Patsy McGlone MLA for Mid Ulster

 
news issues

gallery

videos

 links contact  

 

 

 

Assembly Questions

 

baile
 
nuacht
ábhair
beathaisnéis
naisc
teagmháil
 
Assembly Questions
 
Videos 
Gallery
 
Archive
 
 

 

2013

April

17th April 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Education

To ask the Minister of Education what plans there are for the use of the site of Maghera High School...more

17th April 2013

Written Answer from the Minister for Employment and Learning

To ask the Minister for Employment and Learning what extra resources he has allocated to Benefits Offices to assist customers with the impact of Welfare Reform...more

12th April 2013

Written Answer from the Minister for Social Development

To ask the Minister for Social Development what capital works projects are currently being considered by his Department, including social housing projects...more

9th April 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Finance and Personnel

To ask the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail (i) the number of flights taken by civil servants, in each the last five years; and (ii) the cost of these flights, broken down by airline...more

3rd April 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment

To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what new initiatives and capital works projects are currently being pursued that could assist the construction industry...more

3rd April 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment

To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for a breakdown of all expenditure on the acquisition of land at the Carnbane Industrial Estate, Newry; and for the projected expenditure for development of these lands...more

3rd April 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many patients' hospital appointments were cancelled by their consultant in (i) 2008/09; (ii) 2009/10; (iii) 2010/11; (iv) 2011/12; and (v) 2012/13 to date; and how many of these cancelled appointments were due to the consutants' work commitments in the private sector...more

March

28th March 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what capital works projects are currently being considered by his Department...more

27th March 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Finance and Personnel

To ask the Minister of Finance and Personnel whether the Help To Buy Scheme announced by the Chancellor in the 2013 Budget will apply here...more

26th March 2013

Written Answer from the Minister for Regional Development

To ask the Minister for Regional Development what capital works projects are currently being considered by his Department...more

26th March 2013

Written Answer from the Minister for Employment and Learning

To ask the Minister for Employment and Learning, in relation to departmental supported apprenticeships, to detail (ii) the number supported in the last five years; and (ii) the planned number to be supported in the next five years...more

25th March 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment

To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how her Department can assist older and established businesses affected by the economic downturn that do not fit the normal model for support...more

25th March 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Finance and Personnel

To ask the Minister of Finance and Personnel what consideration has been given to seeking a reduction in VAT for businesses connected to tourism...more

25th March 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Finance and Personnel

To ask the Minister of Finance and Personnel what consideration will be given to a rates reduction for small and medium-sized enterprises to assist them in the current financial climate...more

22nd March 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Finance and Personnel

To ask the Minister of Finance and Personnel what new initiatives and capital works projects, that could assist the construction industry, are currently being pursued...more

20th March 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Education

To ask the Minister of Education what capital works projects are currently being considered by his Department...more

15th March 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Justice

To ask the Minister of Justice for an update on the new Community Safety College at Desertcreat, including revised projected timescales, cost and consultants fees to date...more

13th March 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Education

To ask the Minister of Education how Boards of Governors can make staffing decisions when schools have not yet been notified of their budget allocations for the next financial year...more

February

25th February 2013

Written Answer from the Minister for Regional Development

To ask the Minister for Regional Development how much has been spent on rural roads maintenance and capital works in the Dungannon, Cookstown and Magherafelt Council areas, in each of the last three years...more

22nd February 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is the current level of funding that his Department provides to the Family Fund; and what funding is planned for the next financial year...more

21st February 2013

Written Answer from the Minister for Social Development

To ask the Minister for Social Development what length of warranty is given on boilers fitted to homes under departmental warm home projects, such as those fitted by Eaga...more

21st February 2013

Written Answer from the Minister for Social Development

To ask the Minister for Social Development what is the (i) target; and (ii) average actual time for appeals of Employment Support Allowance cases from the date of submission to a tribunal decision being made...more

