Discrimination Against Women (“the CEDAW Report”) were implemented in respect of Northern Ireland.\n\nSpecific to education, paragraph 86(d) required the United Kingdom Government to “Make age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights a compulsory curriculum component for adolescents, covering early pregnancy prevention and access to abortion, and monitor its implementation”. The Department is required to report to the Assembly by September 2026 on the implementation.\n\nThe Relationships and Sexuality Education (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 amended the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and the Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007 in respect of Learning for Life and Work to ensure pupils at key stages 3 and 4 (aged 11-16 in years 8-12) receive age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights, covering prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion.\n\nOn 1 January 2024 my Department issued RSE guidance to schools to support the changes brought about by the Secretary of State. Whilst the Board of Governors and the principal have statutory responsibility to deliver the minimum curriculum content, they also have autonomy over when, how and who is involved in curriculum delivery, aligned with the ethos of the school. This includes the change to the curriculum made by the Secretary of State with regards to RSE.\n\nIn relation to the Gillen Review, my officials continue to engage with the Department of Justice (DoJ) led Gillen Implementation Team and with the Executive Office to tackle the issue and end violence against women and girls.","answerHtml":"These are historical questions from 2022 and the answer below is therefore based on the current position in respect of Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE).
Relationships and Sexuality education (RSE) is mandatory for all pupils of compulsory school age as set out in The Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007. The statutory curriculum for Personal Development and Mutual Understanding at primary level and the Personal Development strand of Learning for Life and Work at post-primary level, prescribes the high-level minimum content RSE at each key stage. This is the minimum entitlement that all young people must receive. The minimum content provides flexibility and schools have a high degree of autonomy over what is taught.
On 5 June 2023 the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland brought forward Regulations under his powers in section 9 of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019 to ensure that the recommendations in paragraphs 85 and 86 of the 2018 report of the United Nations Committee on the Ending of Discrimination Against Women (“the CEDAW Report”) were implemented in respect of Northern Ireland.
Specific to education, paragraph 86(d) required the United Kingdom Government to “Make age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights a compulsory curriculum component for adolescents, covering early pregnancy prevention and access to abortion, and monitor its implementation”. The Department is required to report to the Assembly by September 2026 on the implementation.
The Relationships and Sexuality Education (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 amended the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and the Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007 in respect of Learning for Life and Work to ensure pupils at key stages 3 and 4 (aged 11-16 in years 8-12) receive age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights, covering prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion.
On 1 January 2024 my Department issued RSE guidance to schools to support the changes brought about by the Secretary of State. Whilst the Board of Governors and the principal have statutory responsibility to deliver the minimum curriculum content, they also have autonomy over when, how and who is involved in curriculum delivery, aligned with the ethos of the school. This includes the change to the curriculum made by the Secretary of State with regards to RSE.
In relation to the Gillen Review, my officials continue to engage with the Department of Justice (DoJ) led Gillen Implementation Team and with the Executive Office to tackle the issue and end violence against women and girls.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204806%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384416","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384416"}},{"id":"384415","reference":"AQW 4805/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-17","answerBy":"2024-02-07","answered":"2024-02-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education what work she is undertaking to implement the recommendations of the Gillen Review that are relevant to her Department.","answerText":"These are historical questions from 2022 and the answer below is therefore based on the current position in respect of Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE).\n\nRelationships and Sexuality education (RSE) is mandatory for all pupils of compulsory school age as set out in The Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007. The statutory curriculum for Personal Development and Mutual Understanding at primary level and the Personal Development strand of Learning for Life and Work at post-primary level, prescribes the high-level minimum content RSE at each key stage. This is the minimum entitlement that all young people must receive. The minimum content provides flexibility and schools have a high degree of autonomy over what is taught.\n\nOn 5 June 2023 the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland brought forward Regulations under his powers in section 9 of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019 to ensure that the recommendations in paragraphs 85 and 86 of the 2018 report of the United Nations Committee on the Ending of Discrimination Against Women (“the CEDAW Report”) were implemented in respect of Northern Ireland.\n\nSpecific to education, paragraph 86(d) required the United Kingdom Government to “Make age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights a compulsory curriculum component for adolescents, covering early pregnancy prevention and access to abortion, and monitor its implementation”. The Department is required to report to the Assembly by September 2026 on the implementation.\n\nThe Relationships and Sexuality Education (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 amended the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and the Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007 in respect of Learning for Life and Work to ensure pupils at key stages 3 and 4 (aged 11-16 in years 8-12) receive age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights, covering prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion.\n\nOn 1 January 2024 my Department issued RSE guidance to schools to support the changes brought about by the Secretary of State. Whilst the Board of Governors and the principal have statutory responsibility to deliver the minimum curriculum content, they also have autonomy over when, how and who is involved in curriculum delivery, aligned with the ethos of the school. This includes the change to the curriculum made by the Secretary of State with regards to RSE.\n\nIn relation to the Gillen Review, my officials continue to engage with the Department of Justice (DoJ) led Gillen Implementation Team and with the Executive Office to tackle the issue and end violence against women and girls.","answerHtml":"These are historical questions from 2022 and the answer below is therefore based on the current position in respect of Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE).
Relationships and Sexuality education (RSE) is mandatory for all pupils of compulsory school age as set out in The Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007. The statutory curriculum for Personal Development and Mutual Understanding at primary level and the Personal Development strand of Learning for Life and Work at post-primary level, prescribes the high-level minimum content RSE at each key stage. This is the minimum entitlement that all young people must receive. The minimum content provides flexibility and schools have a high degree of autonomy over what is taught.
On 5 June 2023 the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland brought forward Regulations under his powers in section 9 of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019 to ensure that the recommendations in paragraphs 85 and 86 of the 2018 report of the United Nations Committee on the Ending of Discrimination Against Women (“the CEDAW Report”) were implemented in respect of Northern Ireland.
Specific to education, paragraph 86(d) required the United Kingdom Government to “Make age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights a compulsory curriculum component for adolescents, covering early pregnancy prevention and access to abortion, and monitor its implementation”. The Department is required to report to the Assembly by September 2026 on the implementation.
The Relationships and Sexuality Education (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 amended the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and the Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007 in respect of Learning for Life and Work to ensure pupils at key stages 3 and 4 (aged 11-16 in years 8-12) receive age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights, covering prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion.
On 1 January 2024 my Department issued RSE guidance to schools to support the changes brought about by the Secretary of State. Whilst the Board of Governors and the principal have statutory responsibility to deliver the minimum curriculum content, they also have autonomy over when, how and who is involved in curriculum delivery, aligned with the ethos of the school. This includes the change to the curriculum made by the Secretary of State with regards to RSE.
In relation to the Gillen Review, my officials continue to engage with the Department of Justice (DoJ) led Gillen Implementation Team and with the Executive Office to tackle the issue and end violence against women and girls.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204805%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384415","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384415"}},{"id":"384414","reference":"AQW 4804/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-17","answerBy":"2022-11-01","answered":"2022-10-25","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 Regional Review of Neurology Services.","answerText":"The Regional Review of Neurology Services is tasked with identifying the optimum configuration of neurology services for the next 10-15 years. A number of workstreams have been established in priority areas including workforce, long term and complex conditions and care coordination.\n\nCompletion of the review is subject to available clinical capacity and while workstreams have continued to make progress, this has been at a slower pace than anticipated due to ongoing capacity issues. In this context the Department has agreed a revised timescale which will see the development of a Final Report together with an implementation and investment plan by March 2023.","answerHtml":"The Regional Review of Neurology Services is tasked with identifying the optimum configuration of neurology services for the next 10-15 years. A number of workstreams have been established in priority areas including workforce, long term and complex conditions and care coordination.
Completion of the review is subject to available clinical capacity and while workstreams have continued to make progress, this has been at a slower pace than anticipated due to ongoing capacity issues. In this context the Department has agreed a revised timescale which will see the development of a Final Report together with an implementation and investment plan by March 2023.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204804%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384414","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384414"}},{"id":"384413","reference":"AQW 4803/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-17","answerBy":"2022-11-01","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 what actions his Department will take to address traffic congestion, road safety and speeding on the Brunswick Road, Bangor.","answerText":"I can advise that Brunswick Road in Bangor is 870m long and has street lighting along its entire length and footways on both sides. It is subject to a 30mph speed limit and the double yellow lines marking the corner restrictions for the four side roads and at either end are intended to enhance road safety and facilitate traffic progression. A central white line highlights generous lane widths for an urban road and red patches on the road with zig zag markings and associated traffic signs highlight the presence of the school and nursery. Given the measures already in place on Brunswick Road and the fact it has a good road safety record, I can advise my Department has no plans to implement any additional measures at this time.\n\nIssues relating to inconsiderate parking and/or speeding should be directed to the PSNI which has responsibility for enforcement relating to both matters.\n\nShould you have any further questions on this matter, please contact DfI Roads Southern Division at: dfiroads.southern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.","answerHtml":"I can advise that Brunswick Road in Bangor is 870m long and has street lighting along its entire length and footways on both sides. It is subject to a 30mph speed limit and the double yellow lines marking the corner restrictions for the four side roads and at either end are intended to enhance road safety and facilitate traffic progression. A central white line highlights generous lane widths for an urban road and red patches on the road with zig zag markings and associated traffic signs highlight the presence of the school and nursery. Given the measures already in place on Brunswick Road and the fact it has a good road safety record, I can advise my Department has no plans to implement any additional measures at this time.
Issues relating to inconsiderate parking and/or speeding should be directed to the PSNI which has responsibility for enforcement relating to both matters.
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%204803%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384413","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384413"}},{"id":"384412","reference":"AQW 4802/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-17","answerBy":"2022-10-20","answered":"2022-10-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 4905/17-22, for an update on the installation of a Clinical Lead for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis after the recruitment for this post was paused in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic.","answerText":"A key constraint in the establishment a consultant-led Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) service is that there is no specific training programme within the medical colleges for this. In this context, and despite several recruitment competitions, it has not been possible to identify a suitable candidate.\n\nMy officials are continuing to engage with the Patient and Client Council and service user representatives on ME/CFS services. While a number of offers have been rejected by service user representatives, my officials will continue to explore other options to provide a medically-led service.","answerHtml":"A key constraint in the establishment a consultant-led Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) service is that there is no specific training programme within the medical colleges for this. In this context, and despite several recruitment competitions, it has not been possible to identify a suitable candidate.
My officials are continuing to engage with the Patient and Client Council and service user representatives on ME/CFS services. While a number of offers have been rejected by service user representatives, my officials will continue to explore other options to provide a medically-led service.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204802%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384412","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384412"}},{"id":"384287","reference":"AQW 4722/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-14","answerBy":"2024-02-06","answered":"2024-05-02","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities what actions are being taken by her Department to support and enable the integration of Ukrainian refugees in society.","answerText":"Responsibility for all matters relating to the resettlement of Ukrainian nationals displaced by war transferred to The Executive Office from 1 April 2024. The Executive Office (TEO) holds strategic responsibility for refugees and chairs the Strategic Planning Group on Refugees and Asylum Seekers. The transfer of responsibilities to one Department, will allow a more cohesive approach to the vital work of resettling and integrating refugees.\n\nUp to 31 March 2024, my Department provided support to Ukrainian Nationals under the UK Homes for Ukraine Scheme. This sponsorship scheme allowed Ukrainian nationals displaced by war to temporarily live in NI and this arrangement also helped them integrate within communities.\n\nOfficials from the NI Housing Executive provide support and advice on housing options where, over time, sponsorship arrangements have broken down.\n\nUkrainian nationals temporarily resettled under the Homes for Ukraine scheme have the same access to public services, including Health & Social Care and benefits as NI citizens. They also have the right to work here for the period of their temporary Visa.","answerHtml":"Responsibility for all matters relating to the resettlement of Ukrainian nationals displaced by war transferred to The Executive Office from 1 April 2024. The Executive Office (TEO) holds strategic responsibility for refugees and chairs the Strategic Planning Group on Refugees and Asylum Seekers. The transfer of responsibilities to one Department, will allow a more cohesive approach to the vital work of resettling and integrating refugees.
Up to 31 March 2024, my Department provided support to Ukrainian Nationals under the UK Homes for Ukraine Scheme. This sponsorship scheme allowed Ukrainian nationals displaced by war to temporarily live in NI and this arrangement also helped them integrate within communities.
Officials from the NI Housing Executive provide support and advice on housing options where, over time, sponsorship arrangements have broken down.
Ukrainian nationals temporarily resettled under the Homes for Ukraine scheme have the same access to public services, including Health & Social Care and benefits as NI citizens. They also have the right to work here for the period of their temporary Visa.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204722%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384287","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384287"}},{"id":"384286","reference":"AQW 4721/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-14","answerBy":"2022-10-31","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 how the number of Network Maintenance Schemes in the Ards and North Down Council area compares against the other council areas for (i) completed works; and (ii) planned works.","answerText":"The number of schemes either undertaken or planned within a Council area is not a relevant comparator of investment across Council areas as costs can vary significantly from scheme to scheme and from year to year for a wide variety of reasons including scheme length, complexity, type of material used etc.\n\nArds and North Down (A&ND) Borough Council area is allocated funding for Capital Structural Maintenance on the same basis as all other council areas using established criteria including total road length and structural condition. However the primary factor governing the number of resurfacing schemes in A&ND for the current year is the current lack of a resurfacing contract which is planned for award in early 2023. Full details of the Interim Term Contract Asphalt Resurfacing (ITCAR) strategy which affects all council areas can be found at: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/transportni-procurement-guidance-documents\n\nI have also included a link to my Department’s publications page where all Roads Reports to Councils are published from which a comparison can be made against completed and planned Network Maintenance schemes in other council areas; Publications | Department for Infrastructure (infrastructure-ni.gov.uk)\n\nShould you have any further questions on this please contact DfI Roads Southern Division at dfiroads.southern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.","answerHtml":"The number of schemes either undertaken or planned within a Council area is not a relevant comparator of investment across Council areas as costs can vary significantly from scheme to scheme and from year to year for a wide variety of reasons including scheme length, complexity, type of material used etc.
Ards and North Down (A&ND) Borough Council area is allocated funding for Capital Structural Maintenance on the same basis as all other council areas using established criteria including total road length and structural condition. However the primary factor governing the number of resurfacing schemes in A&ND for the current year is the current lack of a resurfacing contract which is planned for award in early 2023. Full details of the Interim Term Contract Asphalt Resurfacing (ITCAR) strategy which affects all council areas can be found at: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/transportni-procurement-guidance-documents
I have also included a link to my Department’s publications page where all Roads Reports to Councils are published from which a comparison can be made against completed and planned Network Maintenance schemes in other council areas; Publications | Department for Infrastructure (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%204721%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384286","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384286"}},{"id":"384285","reference":"AQW 4720/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-14","answerBy":"2022-10-31","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 (i) to outline the criteria for resurfacing roads; (ii) how his Department determines whether a road meets this criteria; and (iii) how readily a road requiring resurfacing may move up a priority list if its condition suddenly deteriorates.","answerText":"Under Article 8 of the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993, my Department has a statutory duty to maintain all public roads in a safe and serviceable condition and to seek to fulfil this duty, an annual programme of resurfacing and reconstruction works is undertaken, the extent of which is dictated by the availability of funding.\n\nOn trunk roads, information is routinely gathered and analysed from a variety of specialist machine surveys and visual inspections and this information is used in order to help inform decisions regarding our annual maintenance programmes. On other roads Divisional programmes are prepared on the basis of a number of data factors including road usage and general surface condition surveys as well as information from maintenance inspections, public enquiries and public liability claims.\n\nProgrammes are subject to continual review and take into account a wide range of factors such as worsening condition of other roads, planned works by utilities, additional in year funding, contractor capacity etc.\n\nIn the absence of a fully funded allocation for the structural maintenance programme, my Department aims to prioritise decisions and interventions on the basis of the indicators outlined above as well as on the professional engineering judgements of local engineers. Those schemes not included in a particular year’s programme as result of funding constraints will routinely be considered in future years’ programmes.","answerHtml":"Under Article 8 of the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993, my Department has a statutory duty to maintain all public roads in a safe and serviceable condition and to seek to fulfil this duty, an annual programme of resurfacing and reconstruction works is undertaken, the extent of which is dictated by the availability of funding.
On trunk roads, information is routinely gathered and analysed from a variety of specialist machine surveys and visual inspections and this information is used in order to help inform decisions regarding our annual maintenance programmes. On other roads Divisional programmes are prepared on the basis of a number of data factors including road usage and general surface condition surveys as well as information from maintenance inspections, public enquiries and public liability claims.
Programmes are subject to continual review and take into account a wide range of factors such as worsening condition of other roads, planned works by utilities, additional in year funding, contractor capacity etc.
In the absence of a fully funded allocation for the structural maintenance programme, my Department aims to prioritise decisions and interventions on the basis of the indicators outlined above as well as on the professional engineering judgements of local engineers. Those schemes not included in a particular year’s programme as result of funding constraints will routinely be considered in future years’ programmes.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204720%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384285","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384285"}},{"id":"384284","reference":"AQW 4719/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-14","answerBy":"2022-10-31","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 why Groomsport Road, Bangor, was not included for resurfacing in his Department's Annual Report 2022/23 to Ards and North Down Borough Council.","answerText":"The asphalt resurfacing contract used by my Department within the Ards and North Down (A&ND) Council area expired in November 2021 and due to lack of contract, it was not possible to complete the proposed programme for 2021/22. A replacement contract is programmed to be awarded in early 2023. This situation limits the amount of resurfacing possible during the current financial year and this is reflected in the limited number of schemes included within the Council report.\n\nIn determining future programmes, my Department will consider factors including road usage, general surface condition and structural deformation. These factors will be considered when preparing the 2023/24 A&ND resurfacing programme and Groomsport Road will be considered for inclusion in the programme the extent of which will be influenced by budget availability and successful contract award.\n\nShould you have any further questions on this please contact DfI Roads Southern Division at dfiroads.southern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.","answerHtml":"The asphalt resurfacing contract used by my Department within the Ards and North Down (A&ND) Council area expired in November 2021 and due to lack of contract, it was not possible to complete the proposed programme for 2021/22. A replacement contract is programmed to be awarded in early 2023. This situation limits the amount of resurfacing possible during the current financial year and this is reflected in the limited number of schemes included within the Council report.
In determining future programmes, my Department will consider factors including road usage, general surface condition and structural deformation. These factors will be considered when preparing the 2023/24 A&ND resurfacing programme and Groomsport Road will be considered for inclusion in the programme the extent of which will be influenced by budget availability and successful contract award.
