Written Answers to Questions

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail the cost of the visit to the United States of America, during week commencing 11 September 2000, in respect of (a) travel and (b) accommodation.

(AQW 116/00)

The First Minister and Deputy First Minister (Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon): The total travel and accommodation costs of our visit to the United States were as follows:

(a) Travel: £38,122
(b) Accommodation: £3,812

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail the number of civil servants and advisors who accompanied them to the United States of America, during week commencing 11 September 2000, to stipulate the offices they hold and to detail the costs those officials incurred in respect of (a) travel and (b) accommodation.

(AQW 117/00)

Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: Eight officials accompanied the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister on their visit to the United States. The offices held by these officials are as follows:

The Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service;
Office Manager to the Head of the Civil Service;
Principal Private Secretary to the First Minister;
Principal Private Secretary to the Deputy First Minister;
Special Adviser and Chief of Staff to the First Minister;
Special Adviser to the Deputy First Minister;
Principal Information Officer to the First Minister; and
Principal Information Officer to the Deputy First Minister.

The costs incurred by these civil servants and special advisers in respect of travel and accommodation were as follows:

Travel: £30,510
Accommodation: £3,082

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to provide a list of meetings attended on the visit to the United States of America during the week commencing 11 September 2000.

(AQW 118/00)

Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The following joint meetings took place:

President Clinton and National Security Council advisers.
Senator George Mitchell.
Frank Holleman, Deputy Secretary, Department of Education.
Sir Christopher Meyer, British Ambassador to the US.
Edward Montgomery, Deputy Secretary, Department of Labor.
Sean O hUiginn, Ambassador of Ireland to the US.
Strobe Talbott, Deputy Secretary of State at the Department of State.
A reception for political & civic figures, arranged by the Northern Ireland Bureau.

In addition to the joint programme, the First Minister and Deputy First Minister held a number of meetings separately during the remainder of their visit. Their meetings were with a variety of senior political leaders and media and business figures.

The Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service also held a number of meetings separately on 14 September to explore the best approach to Northern Ireland representation in the US, which is currently under consideration.

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she is aware of the allegations of a cartel and price fixing arrangement operated by meat plants in Northern Ireland; and if the Minister has access to any evidence to support these allegations.

(AQW 54/00)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): I am aware that interests in Northern Ireland have made allegations to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) regarding a cartel in the beef sector and that these are being considered by OFT.

Competition policy is a reserved matter and is the responsibility of OFT to pursue.

My Department will of course co-operate with OFT in their consideration of these allegations and will make available to OFT any information which they consider may be helpful to them in their inquiries.

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development when the Report and findings of the "Vision Group" will be published.

(AQW 55/00)

Ms Rodgers: I expect to receive the Report of the Steering Group set up to establish a vision for the future of the Northern Ireland agri-food sector at the end of February 2001.

A number of themes have already emerged from the deliberations of the Group and I have sent a paper on these to the Executive Committee and will be sending it to the Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development within the next few days.

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what amount of compensation will be made available to sheep farmers in the Silent Valley area, who have been compelled by the Water Service to move their stock off traditional grazing land, and for what period this compensation will be paid.

(AQW 56/00)

Ms Rodgers: My Department has already acted positively and sympathetically within the rules governing force majeure provisions to protect the premium position this year for farmers affected by the grazing ban. An urgent assessment of the full implications for the farmers affected is ongoing in an effort to establish the scope for action to ease their difficulties. I will write to you again when this assessment is completed and I can give a definite response.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will list the names of those who sit on the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority and advise, (a) when they were appointed, (b) who they represent, (c) what interests they have been declared, (d) what organisation nominated them and (e) what organisation they represent in their official capacity.

(AQW 65/00)

Ms Rodgers: Details concerning those who sit on the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority are as follows:-

Mr Robert Ferris – Chairperson
Miss Anne Marie Cunningham – Deputy Chairperson
Ms Margaret Andrews – Member
Mr Richard Coulter – Member
Mrs Deidre Harding – Member
Mr Walter G Smyth – Member
Mr Joseph Mawhinney – Member

Mr Ferris and Miss Cunningham were appointed by the Department of Agriculture. The remainder were appointed in response to a public advertisement under procedures laid down by the Commission for Public Appointments.

No members of the Authority have declared any interests which would conflict with their duties as member of the Board of the Authority.

None of the Board members have been nominated by any organisation.

All members, when discharging their roles as Board members of the Authority do not represent the interests of any organisation other than those of the Authority.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if overproduction of pork in the United States of America will have a negative effect upon the Northern Ireland market.

(AQW 73/00)

Ms Rodgers: The United States like the European Union (including Northern Ireland) is a net exporter of pig meat. In recent years, US exports have increased significantly but this is not unusual for a country with vast supplies of low priced feed grain and the freedom to export non subsidised production.

Historically any increase in supplies of pig meat on the world market has had a knock on effect on all exporting countries who as a result face stiffer competition in the market place. It is not possible to quantify the impact of this on any market including the Northern Ireland market. However, as you may be already aware, the main market for our pig meat is within the UK, which is only about 70 per cent self-sufficient.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she would consider reintroducing the "Fox Bounty".

(AQW 74/00)

Ms Rodgers: No. The fox bounty was paid previously in circumstances which suggested that the culling of the standing fox population was necessary to reduce the levels of predation by foxes of livestock, particularly poultry and lambs. However, the measure proved to be ineffective in reducing the standing population, as evidenced by Dr James Fairley’s Report in 1968, which looked at the influence of hunting and in particular the impact of bounty schemes. The conclusion drawn from this study was that fox mortality attributable to man’s hunting activities, including this bounty scheme, failed the basic test for the control of any wild animal population, in that these activities did not exceed natural mortality, and thus was not having any impact on the standing population. The recommendation of the report was that the bounty scheme be withdrawn.

In considering reintroduction of such a measure I have taken into account whether such a measure is needed again and its probable level of effectiveness. I have also considered the level of payment which would be needed to encourage participation in such a scheme and the cost of resources which would be needed to ensure proper monitoring of its operation. Having regard to these factors, and particularly the costs of such a scheme, which would of course compete against other funding needs faced by my Department, I conclude that I would not be justified in reintroducing such a scheme.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide figures illustrating the numbers of livestock and poultry losses attributed to foxes, in each of the past five years.

(AQW 75/00)

Ms Rodgers: My Department does not collect any statistics on mortalities due to wildlife predation.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline the full impact recent diesel price rises will have on the viability of many fishing businesses and to ask if any plans have been made to address this problem.

(AQW 76/00)

Ms Rodgers: The impact of diesel price rises on the viability of fishing businesses will depend on many factors for example, the usage of diesel and the value of fish landed. There is nevertheless no doubt that businesses are being detrimentally affected. Whilst, I do not have any direct influence on international oil prices or the level of taxation, it does serve to emphasise the need to seek to increase the income of fishermen, by addressing the related problems of the poor state of fish stocks and over capacity. For this latter purpose I am actively considering the possibility of introducing a decommissioning scheme for fishing vessels later in the year.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she plans to take any measures to control the spread of vermin in the form of Grey-back crows or foxes.

(AQW 77/00)

Ms Rodgers: The Department publishes leaflets which are available through local Countryside Management Division offices, namely Control of Pests on the Farm (animals) and Control of Animals on the Farm (wild birds). Copies of the leaflets are enclosed for your information. However, at this time, it is not proposed to introduce any measures to control the spread of vermin in the form of Grey-back crows or foxes.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what support and advice is available to newly formed farmer co-operatives.

(AQW 105/00)

Ms Rodgers: The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development provides support for the setting up of co-operatives and for the salaries of key staff. Under the Marketing Development Scheme 50% grant is paid on eligible costs where these form part of a marketing initiative.

