Friday 25 May 2007
Written Answers to Questions
Agriculture and Rural Development
Culture, Arts and Leisure
Education
Environment
Finance and Personnel
Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Regional Development
Social Development
AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Voluntary Modulation
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline her policy on voluntary modulation.
(AQW 1/07)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Gildernew): I am currently reviewing the announcement on voluntary modulation made by my predecessor on 23 March 2007. I will consider the issues carefully, including the views of the range of rural stakeholders, and will come to a decision in the coming weeks.
Single Farm Payments
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to state how many applicants have not yet received their Single Farm Payments and to advise on the date by which all outstanding payments will be made.
(AQW 2/07)
Ms Gildernew: At 16 May 2007 93.8% (37,418) applicants had either been paid their 2006 Single Farm Payment or been advised that a payment is not due because of ineligibility or the application of penalties under scheme rules 2,456 applications have not yet been finalised; not all of these claims may subsequently be eligible for payment. Validation of the 2006 applications continues and the objective is to pay out at least 96.14% of the budget by 30 June 2007 as provided for in European Council legislation.
Cross-Compliance Farm Inspections
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will outline her plans in relation to cross-compliance farm inspections.
(AQW 42/07)
Ms Gildernew: Under the Integrated Administration and Control System the Department is required to undertake both eligibility inspections and Cross-Compliance inspections.
Despite an increase in the number of Statutory Management Requirements to be considered in cross compliance inspections this year compared to last, the Department expects to reduce the number of Cross-Compliance inspection visits this year by 400, and by a further 400 next year.
CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE
Fishing in the River Dibney in Killyleagh
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what action he has taken to enhance fishing in the Dibney River in Killyleagh, County Down.
(AQW 13/07)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr Poots): The Department has no statutory remit to enhance fishing where it does not acquire or own the fishing rights. It does not own the fishing rights to the Dibney River. However the Department’s Fisheries Officers have and will continue to provide advice to the Dibney River Trust, which is investigating the enhancement of fishery habitat and fishing in the Dibney River.
EDUCATION
Under-Representation of Males in the Teaching Profession
Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education how she intends to redress the current under-representation of males:
1. entering the teaching profession; and
2. employed in primary schools.
(AQW 67/07)
The Minister of Education (Ms Ruane): The gender balance of the teaching profession has traditionally favoured women, particularly within the primary school sector. The providers of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) courses have been asked by my Department to draw attention to the under-representation of males within their Access Agreements (particularly in the primary sector) and to review their recruitment procedures. As a result, the Higher Education Institutions have sought to encourage males to apply for ITE courses through a range of actions, including: ensuring that males are well represented in publicity materials for their ITE courses; targeting all-male schools and male groups in mixed schools for careers talks and presentations; and, meeting regularly with careers teachers and senior staff to seek their help in encouraging males to apply for ITE courses.
Kirkistown Primary School
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education what plans the South Eastern Education and Library Board has to address the increasing numbers of pupils attending Kirkistown Primary School.
(AQW 68/07)
Ms Ruane: The South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB) is reviewing provision at a number of controlled schools within its remit, including Kirkistown PS, as part of its Strategic Capital Development Plan 2004-2009. The SEELB advise that it is likely that the review covering the Ards peninsula will be completed in 2008.
The enrolment at Kirkistown PS has increased steadily in recent years and a minor works scheme to provide a multi-purpose hall for the school is currently in planning and, subject to the necessary approvals, is scheduled for completion by the end of March 2008.
ENVIRONMENT
Grouse Moors
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment if she will sponsor a survey for grouse moors in North Antrim that would consider the impact of birds of prey on their numbers.
(AQW 18/07)
The Minister of the Environment (Mrs Foster): EHS commissioned a survey of all Red Grouse habitat in Northern Ireland which reported in December 2004. This can be found at http://www.ehsni.gov.uk/red_grouse_survey_04.pdf
Because the Red Grouse population is low at present it is unlikely that birds of prey affect it significantly. Studies in Northern Ireland demonstrate that smaller birds, notably Meadow Pipit and Skylark, make up the bulk of the diet of the Hen Harrier, the species most likely to prey on Red Grouse. If, in the future, management of Red Grouse increases the population to a point where birds of prey could have an adverse effect, it may be necessary to consider action to mitigate this effect. As all birds of prey are specially protected under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 any action taken would have to comply with the Order.
Lignite Mining in North Antrim
Mr Daithi McKay asked the Minister of the Environment what steps will be taken to ensure that lignite mining will be prevented in North Antrim; and what further action will be taken to ensure that those living in lignite-designated areas are not subject to planning restrictions related to the presence of lignite.
(AQW 27/07)
Mrs Foster: The Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland contains the current regional planning policy for mineral extraction and it requires that, where proven reserves of minerals which are of particular value to the economy occur, they are protected from surface development which would prejudice their future development.
Lignite has been identified by DETI as such a valuable mineral and the reserves in Northern Ireland form an integral part of its energy strategy. The Department is therefore obliged to protect this valuable resource through the planning process.
You will no doubt appreciate the necessity to protect minerals that are recognised as valuable to the economy of Northern Ireland and that it would not be appropriate to pre-judge the outcome of any possible proposal.
The protection does not necessarily mean that a future application would be approved as each application would be treated on its merits and all environmental implications considered.
Applications for dwellings within these areas will be considered in the light of all relevant policies and will be treated on their individual merits.
Protection for Urban Streams
Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister for the Environment what steps she intends to take in order to enhance the levels of protection that may currently exist for urban streams.
(AQW 49/07)
Mrs Foster: It is the role of the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) to conserve, protect and where possible improve the aquatic environment in Northern Ireland. It does this through a range of activities including the control of effluent discharges, water pollution prevention programmes, the promotion of good practice in new development (through its response to planning consultations) and the education of the industry sector and the wider community. EHS also operates a Water Pollution Hotline, available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. In order to combat or minimise the effects of pollution, EHS co-ordinates and manages the response to reports of pollution within set targets, depending on the severity of the incident. Where pollution does occur, EHS takes appropriate formal enforcement action.