21st February 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 16870/11-15, for an update on the changes that have been made to the Intensive Home Support Unit in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust; and what consultation with staff and patients was undertaken prior to any changes...more

20th February 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development

To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many meetings she has had with (i) the Food Standards Agency; and (ii) the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety since the news broke of horse meat being found in food products...more

20th February 2013

Written Answer from the First Minister and deputy First Minister

To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister what action they are taking in response to the Information Commissioner's findings on their Department's delay in responding to Freedom of Information requests...more

20th February 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Education

To ask the Minister of Education, given that three out of four teaching unions that responded to the consultation on the Northern Ireland Teachers' Pension Scheme are unhappy with the scheme proposals, what further consultations will now take place...more

19th February 2013

Written Answer from the Minister for Employment and Learning

To ask the Minister for Employment and Learning how many young people are engaged in Youth Employment Scheme projects in Mid Ulster...more

18th February 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Education

To ask the Minister of Education, given that Holy Family Primary School, Magherafelt is a Core School and meets the Sustainable Schools Criteria, why it is not a priority for new build...more

15th February 2013

Revised Written Answer from the Minister for Regional Development

To ask the Minister for Regional Development how much has been paid by his Department in each of the last three years and in the current year to date in (i) compensation and (ii) legal fees...more

13th February 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment

To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what measures will be introduced to support the hospitality, tourism and retail sectors with the difficulties they have faced as a result of the recent civil unrest...more

13th February 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Social Development

To ask the Minister for Social Development what consideration his Department has given to expanding the Warm Homes Scheme to include seals, insulation or draught exclusion measures for doors and windows as a means of improving heating efficiency in homes and reducing fuel poverty...more

13th February 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Finance and Personnel

To ask the Minister of Finance and Personnel (i) what changes or alterations have been made to the mapping system used by Land and Property Service in the last five years; (ii) how many mapping errors and inaccuracies have been found in maps issued in each of the last five years; (iii) what investigations are taking place into other errors found in the mapping system; and (iv) with whom responsibility lies, including financial responsibility, for the correction of errors in individual folios which result from errors in the mapping system...more

5th February 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Social Development

To ask the Minister for Social Development what measures are in place to ensure that any groups that receive public funding comply with the legal requirements and requests from the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Division...more

5th February 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what arrangements have been put in place to appoint a new Chairperson to the Northern Health and Social Care Trust...more

5th February 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Social Development

To ask the Minister for Social Development what changes will be made to the qualifying criteria for the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance, in relation to the minimum distance of mobility claimants are moved to Personal Independence Payment; and what assessment has been made of the potential impact on claimants who have permanent, exacerbating or fluctuating conditions...more

1st February 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Social Development

To ask the Minister for Social Development whether he plans to introduce a Green Deal Loan scheme similar to that which has been announced in England and Wales...more

1st February 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment

To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, pursuant to AQW 18293/11-15, what is her Department’s estimated financial impact on local businesses...more

January

28th January 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment

To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment whether her Department has carried out an assessment on the impact the recent protests and riots have had on the local economy and investor confidence in Belfast...more

28th January 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many people with conditions that cause them to suffer hair loss have been referred for wig fitting in each of the last five years, broken down by constituency...more

15th January 2013

Written Answer from the Minister of Finance and Personnel

To ask the Minister of Finance and Personnel whether all special advisers appointed since he brought in the new appointment processes have been appointed in accordance with those processes...more

4th January 2013

Written Answer from the First Minister and deputy First Minister

To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the Childcare Strategy...more

2012

December

20th December 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Education

To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the current position of the new build for Holy Family Primary School in Magherafelt...more

20th December 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Regional Development

To ask the Minister for Regional Development how many legal cases involving his Department, or its arms-length bodies, which have appeared before courts or are pending hearing, have had mediation offered by the other party but declined by the Department or agency...more

20th December 2012

Written Answer from the Assembly Commission

To ask the Assembly Commission what practices, protocols and measures are in place to ensure prompt payments to contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers...more