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%204719%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384284","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384284"}},{"id":"384283","reference":"AQW 4718/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-14","answerBy":"2022-10-19","answered":"2022-10-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education what actions her Department is taking to progress Section 6.4.5 of the Education Authority Operational Plan 1: 2022-24 and establish a new Integrated primary school to meet the needs of pupils in the East Belfast, South East Belfast and Castlereagh area.","answerText":"The workstream contained within the first Operational Plan (OP1), published by the Education Authority (EA) on 1 September 2022, is a medium-term workstream. OP1 states that “medium term workstreams are exploratory in nature and may require collaborative and innovative work to provide sustainable education provision for a geographical/school cluster area. Medium term workstreams may require a longer timeframe and therefore may span a number of Operational Plans”.\n\nThe specific workstream given at Section 6.4.5 of OP1 provides the Background/Engagement as “Establish a new Integrated primary school to meet the needs of pupils in the East Belfast, South Belfast, South East Belfast and Castlereagh area. The Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education [NICIE] is working with the Integrated Education Fund [IEF] to bring forward further integrated provision for the area”.\n\nThe establishment of a new school requires the publication of a Development Proposal (DP) and currently it is only at this is the point at which my Department becomes engaged.","answerHtml":"The workstream contained within the first Operational Plan (OP1), published by the Education Authority (EA) on 1 September 2022, is a medium-term workstream. OP1 states that “medium term workstreams are exploratory in nature and may require collaborative and innovative work to provide sustainable education provision for a geographical/school cluster area. Medium term workstreams may require a longer timeframe and therefore may span a number of Operational Plans”.
The specific workstream given at Section 6.4.5 of OP1 provides the Background/Engagement as “Establish a new Integrated primary school to meet the needs of pupils in the East Belfast, South Belfast, South East Belfast and Castlereagh area. The Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education [NICIE] is working with the Integrated Education Fund [IEF] to bring forward further integrated provision for the area”.
The establishment of a new school requires the publication of a Development Proposal (DP) and currently it is only at this is the point at which my Department becomes engaged.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204718%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384283","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384283"}},{"id":"384131","reference":"AQW 4618/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-13","answerBy":"2022-10-28","answered":"2022-10-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education (i) for an update on the Development Proposal for St Anne’s Primary School, Donaghadee; (ii) when her Department will publish their decision on the Development Proposal; and (iii) why a decision on the Development Proposal is overdue.","answerText":"There are two published Development Proposals (DPs) currently under consideration by my Department in respect of St Anne’s Primary School (PS). DP 673 was published by the Education Authority (EA) on 22 January 2022 and proposes the discontinuance of the school and DP 683 was published by the EA on 16 June 2022 and proposes that the school will transform to Controlled Integrated status. The statutory objection period in respect of DPs 673 and 683 concluded on 21 March 2022 and 14 October 2022 respectively.\n\nMy officials are currently assessing both proposals and collating all pertinent information to provide me with submissions to assist me in reaching my decisions. A considerable amount of correspondence has been received by my Department during the statutory consultation period; accordingly, time is required to assess this representation fully before my officials can provide me with recommendations.\n\nI am unable to provide a precise timescale as to when a decision will be taken in respect of the proposals; however, I am acutely aware of the need for a timely resolution in the interest of children, parents, and staff.\n\nWhen a proposal for discontinuance has been brought forward under Article 14 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, alongside a proposal for Transformation to Controlled Integrated status, in accordance with Article 94 (4) of the Education Reform (NI) Order 1989, the legislation requires that ‘the Department shall consider both proposals together but shall not determine the proposal under Article 14 (i.e. DP 673) until it has made its determination with respect to the proposal for acquisition of controlled integrated status’. Put simply, a school that has a proposal approved for discontinuance cannot transform and, therefore, procedurally the decision on the Transformation must precede the decision on the discontinuance.\n\nAs the statutory objection period in respect of DP 683 has only concluded on 14 October 2022, I do not consider my decisions to be overdue.","answerHtml":"There are two published Development Proposals (DPs) currently under consideration by my Department in respect of St Anne’s Primary School (PS). DP 673 was published by the Education Authority (EA) on 22 January 2022 and proposes the discontinuance of the school and DP 683 was published by the EA on 16 June 2022 and proposes that the school will transform to Controlled Integrated status. The statutory objection period in respect of DPs 673 and 683 concluded on 21 March 2022 and 14 October 2022 respectively.
My officials are currently assessing both proposals and collating all pertinent information to provide me with submissions to assist me in reaching my decisions. A considerable amount of correspondence has been received by my Department during the statutory consultation period; accordingly, time is required to assess this representation fully before my officials can provide me with recommendations.
I am unable to provide a precise timescale as to when a decision will be taken in respect of the proposals; however, I am acutely aware of the need for a timely resolution in the interest of children, parents, and staff.
When a proposal for discontinuance has been brought forward under Article 14 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, alongside a proposal for Transformation to Controlled Integrated status, in accordance with Article 94 (4) of the Education Reform (NI) Order 1989, the legislation requires that ‘the Department shall consider both proposals together but shall not determine the proposal under Article 14 (i.e. DP 673) until it has made its determination with respect to the proposal for acquisition of controlled integrated status’. Put simply, a school that has a proposal approved for discontinuance cannot transform and, therefore, procedurally the decision on the Transformation must precede the decision on the discontinuance.
As the statutory objection period in respect of DP 683 has only concluded on 14 October 2022, I do not consider my decisions to be overdue.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204618%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384131","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384131"}},{"id":"384130","reference":"AQW 4617/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-13","answerBy":"2022-10-28","answered":"2022-10-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education (i) for an update on the Development Proposal for Strangford Integrated College, Carrowdore; (ii) when her Department will publish their decision on the Development Proposal; and (iii) why a decision on the Development Proposal is overdue.","answerText":"Development Proposal (DP) 675 was published by the Education Authority (EA) on behalf of the Board of Governors (BoG) of Strangford Integrated College (IC) on 14 April 2022. The statutory consultation period in respect of the proposal concluded on 28 June 2022.\n\nMy officials are currently assessing the proposal and collating all pertinent information to provide me with a submission to assist me in taking my decision.\n\nI am unable to provide a precise timescale as to when a decision will be taken in respect of the proposals; however, I am acutely aware of the need for a certainty in the interest of children, parents and staff.\n\nAssessment of any DP is a complex process and requires careful consideration of all evidence to ensure decisions are taken in the best interests of all learners. In the circumstances, I do not consider that a decision is overdue.","answerHtml":"Development Proposal (DP) 675 was published by the Education Authority (EA) on behalf of the Board of Governors (BoG) of Strangford Integrated College (IC) on 14 April 2022. The statutory consultation period in respect of the proposal concluded on 28 June 2022.
My officials are currently assessing the proposal and collating all pertinent information to provide me with a submission to assist me in taking my decision.
I am unable to provide a precise timescale as to when a decision will be taken in respect of the proposals; however, I am acutely aware of the need for a certainty in the interest of children, parents and staff.
Assessment of any DP is a complex process and requires careful consideration of all evidence to ensure decisions are taken in the best interests of all learners. In the circumstances, I do not consider that a decision is overdue.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204617%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384130","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384130"}},{"id":"384129","reference":"AQW 4616/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-13","answerBy":"2022-10-28","answered":"2022-10-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education (i) for an update on the Development Proposal for the Causeway Area to establish a new co-educational, 11-18, non-selective controlled integrated post-primary school in Coleraine; (ii) when her Department will publish their decision on the Development Proposal; and (iii) why a decision on the Development Proposal is overdue.","answerText":"On 9 March 2022, the Education Authority (EA) published a series of Development Proposals (DPs) in relation to the Causeway Area. DPs 676–680 propose the closure of Coleraine College, Dunluce School and North Coast Integrated College (IC) and the establishment of a new Controlled IC which will include Autism specific and Learning Support Classes. The statutory two-month objection period concluded on 23 May 2022.\n\nMy officials are currently collating all responses received by the Department, along with all other pertinent information and will provide me with a detailed submission to assist me in taking decisions that is in the best interest of all learners.\n\nUnfortunately, I am unable to offer a specific date for a decision. I appreciate the importance of a timely decision regarding the proposals and I am acutely aware of the need for certainty for the interested parties. I will not delay a decision any longer than necessary.","answerHtml":"On 9 March 2022, the Education Authority (EA) published a series of Development Proposals (DPs) in relation to the Causeway Area. DPs 676–680 propose the closure of Coleraine College, Dunluce School and North Coast Integrated College (IC) and the establishment of a new Controlled IC which will include Autism specific and Learning Support Classes. The statutory two-month objection period concluded on 23 May 2022.
My officials are currently collating all responses received by the Department, along with all other pertinent information and will provide me with a detailed submission to assist me in taking decisions that is in the best interest of all learners.
Unfortunately, I am unable to offer a specific date for a decision. I appreciate the importance of a timely decision regarding the proposals and I am acutely aware of the need for certainty for the interested parties. I will not delay a decision any longer than necessary.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204616%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384129","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384129"}},{"id":"384128","reference":"AQW 4615/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-13","answerBy":"2022-10-28","answered":"2022-10-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education (i) for an update on the Development Proposals for (a) Enniskillen Integrated School; (b) Rowandale Integrated Primary School, Moira; (c) Drumlins Integrated Primary School, Ballynahinch; and (d) Spires Integrated Primary School, Magherafelt; and (ii) why the decisions on the respective Development Proposals are overdue.","answerText":"Development Proposals (DPs) for pre-school provision at Enniskillen Integrated Primary School (IPS), Rowandale IPS, Drumlins IPS and Spires IPS have all been published by the Education Authority (EA) and the statutory two-month objection period on each proposal has now expired.\n\nMy officials have been gathering and analysing all pertinent information in relation to the proposals and this will be set out in submissions for my consideration and ultimate decision.\n\nWhere DPs are brought forward for provision in the Integrated sector, they are assessed in line with the statutory duty, considered on a case-by-case basis and balanced against other relevant statutory and policy requirements.\n\nI am acutely aware of the need for certainty for the interested parties and I will not delay my decisions any longer than necessary as soon as proposals are brought to me for my decision.","answerHtml":"Development Proposals (DPs) for pre-school provision at Enniskillen Integrated Primary School (IPS), Rowandale IPS, Drumlins IPS and Spires IPS have all been published by the Education Authority (EA) and the statutory two-month objection period on each proposal has now expired.
My officials have been gathering and analysing all pertinent information in relation to the proposals and this will be set out in submissions for my consideration and ultimate decision.
Where DPs are brought forward for provision in the Integrated sector, they are assessed in line with the statutory duty, considered on a case-by-case basis and balanced against other relevant statutory and policy requirements.
I am acutely aware of the need for certainty for the interested parties and I will not delay my decisions any longer than necessary as soon as proposals are brought to me for my decision.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204615%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=384128","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=384128"}},{"id":"383970","reference":"AQW 4525/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-12","answerBy":"2022-10-27","answered":"2022-10-14","answeredOrally":false,"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 Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (Northern Ireland) 2021 has reduced violence against women and girls.","answerText":"During my tenure, I have brought forward a number of changes to provide better protections for victims of violent and abusive behaviours, including the new domestic abuse offence, a new stalking offence and protections under the recent Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.\n\nCollectively, these added protections and new offences provide an important response to a wide range of violent and abusive behaviours that predominantly affect women and girls. These measures will also contribute positively to our wider agenda of creating safer communities and protecting those that are affected.\n\nIn line with the reporting requirements in the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (Northern Ireland) 2021, my Department must prepare a report on the operation of the domestic abuse offence, child aggravators and generic aggravators within two to three years of the new offence have coming into operation in February this year. This will allow for a more meaningful assessment of the effectiveness of the Act to be carried out in due course.\n\nI also hope to consult on a new seven year Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy later this year. While this will apply to all, regardless of gender, we know that it will predominantly benefit women who are most affected by these types of crimes and behaviours. My Department is also engaging with the Executive Office in relation to taking forward their Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy.","answerHtml":"During my tenure, I have brought forward a number of changes to provide better protections for victims of violent and abusive behaviours, including the new domestic abuse offence, a new stalking offence and protections under the recent Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.
Collectively, these added protections and new offences provide an important response to a wide range of violent and abusive behaviours that predominantly affect women and girls. These measures will also contribute positively to our wider agenda of creating safer communities and protecting those that are affected.
In line with the reporting requirements in the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (Northern Ireland) 2021, my Department must prepare a report on the operation of the domestic abuse offence, child aggravators and generic aggravators within two to three years of the new offence have coming into operation in February this year. This will allow for a more meaningful assessment of the effectiveness of the Act to be carried out in due course.
I also hope to consult on a new seven year Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy later this year. While this will apply to all, regardless of gender, we know that it will predominantly benefit women who are most affected by these types of crimes and behaviours. My Department is also engaging with the Executive Office in relation to taking forward their Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204525%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383970","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383970"}},{"id":"383969","reference":"AQW 4524/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-12","answerBy":"2022-10-27","answered":"2022-10-18","answeredOrally":false,"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 Protection from Stalking Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 has reduced violence against women and girls.","answerText":"During my tenure, I have brought forward a number of changes to provide better protections for victims of violent and abusive behaviours, including the new domestic abuse offence, a new stalking offence and protections under the recent Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.\n\nCollectively, these added protections and new offences provide an important response to a wide range of violent and abusive behaviours that predominantly affect women and girls. These measures will also contribute positively to our wider agenda of creating safer communities and protecting those that are affected.\n\nWhile the offence only came into operation in April, I am encouraged by the number of changes that have been made in this short time. I am also pleased that a number of cases are due to be heard before the courts in the coming weeks and that one case has already resulted in a conviction and sentence of imprisonment for the offender involved.\n\nIn line with the reporting requirements in the Protection from Stalking Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, my Department must prepare a report on the operation of the stalking offence, the threatening or abusive offence, and Stalking Protection Orders, within two to three years of the new offences and Orders have coming into operation.\n\nThis will allow for a more meaningful assessment of the effectiveness of the Act to be carried out in due course.\n\nI also hope to consult on a new seven year Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy later this year. While this will apply to all, regardless of gender, we know that it will predominantly benefit women who are most affected by these types of crimes and behaviours. My Department is also engaging with the Executive Office in relation to taking forward their Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy.","answerHtml":"During my tenure, I have brought forward a number of changes to provide better protections for victims of violent and abusive behaviours, including the new domestic abuse offence, a new stalking offence and protections under the recent Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.
Collectively, these added protections and new offences provide an important response to a wide range of violent and abusive behaviours that predominantly affect women and girls. These measures will also contribute positively to our wider agenda of creating safer communities and protecting those that are affected.
While the offence only came into operation in April, I am encouraged by the number of changes that have been made in this short time. I am also pleased that a number of cases are due to be heard before the courts in the coming weeks and that one case has already resulted in a conviction and sentence of imprisonment for the offender involved.
In line with the reporting requirements in the Protection from Stalking Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, my Department must prepare a report on the operation of the stalking offence, the threatening or abusive offence, and Stalking Protection Orders, within two to three years of the new offences and Orders have coming into operation.
This will allow for a more meaningful assessment of the effectiveness of the Act to be carried out in due course.
I also hope to consult on a new seven year Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy later this year. While this will apply to all, regardless of gender, we know that it will predominantly benefit women who are most affected by these types of crimes and behaviours. My Department is also engaging with the Executive Office in relation to taking forward their Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204524%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383969","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383969"}},{"id":"383968","reference":"AQW 4523/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-12","answerBy":"2022-10-27","answered":"2022-10-27","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 the Independent Review of Education Interim Report.","answerText":"I welcome the Independent Review of Education panel’s Interim Report and am pleased that the panel has made progress. I am aware they have carried out extensive engagement with stakeholders and I look forward to considering the Final Report in due course.","answerHtml":"I welcome the Independent Review of Education panel’s Interim Report and am pleased that the panel has made progress. I am aware they have carried out extensive engagement with stakeholders and I look forward to considering the Final Report in due course.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204523%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383968","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383968"}},{"id":"383967","reference":"AQW 4522/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-12","answerBy":"2022-10-27","answered":"2022-10-27","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 the degradation of teachers’ pay due to rate of inflation over the last 10 years.","answerText":"Teachers’ terms and conditions, including pay, are negotiated by the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee (TNC). Management Side of the TNC includes representatives from the employers, sectoral interests and DE. Teachers’ Side of the TNC includes representatives from the Northern Ireland Teachers’ Council (NITC) comprising the five recognised teachers’ unions. My Department is not responsible for the management of the TNC although it is represented on it.\n\nPay awards for teachers must comply with the parameters laid out in NI Executive’s public sector pay policy. Given the pressures on Northern Ireland public services and associated budgets in recent years, this policy has dictated that pay awards must be affordable and justified by a pressing labour market case.\n\nIn this context, the annual awards for teachers are detailed below. Please note, these awards are in addition to incremental progression for eligible teachers, estimated at 0.8% of the pay bill per annum.\n\n0%-from 1st September 2012* (NI Executive imposed pay freeze)\n\n1%-from 1st September 2013\n\n1%-from 1st September 2014\n\n0%-from 1st September 2015* (Unions rejected pay offer)\n\n1% - from 1st September 2016\n\n2.25%-from 1st September 2017\n\n2%-from 1st September 2018\n\n2%-from 1st September 2019\n\n2%-from 1st September 2020\n\n*incremental progression was paid to eligible teachers in these years\n\nI hope you find this information useful.","answerHtml":"Teachers’ terms and conditions, including pay, are negotiated by the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee (TNC). Management Side of the TNC includes representatives from the employers, sectoral interests and DE. Teachers’ Side of the TNC includes representatives from the Northern Ireland Teachers’ Council (NITC) comprising the five recognised teachers’ unions. My Department is not responsible for the management of the TNC although it is represented on it.
Pay awards for teachers must comply with the parameters laid out in NI Executive’s public sector pay policy. Given the pressures on Northern Ireland public services and associated budgets in recent years, this policy has dictated that pay awards must be affordable and justified by a pressing labour market case.
In this context, the annual awards for teachers are detailed below. Please note, these awards are in addition to incremental progression for eligible teachers, estimated at 0.8% of the pay bill per annum.
0%-from 1st September 2012* (NI Executive imposed pay freeze)
1%-from 1st September 2013
1%-from 1st September 2014
0%-from 1st September 2015* (Unions rejected pay offer)
1% - from 1st September 2016
2.25%-from 1st September 2017
2%-from 1st September 2018
2%-from 1st September 2019
2%-from 1st September 2020
*incremental progression was paid to eligible teachers in these years
I hope you find this information useful.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204522%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383967","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383967"}},{"id":"383966","reference":"AQW 4521/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-12","answerBy":"2022-10-27","answered":"2022-10-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education what engagement her Department has had with the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee regarding pay settlement for teachers’ salary for (i) the 2021- 2022 academic year; and (ii) the 2022 – 2023 academic year.","answerText":"Teachers’ terms and conditions, including pay, are negotiated by the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee (TNC). Management Side of the TNC includes representatives from the employers, sectoral interests and DE. Teachers’ Side of the TNC includes representatives from the Northern Ireland Teachers’ Council (NITC) comprising the five recognised teachers’ unions. My Department is not responsible for the management of the TNC although it is represented on it.\n\nEngagement has been ongoing over the last number of months between Management Side and the NITC to explore options for a teachers’ pay settlement for 2021-22. Following receipt of the NITC pay claim for 2022-23, these discussions are now considering the options for a multi-year pay deal, which will be dependent on the Education budget and Public Sector Pay Policy for 2022-23. Management Side remains committed to resolving issues regarding teachers’ pay through discussion.","answerHtml":"Teachers’ terms and conditions, including pay, are negotiated by the Teachers’ Negotiating Committee (TNC). Management Side of the TNC includes representatives from the employers, sectoral interests and DE. Teachers’ Side of the TNC includes representatives from the Northern Ireland Teachers’ Council (NITC) comprising the five recognised teachers’ unions. My Department is not responsible for the management of the TNC although it is represented on it.