High Hedges Legislation
Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment what steps she intends to take to progress the nuisance high hedges legislation commenced by her direct rule predecessor.
(AQW 51/07)
Mrs Foster: I am aware of the large number of responses to the consultation on this issue in 2005 and the interest expressed by fellow members. I am keen to bring forward legislation. However, the timing will be subject to consideration of other competing priorities.
Local Government Planning Functions
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment if she will give a timescale for the return of planning functions to the control of local government; and if she will explain whether it will be a staged return, or if local authorities will only become responsible for these functions following completion of the Review of Public Administration.
(AQW 78/07)
Mrs Foster: I am now working with my colleagues in the Executive to consider how we proceed in relation to the RPA decisions of the previous administration in respect of local government. It is clear to me that we need to consider what we expect local government to deliver in the context of a fully-functioning devolved Assembly and Executive, and to consider the number of councils and functions that we believe would be required to do so.
FINANCE AND PERSONNEL
Additional Funding
Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will list all additional monies that have been allocated to the Northern Ireland Executive subsequent to the original budget allocation; and if he will indicate the source of the additional funding.
(AQW 7/07)
The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Robinson): As part of the preparations for restoration, since late 2006 the local political parties have been in discussion with the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding a financial package for the Northern Ireland Executive. Those discussions, which are now being led by the First Minister and deputy First Minister, supported by me, are on-going. The latest position on offer from the Chancellor was set out in his Written Statement to the House of Commons on 8 May 2007. I have placed a copy of this in the Library.
Information Systems, E-Business and Related Services Framework Agreement
Mr Mark Durkan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will provide a list of all the applicants under the Network Infrastructure Services category of the Information Systems, E-Business and Related Services Framework Agreement; and if he will outline the successful applicants and their locations.
(AQW 9/07)
Mr Robinson: The information requested is given in the following table. The Framework Agreement was awarded after a competition in accordance with the EU Directive and associated UK regulations. The location of applicants was not a factor considered in the evaluation process, nor could it be under procurement law.
List of all applicants under the Network Infrastructure Services category of the Information Systems, E-Business and Related Services Framework Agreement.
Applicant |
Successful |
Location |
|---|---|---|
Actica Consulting |
No |
Guildford, England |
Amey Business Services |
No |
Belfast |
ASM Horwath |
Yes |
Belfast |
Blackbox |
Yes |
Antrim |
British Telecom |
Yes |
Belfast |
Business and Scientific Services |
No |
Belfast |
Computacenter (Belfast) |
No |
Belfast |
Damovo |
No |
Newtownabbey |
DELL/Sureskills |
No |
Belfast |
Deloitte & Touche |
No |
Belfast |
Fujitsu Services |
No |
Belfast |
Helm |
Yes |
Moira |
Hitachi Consulting |
No |
London |
Hewlett-Packard Ltd |
No |
Belfast |
Hyder Consulting |
No |
Belfast |
ICS Computing |
Yes |
Belfast |
Improcom |
No |
Lutterworth, England |
Logica CMG |
No |
Belfast |
McCaughan Associates |
Yes |
Holywood |
NCC Group Plc |
No |
Manchester, England |
Northgate Information Solutions |
No |
Newtownabbey |
Parity |
No |
Antrim |
Plannet 21 |
Yes |
Belfast |
Price Waterhouse Coopers |
Yes |
Belfast |
QI Consulting |
No |
London, England |
Real Time Systems |
No |
Carryduff |
Red Squared |
No |
Altrincham, England |
Siemens Business Solutions |
No |
Belfast |
Socitm |
No |
Holyhead, Wales |
Steria |
No |
Holywood |
Stiona Software |
No |
Belfast |
Stirk lamont Associates |
Yes |
Belfast |
Tribune Business Systems Limited |
No |
London, England |
Wellington Computer Systems |
No |
Belfast |
Information Systems, E-Business and Related Services Framework Agreement
Mr Mark Durkan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will provide a list of all the applicants under the E-Business Services category of the Information Systems, E-Business and Related Services Framework Agreement; and if he will outline the successful applicants and their locations.
(AQW 10/07)
Mr Robinson: The information requested is given in the following table. The Framework Agreement was awarded after a competition in accordance with the EU Directive and associated UK regulations. The location of applicants was not a factor considered in the evaluation process, nor could it be under procurement law.
List of all applicants under the E Business Services category of the Information Systems, E-Business and Related Services Framework Agreement.
Applicant |
Successful |
Location |
|---|---|---|
Accenture |
No |
Dublin |
Actica |
No |
Guildford |
Agility Consulting |
No |
Dungannon |
Amaze |
No |
Runcorn, England |
AMT Sybex (NI) Limited |
No |
Belfast |
Asidua Ltd |
No |
Belfast |
ASM Horwath |
Yes |
Belfast |
Bearing Point |
No |
Belfast |
Biznet Solutions |
No |
Belfast |
British Telecom |
No |
Belfast |
Business & Scientific Services |
No |
Belfast |
Computacenter (Belfast) |
No |
Belfast |
D4 Business Solutions |
No |
Ballynahinch |
Deloitte MCS Limited |
No |
Belfast |
Ecom Software Limited |
No |
Belfast |
Evolve Business Consultancy Limited |
No |
Surrey, England |
Fluent |
Yes |
Belfast |
Fujitsu Services |
No |
Belfast |
Gartner Consulting |
No |
Dublin |
Goldblatt McGuigan |
Yes |
Belfast |
Helm |
Yes |
Moira |
Hitachi |
Yes |
London, England |
Hewlett Packard Ltd |
No |
Belfast |
IB Solutions |
No |
Dublin |
Icon eBusiness |
No |
Londonderry |
ICONI Software |
No |
Belfast |
ICS Computing |
Yes |
Belfast |
Inc Consulting |
No |
Belfast |
Inphoactive |
No |
Jordanstown |
Integrity Consulting Partners Limited |
No |
London, England |
Kainos Software |
No |
Belfast |
Level Seven |
Yes |
Belfast |
Logica CMG |
No |
Belfast |
Mentec |
No |
Belfast |
Microsoft |
No |
Belfast |
Neueda Technologies |
No |
Randalstown |
Northgate Information Solutions |
No |
Belfast |
Original Solutions |
No |
Limerick |
Parity |
No |
Belfast |
Plannet 21 |
No |
Belfast |
Price Waterhouse Coopers |
Yes |
Belfast |
QI Consulting |
No |
London, England |
Real Time Engineering |
No |
Glasgow, Scotland |
Red Squared |
No |
Cheshire, England |
Siemens Business Services Limited |
No |
Belfast |
Singularity |
No |
Londonderry |
Socitm |
No |
Anglesey, Wales |
Sopra Group |
No |
Belfast |
Steria |
No |
Holywood |
Stiona Software |
No |
Belfast |
Stirk Lamont Associates |
No |
Belfast |
Tibus |
No |
Holywood |
UU Tech Limited |
No |
Newtownabbey |
Version 1 Software limited |
No |
Dublin |
Wellington Computer Systems |
No |
Belfast |
Western Connect Limited |
No |
Londonderry |
Yarra Software |
No |
Belfast |
Information Systems, E-Business and Related Services Framework Agreement
Mr Mark Durkan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will provide a list of all the applicants under the Telecoms Services category of the Information Systems, E-Business and Related Services Framework Agreement; and if he will outline the successful applicants and their locations.
