UPDATING PRIMARY 1 PUPIL DATA FORM
Leon Perera asked if the occupations listed for parents on the pupil data form could be updated to reflect the gender diversity in an increasing number of occupations.
Ng Chee Meng said MOE is planning to digitise the form and will review of the various data fields in the form, including the lists of occupations for both parents.
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EXTENSION OF SKILLSFUTURE EARN AND LEARN SCHEME
Daniel Goh asked if the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn scheme could be extended to university education and to workers who wish to earn degrees for the purpose of switching careers.
Low Yen Ling replied that the scheme is targeted at polytechnic and ITE graduates. Some universities are already developing work-learn programmes, and adult learners can tap on programmes under the Adapt and Grow initiative.
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FORENSIC MEDICAL EXAMINATION FOR VICTIMS OF SEX CRIMES
Chen Show Mao asked if victims of sexual assault have to make police reports before they can undergo a forensic medical examination, the rationale for this, and why this examination is only available at three hospitals.
K Shanmugam replied that it is important that a police report is lodged first so that action can be taken, and the three hospitals are the only ones with 24/7 O&G clinics. He announced a new one-stop centre at the Police Cantonment Complex that would also offer Sexual Assault Examination Kits.
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INTER-OPERABLE ATMS FOR ELDERLY AND THOSE WITH MOBILITY NEEDS
Dennis Tan and Png Eng Huat asked about closer association of the two existing ATM networks (DBS/POSB and UOB/OCBC) so that Singaporeans can benefit from the total number of ATMs, as well as the possibility of having access to ATMs within 500m of all HDB households.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam replied that MAS does not rule out the possibility of closer association between the two networks, but it is a “commercial issue” between the banks. He also agreed with the need to maximise access for basic transactions, and said that there are other solutions aside from ATMs.
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INCOME GENERATED BY GRASSROOTS ORGANISATIONS FROM TRADE FAIRS
Png Eng Huat asked for the amount earned by grassroots organisations (GROs) from community trade fairs and the amount they received in sponsorships. He also asked what percentage of this was disbursed in the form of welfare assistance, scholarships, and bursaries.
Chan Chun Sing said that in FY 2015/2016, GROs raised about $27 million in sponsorships and donations, and $7 million from community trade fairs. $10 million was disbursed as welfare assistance, scholarships, and bursaries.
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HIKE IN WATER PRICES
Png Eng Huat asked for detailed breakdowns of households whose annual water consumption have been below the national average over the past decade. He also asked how the domestic water consumption per capita of Singapore compares to other developed countries.
Masagos Zulkifli said that the average water consumption for households has decreased over the past decade, and 60% of households do not consume more than the national average. The per capita usage for households here is also lower than that of Melbourne, London. New York City, Tokyo, and Hong Kong.
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BREAKDOWN ON NUMBER OF FOREIGN DOMESTIC WORKERS
Dennis Tan asked for information on the current number of foreign domestic workers from each of the 13 source countries.
Lim Swee Say replied that there were 237,100 foreign domestic workers as of June 2016 but the Manpower Ministry does not provide data by nationality.
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HEALTH SCREENING FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS
Dennis Tan enquired about efforts to include persons with disabilities and special needs in health screenings and campaigns.
Amy Khor replied that the Government’s health promotion campaigns and programmes also cater to people with disabilities and special needs.
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COMMENDATION OF WOMEN IN SUPPORTING NATIONAL SERVICE
Daniel Goh asked if women would also be commemorated as part of the 50th anniversary of National Service.
Ng Eng Hen replied that the Ministry acknowledges the support from the wider community and recognises such efforts through initiatives like the “Total Defence Awards” and “annual tax reliefs” for spouses and parents of national servicemen.
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CULLING OF FREE-ROAMING CHICKENS AT SIN MING
Daniel Goh asked at which point does the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) cull wildlife populations due to public complaints, if AVA consults and communicates with stakeholders in making the decision and how AVA ensures culling does not affect similar but endangered or indigenous wildlife.
Koh Poh Koon replied that the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority conducts an assessment upon feedback to determine if mitigating actions can be undertaken first. To manage the chicken population, the AVA researches with “academics, wildlife experts and other public agencies”.
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