Written question asked by Lord Dodds of Duncairn (Democratic Unionist Party) on Thursday, 4 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 November 2004. It was answered by Barry Gardiner (Labour) on Monday, 15 November 2004 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what timetable he has set for the Belfast Education and Library Board to produce a recovery plan.

Answer: Mr. Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what timetable he has set for the Belfast Education and Library Board to produce a recovery plan. [197114] Mr. Gardiner: It remains my intention to seek recovery of the amount overspent last year but I have not yet set a timetable for the Board to produce a recovery plan. My priority in dealing with the overspend in the Belfast Education and Library Board has been to seek confirmation that the Board has quantified the precise scale and scope of the overspend in 2003-04; is tackling the systems and other weaknesses that contributed to its occurrence and late discovery; and has plans in place to contain expenditure within budget in the current year. Once I am satisfied that these plans are in place and are working, I will want to address the issue of recovery.

Secondary information