(AQW 11/07)
Mr Robinson: The information requested is given in the following table. The Framework Agreement was awarded after a competition in accordance with the EU Directive and associated UK regulations. The location of applicants was not a factor considered in the evaluation process, nor could it be under procurement law.
List of all applicants under the Telecoms Services category of the Information Systems, E-Business and Related Services Framework Agreement.
Applicant |
Successful |
Location |
|---|---|---|
Actica |
No |
Guildford, England |
British Telecom |
Yes |
Belfast |
Business & Scientific Services |
No |
Belfast |
Computacenter |
No |
Belfast |
Damovo |
No |
Antri |
DELL/Sureskills |
No |
Belfast |
Deloitte MCS Limited |
No |
Belfast |
Fujitsu Services |
No |
Belfast |
Helm |
Yes |
Moira |
Hitachi Consulting |
No |
London, England |
Hewlett Packard |
No |
Belfast |
Hyder Consulting |
No |
Belfast |
Improcom |
No |
Jordanstown |
Kainos |
No |
Belfast |
Mason Communications |
Yes |
Dublin |
McCaughan Associates |
No |
Sainfield |
PA Consulting |
Yes |
Belfast |
Parity |
No |
Antrim |
Plannet 21 |
Yes |
Belfast |
Price Waterhouse Coopers |
Yes |
Belfast |
QI Consulting |
No |
London, England |
Siemens Business Solutions |
No |
Belfast |
Singularity |
No |
Londonderry |
Socitm |
No |
Angelsey, Wales |
Steria |
No |
Holywood |
Stirk Lamont Associates |
No |
Belfast |
Western Connect |
No |
Londonderry |
Information Systems, E-Business and Related Services Framework Agreement
Mr Mark Durkan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will provide a list of all the applicants under the IT Security Services category of the Information Systems, E-Business and Related Services Framework Agreement; and if he will outline the successful applicants and their locations.
(AQW 12/07)
Mr Robinson: The information requested is given in the following table. The Framework Agreement was awarded after a competition in accordance with the EU Directive and associated UK regulations. The location of applicants was not a factor considered in the evaluation process, nor could it be under procurement law.
List of all applicants under the IT Security Services category of the Information Systems, E-Business and Related Services Framework Agreement.
Applicant |
Successful |
Location |
|---|---|---|
Actica |
Yes |
Guildford, England |
ASM Horwath |
Yes |
Belfast |
British Telecom |
Yes |
Belfast |
Business & Scientific Services |
Yes |
Belfast |
DBI |
Yes |
Kenilworth, England |
Deloitte & Touche |
Yes |
Belfast |
Echelon |
No |
Fleet, England |
Evolve |
Yes |
Surrey, England |
Fujitsu Services |
No |
Belfast |
Griffin Security Management |
No |
Newark, England |
Helm |
Yes |
Moira |
Hitachi Consulting |
No |
London, England |
Hyder Consulting |
Yes |
Belfast |
Hewlett Packard Ltd |
No |
Belfast |
Improcom |
No |
Lutterworth, England |
LA International |
Yes |
Stoke on Trent, England |
Logica CMG |
Yes |
Belfast |
Mentec |
No |
Belfast |
MMT Digital |
No |
Rutland, England |
NCC Group Plc |
No |
Manchester, England |
Neuda Technologies |
No |
Randalstown |
Northgate Solutions Limited |
Yes |
Newtownabbey |
PA Consultancy |
No |
Belfast |
Parity |
No |
Belfast |
Price Waterhouse Coopers |
Yes |
Belfast |
QI Consulting |
No |
London, England |
Quadra |
No |
Holywood |
Sapphire |
Yes |
Cleveland, England |
Siemens Business Services Limited |
No |
Belfast |
Socitm |
Yes |
Anglesey, Wales |
Sopra Group |
Yes |
Belfast |
Steria |
Yes |
Holywood |
Stirk Lamont Associates |
Yes |
Belfast |
Wellington Computer Systems |
No |
Belfast |
Information Systems, E-Business and Related Services Framework Agreement
Mr Mark Durkan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will provide a list of all the applicants under the Web Services category of the Information Systems, E-Business and Related Services Framework Agreement; and if he will outline the successful applicants and their locations.
(AQW 15/07)
Mr Robinson: The information requested is given in the following table. The Framework Agreement was awarded after a competition in accordance with the EU Directive and associated UK regulations. The location of applicants was not a factor considered in the evaluation process, nor could it be under procurement law.
List of all applicants under the Web Services category of the Information Systems, E-Business and Related Services Framework Agreement.
