DOCSLIB.ORG

Out of Sight, out of Mind: Full Report Travellers' Accommodation In

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Out of Sight, out of Mind: Full Report Travellers' Accommodation In Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Travellers’ Accommodation in Northern Ireland FULL REPORT March 2018 Travellers’ Accommodation in Northern Ireland Foreword 1 “Out of sight, out of mind”, the comment of a Councillor in Derry City and Strabane District Council neatly encapsulates the inertia and decline in developing Travellers’ accommodation and services. Our human rights investigation is the fi rst major examination of the issue for almost a decade and the fi ndings remain depressingly familiar. As a representative of South Tyrone Empowerment Programme noted “we have read reports from 1999 that are as relevant today, as they were in 1999. It has not moved on”. This Groundhog Day does not have to continue. First, there are a number of important quick wins – the ‘Design Guide for Traveller Sites in Northern Ireland’ is now over 20 years old and needs updated and modernised, site licencing arrangements need to be put into effect and groundwork needs to be undertaken to ensure that the ‘Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment’ due next year effectively involves Travellers and becomes part of a comprehensive gathering of data towards an evidence based policy approach to meeting Travellers’ accommodation needs. In the longer term, there needs to be suffi cient emergency halting, transit and serviced sites, properly supported, to meet Travellers’ needs and a pro-active and participative approach to making this happen. In line with the approach taken in the Northern Ireland Executive’s ‘Programme for Government’, this investigation charts the impact of the actions taken and omissions made by government departments and public authorities. The inexorable impact of public policy has been to leave many Travellers with an unpalatable choice of retaining their culture while living in poor housing conditions or move into social housing. While for some Travellers, social housing is their choice of accommodation, for others it is not. Traveller culture is rich and vibrant and should be nurtured, rather than eroded through housing and other policies. The aim of the investigation has been to use a human rights based lens to view the current circumstances applying to Travellers’ accommodation. The investigation seeks practical immediate and longer-term answers to meet the needs for suffi cient Travellers’ accommodation. The Commission will engage with all the key public bodies with a role to play and encourage effective communication with Travellers and Traveller support organisations to ensure an effective, participative and joined up approach to resolving the problems identifi ed in the report. We will monitor the progress of our recommendations in the fi rst instance over the next 12 months – and for those of greatest urgency over six months. We have provided an Appendix setting out the list of recommendations that apply to each public authority, so that the way forward and where responsibility lies is clear and unequivocal. Finally, I would like to thank my colleagues Dr Hannah Russell and Fiona O’Connell who undertook the investigation and to all the public authorities, civil society organisations, Travellers and others who willingly provided their experience and knowledge. I trust their insights will bear fruit as a result of this investigation. Les Allamby, Chief Commissioner Travellers’ Accommodation in Northern Ireland Contents 3 Foreword 1 Acronyms 5 Overview 7 Investigation Powers of the Northern Ireland Human Rights 7 The Case for an Investigation 7 Who are Travellers? 8 What is Travellers’ Accommodation? 8 Human Rights Laws and Standards 9 The Methodology 16 The Report 20 1 Culturally Adequate 21 Human Rights Laws and Standards 22 Type of Travellers’ Accommodation in NI 25 Homelessness 33 Cultural Adequacy of Travellers’ Accommodation 35 2 Accessibility 45 Human Rights Laws and Standards 46 Scope of Statutory Duty 49 Provision of Travellers’ Accommodation 50 Assessment and Allocation Process 56 Barriers 61 3 Habitability 65 Human Rights Laws and Standards 66 Standard of Fitness 69 Maintenance 76 Adaptations 81 Health and Safety: Hazards 82 Health and Safety: Fire 86 4 Availability of Services, Facilities and Infrastructure 91 Human Rights Laws and Standards 92 Services 96 Facilities 104 Infrastructure: Roads and Pavements 109 5 Security of Tenure 111 Human Rights Laws and Standards 111 Legal Security of Tenure 113 6 Forced Eviction, Harassment and Other Threats 121 Human Rights Laws and Standards 122 Evictions 125 