It is also planned that in the new phase of the Rural Development Programme, which will run until 2006, the Department will provide some capital funding for local projects and programmes developed by farmers’ groups and other collective groups in rural areas. These groups will be able to apply for money to carry out a project which they believe will improve economic, environmental or social conditions in their areas.

The Department’s Agri-food Development Service (AFDS) can provide assistance to the members of co-operatives through its life-long learning programmes. Farmers wishing to avail of these programmes in the South Antrim area should contact the Senior Rural Enterprise Adviser who is based at Kilpatrick House, 38 – 54 High Street, Ballymena, Co. Antrim Telephone 028 2566 2834

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the source of the additional £7.7m allocated to the Rural Development Plan and announced on 15 September 2000; and if it was (a) additional money from the European Union or (b) modulation money already available to Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

(AQW 139/00)

Ms Rodgers: The additional £7.7m which I allocated to the LFA element of the Rural Development Plan was secured by me from the Treasury. It is not EU money, nor is it modulation money, nor has it been taken from other NI programmes.

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she could confirm what proportion of the £254m allocated to the Rural Development Plan on the 15 September 2000 comes from the modulation funding already available to the Department.

(AQW 140/00)

Ms Rodgers: Approximately 15% of the £254m allocated to the Rural Development Plan will come from modulation funding. However, it must be remembered that an equivalent sum of match funding – that is, additional money – was made available at the time modulation was introduced. Most of this remains unallocated because, unlike money raised from modulation, it may be used across all of the measures in the Rural Development Regulation (EC 1257/1999) and it seemed sensible to allow as much time as possible for consideration of how this money may be used. In the context of the Rural Development Plan, I have been able to make available an additional £7.7m for aid to the Less Favoured Areas.

Mr Eamonn ONeill asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development when she became aware of the Department of Regional Development's plan to ban sheep grazing in the Silent Valley and to report on whether she was consulted by the Minister for Regional Development on the likely impact of his decision on the farming community.

(AQW 161/00)

Ms Rodgers: My Department first became of aware on 14 December 1999 - through the Environment and Heritage Service - of the Water Service’s proposal to ban sheep from the Silent Valley. At a meeting with the Water Service on 28 January 2000 the need was stressed for the Water Service to keep the graziers of the sheep informed. Discussions ensued between officials on the duration and impact of the ban, which was initially imposed for the period to the end of May 2000, and subsequently extended for the rest of the summer grazing season to the end of October 2000.

I was not consulted by the Department of Regional Development prior to the announcement of the decision to further extend the ban until the new water treatment works is completed in 2003. My officials are now considering with the Department of Regional Development the implications of the extended ban.

Mr Gerry McHugh asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to confirm if the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has been issuing fish farming licences beyond its territorial jurisdiction in the areas of Carlingford and Warrenpoint and if she will make a statement.

(AQW 176/00)

Ms Rodgers: I can confirm that the Department has not issued any fish farming licences in the Carlingford and Warrenpoint areas beyond the boundary of the area on the northern side of the dredged channel, which was notified to the Irish Government as the area within which the Department could grant fish farming licences.

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what funding was made available to, (a) soccer, (b) rugby, (c) hockey (d) Gaelic games and (e) other sports in each of the last five years.

(AQW 70/00)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): unding for sport in Northern Ireland is made available through the Sports Council for

Northern Ireland. The figures are as follows:

1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 1999/00 2000/01

747,378.25 680,129.03 675,381.56 1,083,732.67 184,560.00

1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 1999/00 2000/01

37,523.35 287,335.75 181,670.45 113,077.85 16,000.00

1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 1999/00 2000/01

795,700.55 410,982.71 371,408.03 535,294.91 59,000.00

1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 1999/00 2000/01

2,321,550.69 1,743,730.45 2,744,926.68 1,581,825.78 35,000.00

1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 1999/00 2000/01

3,915,524.82 6,090,405.49 6,764,464.27 4,223,319.48 629,224.00

The figures quoted above are comprised of Exchequer, Lottery Capital and Lottery Revenue funds.

The figures quoted for 2000/01 are made up of Exchequer funding for the complete financial year plus Lottery Capital and Lottery Revenue for part year, April 2000 to August 2000.

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he intends to lobby the Gaelic Athletic Association for the repeal of its Rule 21 in line with recommendation 114 of the Report of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland.

(AQW 78/00)

Mr McGimpsey: My views on Rule 21 are widely known, and, as recently as 3 July 2000, in response to an Oral Question asked by Derek Hussey in the Assembly, I emphasised my view that:

I am aware that the GAA has been reviewing its position in regard to Rule 21, and, as recently as 19 January 2000, in a press statement issued by the Association, Mr Joe McDonagh, President of the GAA, reiterated the GAA’s intention to remove Rule 21 from its rule book:

However, the constitutional position of the GAA is a matter for them and it is not appropriate for me to intervene, but I can assure you that I will be taking every available opportunity to emphasise my position in regard to this matter.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what representation he will make to local media to ensure that soccer receives the same amount of positive coverage as other sports.

(AQW 172/00)

Mr McGimpsey: It is a matter for the media to decide how much coverage should be given to soccer and indeed any sport. However, I have regularly been in touch with the media about soccer in Northern Ireland and have issued 6 Press Releases on the subject in the past three months. I have visited a number of Irish League Soccer grounds, given several interviews on the subject to television and radio and written an article for a newspaper on the subject.

I would also intend to continue to be active in this area but responsibility remains with soccer to promote itself through the media.

Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Education to detail the numbers of teachers qualifying in Northern Ireland in each of 1997/98, 1998/99 and 1999/2000 and to indicate how many of these teachers are still seeking full-time, permanent posts in (a) Primary and Secondary sector; or (b) the Further and Higher Education sector.

(AQW 80/00)

The Minister of Education (Mr McGuinness): Intakes to initial teacher education courses and matters relating to teacher employment generally are the responsibility of my Department.

The number of teachers qualifying from full time initial teacher education courses on Northern Ireland was 644 in 1997/98 and 649 in 1998/99. Information on the number of teachers qualifying in 1999/00 is not yet available.

In June 2000 a total of 46 teachers in the primary sector under 25 years of age were registered with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment as seeking teaching posts, 5 of whom had been unemployed for more than 6 months. The equivalent figures for the secondary sector were 28 and 3 teachers respectively. Data for the Further and Higher Education sectors are not available.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education for a breakdown of: (a) the provision of pre-school places for each constituency in Northern Ireland, (b) the location where they are provided and (c) the organisations providing these places.

(AQW 84/00)

Mr McGuinness: The numbers and types of pre-school places in each constituency, taken from the census return of October 1999, is set out in the table below. I will arrange for a copy of tables showing the locations of these places and the organisations providing them to be placed in the Assembly library.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education what steps he intends to take to address the problem of newly qualified teachers who are unable to find full-time employment in teaching.

(AQW 85/00)

Mr McGuinness: The number and type of vacancies for which newly qualified teachers may be eligible to apply in any one year is influenced by a wide range of factors, but principally the decisions of schools on both the desired size of their teaching complements and on the designation of teaching posts as full or part-time, permanent or temporary. Evidence would suggest that many temporary posts filled by newly qualified teachers are made permanent, and the majority of such teachers therefore obtain permanent posts, within the first few years of appointment.

It is, however, important that schools are aware of the implications of designating a post as temporary or permanent and to that end the employing authorities are in the process of preparing advice to schools on the use of temporary and permanent employment contracts, taking account of a range of school circumstances and employment legislation. The Department will also continue, through the application of its statistical Teacher Demand Model, to correlate as closely as possible the likely projected vacancies in schools with the intake numbers it sets annually for each of the teacher training institutions.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education when he intends to have the headed notepaper in his Department incorporate Ulster-Scots in order that all sections of the community might be treated equally as required under the Belfast Agreement.