Applicant |
Successful |
Location |
|---|---|---|
Accenture |
No |
Dublin |
Amey Business Services |
No |
Belfast |
Asidua Limited |
Yes |
Belfast |
ASM Horwath |
Yes |
Belfast |
Astounding Technologies |
No |
|
Aurion Limited |
Yes |
Belfast |
Bearing Point |
No |
Belfast |
Biznet |
Yes |
Belfast |
British telecom |
Yes |
Belfast |
Business & Scientific Services |
No |
Belfast |
Cadan Solutions |
Yes |
Banbridge |
Castle WebSolutions |
Yes |
Carrickfergus |
Connect Internet Solutions |
No |
Liverpool |
Cora Systems |
No |
Carrick-on-Shannon |
D4 Business services |
Yes |
Ballynahinch |
Deloitte MCS Limited |
No |
Belfast |
Ecom Software Limited |
No |
Belfast |
EG Information Consulting |
Yes |
Belfast |
Ernst & Ernst |
No |
Crumlin |
eSpatial Solutions |
No |
Dublin |
Evolve Business Consultancy Limited |
No |
Surrey, England |
Fluent |
Yes |
Belfast |
Fujitsu Services |
Yes |
Belfast |
Helm Corporation Limited |
Yes |
Moira |
Hitachi Consulting |
No |
London |
Hewlett Packard Limited |
No |
Belfast |
Icon eBusiness |
Yes |
Londonderry |
Iconi |
Yes |
Belfast |
ICS Computing |
Yes |
Belfast |
Kainos Software |
No |
Belfast |
Level 7 |
Yes |
Belfast |
Logica CMG |
No |
Belfast |
MMT Digital |
No |
Rutland |
Mentec |
No |
Belfast |
Neueda Technologies |
Yes |
Randalstown |
Open Sky |
Yes |
Limerick |
Parity |
No |
Antrim |
QI Consulting |
No |
London |
Real Time Engineering Ltd |
No |
Glasgow, Scotland |
Red Squared Plc |
No |
Cheshire, England |
RMA Systems & Services |
Yes |
Belfast |
Siemens Business Services Limited |
No |
Belfast |
Singularity |
Yes |
Londonderry |
Socitum (Society of Information Technology Management) |
No |
Anglesey, Wales |
Sopra Group |
No |
Belfast |
Steria Ltd |
No |
Holywood |
Stiona Software Ltd |
No |
Belfast |
Stream On.Net |
Yes |
Belfast |
Syn3rgy |
No |
Armagh |
System Concepts Ltd |
No |
London |
Tibus |
Yes |
Holywood |
UU Tech Ltd |
No |
Newtownabbey |
Version 1 Software Ltd |
No |
Dublin |
Wellington Computer Systems |
Yes |
Belfast |
Yarra Software |
No |
Belfast |
Information Systems, E-Business and Related Services Framework Agreement
Mr Mark Durkan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will provide a list of all the applicants under the Application Development category of the Information Systems, E-Business and Related Services Framework Agreement; and if he will outline the successful applicants and their locations.
(AQW 35/07)
Mr Robinson: The information requested is given in the following table. The Framework Agreement was awarded after a competition in accordance with the EU Directive and associated UK regulations. The location of applicants was not a factor considered in the evaluation process, nor could it be under procurement law.
List of all applicants under the Application Development category of the Information Systems, E-Business and Related Services Framework Agreement.
Applicant |
Successful |
Location |
|---|---|---|
Accenture |
No |
Dublin |
AMT Sybex |
No |
Belfast |
Asidua |
Yes |
Belfast |
ASM Horwath |
Yes |
Belfast |
Bearing Point |
No |
Belfast |
Biznet |
No |
Belfast |
British Telecom |
Yes |
Belfast |
Cadan Solutions |
Yes |
Banbridge |
Centrix |
No |
Dublin |
Connect Internet Services |
No |
Liverpool, England |
Cora |
Yes |
Carrick on Shannon |
D4 Business Solutions |
No |
Ballynahinch |
DELL/SureSkills |
No |
Belfast |
Deloitte |
No |
Belfast |
Ecom Software |
Yes |
Belfast |
EG Information Consulting |
Yes |
Belfast |
Ernst and Ernst |
No |
Belfast |
eSpatial Solutions |
No |
Swords |
Fluent |
Yes |
Belfast |
Foyle Tech |
No |
Londonderry |
Fujitsu Services |
Yes |
Belfast |
Goldblatt McGuigan |
No |
Belfast |
Helm |
Yes |
Moira |
Hitachi Consulting |
No |
London, England |
Hewlett Packard Ltd |
No |
Belfast |
iB Solutions |
No |
Dublin |
Icon eBusiness |
No |
Derry |
Iconi |
Yes |
Belfast |
ICS Computing |
Yes |
Belfast |
Kainos |
No |
Belfast |
Logica CMG |
No |
Belfast |
Mentec |
No |
Belfast |
Neueda Technologies |
No |
Randalstown |
Northgate Information Solutions |
No |
Newtownabbey |
Open Sky |
Yes |
Limerick |
Original Solutions |
No |
Dublin |
Parity |
No |
Belfast |
PriceWaterhouseCoopers |
No |
Belfast |
Qinetiq |
No |
Farnborough, England |
QI Consulting |
No |
London, England |
Real Time Engineering |
Yes |
Glasgow, Scotland |
Red Squared |
No |
Altrincham, England |
RMA Systems and Services |
Yes |
Belfast |
Siemens Business Services ltd |
No |
Belfast |
Singularity |
No |
Londonderry |
Sopra Newell and Budge |
No |
Belfast |
Steria |
No |
Holywood |
Stiona Software |
No |
Belfast |
Stirk Lamont Associates |
No |
Belfast |
Syn3rgy |
Yes |
Lurgan |
Systems Network Ltd |
Yes |
Belfast |
UU Tech |
No |
Newtownabbey |
Version 1 |
No |
Dublin |
Wellington Computer Systems |
Yes |
Belfast |
Yarra |
No |
Belfast |
Information Systems, E-Business and Related Services Framework Agreement
Mr Mark Durkan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will provide a list of all the applicants under the Programme and Project Management Support category of the Information Systems, E-Business and Related Services Framework Agreement; and if he will outline the successful applicants and their locations.
