| Membership | What's Happening | Committees | Publications | Assembly Commission | General Info | Job Opportunities | Help |
|
Friday 06 October 2000 Agriculture and Rural Development Area Aid Payments Bi-centenary of The Act of Union Administration Efficiency Enterprise, Trade and Investment National Minimum Wage "Sterling Report" (Review of Northern Ireland Taxi Service
1992) National Minimum Wage Health, Social Services and Public Safety Acute Hospital Services Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment Information Technology Compensation Claims A1 Priority Status Friday 06 October 2000 Written Answers to Questions AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT Internet Misuse Mr Gerry McHugh asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she is aware of press reports alleging Internet misuse within the Department, if she will comment on the accuracy of these reports and detail what action she has taken in respect of these allegations. (AQW 165/00) The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): I am aware of press reports covering Internet misuse. An investigation has been carried out into misuse of the Internet by some Departmental staff. As a result, formal disciplinary action has been taken against a number of officers. An investigation is ongoing into misuse of e-mail facilities by some staff. If appropriate, disciplinary action will be taken. A range of actions are underway to counter possible misuse of the Department’s computer facilities in the future. Draft Equality Scheme Dr Dara O'Hagan asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will outline the consultation process carried out by her 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 taken forward. (AQW 166/00) Ms Rodgers: The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s consultation on the Draft Equality Scheme was carried out along the lines set out in the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland’s "Guide to the statutory duties". The Scheme was sent to some 370 organisations including representative organisations of the Section 75 groups, community and voluntary groups, political parties and groups representing the agriculture industry and the rural community. A list of those organisations contacted has been placed in the Assembly Library. Wherever possible comments have been written in to the draft Equality Scheme which was submitted to the Equality Commission on 30 June. Other comments are under active consideration by my Department. The consultation will be progressed as soon as a formal response is received from the Equality Commission. Organisations will also be invited to comment on the Department’s screening policy which is currently underway. Lough Neagh Wetlands & Waterways Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will undertake to have the "Lough Neagh Wetlands and Waterways" considered for the designation of "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty" and/or "Environmentally Sensitive Area." (AQW 179/00) Ms Rodgers: Northern Ireland already has designated five Environmentally Sensitive Areas, which include the most important wildlife habitats and characteristic landscapes. These are: (a) the Mourne Mountains and Slieve Croob; (b) the Antrim Coast, Glens and Rathlin; (c) West Fermanagh and the Erne Lakeland; (d) the Sperrins and (e) Slieve Gullion. Environmentally Sensitive Areas now cover 20% of the total Northern Ireland land area, which is comparable with the amount of land so designated in other EU Member States. EU legislation restricts the amount of land that any Member State may designate as an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been done in the interests of ensuring that ESA designation is only carried out for the purpose intended and is not being used as an illegal state aid to the farming industry. Further extensive designation could not therefore take place unless the requirements of the EU legislation could be met and there is considerable doubt about whether the land around Lough Neagh could meet these. My Department recognises, however, the importance of promoting environmentally beneficial farming practices on all farmland in Northern Ireland. The new Northern Ireland Rural Development Plan makes provision for this by introducing a Countryside Management Scheme (CMS), which shares the same broad aims as the ESA Scheme. This new Scheme will fund those farmers who adopt environmentally beneficial farming practices and can provide the greatest environmental benefit in the 80% of Northern Ireland that falls outside the ESAs. Farmers around Lough Neagh will have opportunity to apply to enter the CMS. My colleague, the Minister for the Environment, informs me that his Department is currently refining its policy on the designation of additional Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) under the provisions of the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (Northern Ireland) Order 1985. However, it remains unlikely that the landscape around Lough Neagh will merit AONB designation. Potato Growers Requirements Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline what action has been taken in relation to the recent recommendation by the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, that Northern Ireland potato growers require (a) investment in adequate storage facilities, (b) to identify other varieties of potato, in order to extend their season; and if she will make it her policy to provide financial assistance and professional advice and research to assist in the implementation of these alternatives. (AQW 194/00) Ms Rodgers: Through the 1994-99 EU Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme, some £2m has been provided to projects which included investment in modern potato storage facilities. That Scheme is now closed but the Rural Development Programme for 2000 to 2006, which is subject to EU clearance, includes provision for a continuation of processing and marketing grants on a similar basis. Each year trials are undertaken to evaluate new varieties for their potential for use by the ware sector in Northern Ireland and I can confirm that this work will continue. There is also an ongoing advisory programme aimed at developing the competencies of growers to manage the harvesting, storage and handling of potatoes. National Minimum Wage Mr Gerry Adams asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to identify the number of staff within her Department and its associated agencies currently receiving (a) the National Minimum wage and (b) less than £5.00 per hour. (AQW 220/00) Ms Rodgers: All staff in my Department and its associated agencies are currently receiving at least the National Minimum wage. The number of staff currently receiving less than £5.00 per hour is as follows: - Non-Industrial-372 Ballyclare Flooding 1999 Mr Jim Wilson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps she intends to take to prevent a recurrence of the flooding in Ballyclare in September 1999. (AQO 85/00) Ms Rodgers: Following the flooding in September 1999 interim flood defences were constructed by the Rivers Agency to improve protection to the most vulnerable sections of the Green Burn which flows through Ballyclare and consultants were commissioned to carry out a wide ranging study of the flooding problems in the town. The study is due to be completed in December 2000. Officials will be available early in the New Year to discuss the way forward with the interests involved. Pending the outcome of the study operational staff are carrying out frequent inspections and maintenance as necessary. Brucellosis Mr Pat McNamee asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she intends to take extra steps to combat the massive increase in the incidence of Brucellosis outbreaks in areas of South Armagh. (AQO 89/00) Ms Rodgers: We have already taken additional action in an effort to reduce the level of Brucellosis in the South Armagh area. In normal circumstances when an outbreak occurs those herds in an inner ring contiguous to the infected herd are subjected to movement restrictions and to an immediate herd test with follow up testing every 4 months until they are no longer at risk. Testing is also carried out immediately and at 4 monthly intervals in an outer ring contiguous to herds in the inner ring. In the Armagh area we have extended this outer ring to another circle of herds which we also subject to immediate and subsequent testing at 4 monthly intervals. We are also carrying out bulk milk sampling in the area. What this amounts to is a significantly enhanced effort on DARD’s behalf to reduce the level of Brucellosis in the area concerned. We are also considering certain further