Engagement has been ongoing over the last number of months between Management Side and the NITC to explore options for a teachers’ pay settlement for 2021-22. Following receipt of the NITC pay claim for 2022-23, these discussions are now considering the options for a multi-year pay deal, which will be dependent on the Education budget and Public Sector Pay Policy for 2022-23. Management Side remains committed to resolving issues regarding teachers’ pay through discussion.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204521%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383966","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383966"}},{"id":"383733","reference":"AQW 4442/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-11","answerBy":"2022-10-26","answered":"2024-06-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities what support her Department has made available to assist people working from home in the context of the cost of living crisis.","answerText":"My officials have worked collaboratively across departments to provide information on all current support available in relation to the cost of living. This information is available on NI Direct’s Cost of Living webpage: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/cost-living.\n\nMy Department will continue to do all it can to support those experiencing hardship.","answerHtml":"My officials have worked collaboratively across departments to provide information on all current support available in relation to the cost of living. This information is available on NI Direct’s Cost of Living webpage: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/cost-living.
My Department will continue to do all it can to support those experiencing hardship.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204442%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383733","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383733"}},{"id":"383732","reference":"AQW 4441/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-11","answerBy":"2022-10-26","answered":"2022-10-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Finance","departmentId":"81","minister":"Minister of Finance","question":"To ask the Minister of Finance what representations he has had from the Minister of Education in relation to funding for the Engage Programme.","answerText":"On 22 June 2022, the Department of Education’s interim Accounting Officer at that time wrote to my Permanent Secretary to seek the Department of Finance’s approval for a Direction, given by the Education Minister, to incur expenditure in delivery of the Engage III programme (£10 million) for the period 1 September to 31 December 2022. Following an assurance which the Education Minister provided to me that this expenditure would be prioritised from the funding envelope ultimately allocated to her Department, I provided approval for the Ministerial Direction on 6 July 2022.\n\nOn 11 October 2022, the Department of Education’s Accounting Officer wrote to me seeking approval for a second Ministerial Direction which he has been given by the Education Minister, to continue the Engage III programme for the period 1 January to 31 March 2023 at a cost of £6.9 million. As departments are now collectively projecting a significant overspend against our Treasury control totals for 2022-23, and the Department of Education specifically is anticipating significant inescapable pressures beyond its baseline, I have responded to the Education Minister to explain that if I am to provide my approval for this further expenditure to be incurred, I would need a firm assurance that her department will be able to take action to ensure this additional expenditure can be funded without overspending against its final budget.","answerHtml":"On 22 June 2022, the Department of Education’s interim Accounting Officer at that time wrote to my Permanent Secretary to seek the Department of Finance’s approval for a Direction, given by the Education Minister, to incur expenditure in delivery of the Engage III programme (£10 million) for the period 1 September to 31 December 2022. Following an assurance which the Education Minister provided to me that this expenditure would be prioritised from the funding envelope ultimately allocated to her Department, I provided approval for the Ministerial Direction on 6 July 2022.
On 11 October 2022, the Department of Education’s Accounting Officer wrote to me seeking approval for a second Ministerial Direction which he has been given by the Education Minister, to continue the Engage III programme for the period 1 January to 31 March 2023 at a cost of £6.9 million. As departments are now collectively projecting a significant overspend against our Treasury control totals for 2022-23, and the Department of Education specifically is anticipating significant inescapable pressures beyond its baseline, I have responded to the Education Minister to explain that if I am to provide my approval for this further expenditure to be incurred, I would need a firm assurance that her department will be able to take action to ensure this additional expenditure can be funded without overspending against its final budget.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204441%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383732","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383732"}},{"id":"383730","reference":"AQW 4439/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-11","answerBy":"2022-10-26","answered":"2024-02-13","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 Engage Programme.","answerText":"In an effort to offset the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Engage Programme was launched in September 2020 using Covid-19 funding provided by DoF and continued in 2021-22 and 2022-23. Over £57m in funding was allocated to settings across the three years of the programme.\n\nThe Engage programme aimed to limit any long-term adverse impact of COVID-19 by supporting pupils’ learning and engagement on their return to school/setting through provision of high quality one to one, small group or team teaching support in every school/setting in Northern Ireland. The Programme provided the flexibility and autonomy settings needed to meet the diverse needs of their pupils and allow them to address the effects of Covid-19. One of the key strengths of the programme is that was shaped by those delivering it on the ground, which allowed for the delivery of a range of interventions and approaches which resulted in increased confidence and motivation of thousands of pupils.\n\nThe 2023/24 budget allocation was extremely challenging for education and as a result the Department had to make significant savings from 1 April 2023. In this context the Engage programme was assessed as not realistically affordable and came to an end on 31 March 2023","answerHtml":"In an effort to offset the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Engage Programme was launched in September 2020 using Covid-19 funding provided by DoF and continued in 2021-22 and 2022-23. Over £57m in funding was allocated to settings across the three years of the programme.
The Engage programme aimed to limit any long-term adverse impact of COVID-19 by supporting pupils’ learning and engagement on their return to school/setting through provision of high quality one to one, small group or team teaching support in every school/setting in Northern Ireland. The Programme provided the flexibility and autonomy settings needed to meet the diverse needs of their pupils and allow them to address the effects of Covid-19. One of the key strengths of the programme is that was shaped by those delivering it on the ground, which allowed for the delivery of a range of interventions and approaches which resulted in increased confidence and motivation of thousands of pupils.
The 2023/24 budget allocation was extremely challenging for education and as a result the Department had to make significant savings from 1 April 2023. In this context the Engage programme was assessed as not realistically affordable and came to an end on 31 March 2023
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204439%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383730","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383730"}},{"id":"383729","reference":"AQW 4438/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-11","answerBy":"2022-10-14","answered":"2022-10-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to outline the impact that the lack of an Executive is having on the Education sector, including what planned work that her Department has had to put on hold due to budgetary uncertainty.","answerText":"Education is facing extensive unavoidable cost pressures and rising service demands associated with delivering statutory and policy obligations.\n\nIn advance of a Final Budget being agreed by a new Executive, I have made a number of 2022-23 risk-based expenditure planning decisions to ensure minimal impact on children and young people. This includes maintaining the Aggregated Schools Budget at the same level as in 2021-22, providing funding to continue the Healthy Happy Minds pilot and Engage II programme until December 2022, extending the School Holiday Food Grant payments to cover the full financial year, and the funding of a number of other time sensitive critical areas.\n\nMy Department started the year with inescapable or pre-committed pressures estimated at a minimum of c£409m against the Department of Finance advised indicative baseline, and this figure has now risen to c£530m (of which c£122m relates to Special Educational Needs). Even against the Finance Minister’s 2022-25 Draft Budget proposals, the Department is heading towards a very significant overspend of up c£370m. This means that it will be extremely challenging to implement a range of things, including the education actions in the Northern Ireland COVID Recovery Plan and any recommendations that will emanate from the Independent Review of Education.\n\nMy Department is extremely restricted in its ability to reprioritise or reduce spend due to the vast majority of its budget being required to address statutory and demand led obligations, and indeed about 80% of the total Education budget is subsumed by staff costs.\n\nWhilst work is ongoing to identify programmes of spend that could be scaled back or stopped, this will be very limited; and obviously any reduction in spend would invariably require cuts to essential frontline services that support the most vulnerable within our society, as well as risking breaching statutory obligations.\n\nMy hope would be that a new Executive will re-consider the Finance Minister’s previous 2022-25 Draft Budget proposals, with the aim of agreeing a multi-year budget in due course.","answerHtml":"Education is facing extensive unavoidable cost pressures and rising service demands associated with delivering statutory and policy obligations.
In advance of a Final Budget being agreed by a new Executive, I have made a number of 2022-23 risk-based expenditure planning decisions to ensure minimal impact on children and young people. This includes maintaining the Aggregated Schools Budget at the same level as in 2021-22, providing funding to continue the Healthy Happy Minds pilot and Engage II programme until December 2022, extending the School Holiday Food Grant payments to cover the full financial year, and the funding of a number of other time sensitive critical areas.
My Department started the year with inescapable or pre-committed pressures estimated at a minimum of c£409m against the Department of Finance advised indicative baseline, and this figure has now risen to c£530m (of which c£122m relates to Special Educational Needs). Even against the Finance Minister’s 2022-25 Draft Budget proposals, the Department is heading towards a very significant overspend of up c£370m. This means that it will be extremely challenging to implement a range of things, including the education actions in the Northern Ireland COVID Recovery Plan and any recommendations that will emanate from the Independent Review of Education.
My Department is extremely restricted in its ability to reprioritise or reduce spend due to the vast majority of its budget being required to address statutory and demand led obligations, and indeed about 80% of the total Education budget is subsumed by staff costs.
Whilst work is ongoing to identify programmes of spend that could be scaled back or stopped, this will be very limited; and obviously any reduction in spend would invariably require cuts to essential frontline services that support the most vulnerable within our society, as well as risking breaching statutory obligations.
My hope would be that a new Executive will re-consider the Finance Minister’s previous 2022-25 Draft Budget proposals, with the aim of agreeing a multi-year budget in due course.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204438%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383729","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383729"}},{"id":"383574","reference":"AQW 4377/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-10","answerBy":"2022-10-25","answered":"2022-10-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the number of asylum seeker and refugee children currently attending school who (i) live in MEARS accommodation; and (ii) are housed through the Homes for Ukraine scheme.","answerText":"The Department does not hold data on the number of children living in contingency MEARS accommodation as it is not a signatory to the data-sharing agreement in place between the Home Office and MEARS.\n\nData on the number of children arriving from Ukraine and enrolled in schools here will be available when the Department’s October census is published.\n\nMoving forward my officials continue to engage with the Education Authority and other NICS departments to develop and implement proposals to support the increasing number of ASR families arriving in Northern Ireland.","answerHtml":"The Department does not hold data on the number of children living in contingency MEARS accommodation as it is not a signatory to the data-sharing agreement in place between the Home Office and MEARS.
Data on the number of children arriving from Ukraine and enrolled in schools here will be available when the Department’s October census is published.
Moving forward my officials continue to engage with the Education Authority and other NICS departments to develop and implement proposals to support the increasing number of ASR families arriving in Northern Ireland.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204377%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383574","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383574"}},{"id":"383573","reference":"AQW 4376/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-10","answerBy":"2022-10-25","answered":"2022-10-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education what provisions her Department has in place to assist refugee and asylum seeker children (i) in accessing schools in an accessible location to their accommodation; and (ii) to ensure that they are supported in the continuation of their education.","answerText":"The Department works in partnership with schools and the Education Authority’s (EA) Intercultural Education Service (IES) to help families find a suitable school place, preferably as close to their accommodation as possible. Schools receive advice, guidance and support from IES to help children move from early induction to early language acquisition and on to sustained integration within the school community. IES also provides families with advice on access to free school meals, school uniform grants, school transport assistance and if required additional English classes.\n\nThe Department has provided additional funding for temporary primary and post-primary Welcome Hubs at two schools in the Greater Belfast area to enable children who are accommodated in hotels to access education until they are housed and have a permanent school place in proximity to their eventual location.\n\nThe Department continues to engage with the EA and other departments to develop and implement proposals to support the increasing number of Asylum Seeking and Refugee (ASR) families arriving in Northern Ireland. DE is represented on the Strategic Planning Group (SPG) for ASR which is chaired by The Executive Office and meets fortnightly.","answerHtml":"The Department works in partnership with schools and the Education Authority’s (EA) Intercultural Education Service (IES) to help families find a suitable school place, preferably as close to their accommodation as possible. Schools receive advice, guidance and support from IES to help children move from early induction to early language acquisition and on to sustained integration within the school community. IES also provides families with advice on access to free school meals, school uniform grants, school transport assistance and if required additional English classes.
The Department has provided additional funding for temporary primary and post-primary Welcome Hubs at two schools in the Greater Belfast area to enable children who are accommodated in hotels to access education until they are housed and have a permanent school place in proximity to their eventual location.
The Department continues to engage with the EA and other departments to develop and implement proposals to support the increasing number of Asylum Seeking and Refugee (ASR) families arriving in Northern Ireland. DE is represented on the Strategic Planning Group (SPG) for ASR which is chaired by The Executive Office and meets fortnightly.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204376%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383573","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383573"}},{"id":"383572","reference":"AQW 4375/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-10","answerBy":"2022-10-25","answered":"2022-10-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what work his Department is doing, in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, to address coastal erosion.","answerText":"The Coastal Forum meets 1-2 times per year and brings together relevant government Departments, local Councils with a coastline and other interested parties to discuss coastal change issues in the North and seeks to adopt a more strategic approach to managing those issues.\n\nA joint DfI / DAERA Coastal Forum Working Group has also been created to support the work of the Coastal Forum and progress actions to improve coastal management.\n\nDAERA has invested over £1.5M on evidence gathering with the primary aim of acquiring a baseline dataset for the coastline.\n\nDfI, DAERA and Irish Government Departments are seeking to secure funding under Investment Area 5.2 of PEACE PLUS programme which the Departments expect to enable a cross border approach to the protection of the marine and coastal environment.","answerHtml":"The Coastal Forum meets 1-2 times per year and brings together relevant government Departments, local Councils with a coastline and other interested parties to discuss coastal change issues in the North and seeks to adopt a more strategic approach to managing those issues.
A joint DfI / DAERA Coastal Forum Working Group has also been created to support the work of the Coastal Forum and progress actions to improve coastal management.
DAERA has invested over £1.5M on evidence gathering with the primary aim of acquiring a baseline dataset for the coastline.
DfI, DAERA and Irish Government Departments are seeking to secure funding under Investment Area 5.2 of PEACE PLUS programme which the Departments expect to enable a cross border approach to the protection of the marine and coastal environment.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204375%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383572","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383572"}},{"id":"383571","reference":"AQW 4374/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-10","answerBy":"2022-10-25","answered":"2022-10-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) what consultation his Department conducted regarding the decision to close the Sydenham Bypass on 30 September to 3 October 2022, 7 to 10 October 2022, 14 to 17 October 2022 and 21 to 24 October 2022; and (ii) what were the reasons for the closure taking place at these times.","answerText":"(i) My Department carefully planned these road works and associated traffic management arrangements in order to minimise inconvenience to the public. Prior to the awarding of the contract, officials consulted with both the George Best City Airport and Belfast Harbour Estate. Further meetings were held before commencement of the works and all traffic management arrangements were publicised on social media and through partner organisations such as Belfast City Airport.\n\n(ii) There is no ideal time for works of this scale and disruption is inevitable. The works were scheduled for the weekend and overnight because this is when the traffic flow is at its lightest compared to during the week.\n\nShould you have any further questions on this please contact DfI Roads Eastern Division at dfiroads.eastern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk","answerHtml":"(i) My Department carefully planned these road works and associated traffic management arrangements in order to minimise inconvenience to the public. Prior to the awarding of the contract, officials consulted with both the George Best City Airport and Belfast Harbour Estate. Further meetings were held before commencement of the works and all traffic management arrangements were publicised on social media and through partner organisations such as Belfast City Airport.
(ii) There is no ideal time for works of this scale and disruption is inevitable. The works were scheduled for the weekend and overnight because this is when the traffic flow is at its lightest compared to during the week.
Should you have any further questions on this please contact DfI Roads Eastern Division at dfiroads.eastern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204374%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383571","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383571"}},{"id":"383570","reference":"AQW 4373/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-10","answerBy":"2022-10-13","answered":"2022-10-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what measures his Department is taking to mitigate against further traffic congestion caused by closing the Sydenham Bypass on 30 September to 3 October 2022, 7 to 10 October 2022, 14 to 17 October 2022 and 21 to 24 October 2022.","answerText":"Local officials have met with the contractors to review the arrangements over the first weekend to seek to identify improvements aimed at reducing congestion over the weekends of 30 September - 3 October, 7- 10 October, 14-17 October and 21- 24 October when further works were planned.\n\nAs well as providing increased signage, additional cones were deployed to encourage vehicles to use the planned diversion along the Sydenham Road. My Department has also been working with our contractor to open access to the M3 bridge from the Westlink to the Sydenham Road for the remainder of the works and this should also help alleviate congestion.\n\nShould you have any further questions on this matter, please contact DfI Roads Eastern Division at: dfiroads.eastern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.","answerHtml":"Local officials have met with the contractors to review the arrangements over the first weekend to seek to identify improvements aimed at reducing congestion over the weekends of 30 September - 3 October, 7- 10 October, 14-17 October and 21- 24 October when further works were planned.
As well as providing increased signage, additional cones were deployed to encourage vehicles to use the planned diversion along the Sydenham Road. My Department has also been working with our contractor to open access to the M3 bridge from the Westlink to the Sydenham Road for the remainder of the works and this should also help alleviate congestion.
Should you have any further questions on this matter, please contact DfI Roads Eastern Division at: dfiroads.eastern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204373%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383570","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383570"}},{"id":"383469","reference":"AQW 4312/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-07","answerBy":"2022-10-12","answered":"2022-10-17","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education on how many occasions have children with special educational needs been left on transport arranged by the Education Authority and not taken to school (i) since the beginning of 2022-23 academic year; and (ii) in the previous five academic years.","answerText":"The number of occasions that children attending a special school have been left on transport arranged by the Education Authority is detailed in the table below:\n\nAcademic year\tNumber of incidents involving pupils attending a Special School*\n2022/23\t3\n2021/22\t1\n2020/21\t2\n2019/20\t1\n2018/19\t5\n2017/18\t4\n\n* Figures include incidents on EA bus services and Private Hire services.","answerHtml":"The number of occasions that children attending a special school have been left on transport arranged by the Education Authority is detailed in the table below:
| Academic year | Number of incidents involving pupils attending a Special School* |
| 2022/23 | 3 |
| 2021/22 | 1 |
| 2020/21 | 2 |
| 2019/20 | 1 |
| 2018/19 | 5 |
| 2017/18 | 4 |
* Figures include incidents on EA bus services and Private Hire services.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204312%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383469","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383469"}},{"id":"383468","reference":"AQW 4311/22-27","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 outline the reasons for the delays in the NI Water Bangor Sewerage Improvement Project at Brompton Road and Stricklands Glen Wastewater Pumping Stations.","answerText":"The status of work at wastewater infrastructure across the North is an operational matter for NI Water. You should therefore direct your question to NI Water at waterline@niwater.com.","answerHtml":"The status of work at wastewater infrastructure across the North is an operational matter for NI Water. You should therefore direct your question to NI Water at waterline@niwater.com.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204311%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383468","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383468"}},{"id":"383467","reference":"AQW 4310/22-27","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 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 his Department is planning to introduce legislation to address coastal erosion.","answerText":"Officials in my Department and DfI have been tasked to look at policy options around coastal erosion risk management.\n\nCurrently there is no specific legislation in Northern Ireland to address coastal change, resulting in a lack of targeted resources and scientific data to assist in coastal management. This gap has been recognised for some time and my Department is working collaboratively with DfI, coastal councils and the National Trust in a Coastal Forum.","answerHtml":"Officials in my Department and DfI have been tasked to look at policy options around coastal erosion risk management.