(AQW 36/07)
Mr Robinson: The information requested is given in the following table. The Framework Agreement was awarded after a competition in accordance with the EU Directive and associated UK regulations. The location of applicants was not a factor considered in the evaluation process, nor could it be under procurement law.
List of all applicants under the Programme and Project Management Support category of the Information Systems, E-Business and Related Services Framework Agreement.
Applicant |
Successful |
Location |
|---|---|---|
Accenture |
No |
Dublin |
Actica Consulting |
Yes |
Guildford, England |
Agility Consulting Limited |
Yes |
Dungannon |
Amey Business Services |
Yes |
Belfast |
AMT Sybex |
No |
Belfast |
Asidua Limited |
No |
Belfast |
ASM Horwath |
Yes |
Belfast |
Bearing Point |
No |
Belfast |
British Telecom |
Yes |
Belfast |
Business and Scientific Services |
No |
Belfast |
Computacentre (Belfast) |
No |
Belfast |
Cora Systems |
No |
Carrick-on-Shannon |
D4 Business Solutions |
No |
Ballynahinch |
Damovo |
Yes |
Newtownabbey |
DELL/SureSkills |
No |
Belfast |
Deloitte MCS Limited |
Yes |
Belfast |
Ecom Software Limited |
Yes |
Belfast |
Eolas Solutions |
No |
Londonderry |
Evolve Business Consultancy Limited |
No |
Tongham, England |
Fabrio |
No |
Bangor |
Fujitsu Services |
Yes |
Belfast |
Gartner Consulting |
No |
Dublin |
Goldblatt McGuigan |
Yes |
Belfast |
Helm Corporation Limited |
Yes |
Moira |
Hitachi Consultancy |
Yes |
London, England |
Hewlett Packard Ltd |
Yes |
Belfast |
Hyder Consulting |
Yes |
Belfast |
iB Solutions |
No |
Dublin |
Inc. Consulting |
Yes |
Belfast |
Integrity Consulting Partners Limited |
Yes |
London, England |
Kainos Software |
Yes |
Belfast |
L.A. International Computer Consultants Limited |
Yes |
Stoke on Trent, England |
Logica CMG |
Yes |
Belfast |
Mason Communications Ireland |
No |
Dublin |
McCaughan Associates |
No |
Holywood |
NCC Group Plc |
Yes |
Manchester, England |
Neueda Technologies |
Yes |
Randalstown |
Northgate Information Solutions |
Yes |
Newtownabbey |
Original Solutions |
No |
Limerick |
Outperform UK Limited |
No |
Wrexham, Wales |
PA Consulting Group |
No |
Belfast |
Parity |
No |
Antrim |
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP |
Yes |
Belfast |
QI Consulting |
No |
London, England |
Real Time Engineering Limited |
Yes |
Glasgow, Scotland |
Real Time Systems Limited |
No |
Carryduff |
Red Squared Plc |
No |
Altrincham, England |
RMA Systems and Services |
No |
Dundonald |
Siemens Business Services Limited |
No |
Belfast |
Socitm |
Yes |
Holyhead, Wales |
Sopra Group |
No |
Belfast |
Steria Limited |
Yes |
Holywood |
Stirk Lamont Associates |
No |
Belfast |
Syn3rgy |
No |
Lurgan |
Tribune Business Systems Limited |
No |
London, England |
UU Tech Limited |
No |
Newtownabbey |
Version 1 Software Ltd |
No |
Dublin |
Western Connect |
No |
Londonderry |
Information Systems, E-Business and Related Services Framework Agreement
Mr Mark Durkan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will provide a list of all the applicants under the General IS/IT Advice category of the Information Systems, E-Business and Related Services Framework Agreement; and if he will outline the successful applicants and their locations.
(AQW 37/07)
Mr Robinson: The information requested is given in the following table. The Framework Agreement was awarded after a competition in accordance with the EU Directive and associated UK regulations. The location of applicants was not a factor considered in the evaluation process, nor could it be under procurement law.
List of all applicants under the General IS/IT Advice category of the Information Systems, E-Business and Related Services Framework Agreement.
