Friday 25 November 2011

Written Answers to Questions

Northern Ireland Environment Agency
Mr Swann asked the Minister of the Environment (i) to detail the number of archaeologists employed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency in each of the last five years; and (ii) whether the Agency has an adequate number of staff to assess and protect archaeological sites and monuments to ensure that they are protected from inappropriate change or damage from development activity. (AQW 4293/11-15) Mr Attwood: Provided below is a break-down of the number of archaeologists employed in the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. 2007/ 2008/ 2009/ 2010/ 2011/ 08 09 10 11 12 Number of archaeologists in post (posts identified rise in rank from Curatorial Grade F to C) 12 11 12 13 13

These posts have been supported over most of the last five years by an Archaeological Support Contract. However due to budget difficulties in 2011/12 the support contract ended in May 2011 and was not replaced at that time. This combination of in-house and contracted staff had been sufficient to meet the Departments prioritised responsibilities in archaeological matters. A new contract has recently been awarded that focuses on planning-related archaeological work. Approximately eight people are involved in delivering this service through a private company, of whom seven are archaeologists. In the intervening period the Agency was not able to meet its target for responding to Planning consultations. The new arrangement is expected to resolve this. The contract will be kept under review by NIEA.