Unauthorised Encampments 134 Travellers’ Accommodation in Northern Ireland 4 Contents 7 Affordability 141 Human Rights Laws and Standards 142 Travellers’ Accommodation and Affordability 144 8 Location 149 Human Rights Laws and Standards 150 Planning 151 Site Licences 163 Infrastructure 169 Health and Safety 170 9 Participation 173 Human Rights Law and Standards 174 Effective Participation 179 10 Monitoring 199 Human Rights Laws and Standards 200 Monitoring Public Authorities 203 Monitoring Need for Travellers’ Accommodation 207 Management of Travellers’ Accommodation 211 11 Resources 217 Human Rights Laws and Standards 218 Adequate Resources 221 12 Non-Discrimination and Equality 239 Human Rights Laws and Standards 240 Prohibition on Racial Discrimination 244 Promotion of Equality of Opportunity 252 13 Tolerance and Mutual Understanding 263 Human Rights Laws and Standards 264 Promotion of Tolerance and Mutual Understanding 267 14 Effective Remedy 279 Human Rights Law and Standards 279 Complaints Procedures 280 15 Conclusions and Recommendations 287 Systemic Issues 288 Recommendations 290 Appendix I – Recommendations by Public Authority 307 Travellers’ Accommodation in Northern Ireland Acronyms 5 CEDAW Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women CERD Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination CFREU Charter of Fundamental Rights of the Europe Union CoE Council of Europe CRC Convention on the Rights of the Child CRPD Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities ECHR European Convention on Human Rights ECtHR European Court of Human Rights ECRI European Commission against Racism and Intolerance EU European Union FCNM Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities ICCPR International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ICESCR International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights NI Northern Ireland NIHRC Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission UK United Kingdom UN United Nations UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation Travellers’ Accommodation in Northern Ireland Overview 7 Investigation Powers of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) was established following the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement under the Northern Ireland Act 1998. Section 69 of the Act empowers the NIHRC to conduct investigations and to compel evidence.1 The NIHRC promotes and protects those human rights, which the United Kingdom (UK) is legally committed to at the national, regional and international levels and does so in full conformity with the United Nations (UN) Principles relating to the Status of National Institutions (the Paris Principles).2 The findings and recommendations in this report are presented in line with the NIHRC’s statutory duty to review the adequacy and effectiveness of law and practice relating to the protection of human rights in Northern Ireland (NI).3 The Case for an Investigation The NIHRC initiated this investigation following a scoping exercise in June 2016 that identified issues, which required further examination. First, within the UK (including NI) there was a recognised “shortage of adequate stopping sites for Roma/ Gypsies and Irish Travellers”.4 Second, the ICESCR Committee was concerned that “the lack of social housing has forced households to move into the private rental sector, which is not adequate in terms of affordability, habitability, accessibility and security of tenure”.5 The Committee had repeatedly called for “the provision of sufficient, adequate and secure” culturally appropriate accommodation to be ensured.6 Third, the NIHRC had previously raised concerns that the legislative requirement on the NI Housing Executive to obtain site licences from local Councils could “create practical difficulties in ensuring adequate site provision”.7 Fourth, there appears to be a disparity between official figures on the number of Travellers residing in NI and the figures used by other sources. This potentially makes it difficult to create and evaluate appropriate policies and strategies, particularly regarding housing. Fifth, the ICESCR Committee expressed concern at how the Unauthorised Encampments (NI) Order 2005 “makes Roma/Gypsies and Irish Travellers liable to be evicted from their homes, to have their homes destroyed and then to be imprisoned and/or fined”.8 The Committee has called for this legislation to be repealed.9 1 Sections 69(8) and 69A NI Act 1998, as amended by the Justice and Security (NI) Act 2007. During this investigation, the NIHRC did not however use its formal investigatory powers due to the high levels of cooperation from the public authorities involved. 2 A/RES/48/134, ‘UN General Assembly Resolution: National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights’, 4 March 1994. 3 Sections 69(1) and 69(8A), NI Act 1998. 4 E/C.12/GBR/CO/5, ‘ICESCR Committee Concluding Observations on the Fifth Periodic Report of the UK of Great Britain and NI’, 22 May 2009, at para 30. 5 Ibid, E/C.12/GBR/CO/6, ‘ICESCR Committee