Applicant |
Successful |
Location |
|---|---|---|
4Sol |
No |
Belfast |
Accenture |
No |
Dublin |
Actica Consulting |
No |
Guildford, England |
Agility Consulting Limited |
Yes |
Dungannon |
Amaze |
No |
Cheshire, England |
Amey Business Services |
No |
Belfast |
AMT Sybex (NI) Limited |
No |
Belfast |
Asidua Limited |
No |
Belfast |
ASM Horwath |
Yes |
Belfast |
Aurion Limited |
Yes |
Belfast |
Bearing Point |
No |
Belfast |
British Telecom |
Yes |
Belfast |
Business and Scientific Services |
Yes |
Belfast |
Computacentre (Belfast) |
Yes |
Belfast |
D4 Business Solutions |
Yes |
Ballynahinch |
Damovo |
No |
Belfast |
DELL/SureSkills |
No |
Belfast |
Deloitte MCS Limited |
No |
Belfast |
Ecom Software Limited |
No |
Belfast |
EG Information Consulting |
Yes |
Belfast |
Eolas Solutions |
No |
Londonderry |
Evolve Business Consultancy Limited |
No |
Tongham, England |
Fabrio |
No |
Bangor |
Fujitsu Services |
Yes |
Belfast |
Gartner Consulting |
No |
Dublin |
Goldblatt McGuigan |
Yes |
Belfast |
Helm Corporation Limited |
Yes |
Moira |
Hitachi Consultancy |
No |
London, England |
Hewlett Packard |
Yes |
Belfast |
Hyder Consulting |
Yes |
Belfast |
iB Solutions |
No |
Dublin |
Improcom |
Yes |
Leicestershire, England |
Inc. Consulting |
Yes |
Belfast |
Integrity Consulting Partners Limited |
Yes |
London, England |
Logica CMG |
No |
Belfast |
McCaughan Associates |
Yes |
Holywood |
Microsoft Ireland |
No |
Belfast |
NCC Group Limited |
No |
Manchester, England |
Neueda Technologies |
Yes |
Randalstown |
Northgate Information Solutions |
No |
Newtownabbey |
Original Solutions |
No |
Dublin |
PA Consulting Group |
No |
Belfast |
Parity |
No |
Antrim |
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP |
Yes |
Belfast |
QI Consulting |
No |
London, England |
QinetiQ |
No |
Malvern, England |
Real Time Engineering Limited |
No |
Glasgow, Scotland |
Real Time Systems Limited |
No |
Carryduff |
Red Squared Plc |
No |
Altrincham, England |
Siemens Business Solutions |
No |
Belfast |
Socitm |
No |
Holyhead, Wales |
Sopra Group |
No |
Belfast |
Steria Limited |
Yes |
Holywood |
Stiona Software Limited |
No |
Belfast |
Stirk Lamont Associates |
Yes |
Belfast |
Syn3rgy |
No |
Lurgan |
Tribune Business Systems Limited |
No |
London, England |
UU Tech Limited |
Yes |
Newtownabbey |
Version 1 Software Limited |
Yes |
Dublin |
Wellington Computer Systems |
No |
Belfast |
Western Connect Limited |
Yes |
Londonderry |
Information Systems, E-Business and Related Services Framework Agreement
Mr Mark Durkan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will provide a list of all the applicants under the Microsoft Product-centric Services category of the Information Systems, E-Business and Related Services Framework Agreement; and if he will outline the successful applicants and their locations.
(AQW 38/07)
Mr Robinson: The information requested is given in the following table. The Framework Agreement was awarded after a competition in accordance with the EU Directive and associated UK regulations. The location of applicants was not a factor considered in the evaluation process, nor could it be under procurement law.
List of all applicants under the Microsoft Product-Centric Services category of the Information Systems, E-Business and Related Services Framework Agreement.
Applicant |
Successful |
Location |
|---|---|---|
4 Sol |
No |
Belfast |
Accenture |
Yes |
Dublin |
Amey Business Services |
No |
Belfast |
Asidua |
Yes |
Belfast |
Bearing Point |
No |
Belfast |
Biznet |
No |
Belfast |
British Telecom |
Yes |
Belfast |
Business & Scientific Services |
No |
Belfast |
Cadan Solutions Ltd |
No |
Banbridge |
Centrix |
No |
Dublin |
Computacentre (Belfast) |
No |
Belfast |
DELL/Sureskills |
No |
Belfast |
Deloitte & Touche |
No |
Belfast |
EG Information Consulting |
No |
Belfast |
Ernst & Ernst |
No |
Crumlin |
Fluent |
Yes |
Belfast |
Fujitsu Services |
No |
Belfast |
Helm |
No |
Moira |
Hitachi Consulting |
Yes |
London, England |
Hewlett-Packard Ltd |
No |
Belfast |
ICON eBusiness |
No |
Londonderry |
ICS Computing |
Yes |
Belfast |
Kainos |
No |
Belfast |
Mentec |
Yes |
Belfast |
Microsoft |
No |
Belfast |
Northgate Information Solutions |
No |
Belfast |
Parity |
Yes |
Belfast |
Price WaterhouseCoopers |
No |
Belfast |
QI Consulting |
No |
London, England |
Real Time Systems |
No |
Carryduff |
Red Squared |
No |
Altrincham, England |
RMA Systems and services |
Yes |
Belfast |
Siemens Business Solutions |
No |
Belfast |
Singularity |
No |
Londonderry |
Sophra Newell & Budge |
No |
Belfast |
Steria |
No |
Holywood |
Stiona Software |
No |
Belfast |
Stirk Lamount Associates |
No |
Belfast |
Version 1 |
No |
Dublin |
Wellington Computer Systems |
No |
Belfast |
Yarra |
Yes |
Belfast |
Decentralisation of Public Sector Jobs
Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will make a statement detailing a proactive approach regarding decentralisation and the location of public sector jobs, and to make a specific commitment that areas west of the River Bann will receive equality in this matter.
(AQW 53/07)
Mr Robinson: The consultation on ‘The Guiding Principles for the Location of Public Sector Jobs in Northern Ireland’ which closed on 30 April 2007 is the first step in developing a framework which would facilitate future decision-making on the location of public sector jobs. Responses to the consultation are currently being analysed. Once this work is complete I would wish to discuss the matter further with the Executive Committee.
Decentralisation of Civil Service Jobs
Mr Patsy McGlone asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to outline the existing plans for decentralisation of civil service jobs; or, in the absence of any such proposals, what future provision will be made to do so.
(AQW 65/07)
Mr Robinson: Current dispersal policy relies on taking advantage of opportunities when they arise where value for money can be demonstrated. While currently, there are no plans for decentralisation of civil service jobs, the consultation on ‘The Guiding Principles for the Location of Public Sector Jobs in Northern Ireland’ which closed on 30 April 2007 is the first step in developing a framework which would facilitate future decision-making on the location of public sector jobs, including those in the Civil Service. Responses to the consultation are currently being analysed. Once this work is complete I would wish to discuss the matter further with the Executive Committee.
HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Respite Care
Mr John O'Dowd asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what provision he is making to ensure that there is proper and equitable respite care for people suffering from mental health problems and their families in the Portadown area, as well as in the entire Upper Bann constituency.
(AQW 8/07)
The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr McGimpsey): The Southern Health and Social Care Trust provide respite in a range of settings. These include statutory domiciliary home care services, day services such as those provided at Trasna Day Centre in Lurgan, Home Response and Floating Support, in partnership with Praxis Care Group, and 3 drop-in centres in partnership with Rethink in Portadown, Banbridge and Lurgan. In addition, the Trust provides funding to a charity called C.A.U.S.E who organise carer support and activities specifically for those caring for someone with a mental illness.