Currently there is no specific legislation in Northern Ireland to address coastal change, resulting in a lack of targeted resources and scientific data to assist in coastal management. This gap has been recognised for some time and my Department is working collaboratively with DfI, coastal councils and the National Trust in a Coastal Forum.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204310%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383467","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383467"}},{"id":"383466","reference":"AQW 4309/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-07","answerBy":"2022-10-24","answered":"2022-10-18","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 will produce a coastal management strategy for Northern Ireland.","answerText":"My Department already has a coastal management strategy for Northern Ireland. This was launched in June 2006 by the then Department of the Environment and is entitled “Towards an Integrated Coastal Zone Management Strategy for Northern Ireland 2006 – 2026”.\n\nThis Strategy sets out the long-term objectives for achieving sustainable coastal management, through improvements to existing management systems, the development of new management systems and identifying and dealing with potential areas of conflict.\n\nWith regards to future policy, both my Department and the Department for Infrastructure have agreed a series of policy workshops to explore future coastal policy options through a Coastal Forum which will enable climate change adaptation and increase resilience to coastal change. One workshop was held back in December 2021 and another is being arranged for November 2022.","answerHtml":"My Department already has a coastal management strategy for Northern Ireland. This was launched in June 2006 by the then Department of the Environment and is entitled “Towards an Integrated Coastal Zone Management Strategy for Northern Ireland 2006 – 2026”.
This Strategy sets out the long-term objectives for achieving sustainable coastal management, through improvements to existing management systems, the development of new management systems and identifying and dealing with potential areas of conflict.
With regards to future policy, both my Department and the Department for Infrastructure have agreed a series of policy workshops to explore future coastal policy options through a Coastal Forum which will enable climate change adaptation and increase resilience to coastal change. One workshop was held back in December 2021 and another is being arranged for November 2022.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204309%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383466","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383466"}},{"id":"383465","reference":"AQW 4308/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-07","answerBy":"2022-10-24","answered":"2022-10-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health why Northern Ireland is the only region in the UK that does not have a sexual health strategy.","answerText":"No decision has been taken to develop a new Sexual Health Strategy. The previous Sexual Health Promotion Strategy lapsed in 2015, following a two year addendum. Since then, a sexual health improvement action plan has set the direction for progress on sexual health awareness and promotion.\n\nThe latest draft action plan was in its final stages of agreement at the end of 2019, but due to the pandemic, work on this ceased. Officials are now refreshing this action plan.\n\nThe need for a new strategy will be kept under review.","answerHtml":"No decision has been taken to develop a new Sexual Health Strategy. The previous Sexual Health Promotion Strategy lapsed in 2015, following a two year addendum. Since then, a sexual health improvement action plan has set the direction for progress on sexual health awareness and promotion.
The latest draft action plan was in its final stages of agreement at the end of 2019, but due to the pandemic, work on this ceased. Officials are now refreshing this action plan.
The need for a new strategy will be kept under review.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204308%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383465","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383465"}},{"id":"383242","reference":"AQW 4207/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-06","answerBy":"2022-10-21","answered":"2024-02-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education (i) what actions are being taken to ensure that comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights is made a compulsory curriculum component for adolescents; and (ii) how will its implementation be monitored.","answerText":"These are historical questions from 2022 and the answer below is therefore based on the current position in respect of Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE).\n\nRelationships and Sexuality education (RSE) is mandatory for all pupils of compulsory school age as set out in The Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007. The statutory curriculum for Personal Development and Mutual Understanding at primary level and the Personal Development strand of Learning for Life and Work at post-primary level, prescribes the high-level minimum content RSE at each key stage. This is the minimum entitlement that all young people must receive. The minimum content provides flexibility and schools have a high degree of autonomy over what is taught.\n\nOn 5 June 2023 the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland brought forward Regulations under his powers in section 9 of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019 to ensure that the recommendations in paragraphs 85 and 86 of the 2018 report of the United Nations Committee on the Ending of Discrimination Against Women (“the CEDAW Report”) were implemented in respect of Northern Ireland.\n\nSpecific to education, paragraph 86(d) required the United Kingdom Government to “Make age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights a compulsory curriculum component for adolescents, covering early pregnancy prevention and access to abortion, and monitor its implementation”. The Department is required to report to the Assembly by September 2026 on the implementation.\n\nThe Relationships and Sexuality Education (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 amended the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and the Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007 in respect of Learning for Life and Work to ensure pupils at key stages 3 and 4 (aged 11-16 in years 8-12) receive age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights, covering prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion.\n\nOn 1 January 2024 my Department issued RSE guidance to schools to support the changes brought about by the Secretary of State. Whilst the Board of Governors and the principal have statutory responsibility to deliver the minimum curriculum content, they also have autonomy over when, how and who is involved in curriculum delivery, aligned with the ethos of the school. This includes the change to the curriculum made by the Secretary of State with regards to RSE.\n\nIn relation to the Gillen Review, my officials continue to engage with the Department of Justice (DoJ) led Gillen Implementation Team and with the Executive Office to tackle the issue and end violence against women and girls.","answerHtml":"These are historical questions from 2022 and the answer below is therefore based on the current position in respect of Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE).
Relationships and Sexuality education (RSE) is mandatory for all pupils of compulsory school age as set out in The Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007. The statutory curriculum for Personal Development and Mutual Understanding at primary level and the Personal Development strand of Learning for Life and Work at post-primary level, prescribes the high-level minimum content RSE at each key stage. This is the minimum entitlement that all young people must receive. The minimum content provides flexibility and schools have a high degree of autonomy over what is taught.
On 5 June 2023 the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland brought forward Regulations under his powers in section 9 of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019 to ensure that the recommendations in paragraphs 85 and 86 of the 2018 report of the United Nations Committee on the Ending of Discrimination Against Women (“the CEDAW Report”) were implemented in respect of Northern Ireland.
Specific to education, paragraph 86(d) required the United Kingdom Government to “Make age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights a compulsory curriculum component for adolescents, covering early pregnancy prevention and access to abortion, and monitor its implementation”. The Department is required to report to the Assembly by September 2026 on the implementation.
The Relationships and Sexuality Education (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 amended the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and the Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007 in respect of Learning for Life and Work to ensure pupils at key stages 3 and 4 (aged 11-16 in years 8-12) receive age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights, covering prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion.
On 1 January 2024 my Department issued RSE guidance to schools to support the changes brought about by the Secretary of State. Whilst the Board of Governors and the principal have statutory responsibility to deliver the minimum curriculum content, they also have autonomy over when, how and who is involved in curriculum delivery, aligned with the ethos of the school. This includes the change to the curriculum made by the Secretary of State with regards to RSE.
In relation to the Gillen Review, my officials continue to engage with the Department of Justice (DoJ) led Gillen Implementation Team and with the Executive Office to tackle the issue and end violence against women and girls.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204207%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383242","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383242"}},{"id":"383241","reference":"AQW 4206/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-06","answerBy":"2022-10-21","answered":"2024-02-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether a circular has been sent to school authorities advising them of the passage of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019 and the impact of section 9 (1) of this legislation with regards to the provision of Relationships and Sexuality Education.","answerText":"These are historical questions from 2022 and the answer below is therefore based on the current position in respect of Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE).\n\nRelationships and Sexuality education (RSE) is mandatory for all pupils of compulsory school age as set out in The Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007. The statutory curriculum for Personal Development and Mutual Understanding at primary level and the Personal Development strand of Learning for Life and Work at post-primary level, prescribes the high-level minimum content RSE at each key stage. This is the minimum entitlement that all young people must receive. The minimum content provides flexibility and schools have a high degree of autonomy over what is taught.\n\nOn 5 June 2023 the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland brought forward Regulations under his powers in section 9 of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019 to ensure that the recommendations in paragraphs 85 and 86 of the 2018 report of the United Nations Committee on the Ending of Discrimination Against Women (“the CEDAW Report”) were implemented in respect of Northern Ireland.\n\nSpecific to education, paragraph 86(d) required the United Kingdom Government to “Make age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights a compulsory curriculum component for adolescents, covering early pregnancy prevention and access to abortion, and monitor its implementation”. The Department is required to report to the Assembly by September 2026 on the implementation.\n\nThe Relationships and Sexuality Education (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 amended the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and the Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007 in respect of Learning for Life and Work to ensure pupils at key stages 3 and 4 (aged 11-16 in years 8-12) receive age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights, covering prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion.\n\nOn 1 January 2024 my Department issued RSE guidance to schools to support the changes brought about by the Secretary of State. Whilst the Board of Governors and the principal have statutory responsibility to deliver the minimum curriculum content, they also have autonomy over when, how and who is involved in curriculum delivery, aligned with the ethos of the school. This includes the change to the curriculum made by the Secretary of State with regards to RSE.\n\nIn relation to the Gillen Review, my officials continue to engage with the Department of Justice (DoJ) led Gillen Implementation Team and with the Executive Office to tackle the issue and end violence against women and girls.","answerHtml":"These are historical questions from 2022 and the answer below is therefore based on the current position in respect of Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE).
Relationships and Sexuality education (RSE) is mandatory for all pupils of compulsory school age as set out in The Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007. The statutory curriculum for Personal Development and Mutual Understanding at primary level and the Personal Development strand of Learning for Life and Work at post-primary level, prescribes the high-level minimum content RSE at each key stage. This is the minimum entitlement that all young people must receive. The minimum content provides flexibility and schools have a high degree of autonomy over what is taught.
On 5 June 2023 the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland brought forward Regulations under his powers in section 9 of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019 to ensure that the recommendations in paragraphs 85 and 86 of the 2018 report of the United Nations Committee on the Ending of Discrimination Against Women (“the CEDAW Report”) were implemented in respect of Northern Ireland.
Specific to education, paragraph 86(d) required the United Kingdom Government to “Make age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights a compulsory curriculum component for adolescents, covering early pregnancy prevention and access to abortion, and monitor its implementation”. The Department is required to report to the Assembly by September 2026 on the implementation.
The Relationships and Sexuality Education (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 amended the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and the Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007 in respect of Learning for Life and Work to ensure pupils at key stages 3 and 4 (aged 11-16 in years 8-12) receive age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights, covering prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion.
On 1 January 2024 my Department issued RSE guidance to schools to support the changes brought about by the Secretary of State. Whilst the Board of Governors and the principal have statutory responsibility to deliver the minimum curriculum content, they also have autonomy over when, how and who is involved in curriculum delivery, aligned with the ethos of the school. This includes the change to the curriculum made by the Secretary of State with regards to RSE.
In relation to the Gillen Review, my officials continue to engage with the Department of Justice (DoJ) led Gillen Implementation Team and with the Executive Office to tackle the issue and end violence against women and girls.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204206%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383241","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383241"}},{"id":"383240","reference":"AQW 4205/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-06","answerBy":"2022-10-21","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 representations he has had from the (i) Education Authority; and (ii) Department of Education, on the £268 million deficit in the Education Authority budget.","answerText":"As an Arm’s Length Body, the Education Authority does not engage directly with my Department; rather, engagement is between the Department of Education, as the sponsor department, and the Department of Finance.\n\nIn the absence of an agreed Budget, my Department provided all departments with contingency planning envelopes at the start of the 2022-23 financial year to assist with financial planning. The Education Minister has discretion to prioritise her Department’s expenditure in line with her priorities. I understand that the deficit you have referred to is against the planning envelope that the Education Minister has provided to the Education Authority.\n\nIn June 2022, the Department of Education provided my Department with a list of its anticipated pressures, including pressures within the Education Authority.\n\nThe Department of Education provides my Department with monthly Outturn & Forecast Outturn returns, which has also highlighted financial pressures for 2022-23 for the Department of Education, including within the Education Authority, and which my Department continues to keep under review. My officials also hold regular meetings with DE Finance officials, at which pressures have been advised and discussed.","answerHtml":"As an Arm’s Length Body, the Education Authority does not engage directly with my Department; rather, engagement is between the Department of Education, as the sponsor department, and the Department of Finance.
In the absence of an agreed Budget, my Department provided all departments with contingency planning envelopes at the start of the 2022-23 financial year to assist with financial planning. The Education Minister has discretion to prioritise her Department’s expenditure in line with her priorities. I understand that the deficit you have referred to is against the planning envelope that the Education Minister has provided to the Education Authority.
In June 2022, the Department of Education provided my Department with a list of its anticipated pressures, including pressures within the Education Authority.
The Department of Education provides my Department with monthly Outturn & Forecast Outturn returns, which has also highlighted financial pressures for 2022-23 for the Department of Education, including within the Education Authority, and which my Department continues to keep under review. My officials also hold regular meetings with DE Finance officials, at which pressures have been advised and discussed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204205%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383240","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383240"}},{"id":"383239","reference":"AQW 4204/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-06","answerBy":"2022-10-21","answered":"2022-10-18","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 when his Department will publish the findings of the Review of Bathing Waters in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"My Department is undertaking a Review of Bathing Waters during 2022 and 2023. There has been a significant public response to the Review, and officials have been assessing the viability of nominated sites over the summer, to be followed by a programme of water quality testing of viable sites.\n\nI expect to be in a position to publish the outcome of the review in summer of next year.","answerHtml":"My Department is undertaking a Review of Bathing Waters during 2022 and 2023. There has been a significant public response to the Review, and officials have been assessing the viability of nominated sites over the summer, to be followed by a programme of water quality testing of viable sites.
I expect to be in a position to publish the outcome of the review in summer of next year.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204204%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383239","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383239"}},{"id":"383238","reference":"AQW 4203/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-06","answerBy":"2022-10-11","answered":"2022-10-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he will extend the 30mph speed limit on the B21 to the junction of High Bangor Road and Rocklyn Crescent, given the high density of residential homes in this area.","answerText":"I am advised that my Department has previously completed a speed limit review of the B21 Donaghadee Road and High Bangor Road in accordance with current policy which indicated that the existing speed limit is appropriate, given the level of development and the nature of the road.\n\nShould you have any further questions on this matter, please contact DfI Roads -Southern Division at: dfiroads.southern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.","answerHtml":"I am advised that my Department has previously completed a speed limit review of the B21 Donaghadee Road and High Bangor Road in accordance with current policy which indicated that the existing speed limit is appropriate, given the level of development and the nature of the road.
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%204203%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383238","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383238"}},{"id":"383125","reference":"AQW 4145/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-05","answerBy":"2022-10-20","answered":"2022-10-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities whether she will produce a women’s employment strategy.","answerText":"The Department for Communities is leading on the development of the Executive's new Gender Equality Strategy. Employment issues affecting women have been raised by stakeholders as part of the co-design process. Subject to Executive approval, it is anticipated that the Strategy will include actions targeted at removing barriers faced by women in accessing the labour market.","answerHtml":"The Department for Communities is leading on the development of the Executive's new Gender Equality Strategy. Employment issues affecting women have been raised by stakeholders as part of the co-design process. Subject to Executive approval, it is anticipated that the Strategy will include actions targeted at removing barriers faced by women in accessing the labour market.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204145%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383125","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383125"}},{"id":"383107","reference":"AQW 4127/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-05","answerBy":"2022-10-20","answered":"2022-10-18","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 what engagement he has had with Ards and North Down Borough Council in relation to byelaws in Crawfordsburn Country Park.","answerText":"I can confirm that there has been substantial and ongoing engagement between my Department and Ards and North Down Borough Council in relation to byelaws applicable to Crawfordsburn Country Park.\n\nThis has included a multi-agency meeting in September 2021 involving various locally elected representatives, the chief executive of the council along with other relevant stakeholders. This has been followed up with ongoing written correspondence between the Council and my Department.","answerHtml":"I can confirm that there has been substantial and ongoing engagement between my Department and Ards and North Down Borough Council in relation to byelaws applicable to Crawfordsburn Country Park.
This has included a multi-agency meeting in September 2021 involving various locally elected representatives, the chief executive of the council along with other relevant stakeholders. This has been followed up with ongoing written correspondence between the Council and my Department.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204127%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383107","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383107"}},{"id":"383106","reference":"AQW 4126/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-05","answerBy":"2022-10-20","answered":"2024-02-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to outline (i) the mechanism for the Education Training Inspectorate to inspect religious education in schools; and (ii) how this differs from other subjects on the curriculum.","answerText":"Article 102 of The Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 provides for inspection of schools, and other relevant establishments. Inspections under this Article must be conducted by inspectors appointed by the Department to monitor, inspect and report on the quality of education. The functions conferred on inspectors by this legislation are not exercisable in relation to any provision for religious education included in the curriculum of a school except with the agreement of the Board of Governors of the school.\n\nThe Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) does not inspect the provision of religious education, however at the request of the Chair of the Board of Governors, inspectors will include religious education lessons as part of the evidence base when evaluating the quality of provision.","answerHtml":"Article 102 of The Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 provides for inspection of schools, and other relevant establishments. Inspections under this Article must be conducted by inspectors appointed by the Department to monitor, inspect and report on the quality of education. The functions conferred on inspectors by this legislation are not exercisable in relation to any provision for religious education included in the curriculum of a school except with the agreement of the Board of Governors of the school.
The Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) does not inspect the provision of religious education, however at the request of the Chair of the Board of Governors, inspectors will include religious education lessons as part of the evidence base when evaluating the quality of provision.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204126%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383106","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383106"}},{"id":"383105","reference":"AQW 4125/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-05","answerBy":"2022-10-20","answered":"2022-10-12","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 work of her Department to deliver on the Sub-Regional Stadia Programme for Soccer.","answerText":"The Department have been taking work forward in partnership with the IFA, NIFL and the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) to ensure final proposals are informed by an up-to-date understanding of needs.\n\nHowever, the challenges created by the continued absence of a functioning Executive mean I cannot bring new proposals for endorsement and agreement as is required.","answerHtml":"The Department have been taking work forward in partnership with the IFA, NIFL and the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) to ensure final proposals are informed by an up-to-date understanding of needs.
However, the challenges created by the continued absence of a functioning Executive mean I cannot bring new proposals for endorsement and agreement as is required.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204125%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383105","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383105"}},{"id":"383104","reference":"AQW 4124/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-05","answerBy":"2022-10-10","answered":"2022-10-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he will introduce a 20mph speed limit on Brunswick Road, Bangor outside St Comgall's Primary School, St Comgall's Pre-School and Trinity Nursery School.","answerText":"I can confirm that these schools were assessed along with all of the other schools within the Ards & North Down area using the assessment framework. The highest scoring schools were included in tranche one with the next highest ranking schools included in tranche two. Based on the assessment score, these schools did not rank highly enough to warrant inclusion in either tranche one or two.\n\nThe second tranche of part-time 20mph speed limits at schools is being delivered this year and upon completion, over 215 schools across the North will be benefitting from this initiative. Once these sites are fully operational and have had sufficient time to bed in, my Department will be in a better position in order to progress a review to determine if a further roll out of 20mph speed limits at schools will be taken forward. Therefore, regrettably, I am unable at this stage to confirm if these measures will be introduced at St Comgall's Primary School, St Comgall's Pre-School and Trinity Nursery School. However, I can assure you that it will be included in the assessment process for any future roll-out along with all the other schools that do not currently have such measures.\n\nShould you have any further questions on this matter, please contact DfI Roads -Southern Division at: dfiroads.southern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.","answerHtml":"I can confirm that these schools were assessed along with all of the other schools within the Ards & North Down area using the assessment framework. The highest scoring schools were included in tranche one with the next highest ranking schools included in tranche two. Based on the assessment score, these schools did not rank highly enough to warrant inclusion in either tranche one or two.
