Thursday 31 August 2000

Written Answers to Questions

Mr Alan McFarland asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what is the average cost of replying to Assembly Questions since devolution.

(AQW 779/99)

Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: No information on the cost of replying to an Assembly Question is yet available.

An exercise to determine a range of costs incurred in responding to written and oral questions to Ministers in the Assembly will be undertaken in the autumn. The findings of this exercise will be placed in the Library.

Mr Alan McFarland asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what is the cost limit above which it is uneconomical to reply to Assembly Questions.

(AQW 780/99)

Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: An answer may be refused if the information required to provide it is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. There is no cost limit for answers to Assembly Questions although a figure of £550 is used for guidance based on the equivalent procedure at Westminster.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to confirm that the Government's Action Plan on the designation of future Nitrogen Vulnerable Zones will include consultation with farmers in those areas.

(AQW 750/99)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): The Government’s Action Plan on the designation of future Nitrate Vulnerable Zones has a UK-wide application and I can only respond in respect of Northern Ireland. If you have questions relating to England Wales or Scotland, I suggest that you approach their territorial agriculture and environment departments directly.

With regard to the designation of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ) in Northern Ireland, I refer you to my answer of 29 June to your written question AQW 737/99.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she has received research data results which suggest that under the same level of rainfall that nitrogen levels are higher in grassland than in intensively cultivated land.

(AQW 751/99)

Ms Rodgers: Although my Department has not undertaken a comparison of nitrogen losses between arable cropping and grassland, scientists employed by DARD have carried out research on nitrate levels in grazed grassland and their findings were reported to me.

We are aware that nitrate, ammonium and nitrate levels in drainage water from grazed grassland can be high. Despite those findings, our research has also shown that the EU maximum admissible concentrations of nitrate, ammonium and nitrate for drinking water were not normally exceeded. For these levels to be exceeded in the drainage water, fertiliser had to be applied to the grassland at a rate well above the maximum laid down in my Department’s guidelines on the application of fertiliser and the code of good agricultural practice for the protection of water.

Consequently, we consider that this research has no implications for my Department’s policy on nitrate levels in water. It does not provide any reason to further extend the boundaries of the existing Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) or justification to designate new ones.

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in pursuance of AQW 571/99 (i) what are the projected income figures derived from licence fees paid to the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission for each of the years 1999-2000, 2000-2001, 2001-2002; (ii) what percentages of the income are paid to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and to the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources in Dublin; (iii) what percentage of the £431,000 running costs is met by the Government of the Republic of Ireland; (iv) what other monies are paid by the Government of the Republic of Ireland for the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission.

(AQW 755/99)

Ms Rodgers: The estimates of income derived from licence fees paid to the FCILC are as follows: 1999/2000 - £140,000; 2000/2001 - £160,000; 2001/2002 - £180,000.

None of this income is paid to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development or the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources. As explained in my letter of 21 June 2000 in response to your earlier query, this income is deducted from the Commission’s total financial requirements to establish the balance required to be met by both Departments as joint sponsors of the FCILC.

The £431,000 paid to the FCILC is the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s contribution to the running costs of the Loughs Agency of the FCILC for 2000/01. The Department of the Marine and Natural Resources will contribute £800,000 for the same period.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she has received any indication of European Commission approval for the Northern Ireland Rural Development Plan.

(AQW 762/99)

Ms Rodgers: We are still in the process of negotiation on the Northern Ireland Rural Development Plan, as are the other countries of the UK and the Republic of Ireland. There have been some difficulties with the UK and Irish Plans for compensatory allowances in the Less Favoured Areas but, once differences over these have been resolved, there should remain no fundamental obstacles to acceptance of the Northern Ireland Plan.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what are the levels of expenditure on agri-environment schemes and Less Favoured Areas compensatory allowances in each of the eighteen constituencies.

(AQW 764/99)

Ms Rodgers: Information in the form requested is not readily available and could only be compiled at disproportionate cost.

Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development which statutory body has responsibility for removing an animal carcass from a river; what is the extent of this responsibility; and if no statutory body exists, what steps will be taken to remedy the situation.

(AQW 771/99)

Ms Rodgers: Under the terms of the Drainage (Northern Ireland) Order 1973, Rivers Agency, an executive Agency of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), is empowered to carry out such drainage works may as be necessary to maintain a free-flow in designated watercourses. These works would include the removal of carcases and other waste material, but only where these are causing a significant obstruction to flows or where the watercourse involved is actually owned by the Department.

The Agency is not empowered to remove carcases solely for public health or amenity reasons or from watercourses which have not been designated under the terms of the Drainage (NI) Order for maintenance at public expense.

I understand that District Councils have discretionary powers under the Pollution Control and Local Government (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 to remove carcases which pose a public health risk.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans exist to deal with a major outbreak of sheep scab during the time farmers are without organophosphates.

(AQW 819/99)

Ms Rodgers: No plans are considered necessary to deal with a major outbreak of sheep scab during the temporary suspension of OP dips. OP dips are only one method of treatment for sheep scab. Other alternative, effective treatments are available including synthetic pyrethroid dips, pour-ons and injectable products. The Government’s decision to suspend the marketing of OP sheep dips is to allow companies to improve container design. Advice from the expert scientific Veterinary Products Committee has been received and is under consideration.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what is the total cost to farmers of the withdrawal of organophosphate sheep dip.

(AQW 820/99)

Ms Rodgers: Since the development of alternative products for treatment of sheep scab some farmers have chosen not to use organophosphates. There will, therefore, be farmers whose costs are not affected at all by the withdrawal of these products. Alternative treatments such as injectables and pour-ons are more expensive to purchase but are less labour intensive than dipping. As there are a variety of products available from a wide range of distribution outlets in Northern Ireland no information is available on any changes in the pattern of sales following the withdrawal of organophosphates.

Dr Ian Adamson asked the Minister of Education what consultations have been held with Ulster-Scots Cultural and Language Groups to implement the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages; what steps have been taken to fulfil commitments to education in Ulster-Scots required by Part Two of the Charter, and to make a statement.[R]

(AQW 695/99)

The Minister of Education (Mr McGuinness): Northern Ireland Departments have responsibility to observe and implement international obligations in carrying out their transferred functions. Work will be needed to promote and monitor activity by Departments in line with the Charter and to evaluate and report on progress. My Department is committed to doing so.

I would be very happy to hold consultations with Ulster Scots Cultural and Language Groups on the implications for schools of the Charter, but so far I have not received any requests for such consultations nor have any representations been made to me concerning a demand for the provision of education in Ulster Scots.

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Education to confirm starting dates for the provision of a purpose-built nursery at Carrick School, Burren and a new Primary School at Carrick.

(AQW 753/99)

Mr McGuinness: Approval has not been given for a new school or a nursery unit for Carrick Primary School.

The need for additional statutory nursery provision in the Burren and Kilbroney Ward cannot be determined until the impact of a new statutory Nursery School in Warrenpoint on the overall requirement for pre-school places has been assessed.

The need for a new school for Carrick Primary School will be evaluated in a full Economic Appraisal of the options for meeting the long term accommodation needs of the pupils. There are a substantial number of high priority projects in the School Planning Lists and at this stage I cannot say when the Appraisal for Carrick Primary School will be completed. The Department is liaising with the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools on the programme for economic appraisals in the maintained sector.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the criteria used to ensure the safe transport in taxis of children with special needs; (ii) the procedures for monitoring the application of these criteria in each Board area; (iii) the number of children with special needs who have reported injuries while being transported by taxi in each Board area in 1999-2000.