Community Mental Health Services also provide emergency respite for clients in residential facilities, both statutory and private. Older people with serious mental health difficulties can avail of planned respite purchased from the independent sector.
Macular Degeneration
Mr Patsy McGlone asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps have been taken to provide treatment of macular degeneration by introducing new drugs, including Lucentis.
(AQW 20/07)
Mr McGimpsey: Additional funding of £24 million has been allocated in 2006-07 and 2007-08 for specialist hospital drugs. It is for Health and Social Services Boards, as commissioners of services, to prioritise how funding is used, taking into account local circumstances, the strategic objectives established for the Health and Social Care (HSC) sector and demands and pressures generally for access to a wide range of new effective drug therapies.
Specialised treatments are available in Northern Ireland for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), including photodynamic therapy with the drug verteporfin (Visudyne). Two new treatments for wet AMD – pegaptanib (Macugen) and ranibizumab (Lucentis) – are currently being appraised by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the Institute is expected to publish its guidance in September 2007. When that guidance is published, the Department will consider the applicability of the NICE guidance to the HSC. In the interim, the Health and Social Services Boards have agreed that they will consider funding treatment with Macugen or Lucentis for those patients presenting with the greatest clinical priority, on a case by case basis.
Gorse Fires
Mr Willie Clarke asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will detail the costs that have been accumulated in relation to the number of gorse fires in Northern Ireland in the last six months.
(AQW 29/07)
Mr McGimpsey: There were 2,450 gorse fires responded to by Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) in the period 1 November 2006 to 30 April 2007. The total cost to NIFRS was £503, 971 of which approximately £300,000 was additional. Gorse fires have also added costs through damage to habitats and wildlife which cannot easily or accurately be quantified and they also detract from the enjoyment of the countryside for recreation.
Telecommunication Masts
Mr Willie Clarke asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will provide any available evidence of cancer clusters which are in close proximity to telecommunications masts; and if he will make this evidence available to the public.
(AQW 61/07)
Mr McGimpsey: Major literature reviews such as the Stewart report1 and its follow up2 have not uncovered any evidence indicating that proximity to telecommunication masts increases the risk of developing cancer. Work however is continuing worldwide on this issue due to public concern. The Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR) conducted an investigation in 2004 with regard to one particular mobile phone mast located in Cranlome due to the local perception of a cancer cluster in this area. Cancer levels were found to be within the expected range and of the expected pattern. The work concluded that no cancer related health effects were detected in the area under study. This research is publicly available on the NICR web site and was published in the Ulster Medical Journal in 2006
(http://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/nicr/FileStore/Filetoupload,36606,en.pdf).
References:
1 Stewart W, Chairman. Mobile phones and health: a report from the Independent Expert Group. Didcot, Oxfordshire: IEGMP; 2000.
http://www.iegmp.org.uk/report/text.htm
2 National Radiological Health effects from radiofrequency electromagnetic fields: report of an Independent Advisory Group on Non-ionising Radiation. Didcot, Oxfordshire: NRPB; 2004, Vol 14, No. 2.
http://www.hpa.org.uk/radiation/publications/documents_of_nrpb/pdfs/doc_15_5.pdf
Autism Act for Northern Ireland
Mr Patsy McGlone asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the measures that have been taken to introduce an Autism Act for Northern Ireland.
(AQW 63/07)
Mr McGimpsey: No measures have been taken to introduce additional legislation specifically for Autism. People with Autism are already covered by existing legislation, including The Disability Discrimination Act 1995, Chapter 75 of the 1998 Northern Ireland Act, The Special Educational Needs and Disability (Northern Ireland) Order 2005.
Ambulance Response Times
Mr Patsy McGlone asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, by Trust, ambulance response times, outlining the percentage of emergency ambulance call outs which met the emergency response times for the years 2004/05, 2005/06 and 2006/07, including category A calls.
(AQW 66/07)
Mr McGimpsey: The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) does not collect emergency response times data for Health and Social Care trust areas. However, data is collected by Health and Social Services Board area and this is set out in the following tables.
It should be noted that two response targets apply during the periods concerned. During 2004/2005, NIAS’s targets were to respond to 50% of all 999 calls within 8 minutes and 95% of 999 calls within 18 minutes in its Eastern Division or 21 minutes in the remainder of Northern Ireland. During 2005/06 and 2006/07 NIAS’s target were to respond to 75% of Category A (life threatening) calls within 8 minutes.
2004/05
Board Area |
Total Responses |
Responses within 8 min |
% response within 8 min |
Responses within18/21 min |
% responses within 18/21 min |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EHSSB |
42,087 |
23,664 |
56.2% |
40,316 |
95.8% |
NHSSB |
19,024 |
7,959 |
41.8% |
17,316 |
91.0% |
SHSSB |
12,501 |
5,000 |
40.0% |
11,571 |
92.6% |
WHSSB |
11,276 |
5,516 |
48.9% |
10,312 |
91.5% |
NI |
84,888 |
42,139 |
49.6% |
79,515 |
93.7% |
2005/06
CATEGORY A RESPONSES |
ALL 999 RESPONSES |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Board Area |
Total Responses |
Responses |
Responses within 8 min |
% response within 8 min |
Responses within 18/21 min |
% responses within 18/21 min |
EHSSB |
43,125 |
15,076 |
9,161 |
60.8% |
40,586 |
94.1% |
NHSSB |
21,467 |
9,370 |
3,986 |
42.5% |
19,229 |
89.6% |
SHSSB |
13,569 |
6,109 |
2,382 |
39.0% |
12,186 |
89.8% |
WHSSB |
12,216 |
5,773 |
2,877 |
49.8% |
11,116 |
91.0% |
NI |
90,377 |
36,328 |
18,406 |
50.7% |
83,117 |
92.0% |
2006/07
CATEGORY A RESPONSES |
ALL 999 RESPONSES |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Board Area |
Total Responses |
Responses |
Responses within 8 min |
% response within 8 min |
Responses within 18/21 min |
% responses within 18/21 min |
EHSSB |
47,607 |
16,197 |
10,768 |
66.5% |
44,963 |
94.4% |
NHSSB |
23,525 |
8,171 |
3,588 |
43.9% |
21,148 |
89.9% |
SHSSB |
15,695 |
5,504 |
2,380 |
43.2% |
14,311 |
91.2% |
WHSSB |
13,679 |
5,178 |
2,658 |
51.3% |
12,268 |
89.7% |
NI |
100,506 |
35,050 |
19,394 |
55.3% |
92,690 |
92.2% |
Carrickfergus Ambulance Depot
Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail when the new ambulance depot planned for Prince William Way, Carrickfergus, will be in place.