measures which might be helpful both in high incidence areas and elsewhere. These include changing from biennial to annual testing in high incidence areas such as Armagh, extending the bulk milk sampling programme province wide and introducing a cull cow blood sampling programme - both of which would act as early indicators of infection. However any or all of these can only be put in place if we can make available the necessary resources. Brucellosis is easily spread and once infection enters a herd, neighbouring herds are at high risk of contracting the disease. Farmers in South Armagh and elsewhere in Northern Ireland must play their full part in prevention by taking appropriate precautions such as purchasing cattle from a reliable source, maintaining the integrity of the herd, ensuring that tests are carried out on time and by reporting abortions. It is also important to maintain good herd records so that where infection is detected tracing of animals can be carried out quickly and effectively. There is no doubt that we are facing a significant problem in relation to Brucellosis but I am hopeful that industry and Government working together can bring us back to the position of some years ago when Northern Ireland was clear of the disease. Area Aid Payments Mr Gerry McHugh asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will explain how excluding 2600 small family farms from area aid payments will help sustain and encourage rural development and rural regeneration. (AQO 88/00) Ms Rodgers: This question has been overtaken by events. The 2600 farmers referred to are now included in the LFA scheme which has been sent to Brussels for approval. Milk Quotas Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if, following her decision on the allocation of additional milk quotas, she will consider providing discretion for those producers who in the past two years have purchased milk quotas placing them over the threshold for additional quota. (AQO 86/00) Ms Rodgers: The allocation to eligible producers will be based on the volume of quota held at 1 April 1999. Anyone who has purchased quota since that date which has resulted in bringing them above the 250,000 litre threshold will be considered for an allocation on the basis of their quota held at 1 April 1999. Higher Energy Costs Ms Eileen Bell asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what additional costs fall on farmers in Northern Ireland compared to Great Britain because of higher energy costs. (AQO 83/00) Ms Rodgers: There are relatively little data available on comparative energy costs between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. However, information on electricity costs indicates that general consumers in Northern Ireland pay 20-25 per cent more than their counterparts in GB. There is nothing to suggest that agriculture is any different. TOPIrish Language Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what measures are being taken by the Arts Council to recognise and promote the development of the Irish Language. (AQW 120/00) The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): The Arts Council’s policy in relation to support for Irish Language arts is the same as that for the arts in English, Irish or any other language: to promote work of quality, whether it be in the genres of writing, storytelling, traditional singing or drama. The Council does not support language development per se, but rather underpins the development of all arts within language communities. Arts Council expenditure on both Irish language and Ulster-Scots arts activities has risen significantly in recent years, and the Council has published a position statement entitled "Literature, Language, Tradition" in both languages, which clearly sets out its current policy on these areas. In addition, the Council has drawn up Terms of Reference for a needs analysis into Irish and Ulster-Scots language arts. It is partnering with the respective agencies of the North-South Language Body in this welcome and necessary piece of research which will help inform future policy and the development of a more pro-active role for the Arts Council in this important area. Minority Languages Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what progress has been made within (a) the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure; (b) other Departments and (c) statutory agencies to develop a policy towards the promotion of the Irish Language. (AQW 121/00) Mr McGimpsey: All Departments are aware of the overarching commitment in the Belfast Agreement to promote understanding, tolerance and respect for linguistic diversity and of the specific commitments to Irish in the Agreement and the Council of Europe Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. It is clear that since devolution the level of interest in the use of Irish has increased considerably in the Executive and in one or two Departments in particular. Northern Ireland Departments, together with the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Court Service, have been considering the relevant policy and practical implications of these developments. The Executive Committee on 28 September noted a paper covering the measures which can be applied by Departments to Irish in Northern Ireland in the context of the Council of Europe Charter on Regional or Minority Languages. Work will be undertaken by a Standing Interdepartmental Charter Group chaired by my department to develop an Action Plan for implementing the Charter. This plan will be ready by April 2001. All Departments are currently considering draft guidance on the use of Irish in official business which will be brought to the Executive Committee for approval before the Charter comes into force early next year. My Department will shortly consider Corporate Plans for Foras na Gaeilge and Tha Boord o Ulster Scotch which set out how both Agencies propose to implement their obligations in respect of the Belfast Agreement. These may have implications for other Departments. The plans will be submitted for approval to the North/South Ministerial Council. A priority for my Department in helping us develop policy is to obtain quality information regarding various aspects of the current situation regarding the Irish language sector and demand for its use in public life. We have therefore commissioned or planned a number of research projects. The results of these will be made available to Departments and will be published as appropriate. My Department has also been examining the implications of the Belfast Agreement commitment to seek more effective ways to encourage and provide financial support for Irish language film and television production in Northern Ireland and has consulted widely with those with expertise and experience in this area. We have commissioned a consultant to produce an action plan for a pilot project to test demand. The project should be in place by April 2001. In developing policy towards promotion of the Irish language we will listen carefully to advice from Foras na Gaeilge, the Department Assembly Committee, Ministerial colleagues and individuals or organisations with expertise or an interest in this area. Within the context of the obligations imposed by the Belfast Agreement and the Council of Europe Charter it is a matter for individual Departments and their statutory agencies to develop policy and practice tailored to their own circumstances. Draft Equality Scheme Dr Dara O'Hagan asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure 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 taken forward. (AQW 167/00) Mr McGimpsey: I can confirm that the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure consulted widely with numerous bodies including District Councils, Public Bodies responsible for Culture, Arts and Leisure as well as voluntary and community groups. A list of those consulted is attached for your information. Advertisements were also included in the local press to ensure anyone who may have been inadvertently omitted were given an opportunity to respond. During the consultation phase departmental officials met with representatives of groups declaring a specific interest in our Scheme The Equality Scheme was amended in the light of the responses received during the consultation exercise. I can also confirm that the Department will continue to consult widely in relation to the Equality Scheme and the impact assessments of our policies in the future. All those consulted on the draft Scheme and those who responded will be included. In addition, when carrying out impact assessments over the coming years the Department will advertise in the local press to give everyone a further opportunity to be fully involved.