(AQW 801/99)

Mr McGuinness: All taxi firms must comply with the Education and Library Board Terms and Conditions for Taxi Operators which require all vehicles to be properly licensed , insured and in a roadworthy condition; drivers must hold the appropriate licence; only nominated vehicles may be used and these may only be manned by nominated regular or relief drivers and escorts (if provided by the taxi firms since some are employed by the Boards). All drivers and escorts must undergo a Criminal Record Disclosure Check in order to comply with Child Protection requirements. No adults other than the driver and escort (where provided) may be carried in taxis. Escorts may be required to undertake Board training.. Drivers are expected to meet the parents before the service is provided and to familiarise themselves with the child’s disability. Wherever possible taxi firms are expected to inform parents in advance of a change of driver.

Boards carry out random checks on taxi runs throughout the school year in order to verify that taxi firms and drivers are meeting their requirements. Schools are expected to report any concerns about transport arrangements to the Board Transport Sections. I am advised by the Boards that no injuries to pupils with statements of special educational needs while being transported to and from school were reported in the 1999/2000 school year although it was alleged by parents that one pupil was bullied by other children sharing the same taxi. The relevant Board has made alternative arrangements for the pupil concerned.

In 1999/2000 Boards awarded contracts to 393 taxi firms to carry 2604 children with statements of special educational needs to and from school; of these 2371 children did not have escorts.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education how many contracts exist with taxi firms in Northern Ireland to transport children with special educational needs.

(AQW 802/99)

Mr McGuinness: All taxi firms must comply with the Education and Library Board Terms and Conditions for Taxi Operators which require all vehicles to be properly licensed , insured and in a roadworthy condition; drivers must hold the appropriate licence; only nominated vehicles may be used and these may only be manned by nominated regular or relief drivers and escorts (if provided by the taxi firms since some are employed by the Boards). All drivers and escorts must undergo a Criminal Record Disclosure Check in order to comply with Child Protection requirements. No adults other than the driver and escort (where provided) may be carried in taxis. Escorts may be required to undertake Board training.. Drivers are expected to meet the parents before the service is provided and to familiarise themselves with the child’s disability. Wherever possible taxi firms are expected to inform parents in advance of a change of driver.

Boards carry out random checks on taxi runs throughout the school year in order to verify that taxi firms and drivers are meeting their requirements. Schools are expected to report any concerns about transport arrangements to the Board Transport Sections. I am advised by the Boards that no injuries to pupils with statements of special educational needs while being transported to and from school were reported in the 1999/2000 school year although it was alleged by parents that one pupil was bullied by other children sharing the same taxi. The relevant Board has made alternative arrangements for the pupil concerned.

In 1999/2000 Boards awarded contracts to 393 taxi firms to carry 2604 children with statements of special educational needs to and from school; of these 2371 children did not have escorts.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail how many children with special educational needs (i) are transported to school by taxi in Northern Ireland; (ii) travel in taxis without attendants.

(AQW 803/99)

Mr McGuinness: All taxi firms must comply with the Education and Library Board Terms and Conditions for Taxi Operators which require all vehicles to be properly licensed , insured and in a roadworthy condition; drivers must hold the appropriate licence; only nominated vehicles may be used and these may only be manned by nominated regular or relief drivers and escorts (if provided by the taxi firms since some are employed by the Boards). All drivers and escorts must undergo a Criminal Record Disclosure Check in order to comply with Child Protection requirements. No adults other than the driver and escort (where provided) may be carried in taxis. Escorts may be required to undertake Board training.. Drivers are expected to meet the parents before the service is provided and to familiarise themselves with the child’s disability. Wherever possible taxi firms are expected to inform parents in advance of a change of driver.

Boards carry out random checks on taxi runs throughout the school year in order to verify that taxi firms and drivers are meeting their requirements. Schools are expected to report any concerns about transport arrangements to the Board Transport Sections. I am advised by the Boards that no injuries to pupils with statements of special educational needs while being transported to and from school were reported in the 1999/2000 school year although it was alleged by parents that one pupil was bullied by other children sharing the same taxi. The relevant Board has made alternative arrangements for the pupil concerned.