The second tranche of part-time 20mph speed limits at schools is being delivered this year and upon completion, over 215 schools across the North will be benefitting from this initiative. Once these sites are fully operational and have had sufficient time to bed in, my Department will be in a better position in order to progress a review to determine if a further roll out of 20mph speed limits at schools will be taken forward. Therefore, regrettably, I am unable at this stage to confirm if these measures will be introduced at St Comgall's Primary School, St Comgall's Pre-School and Trinity Nursery School. However, I can assure you that it will be included in the assessment process for any future roll-out along with all the other schools that do not currently have such measures.
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%204124%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383104","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383104"}},{"id":"383001","reference":"AQW 4077/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-04","answerBy":"2022-10-19","answered":"2022-10-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether his Department will resurface Bridge Road South, Helen’s Bay.","answerText":"As previously confirmed in responses to AQW 2726/22-27 and AQW 3707/22-27, details of resurfacing programmes are to be included in my Department’s 2022-23 Annual Report for Ards and North Down Borough Council.\n\nI can confirm that the Report was presented to Council on 11 October 2022 and is now published on the Department’s website and has been placed in the Assembly library. A web-link to the published Report is included below:\n\nhttps://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/annual-report-ards-and-north-down-borough-council-20222023\n\nShould you have any further questions on this matter, please contact DfI Roads Southern Division at: dfiroads.southern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk","answerHtml":"As previously confirmed in responses to AQW 2726/22-27 and AQW 3707/22-27, details of resurfacing programmes are to be included in my Department’s 2022-23 Annual Report for Ards and North Down Borough Council.
I can confirm that the Report was presented to Council on 11 October 2022 and is now published on the Department’s website and has been placed in the Assembly library. A web-link to the published Report is included below:
https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/annual-report-ards-and-north-down-borough-council-20222023
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%204077%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383001","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383001"}},{"id":"383000","reference":"AQW 4076/22-27","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 for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on the work her Department is undertaking to introduce a legislative ban on conversion therapy.","answerText":"Working closely with representatives of those most impacted is ongoing.\n\nThe issue was discussed with the LGBTQI+ Co-design Group as part of the work on development of the Strategy.\n\nPolicy work is continuing to inform the drafting of legislation. It is essential that legislation is robust and fit for purpose.","answerHtml":"Working closely with representatives of those most impacted is ongoing.
The issue was discussed with the LGBTQI+ Co-design Group as part of the work on development of the Strategy.
Policy work is continuing to inform the drafting of legislation. It is essential that legislation is robust and fit for purpose.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204076%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=383000","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=383000"}},{"id":"382999","reference":"AQW 4075/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-04","answerBy":"2022-10-19","answered":"2022-10-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether his Department will carry out a feasibility study for a cycle lane along the A2 between Bangor and Belfast.","answerText":"My Department currently has no plans to carry out a feasibility study for a cycle lane along the A2 between Bangor and Belfast.\n\nShould you have any further questions on this matter, please contact DfI Roads Southern Division at: dfiroads.southern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.","answerHtml":"My Department currently has no plans to carry out a feasibility study for a cycle lane along the A2 between Bangor and Belfast.
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%204075%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=382999","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=382999"}},{"id":"382998","reference":"AQW 4074/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-04","answerBy":"2022-10-19","answered":"2022-10-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education which recommendations from the Independent Review of Integrated Education (i) have been fully implemented; (ii) are in the process of being implemented; and (iii) have not been implemented by her Department.","answerText":"The Independent Review of Integrated Education report was published by Peter Weir, then Minister of Education, on 2 March 2017 for information purposes and without any endorsement in advance of considering the recommendations. When the Executive resumed in January 2020 Minister Weir considered the 39 recommendations contained in the report.\n\nRecommendations 12, 15, 17, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 have been actioned or progressed as far as possible e.g. within the rules of Fresh Start capital funding.\n\nRecommendation 22 is within the remit of the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) to take forward. My Department funds NICIE to encourage and promote integrated education and to provide support to all integrated schools. Additionally, support services are provided for grant aided schools by the Education Authority. Grant Maintained Integrated Schools can avail of these should they wish to – an additional Common Funding Formula factor has been provided to them as a contribution to the costs of such services.\n\nRecommendations 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 33, 37 and 38 are being considered as part of the Terms of Reference of the Independent Review of Education given the fact that they relate primarily to statutory requirements, or wider Departmental policy, which is being considered through the work of the Independent Panel.\n\nRecommendations 5, 18, 21, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36 and 39 are not approved and will not be taken forward.","answerHtml":"The Independent Review of Integrated Education report was published by Peter Weir, then Minister of Education, on 2 March 2017 for information purposes and without any endorsement in advance of considering the recommendations. When the Executive resumed in January 2020 Minister Weir considered the 39 recommendations contained in the report.
Recommendations 12, 15, 17, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 have been actioned or progressed as far as possible e.g. within the rules of Fresh Start capital funding.
Recommendation 22 is within the remit of the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) to take forward. My Department funds NICIE to encourage and promote integrated education and to provide support to all integrated schools. Additionally, support services are provided for grant aided schools by the Education Authority. Grant Maintained Integrated Schools can avail of these should they wish to – an additional Common Funding Formula factor has been provided to them as a contribution to the costs of such services.
Recommendations 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 33, 37 and 38 are being considered as part of the Terms of Reference of the Independent Review of Education given the fact that they relate primarily to statutory requirements, or wider Departmental policy, which is being considered through the work of the Independent Panel.
Recommendations 5, 18, 21, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36 and 39 are not approved and will not be taken forward.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204074%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=382998","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=382998"}},{"id":"382997","reference":"AQW 4073/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-04","answerBy":"2022-10-07","answered":"2022-10-07","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education which recommendations from the Fair Start Report (i) have been fully implemented; (ii) are in the process of being implemented; and (iii) have not been implemented by her Department.","answerText":"I am pleased to report that excellent progress is being made against all of the actions within the report \"A Fair Start\". Forty eight actions for change are being taken forward this year. Forty from the original report plus eight additional actions.\n\nThe report identified forty seven actions in total. These were split between Short term (ST) actions (Years 1 and 2), Medium Term (Years 3 and 4) and Long Term (Year 5 and beyond). Given that the plan was published during the 2021/22 financial year, 2022/23 is considered to be Year 1 of the Action Plan.\n\nThe latest progress report can be found at https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/progress-reports-fair-start-report-and-action-plans. The next progress report will be published in December 2022.","answerHtml":"I am pleased to report that excellent progress is being made against all of the actions within the report "A Fair Start". Forty eight actions for change are being taken forward this year. Forty from the original report plus eight additional actions.
The report identified forty seven actions in total. These were split between Short term (ST) actions (Years 1 and 2), Medium Term (Years 3 and 4) and Long Term (Year 5 and beyond). Given that the plan was published during the 2021/22 financial year, 2022/23 is considered to be Year 1 of the Action Plan.
The latest progress report can be found at https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/progress-reports-fair-start-report-and-action-plans. The next progress report will be published in December 2022.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204073%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=382997","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=382997"}},{"id":"382887","reference":"AQW 4021/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-03","answerBy":"2022-10-06","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health (i) why AQW 2616/22-27, AQW 2617/22-27 and AQW 2725/22-27 have not been answered; and (ii) whether the Minister will meet with me to discuss the Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2022.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204021%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=382887","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=382887"}},{"id":"382885","reference":"AQW 4019/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-03","answerBy":"2022-10-18","answered":"2022-10-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what community engagement his Department has had with patients of Priory surgery in North Down, in the context of his Department advertising the General Medical Services contract for the practice and the freeze on the movement of GP patients in practices in North Down, Ards and East Belfast.","answerText":"GP Partners at Priory & Springhill Surgery (Holywood/Bangor), have given notice to resign their GMS contract from 1st February 2023. Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) Officers are currently advertising the Priory/Springhill GMS Contract with a view to finding a new contract holder to take over the practice on 1st February 2023.\n\nThe SPPG has written to all registered patients at Priory & Springhill Surgery, aged 16 and above, to confirm that the Surgery will remain open until 31st January 2023 whilst the SPPG advertise to find new doctors to take over the practice from 1st February 2023. Patients were advised that there is no need to register with an alternative GP practice. A dedicated SPPG telephone number was provided for patient enquiries\n\nSPPG Communications Officers continue to respond to media enquiries and have issued an initial statement to local MLAs, MPs and councilors as well as update statements to the local press.\n\nPatients and wider public will be kept updated regarding developments in process of finding replacement contractor to take over the care of patients at Priory & Springhill Surgery from 1st February.\n\nA temporary freeze on the free movement of patients in the Holywood, Bangor and East Belfast areas was introduced on 11th August 2022 and remained in place until 31st August 2022, as a temporary short-term measure in response to large numbers of patients from Priory and Springhill Surgery seeking registration at alternative GP practices in these areas.\n\nSPPG Officers engaged with patients during this time to provide advice and support as needed.","answerHtml":"GP Partners at Priory & Springhill Surgery (Holywood/Bangor), have given notice to resign their GMS contract from 1st February 2023. Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) Officers are currently advertising the Priory/Springhill GMS Contract with a view to finding a new contract holder to take over the practice on 1st February 2023.
The SPPG has written to all registered patients at Priory & Springhill Surgery, aged 16 and above, to confirm that the Surgery will remain open until 31st January 2023 whilst the SPPG advertise to find new doctors to take over the practice from 1st February 2023. Patients were advised that there is no need to register with an alternative GP practice. A dedicated SPPG telephone number was provided for patient enquiries
SPPG Communications Officers continue to respond to media enquiries and have issued an initial statement to local MLAs, MPs and councilors as well as update statements to the local press.
Patients and wider public will be kept updated regarding developments in process of finding replacement contractor to take over the care of patients at Priory & Springhill Surgery from 1st February.
A temporary freeze on the free movement of patients in the Holywood, Bangor and East Belfast areas was introduced on 11th August 2022 and remained in place until 31st August 2022, as a temporary short-term measure in response to large numbers of patients from Priory and Springhill Surgery seeking registration at alternative GP practices in these areas.
SPPG Officers engaged with patients during this time to provide advice and support as needed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204019%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=382885","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=382885"}},{"id":"382884","reference":"AQW 4018/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-03","answerBy":"2022-10-18","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 (i) for an update on the work of the Gender Identity Service Pathway Review Group; and (ii) whether his Department intends to publish the recommendations of the Review Group.","answerText":"(i) In 2019, my Department asked the then Health and Social Care Board to undertake a review of gender identity services and bring forward proposals for a service model which is, safe, accessible, sustainable and meets my Department’s waiting times targets. The Gender Identity Service Pathway Review Group has produced their draft report and implementation plan and submitted it to my Department for consideration.\n\n(ii) My officials are currently considering the Review Group’s draft report and implementation plan and they will shortly draft advice for my consideration. My final decision will be informed by a public consultation on the report including the Review Group’s recommendations along with other relevant documents, which will be published at that time.","answerHtml":"(i) In 2019, my Department asked the then Health and Social Care Board to undertake a review of gender identity services and bring forward proposals for a service model which is, safe, accessible, sustainable and meets my Department’s waiting times targets. The Gender Identity Service Pathway Review Group has produced their draft report and implementation plan and submitted it to my Department for consideration.
(ii) My officials are currently considering the Review Group’s draft report and implementation plan and they will shortly draft advice for my consideration. My final decision will be informed by a public consultation on the report including the Review Group’s recommendations along with other relevant documents, which will be published at that time.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204018%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=382884","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=382884"}},{"id":"382883","reference":"AQW 4017/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-03","answerBy":"2022-10-18","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health (i) how long is the waiting list for Regional Gender Identity Service at the Brackenburn Clinic; and (ii) what his Department is doing to address this waiting list.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204017%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=382883","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=382883"}},{"id":"382882","reference":"AQW 4016/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-10-03","answerBy":"2022-10-18","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health to list the organisations he has engaged with regarding the implementation of Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2022.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%204016%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=382882","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=382882"}},{"id":"381570","reference":"AQW 3708/22-27","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 (i) how many pavements in North Down are paved with flag stones; and (ii) the number of people who have been injured on uneven pavements in North Down, in each of the last three years.","answerText":"My Department does not maintain details of the number of pavements in North Down which are paved with flag stones, however, I can advise that there are approximately 277,000 square metres of flagged footway within the Ards and North Down Council area.\n\nMy Department also does not maintain details of the number of people injured on the road network, however, it does maintain information on public liability claims by Roads Section Office area which broadly align with Council areas. The Ards and North Down Section Office area covers the Ards and North Down Council area. The table below provides details of the number of public liability personal injury claims received in each of the last three full financial years (as at 30 September 2022) for which the Department’s Claims Management System has recorded the accident as occurring on a public footway. Please note that as cases progress updated information is often obtained on defect type, incident location and other matters pertaining to a case, therefore, data in the Claim Management System may be subject to change:\n\nFinancial Year\tNumber of Personal Injury Claims\n2019-2020\t23\n2020-2021\t24\n2021-2022\t42\n\nIt should be noted that these figures relate to the numbers of claims received and do not provide any indication of subsequent liability on the Department. In all cases the Department will investigate and defend public liability claims, with every case turning on its own facts, however it may ultimately up to the courts to decide if the Department has any liability.\n\nShould you have any further questions on this matter, please contact DfI Roads Southern Division at: dfiroads.southern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.","answerHtml":"My Department does not maintain details of the number of pavements in North Down which are paved with flag stones, however, I can advise that there are approximately 277,000 square metres of flagged footway within the Ards and North Down Council area.
My Department also does not maintain details of the number of people injured on the road network, however, it does maintain information on public liability claims by Roads Section Office area which broadly align with Council areas. The Ards and North Down Section Office area covers the Ards and North Down Council area. The table below provides details of the number of public liability personal injury claims received in each of the last three full financial years (as at 30 September 2022) for which the Department’s Claims Management System has recorded the accident as occurring on a public footway. Please note that as cases progress updated information is often obtained on defect type, incident location and other matters pertaining to a case, therefore, data in the Claim Management System may be subject to change:
| Financial Year | Number of Personal Injury Claims |
| 2019-2020 | 23 |
| 2020-2021 | 24 |
| 2021-2022 | 42 |
It should be noted that these figures relate to the numbers of claims received and do not provide any indication of subsequent liability on the Department. In all cases the Department will investigate and defend public liability claims, with every case turning on its own facts, however it may ultimately up to the courts to decide if the Department has any liability.
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%203708%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=381570","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=381570"}},{"id":"381569","reference":"AQW 3707/22-27","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 whether his Department plans to undertake weed management and resurface the roads and pavements in the (i) Belmont Road; (ii) Belmont Avenue; (iii) Belmont Park; (iv) Belmont Crescent; (v) Killeen Drive; and (vi) Killeen Close, areas of Bangor.","answerText":"My Department completed its first scheduled weed control treatment within the Ards and North Down Council Area earlier this year and a second treatment is now at an advanced stage with the timescale for completion largely dependent on weather conditions until the end of the treatment season.\n\nAs previously confirmed in AQW 2726/22-27, details of resurfacing programmes will be included in my Department’s 2022-23 Annual Report for Ards and North Down Borough Council which is due to be presented on 11 October 2022. The Report will be published on the Department’s website and placed in the Assembly library shortly after the Council meeting. A web-link to the published Report will also be issued to all MLAs in the Council area.\n\nShould you have any further questions on these matters, please contact DfI Roads Southern Division at: dfiroads.southern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.","answerHtml":"My Department completed its first scheduled weed control treatment within the Ards and North Down Council Area earlier this year and a second treatment is now at an advanced stage with the timescale for completion largely dependent on weather conditions until the end of the treatment season.
As previously confirmed in AQW 2726/22-27, details of resurfacing programmes will be included in my Department’s 2022-23 Annual Report for Ards and North Down Borough Council which is due to be presented on 11 October 2022. The Report will be published on the Department’s website and placed in the Assembly library shortly after the Council meeting. A web-link to the published Report will also be issued to all MLAs in the Council area.
Should you have any further questions on these matters, 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%203707%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=381569","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=381569"}},{"id":"381568","reference":"AQW 3706/22-27","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 how his Department ensures that Translink conducts meaningful engagement regarding significant projects in local communities.","answerText":"I can assure you that both my Department and Translink places considerable importance on engagement with a broad range of stakeholders in relation to all infrastructure projects and works in partnership with a number of external agencies to help deliver bespoke engagement campaigns aimed to specifically maximise engagement and awareness, while carefully considering the responsibilities Translink has to deliver safe, effective public transport. Where there are instances that Translink could improve in this area, constructive feedback is always welcomed to ensure we can continue to deliver the best services possible to our citizens.","answerHtml":"I can assure you that both my Department and Translink places considerable importance on engagement with a broad range of stakeholders in relation to all infrastructure projects and works in partnership with a number of external agencies to help deliver bespoke engagement campaigns aimed to specifically maximise engagement and awareness, while carefully considering the responsibilities Translink has to deliver safe, effective public transport. Where there are instances that Translink could improve in this area, constructive feedback is always welcomed to ensure we can continue to deliver the best services possible to our citizens.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203706%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=381568","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=381568"}},{"id":"381567","reference":"AQW 3705/22-27","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 his assessment of Translink’s plans to fell 141 trees in the vicinity of Carnalea Station, Bangor.","answerText":"Details on projects in relation to the safety and maintenance of the rail network such as those regarding the felling of trees at Carnalea Station are an operational matter for Translink. You should therefore direct your question to Translink at aqw.request@translink.co.uk.","answerHtml":"Details on projects in relation to the safety and maintenance of the rail network such as those regarding the felling of trees at Carnalea Station 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%203705%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=381567","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=381567"}},{"id":"381566","reference":"AQW 3704/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-28","answerBy":"2022-10-03","answered":"2022-10-03","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether she will meet with Hope 4 Life NI to discuss the educational programmes it plans deliver in schools.","answerText":"As Minister of Education, I and my officials regularly meet with a wide range of stakeholders and Hope4Life is welcome to contact my Department in this regard.","answerHtml":"As Minister of Education, I and my officials regularly meet with a wide range of stakeholders and Hope4Life is welcome to contact my Department in this regard.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203704%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=381566","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=381566"}},{"id":"381259","reference":"AQW 3486/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-23","answerBy":"2022-10-10","answered":"2022-10-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether the amount of money provided to pupils receiving the Free School Meal allowance will increase with the rate of inflation.","answerText":"The Education Authority is responsible for determining the monetary value of a free school meal for pupils using a cafeteria system in all schools with the exception of voluntary grammar and grant-maintained integrated schools where this is determined by the Department. In order to ensure equality between pupils entitled to free school meals attending different settings, the monetary value determined by the Department is currently the same as the value set by the EA.\n\nThe EA has advised that it has no current plans to raise this monetary value as it recognises the impact that an equivalent price increase could have on paying pupils, particularly in light of the current cost of living pressures being experienced by families. The EA will continue to ensure this price remains under review.","answerHtml":"The Education Authority is responsible for determining the monetary value of a free school meal for pupils using a cafeteria system in all schools with the exception of voluntary grammar and grant-maintained integrated schools where this is determined by the Department. In order to ensure equality between pupils entitled to free school meals attending different settings, the monetary value determined by the Department is currently the same as the value set by the EA.