(AQW 86/00)

Mr McGuinness: I am perfectly happy to have the title and address of my Department in Ulster-Scots on my letter-headed paper. However, given that the Executive Committee has commissioned work to develop a corporate image for the administration, and in the interests of economy, I do not propose to make any changes until that work is completed.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education if he has considered how newly qualified and, as yet unemployed, teachers might be used to tackle under-achievement in literacy and numeracy in areas of social need.

(AQW 87/00)

Mr McGuinness: There are no literacy and numeracy projects specifically aimed at using newly qualified, but unemployed, teachers. Summer literacy and numeracy schemes and out of school hours learning activities, however, offer the potential for such teachers to help to address underachievement in literacy and numeracy. Decisions on the staffing of such programmes are matters for the employing authorities.

Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of Education what steps will be taken to give children with dyslexia or dyspraxia an equal opportunity when sitting Keystage 1 and Keystage 2 assessments.

(AQW 114/00)

Mr McGuinness: The statutory assessment arrangements at Key Stages 1 and 2 afford equal opportunities to all pupils. There are no external tests involved for pupils in these Key Stages. As part of their day-to-day teaching , all teachers assess pupils’ work in a variety of ways and make a judgement about the level at which each pupil is working in a subject. In Years 4 and 7, teachers also use 2 Assessment Units in English and mathematics. These are not tests, but informal tasks supplied by the Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) and are used as part of the normal classroom work to help confirm a teacher’s judgement. The teacher then selects the level description which best fits the pupil’s work over a period of time, based on performance as a whole.

Mr Danny O'Connor asked the Minister of Education if he will review the current school transport policy to assist parents in sending their children to what they consider to be the most appropriate school.

(AQW 137/00)

Mr McGuinness: The arrangements approved by my Department support parental preference and enable education and library boards to provide transport assistance where a pupil is unable to gain a place in a suitable school within statutory walking distance of his or her home. The definition of suitable school has regard to the well established categories of Controlled, Catholic Maintained, Integrated and Irish medium and, in the grammar sector, denominational and non-denominational schools.

To extend the policy would divert resources away from the classroom when our aim should be to concentrate the maximum possible level of resources on teaching and learning.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Education what action has been taken to help schools promote higher standards of behaviour.

(AQW 141/00)

Mr McGuinness: The School Improvement Programme, launched in 1998, includes a discipline strategy aimed at promoting and sustaining good behaviour. The key features of this strategy, which are in the process of being implemented, include:

• the creation of multi-disciplinary behaviour support teams in each Education and Library Board to work with teachers and pupils on behaviour management;
• the creation of pupil referral units providing up to 200 additional, short stay, withdrawal places for pupils whose behavioural problems cannot be satisfactorily managed within school;
• pilots in each Education and Library Board area of permanent alternative provision for the most disruptive 14 - 16 year olds for whom mainstream education is not suitable;
• the preparation of best practice guidelines for schools on a range of discipline policies;
• new legislation to strengthen the position of schools in matters of discipline, such as detention and suspension.

In the current financial year some £6.1m will be spent on implementing these measures and on tackling related issues such as truancy. It will inevitably take a little time for the full effect of these recent initiatives to become apparent, but I believe they will make a significant contribution towards promoting good behaviour in schools.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Education to detail his plans to reduce the number of pupils who demonstrate low attainment in numeracy and literacy.

(AQW 142/00)

Mr McGuinness: The Strategy for the promotion of Literacy and Numeracy in primary and secondary schools includes a wide range of initiatives aimed at improving literacy and numeracy standards for all pupils.

The main features of the strategy are:

• all schools are required to have a literacy and numeracy policy, regularly revised and shared with parents, and a teacher designated as a co-ordinator for each;
• Inter- Board Steering Groups have been established to secure full and effective co-ordination of literacy and numeracy promotion across all Boards;
• teams of 6 Literacy/Numeracy Development Officers are in place in each Board area;
• a major 3 year in-service programme of literacy and numeracy training for all schools is underway, offering up to 6 days whole-staff training per school;
• a programme for training ‘Reading Recovery’ teachers (a support programme for children in year 2 (5/6 year olds) who are experiencing difficulties with reading);
• literacy and numeracy targets have been set for pupils at ages 8, 11 and 14; all schools are required to set their own targets for attainment;
• the provision by the Department of benchmarking data to enable schools to judge their own performance against schools in similar circumstances;
• the development and dissemination of guidance and good practice materials;
• the establishment of summer literacy and numeracy schemes which will be enhanced by resources made available by the New Opportunities Fund as part of its out of school hours learning activities; and
• the National Year of Reading and Maths 2000, each aimed at engaging the whole community in the effort to raise standards.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Education if he will detail his plans for reducing Primary School class sizes and what progress has been made over the last three years.

(AQW 143/00)

Mr McGuinness: The Class Sizes in Primary Schools policy has been applied progressively and now covers all pupils in Key Stage 1. It began with P1 classes in September 1998 and was extended to P1 and P2 classes in September 1999 and P3 and P4 classes in September 2000.

The policy has been a great success: there are currently no P1 and P2 classes over 30 pupils apart from a few schools where exceptions were granted under the policy, nor is there any evidence of larger classes in Key Stage 2.

Ms Eileen Bell asked the Minister of Education when he expects to announce the findings of the Gallagher Report into the Transfer procedure.

(AQO 60/00)

Mr McGuinness: I plan to publish the Gallagher Report on 28^th September 2000.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education if his announcement on 5 July 2000 about term time staff was premature.

(AQO 66/00)

Mr McGuinness: My announcement of 5 July recognised that further negotiations would take place.

I am pleased that negotiations are to continue, as this is the only way a solution can be reached.

Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister of Education if he has any plans to introduce transport for pre school children attending nursery schools.

(AQO 54/00)

Mr McGuinness: The arrangements approved by my Department for the provision of home to school transport restrict provision to pupils who have reached the lower limit of compulsory school age. I have no plans at present to extend provision to pupils attending nursery schools.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education if he is satisfied that the recent offer from the management side of the Joint Negotiation Council to the term time staff in schools, in the matter of a retainer fee, is a fair and equitable response.

(AQO 50/00)

Mr McGuinness: It would be inappropriate for me to comment given that negotiations are ongoing. The elements of the offer are for the employing authorities to judge, taking account of pay relativities with other groups of staff. I do know that it is a genuine attempt to address the concerns of staff, particularly in relation to payment over the summer months.

Mr Sammy Wilson asked the Minister of Education what is the current pay offer from the joint negotiating committee to term time only workers and if he recommends acceptance of this offer.

(AQO 37/00)

Mr McGuinness: The recent offer by the employing authorities includes a one-off payment of £200 for all term time staff and a move to a 12-monthly pay cycle. The employers will also bring forward the commencement of the job evaluation exercise which will examine what pay rates should apply in future.

It would be inappropriate for me to comment on the offer in circumstances where negotiations are ongoing. I am sympathetic to the situation of these staff and I am pleased that negotiations will continue as this is the only way a solution can be reached.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what steps have been taken to ensure that the Industrial Development Board site at Corr's Corner is promoted as a prestige location.

(AQW 129/00)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): I can confirm that IDB is actively engaged with its investment partner, Prologis Developments Limited, in the development of a comprehensive marketing strategy aimed at attracting high quality investment to the planned International Business Park at Ballyhenry."

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what steps he will take to ensure that any expertise, acquired by local councils in the sphere of economic development, will be incorporated into any plans for agencies under his control.