In 1999/2000 Boards awarded contracts to 393 taxi firms to carry 2604 children with statements of special educational needs to and from school; of these 2371 children did not have escorts.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Education to indicate if benchmarking, aptitude testing and accepted norms are available to all Primary 1 teachers, and if he will make a statement.

(AQW 827/99)

Mr McGuinness: Primary 1 teachers have always assessed children on entry to school, but the Baseline Assessment scheme which is currently being piloted is intended to bring what teachers are already doing here into a standard format. The Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) which has responsibility for the pilot of Baseline Assessment has recommended that the baseline assessment system should be subject to a further pilot year. All Primary 1 teachers and classroom assistants from schools which participated in the 1999/00 pilot received training which was organised and administered by the Education and Library Boards, and this will be extended to any Primary 1 teachers and classroom assistants from schools which decide to participate in the pilot scheme for the first time in 2000/01.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Education to indicate the average class size, per pupil, for primary schools in Northern Ireland during year 1997 and year 2000 and if he would detail the average class size per pupil, by A-level subject for the same 2 years.

(AQW 828/99)

Mr McGuinness: The average class size for primary schools was as follows:

1996/97 - 24.0 pupils

1999/2000 - 23.9 pupils

Information on ‘A’ Level class size is not collected by the Department.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Education to list the criteria used for establishing and funding Irish Medium schools; at what stage do these schools receive Department of Education funding; if this includes funding for staffing, books/materials, maintenance etc and what is the system of management controls for such schools.

(AQW 831/99)

Mr McGuinness: The Department of Education considers statutory development proposals for grant-aided status for Irish-medium schools against a range of criteria including:

the availability of suitable alternative provision, possible impact on other schools, educational effectiveness, affordability, financial implications, and the potential viability of the school based on pupil enrolment patterns and projections.

The present viability criteria, which are under review, are a minimum P1 intake of 25 pupils with a long-term enrolment potential of 150-175 pupils for primary schools, and for secondary schools, a minimum intake of 80 pupils in Form 1 with a long-term enrolment potential of 400 pupils.

As is the case for other grant-aided schools, Irish-medium schools approved for grant-aided status receive recurrent funding, from the effective date of approval, towards staffing costs, books, materials and maintenance needs, under the terms of the Local Management of Schools Scheme prepared by the relevant Education and Library Board. The schools are managed by appointed Boards of Governors in accordance with Schemes of Management approved by the Department.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to confirm that the process of designating Nitrogen Vulnerable Zones is based upon sound scientific evidence.

(AQW 749/99)

The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): The decision to designate Nitrate Vulnerable Zones ( NVZs ) is taken after consideration of data which is scientifically gathered from surface and ground water monitoring and sampling programmes. In Northern Ireland, this data is gathered and analysed by the Department’s Environment and Heritage Service. Its NVZ data base includes appropriate inputs from the British Geological Survey and the Industrial Research and Technology Unit.

Mr Paul Berry asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what are the numbers of Roman Catholics and Protestants employed in Roads Service depots in Newry/Armagh.

(AQW 758/99)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): Community background monitoring information is collected for the specific purpose of addressing the extent to which the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) offers and provides equality of opportunity and fair participation to both sections of the community and, where this is assessed not to be the case, to consider the appropriateness or otherwise of taking lawful affirmative action. This is the basis on which staff have been asked for and have provided the information.

Given the sensitivity of community background information, the NICS has had in place, since the introduction of monitoring in 1985, a Code of Practice, agreed with Trade Unions, governing the confidentiality of monitoring information and the categories of statistical analyses to be published.