The EA has advised that it has no current plans to raise this monetary value as it recognises the impact that an equivalent price increase could have on paying pupils, particularly in light of the current cost of living pressures being experienced by families. The EA will continue to ensure this price remains under review.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203486%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=381259","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=381259"}},{"id":"381258","reference":"AQW 3485/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-23","answerBy":"2022-10-10","answered":"2022-10-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether financial pressures due to the rising global costs of materials will prohibit planned maintenance work or new school buildings from progressing.","answerText":"Maintenance work will continue to be prioritised within available budgets. My response to your question AQW 3484/22-27 outlines action being taken by the Education Authority to mitigate against the rising global costs of materials.\n\nIn relation to new builds, the Department of Finance introduced measures to assist contractors that have been subject to significant and unforeseen cost increases and this has been applied to projects across the capital programme, where applicable.\n\nGoing forward, a specific clause will be included on new contracts, which will permit inflationary pressures to be taken into account and business case addendums will continue to be prepared to seek approval for increased rates for labour and materials during the life cycle of capital projects.","answerHtml":"Maintenance work will continue to be prioritised within available budgets. My response to your question AQW 3484/22-27 outlines action being taken by the Education Authority to mitigate against the rising global costs of materials.
In relation to new builds, the Department of Finance introduced measures to assist contractors that have been subject to significant and unforeseen cost increases and this has been applied to projects across the capital programme, where applicable.
Going forward, a specific clause will be included on new contracts, which will permit inflationary pressures to be taken into account and business case addendums will continue to be prepared to seek approval for increased rates for labour and materials during the life cycle of capital projects.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203485%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=381258","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=381258"}},{"id":"381257","reference":"AQW 3484/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-23","answerBy":"2022-10-10","answered":"2022-10-10","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education what provisions her Department has in place to mitigate the rising global costs of materials necessary for essential school maintenance and repairs.","answerText":"As part of the Term Service Contracts (TSCs) contract extensions, and as a mitigating action against the rising global costs of materials, TSC contractors have accepted the Education Authority’s (EA) offer of price uplifts to reflect the inflationary price increase in materials based on the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) Measured Term Contract updating percentages relevant for each schedule of rates for the TSCs.\n\nIn addition, the EA have agreed certain prices in the price lists of the TSCs for specific maintenance elements of which the impact of inflation is higher than what could have been reasonably and diligently anticipated, and in excess of the adjustments following application of the relevant BCIS MTC updating percentages.","answerHtml":"As part of the Term Service Contracts (TSCs) contract extensions, and as a mitigating action against the rising global costs of materials, TSC contractors have accepted the Education Authority’s (EA) offer of price uplifts to reflect the inflationary price increase in materials based on the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) Measured Term Contract updating percentages relevant for each schedule of rates for the TSCs.
In addition, the EA have agreed certain prices in the price lists of the TSCs for specific maintenance elements of which the impact of inflation is higher than what could have been reasonably and diligently anticipated, and in excess of the adjustments following application of the relevant BCIS MTC updating percentages.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203484%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=381257","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=381257"}},{"id":"381147","reference":"AQW 3411/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-22","answerBy":"2022-10-07","answered":"2022-09-30","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to provide an update on the work currently being undertaken by her Department to produce legislation on sign language.","answerText":"My officials are finalising work on proposals for a Sign Language Bill through continued engagement with Deaf groups. However, given the cross cutting nature of such proposals, legislation cannot proceed without Executive approval.\n\nI remain committed to bringing forward Sign Language legislation built on the principles of equality and social inclusion in ensuring that the Deaf community here have the same rights and opportunities as those in the hearing community and are able to access services in their own language.","answerHtml":"My officials are finalising work on proposals for a Sign Language Bill through continued engagement with Deaf groups. However, given the cross cutting nature of such proposals, legislation cannot proceed without Executive approval.
I remain committed to bringing forward Sign Language legislation built on the principles of equality and social inclusion in ensuring that the Deaf community here have the same rights and opportunities as those in the hearing community and are able to access services in their own language.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203411%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=381147","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=381147"}},{"id":"380997","reference":"AQW 3331/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-21","answerBy":"2022-10-06","answered":"2022-10-11","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the arrangements being implemented to ensure the continuation of primary school counselling services while the independent evaluation of the Happy Healthy Minds Project is ongoing.","answerText":"The independent evaluation of the Healthy Happy Minds Therapeutic and Counselling Services pilot which has been commissioned by my Department is currently ongoing. To ensure the continuation of services pending the evaluation report, the pilot has been further extended until the end of December 2022. The evaluation will help to inform future provision subject to securing the necessary resources.","answerHtml":"The independent evaluation of the Healthy Happy Minds Therapeutic and Counselling Services pilot which has been commissioned by my Department is currently ongoing. To ensure the continuation of services pending the evaluation report, the pilot has been further extended until the end of December 2022. The evaluation will help to inform future provision subject to securing the necessary resources.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203331%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=380997","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=380997"}},{"id":"380996","reference":"AQW 3330/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-21","answerBy":"2022-10-06","answered":"2022-09-30","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 negotiations with Trade Unions regarding the advancement of pay policy for 2022-23 in the NI Civil Service.","answerText":"I have been liaising with officials about how far public sector pay can be progressed in the absence of an agreed budget. I met recognised Civil Service trade unions on 28 September 2022 to discuss the very significant budgetary and political issues that we face at this time. Civil Servants due to receive an increase under the terms of any pay award for 2022 will receive any arrears backdated to 1 August 2022 when negotiations are completed.","answerHtml":"I have been liaising with officials about how far public sector pay can be progressed in the absence of an agreed budget. I met recognised Civil Service trade unions on 28 September 2022 to discuss the very significant budgetary and political issues that we face at this time. Civil Servants due to receive an increase under the terms of any pay award for 2022 will receive any arrears backdated to 1 August 2022 when negotiations are completed.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203330%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=380996","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=380996"}},{"id":"380995","reference":"AQW 3329/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-21","answerBy":"2022-09-26","answered":"2022-09-27","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education (i) why some substitute teachers pay for September 2022 will be delayed until October 2022; and (ii) what steps she is taking to mitigate this situation.","answerText":"There are several reasons why a supply teacher who worked days in August may not have received payment. My Department does not employ teachers. The Education Authority (EA) administers the Northern Ireland Supply Teacher Register (NISTR) on the Department’s behalf. All grant-aided schools can offer bookings to available teachers registered on the system and latterly approve if the teacher accepts and attends. All bookings approved prior to payroll cut-off are transferred from NISTR to the Department for salary processing.\n\nA short delay in the go-live date of the new NISTR system from 22 to 29 August and performance issues experienced in the first few days of operation resulted in schools being unable to book teachers for August days on the new system in the normal manner. The EA put extensive additional resources in place to manually input thousands of retrospective bookings on schools’ behalf and to provide assistance to those experiencing difficulties in using the new solution. The Department also extended the August payroll deadline by two days to provide additional time for bookings to be placed, accepted and approved on the system.\n\nNearly 3,500 temporary teachers received salary payment on the normal payroll date (16 September) however it is regrettable that a number of teachers who worked in August did not receive payment for various reasons for example:\n\nRetrospective bookings placed on the NISTR system were not confirmed and/or signed-off prior to payroll cut-off;\n\nSome teachers and schools experienced technical access issues in respect of the new system and were unable to confirm or sign-off bookings;\n\nRequests for retrospective bookings from schools were received after the extended payroll cut-off;\n\nSalary could not be processed as bank details were not provided; and\n\nErrors in the payroll file received from NISTR such as duplicate bookings that could not be investigated and resolved within timescales.\n\nEvery potential avenue was explored to provide those affected with an interim payment option, however given the range and complexity of issues, no viable option could be identified. The impacted teachers will receive payment as part of the next monthly payroll run.\n\nThe NISTR Support Team and the system suppliers and developers are working diligently to resolve any known issues and to make ongoing improvements in line with feedback received from users to ensure that the new system provides the envisaged intuitive booking system that enables schools to make contact with available supply teachers with ease and provides a platform for equitable employment opportunities for this vital part of our workforce.","answerHtml":"There are several reasons why a supply teacher who worked days in August may not have received payment. My Department does not employ teachers. The Education Authority (EA) administers the Northern Ireland Supply Teacher Register (NISTR) on the Department’s behalf. All grant-aided schools can offer bookings to available teachers registered on the system and latterly approve if the teacher accepts and attends. All bookings approved prior to payroll cut-off are transferred from NISTR to the Department for salary processing.
A short delay in the go-live date of the new NISTR system from 22 to 29 August and performance issues experienced in the first few days of operation resulted in schools being unable to book teachers for August days on the new system in the normal manner. The EA put extensive additional resources in place to manually input thousands of retrospective bookings on schools’ behalf and to provide assistance to those experiencing difficulties in using the new solution. The Department also extended the August payroll deadline by two days to provide additional time for bookings to be placed, accepted and approved on the system.
Nearly 3,500 temporary teachers received salary payment on the normal payroll date (16 September) however it is regrettable that a number of teachers who worked in August did not receive payment for various reasons for example:
Retrospective bookings placed on the NISTR system were not confirmed and/or signed-off prior to payroll cut-off;
Some teachers and schools experienced technical access issues in respect of the new system and were unable to confirm or sign-off bookings;
Requests for retrospective bookings from schools were received after the extended payroll cut-off;
Salary could not be processed as bank details were not provided; and
Errors in the payroll file received from NISTR such as duplicate bookings that could not be investigated and resolved within timescales.
Every potential avenue was explored to provide those affected with an interim payment option, however given the range and complexity of issues, no viable option could be identified. The impacted teachers will receive payment as part of the next monthly payroll run.
The NISTR Support Team and the system suppliers and developers are working diligently to resolve any known issues and to make ongoing improvements in line with feedback received from users to ensure that the new system provides the envisaged intuitive booking system that enables schools to make contact with available supply teachers with ease and provides a platform for equitable employment opportunities for this vital part of our workforce.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203329%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=380995","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=380995"}},{"id":"380490","reference":"AQW 3084/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-08","answerBy":"2022-09-26","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department will produce a women’s health strategy.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%203084%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=380490","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=380490"}},{"id":"380385","reference":"AQW 2986/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-07","answerBy":"2022-09-23","answered":"2022-10-19","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for the Economy","departmentId":"79","minister":"Minister for the Economy","question":"To ask the Minister for the Economy whether he will ensure the provision of grants to those businesses which are most exposed to food and fuel pressures, such as the hospitality sector.","answerText":"I am acutely aware of the pressure businesses are facing across the board, primarily as a result of soaring wholesale energy costs associated with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In the last year, since September 2021, the wholesale cost of natural gas has trebled (+194%), while the cost of coal (+104%) and home heating oil (+107%) has doubled. Coupled with ongoing global supply chain disruptions, these unprecedented increases in energy costs are driving inflation across the economy, including food and other commodities.\n\nAs we are seeing across Europe and beyond, the magnitude of these global inflationary pressures means that it can only be tackled meaningfully by significant interventions at a national government level. In that context, I welcome the announcement by the Prime Minister of an Energy Price Guarantee and her commitment that the same level of support will be made available in Northern Ireland. This relief will give households and businesses a degree of certainty with their energy bills over the coming months.\n\nMy Department will continue to engage with the UK Government and others to ensure these support measures reach Northern Ireland households and businesses as soon as possible.","answerHtml":"I am acutely aware of the pressure businesses are facing across the board, primarily as a result of soaring wholesale energy costs associated with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In the last year, since September 2021, the wholesale cost of natural gas has trebled (+194%), while the cost of coal (+104%) and home heating oil (+107%) has doubled. Coupled with ongoing global supply chain disruptions, these unprecedented increases in energy costs are driving inflation across the economy, including food and other commodities.
As we are seeing across Europe and beyond, the magnitude of these global inflationary pressures means that it can only be tackled meaningfully by significant interventions at a national government level. In that context, I welcome the announcement by the Prime Minister of an Energy Price Guarantee and her commitment that the same level of support will be made available in Northern Ireland. This relief will give households and businesses a degree of certainty with their energy bills over the coming months.
My Department will continue to engage with the UK Government and others to ensure these support measures reach Northern Ireland households and businesses as soon as possible.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202986%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=380385","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=380385"}},{"id":"380384","reference":"AQW 2985/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-07","answerBy":"2022-09-23","answered":"2022-09-13","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 reports by (i) Ulster University Economic Policy Centre, Cost of Division, (2016); and (ii) Deloitte, Research into the Financial Cost of the NI Divide (2007).","answerText":"The 2016 UUEPC report, which included an empirical update of the 2007 Deloitte report, indicated that across most areas our costs typically fall within the range of costs identified in other regions. The one exception is policing, where average costs are significantly greater than all other comparable police forces across these islands, accounting for over half the estimated additional cost.\n\nThe report analysis identifies areas where division is potentially contributing to a higher cost of service delivery, but states it is only one of many factors and it should not be concluded that the additional costs identified represent potential savings which could be achieved. In some instances that may be the case, but in others instances the costs are unavoidable or would require significant investment to address.","answerHtml":"The 2016 UUEPC report, which included an empirical update of the 2007 Deloitte report, indicated that across most areas our costs typically fall within the range of costs identified in other regions. The one exception is policing, where average costs are significantly greater than all other comparable police forces across these islands, accounting for over half the estimated additional cost.
The report analysis identifies areas where division is potentially contributing to a higher cost of service delivery, but states it is only one of many factors and it should not be concluded that the additional costs identified represent potential savings which could be achieved. In some instances that may be the case, but in others instances the costs are unavoidable or would require significant investment to address.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202985%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=380384","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=380384"}},{"id":"380383","reference":"AQW 2984/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-07","answerBy":"2022-09-12","answered":"2022-09-12","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to list the stakeholders she has invited to sit on the Stakeholder Engagement Forum since 7 September 2022.","answerText":"I can confirm that the following external stakeholders have been invited to join the Stakeholder Engagement Forum which will inform the development of an Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy. Invitations to other Departmental representatives and public sector bodies will be issued over the coming days. Further organisations and individuals may be asked to contribute as the work evolves.\n\nOrganisation\nEarly Years Organisation\nSólás\nMENCAP\nSave the Children\nBarnardos\nEmployers for Childcare\nPlayBoard NI\nNICMA\nUnite Union – Childminding Branch\nParenting NI\nNICCY\nNCB\nNorthern Ireland Daycare Owners Forum\nNICVA\nAshton Centre\nChildcare Employers Forum\nNI Rural Women’s Network\nWomen’s Resource and Development Agency\nAltram\nFSB\nEquality Commission for NI\nStranmillis University College\nIndependent Early Years Specialist\nParentkind\nChildren in NI (CiNI)\nAutism NI\nThe Welcome Project/ Migrant Centre NI\nEarly Years Daycare Forum","answerHtml":"I can confirm that the following external stakeholders have been invited to join the Stakeholder Engagement Forum which will inform the development of an Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy. Invitations to other Departmental representatives and public sector bodies will be issued over the coming days. Further organisations and individuals may be asked to contribute as the work evolves.
| Organisation |
| Early Years Organisation |
| Sólás |
| MENCAP |
| Save the Children |
| Barnardos |
| Employers for Childcare |
| PlayBoard NI |
| NICMA |
| Unite Union – Childminding Branch |
| Parenting NI |
| NICCY |
| NCB |
| Northern Ireland Daycare Owners Forum |
| NICVA |
| Ashton Centre |
| Childcare Employers Forum |
| NI Rural Women’s Network |
| Women’s Resource and Development Agency |
| Altram |
| FSB |
| Equality Commission for NI |
| Stranmillis University College |
| Independent Early Years Specialist |
| Parentkind |
| Children in NI (CiNI) |
| Autism NI |
| The Welcome Project/ Migrant Centre NI |
| Early Years Daycare Forum |
I refer the member to the answer provided for AQW 2985/22-27.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202885%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=380275","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=380275"}},{"id":"380274","reference":"AQW 2884/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-06","answerBy":"2022-09-22","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 action his Department is taking to ensure road safety on the Belfast Road, Bangor.","answerText":"I am advised that local officials have carried out an assessment of the Belfast Road in Bangor and as explained in the response to your previous AQW 531/22-27, whilst the demand for a pedestrian crossing is acknowledged, regrettably for wider safety reasons there are no plans to install a crossing at this location.\n\nI am sure you will agree that pedestrian crossings must be located in such a manner to ensure they provide adequate space for pedestrians and vulnerable users to safely cross the road and are also sufficiently visible to drivers thus affording them sufficient time to make adjustments so the safety of road users is not compromised. Given that these key criteria cannot be met, regrettably my Department is unable to provide a pedestrian crossing at this location.\n\nAs is the case across the entire road network, it is incumbent on all road users to be mindful of the safety of themselves and of others, especially vulnerable road users such as cyclists or pedestrians and those with mobility issues or a visual impairment.\n\nIn light of the above and a review of the safety record along this stretch of road, there are no plans to provide additional road safety measures at this time. Should you have any further questions on this matter, please contact DfI Roads Southern Division at: dfiroads.southern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/","answerHtml":"I am advised that local officials have carried out an assessment of the Belfast Road in Bangor and as explained in the response to your previous AQW 531/22-27, whilst the demand for a pedestrian crossing is acknowledged, regrettably for wider safety reasons there are no plans to install a crossing at this location.
I am sure you will agree that pedestrian crossings must be located in such a manner to ensure they provide adequate space for pedestrians and vulnerable users to safely cross the road and are also sufficiently visible to drivers thus affording them sufficient time to make adjustments so the safety of road users is not compromised. Given that these key criteria cannot be met, regrettably my Department is unable to provide a pedestrian crossing at this location.
As is the case across the entire road network, it is incumbent on all road users to be mindful of the safety of themselves and of others, especially vulnerable road users such as cyclists or pedestrians and those with mobility issues or a visual impairment.