(AQW 131/00)

Sir Reg Empey: For many years DETI’s Agencies have worked closely and beneficially with District Councils across a wide range of economic development activities. The importance of local knowledge and expertise is fully recognised by the Department and the further development of these partnerships will be included in the agencies’ new Corporate Plans.

Dr Dara O'Hagan asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he will outline the consultation process carried out by him on the Department's draft equality scheme: (a) how the consultation was carried out, (b) who was consulted, (c) how the responses received will be written into the final schemes to be submitted to the Equality Commission and (d) how the consultation process will be ongoing.

(AQW 150/00)

Sir Reg Empey: A copy of the draft equality scheme was sent to over 300 groups and individuals and meetings were sought with a small number of key groups. A copy of the draft Scheme including the consultation list was also placed on the Department’s website (http://intranet.detini.gov.uk). The responses were considered carefully and a substantial number of the suggestions have been included in the revised draft Scheme, which was submitted to the Equality Commission on 30 June 2000. A copy of the revised scheme is now on the Department's website. Subject to the Equality Commission’s views it is not planned to consult further on the draft Scheme. There will, however, be significant ongoing consultation on the implementation of the Scheme with all of the Section 75 groupings.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to confirm that he is aware of the findings of the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones as detailed in the Stewart Report published in April 2000.

(AQW 91/00)

The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): I am aware of the recommendations of the Stewart Report on Mobile Phones and Health. Having considered the Report, I will be issuing a consultation paper on planning controls over telecommunications equipment, including mobile phone masts, before the end of October 2000.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to give an assurance that the recommendations of the Stewart Report will be implemented in Northern Ireland together with a proposed timescale and if he will make a statement.

(AQW 92/00)

Mr Foster: I am aware of the recommendations of the Stewart Report on Mobile Phones and Health. Having considered the Report, I will be issuing a consultation paper on planning controls over telecommunications equipment, including mobile phone masts, before the end of October 2000.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment if he will confirm the number of raptors currently found in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 93/00)

Mr Foster: Six species of raptors regularly breed in Northern Ireland. The commonest are sparrowhawk, kestrel and buzzard, but there are no reliable estimates of the numbers of these species. Surveys have given estimates of the other three as follows:

Peregrine Falcon - 98 pairs in 1991;

Hen Harrier - 38 pairs in 1998;

Merlin - over 18 pairs in 1997/98.

A new survey of Peregrine Falcons is planned for the UK during 2001.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment if he has any plans to set up a working party to assess the impact of apartment developments within those areas which traditionally consisted of settled detached and semi-detached dwellings.

(AQW 96/00)

Mr Foster: I am aware of growing concerns about this issue. In response, my Department has recently designated 5 Conservation Areas to enhance the protection afforded to Belfast’s Edwardian suburbs. In addition, the Department will also bring forward for public consultation a revised Development Control Advice Note to provide planning guidance on proposals for small scale housing within existing urban areas. Future changes to planning policy relating to apartment development are a matter for the Department for Regional Development and I have no plans to set up a working party to assess the impact of apartment development.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment if he has any plans to introduce legislation to assist local government in dealing more effectively with dog fouling and negligent owners.

(AQW 97/00)

Mr Foster: District Councils can avail of significant powers to deal with dog fouling. Article 4 of the Litter (Northern Ireland) Order 1994 introduced a new offence to prosecute persons permitting dogs to foul in areas prescribed by the Department in regulations. Lands under District Council control and other public areas have been so prescribed. It is the responsibility of Councils to enforce these measures. Persons convicted of an offence under this provision can be fined up to £500 (level 2 on the standard scale).

Article 6 of the Litter Order also introduced a general fixed penalty scheme for permitting dogs to foul. This scheme is similarly enforced by District Councils and the fixed penalty, at present, is £25.

The Department is currently reviewing the litter and dog fouling legislation with a view to carrying out a widespread consultation exercise to determine how the existing provisions can be improved. This consultation exercise, which is planned to take place early next year, will seek the opinions of the District Councils.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment if he intends to make an input to the European Union Seminar on Coastal Habitat Protection and if he will make a statement.

(AQW 98/00)

Mr Foster: Coastwatch Europe held a seminar on this subject at the European Commission Offices in Belfast on 20 September. Diary commitments prevented me from participating but an official from my Department’s Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) gave a presentation on the EC Habitats and Birds Directives in Northern Ireland, and another official represented me at the launch of the 2000 Coastwatch Survey.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment what steps will be taken to ensure that the area surrounding Larne Lough, such as Islandmagee, does not suffer from housing over-development resulting in further strains on sewage and water supply systems.

(AQW 100/00)

Mr Foster: Islandmagee and the area around Larne Lough is already designated as a Countryside Policy Area in the Larne Area Plan 2010. Outside the development limits of designated settlements within Countryside Policy Areas, it is the Department’s policy to protect such areas by strictly controlling development.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to confirm the number of incidents of unlawful waste disposal in Larne Lough in each of the last three years and to confirm that adequate environmental protection measures are in place in the event of such incidents.

(AQW 101/00)

Mr Foster: It is understood that the reference to ‘unlawful waste disposal’ relates to liquid discharges. The number of water pollution incidents reported to, and investigated by my Department were 20 in 1997, 13 in 1998, 10 in 1999 and 5 in 2000 to date.

I can confirm that procedures are in place which detail the actions which will be taken by the Environment and Heritage Service to minimise the effects of an unauthorised discharge (accidental or deliberate) of polluting substances. The type of pollution will dictate the response. Where a discharge or spillage can be contained or stopped this will be the first approach. In the case of a contained spillage, arrangements will be made for removal and proper disposal. Prosecution for pollution offences is an important sanction in my Departments control of water pollution.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment what steps will be taken to safeguard fishery activities along the East Antrim inshore waters from possible sewage pollution.

(AQW 103/00)

Mr Foster: Environment and Heritage Service (EHS), an Agency within the Department of the Environment, is responsible for setting and enforcing effluent discharge quality standards. These standards are set to meet appropriate environmental quality objectives. Water Service sewerage systems are also subject to the requirements of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC, which has been implemented in Northern Ireland through the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations (NI) 1995.

A number of waste water treatment discharges are made to the East Antrim coastal waters, the largest being that from Larne. Under the Regulations, waste water from Larne must receive at least secondary treatment by the end of 2000.

EHS is aware of a number of other Water Service proposals for improvements to sewerage systems in the East Antrim area.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment what action will be taken to ensure that aquaculture within Larne Lough is properly protected from sewage discharge.

(AQW 104/00)

Mr Foster: Environment and Heritage Service (EHS), an Agency within the Department of Environment, is responsible for the implementation of the Shellfish Waters Directive, 79/923 EEC. The objective of the Directive is to protect or improve water quality of designated waters in order to support the life or growth of shellfish. The Directive has been transposed into Northern Ireland legislation by the Surface Waters (Shellfish) (Classification) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1997. In 1999, an area of water within Larne Lough was designated under the Shellfish Regulations.

EHS is also responsible for setting and enforcing effluent discharge quality standards. Under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, Larne Waste Water Treatment Works must receive at least secondary treatment by the end of 2000. The microbiological standards of the Shellfish Waters Directive are particularly stringent. To meet these standards, EHS will decide if a further level of treatment is required for the Larne sewage effluent. EHS is aware of a number of other Water Service proposals for improvements to sewerage systems in the East Antrim area.

Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of the Environment if he will detail the possible impact of climate changes in Northern Ireland; what he regards as the priority adaptation response, and what steps have been taken in the light of this prioritisation.