Ulster Scots Literature and Culture Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what steps will be taken to improve public access to Ulster Scots literature and culture and if he will co-operate with his colleague, the Minister of Education, to explore opportunities through which this minority language might be encouraged and accorded respect. (AQW 173/00) Mr McGimpsey: My Department has lead responsibility for giving effect to the Belfast Agreement commitment to promote tolerance, respect and understanding for linguistic diversity which includes Ulster Scots. The North-South Cooperation (Implementation) Northern Ireland Order 1999 set up the Language Body with two parts, Foras na Gaeilge and Tha Boord O Ulster Scotch. The role of the Boord is to promote greater awareness and use of Ullans and Ulster Scots culture. My officials are currently considering the draft Corporate Plan for Tha Boord o Ulster Scotch which sets out how the Boord proposes to carry out this function for 2000/2001 to 2003/2004. The plan will be submitted for approval to the North/South Ministerial Council. Indicative funding for the Boord of £667,000 in the current year represents a fivefold increase in Government expenditure on Ulster-Scots in 1999-2000 of £118,000. The Boord will have indicative funding of £1.3m in 2001. The UK Government in March this year signed the Council of Europe Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, recognising Ulster Scots for Part II which contains general principles and objectives regarding recognition and non-discrimination. Work will be undertaken by a Standing Interdepartmental Charter Group chaired by my department to develop an Action Plan for implementing the Charter as whole. This plan will be ready by April 2001. A priority for my Department in helping us develop policy on linguistic diversity is to obtain quality information on aspects of the Ulster Scots language situation. We have therefore commissioned or planned a number of research projects. The results of these will be made available to Departments and will be published as appropriate. In developing policy towards promotion of the Ulster Scots language and culture we will listen carefully to advice from Tha Boord o Ulster Scotch, the Departmental Assembly Committee, Ministerial colleagues and individuals or organisations with expertise or an interest in this area. As part of the work of developing its corporate strategy my Department instigated the Future Search Programme within which we are looking at the possible role of the Department in various areas. One of these is cultural diversity which would include Ulster Scots culture. Sport for the Young Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what action he will take to promote sport for the young. (AQW 174/00) Mr McGimpsey: The Sports Council for Northern Ireland has statutory responsibility for the development of sport within the province including sport for the young. In 1993, the Sports Council, in partnership with other agencies, published a Strategy for Sport for Young People. The implementation of this strategy over the last 6 years has demonstrated that Northern Ireland leads the way in this area of sports development and others are now starting to introduce similar programmes throughout England, Scotland and Wales. Programmes run in Northern Ireland include Youth Sport Foyle and Youth Sport West, both of which are cross border programmes and Youth Sport South, North East and South East. All of these programmes are operated in conjunction with the appropriate Education and Library Boards and District Councils. In addition to the Youth Sport Programmes, the Sports Council Lottery Fund also supports a wide variety of programmes ranging from training provision for coaches specifically involved with young people, to the provision of multi-sport facilities in primary schools. Fisheries Conservancy Board Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will undertake to set up an agency to promote the protection of fishing and waterway environments. (AQW 180/00) Mr McGimpsey: The Inland Fisheries of Northern Ireland are currently the subject of an enquiry by the Assembly’s Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee. I have at the same time instituted a review of the functions of the Fisheries Conservancy Board (FCB). I have no plans in advance of the outcomes of either of these initiatives to set up any new Agency. However in the meantime my Department is in the process of taking legislation through the Assembly that will strengthen the fishery conservation and protection powers presently available to the FCB. Bi-centenary of The Act of Union Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he has put in place any activities to celebrate the bi-centenary of the Act of Union in 2001. (AQO 101/00) Mr McGimpsey: My Department is in the process of planning a rolling programme of events to mark the bi-centenary of the Act of Union in 2001, which at this early stage includes: an inaugural reception and lecture in Newtownards in January 2001; a centrepiece exhibition in Parliament Buildings in March 2001 which will move to the Ulster Museum in May; a scaled down exhibition in the Dublin Arts Centre in the autumn of 2001; a conference in Londonderry in June 2001; and education workshops for A-level students in Belfast in October 2001. It should be noted however that many of the arrangements at this stage are tentative. Motorcycle Racing Track Mr Seamus Close asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what plans there are to create a Motorcycle Racing Track in Northern Ireland. (AQO 78/00) Mr McGimpsey: I am aware of a number of proposals to develop a new Motorcycle Racing Track in the province through both Local Authority and private enterprise initiatives. At my request the Sports Council for Northern Ireland, in conjunction with the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland, will be undertaking a review of facilities at the province’s 4 existing short circuit venues. As part of that exercise a preliminary feasibility study will be carried out to explore the need and scope for a new Motor Cycle Race Track. My Department will be making additional resources available so that this work can be completed urgently. Task Force Into Irish League Football Mr Kieran McCarthy asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will provide an update on the work of the Task force into Irish League Football and if he will make a statement. (AQO 80/00) Mr McGimpsey: In August I announced my intention to set up a football task force to take a fundamental look at the game in Northern Ireland. This will be a major exercise to build a strategy for the future development of football. My Department is finalising the arrangements for taking this forward and I will be making a further comprehensive announcement shortly. I intend the process to be inclusive, transparent and innovative with the widest possible interests being consulted. It is important that all aspects of the game, from grassroots through to international level are examined. Cultural Theme 2001 Mr James Leslie asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he has established any special cultural theme for the year 2001. (AQO 100/00) Mr McGimpsey: I do not at present plan to establish any single cultural theme for the year 2001. However, this week I shall be announcing a £1m cultural initiative called Diversity 21 to be funded by my Department. This is new money voted by the Executive Committee in July to enable us to promote cultural diversity. The initial phase of this programme will be held between October 2000 and March 2001 and will cover 14 separate projects, most of which are expected to continue throughout the year 2001. I believe it will be more beneficial to Northern Ireland to have a programme that allows us to deal with cultural diversity in all its forms, rather than focus on a single theme. Promotion of Film Industry Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to indicate what steps are being taken to encourage the promotion of the film industry in Northern Ireland. (AQO 99/00) Mr McGimpsey: My Department is co-operating with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to promote an integrated approach to the development of film culture and the film industry in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Film Commission, the key organisation representing the local film industry, will receive a total of over £0.5m in financial assistance from DCAL and LEDU in the current financial year. LEDU also provides direct assistance to over 25 local independent television and film producers; and is involved in PACT, the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television, developing a series of training programmes designed to increase the competitiveness of local producers. Funding from DCAL and LEDU complements funding for film and television projects from a variety of other sources, most notably the National Lottery Film finance programme of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland which provides around £700,000 a year for film projects. TOPAdministration Efficiency Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Education if he will outline the measures he has taken to ensure that the present administration of education is efficient and cost effective. (AQW 144/00) The Minister of Education (Mr McGuinness): All bodies within the education sector are subject to controls on administrative expenditure and to various performance targets. Our aim is to ensure that the resources available to education are used efficiently and cost-effectively so as to maximise the funds devoted to the classroom and other front-line services. Draft Equality Scheme Dr Dara O'Hagan asked the Minister of Education 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 taken into account in the final schemes to be submitted to the Equality Commission and (d) if the consultation process will be ongoing. (AQW 152/00) (a) Mr McGuinness: In undertaking the consultation process the Department issued printed copies of its draft Equality Scheme to some 450 organisations and individuals. In so doing the Department identified a wide range of groups/organisations representative of persons likely to be affected by the Scheme. Letters issued to all schools in Northern Ireland, and press advertisements aimed at the general public, indicated that the draft Scheme was available on the Department’s Internet web site or from the Department’s Equality Unit on request. In addition the Scheme was also available on request in Braille, large print, audio tape and Cantonese versions, though no requests were received for any of these alternative versions.