In light of the above and a review of the safety record along this stretch of road, there are no plans to provide additional road safety measures at this time. 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%202884%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=380274","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=380274"}},{"id":"380273","reference":"AQW 2883/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-09-06","answerBy":"2022-09-22","answered":"2022-09-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Communities","departmentId":"85","minister":"Minister for Communities","question":"To ask the Minister for Communities to detail plans for new build social housing in North Down for the next five years.","answerText":"The Social Housing Development Programme (SHDP) is currently formulated on a 3-year basis. The information below is therefore provided on that basis.\n\nIn the North Down Parliamentary Constituency there are currently 30 social housing units under construction. I have provided the details of these in Table 1 below.\n\nA further 163 social housing units are programmed to start as part of the SHDP 2022/23 – 2024/25. I have provided the detail of these units is provided in Table 2 below.\n\nPlease note that programmed schemes can be lost or slip to future programme years for a variety of reasons e.g. relating to delays in acquiring sites and/or failure to secure Planning Approval. Additional schemes can also be added to the SHDP ‘in-year’ through Competitive Land, Design & Build procurement route and/or the purchase of Existing Satisfactory / Off-the-Shelf properties.\n\nThe programme formulation process for the SHDP 2023/24 – 2025/26 is currently underway, and further schemes may be added in the North Down Parliamentary Constituency in due course, subject to Departmental/Ministerial Approval.\n\nTable 1: Social housing units under construction in the North Down Parliamentary Constituency\n\nHousing Association\tScheme Name\tLocation\tType\tUnits\tOnsite Year\tCompletionYear\nClanmil\tSavoy Redevelopment (Blocks B & C)\tBangor\tNew Build\t26\t2021/22\t2023/24\nNorth Belfast HA\t21 Copeland Avenue\tMillisle\tRehab\t1\t2020/21\t2022/23\nNorth Belfast HA\t3 Lisnabreen Terrace\tBangor\tRehab\t1\t2021/22\t2022/23\nNorth Belfast HA\t32 Lisnabreen Crescent\tBangor\tRehab\t1\t2021/22\t2022/23\nNorth Belfast HA\t5 Ballyhalbert Gardens\tBangor\tRehab\t1\t2021/22\t2022/23\n\nTable 2: Social housing units programmed to start through the SHDP 2022/23 – 2024/25 in the North Down Parliamentary Constituency\n\nHousing Association\tScheme Name\tLocation\tType\tUnits\tOnsite Year\tCompletionYear\nArk\tDonaghadee Road\tBangor\tNew Build\t8\t2022/23\t2023/24\nHabinteg\tBalmoral Dale\tBangor\tOff-the-Shelf\t5\t2022/23\t2023/24\nNorth Belfast HA\t53 Lisnabreen Crescent\tBangor\tRehab\t1\t2022/23\t2022/23\nNorth Belfast HA\t79 Skipperstone Road\tBangor\tRehab\t1\t2022/23\t2022/23\nNorth Belfast HA\t10 Abbey Gardens\tMillisle\tRehab\t1\t2022/23\t2022/23\nClanmil\tBangor Marina Regeneration\tBangor\tNew Build\t32\t2023/24\t2025/26\nHabinteg\tBalmoral Dale, Phase 2\tBangor\tNew Build\t12\t2023/24\t2024/25\nRadius\tCastle Street\tComber\tNew Build\t14\t2023/24\t2024/25\nRadius\tCannyreagh Road\tDonaghadee\tNew Build\t15\t2023/24\t2024/25\nChoice\tWorcester Avenue\tBangor\tNew Build\t74\t2024/25\t2027/28","answerHtml":"The Social Housing Development Programme (SHDP) is currently formulated on a 3-year basis. The information below is therefore provided on that basis.
In the North Down Parliamentary Constituency there are currently 30 social housing units under construction. I have provided the details of these in Table 1 below.
A further 163 social housing units are programmed to start as part of the SHDP 2022/23 – 2024/25. I have provided the detail of these units is provided in Table 2 below.
Please note that programmed schemes can be lost or slip to future programme years for a variety of reasons e.g. relating to delays in acquiring sites and/or failure to secure Planning Approval. Additional schemes can also be added to the SHDP ‘in-year’ through Competitive Land, Design & Build procurement route and/or the purchase of Existing Satisfactory / Off-the-Shelf properties.
The programme formulation process for the SHDP 2023/24 – 2025/26 is currently underway, and further schemes may be added in the North Down Parliamentary Constituency in due course, subject to Departmental/Ministerial Approval.
Table 1: Social housing units under construction in the North Down Parliamentary Constituency
| Housing Association | Scheme Name | Location | Type | Units | Onsite Year | CompletionYear |
| Clanmil | Savoy Redevelopment (Blocks B & C) | Bangor | New Build | 26 | 2021/22 | 2023/24 |
| North Belfast HA | 21 Copeland Avenue | Millisle | Rehab | 1 | 2020/21 | 2022/23 |
| North Belfast HA | 3 Lisnabreen Terrace | Bangor | Rehab | 1 | 2021/22 | 2022/23 |
| North Belfast HA | 32 Lisnabreen Crescent | Bangor | Rehab | 1 | 2021/22 | 2022/23 |
| North Belfast HA | 5 Ballyhalbert Gardens | Bangor | Rehab | 1 | 2021/22 | 2022/23 |
Table 2: Social housing units programmed to start through the SHDP 2022/23 – 2024/25 in the North Down Parliamentary Constituency
| Housing Association | Scheme Name | Location | Type | Units | Onsite Year | CompletionYear |
| Ark | Donaghadee Road | Bangor | New Build | 8 | 2022/23 | 2023/24 |
| Habinteg | Balmoral Dale | Bangor | Off-the-Shelf | 5 | 2022/23 | 2023/24 |
| North Belfast HA | 53 Lisnabreen Crescent | Bangor | Rehab | 1 | 2022/23 | 2022/23 |
| North Belfast HA | 79 Skipperstone Road | Bangor | Rehab | 1 | 2022/23 | 2022/23 |
| North Belfast HA | 10 Abbey Gardens | Millisle | Rehab | 1 | 2022/23 | 2022/23 |
| Clanmil | Bangor Marina Regeneration | Bangor | New Build | 32 | 2023/24 | 2025/26 |
| Habinteg | Balmoral Dale, Phase 2 | Bangor | New Build | 12 | 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
| Radius | Castle Street | Comber | New Build | 14 | 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
| Radius | Cannyreagh Road | Donaghadee | New Build | 15 | 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
| Choice | Worcester Avenue | Bangor | New Build | 74 | 2024/25 | 2027/28 |
The Housing Executive has provided the table below detailing the social housing waiting list in North Down as at June of each of the last three years.
| Applicants | Applicants in Housing Stress (30 points or more) | Full Duty Applicants | |
| June 2022 | 1,887 | 1,308 | 994 |
| June 2021 | 1,942 | 1,359 | 961 |
| June 2020 | 1,707 | 1,229 | 880 |
The applicant Information is as at end of June of the relevant year.
For full Duty Applicants, these are applicants accepted as being homeless, to whom the Housing Executive owes a duty under the Homelessness legislation, Article 10(2) of the Housing Order, 1988 to “secure that accommodation becomes available for his/her occupation”.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202882%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=380272","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=380272"}},{"id":"379813","reference":"AQW 2731/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-08-03","answerBy":"2022-08-18","answered":"2022-08-26","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education how many children with special educational needs do not have a school place for September 2022, broken down by (i) primary; and (ii) post-primary.","answerText":"As at 22 August 2022 there are 33 children with statements of special educational needs (SEN) identified as requiring either a new or change of placement for September 2022 who are waiting to receive confirmation.\n\nThe Primary/Post Primary Split of the 33 children is\n\n27 - Primary School\n\n6 - Post Primary\n\nConsultations with these schools and parents are ongoing.","answerHtml":"As at 22 August 2022 there are 33 children with statements of special educational needs (SEN) identified as requiring either a new or change of placement for September 2022 who are waiting to receive confirmation.
The Primary/Post Primary Split of the 33 children is
27 - Primary School
6 - Post Primary
Consultations with these schools and parents are ongoing.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202731%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=379813","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=379813"}},{"id":"379808","reference":"AQW 2726/22-27","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 a list of roads due to be resurfaced in the North Down area.","answerText":"Resurfacing programmes within the Ards & North Down area are now being finalised following recent confirmation of the Department’s 2022/23 contingency funding allocation. Details of works programmes, including resurfacing schemes, for the 2022/23 financial year will be included in the Department’s Council Report to Ards and North Down Borough Council which will in due course be presented to Council, published on the Department’s website and placed in the Assembly library.\n\nShould you have any further questions on this please contact DfI Roads Southern Division at dfiroads.southern@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.","answerHtml":"Resurfacing programmes within the Ards & North Down area are now being finalised following recent confirmation of the Department’s 2022/23 contingency funding allocation. Details of works programmes, including resurfacing schemes, for the 2022/23 financial year will be included in the Department’s Council Report to Ards and North Down Borough Council which will in due course be presented to Council, published on the Department’s website and placed in the Assembly library.
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%202726%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=379808","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=379808"}},{"id":"379807","reference":"AQW 2725/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-08-03","answerBy":"2022-08-18","answered":null,"answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when he will answer (i) AQW 772/22-27; (ii) AQW 2617/22-27; (iii) AQW 2616/22-27; and (iv) AQW 2615/22-27.","answerText":"","answerHtml":"","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202725%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=379807","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=379807"}},{"id":"379806","reference":"AQW 2724/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-08-03","answerBy":"2022-08-18","answered":"2022-08-18","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 2031/22-27, to detail how many reviews, or other pieces of work, her Department has put on hold pending the outcome of the Independent Review of Education.","answerText":"The Department of Education has two reviews which have been put on hold pending the outcome of the Independent Review of Education.","answerHtml":"The Department of Education has two reviews which have been put on hold pending the outcome of the Independent Review of Education.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202724%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=379806","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=379806"}},{"id":"379805","reference":"AQW 2723/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-08-03","answerBy":"2022-08-08","answered":"2022-08-08","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education to detail the (i) timeline of when her Department's Childcare Stakeholder Engagement Forum will be established; and (ii) Terms of Reference for the group.","answerText":"I will shortly be inviting a range of organisations and individuals to join the Childcare Stakeholder Engagement Forum, with a view to convening the first meeting in the autumn. Draft Terms of Reference for the Forum are being developed and will be considered by the group at its first meeting.","answerHtml":"I will shortly be inviting a range of organisations and individuals to join the Childcare Stakeholder Engagement Forum, with a view to convening the first meeting in the autumn. Draft Terms of Reference for the Forum are being developed and will be considered by the group at its first meeting.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202723%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=379805","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=379805"}},{"id":"377920","reference":"AQW 2619/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-07-01","answerBy":"2022-07-20","answered":"2022-07-20","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether she will introduce a register of all home educated children in Northern Ireland.","answerText":"Article 45 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 (as amended) places a duty on parents to ensure that their child receives an ‘efficient full-time education suitable to his age, ability and aptitude and to any special educational needs he may have, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise’. This enables parents to secure their child’s education either at school or outside of the formal school environment.\n\nThe Education Authority (EA) holds a voluntary register of Electively Home Educated (EHE) children in Northern Ireland, but this does not include all EHE children. While the EA has a record of children who have attended a school and subsequently been de-registered to be home educated, it does not hold information on EHE children who have never been registered at school unless their parents make contact with the EA. This is the case in other jurisdictions within the UK.\n\nIf a child has never attended a school, there is no legal requirement on parents to register their child with the EA, but the EA does invite parents to make contact with the EHE team for advice on matters such as the curriculum, public examinations and future enrolment at school.\n\nThe Department for Education in England has been preparing ‘The Schools Bill’ which has passed the first and second readings and the Committee stage in the House of Lords. Among other things, this bill proposes that The Education Act 1996 is amended to include a duty for local authorities to register children not in school in England, which would include home educated children never registered at a school.\n\nThere are no plans at present to introduce a compulsory register of all home educated children in Northern Ireland, however I shall follow the progress of the Schools Bill with interest and consider if it would be appropriate to introduce similar legislation and a duty to register all EHE children.","answerHtml":"Article 45 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 (as amended) places a duty on parents to ensure that their child receives an ‘efficient full-time education suitable to his age, ability and aptitude and to any special educational needs he may have, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise’. This enables parents to secure their child’s education either at school or outside of the formal school environment.
The Education Authority (EA) holds a voluntary register of Electively Home Educated (EHE) children in Northern Ireland, but this does not include all EHE children. While the EA has a record of children who have attended a school and subsequently been de-registered to be home educated, it does not hold information on EHE children who have never been registered at school unless their parents make contact with the EA. This is the case in other jurisdictions within the UK.
If a child has never attended a school, there is no legal requirement on parents to register their child with the EA, but the EA does invite parents to make contact with the EHE team for advice on matters such as the curriculum, public examinations and future enrolment at school.
The Department for Education in England has been preparing ‘The Schools Bill’ which has passed the first and second readings and the Committee stage in the House of Lords. Among other things, this bill proposes that The Education Act 1996 is amended to include a duty for local authorities to register children not in school in England, which would include home educated children never registered at a school.
There are no plans at present to introduce a compulsory register of all home educated children in Northern Ireland, however I shall follow the progress of the Schools Bill with interest and consider if it would be appropriate to introduce similar legislation and a duty to register all EHE children.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202619%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=377920","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=377920"}},{"id":"377919","reference":"AQW 2618/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-07-01","answerBy":"2022-07-20","answered":"2022-07-20","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 why the number of children being home educated has risen significantly over the last five years.","answerText":"While the Education Authority can quantify the number of children deregistering from school to be Electively Home Educated, it does not hold sufficient detail on the reasons for their deregistration so as to ascertain why the numbers have increased. Most schools indicate a ‘parental request’ as the reason a child is being deregistered from school to be educated at home. Other reasons provided for deregistration have included home educating whilst awaiting a different school placement, concerns about COVID and health conditions.\n\nThe responsibility for a child’s education rests with the child’s parents and parents may secure their child’s efficient full-time education either at school or outside of the formal school environment. Article 45 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 (as amended) places a duty on parents to ensure that their child receives an ‘efficient full-time education suitable to his age, ability and aptitude and to any special educational needs he may have, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise’.\n\nIf parents wish to deregister their child from school for the purposes of Elective Home Education, they are required to do so in writing, informing the school Principal of their intention to home educate and that the child can be removed from the school register from a specific date. A reason for deregistration, however, is not required.\n\nGuidelines on Elective Home Education published by the EA states that parents choose to home educate for a wide variety of reasons which may include, but are not limited to:\n\n• Religious/Spiritual beliefs\n\n• Philosophical reasons\n\n• Dissatisfaction with the system\n\n• Bullying\n\n• Special Educational Needs\n\n• Mental Health Issues\n\n• As a short term measure for a specific reason","answerHtml":"While the Education Authority can quantify the number of children deregistering from school to be Electively Home Educated, it does not hold sufficient detail on the reasons for their deregistration so as to ascertain why the numbers have increased. Most schools indicate a ‘parental request’ as the reason a child is being deregistered from school to be educated at home. Other reasons provided for deregistration have included home educating whilst awaiting a different school placement, concerns about COVID and health conditions.
The responsibility for a child’s education rests with the child’s parents and parents may secure their child’s efficient full-time education either at school or outside of the formal school environment. Article 45 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 (as amended) places a duty on parents to ensure that their child receives an ‘efficient full-time education suitable to his age, ability and aptitude and to any special educational needs he may have, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise’.
If parents wish to deregister their child from school for the purposes of Elective Home Education, they are required to do so in writing, informing the school Principal of their intention to home educate and that the child can be removed from the school register from a specific date. A reason for deregistration, however, is not required.
Guidelines on Elective Home Education published by the EA states that parents choose to home educate for a wide variety of reasons which may include, but are not limited to:
• Religious/Spiritual beliefs
• Philosophical reasons
• Dissatisfaction with the system
• Bullying
• Special Educational Needs
• Mental Health Issues
• As a short term measure for a specific reason
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202618%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=377919","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=377919"}},{"id":"377918","reference":"AQW 2617/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-07-01","answerBy":"2022-07-06","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, pursuant to AQW 1661/22-27, when he requested legal advice on the implications of the Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2022 and updated Directions; and when he expects to receive a legal opinion.","answerText":"My Department requested legal advice regarding the implications of the Abortion Regulations 2022 and the Abortion Services Directions 2022 between 20 May 2022 and 7 June 2022. My Department subsequently received advice which was under consideration.","answerHtml":"My Department requested legal advice regarding the implications of the Abortion Regulations 2022 and the Abortion Services Directions 2022 between 20 May 2022 and 7 June 2022. My Department subsequently received advice which was under consideration.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202617%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=377918","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=377918"}},{"id":"377917","reference":"AQW 2616/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-07-01","answerBy":"2022-07-20","answered":"2022-10-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has made any additional funding available for pregnancy choices or post-pregnancy counselling support since the Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2020 commenced on 31 March 2020.","answerText":"Since before the introduction of the Abortion (Northern Ireland) (No.2) Regulations 2020, my Department and the Public Health Agency (PHA) have contributed grant funding in the region of £137k per annum to Informing Choices NI (ICNI, formerly the Family Planning Association NI) to support the provision of certain sexual and reproductive health advice services, including with regard to pregnancy choices and counselling, as well as contraception, STIs, and sexual health and relationships education for people with learning disabilities. This includes a telephone helpline, web-based advice, information leaflets to GPs, GUM clinics, maternity units and community/voluntary groups and a three-option counselling service and post pregnancy counselling service.\n\nI awarded a non-recurrent uplift in grant funding to all of the Department’s core-funded bodies in 2020, in recognition of the financial challenges faced by the voluntary and community sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, through which ICNI received a further £15k, although this was not specifically for pregnancy choices or counselling.\n\nThe advice and counselling service currently provided as part of the central access point operated for NI by the British Pregnancy Advice Service (BPAS) is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care in England.\n\nThe provision of advice, guidance and counselling will form a key component of an approved and commissioned abortion service, subject to available funding and business case approval.","answerHtml":"Since before the introduction of the Abortion (Northern Ireland) (No.2) Regulations 2020, my Department and the Public Health Agency (PHA) have contributed grant funding in the region of £137k per annum to Informing Choices NI (ICNI, formerly the Family Planning Association NI) to support the provision of certain sexual and reproductive health advice services, including with regard to pregnancy choices and counselling, as well as contraception, STIs, and sexual health and relationships education for people with learning disabilities. This includes a telephone helpline, web-based advice, information leaflets to GPs, GUM clinics, maternity units and community/voluntary groups and a three-option counselling service and post pregnancy counselling service.
I awarded a non-recurrent uplift in grant funding to all of the Department’s core-funded bodies in 2020, in recognition of the financial challenges faced by the voluntary and community sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, through which ICNI received a further £15k, although this was not specifically for pregnancy choices or counselling.
The advice and counselling service currently provided as part of the central access point operated for NI by the British Pregnancy Advice Service (BPAS) is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care in England.