Information about the composition of the NICS is contained in the regular Reports of the Service’s Equal Opportunities Unit, the most recent of which, the 7th Report, contains an extensive range of analyses and was published in April this year. Copies of the report are available in the Library and on the Internet at www.dfpni.gov.uk

Given the purpose for which community background monitoring information has been collected, and the fact that the compositional profile of staff working in a particular office or branch is not relevant in informing the development of policies and practices which promote equality of opportunity and fair participation across the NICS, monitoring information is not maintained at the level requested.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to conduct a review of the Land Valuation Order particularly in regard to compensation for property owners affected by the vesting process.

(AQW 765/99)

Mr Durkan: The primary legislation governing compensation to property owners is The Land Compensation (Northern Ireland) Order 1982. This closely mirrors equivalent legislation in Great Britain.

A review of GB legislation was initiated in 1998 with the aim of establishing a more efficient, effective and fairer system for claimants. The review group engaged in this work has yet to produce its final recommendations.

In the circumstances it would not be appropriate to conduct a separate Northern Ireland review but developments in GB will be closely monitored and the applicability to Northern Ireland of any proposed changes in legislation will be considered as a matter of urgency.

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm that the drug Beta Interferon will continue to be made available on the National Health Service to Multiple Sclerosis patients in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 752/99)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): Beta Interferon is currently available here for patients with multiple sclerosis who, taking into account Departmental guidance, have been assessed as likely to benefit from the treatment by a consultant neurologist.

The place of Beta Interferon in the range of interventions and services available for people with multiple sclerosis will be reviewed in the light of the recommendations which the National Institute for Clinical Excellence is expected to make later this year.

Tá Beta Interferon ar fáil faoi láthair d’othair a bhfuil scléaróis iolrach orthu más rud é, ag féachaint do threoir na Roinne, go measann néareolaí comhairleach ina leith gur dócha go mbainfeadh siad tairbhe as mar chóireáil .

Déanfar athbhreithniú ar ionad Beta Interferon mar chuid den réimse cóireála agus seirbhísí atá ar fáil do dhaoine a bhfuil scléaróis iolrach orthu, agus na moltaí is dócha a dhéanfaidh an Institiúid Náisiúnta um Fheabhas Cliniciúil níos moille i mbliana san áireamh

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail any research carried out by the British Medical Association, the British Dental Association and the British Government on the effectiveness of artificial fluoridation in reducing the incidence of tooth decay.

(AQW 754/99)

Ms de Brún: The Department of Health (London) has commissioned the NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, at the University of York, to conduct a systematic review of the evidence on the safety and efficacy of fluoride in drinking water. It is expected to report in September. This is a major review of research –further information is available from www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd/fluorid.

Questions regarding any research carried out by the British Medical Association or the British Dental Association should be referred directly to these organisations.

D’ordaigh an Roinn Sláinte (Londain) athbhreithniú cuimsitheach ar an fhianaise atá leis an éifeacht agus sabháilteacht atá ag baint le fluairít sa ghnáthuisce ar an Ionad Athbhreithnithe agus Craobhscaoilte SSN, in Ollscoil Eabhraigh (York). Táthar ag dúil le tuairisc i Mí Mheán Fómhair. Is athbhreithniú an-mhór é seo ar an taighde agus is féidir tuilleadh eolais a fháil ó www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd/fluorid.

Moltar go gcuirtear ceist ar bith a bhaineann le taighde de chuid an British Medical Association nó an British Dental Association ar na heagraíochtaí sin.

Mr Paul Berry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is the detection rate of prescription fraud for each of the eighteen constituencies.

(AQW 757/99)

Ms de Brún: Current systems within the Central Services Agency would not readily identify this information and to establish a dedicated system for the purpose would involve disproportionate cost to the service.

Níl sé ar chumas na gcóras reatha taobh istigh de Ghníomhaireacht na Lárseirbhísí an t-eolas seo a aimsiú go réidh agus bheadh sé róchostasach don tseirbhís córas chun na críche áirithe sin a bhunú.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action has been taken to reduce waiting times for occupational therapy in the Strangford constituency.

