QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Oral Answers
The Education Minister faced questions on childcare, community relations funding and teacher redundancies, as well as three questions on the Special Needs review which has been outstanding for a year as the Executive disagrees over who qualifies. The Minister blamed the DUP for a lack of “progressive thinking”.
DEL discussed ongoing problems of anti-social behavior in the Holylands and student accommodation generally, as well as retraining services. The DETI Minister was talking up economic opportunities in India, the tourism benefits of the NW200 and defended her decision to veto the script for a West Belfast tourist podcast.
Written Answers
OFMDFM believes the Efficiency Review Panel examining the structures of Government will report this year, DARD was quizzed on horse passports, DCAL is providing an extra £45K to support the NW200 and Education noted that Snr Civil Servants in the Department received bonuses totaling £100K in 07/08.
DETI has commissioned an overview of the local manufacturing base and confirmed that it will not be releasing any land to allow communities to grow affordable food. DFP disclosed that there were 276 alcohol-related deaths last year while DRD revealed that Translink buses have been involved in 7,360 accidents in the past five years.
COMMITTEES
DARD sunk its teeth into the Apple Industry and planned to throw itself on an unsuspecting public at Ballymena Agricultural Show. CBI briefed Finance regarding the Procurement Inquiry and Education marked teacher training standards. DRD dipped its toe into River Basin Management proposals, DEL tripped down to NIE for a study visit and DoE was briefed by the National Trust on plans for the Giant’s Causeway.
DETI considered broadband services, debt relief and a presentation from the Utility Regulator. DCAL headed west to Waterway Ireland’s HQ in Enniskillen, DSD contemplated Community Network Support Services and Health reviewed a report on Self Harm.