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Irish Traveller Movement in Britain
    Irish Traveller Movement in Britain The Resource Centre, 356 Holloway Road, London N7 6PA Tel: 020 7607 2002 Fax: 020 7607 2005 [email protected] www.irishtraveller.org Gypsy and Traveller population in England and the 2011 Census An Irish Traveller Movement in Britain Report August 2013 About ITMB: The Irish Traveller Movement in Britain (ITMB) was established in 1999 and is a leading national policy and voice charity, working to raise the capacity and social inclusion of the Traveller communities in Britain. ITMB act as a bridge builder bringing the Traveller communities, service providers and policy makers together, stimulating debate and promoting forward-looking strategies to promote increased race equality, civic engagement, inclusion, service provision and community cohesion. For further information about ITMB visit www.irishtraveller.org.uk 1. Introduction and background In December last year, the first ever census figures for the population of Gypsies and Irish Travellers in England and Wales were released. In all 54,895 Gypsies and Irish Travellers in England and 2,785 in Wales were counted.1 While the Census population is considerably less than previous estimates of 150,000-300,000 it is important to acknowledge that tens of thousands of community members did identify as Gypsies and Travellers. In the absence of a robust figure as a comparator to the census, the ITMB undertook research to estimate a minimum population for Gypsies and Travellers in England, based on Local Authority Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessments (GTAA)2 and the Department for Communities and Local Government bi-annual Caravan Count. Definitions of Gypsies and Travellers For the purposes of this report it is important to understand the varying definitions of Gypsies, Irish Travellers and other Travelling groups in official data sources.
    [Show full text]
  • The Code of Practice for Film Production in Northern Ireland
    THE CODE OF PRACTICE FOR FILM PRODUCTION IN NORTHERN IRELAND Northern Ireland Screen promotes Northern Ireland nationally and internationally as an important location for the production of films for cinema and television. Northern Ireland Screen provides a fully comprehensive information service, free of charge, to film and television producers from all over the world. WHY A CODE OF PRACTICE? Northern Ireland Screen is here to help complete projects safely and efficiently. We bring together all bodies affected by film-making and work with them and the general public to ensure a more film friendly environment. The creation of a code of practice for production companies to follow when filming on location in Northern Ireland will ensure closer co-operation with the public and better management on the ground. The object of this code of practice is to maximise Northern Ireland’s potential as a location while safe guarding the rights of its residents. Northern Ireland Screen encourages all feature film producers to agree to abide by this code of practice. NB: This Code of Practice is not intended for news and documentary crews of five persons or less. Whenever this document refers to film and film production, the term includes all other visual media such as television, commercials, corporate and music videos, cable, satellite etc. This document contains a declaration that all producers are requested to sign. NORTHERN IRELAND SCREEN 3rd Floor, Alfred House, 21 Alfred Street, Belfast BT2 8ED T: +44 28 9023 2444 F: +44 28 9023 9918 E: [email protected]
    [Show full text]
  • Travelling to Better Health