(AQW 761/99)

Ms de Brún: Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts are responsible for ensuring that occupational therapy provision is adequate to meet the assessed needs of their populations. A number of measures have been taken to reduce waiting times and Boards have indicated that additional resources will be allocated to occupational therapy services in the current year. Meanwhile, the Housing Executive and my Department are undertaking a review of the housing adaptations service. A preliminary report is expected in the Autumn.

The Ulster Community and Hospitals Trust has introduced measures to reduce the

number of inappropriate referrals for occupational therapy assessment and thereby reduce waiting times. These include, a revised process for handling heating referrals to reduce the need for occupational therapy domiciliary visits; a streamlining of the arrangements for handling referrals for housing adaptation assessments enabling a greater number of referrals to be processed; and new arrangements for reducing waiting times for people requiring small items of equipment.

Tá Boird agus Iontaobhais Shláinte agus Leasa Shóisialaigh freagrach as ag cinntiú go bhfuil an teiripe saothair a sholáthraítear sásúil le riachtanais mheasúnaithe a ndaonraí a chomhlíonadh. Glacadh le moltaí le hamanna feithimh a laghdú agus tá sé curtha in iúl ag na Boird go ndáilfear achmhainní breise ar sheirbhís teiripe saothair sa bhliain seo. Idir an dá linn, tá an Feidhmeannas Tithíochta agus an Roinn s'agamsa ag glacadh orainn féin athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar an tseirbhís tithíochta oiriúnaithe. Táthar ag súil le réamhthuairisc san Fhómhar.

Tá Iontaobhas Phobal agus Ospidéil Uladh i ndiaidh dul i mbun beart le líon na ndaoine a chuirtear gan ghá le haghaidh measúnú i leith teiripe ceirde a laghdú ar an dóigh gur féidir na tréimhsí feithimh a laghdú fosta. Seo roinnt díobh: tá próiseas leasaithe ann chun déileáil leis na daoine a chuirtear le haghaidh cóireáil teasa sa dóigh nach gá an oiread sin cuairteanna a thabhairt ar dhaoine sa bhaile chun teiripe cheirde a thabhairt dóibh; tá feabhas curtha ar na socruithe a bhaineann le cásanna a láimhseáil ina bhfuil measúnú le déanamh ar iarratais chun tithe a oiriúnú; dá thairbhe is féidir líon níos mó cásanna den sórt sin a phróiseáil; agus tá socruithe nua ann a laghdóidh na tréimhsí is gá do dhaoine fanacht nuair atá míreanna beaga trealaimh uathu.

Ms Monica McWilliams asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what progress has been made in the provision of the new-build Maternity Unit which underpinned the recent consultation on Maternity Services and which was referred to in her letter of 10 February to the Health, Social Services and Public Safety Committee.

(AQW 766/99)

Ms de Brún: The Royal Group of Hospitals (RGH) is currently working on a business case for the new Maternity Hospital. The Trust hopes to submit the business case to my Department by the end of August. Officials from my Department will meet with RGH officials on 7^th August to ensure that the case is being processed in a timely and effective manner.

Tá Grúpa na nOspidéal Ríoga (GOR) ag obair faoi láthair ar chás gnó don Ospidéal Máithreachais nua. Tá súil ag an Iontaobhas an cás gnó a chur isteach chuig an Roinn s’agam roimh dheireadh Mhí Lúnasa. Buailfidh feidhmeannaigh ón Roinn s’agam le feidhmeannaigh ó GOR ar an 7ú Lúnasa le cinntiú go bhfuil an cás ag dul chun cinn go tráthúil agus go héifeachtúil.

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she is aware of an increase in attacks on paramedics in the course of their duties; if the RUC has been asked to investigate the upsurge of such attacks; and to make representations to make such attacks on paramedics a specified criminal offence.