The provision of advice, guidance and counselling will form a key component of an approved and commissioned abortion service, subject to available funding and business case approval.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202616%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=377917","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=377917"}},{"id":"377916","reference":"AQW 2615/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-07-01","answerBy":"2022-07-20","answered":"2022-09-01","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health what services his Department currently funds for post-pregnancy counselling; and what the waiting times are to access these services.","answerText":"Post - pregnancy counselling services are delivered in a range of circumstances. Women who have had a pregnancy loss, stillbirth or neonatal death will be able to avail of support and guidance from bereavement midwives.","answerHtml":"Post - pregnancy counselling services are delivered in a range of circumstances. Women who have had a pregnancy loss, stillbirth or neonatal death will be able to avail of support and guidance from bereavement midwives.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202615%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=377916","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=377916"}},{"id":"377061","reference":"AQW 2148/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-24","answerBy":"2022-06-29","answered":"2022-07-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education what action she is taking to ensure all children with special educational needs have a school place in September 2022.","answerText":"Securing appropriate provision for children with statements of Special Educational Needs (SEN) remains a key priority for me and is being taken forward by the Education Authority (EA) supported by the Department and key partners, to ensure children are placed appropriately and in line with their needs.\n\nThe EA established a cross-directorate planning group tasked to ensure that there is an appropriate place in a special school or specialist provision in a mainstream school, for every child with a statement who needs one. Senior officials in my Department attend these meetings and hold regular oversight meetings with senior EA staff to monitor progress and provide me with regular updates.","answerHtml":"Securing appropriate provision for children with statements of Special Educational Needs (SEN) remains a key priority for me and is being taken forward by the Education Authority (EA) supported by the Department and key partners, to ensure children are placed appropriately and in line with their needs.
The EA established a cross-directorate planning group tasked to ensure that there is an appropriate place in a special school or specialist provision in a mainstream school, for every child with a statement who needs one. Senior officials in my Department attend these meetings and hold regular oversight meetings with senior EA staff to monitor progress and provide me with regular updates.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202148%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=377061","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=377061"}},{"id":"376878","reference":"AQW 2032/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-23","answerBy":"2022-07-08","answered":"2022-07-04","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Northern Ireland Assembly Commission","departmentId":"2","minister":"Assembly Commission","question":"To ask the Assembly Commission why the Wi-Fi in Parliament Buildings has limited speed and connectivity.","answerText":"Due in part to the greater demand for video conferencing by Members and staff as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Information Systems (IS) Office has identified deficiencies in the current Wi-Fi service, both in terms of signal availability in certain areas of Parliament Buildings and in the reliability of Wi-Fi connections to sustain high bandwidth applications. IS Office accepts that the system cannot cope reliably with these increased demands.\n\nThe Assembly Commission has agreed to replace the Wi-Fi network infrastructure, which will include a dedicated internet connection. This project will be completed in the current financial year.\n\nPending the replacement of the Wi-Fi network, the IS Office has reissued written advice to Members on how best to manage Wi-Fi connections on mobile devices when in Parliament Buildings.\n\nShould Members experience any difficulty with Wi-Fi access or performance in Parliament Buildings they should contact the IS Office Service Desk at the relevant time. The 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":"Due in part to the greater demand for video conferencing by Members and staff as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Information Systems (IS) Office has identified deficiencies in the current Wi-Fi service, both in terms of signal availability in certain areas of Parliament Buildings and in the reliability of Wi-Fi connections to sustain high bandwidth applications. IS Office accepts that the system cannot cope reliably with these increased demands.
The Assembly Commission has agreed to replace the Wi-Fi network infrastructure, which will include a dedicated internet connection. This project will be completed in the current financial year.
Pending the replacement of the Wi-Fi network, the IS Office has reissued written advice to Members on how best to manage Wi-Fi connections on mobile devices when in Parliament Buildings.
Should Members experience any difficulty with Wi-Fi access or performance in Parliament Buildings they should contact the IS Office Service Desk at the relevant time. The 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%202032%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=376878","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=376878"}},{"id":"376877","reference":"AQW 2031/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-23","answerBy":"2022-06-29","answered":"2022-06-29","answeredOrally":false,"priority":true,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether she will review the criteria for pupils to qualify for the free Home to School Transport scheme.","answerText":"The existing home to school transport policy set out in Department of Education Circular 1996/41 (updated September 2009) was in the process of being reviewed when the pandemic hit and was subsequently put on hold. The review is now paused pending the outcome of the Independent Review of Education.\n\nAny proposed changes to the structure of the Education system would have a fundamental impact on the home to school transport policy which would need to be considered before progressing any further with a review of transport.","answerHtml":"The existing home to school transport policy set out in Department of Education Circular 1996/41 (updated September 2009) was in the process of being reviewed when the pandemic hit and was subsequently put on hold. The review is now paused pending the outcome of the Independent Review of Education.
Any proposed changes to the structure of the Education system would have a fundamental impact on the home to school transport policy which would need to be considered before progressing any further with a review of transport.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%202031%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=376877","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=376877"}},{"id":"375621","reference":"AQW 1392/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-13","answerBy":"2022-06-28","answered":"2022-06-21","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 will engage with the women’s sector in Northern Ireland to produce a women’s employment strategy.","answerText":"The Department for Communities (DfC) has policy lead on employability and would be responsible for developing such a strategy. However, my Department makes a key contribution, particularly through our skills and education remit.\n\nEducation, training and skills development opportunities, at all levels, are available at our Higher Education Institutions, Further Education Colleges and through a range of other training providers.\n\nIn addition, our recently published Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland - Skills for a 10X Economy - has led to the establishment of the Northern Ireland Skills Council and a Skills Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Sub-Committee. The sub-committee considers access and participation in skills and education and aims to address barriers or issues that contribute to underrepresentation from those, for example, with a disability or of a particular gender or age.\n\nMembership of the sub-committee includes representation from the women’s sector as well Union representation, the Equality Commission for NI and other Government Departments.\n\nThe Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Action Plan, co-designed by government and industry was published in March this year. The activities underpinning the action plan are creating an environment that encourages and supports more women to reach their full STEM potential in Northern Ireland.\n\nMy Department also continues to participate in the structures established by DfC to develop four social inclusion strategies, which includes one on gender.","answerHtml":"The Department for Communities (DfC) has policy lead on employability and would be responsible for developing such a strategy. However, my Department makes a key contribution, particularly through our skills and education remit.
Education, training and skills development opportunities, at all levels, are available at our Higher Education Institutions, Further Education Colleges and through a range of other training providers.
In addition, our recently published Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland - Skills for a 10X Economy - has led to the establishment of the Northern Ireland Skills Council and a Skills Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Sub-Committee. The sub-committee considers access and participation in skills and education and aims to address barriers or issues that contribute to underrepresentation from those, for example, with a disability or of a particular gender or age.
Membership of the sub-committee includes representation from the women’s sector as well Union representation, the Equality Commission for NI and other Government Departments.
The Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Action Plan, co-designed by government and industry was published in March this year. The activities underpinning the action plan are creating an environment that encourages and supports more women to reach their full STEM potential in Northern Ireland.
My Department also continues to participate in the structures established by DfC to develop four social inclusion strategies, which includes one on gender.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201392%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=375621","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=375621"}},{"id":"375620","reference":"AQW 1391/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-13","answerBy":"2022-06-28","answered":"2022-06-16","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when he will implement the New Decade, New Approach commitment to fund three cycles of IVF treatment.","answerText":"It is not yet possible for me to provide an implementation date for the increase in IVF cycles. I have always been clear that providing up to three cycles of IVF treatment for those who are eligible will require sustained investment to enable the Regional Fertility Centre to deliver greater volumes of treatment. Whilst work is ongoing to develop the necessary business case and implementation plan for this, the member will be aware that long term affordability remains a major issue in the absence of an agreed Executive budget for the next three years.\n\nOnce funding is in place, it is likely that a phased approach to firstly two, and then three cycles will be adopted. This is to ensure that the service is not overwhelmed by demand and that waiting lists do not increase significantly, as well as the need to ensure there is adequate capacity to deliver, including within the independent sector initially.\n\nOnce there is clarity on future funding and implementation, a Frequently Asked Questions guide will be developed to assist patients to understand the new arrangements, including eligibility.","answerHtml":"It is not yet possible for me to provide an implementation date for the increase in IVF cycles. I have always been clear that providing up to three cycles of IVF treatment for those who are eligible will require sustained investment to enable the Regional Fertility Centre to deliver greater volumes of treatment. Whilst work is ongoing to develop the necessary business case and implementation plan for this, the member will be aware that long term affordability remains a major issue in the absence of an agreed Executive budget for the next three years.
Once funding is in place, it is likely that a phased approach to firstly two, and then three cycles will be adopted. This is to ensure that the service is not overwhelmed by demand and that waiting lists do not increase significantly, as well as the need to ensure there is adequate capacity to deliver, including within the independent sector initially.
Once there is clarity on future funding and implementation, a Frequently Asked Questions guide will be developed to assist patients to understand the new arrangements, including eligibility.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201391%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=375620","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=375620"}},{"id":"375619","reference":"AQW 1390/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-13","answerBy":"2022-06-28","answered":"2022-06-24","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 implementation of Mother and Baby Units, and other work on perinatal mental health.","answerText":"Implementation of the specialist perinatal mental health services is being implemented on a phased approach, with phase one focussing on the roll out of community perinatal mental health teams across the region. Services in the Belfast Trust and the South Eastern Trust are operational and accepting referrals. The three remaining trusts are completing recruitment processes.\n\nIn parallel, preliminary scoping work has also commenced on the establishment of a Mother and Baby Unit for the region, including engagement with Health and Social Care Trusts.","answerHtml":"Implementation of the specialist perinatal mental health services is being implemented on a phased approach, with phase one focussing on the roll out of community perinatal mental health teams across the region. Services in the Belfast Trust and the South Eastern Trust are operational and accepting referrals. The three remaining trusts are completing recruitment processes.
In parallel, preliminary scoping work has also commenced on the establishment of a Mother and Baby Unit for the region, including engagement with Health and Social Care Trusts.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201390%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=375619","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=375619"}},{"id":"375618","reference":"AQW 1389/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-13","answerBy":"2022-06-28","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 what action her Department is taking to implement the recommendations of the Independent Review of Discretionary Support.","answerText":"The report of the independent review of Discretionary Support has been published on my Department’s website. I hope to make an announcement soon on how I propose to improve Discretionary Support by making it more accessible and ensuring that emergency financial support is there for people when they need it most.","answerHtml":"The report of the independent review of Discretionary Support has been published on my Department’s website. I hope to make an announcement soon on how I propose to improve Discretionary Support by making it more accessible and ensuring that emergency financial support is there for people when they need it most.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201389%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=375618","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=375618"}},{"id":"375617","reference":"AQW 1388/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-13","answerBy":"2022-06-28","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 when she will publish the findings of the Welfare Mitigation Review.","answerText":"The independent review of welfare mitigations has been completed and a final report has been submitted to the Department. This will be published at the earliest opportunity.\n\nThe implementation of any new payment schemes will require Executive agreement on the allocation of necessary funding.","answerHtml":"The independent review of welfare mitigations has been completed and a final report has been submitted to the Department. This will be published at the earliest opportunity.
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%201388%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=375617","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=375617"}},{"id":"375425","reference":"AQW 1282/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-06-10","answerBy":"2022-06-15","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 he is doing to ensure transgender people can access hysterectomies as part of gender affirming surgery.","answerText":"The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, which operates the Regional Gender Identity Service at the Brackenburn Clinic, is not commissioned for this procedure as part of gender affirming surgery. However, if transgender people have gynaecological issues they will be assessed for hysterectomy and surgery will be performed if clinically appropriate.","answerHtml":"The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, which operates the Regional Gender Identity Service at the Brackenburn Clinic, is not commissioned for this procedure as part of gender affirming surgery. However, if transgender people have gynaecological issues they will be assessed for hysterectomy and surgery will be performed if clinically appropriate.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%201282%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=375425","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=375425"}},{"id":"374425","reference":"AQW 772/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-05-30","answerBy":"2022-06-16","answered":"2022-10-25","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Health","departmentId":"82","minister":"Minister of Health","question":"To ask the Minister of Health when the Minor Injuries Unit in Bangor Hospital will reopen.","answerText":"I refer the member to AQW 57/22-27 for the answer to this question.","answerHtml":"I refer the member to AQW 57/22-27 for the answer to this question.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%20772%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=374425","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=374425"}},{"id":"374088","reference":"AQW 533/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-05-25","answerBy":"2022-06-13","answered":"2022-06-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether her Department has funding available for all schools to install HEPA air filtration units to mitigate against the spread of COVID-19.","answerText":"The most effective mitigating measure in relation to Covid-19 is natural ventilation and my Department and the Education Authority are supporting schools in prioritising the effective implementation of this measure.\n\nAir cleaners were reviewed in detail by SAGE and its Environment and Modelling Group concluded that there is currently very little evidence that air cleaners are an effective control to prevent COVID-19, however the principles of air cleaning suggests that they may be useful in some cases and may be suitable for spaces where there is insufficient ventilation and the ventilation can’t be improved.\n\nAll schools have received guidance in relation to ventilation, and supplied with CO2 monitors to assist in identifying areas where ventilation needs to be improved. Schools with concerns about ventilation have been advised to contact the EA maintenance helpline for advice/support on the best approach for their individual circumstances.\n\nThe Education Authority Maintenance Service have received requests from 59 schools for air filtration units. All 59 schools were assessed on site by maintenance staff, resulting in 46 schools requiring air filtration units. 200 air filtration units have been distributed to date across the Education estate. There is a sufficient stock of air filtration units to meet the current demands and additional units will be purchased if there is a requirement for them.","answerHtml":"The most effective mitigating measure in relation to Covid-19 is natural ventilation and my Department and the Education Authority are supporting schools in prioritising the effective implementation of this measure.
Air cleaners were reviewed in detail by SAGE and its Environment and Modelling Group concluded that there is currently very little evidence that air cleaners are an effective control to prevent COVID-19, however the principles of air cleaning suggests that they may be useful in some cases and may be suitable for spaces where there is insufficient ventilation and the ventilation can’t be improved.
All schools have received guidance in relation to ventilation, and supplied with CO2 monitors to assist in identifying areas where ventilation needs to be improved. Schools with concerns about ventilation have been advised to contact the EA maintenance helpline for advice/support on the best approach for their individual circumstances.
The Education Authority Maintenance Service have received requests from 59 schools for air filtration units. All 59 schools were assessed on site by maintenance staff, resulting in 46 schools requiring air filtration units. 200 air filtration units have been distributed to date across the Education estate. There is a sufficient stock of air filtration units to meet the current demands and additional units will be purchased if there is a requirement for them.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%20533%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=374088","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=374088"}},{"id":"374087","reference":"AQW 532/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-05-25","answerBy":"2022-06-13","answered":"2022-06-13","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department of Education","departmentId":"78","minister":"Minister of Education","question":"To ask the Minister of Education whether the Healthy Happy Minds Therapeutic and Counselling Service will be made available to all schools on a permanent basis.","answerText":"Following conclusion of the Healthy Happy Minds Therapeutic and Counselling Service Pilot in June 2022, an independent evaluation of the pilot will commence in July 2022 and is expected to report by late Autumn 2022. Once received, this evaluation will inform future provision of therapeutic and counselling support at primary school level and at that stage consideration will be given to the funding position.","answerHtml":"Following conclusion of the Healthy Happy Minds Therapeutic and Counselling Service Pilot in June 2022, an independent evaluation of the pilot will commence in July 2022 and is expected to report by late Autumn 2022. Once received, this evaluation will inform future provision of therapeutic and counselling support at primary school level and at that stage consideration will be given to the funding position.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%20532%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=374087","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=374087"}},{"id":"374086","reference":"AQW 531/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-05-25","answerBy":"2022-06-13","answered":"2022-06-06","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 plans to install a pedestrian crossing on the Belfast Road, Bangor.","answerText":"I am advised that local officials have previously explained that while a demand for a pedestrian crossing is acknowledged, for wider safety reasons there are no plans to install a crossing at this location. Pedestrian crossings must be safe and ensure they can provide enough space for pedestrians and vulnerable users to safely cross the road and must also be located in such a way that they are clearly visible to drivers affording them sufficient time to make adjustments in order to ensure the safety of all road users. Given that these key criteria cannot be met, my Department unfortunately cannot safely provide a pedestrian crossing at this location.","answerHtml":"I am advised that local officials have previously explained that while a demand for a pedestrian crossing is acknowledged, for wider safety reasons there are no plans to install a crossing at this location. Pedestrian crossings must be safe and ensure they can provide enough space for pedestrians and vulnerable users to safely cross the road and must also be located in such a way that they are clearly visible to drivers affording them sufficient time to make adjustments in order to ensure the safety of all road users. Given that these key criteria cannot be met, my Department unfortunately cannot safely provide a pedestrian crossing at this location.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%20531%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=374086","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=374086"}},{"id":"374085","reference":"AQW 530/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-05-25","answerBy":"2022-06-13","answered":"2022-06-06","answeredOrally":false,"priority":false,"department":"Department for Infrastructure","departmentId":"84","minister":"Minister for Infrastructure","question":"To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether he will introduce a 20mph speed limit zone outside Grange Park Primary School, Bangor.","answerText":"The second tranche of part-time 20mph speed limits at schools is being delivered this year and upon completion, 215 schools across the North will be benefitting from this initiative. When all of the tranche 2 sites are fully operational and have had sufficient time to bed in, my Department intends to carry out a review of this work to determine if a further tranche is justified. Until this review is carried out I am not in a position to commit to install part-time 20mph speed limits at any more schools.","answerHtml":"The second tranche of part-time 20mph speed limits at schools is being delivered this year and upon completion, 215 schools across the North will be benefitting from this initiative. When all of the tranche 2 sites are fully operational and have had sufficient time to bed in, my Department intends to carry out a review of this work to determine if a further tranche is justified. Until this review is carried out I am not in a position to commit to install part-time 20mph speed limits at any more schools.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%20530%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=374085","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=374085"}},{"id":"374084","reference":"AQW 529/22-27","type":"Written","typeCode":"AQW","mandate":"22-27","tabled":"2022-05-25","answerBy":"2022-06-13","answered":"2022-06-06","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 whether he will include Brompton Bay, Bangor in his Department's published Bathing Water Profiles.","answerText":"I recognise the significant increase there has been in open water swimming, and my Department is currently undertaking a review of Bathing Waters. A pre-consultation with councils and a public consultation have both been carried out, and my Department is now considering the proposals for new sites including Brompton Bay. Bathing water profiles will be produced and published for all bathing waters that are formally identified through the ongoing review process.\n\nMy Department publishes bathing water profiles for all 26 identified bathing waters in Northern Ireland. These profiles are reviewed annually.\n\nA list of current bathing water profiles can be found here https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/2022-bathing-water-profiles.","answerHtml":"I recognise the significant increase there has been in open water swimming, and my Department is currently undertaking a review of Bathing Waters. A pre-consultation with councils and a public consultation have both been carried out, and my Department is now considering the proposals for new sites including Brompton Bay. Bathing water profiles will be produced and published for all bathing waters that are formally identified through the ongoing review process.
My Department publishes bathing water profiles for all 26 identified bathing waters in Northern Ireland. These profiles are reviewed annually.
A list of current bathing water profiles can be found here https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/2022-bathing-water-profiles.
","oralExchange":null,"onAssemblySite":true,"links":{"assembly":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/writtensearchresults.aspx?&qf=0&qfv=1&ref=AQW%20529%2F22-27","printable":"https://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/questions/printquestionsummary.aspx?docid=374084","officialReport":null,"api":"https://data.niassembly.gov.uk/questions.asmx/GetQuestionDetails?documentId=374084"}}]}