    Travelling to Better Health Policy Implementation Guidance for Healthcare Practitioners on working effectively with Gypsies and Travellers July 2015 © Crown copyright 2015 WG25805 Digital ISBN 978 1 4734 4082 1 Travelling to Better Health Policy Implementation Guidance for Healthcare Practitioners on working effectively with Gypsies and Travellers Contents Page Introduction 2 Why do we need this guidance? 2 The Value of Joint Working - Who is this guidance for? 3 What does this guidance do? 4 Outcomes from using the guidance 4 Effective Practice in Service Design and Delivery 5 Overcoming barriers to access and participation 5 GP and other Primary Care Services 5 Health Improvement 6 Prudent Healthcare 7 Unauthorised Encampments 7 Training in Cultural Competency 8 Cultural Awareness 9 Practice which could encourage participation in health services 11 The Value of Peer Support - Training for Gypsies and Travellers 14 Ethnicity Monitoring 14 Health Needs Assessment and Service Development Questions 15 Examples of Effective Practice 16 Evidence Base 19 Who do we mean by Gypsies and Travellers? 19 How many Gypsies and Travellers are there in Wales? 20 Where do Gypsies and Travellers live in Wales? 20 Caravan Accommodation 20 ‘Bricks and Mortar’ (Housing) Accommodation 20 What do we know about barriers to accessing health and healthcare? 21 What do we know about the health status of Gypsies and Travellers? 21 Gypsy and Traveller Culture 22 Accommodation and Health 23 Attitudes and Beliefs of Gypsies and Travellers regarding Health 23 1 Travelling to Better Health Policy Implementation Guidance for Healthcare Practitioners on working effectively with Gypsies and Travellers Introduction 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Pavee Point Fact Sheet for ICCPR
    UN Human Rights Committee 111th session: Ireland (14/15 July 2014) Factsheet: Traveller and Roma rights in Ireland ________________________________ Travellers and Roma in Ireland There are approximately 36,000 Travellers living in the Republic of Ireland. Travellers are one of the most marginalised and excluded groups in Irish society. Traveller unemployment is at 84%, life expectancy is over 10 years less than the national population and suicide rates are over 6 times the national average. There is an estimated 5,000 Roma living in Ireland. There is no official Government data in relation to the population of Roma in Ireland. Many Roma in Ireland are living in poverty due to a lack of access to work and restrictive social welfare measures. Some Roma have to beg to survive. For those who are unable to find employment or access supports, options include reliance on charities and family or ‘voluntary repatriation’ to country of origin. The Irish Government was required by the European Commission to develop a Roma and Traveller integration strategy. However, Ireland’s strategy is inadequate and was developed with no involvement of Roma or Travellers. It contains no goals, targets, indicators, timeframes or funding mechanisms and has no reference to human rights. Recommendation: Develop a progressive National Traveller and Roma Integration Strategy, in line with human rights commitments. ________________________________ Traveller Ethnicity Despite the recommendation of many UN treaty monitoring bodies and European human rights bodies, the Irish Government still does not acknowledge Travellers as a minority ethnic group. This reflects the persistence of a mindset that legitimatises flawed policies and practice, which seek to assimilate Travellers and undermine human rights.
    [Show full text]
  • UK Gypsies and Travellers and the Third Sector Dr Andrew Ryder
    Third Sector Research Centre Working Paper 63 UK Gypsies and Travellers and the third sector Dr Andrew Ryder July 2011 Working Paper Working 63 July 2011 Abstract This paper explores the development of the UK Gypsy and Traveller third sector and details factors which have impeded development. This includes a lack of resources and skills but also illustrates how in recent years important progress has been made in community development. The paper concludes that the current cutbacks and reduction in resources for community development, combined with new policies that Gypsies and Travellers perceive as being hostile towards them, could undermine progress made. The paper argues that ’positive action’ combined with greater community involvement in service delivery could strengthen the Gypsy and Traveller third sector and foster intercultural dialogue and promote inclusion. Processes evident in other branches of the third sector (McCabe et al., 2010). The paper is relevant to a number of TSRC work streams, particularly ’Below the Radar’ which explores the role, function, impact and experiences of small community action groups or organisations. Keywords Gypsies; Travellers; Roma; third sector; community groups; ethnogenesis. Acknowledgements Andrew Ryder would like to thank Susan Alexander of the Travellers Aid Trust and Angus McCabe and reviewers of the Third Sector Research Centre for their comments and contributions in drafting this paper. The author Dr Andrew Ryder has a long history of work with and for Gypsy Roma Traveller communities. Between 1990 and 2001, Andrew worked as a teacher in state schools and with the British Council and taught Gypsy/Roma children in the UK, Hungary and Portugal.