18th December 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Social Development

To ask the Minister for Social Development what training in understanding the condition Lupus is provided to ATOS medical staff who carry out examinations on benefit claimants...more

14th December 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of the Environment

To ask the Minister of the Environment what practices, protocols and measures his Department has in place to ensure prompt payment by local government to contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers...more

10th December 2012

Written Answer from the First Minister and deputy First Minister

To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister what practices, protocols and measures are in place within the Department and its arm's-length bodies to ensure prompt payment to contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers...more

10th December 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety which hospitals have changing places toilets for people with disabilities...more

7th December 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of the Environment

To ask the Minister of the Environment whether consideration has been given to the introduction of a reduced planning fee for applications that are submitted after the five year expiry date of a previous planning approval, to ensure that the live approval is maintained...more

5th December 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Regional Development

To ask the Minister for Regional Development how much has been paid by his Department in each of the last three years and in the current year to date in (i) compensation and (ii) legal fees...more

5th December 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Justice

To ask the Minister of Justice what assessment was carried out, during the tender process, on the potential use of biofuel at the Northern Ireland Community Safety College at Desertcreat...more

5th December 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many hospital appointments in each Health and Social Care Trust have been missed in the last twelve months...more

4th December 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment

To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment whether her Department intends to introduce a new grant scheme for photovoltaic panels...more

4th December 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Finance and Personnel

To ask the Minister of Finance and Personnel, pursuant to AQW 16509/11-15, when the changes to the small business rates relief scheme will come into effect...more

November

29th November 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development

To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what practices, protocols and measures are in place within the Department and its arm's-length bodies to ensure prompt payment to contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers...more

29th November 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment

To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what practices, protocols and measures are in place within the Department and its arm's-length bodies to ensure prompt payment to contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers...more

28th November 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Education

To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 16834/11-15, at what stage of the approvals process is this matter; and how long before the process is complete...more

28th November 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Employment and Learning

To ask the Minister for Employment and Learning what practices, protocols and measures are in place within the Department and its arm's-length bodies to ensure prompt payment to contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers...more

28th November 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Social Development

To ask the Minister for Social Development what practices, protocols and measures are in place within the Department and its arm's-length bodies to ensure prompt payment to contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers...more

28th November 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Regional Development

To ask the Minister for Regional Development what practices, protocols and measures are in place within the Department and its arm's-length bodies to ensure prompt payment to contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers...more

27th November 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Justice

To ask the Minister of Justice what practices, protocols and measures are in place within the Department and its arm's-length bodies to ensure prompt payment to contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers...more

27th November 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) how many hospital appointments in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust area have been missed in the last twelve months; and (ii) how many of these have been missed because of transport issues...more

27th November 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what practices, protocols and measures are in place within the Department and its arm's-length bodies to ensure prompt payment to contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers...more

27th November 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) how many hospital appointments in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust area have been missed in the last twelve months; and (ii) how many of these have been missed because of transport issues...more

27th November 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail any planned changes to the work of the Intensive Home Support Unit within the Southern Health and Social Care Trust...more

27th November 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of the Environment

To ask the Minister of the Environment what practices, protocols and measures are in place within the Department and its arm's-length bodies to ensure prompt payment to contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers...more

23rd November 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Education

To ask the Minister of Education when the £250 payment will be made to eligible staff of Voluntary Grammar Schools for the 2010/11 year...more

23rd November 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Finance and Personnel

To ask the Minister of Finance and Personnel what practices, protocols and measures are in place within the Department and its arm's-length bodies to ensure prompt payment to contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers...more

21st November 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment

To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for an outline of InvestNI's Skills Growth scheme, including the criteria for inclusion and the remit of the scheme...more