(b) A list of those organisations and individuals consulted was included at Annex F to the Department’s revised Equality Scheme which was submitted to the Equality Commission on 30 June, a copy of which I have now placed in the Assembly Library. ( c) Consultations on the draft Scheme took place over an 8 week period ending on 9 June 2000, and the revised Scheme submitted to the Equality Commission on 30 June took account of the many constructive comments offered by those organisations who responded to the draft. The revised Scheme is still under consideration by the Commission. (d) Consultations on the Department’s draft Scheme were completed on 9 June, but further consultations will take place progressively over the next 3-5 years on its detailed implementation. Term Time Staff Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education if he will confirm that the term time staff salary review will be concluded before the end of this year, and if he will make a statement. (AQW 159/00) Mr McGuinness: Jobs have already been evaluated, on a generic basis, for some term time staff. An evaluation in relation to classroom assistants is to be undertaken as soon as possible, within a timescale to be agreed as part of the continuing negotiations. It would be feasible to complete this before the end of the year if agreement is reached. At the meeting of the Joint Negotiating Council on 22 September, the Trade Union Side indicated that they were not yet in a position to respond to the Management Side’s offer made at the meeting on 31 July as the unions have not completed consultation with their members. A further meeting of the Council has been scheduled for 3 November. Ministerial Transport Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Education if he will (a)confirm the level of public expenditure on his Ministerial transport arrangements and (b) identify the private company involved in these arrangements. (AQW 164/00) Mr McGuinness: The Department currently rents a car for use by me on official business at a cost of £775 per month plus VAT. The rate payable in respect of the driver and back-up driver, where appropriate, is £5.68 per hour (plus allowances for overtime, evening or night working). No private company is involved in this work St Mary's Primary School Mr Joe Byrne asked the Minister of Education to set out the proposed timetable for the construction of a new building for St Mary's Primary School, Killyclogher, Omagh. (AQW 232/00) Mr McGuinness: A select list of contractors for the new school was approved by my Department in September and tenders are expected to be submitted shortly. The contract period will be approximately 18 months. TOPENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT National Minimum Wage Mr Gerry Adams asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to identify the number of staff within his Department and its associated agencies currently receiving (a) the National Minimum wage and (b) less than £5.00 per hour. (AQW 219/00) The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): The number of staff within the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and its associated agencies currently receiving (a) the National minimum wage is NIL and (b) less than £5.00 per hour is 174. The April 2000 pay settlement has been finalised but has not yet been applied to individual salaries. The Department will provide updated figures when this process has been completed. TOPTransfer and Policy Work to the DVTA Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister of the Environment on what basis he took the decision to transfer the enforcement and policy work of the Transport Licensing Enforcement Branch to the Driver Vehicle Testing Agency. (AQW 188/00) The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): Following a review of workload pressures on senior management of Transport Licensing and Enforcement Branch, the enforcement function of the Branch and associated operational policy was transferred to the Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency with effect from 1 October 2000. Staff affected by the Transfer of Enforcement to DVTA Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister of the Environment if there has been any consultation with staff affected by the transfer of enforcement and policy work from the Transport Licensing Enforcement Branch to the Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency. (AQW 189/00) Mr Foster: Yes. Staff representatives were consulted about the proposed changes to the management arrangements and senior management met the staff involved to answer questions they had raised. Responsibility for Enforcement Licensing Regulations Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister of the Environment if he will confirm that he is responsible for both policy development and enforcement of licensing regulations to suit operational and business needs. (AQW 190/00) Mr Foster: Yes. Recent changes to the management arrangements for the Department's road freight, bus operator and taxi driver licensing and associated enforcement functions do not affect ultimate responsibility for these functions which remains with me. Next Steps Agency Quinquennial Review Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister of the Environment if he will confirm that he contracted consultants to assess the Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency, the Driver and Vehicle License Agency and the Transport Licensing Enforcement Branch under the Next Steps Agency Quinquennial Review, if that review has been completed and if so to state when it will be published. (AQW 191/00) Mr Foster: I understand that consultants were engaged by the previous direct rule administration to assist in carrying out a combined Next Steps Quinquennial Review of the Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland and the executive functions of the Department’s Transport Licensing and Enforcement Branch. That administration did not reach any conclusion on the review pending devolution. I intend to bring the review to a formal conclusion in the near future and I will announce the outcome in the Assembly in due course. Performance Measurement of the Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister of the Environment if he will detail what performance measurement of the Driver Vehicle Testing Agency is undertaken each year. (AQW 200/00) Mr Foster: The key performance measures which I approved for the Agency are set out in its published Business Plan for 2000/2001, copies of which were placed in the Assembly Library on 4 July 2000. The performance of the Agency against these targets will be set out in its Annual Report which will be presented to the Assembly in the summer of 2001. The Agency’s Annual Report for 1999/2000 was presented to the Assembly in July 2000 and copies are available in the Assembly Library. "Sterling Report" (Review of Northern Ireland Taxi Service 1992) Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister of the Environment to detail his assessment of the recommendations in the "Sterling Report" (Review of Northern Ireland Taxi Service 1992) and if he will make a statement. (AQW 201/00) Mr Foster: I have not made any assessment of the "Sterling Report" (Review of Northern Ireland Taxi Service 1992). I understand this report was prepared for a previous direct rule administration and that the proposed changes were, for the large part, not implemented. I acknowledge that with the passage of time since the earlier review there would be merit in undertaking a further examination of the regulation of the taxi industry here in the light of present circumstances and I have bid for resources in the 2000 Spending Review to initiate such an examination. Further progress depends on the success of that bid. Restructuring the DVTA & DVLA Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister of the Environment if his policy for re-structuring the Driver Vehicle Testing Agency and Driver Vehicle License Agency will prevent efforts to privatise these organisations in the future. (AQW 202/00) Mr Foster: There are no plans to privatise the functions carried out by the Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland. Next Steps Quinquennial Review Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister of the Environment if his decision to transfer the functions of the Transport Licensing and Enforcement Branch to the Driver Vehicle Testing Agency and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is premature in advance of the publication of the Next Steps Agency Quinquennial Review. (AQW 203/00) Mr Foster: No. I refer the member to the answer to written question 191/00. Driver & Vehicle Licensing Enforcement Officers Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister of the Environment to detail how many Driver and Vehicle Licensing enforcement officers have been employed in each of the last 5 years. (AQW 210/00) Mr Foster: The numbers of enforcement officers involved in enforcement work in relation to road freight operators, bus operators and taxi drivers and their vehicles in each of the last five years is as follows: 1 April 1996-16 Guide Dogs Mr Alban Maginness asked the Minister of the Environment if he intends to amend the regulations relating to Private Hire Taxis to permit the carrying of guide dogs. (AQW 248/00) Mr Foster: No. The provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 which will require public hire taxis to carry guide dogs will apply throughout the United Kingdom. There are no plans to extend these provisions to the carriage of guide dogs in private hire vehicles. TOPNational Minimum Wage Mr Gerry Adams asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to identify the number of staff within his Department and its associated agencies currently receiving (a) the National Minimum wage and (b) less than £5.00 per hour. (AQW 216/00) (a) The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): There are no staff in the Department of Finance and Personnel and its associated agencies currently receiving the National Minimum wage or less. (b) There are 376 staff in the Department of Finance and Personnel and its associated agencies currently receiving less than £5.00 per hour. Personnel Files Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what information, other than appraisal reports, is held on the personnel files of civil servants; to state if a civil servant has access to his/her file, and to confirm if civil servants may access the file relating to their own employment without notice. (AQW 222/00) Mr Durkan: Personal files for civil servants contain a variety of information relevant to an individual's employment, for example, documentation relating to recruitment, transfer requests, details of bank/building society account, queries raised by the individual, notification of pay changes, details of promotions and copies of any disciplinary warnings. Civil servants do not have a formal right of access to their file but requests for access may be granted at the discretion of the employing department. In relation to legal proceedings, civil servants have the same rights to disclosure of information as any other employee. In addition, civil servants, in common with all other individuals, have rights under the Data Protection Act 1998. This will entitle them, with effect from 24 October 2001, to receive copies of personal data held on them. TOPHEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY Waiting Lists of Surgery Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail how many patients are on waiting lists for surgery in the Home First Trust area and to indicate what action will be taken to reduce this waiting list. (AQW 125/00) The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): At the end of June 2000, there were no patients waiting for surgery at Homefirst Community HSS Trust. Ag deireadh Mheithimh 2000, ní raibh othar ar bith ag fanacht ar mháinliacht ag Iontaobhas SSS an Phobail Homefirst. Children's Eye Damage Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the number of children suffering eye damage attributable to contact with dog excrement, and if she will make a statement. (AQW 126/00) Ms de Brún: Information on the number of children suffering eye damage attributable to contact with dog excrement is not available. Statistics on numbers of people admitted to local hospitals with a diagnosis of toxocariasis are given in the table below.