    [Show full text]
  • Baseline Statistics & Evidence Base
    Baseline and Evidence Base Annea_A_cover.indd 1 15/03/2017 09:10 Where verbatim extracts from reports are presented within this document they do not necessarily reflect the views of the authors or DCSDC but are there for information purposes only. These are contained within shaded boxes and referenced accordingly. 2 Stats_01.indd 2 03/06/2015 11:22 Contents 7 Purpose of the Briefing Paper 8 Key Findings 11 Structure of the Report 12 Statistical Sources 13 Choice of Geography 14 Context and Background for Analysis and Interpretation of Data 14 Relationship between Multiple Deprivation Measure domains 15 The Use of Spatial Measures for the Targeting of Need: OFMDFM:2013 17 Context: Social 17 General Demographic Trends, DCSDC, NI, Donegal 26 Context: Economic 26 Economy and Society OFMDFM - Impact of Welfare Reform on NI, 2013 30 Universal Credit in Northern Ireland: what will its impact be, and what are the challenges? 33 DCSDC SOA 2010 Deprivation – Domains and Sub-Domains Ranked 35 Multiple Deprivation Measures for DCSDC (2010) 40 Community Planning: THEME 1: SOCIAL 40 1.1: Health 51 1.2 Cultural Deprivation Index 62 1.3: Sport 63 1.4: Volunteering 79 2.3: Suicide 81 Community Planning: THEME 2: ECONOMY 81 2.1: Employment/Economic Activity 93 2.2 Tourism 97 2.2: Education 105 2.3 Skills 109 Community Planning: THEME 3: ENVIRONMENTAL Derry District Housing Plan & Local Housing Strategy 2014/2015, NIHE 117 Fuel Poverty 129 Rurality 139 Equality 3 Stats_01.indd 3 03/06/2015 11:22 139 Ethnicity: Detailed Characteristics for NI on Ethnicity,
    [Show full text]
  • LGBTQ Election 2015 Update1
    LGBTQ EQUALITY & Northern Ireland’s Political Parties An independent survey General Election 2015 UPDATED VERSION (1) In April 2015 I emailed all the political parties in Northern Ireland that have candidates standing the the 2015 General Election. I enclosed a list of questions about their policies and active records on important lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans* and queer issues. The following pages contain the original information and questions sent to the parties, along with their replies and some additonal facts about each party’s record on LGBTQ rights. All replies are printed exactly as received, except where editied (with due respect and care for key facts) to keep them roughly around the requested 150 word limit. Parties are listed in the order their answers were returned. Where parties have not responded, I have researched their available policies, manifestos and records online and compiled some information. While most of us who identfy as LGBT or Q are unlikely to vote based on a party’s LGBTQ policies alone, it does help to know what each party thinks of some of the issues that effect our lives. And, more importantly, what they have already done and what they plan to do to tackle some of the serious problems caused by homophobia and transphobia; invisibility; institutionalised discrimination and exclusion. I hope that it will be updated and added to over time. This is an independent survey. It has no agenda other than to give each party an opportunity put on paper what they intend to do to help us build a more equal Northern Ireland in terms of sexual orientation and gender identity.