21st November 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment

To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (i) how the new Finance Voucher scheme, to help small and medium sized enterprises access specialist support to grow their businesses, will operate; (ii) which SMEs will be eligible; and (iii) how they can apply for this scheme...more

21st November 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure

To ask the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what practices, protocols and measures are in place within the Department and its arm's-length bodies to ensure prompt payment to contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers...more

21st November 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment

To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, in light of the recent market reports published by property agents Lisneys highlighting the virtual total collapse of bank lending to the property sector, to detail (i) what consideration has been given to this as a threat to the ability to attract Foreign Direct Investment opportunities; and (ii) what plans there are to introduce any form of government subvention, by means of either short-term rental guarantee or capital shortfall grant, to ensure the availability of premises, particularly outside Greater Belfast...more

21st November 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment

To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, in light of the recent market reports published by property agents Lisneys, to detail the available square footage of office space outside Greater Belfast that has been deemed suitable for potential Foreign Direct Investment projects...more

20th November 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Finance and Personnel

To ask the Minister of Finance and Personnel (i) to detail the criteria that businesses must meet to be eligible for the 20 percent reduction in rates, as an extension to the small business rates relief scheme; (ii) from when will the reduction apply; and (iii) for how long it will last....more

20th November 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Finance and Personnel

To ask the Minister of Finance and Personnel (i) to detail the criteria that businesses must meet to be eligible for the 20 percent reduction in rates, as an extension to the small business rates relief scheme; (ii) from when will the reduction apply; and (iii) for how long it will last....more

20th November 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Education

To ask the Minister of Education what practices, protocols and measures are in place within the Department and its arm's-length bodies to ensure prompt payment to contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers...more

20th November 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Finance and Personnel

To ask the Minister of Finance and Personnel for a breakdown of how the £40 million additional funding, to deliver a range of projects to support the construction sector, will be allocated in the current financial year...more

12th November 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment

To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, in light of the recent market reports published by property agents Lisneys comparing Foreign Direct Investment success in Northern Ireland with that in the Republic of Ireland, whether the Treasury has been pressed on the need to lower Corporation Tax sooner rather than later...more

6th November 2012

Written Answer from the First Minister and deputy First Minister

To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the devolution of Corporation Tax...more

1st November 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Social Development

To ask the Minister for Social Development what provision, in terms of job-seekers allowance or other benefits, is made for students who have to take a period of leave from their university course for re-sits but who remain registered at the university...more

October

24th October 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment

To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (i) the number of new jobs created; and (ii) the level of financial investment for job creation, in each year between 1998 and 2007, broken down by constituency...more

23rd October 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Finance and Personnel

To ask the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the total number of people deemed (i) out of work; (ii) unemployed; and (iii) economically inactive, in each of the last five years...more

19th October 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Justice

To ask the Minister of Justice what steps have been taken to ensure that there is no unnecessary duplication or delays in applications for clearance from Access NI in cases where the individual has recently received clearance...more

18th October 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Social Development

To ask the Minister for Social Development to provide the numbers on the annual housing waiting list in each district council area since 1992...more

17th October 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Regional Development

To ask the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 14577/11-15, to detail (i) the total amount of the original 2647 bills issued; and (ii) the total amount of the bills after all adjustments and reclassifications were made...more

17th October 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Social Development

To ask the Minister for Social Development how many successful applications have been made to the Social Fund in each of the last five years...more

17th October 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Social Development

To ask the Minister for Social Development to provide the number of people presenting as homeless in each district council area since 1992...more

16th October 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety when the Ambulance Service is due to begin a new recruitment drive; and how many positions will be available...more

16th October 2012

Written Answer from the First Minister and deputy First Minister

To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister when the decision was taken to hold a Mini Economic Forum of Executive Ministers on 13 September 2012, and when Ministers and Departments involved were informed of the forum...more

12th October 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has to introduce parking charges for staff at the Antrim Area Hospital and the Causeway Hospital...more

11th October 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of the Environment