(AQW 122/00)

Mr Foster: Officials in my Department are about to commission, in conjunction with the Scottish and Northern Ireland Forum for Environmental Research (SNIFFER), a scoping study into the impacts of climate change in Northern Ireland and the adaptations that may be necessary.

It is expected that the results of the scoping study will be available by the middle of 2001. I shall advise the Assembly and the Environment Committee of the findings.

The scoping study will be followed by a more detailed programme of research designed to confirm precisely the adaptation measures that may be required in Northern Ireland.

Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of the Environment if he will confirm that the Enforcement section of the Transport, Licensing and Enforcement Branch is to be transferred to the Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency, and if he would make a statement.

(AQW 123/00)

Mr Foster: Yes. Following a review of the workload pressures in the Department’s Transport Licensing and Enforcement Branch, the executive functions of the Branch were transferred to two of the Department’s executive agencies with effect from 1 October 2000.

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland has taken on responsibility for road freight and bus operator licensing and for licensing taxi drivers.

The Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency has taken on responsibility for the Branch’s enforcement activities in relation to goods vehicles, buses and taxis and their drivers.

Dr Dara O'Hagan asked the Minister of the Environment if he will outline the consultation process carried out by him on the Department's draft equality scheme (a) how the consultation was carried out, (b) who was consulted, (c) how the responses received will be written into the final schemes to be submitted to the Equality Commission and (d) how the consultation process will be ongoing.

(AQW 151/00)

Mr Foster: (a) The draft equality scheme issued on 10 April for written consultation with a closing date of 5 June. The issue of the draft scheme was announced by public advertisement and a copy was posted on the Internet. In addition, the Equality Unit in OFMDFM met with representatives of the voluntary and community sector, covering the main Section 75 groups, to discuss general concerns on behalf of all Departments.

(b) Over 400 copies of the scheme issued to the organisations listed at Table C in the draft scheme and about 30 further copies issued on request. Offers of meetings went to the over 40 organisations which responded substantively. The draft scheme was also discussed with the Assembly Environment Committee.

(c) The responses received were taken into account fully in preparing a revised equality scheme. This was submitted to the Equality Commission for approval on 30 June. Annex D of the revised scheme outlines the background to the consultation exercise and provides a detailed response to the comments received.

A copy of the equality scheme is on the Department’s Internet website at www.nics.gov.uk/env.htm.

(d) The Equality Commission’s comments are still awaited on the equality scheme. The consultation process will continue on the equality scheme itself and the many commitments which it contains, including the preparation of guidelines to ensure full, timely and inclusive consultation on matters relating to the Section 75 statutory duty. The quality and effectiveness of consultation will be assessed in the Department’s annual review of progress on implementing the scheme and complying with the statutory duties which will be copied to the Equality Commission.

Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister of the Environment if he will undertake to ensure that telecommunication masts should be situated at least 500 metres from occupied dwellings.

(AQW 187/00)

Mr Foster: Planning arrangements for mobile phone masts have been a long-standing matter of public concern. I will be issuing a consultation paper on planning controls over telecommunications equipment, including mobile phone masts, before the end of October 2000.

Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of the Environment if he will outline the percentage of Planning Applications that are taken to District Council with an opinion, in the prescribed 8 week timescale, and if he can confirm the target of 60% of applications being decided within 8 weeks of application.

(AQW 197/00)

Mr Foster: In the current business year to 31 August, 66% of minor applications and 53% of major applications have been taken to District Council with an opinion within 8 weeks. The targets for these applications are 65% and 60% respectively.

Dr Esmond Birnie asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to indicate what plans he has to replicate the practice of HM Treasury in securing Public Service Agreements and service-delivery agreements for spending Departments.

(AQW 50/00)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): My officials wrote to departments commissioning PSA statements in August 2000, and DFP is currently working in conjunction with EPU to finalise these documents. Work is also ongoing developing Service Level Agreements in consultation with Treasury.

Dr Dara O'Hagan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how much EU Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation Funding (SSPPR) was given to West Belfast and what percentage of the total SSPPR budget did this represent.

(AQW 79/00)

Mr Durkan: Current available information shows that approximately £31 million (8% of the Programme) has been allocated to projects with postcodes in the West Belfast constituency.

Dr Dara O'Hagan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the level of public expenditure on (a) Odyssey; (b) Laganside; (c) the Cathedral Quarter, Belfast; and (d) the Titanic project.

(AQW 83/00)

Mr Durkan: By March 2001, the total public expenditure contribution to the Laganside Corporation since its foundation in 1989 is expected to be £108.42 million, including EU grant of £31.59 million. Of the total grant-in-aid figure of £76.83 million, £9.5 million will have been committed to Odyssey, as part of overall public expenditure on that project of £28.9 million, and £5 million to the Cathedral Quarter. No other public expenditure has been invested in the Cathedral Quarter and no public expenditure has been committed to the Titanic project. As well as the public expenditure mentioned above, the Odyssey project has benefited from a £45 million contribution from the Millennium Commission.

Mr Seamus Close asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer urging him to reduce the rate of fuel duty in Northern Ireland in order to mitigate the excesses of double taxation.

(AQO 62/00)

Mr Durkan: While this is a reserved matter for the Chancellor, the First and Deputy First Ministers and Sir Reg Empey have made representations, on behalf of the Executive Committee, to the Treasury on this issue on several occasions.

Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if there are any plans for the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency to undertake research into the nature and number of people with disabilities and the nature of the disabilities.

(AQO 52/00)

Mr Durkan: The 2001 Census of Population and Housing, which is being undertaken by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, will ask a question on whether an individual has any long term illness, health problem or disability. A question will also be asked on whether individuals look after, or give any help or support to, people with disabilities on an unpaid basis to establish now much such help is being provided. Apart from the Census NISRA has no current requests from Departments for additional research in this area.

Ms Eileen Bell asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if there are plans to establish a Children's Poverty Fund in Northern Ireland.

(AQO 74/00)

Mr Durkan: Following the Chancellor’s announcement in July that he was setting up a Children’s Fund in Great Britain I have met with representatives of voluntary organisations to discuss children’s issues. The case for a separate Children’s Fund will be considered by the Executive Committee in drawing up its proposals for the Programme for Government and Budget allocations in the coming weeks.

Dr Esmond Birnie asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to indicate what measures are being put in place to prevent the recurrence of a beds shortage in hospitals.

(AQW 51/00)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): Hospital services came under severe pressure last winter as a result of an unprecedented number of admissions due to flu and flu-related illnesses. A comprehensive programme of action is underway at the moment to build on the lessons learned. This includes providing extra intensive care and high dependency beds, extending flu vaccinations to the over 65s and reviewing the effectiveness of existing winter pressures schemes. The extra £53 million allocated to the services earlier this year, along with the additional £5 million I announced for waiting list action, will also contribute to improving the capacity of the health and social services to deal effectively with the sort of pressures that arose last winter.

Toisc gur glacadh isteach sna hospidéil líon an-mhór othar de bharr fliú agus tinnis ghaolmhara a bheith orthu, cuireadh na seirbhísí ospidéal faoi an-bhrú i rith an gheimhridh seo caite. Faoi láthair tá clár cuimsitheach gníomhaíochta ar siúl le buntáiste a bhaint as na ceachtanna atá foghlamtha againn. Mar chuid de tá leapacha breise géarchúraim agus ardspleáchais á soláthar; tá an vacsaíniú in éadan fliú á thabhairt feasta do dhaoine thar 65 bliana d’aois agus táthar ag athbhreithniú éifeacht na scéimeanna reatha a bheas ag déileáil le brúnna an gheimhridh. Fosta, cuideoidh naan £53 mhilliún breise a cuireadh ar fáil do na seirbhísí níos luaithe sa bliain agus na £5 mhilliún a d’fhógair mé chun líon na ndaoine ar liostaí feithimh a laghdú – cuideoidh an t-airgead sin le feabhas a chur ar chumas na seirbhísí sláinte agus sóisialta chun déileáil go héifeachtach leis na brúnna den chineál a tháinig i rith an gheimhridh seo caite.

Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what remuneration will be paid to the members of the Acute Hospital Review Group; and if she will make a statement.

(AQW 64/00)

Ms de Brún: The Chairman of the Acute Hospitals Review Group will be paid at the rate of £400 per day worked on the review, while members of the group will receive £200 per day. Any necessary travelling and subsistence expenses will also be reimbursed. The rates of pay are in line with senior rates of pay in the Civil Service.

Is é an ráta pá a bheas ag Cathaoirleach Ghrúpa Athbhreithnithe na nOspidéal Géarmhíochaine £400 in aghaidh gach lae a oibríonn sé don athbhreithniú. Gheobhaidh an chuid eile £200 in aghaidh an lae. Cúiteofar le gach ball aon chostas maidir le taisteal agus cothú riachtanach. Tá na rátaí pá seo ar aon dul leis na rátaí sinsearacha pá sa Státseirbhís.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action will be taken to resolve the under funding of the Eastern Health and Social Services Board (EHSSB) and if she will undertake to ensure that the EHSSB receives its fair share of monies.

(AQW 66/00)

Ms de Brún: I am acutely aware of the difficulties faced by the Eastern Health and Social Services Board (EHSSB), and other Boards, in meeting the health and social care needs of their local population within available resources. To sustain the progress that has been made in the current financial year, I will continue to make the case to my Executive colleagues for additional resources. I am happy to provide the assurance that the EHSSB will receive its fair share of any additional resources I secure.

Is rí-mhaith is eol dom na deacrachtaí atá le sárú ag Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Oirthir (BSSSO) agus ag na Boird eile, agus iad ag iarraidh freastal ar riachtanais shláinte agus chúraim shóisialta an phobail áitiúil taobh istigh de na hacmhainní atá ar fáil. Is ar mhaithe leis an dul chun cinn a rinneadh i rith na bliana airgeadais seo a chothú a leanfaidh mé orm ag iarraidh ar mo chomhghleacaithe san Fheidhmeannas acmhainní breise a chur ar fáil. Tá mé sásta a dhearbhú duit go bhfaighidh an BSSSO a sciar cothrom de cibé acmhainní a ghnóthóidh mé.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the rate of cancellations for ophthalmology.

(AQW 67/00)

Ms de Brún: Information on the rate of cancellations for ophthalmology is available only for outpatient clinics. In the financial year 1999/2000, the cancellation rate for outpatient ophthalmology clinics at local hospitals was 12.5%. In the quarter ending 30 June 2000 (the latest date for which information is available) the cancellation rate was 12.2%.

Is do chlinicí othar seachtrach amháin atá eolas ar fáil ar an ráta cealúchán oftailmeolaíochta. Sa bhliain airgeadais 1999/2000 ba é 12.5% ráta na gcealúchán do chlinicí oftailmeolaíochta in ospidéil áitiúla. Sa ráithe dar chríoch an 30 Meitheamh 2000 (an dáta is déanaí a bhfuil eolas ann dó) bhí 12.2% mar ráta cealúcháin.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will outline the current position of ophthalmology at the Royal Victoria Hospital.

(AQW 69/00)

Ms de Brún: The Royal Group of Hospitals is the regional centre for Ophthalmology and contains facilities for inpatients, day cases, outpatients as well as specialist Accident & Emergency facilities. It is also the regional teaching centre. The Centre has a total of 38 beds. There are over 40 medical staff supported by about 50 Nursing and Technical staff. During 1999/00 there were 2,561 inpatients, 7,111 daycases, 41,509 outpatient clinic attendances and in 1998/99 (the latest figures available) there were 11,135 A & E patients.

Gníomhaíonn an Grúpa Ríoga Ospidéal mar ionad réigiúnach Oftailmeolaíochta agus is é atá ann saoráidí d’othair chónaitheacha, do chásanna lae agus d’othair sheachtracha chomh maith le saoráidí le haghaidh Taismí agus Éigeandálaí (T&É). Is ionad réigiúnach teagaisc é fosta. Tá 38 leaba san iomlán san ionad. Tá 40 san fhoireann mhíochaine agus tá faoi thuairim 50 san fhoireann altranais agus theicniúil mar thacaíocht acu. I rith na bliana 1999/2000 bhí 2,561 othar cónaitheach ann, 7,111 chás lae, 41,509 cuairteoirí ar chlinicí othar seachtrach agus sa bhliain 1998/99 (na figiúirí is déanaí atá ar fáil) bhí 11,135 othar (T&É) ann.

Mr Eamonn ONeill asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will consider reducing license fees for the agricultural production of industrial hemp in order to help farmers make use of this alternative crop.

(AQW 71/00)

Ms de Brún: My Department is about to review the licensing arrangements for the production and supply of industrial hemp with a view to reducing the licensing fees. It is expected that a decision will be made before present licences are due for renewal.

Tá mo Roinnse ar tí athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar na socruithe ceadúnaithe dóibh siúd atá ag táirgeadh agus ag soláthar cnáib thionsclaíoch ar mhaithe leis na táillí ceadúnais a laghdú. Táthar ag dréim leis go ndéanfar cinneadh faoi seo sula mbeidh na ceadúnais le hathnuachan.

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail how many patients in the Northern Board Area are on waiting lists for surgery, to provide a breakdown of the number of patients awaiting surgery in the Causeway Trust, United Hospital Trust and Green Park Trust and to indicate what action will be taken to reduce patient waiting lists.

(AQW 72/00)

Ms de Brún: It is not possible to provide figures on the numbers of patients waiting specifically for surgery, as information is not collected in this form.

On 11 September I issued a framework for action on waiting lists, setting out a detailed programme of action designed to reduce waiting lists over the next three years. I have requested Health and Social Services Boards to submit action plans to me by 13 October, with proposals for how they propose to tackle the waiting list problem. I am confident that this focused and comprehensive approach will be effective in dealing with the problem.

Níl sé indéanta figiúirí a sholáthar maidir le líon na n-othar atá ag feitheamh le haghaidh cóireáil mháinliachta go sonrach, nó ní bhailítear an t-eolas ar an dóigh sin.

Ar an 11ú Meán Fómhair d’fhoilsigh mé creatcháipéis chun tabhairt faoi liostaí feithimh, ag leagan amach mionghníomhchláir le liostaí feithimh a laghdú thar na trí bliana dár gcionn. D’iarr mé ar Bhoird Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta gníomhphleananna a chur isteach chugaim faoin 13ú Deireadh Fómhair, le moltaí faoin dóigh a rachaidh siad i ngleic le fadhb na liostaí feithimh. Tá mé cinnte go mbeidh an cur chuige fócasaithe agus cuimsitheach seo éifeachtach ag déileáil leis an fhadhb.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety whether the joint business plan between Royal Victoria Hospital and Ulster Hospital Trust will be fully resourced and if her Department will provide such funding.

(AQW 88/00)

Ms de Brún: I assume that the question relates to the joint proposal from the Royal Hospitals Trust and Ulster Community & Hospital Trust for an Ophthalmology Development in the North Down and Ards area.

The proposal seeks EHSSB support for the appointment of an additional Consultant to the Ophthalmology service, based at the Royal and providing a daycase and outpatient service to the Ulster Community and Hospital Trust.

The EHSSB has not yet identified a recurrent source of funds to finance the proposed development and plans to meet with the two Trusts concerned to discuss the financial implications. The Board also faces a number of other competing priorities.