    [Show full text]
  • Irish Travellers' Quest for Ethnic Identity
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Saint Louis University School of Law Research: Scholarship Commons Saint Louis University Public Law Review Volume 30 Number 2 General Issue (Volume XXX, No. 2) Article 5 2011 On the Road to Recognition: Irish Travellers’ Quest for Ethnic Identity Kami Kruckenberg [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarship.law.slu.edu/plr Part of the Law Commons Recommended Citation Kruckenberg, Kami (2011) "On the Road to Recognition: Irish Travellers’ Quest for Ethnic Identity," Saint Louis University Public Law Review: Vol. 30 : No. 2 , Article 5. Available at: https://scholarship.law.slu.edu/plr/vol30/iss2/5 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by Scholarship Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Saint Louis University Public Law Review by an authorized editor of Scholarship Commons. For more information, please contact Susie Lee. SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW ON THE ROAD TO RECOGNITION: IRISH TRAVELLERS’ QUEST FOR ETHNIC IDENTITY KAMI KRUCKENBERG* This paper explores and defends Irish Travellers’ efforts to push the Republic of Ireland to recognize them as an ethnic minority group under law. Irish Travellers are a small indigenous minority group who have lived primarily in Ireland for centuries. They rank at the bottom of Irish society in rates of poverty, unemployment, life expectancy, infant mortality, health, education levels, political representation and access, and living conditions. Much like the Roma, with whom they share a nomadic tradition, Irish Travellers are in the midst of a movement to improve living conditions, fight widespread discrimination, and gain recognition as an ethnic minority group.
    [Show full text]
  • Peter Robinson DUP Reg Empey UUP Robin Newton DUP David Walter Ervine PUP Naomi Rachel Long Alliance Michael Stewart Copeland UUP
    CANDIDATES ELECTED TO THE NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY 26 NOVEMBER 2003 Belfast East: Peter Robinson DUP Reg Empey UUP Robin Newton DUP David Walter Ervine PUP Naomi Rachel Long Alliance Michael Stewart Copeland UUP Belfast North: Nigel Alexander Dodds DUP Gerry Kelly Sinn Fein Nelson McCausland DUP Fred Cobain UUP Alban Maginness SDLP Kathy Stanton Sinn Fein Belfast South: Michael McGimpsey UUP Simon Mark Peter Robinson DUP John Esmond Birnie UUP Carmel Hanna SDLP Alex Maskey Sinn Fein Alasdair McDonnell SDLP Belfast West: Gerry Adams Sinn Fein Alex Atwood SDLP Bairbre de Brún Sinn Fein Fra McCann Sinn Fein Michael Ferguson Sinn Fein Diane Dodds DUP East Antrim: Roy Beggs UUP Sammy Wilson DUP Ken Robinson UUP Sean Neeson Alliance David William Hilditch DUP Thomas George Dawson DUP East Londonderry: Gregory Campbell DUP David McClarty UUP Francis Brolly Sinn Fein George Robinson DUP Norman Hillis UUP John Dallat SDLP Fermanagh and South Tyrone: Thomas Beatty (Tom) Elliott UUP Arlene Isobel Foster DUP* Tommy Gallagher SDLP Michelle Gildernew Sinn Fein Maurice Morrow DUP Hugh Thomas O’Reilly Sinn Fein * Elected as UUP candidate, became a member of the DUP with effect from 15 January 2004 Foyle: John Mark Durkan SDLP William Hay DUP Mitchel McLaughlin Sinn Fein Mary Bradley SDLP Pat Ramsey SDLP Mary Nelis Sinn Fein Lagan Valley: Jeffrey Mark Donaldson DUP* Edwin Cecil Poots DUP Billy Bell UUP Seamus Anthony Close Alliance Patricia Lewsley SDLP Norah Jeanette Beare DUP* * Elected as UUP candidate, became a member of the DUP with effect from
    [Show full text]
  • Foyle Heritage Audit NI Core Document
    Table of Contents Executive Summary i 1 Introduction ..................................................................................................1 1.1 Purpose of Study ................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Objectives of the Audit ......................................................................................... 2 1.3 Project Team ......................................................................................................... 3 1.4 Study Area ............................................................................................................. 5 1.5 Divisions ................................................................................................................ 