To ask the Minister of the Environment what consideration has been given to reviewing the policy in relation to roadside advertising signage for businesses, particularly given the current economic situation...more

11th October 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment

To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how much the Tourist Board has invested in each constituency, in each year since devolution...more

10th October 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Regional Development

To ask the Minister for Regional Development if any investigation has been carried out into the impact of water charges on small and medium sized businesses, in light of the current economic situation...more

9th October 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Regional Development

To ask the Minister for Regional Development what consideration has been given to reviewing the policy in relation to roadside advertising signage for businesses, particularly given the current economic situation...more

9th October 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Regional Development

To ask the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 13421/11-15, to detail the costs incurred by his Department in relation to the Fair Employment Tribunal case on the appointment of the Chairperson of NI Water, including a breakdown of legal fees, travel costs and all the other expenses...more

8th October 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of the Environment

To ask the Minister of the Environment for his assessment of the scope to draw down greater amounts of EU funding in the Environmental sector, particularly in relation to research and development...more

5th October 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Education

To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the schools in each Education and Library Board area where asbestos is present, (ii) the assessment of the risk in each case and (iii) the action planned to remove all traces of asbestos from these schools to minimise risk to pupils and staff...more

4th October 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Regional Development

To ask the Minister for Regional Development, in relation to NI Water’s review of water meters (i) how many meters were identified as test meters; (ii) how many test meters were subsequently changed to chargeable meters; (iii) how many bills were then issued to customers; (iv) what time period the bills cover; (v) how many of the new bills included a domestic water and sewage allowance on first issue; (vi) how many bills were challenged by the customer due to (a) no domestic allowance being included; and (b) not being a commercial or farming customer, and therefore not liable for charges; (vii) how many bills were subsequently (a) reduced; or (b) reduced to zero; and (viii) what checks were carried out on the circumstances of each property prior to bills being issued...more

3rd October 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment

To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, for each of the last five years, to detail (i) the number of new jobs created; and (ii) the level of financial investment for job creation, broken down by constituency...more

3rd October 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Finance and Personnel

To ask the Minister of Finance and Personnel what discussions have taken place with the Treasury and banks regarding the Bank of England Funding for Lending Scheme...more

September

21st September 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety with whom does responsibility lie for primary medical care for patients in (i) nursing homes; and (ii) residential homes....more

21st September 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Social Development

To ask the Minister for Social Development what elements of Professor Harrington’s Year 2 Recommendations on the Work Capability Assessment have been implemented; and which are yet to be implemented...more

19th September 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development

To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how water levels on the River Bann are managed to ensure that the interests of the fishing and other waterway industries, landowners and farming are looked after....more

18th September 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 10247/11-15, what steps he has taken to ensure value for money in the Oasis dental contract....more

18th September 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for his assessment of the value for money of the private dental care provided by Oasis dental care during 2011/12....more

August

2nd August 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Social Development

To ask the Minister for Social Development, pursuant to AQW 13259/11-15, what consideration his Department has given to (i) providing assistance to Employment and Support Allowance claimants for the costs associated with providing further medical evidence; (ii) the responsibilities of GPs, hospitals and others for providing the evidence; (iii) the quality and the cost of the evidence; (iv) the non-return rate, of evidence sought; and (v) the onus for seeking additional material resting with the decision maker and his Department, as the claimant may well be under stress due to their health situation...more

1st August 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Social Development

To ask the Minister for Social Development, pursuant to AQW 13259/11-15, given the impact that further medical evidence may have on Employment and Support Allowance appeals, what consideration has been given to introducing a questionnaire to enable claimants' GPs or specialists, to provide further opinion and evidence before a decision is made...more

July

31st July 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Social Development

To ask the Minister for Social Development, pursuant to AQW 13259/11-15, what consideration his Department has given to (i) providing assistance to Employment and Support Allowance claimants for the costs associated with providing further medical evidence; (ii) the responsibilities of GPs, hospitals and others for providing the evidence; (iii) the quality and the cost of the evidence; (iv) the non-return rate, of evidence sought; and (v) the onus for seeking additional material resting with the decision maker and his Department, as the claimant may well be under stress due to their health situation...more