(AQW 88/07)
Mr McGimpsey: Planning approval for this development has now been received. However as it is likely that completion will take a further 6 – 9 months, it is not possible at this stage to provide a firm date.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Mr David Simpson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many new cases of (a) HIV; (b) chlamydia; (c) gonorrhoea; (d) syphilis; (e) genital warts; and (f) genital herpes were reported in Northern Ireland by people aged (i) 16 or under; (ii) 17-19; (iii) 20-25; and (iv) over 25, in the last 12 months.
(AQW 98/07)
Mr McGimpsey: The numbers of new cases of all of these sexually transmitted diseases recorded in Northern Ireland in the past 12 months, within these specified age groups, are not available.
The numbers of new episodes of certain diagnoses within these conditions, recorded at Genito-Urinary Medicine clinics across Northern Ireland during the calendar year 2006, are available for the age groups included in the table below.
Condition |
Age Bands |
Total Number of new episodes |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 and Under |
16-19 |
20-24 |
25 and Over |
||
(a) HIV |
9 |
46 |
55 |
||
(b) Chlamydia1 |
22 |
307 |
903 |
747 |
1,979 |
(c) Gonorrhoea2 |
0 |
15 |
75 |
105 |
195 |
(d) Syphilis3 |
0 |
1 |
13 |
16 |
30 |
(e) Anogenital Warts4 |
11 |
392 |
796 |
957 |
2,156 |
(f) Anogential Herpes Simplex5 |
2 |
40 |
81 |
151 |
274 |
Source: Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre Northern Ireland (CDSC (NI)).
Notes:
1 - Uncomplicated Chlamydial Infection only
2 – Uncomplicated Gonorrhoea only
3 - Primary and Secondary Infectious Syphilis only
4 - Anogenital Warts - first attack only
5 - Anogenital Herpes simplex - first attack only
Figures relate to the period 1st January 2006 to 31st December 2006. The figures are currently provisional and may subsequently change.
These figures relate to episodes of diagnosis and/or treatment of infection or disease and not individual people. Thus one individual may contribute to more than one episode.
Figures for (a) HIV have been presented in collapsed age groups to avoid the potential of deductive disclosure.
Figures previously reported by the Department of Health Social Services & Public Safety included additional diagnoses within each condition. Age breakdown is only available for the selected diagnosis within each condition as outlined above.
Society for the Protection of Unborn Children
Mr Sammy Wilson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what representations have been made to him over the last year by the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children.
(AQW 115/07)
Mr McGimpsey: The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) have made representations to the Department of Health and Public Safety (DHSSPS) on the draft abortion guidelines circulated to interested parties for their comments on 9th January 2007. Within this process SPUC met with Departmental officials on 2nd February 2007 to discuss the guidelines, and presented their written comments to DHSSPS on 20th April. The Department is currently considering all comments received and will produce a summary consultation document.
There have been no direct representations made to the Minister for Health and Social Services and Public Safety by the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children outside of this consultation process
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
PPS 14: Sustainable Development in the Countryside
Mr Patsy McGlone asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will confirm that no provision is made for disabled people and/or their carers to have independent, stand alone single dwellings in the open countryside under Planning Policy Statement 14: Sustainable Development in the Countryside; and if he will outline what measures will be taken to address this inequity.
(AQW 19/07)
The Minister for Regional Development (Mr Murphy): There is no policy provision in draft PPS 14 to specifically consider a person’s personal and/or domestic circumstances as an exception to the presumption against development. However, Policy HOU 16 (House Extensions) of ‘A Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland’ has not been superseded by draft PPS 14 and facilitates the provision of partially self-contained accommodation for elderly or dependant relatives, as an alternative to a separate house in the countryside. I will be reviewing this and other issues as I consider how to take forward rural planning policy.
Review of Public Administration and Rural Planning
Mr Patsy McGlone asked the Minister for Regional Development what he intends to do with the Committee on the Programme for Government Report on Review of Public Administration and Rural Planning.
(AQW 23/07)
Mr Murphy: I regard the Rural Planning section of the Committee on the Programme for Government Report on the Review of Public Administration and Rural Planning as an important piece of work. It will greatly assist me as I consider the appropriate way forward on rural planning policy.
Dual Carriageway from M1 to Ballygawley Roundabout
Mr Tommy Gallagher asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will confirm that work on the provision of a dual carriageway from the M1 to the Ballygawley roundabout is going ahead; if he will indicate the commencement date for this work; and the funding to be allocated for the scheme.
(AQW 24/07)
Mr Murphy: The A4 Dungannon to Ballygawley dual carriageway scheme is one of the schemes included in my Department’s Roads Service Design Build Finance and Operate (DBFO) Package 2 project. The final negotiations with the provisional preferred bidder are currently taking place. It is hoped that this DBFO contract will be awarded before the end of June 2007 and that work will commence on the Dungannon to Ballygawley scheme in the Spring of 2008.
The overall cost of this scheme is in the order of £102 million, which includes preparation costs, land acquisition and construction. The DBFO contractor will provide the funds for the construction of this capital scheme and will be repaid by service payments over a 30 year period. These payments will also include provision for the cost of maintaining the road network within the project area over the contrac