6 2 Audit Methodology .......................................................................................8 2.1 Identification of Sources ....................................................................................... 8 2.2 Pilot Study Area..................................................................................................... 9 2.3 Selection & Organisation of Data .......................................................................... 9 2.4 Asset Data Sheets ............................................................................................... 11 2.5 Consultation & Establishment of Significance .................................................... 11 2.6 Public Presentation ............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Absenteeism in Northern Ireland Councils 2008-09
    Absenteeism in Northern Ireland Councils 2008-09 REPORT BY THE CHIEF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUDITOR 11 December 2009 This report has been prepared under Article 26 of the Local Government (Northern Ireland) Order 2005. John Buchanan Chief Local Government Auditor December 2009 The Department of the Environment may, with the consent of the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland, designate members of Northern Ireland Audit Office staff as local government auditors.The Department may also, with the consent of the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland, designate a local government auditor as Chief Local Government Auditor. The Chief Local Government Auditor has statutory authority to undertake comparative and other studies designed to enable him to make recommendations for improving economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the provision of services by local government bodies and to publish his results and recommendations. For further information about the work of local government auditors within the Northern Ireland Audit Office please contact: Northern Ireland Audit Office 106 University Street BELFAST BT7 1EU Telephone:028 9025 1100 Email: [email protected] Website: www.niauditoffice.gov.uk © Northern Ireland Audit Office 2009 Contents Page EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3 Scope of the report 4 Main findings 5 REPORT 9 Absenteeism within councils 10 Absenteeism for the sector as a whole 19 Causes of absence in councils 28 Absenteeism policies in councils 32 Absenteeism targets in councils 34 Absenteeism data in councils
    [Show full text]
  • You Are Hereby Requested to Attend a Meeting of Coleraine Borough Council to Be Held in the Council Chamber, Cloonavin on TUESDAY 25 May 2010 at 7.30 P.M
    You are hereby requested to attend a Meeting of Coleraine Borough Council to be held in the Council Chamber, Cloonavin on TUESDAY 25 May 2010 at 7.30 p.m. R. WILSON Town Clerk and Chief Executive Cloonavin 66 Portstewart Road COLERAINE A G E N D A 1. Minutes (enclosed): 1.1 Council Meeting – 27 April 2010 1.2 Special Meeting – 18 May 2010 2. Committee Reports (enclosed): 2.1 Leisure and Environment Committee – 4 May 2010 (Item 5.2.1 ) The York, Ground and First Floor Restaurant, 2 Station Road, Portstewart 2.2 Planning Committee – 11 May 2010 2.3 Policy and Development Committee – 18 May 2010 3. Technical Services (Report enclosed) 4. Correspondence, including inter alia: (a) Invitation to Carrickfergus Annual Battle of the Somme Remembrance Sunday 27 June 2010 (copy letter dated 5 May 2010 from Carrickfergus Borough Council enclosed). Decision required regarding attendance. (b) Reports available in Members’ Library (List enclosed) 5. Consultation List (enclosed) 6. Documents for Sealing Enclosed for Information : (a) 2011 Census Outputs – User Information Days 7 and 9 June 2010 (letter from NI Statistics & Research Agency enclosed) (b) Northern Ireland Policing & Justice Conference 22 June 2010 at the Stormont Hotel, Belfast (letter dated 10 May 2010 from bmf business services enclosed) For further details contact Principal Administrative Officer. (c) Health & Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI): Appointment of Chairperson (letter dated 11 May 2010 from DETI enclosed). (d) NILGA Weekly Update (e) Newslink Spring 2010 Issue To : Each Member of Council 21 May 2010 COUNCIL MEETING 27 th April, 2010 . Present : The Deputy Mayor, Councillor W.
    [Show full text]