GP Fundholders in the North Down and Ards area would use a major share of the services proposed and would, therefore, also have to agree to fund the development.

As the matter is for the resolution by the authorities in question, the Department would expect it to be addressed, subject to the outcome of the local prioritisation process, within the overall annual allocation to the Board and Fundholders.

Glacaim leis go mbaineann an cheist leis an mholadh comhpháirteach ó Iontaobhas na nOspidéal Ríoga agus ó Iontaobhas Phobal agus Óspidéil Uladh go mbunófaí saoráid oftailmeolaíochta i gceantar Thuaisceart an Dúin agus na hArda.

Táthar ag iarraidh ar BSSSO sa mholadh aontú go gceapfaí sainchomhairleoir breise don tseirbhís Oftailmeolaíochta, a bheadh bunaithe san Ospidéal Ríoga agus a sholáthródh seirbhís chásánna lae agus seirbhís othar seachtrach d’Iontaobhas Phobal agus Ospidéil Uladh.

Go dtí seo níor aimsigh an BSSSO foinse athfhillteach airgeadais chun an fhorbairt seo a mhaoiniú agus tá rún aige bualadh leis an dá Iontaobhas atá i gceist chun na himpleachtaí airgeadais a phlé. Caithfidh an Bord déileáil le roinnt tosaíochtaí eile atá in iomaíocht leis an cheann seo.

Bhainfeadh liachleachtóirí a bhfuil Cisteshealúchas acu i gceantar Thuaisceart an Dúin agus na hArda úsáid as mórchuid na seirbhísí atá molta agus bheadh orthu, ar an ábhar sin, aontú go maoineodh siad an tseirbhís.

Ós rud é go bhfuil an t-ábhar le réiteach ag na húdaráis atá i gceist, bheadh an Roinn ag dréim leis go ndéanfar sin taobh istigh den mhaoiniú a chionroinnfear ar an Bhord agus ar na Cisteshealbhóirí ach toradh an phróisis as a n-aimseofar tosaíochtaí áitiúla a bheith á rialú.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she is satisfied that all necessary steps are being taken to reduce the growing hospital waiting list in real terms, and to give her assessment of the potential impact of winter pressures on that list.

(AQW 94/00)

Ms de Brún: On 11 September I issued a framework for action on waiting lists, setting out a detailed programme of action designed to reduce waiting lists over the next three years. I have requested Health and Social Services Boards to submit action plans to me by 13 October, with proposals for how they propose to tackle the waiting list problem. I am confident that this focused and comprehensive approach will be effective in dealing with the problem.

Additional pressures on hospital services during the winter months can impact on waiting lists if planned operations need to be re-scheduled. During the outbreak of flu last winter, for example, all but the most urgent operations had to be suspended to make way for emergency admissions and, although it is not possible to quantify the effect on waiting lists, there is no doubt that they increased as a result. I have asked Boards and Trusts to finalise their plans for this winter by the end of the month. I expect those plans to focus in particular on measures designed to minimise the impact of likely winter pressures.

Ar an 11ú Meán Fómhair d’fhoilsigh mé creatcháipéis chun tabhairt faoi liostaí feithimh, ag leagan amach mionghníomhchláir le liostaí feithimh a laghdú thar na trí bliana dár gcionn. D’iarr mé ar Bhoird Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta gníomhphleananna a chur isteach chugam faoin 13ú Deireadh Fómhair, le moltaí faoin dóigh a rachaidh siad i ngleic le fadhb na liostaí feithimh. Tá mé cinnte go mbeidh an cur chuige fócasaithe agus cuimsitheach seo éifeachtach ag déileáil leis an fhadhb.

Is féidir le tuilleadh brúnna ar sheirbhísí ospidéil le linn míonna an gheimhridh éifeacht a bheith acu ar liostaí feithimh más gá obráidí pleanáilte a chur ar gcúl. Le linn briseadh amach an fhliú an geimhreadh seo caite, mar shampla, cuireadh ach na hobráidí a ba phráinní ar ceal le glacadh isteach éigeandála a ghlacadh agus, cé nach bhfuil sé dodhéanta an éifeacht ar liostaí feithimh a oibriú amach, níl amhras ar bith ann gur mhéadaigh siad mar thoradh air. D’iarr mé ar Bhoird agus ar Iontaobhais bailchríoch a chur ar a gcuid pleananna don gheimhreadh faoi dheireadh na míosa. Tá coinne agam go ndíreoidh na pleananna sin go háirithe ar bhearta a leagadh amach le héifeacht na mbrúnna geimhridh dóchúla a íosmhéadú.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm that the Plastics and Maxillo Facial Surgery Department will not be removed from the Ulster Hospital Trust without widespread consultation and if will she make a statement.

(AQW 95/00)

Ms de Brún: The Eastern Health and Social Services Board is currently consulting on a paper about the pattern of acute hospital services in its area. The document was circulated for consultation over a period of 4 months, approximately ending 8^th September. Among those included in the circulation were Service Providers, Elected Representatives, the Eastern Health and Social Services Council, Professional Bodies, Queen’s University, Patient Support Groups with a known interest, Staff Side representatives and Trade Unions. The paper was also available on the Board’s web site.

The paper details, inter alia, a number of developments at the Ulster Hospital which it considers necessary to allow the hospital to cater for an expanding population and to fully meet its potential as a Cancer Unit. The paper suggests in unambiguous terms that the transfer of Plastics and Maxillo Facial Surgery would greatly enhance and facilitate these other developments.

I expect to receive, in the near future, a package of proposals from the Eastern Board, which will relate to most or all of the hospitals in the area. I will decide at that time if further consultation should be undertaken on any or all of the proposals.

Tá Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Oirthir ag dul i gcomhairle ar pháipéar faoi láthair faoi phatrún na ngéarsheirbhísí ospidéil ina cheantar. Scaipeadh an cháipéis do chomhairliúchán thar tréimhse ceithre mhí, ag críochnú timpeall an 8ú Meán Fómhair. Orthu sin a fuair an cháipéis bhí Soláthraithe Seirbhíse, Ionadaithe Tofa, Comhairle Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Oirthir, Forais Ghairmiúla, Ollscoil na Banríona, Grúpaí Tacaíochta Othar a raibh suim acu sa scéal, Ionadaithe Foirne agus Ceardchumainn. Bhí an páipéar ar fáil ar líonláithreán an Bhoird fosta.

Tugann an páipéar mionchuntas, i measc rudaí eile, ar roinnt forbarthaí ag Ospidéal Uladh a shíleann sé atá riachtanach le ligean don ospidéal riar ar dhaonra atá ag méadú agus a chuspóir mar Ionad Ailse a chomhlíonadh. Molann an páipéar i dtéarmaí neamhdhébhríocha go méadódh agus go ndéanfadh aistriú Máinliacht Aghaidhe Phlaisteach agus Mhaxillo éascaíocht do na forbarthaí eile seo.

Tá súil agam go bhfaighidh mé réimse moltaí as seo amach ó Bhord an Oirthir a bhainfidh le formhór na n-ospidéal nó le iomlán ospidéil an cheantair. Beartóidh mé ag an am sin más gá tuilleadh comhairliúcháin a dhéanamh ar mholadh ar bith nó orthu uilig.

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she is aware of the NSPCC campaign to protect children following demands for "Sarah's Law"; the proposal for a public education campaign on child protection to increase awareness about the nature of child abuse; and if she can tell the Assembly what steps he is taking to put in place such a campaign.