Níl eolas ar fáil faoi líon na bpáistí ar cuireadh síos dóibh go ndearnadh dochar dá súile de bharr teagmháil le cac madadh. Tugtar staitisticí sa tábla thíos faoi líon na ndaoine a glacadh isteach in ospidéil agus tocsacáiriáis orthu de reir fáthmheas dochtúirí.
Whiteabbey Hospital Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action will be taken to ensure Whiteabbey Hospital plays a role in addressing the health needs of residents in East Antrim. (AQW 127/00) Ms de Brún: The provision of safe, effective and accessible acute hospital services is of vital importance to the whole community. It is one of my top priorities as Minister. I want to move forward as quickly as possible on this matter and that is why I have commissioned a short, independent, review of all the issues involved. The review group will report to me at the end of February 2001 with recommendations on the future development of services. I cannot anticipate what the independent group’s report may have to say about services at Whiteabbey or any other hospital. Tá sé barrthábhachtach don phobal uile go soláthrófar seirbhísí sábháilte agus éifeachtacha géarmhíochaine ospidéal, seirbhísí ar féidir teacht go réidh orthu. Tá sé sin ar na tosaíochtaí is mó agam féin. Ba mhaith liom gluaiseacht chun tosaigh a ghaiste is féidir agus is é sin an chúis ar choimisiúnaigh mé athbhreithniú gairid neamhspleách ar gach ní a bhaineann leis an ábhar seo. Cuirfidh an grúpa athbhreithnithe a dtuarascáil faoi mo bhráid faoi dheireadh Feabhra 2001 agus in éineacht léi beidh moltaí faoin dóigh ar cheart na seirbhísí a fhorbairt sa todhchaí. Ní thig liom gníomhú sula mbeidh tuairimí an ghrúpa neamhspleách ar fáil ina dtuarascáil faoi na seirbhísí in Ospidéal na Mainistreach Finne nó in ospidéal ar bith eile. Occupational Therapy Appointments Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will confirm the current waiting times for occupational therapy appointments in the East Antrim constituency and to confirm if there has been a reduction in waiting times over the last 18 months. (AQW 128/00) Ms de Brún: At the end of the June 2000 there were 1,155 people waiting for an occupational therapy assessment in the East Antrim constituency area. Of these 63% were waiting over 3 months. This compares with 1,468 at 31December 1998, of whom 64% were waiting over 3 months. Faoi dheireadh mí an Mheithimh 2000 bhí 1,155 duine ag feitheamh lena measúnú le haghaidh teiripe ceirde i dToghlach Antroim Thoir. Bhí 63% díobh siúd ag feitheamh le breis agus 3 mhí. I gcomparáid leis an fhigiúr seo bhí 1,468 duine ar an 31 Nollaig 1998 agus 64% díobh siúd ag feitheamh le breis agus 3 mhí. Occupational Therapy Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is the current position in regard to the recruitment of Occupational Therapists for the Health Service. (AQW 134/00) Ms de Brún: Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts are responsible for ensuring that there are sufficient occupational therapists to provide the level of service to meet the assessed needs of their population. However, my Department has highlighted occupational therapy waiting times as a pressure to be addressed by Boards in proposals for spending the £53m recurrent funding, announced earlier this year. The four Boards have indicated that additional resources will be allocated to occupational therapy services in the current year. My Department will monitor the situation. Tá sé mar fhreagracht ar na Boird Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisilta agus ar na hIontaobhais a chinntiú go bhfuil go leor teiripeoirí ceirde ann chun an leibhéal seirbhíse a sholáthar a bheas ag freastal ar riachtanais mheasta na ndaoine ina gceantair. Ach tá na tréimhsí feithimh le haghaidh teiripe ceirde leagtha síos go sonrach ag mo Roinnse mar bhrú ar gá do na Boird aghaidh a thabhairt air agus tá seo luaite sna moltaí a rinneadh faoin dóigh ar cheart na £53m de mhaoiniú athfhillteach a chaitheamh nuair a fógraíodh sin níos luaithe i mbliana. Tá na ceithre Bhord i ndiaidh a chur in iúl go gcuirfear acmhainní breise ar fáil do sheirbhísí teiripe ceirde sa bhliain reatha. Déanfaidh mo Roinnse faireachán ar na chúrsaí seo. Cancers Specific To Men Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will confirm the amount of funding available over the next five years for research into cancers specific to men. (AQW 136/00) Ms de Brún: The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety funds research largely through the HPSS R&D Fund which is managed by the Research and Development Office for the HPSS to implement the HPSS R&D strategy. In common with other NHS R&D Strategies it is neither disease specific nor disease driven. Therefore, there is no amount of funding earmarked for ‘cancers specific to men’. Equally there is no limit, other than the total value of the HPSS R&D Fund, to the amount that is potentially available to ‘cancers specific to men’. At present the HPSS R&D Fund has committed £4.9m (1999-00 prices) to support cancer research over the next five years. None of theses research projects are in ‘cancers specific to men’. It should be noted that the R&D Office has not received any research proposals relating to research into ‘cancer specific to men’ so no proposals have been turned down in this area. This future 5-year cancer spend is incurred across the various strands of the HPSS R&D Strategy as follows:
The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety also core funds, from the Departmental Surveys, Registries and Research Group (DSRRG) budget, the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR). Part of the aim of the NICR is to ‘enable research’. However, as with the HPSS R&D Fund, there is no amount of funding earmarked for ‘cancers specific to men’. Core funding for 2000-01 is £422k, rising to an estimated £500k in 2004-05. Funding for cancer research is also available from sources outside the DHSSPS, for example the Medical Research Council. The scale and quantum of this funding is not known. Maoiníonn an Roinn Sláinte, Seirbhísí Sóisialta agus Sábháilteachta Poiblí taighde go formhór ó Chiste Taighde agus Forbartha (TF) na SSSSP. Tá an Ciste seo á stiúradh ag an Oifig Taighde agus Forbartha thar ceann na SSSSP chun straitéis TF an SSSSP a chur i gcrích. Tá an straitéis seo ar aon dul leis na cinn eile a bhaineann le TF na SNS. Níl sí dírithe go sonrach ar ghalar amháin nó ar ghalair go háirithe. Ar an ábhar sin níl suim áirithe den mhaoiniú á cur i leataobh do ‘chineálacha ailse a bhaineann le fir amháin’. Ag an am ceanna níl aon teorainn, seachas luach iomlán Chiste TF na SSSSP, leis an tsuim a d’fhéadfadh a bheith ar fáil do ‘chineálacha ailse a bhaineann le fir amháin’. Faoi láthair tá £4.9m (de réir phraghasanna 1999-00) de Chiste TF na SSSSP i dtacaíocht le taighde ar ailse thar na chéad chúig bliana atá le teacht. Ní bheidh ceann ar bith de na tionscadail taighde seo á dhéanamh ar ‘chineálacha ailse a bhaineann le fir amháin’. Ba cheart a thabhairt faoi deara nach bhfuair an Oifig TF iarratas ar bith maidir le taighde ar ‘chineálacha ailse a bhaineann le fir amháin’ agus dá bharr seo níor diúltaíodh aon iarratas sa réimse seo. Is mar seo a leanas a bheas an caiteachas cúig bliana seo sa todhchaí ar ailse thar na réimsí éagsúla de Straitéis TF na SSSSP:
Cuireann an Roinn Sláinte, Seirbhísí Sóisialta agus Sábháilteachta Poiblí bunmhaoiniú ar fáil do Chlárlann Ailse Thuaisceart Éireann (CATÉ) ó bhuiséad an Ghrúpa Ranna um Shuirbhéanna, Chlárlanna agus Thaighde (GRSCT). Tá sé mar chuid de aidhm CATÉ ‘taighde a chumasú’. Mar sin féin, amhail le Chiste TF na SSSSP, níl suim ar bith á cur i leataobh do ‘chineálacha ailse a bhaineann le fir amháin’. Is é £422k an bunmhaoiniú don bhliain 2000-01 agus meastar go méadóidh sin go £500k sa bhliain 2004-05. Cuireann foinsí eile, taobh amuigh den RSSSSP, maoiniú ar fáil le haghaidh taighde ar ailse, an Chomhairle Taighde Míochaine mar shampla. Ach ní fios scála nó méid an mhaoinithe sin. Belvoir Park Hospital Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will make a statement about the condition and facilities for patients and visitors to Belvoir Park Hospital. (AQW 145/00) Ms de Brún: Belvoir Park Hospital is owned by Belfast City Hospital Health and Social Services Trust. The condition and the facilities for patients and visitors to Belvoir Park Hospital reflect the fact that the cancer centre is based in an old fever hospital and that facilities have developed in response to changes in treatment. The Trust is aiming to provide new accommodation for these services on the Belfast City Hospital site by 2003. Nevertheless it recognises the need to ensure that the accommodation and facilities at Belvoir Park Hospital are adequately maintained, within available resources, bearing in mind the expected limited life span of the hospital. Is le hIontaobhas Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta Ospidéal Bhéal Feirste Ospideal Pháirc Belvoir. Léiríonn bail Ospidéal Pháirc Belvoir agus na saoráidí d’othair agus do chuairteoirí atá ann gur i seanospidéal fiabhras atá an t-ionad ailse suite agus gur fhás na saoráidí de réir mar a bhí an chóireáil ag athrú. Tá an tIontaobhas ag iarraidh áit nua a fháil do na seirbhísí seo ar shuíomh Ospidéal na Cathrach faoin bhliain 2003. Ach mar sin féin aithníonn sé gur gá a chinntiú go bhfuil an chóiríocht agus na saoráidí in Ospidéal Pháirc Belvoir á gcoinneáil go sásúil taobh istigh de na hacmhainní atá ann agus ag féachaint don teorainn a mheastar bheas ann maidir le saolré an ospidéil. Reducing Alcohol Related Harm Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she consulted with the Royal Ulster Constabulary when drawing up her report, "Strategy for Reducing Alcohol Related Harm" and to detail the role she envisages for the Royal Ulster Constabulary in this strategy. (AQW 146/00) Ms de Brún: The Community Affairs Division of the RUC was represented in the Project Team which developed the report "Reducing Alcohol Related Harm in NI -A Report to DHSS by the Project Team", published in June 1999, and which formed the basis for the current strategy. Many interested parties, including the Community Affairs Division, were further consulted by my Department during the final consultation of the Strategy for Reducing Alcohol Related Harm. As outlined in the Strategy document a local strategy implementation group, involving a wide range of concerned organisations, will be established in each Board area. These groups will have a key role in implementing the Strategy at ground level. This will include working with the DHSS&PS to develop measures for protecting the community by reducing anti-social and criminal behaviour, advising on licensing options, supporting efforts to reduce access to alcohol by underage drinkers and encouraging and supporting responsible trading practices. Bhí ionadaithe ó Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail an RUC ar an fhoireann tionscadail a d’ullmaigh an tuarascáil "Reducing Alcohol Related Harm in NI -A Report to DHSS by the Project Team", a foilsíodh i mí an Mheithimh 1999, agus ba uirthi a bunaíodh an straitéis reatha. Chuaigh mo Roinnse i gcomhairle arís leis na páirtithe leasmhara, agus an Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail san áireamh, le linn an bhabhta dheireanaigh comhairliúcháin maidir leis an Straitéis um Dochar de bharr Alcóil a Laghdú. Mar a mhínítear sa doiciméad Straitéise, bunófar grúpa feidhmithe i ngach ceantar Boird agus beidh réimse leathan eagraíochtaí a bhfuil baint acu leis an cheist páirteach ann. Beidh ról tábhachtach ag na grúpaí seo maidir leis an straitéis a chur i bhfeidhm i measc an phobail. Chomh maith leis sin beifear ag obair leis an RSSSSP chun bearta a cheapadh a chosnóidh an pobal trí iompar frithshóisialta agus coiriúil a laghdú, trí roghanna ceadúnúcháin a mholadh, trí thacaíocht a thabhairt do na hiarrachtaí atáthar a dhéanamh le alcól a choinneáil ó dhaoine faoi aois agus trí spreagadh agus tacaíocht a thabhairt do chleachtais díolacháin freagracha. Organophosphate Sheep Dipping Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will confirm that no health monitoring, as specified by Health and Safety guidelines, is being carried out following the reintroduction of organophosphate sheep dipping. (AQW 155/00) Ms de Brún: The Health and Safety Executive produced guidance on Sheep Dipping in 1995. The leaflet provides advice to contractors to monitor the health of those involved in sheep dipping. In addition, any ill health of people or animals resulting from exposure to sheep dipping should be reported through the Suspected Adverse Reactions Surveillance Scheme operated by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. This guidance applies here and