(AQW 767/99)

Ms de Brún: There has been a marked increase in the number of reported verbal and physical assaults on Ambulance Service staff in general since 1998. The Ambulance Service has revised its guidance to staff in conjunction with Trade Unions on handling violence towards employees. The Ambulance Service treats all incidents of violence seriously and encourages prosecution where appropriate. However, the decision to pursue prosecution rests with the individual employee. There are currently no plans to make attacks on Ambulance Service staff a specified offence.

Ó 1998, bhí méadú suntasach ar líon na n-ionsaithe béil agus fisiciúla ar fhoireann na Seirbhíse Otharcharr go ginearálta a tuairiscíodh. Leasaigh an tSeirbhís Otharcharr i gcomhoibriú leis na Ceardchumainn an chomhairle thugann sí dá cuid foirne maidir le láimhseáil foréigin ar a cuid fostaithe. Déileálann an tSeirbhís Otharcharr le gach tarlúint fhoréigneach i ndáiríre agus molann sí ionchúiseamh más ceart é. Tá an cinneadh faoin fhostaí indibhidiúil ionchúiseamh a dhéanamh áfach. Faoi láthair, níl sé i gceist coir faoi leith a dhéanamh d’ionsaithe ar fhoireann na Seirbhíse Otharcharr.

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if the decision to publish departmental documents in Irish has been raised at Executive Committee meetings and if she intends to continue this policy.

(AQW 768/99)

Ms de Brún: It is my intention that the present policy will continue and the matter has not been raised at Executive Committee.

Tá sé ar intinn agam leanúint leis an pholasaí atá ann faoi láthair agus níor tarraingíodh anuas an cheist seo ag an Choiste Feidhmeannais.

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm that the Committee established to co-ordinate an anti-drugs strategy will make direct co-operation with the RUC a priority in the campaign against drug related crimes.

(AQW 769/99)

Ms de Brún: The structures agreed by the Executive Committee will ensure effective co-operation between all those with a role to play in tackling drug misuse. The new Ministerial Group, which I will chair, will ensure that drug misuse is given appropriate priority at Executive Committee level. It will include the ministers with responsibility for education; social development; and further and higher education. Adam Ingram MP has also agreed to meet with the group on a regular basis. The Central Co-ordinating Group for Action Against Drugs, which includes senior representatives from a wide range of departments and agencies, also continues to meet on a regular basis.

Déanfaidh na struchtúir aonaithe ag an Choiste Feidhmeanach cinnte de chomhoibriú cách a bhfuil ról acu le dul i ngleic le mí-úsáid drugaí. Déanfaidh an Grúpa de chuid Airí, ar a mbeidh mise i mo chathaoirleach, cinnte go dtabharfar tosaíocht chuí do mhí-úsáid drugaí ag leibhéal Coiste Fheidhmeannaigh. Beidh airí a bhfuil na cúraim a leanas acu, oideachas; forbairt shóisialta; agus breis agus ard oideachas san áireamh. D’aontaigh Adam Ingram BP go mbuailfeadh sé leis an ghrúpa ar bhonn rialta. Cruinníonn An Grúpa Comhordaithe Lárnach do Ghníomhach in Éadan Drugaí, ar a bhfuil ionadaithe sinsir ó réimse leathan Ranna agus gníomhaireachtaí, le chéile go rialta.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the amount paid in settlement of clinical negligence claims by each Board and Trust in each of the last ten years; (ii) the amount of outstanding liability for each Board and Trust; (iii) the number of structured settlements in each Board and Trust; (iv) the sector in which most claims have been lodged.

(AQW 774/99)

Ms de Brún: The information on the amount paid in settlement of clinical negligence claims by each Board and Trust in each of the last 10 years is not readily available in the form requested and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

The amount of the outstanding liability for each Board and Trust is contained in the attached Table 1. This information discloses the amounts for provisions and contingent liabilities in respect of clinical negligence as at 31 March 2000.