31st July 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Social Development

To ask the Minister for Social Development, pursuant to AQW 13259/11-15, given the impact that further medical evidence may have on Employment and Support Allowance appeals, what consideration has been given to introducing a questionnaire to enable claimants' GPs or specialists, to provide further opinion and evidence before a decision is made...more

19th July 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Social Development

To ask the Minister for Social Development whether his Department, or the Housing Executive, has carried out a risk evaluation on bonfires which are located on, or near to, Housing Executive property...more

11th July 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Social Development

To ask the Minister for Social Development what alternative arrangements have been considered for the payment of benefits to claimants who use the Ulster Bank, until normal service at the bank is resumed...more

11th July 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Social Development

To ask the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of Employment and Support Allowance claimants being treated for (i) cancer; (ii) mental health issues; and (iii) phobias, whose benefits have been stopped following an examination by a nurse...more

10th July 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Regional Development

To ask the Minister for Regional Development to detail the costs incurred by his Department in relation to the Fair Employment Tribunal case on the appointment of the Chair of NI Water, including a breakdown by legal fees, travel costs and all other expenses...more

10th July 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Regional Development

To ask the Minister for Regional Development whether there are currently any delays in repairing street lighting...more

9th July 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of the Environment

To ask the Minister of the Environment to detail (i) the investigations that have taken place into the operation of illegal driving instructors; (ii) what were the findings of the investigations; and (iii) how the matter is monitored...more

9th July 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of the Environment

To ask the Minister of the Environment how his Department monitors and ensures the fair and consistent application of driving tests...more

6th July 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Regional Development

To ask the Minister for Regional Development whether Smartpasses can be used by passengers travelling on the Aircoach service from Belfast to Dublin Airport...more

6th July 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Education

To ask the Minister of Education why Holy Family Primary School, Magherafelt was not included in his recent new build announcement...more

6th July 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Education

To ask the Minister of Education (i) how the application for a new build for Holy Family Primary School, Magherafelt, was scored and placed on the Department's priority list; (ii) what representations were made for and against the new build; and (iii) what consideration was given to the representations from the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools on making the need for a new build a priority...more

5th July 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Social Development

To ask the Minister for Social Development, in relation to the Work Capability Assessments for Employment and Support Allowance (i) what processes are in place to obtain additional medical evidence from a claimant's GP, or other medical professional, when the existence of such evidence is identified by a claimant; (ii) whether the onus to obtain the information lies with ATOS Healthcare or the Social Security decision maker; (iii) what guidance is given on when further evidence should be sought; and (iv) what assessment has been made on the numbers appeal cases involving this situation...more

4th July 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Education

To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the new builds for (i) Holy Trinity College, Cookstown; (ii) Rainey Endowed School, Magherafelt; and (iii) Edendork Primary School, Dungannon...more

4th July 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Education

To ask the Minister of Education what steps have been taken in relation to the land acquisition for the new build for Edendork Primary School, Dungannon...more

3rd July 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Regional Development

To ask the Minister for Regional Development, in relation to the Fair Employment Tribunal findings on the appointment of the Chair of NI Water, (i) what review of the appointments process will take place to ensure that such discrimination does not occur in future appointments; and (ii) what discussions his Department has had with the Commissioner for Public Appointments in regard to the Tribunal findings...more

3rd July 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment

To ask the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how many surveys and opinion questionnaires have been commissioned by the Tourist Board, in the last six years; and to detail the cost of each questionnaire...more

2nd July 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Justice

To ask the Minister of Justice what plans there are to provide advice and information, for local contractors and suppliers, on the opportunities for contracts and sub-contracts for the construction of the Desertcreat Training College...more

June

27th June 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Regional Development