is distributed to sheep farmers by the Health and Safety Executive. It will remain relevant following the reintroduction of certain organophosphate sheep dipping products. D’fhoilsigh an Feidhmeannas Sláinte agus Sábháilteachta bileog treorach ar thumadh caorach sa bhlian 1995. Sa bhileog moltar do chonraitheoirí faireachán a dhéanamh orthu siúd a bhfuil baint acu le tumadh caorach. Lena chois sin, má tá tinneas ar dhaoine nó ar ainmhithe de bharr teagmháil a bheith acu le tumadh caorach, ba cheart sin a thuairisciú faoin Scéim Faireacháin i leith Cásanna a bhfuil Cuma Dhroch-Fhrithghníomhúcháin Ann a fheidhmíonn Stiúrthóireacht Chógas Tréidliachta na hAireachta Talmhaíochta, Iascaigh agus Bia. Tá an bhileog treorach i bhfeidhm anseo agus tá sí á dáileadh ar fheirmeoirí ag an Fheidhmeannas Sláinte agus Sábháilteachta. Fanfaidh an bhileog i bhfeidhm ós rud é go bhfuil tairgí áirithe orgánafosfáite in úsáid arís le haghaidh tumadh caorach. Acute Hospital Services Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) how much the review of Acute Hospital Services has cost so far and (b) what the estimated final cost will be. (AQW 156/00) Ms de Brún: To date, the independent review of acute hospitals is estimated to have cost £11,000. The total costs of the review are estimated at £145,000. Go nuige seo, meastar gur gurb é £11,000 costas an athbhreithnithe neamhspleách ar ospidéil ghéarmhíochaine. Meastar gur £145,000 a bheas mar chostas iomlán ar an athbhreithniú. Cardiologists Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps she is taking to increase the number of cardiologists. (AQW 162/00) Ms de Brún: Current plans are aimed at maintaining current consultant numbers and while it is anticipated that there will be approximately 8 consultant retirements in cardiology by 2006, current training levels mean that there is scope for increasing consultant numbers by 10% in the same period. We have better cardiologist provision than England, Scotland and Wales, with 21 consultant cardiologists currently in post and 10 specialist registrars in training. In view of the constantly changing situation, the position is reviewed annually. Táthar ag iarraidh sna pleananna reatha líon na lianna comhairleacha atá ann a choinneáil agus cé go bhfuiltear ag dréim leis go mbeidh tuairim 8 gcairdeolaí chomairleach ag éirí as faoin bhliain 2006, tá an oiread díobh faoi oiliúint anois agus go bhféadfaí líon na lianna comhairleacha a mhéadú saoi 10% le linn an ama sin. Tá níos mó cairdeolaithe fostaithe anseo ná mar atá i Sasana, in Albain agus sa Bhreatain Bheag. Tá 21 chairdeolaí comhairleach fostaithe faoi lathair agus tá 10 sainchláraitheoir faoi oiliúint. Ós rud é go bhfuil cúrsaí ag síorathrú i dtólamh, beidh an t-ábhar seo á athbhreithniú go bliantúil. Ministerial Transportation Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will confirm, (a) the level of expenditure her Department allocates to her personal transport arrangements and (b) to identify the private company contracted to do this work. (AQW 163/00) Ms de Brún: The Department currently rents a car for use by me on official business at a cost of £950 per month plus VAT. The rate payable in respect of the driver and back-up driver, where appropriate, is £5.68 per hour (plus allowances for overtime, evening or night working). Fuel is obtained from a central point on the Stormont Estate and is not charged to the Department. No private company is involved in this work. Faoi láthair bíonn gluaisteán ar cíos ag an Roinn agus bainim úsáid as le haghaidh gnó oifigiúil. Tá £950 móide CBL an mhí mar chostas cíosa air. Íoctar £5.68 san uair mar ráta (maille le liúntais maidir le ragobair agus obair oíche) leis an tiománaí agus leis an tiománaí cúltaca, nuair is cuí. Faightear breosla ó lárphointe ar Eastát Stormont agus ní ghearrtar an costas ar an Roinn. Níl baint ag aon chuideachta phríobháideach leis an obair seo. Occupational Therapy Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the waiting time for occupational therapy appointments, (b) the cancellation rate and (c) if there are sufficient therapists. (AQW 181/00) Ms de Brún: At the end of June 2000 there were 11,000 people waiting for an occupational therapy assessment. Of these 34% had been waiting under 3 months and 66% waiting over 3 months. Information on cancelled occupational therapy appointments is not collected. Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts are responsible for ensuring that there are sufficient therapists to provide the level of service to meet the assessed needs of their populations. The length of the waiting list would suggest that there are not sufficient therapists in post currently. However, the four Boards have indicated that additional resources will be allocated to occupational therapy services in the current year from the £53m recurrent funding announced earlier this year. Faoi dheireadh mhí an Mheithimh 2000 bhí 11,000 duine ag feitheamh lena measúnú le haghaidh teiripe ceirde. Bhí 34% díobh siúd ag feitheamh le níos lú ná trí mhí agus bhí 66% ag feitheamh le breis agus 3 mhí. Ní bhailítear eolas ar choinní teiripe ceirde a cealaíodh. Tá sé mar fhreagracht ar na Boird Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta agus ar na hIontaobhais a chinntiú go bhfuil go leor teiripeoirí ceirde ann chun an leibhéal measta seirbhíse a sholáthar a theastaíonn le freastal ar riachtanais na ndaoine ina gceantair. Má chuirtear líon na ndaoine ar an liosta feithimh san áireamh, tá an chuma air nach bhfuil go leor teiripeoirí fostaithe faoi láthair. Tá na ceithre Bhord i ndiaidh a chur in iúl go gcuirfear acmhainní breise ar fáil do sheirbhísí teiripe ceirde sa bhliain reatha as na £53m de mhaoiniú athfhillteach a fógraíodh níos luaithe i mbliana. Occupational Therapy Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will outline what progress has been made pursuant to AQW 761/99 and if she will list the number of reports that she is (a) currently examining and (b) awaiting. (AQW 182/00) Ms de Brún: The joint Housing Executive/Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety team reviewing the housing adaptations service has completed an extensive examination of each of the constituent elements involved in providing the service, including occupational therapy input. I am awaiting the preliminary report of the review. Tá comhfhoireann an Fheidhmeannais Tithíochta