(AQO 35/00)

Ms de Brún: I am aware of the campaign for the introduction of "Sarah’s Law" which calls for controlled access to information about convicted sex offenders. The law in this area remains a reserved matter and is thus the responsibility of the Secretary of State. I am also aware that the NSPCC is pressing for a public education programme to increase awareness on how to protect children from sex abuse. This is an issue which will be given careful consideration by an inter-agency group on sex offenders.

You may be interested to know that the Inter-Agency Sex Offender Steering Group has recently approved a manual of guidance on the "Assessment and Management of Risk of Sex Offenders". Implementation of the manual, which largely formalises procedures which are already in place, will be taken forward from next month. Further, the Department of Education has advised all schools to include, within their pastoral care curriculum, self-protection programmes for pupils, and guidance on the content of these has been widely circulated.

Tá a fhios agam faoin fheachtas chun ‘Reacht Sarah’ a thabhairt isteach, reacht a cheadódh eolas faoi chiontóirí gnéis a ciontaíodh a chur ar fáil faoi rialú. Tá reachtaíocht sa réimse seo á forchoimeád go fóill agus mar sin is í freagreacht an Stát-Rúnaí í. Tuigim fosta go bhfuil an NSPCC ag iarraidh cláir oideachais chun tuilleadh eolais a thabhairt don phobal faoin dóigh le páistí a chosaint ar dhrochúsáid ghnéasach. Is ábhar é seo a bheas á mheas go cúramach ag grúpa idirghníomhaireachta um chiontóirí gnéis.

Bíodh a fhios agat go bhfuil an Grúpa Stiúrtha Idirghníomhaireachta um Chiontóirí Gnéis i ndiaidh treoir-lámhleabhar ar "Athbreithniú agus Bainisteoireacht Priacal maidir le Ciontóirí Gnéis" a cheadú ar na mallaibh. Is é atá sa lámhleabhar cur síos foirmiúil ar nósanna imeachta arb ann dá mbunús cheana agus cuirfear treoracha an lámhleabhair i bhfeidhm ón mhí seo chugainn amach. Ina theannta sin tá an Roinn Oideachais i ndiaidh inse do gach scoil gur cheart dóibh cláir ar fhéinchosaint a thabhairt do dhaltaí mar chuid den churaclam tréadchúraim, agus scaipeadh treoracha ar ábhar na gclár seo go forleathan.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she could outline the results of any investigation she has commissioned, undertaken or reviewed concerning the use of private finance in the Health Service.

(AQW 107/00)

Ms de Brún: I have not initiated any investigation concerning the use of private finance in the health service, personal social services, or the fire service, although my Department regularly monitors progress on the ground and provides guidance and advice to any of our organisations requiring such assistance. There is a comprehensive business case and approval process in place which ensures that there is no presumption that private provision is better than public, or vice versa. Objective assessment of all available options is required. In view of the deplorable condition of some of our estate, it is important to ensure that our limited resources go as far as possible towards renewal and development, and in some cases private finance can help achieve that goal.

Níor bhunaigh mé fiosriúchán ar bith maidir le maoiniú príobháideach a bheith in úsáid sa tseirbhís sláinte, sna seirbhísí sóisialta pearsanta, nó sa tseirbhís dóiteáin, cé go mbíonn mo Roinnse ag déanamh faireacháin go rialta ar an dul chun cinn i gcoitinne agus go dtugann sí treoir agus comhairle d’eagraíocht ar bith dár gcuid a bhfuil sin uathu. Tá próiseas cuimsitheach ann le cás a phromhadh agus a cheadú agus cinnteoidh sé seo nach nglacfar leis mar fhíric gur fearr maoiniú príobháideach ná maoiniú poiblí, nó a mhalairt. Caithfear gach rogha a mheasúnú go hoibiachtúil. I bhfianaise drochstaid chuid dár n-eastát, is tábhachtach a chinntiú go rachaidh ár n-acmhainní teoranta a fhaide is féidir chun an córas sláinte a athnuachan agus a fhorbairt, agus i gcásanna áirithe féadfaidh maoiniú príobháideach cuidiú linn na chuspóirí sin a bhaint amach.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will confirm the number of patients currently receiving Beta Interferon at public expense.

(AQW 108/00)

Ms de Brún: The number of patients currently receiving beta-interferon at public expense is 229.

Is é 229 líon na n-othar atá ag fáil béite-inteirféaróin ar chostas poiblí.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the clinical priorities in regard to reduction of hospital waiting lists; and if she will make a statement.

(AQW 109/00)

Ms de Brún: On 11 September, I issued a framework for action on waiting lists, setting out a detailed programme of action designed to reduce waiting lists over the next three years. I am confident that the focused and comprehensive approach set out in the framework will be effective in dealing with the problem. In tackling hospital waiting lists, priority will continue to be given to the reduction of waiting times for those treatments where the waiting lists are longest and the pain, discomfort and general reduction of the quality of life are most acute.

Emergency and urgent cases will, of course, continue to receive priority treatment. Against this background, it is for the doctors involved in the patient’s care to decide whether or not treatment is needed urgently.

Ar an 11 Meán Fómhair, d’eisigh mé creat gníomhaíochta maidir le liostaí feithimh agus leag mé amach clár gníomhaíochta mionsonraithe chun líon na ndaoine ar na liostaí feithimh a laghdú thar na trí bliana atá le teacht. Tá mé cinnte go mbeidh an cur chuige cuimsitheach dírithe atá leagtha amach sa chreat éifeachtach chun déileáil leis an fhadhb. Agus muid ag tabhairt faoi líon na ndaoine ar liostaí feithimh na n-ospidéal a laghdú, beidh sé mar thosaíocht leanúnach againn na tréimhsí feithimh a laghdú i gcás na ndaoine sin is faide ar an liosta feithimh, ar measa a bpian agus a míchompord agus ar géire an laghdú ar chaighdeán a mbeatha.

Leanfar den nós, ar ndóigh, tús áite ó thaobh cóireála a thabhairt do chásanna práinne agus éigeandala. I ndeireadh na dála, is iad na dochtúirí a bhfuil cúram an othair orthu a bhfuil an cinneadh le déanamh acu cé acu atá cóireáil de dhíth go práinneach ar dhuine nó nach bhfuil.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will confirm that there are adequate numbers of nurses available to support her plan to reduce hospital waiting lists.

(AQW 110/00)

Ms de Brún: I have asked Health and Social Service Boards to provide, by 13 October, Action Plans for reducing waiting lists. I shall expect these plans to include information on implications for the HPSS workforce including the levels of nursing staff. The Department has already commissioned an extra 300 student nurse training places over the next three years to enhance the supply of qualified nurses. The need for further training places is reviewed annually taking account of identified needs.

In addition, within the next few weeks, my Department will be meeting with nursing representatives from Boards and Trusts to discuss planning proposals for the nursing and midwifery workforce.

D’iarr mé ar Bhoird Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta Gníomhphleananna d’ ísliú liostaí feithimh a sholáthar faoin 13ú Deireadh Fómhair. Beidh mé ag súil go gcuimseoidh na pleananna seo eolas ar na himpleachtaí do lucht oibre an SSPS, leibhéil na foirne banaltrachta san áireamh. Choimisiúnaigh an Roinn 300 áit oiliúna breise d’ ábhair bhanaltrachta thar na trí bliana dár gcionn cheana féin leis an soláthar de bhanaltraí cáilithe a mhéadú. Déantar athbhreithniú gach bliain ar an ghá le tuilleadh áiteanna oiliúna, ag glacadh san áireamh riachtanais aitheanta.

Mar bharr ar sin, beidh an Roinn s’agam ag bualadh le hionadaithe banaltrachta ó Bhoird agus ó Iontaobhais faoi cheann cupla seachtaine leis na moltaí pleanála don mheitheal oibre banaltrachta agus do mhná cabhrach a phlé.<