To ask the Minister for Regional Development to detail the current NI Water sewage and water schemes which have had work stopped or remain incomplete due to the lack of continuing finance...more

27th June 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Finance and Personnel

To ask the Minister of Finance and Personnel when Civil Servants who earn less than £21,000 per annum will receive their annual salary uplift of £250...more

26th June 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Finance and Personnel

To ask the Minister of Finance and Personnel what action his Department intends to take with Treasury following the announcement that the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Governor of the Bank of England will take action on liquidity and funding for new bank lending, which will include measures to ensure increased lending to business by banks...more

25th June 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Finance and Personnel

To ask the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail (i) what relocation expenses are available to civil servants who have to relocate or are placed on secondment, within Northern Ireland or elsewhere; (ii) how much can be claimed in expenses; (iii) what the expenses cover; (iv) how many civil servants have claimed expenses when (a) relocating; or (b) on secondment, in each of the last five years; (v) the total cost of relocation expenses in each of the last five years; and (vi) to provide a breakdown of the total expenses, including travel, accommodation and moving costs...more

21st June 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Social Development

To ask the Minister for Social Development to detail the training given on mental health descriptors for people carrying out Work Capability Assessments for Employment and Support Allowance, and in particular, the training relating to agoraphobia and other phobic conditions....more

21st June 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Social Development

To ask the Minister for Social Development to detail the qualifications that people who conduct the Work Capability Assessments are required to have to carry out assessments on people with (i) mental health disabilities; (ii) anxiety disorders; (iii) respiratory conditions ; (iv) cardiovascular disease; (v) chronic fatigue syndrome; and (vi) arthritic and rheumatic conditions....more

20th June 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Regional Development

To ask the Minister for Regional Development for an update on the introduction of wi-fi to the Belfast to Dublin Enterprise train service, and other NI Railways services...more

18th June 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what opportunities will be available for local contractors to sub-contract work in the construction of the Desertcreat Training College...more

13th June 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Justice

To ask the Minister of Justice what opportunities will be available for local contractors to sub-contract work in the construction of the new policing college...more

13th June 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development

To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for an update on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy...more

12th June 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) how many paramedics are currently employed by (a) the Ambulance Service; and (b) his Department's arm's-length bodies; (ii) how many paramedics are required to ensure full coverage in (a) the Ambulance Service; and (b) his Department's arm's-length bodies; and (iii) what recruitment is currently taking place or is planned...more

8th June 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Social Development

To ask the Minister for Social Development, in light of the unanimous vote at the British Medical Association's Local Medical Committee Conference 2012 in favour of a proposal to end the Work Capability Assessment for Employment and Support Allowance, what action will be taken to address the problems associated with it....more

8th June 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, in relation to the closure of Treehouse Kindergarten Crèche, Dungannon, to detail (i) the monitoring role carried out by his Department and the Southern Health and Social Care Trust; (ii) what compensation will be made available to (a) parents who paid in advance for a place for their children; and (b) staff for unpaid wages; and (iii) what measures will be taken to provide extra childcare facilities for the families who used this facility...more

7th June 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Employment and Learning

To ask the Minister for Employment and Learning, in relation to the recent closure of Treehouse Kindergarten Crèche in Dungannon, (i) what monitoring role his Department had in this facility; (ii) whether compensation will be made available to parents who paid in advance for a place for their children in the Crèche; (iii) whether compensation will be made available for the unpaid wages of staff; and (iv) what measures will be taken to provide extra childcare facilities in the area for the families who had used this facility...more

7th June 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, for each of the last three years, to detail what representations or complaints were made to his Department on staff shortages, waiting times and other clinical problems at the Antrim Area Hospital, broken down by representations or complaints made by (i) senior management in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust; (ii) staff at the Antrim Area Hospital: and (iii) members of the public....more

7th June 2012

Written Answer from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what reviews have been carried out, in the last year, in relation to the management structure of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, including how management communicates with medical staff in hospitals....more