agus na Roinne Sláinte, Seirbhísí Sóisialta agus Sábháilteachta Poiblí, a bhí ag déanamh athbhreithniú ar sheirbhísí oiriúnaithe tithe, i ndiaidh scrúdú mór a chríochnú ar na comhchodanna a bhaineann le soláthar na seirbhíse, agus eolas ó theiripeoirí ceirde curtha san áireamh acu. Tá mé ag fanacht le réamhthuarascáil an athbhreithnithe. Ulster Hospital Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will undertake to ensure that the Ulster Hospital will be included in future major redevelopment programmes. (AQW 185/00) Ms de Brún: I am satisfied that the Ulster Hospital needs to be upgraded, in line with the redevelopment programmes at the other main acute hospital sites. My officials met recently with the Trust and agreed that the range of investments envisaged for the hospital should be drawn together into a comprehensive redevelopment programme to bring services and facilities at the Dundonald site up to modern standards. I have asked for this work to be completed as quickly as possible. When that has been done, I will be able to consider the overall needs in the light of the resources available to me. Tá mé sásta go bhfuil uasghrádú de dhíth in Ospidéal Uladh le bheith ar aon dul leis na príomhospidéil ghéarmhíochaine eile a bhfuil cláir athfhorbartha ar siúl acu. Bhí cruinniú idir feidhmeannaigh de mo chuid agus an tIontaobhas ar na mallaibh agus aontaíodh gur cheart an réimse infheistíochtaí a shamhlaítear don ospidéal a tharraingt le chéile mar chlár cuimsitheach athfhorbartha chun na seirbhísí agus na saoráidí ar shuíomh Dhún Dónaill a thabhairt suas chun caighdeán nua-aimseartha. D’iarr mé orthu an obair seo a chríochnú a ghaiste is féidir. Nuair a bheas sin déanta, beidh mé ábalta na riachtanais iomlán a mheas i bhfianaise na n-acmhainní a bheas ar fáil agam. Occupational Therapy Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 761/99 if she will give a date for the publication of the preliminary report. (AQW 186/00) Ms de Brún: I am not able at this time to give a firm date for the publication of the preliminary report. However, I can tell you that the Steering Group hopes to agree its report in early October, and intends that recommendations together with an implementation plan will be available shortly after that meeting. It is envisaged that some of the recommendations can be implemented immediately, with others being phased in over time. Níl mé in ann dáta cinnte a thabhairt an tráth seo maidir le foilisiú na réamhthuarascála. Ach thig liom a inse duit go bhfuil an Grúpa Stiúrtha ag súil go mbeidh siad ábalta aontú ar an tuarascáil go luath i mí Dheireadh Fómhair agus go bhfuil sé ar intinn acu go mbeidh na moltaí, agus plean feidhmithe, ar fáil go gairid i ndiaidh an chruinnithe sin. Samhlaítear gur féidir cuid de na moltaí a chur i bhfeidhm láithreach agus go gcuirfear na cinn eile i bhfeidhm de réir a chéile le himeacht aimsire. Acute Services Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if her review of Acute Services will delay a review of the Eastern Health and Social Services Board. (AQW 205/00) Ms de Brún: Many of the issues covered by the Eastern Board’s consultation on the clinical profiles of hospitals in its area will not be affected by the independent review of acute hospital services. It is important that work on these issues goes ahead where practicable. Clearly, some issues, such as those relating to hospital services in Downpatrick, will be affected by the work of the independent review. The Board will be making relevant material on these issues available to Dr Hayes and his colleagues. Ní rachaidh an t-athbhreithniú neamhspleách ar sheirbhísí géarmhíochaine ospidéal i bhfeidhm ar a lán ceisteanna a bheas faoi chaibidil mar chuid den chomhairliúchán atá ar siúl ag Bord an Oirthir maidir le próifílí cliniciúla ospidéal ina cheantar. Tá sé tábhachtach go leanfar den obair ar na ceisteanna seo más indéanta sin. Is léir go rachaidh obair an athbhreithnithe neamhspleách i bhfeidhm ar cheisteanna áirithe, mar shampla, na cinn sin a bhaineann le seirbhísí ospidéil i nDún Pádraig. Cuirfidh an Bord an t-ábhar a bhaineann leis na ceisteanna seo ar fáil don Dr Hayes agus dá chomhghleacaithe. Royal Belfast Hospital Group Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail (a) the current financial position at Royal Belfast Hospital Group (RBHG), (b) the reasons for its current debt, and (c) what steps are being taken by the RBHG to reduce it. (AQW 206/00) Ms de Brún: As you will be aware, the previous financial year was an exceptionally difficult year for the Royal Group of Hospitals Trust, and indeed for the HPSS in general, due in part to the unprecedented nature of the winter pressures, particularly the outbreak of flu and flu related illnesses, and additional costs which were incurred in dealing with the threat of the Millennium Bug and in staffing payments over the Millennium period. The present financial year will present an equally challenging financial environment. Within this context, the RGH reported an operational deficit of £6.8 million for 1999/2000 and the Trust has incurred a deficit of £3.5 million for the 4 months up to the end of July 2000. The main factors contributing to the deficit position arise from pressures relating to increased casemix complexity and dependency of patients treated. This has led to increased expenditure on agency nursing, medical staff, drugs and medical & surgical items. There are also shortfalls in GP Fundholder and non-contract income and difficulties in maintaining planned activity levels in Cardiac Surgery. The RGH has recently produced a draft Recovery Plan which identifies savings of around £3 million for 2000/01 and recurring savings of £5 million by the end of 2002/03. This Plan together with a report produced by the Advisory Group on Efficiency is presently being considered by senior officials from my Department and a multi-disciplinary group chaired by the Chief Executive of the EH&SSB. It would be inopportune of me to pre-judge the outcome of these deliberations, as they have not yet been finalised. I can, however, assure you that I will be examining the outcome extremely closely and I will ensure that all steps are taken to ensure a speedy recovery process that will enable the Trust to achieve a position of financial stability. Mar is eol duit, ba bhlia | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||