| Membership | What's Happening | Committees | Publications | Assembly Commission | General Info | Job Opportunities | Help |
|
WRITTEN ANSWERS Friday 27 October 2000 Agriculture and Rural Development Agri-Monetary Compensation Irish Language 2001/01 Capital Building Programme Enterprise, Trade and Investment Bankruptcy Orders Burning of Heather Absenteeism Health, Social Services and Public Safety Administrative Staff Drainage Assembly Publicity Friday 27 October 2000 Written Answers to Questions TOPAGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT Silent Valley Sheep Grazing Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will confirm that officials from her Department reported that consultation had taken place with the Department for Regional Development at the meeting of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, on 29 September 2000, in relation to the movement of sheep from the Silent Valley area. (AQW 345/00) The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): The meeting to which you refer actually took place on 8 September. At that meeting, my officials reported that the Department was consulted about the initial ban on sheep grazing in the Silent Valley, which was introduced on 2 March 2000. When my officials proceeded to refer to the decision by the Minister for Regional Development to extend the grazing ban to 2003, they were interrupted by a member of the Committee, who asked whether my Department had been consulted beforehand. My officials explained that no opportunity for consultation was provided by the Department of Regional Development. Animals Killed by Vermin Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will outline what action she plans to take to quantify the numbers of animals killed and injured by vermin in Northern Ireland. (AQW 370/00) Ms Rodgers: There are no plans to quantify the number of animals killed and injured by vermin in Northern Ireland. Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development when she will announce details of Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) funding for the fishing industry. (AQW 372/00) Ms Rodgers: I hope to be in a position to announce details of the FIFG funding to the fishing industry in either December 2000 or January 2001. This will be part of the wider Transitional Objective 1 package of measures and as the timing for this is not yet finalised I regret that I cannot be more specific. Scale of Profits Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will detail what action has been taken to rectify the absence of transparency in the scale of profits between the retailer and the producer in the agriculture industry. (AQW 373/00) Ms Rodgers: While I am concerned about allegations that the major multiple retailers are making excess profits at the expense of producers I am aware that the Competition Commission and the Assembly’s Agriculture and Rural Development Committee have not found evidence to support them. Therefore a simple redistribution of profit, even if that could be brought about would not solve the problem. My main focus to date has been to ensure that the major multiples increase the volume of their supplies from Northern Ireland sources. Officials in my Department and other Government agencies liaise closely with the retailers and have been working with suppliers to assist them to meet the demands of the retailers. I believe that through the development of an integrated food chain and enabling efficient local suppliers to demonstrate that they offer their customers quality, good value, safe and wholesome food on a consistent basis is the best means of ensuring a better return for all including producers. Hill Livestock Payments Mr Jim Wells asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will make an announcement on Hill Livestock Payments for the period 2001 to 2004 to sheep farmers whose sheep graze the Inner Mournes. (AQW 411/00) Ms Rodgers: In 2001 all payments under the new Less Favoured Areas (LFA) Compensatory Allowances Scheme will be based on eligible forage land declared on 2000 IACS returns. The situation is, however, slightly different for farmers affected by the grazing ban placed on the Silent Valley area of the Mournes by the Water Service. Those farmers who responded to my Department’s letter explaining that exceptionally they could make use of force majeure provisions have been ‘credited’ with the use of the land for the 2000 IACS. These farmers will therefore be able to receive 2001 LFA support payments including the area thus credited. Applications for LFA Compensatory Allowance for 2002 will be based on the 2001 IACS declarations of forage land (and so on each year thereafter). In these forward years only land which is available under IACS rules may be declared and hence not that covered by the recently extended ban on grazing. Thus the farmers concerned will be able to receive LFA support payments only on the eligible land they have. While there is no more that can be done for these farmers under scheme rules, my Department is currently assessing the implications of the ban and the scope for other action to ease their difficulties. Vision Group Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will give a commitment that, before the final Vision Group report is published, full consultation with all interested parties including the Assembly Agriculture Committee, the Ulster Farmers Union and Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers' Association will have taken place. (AQW 418/00) Ms Rodgers: The Steering Group charged with developing a Vision for the Future of the Northern Ireland Agri-food sector was set up to produce a report for the Minister. The Group is free to consult with others as necessary, and has, indeed, consulted widely. Further, the Assembly Agriculture Committee can ask to meet with the Group at any time and has already done so. However, the Group is charged with advising me and I am anxious that its report should reflect its views. Therefore, full consultation will not take place prior to publication. Once the report is published however, I will consult extensively on it with all interested parties. Research and Development Mr Gardiner Kane asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will outline her priorities for Research and Development in Agriculture. (AQW 419/00) Ms Rodgers: The Department has published its Research and Development Strategy covering the period 1996/97 to 1998/99. This is available in the Assembly Library. The Department has determined that this published strategy will remain operative until the outcome of the Department's "Vision for the Future of the Agri-Food Industry Group" is known, when a revised strategy for R&D may evolve. Computer Training Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will outline why funds for agriculture are being targeted at re-skilling and computer training and if she will make a statement. (AQW 429/00) Ms Rodgers:
Agri-Monetary Compensation Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will detail (a) what assessment she has made in relation to agri-monetary compensation (b) if she has been in contact with her counterparts in Great Britain on this issue and (c) the amount of unclaimed compensation by the United Kingdom. (AQW 458/00) Ms Rodgers: Agri-monetary compensation - both 'transitional' (for the introduction of the euro on 1 January 1999) and 'definitive' (for the effects of currency appreciation since 1 January 1999) - can be paid in certain circumstances to offset the adverse impact on farm incomes of exchange rate movements between national currencies and the euro. Both types of compensation have been triggered in the United Kingdom under the rules laid down in the Council Regulations establishing the agri-monetary arrangements. As a consequence, compensation totalling £13.7 million has been, or will be, paid in Northern Ireland in 2000 and a further £2.8 million will be paid next year. Therefore, commitments have been made to pay £16.5 million of the £28.5 million potentially available at present. I meet regularly with my ministerial colleagues in Great Britain and the issue of agri-monetary compensation is usually on the agenda. At the most recent meeting of Agriculture Ministers on 17 October, I asked Nick Brown to press the case with the Treasury for payment of agri-monetary compensation to the arable sector for this year. This would be worth around £0.7 million in Northern Ireland. However, I am not hopeful that Mr Brown will take this forward, due to the budgetary implications for his department. This compensation, of course, must be paid throughout the Member State, rather than just in one part. The amount of unclaimed compensation currently available for 2000 in the UK is £91.6 million, all in respect of the arable sector; as I have just indicated, the Northern Ireland share of this is approximately £0.7 million. There is also the potential for further, optional, compensation to be paid in 2001 and 2002, although the amounts could be reduced or cancelled altogether if sterling were to weaken in the future. This compensation for the UK as a whole is presently estimated at £96.3 million for 2001 and £33.3 million for 2002. The corresponding Northern Ireland shares would be £8.5 million and £2.8 million respectively. There is no provision for agri-monetary compensation to be triggered for currency appreciations occurring after 31 December 2001. TOPIrish Language Mr Gerry Adams asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will outline the steps he intends to take and the associated implementation timetable, to enact the specification of the Irish Language under Part III of the Council of Europe Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. (AQW 397/00) The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): In accordance with the Northern Ireland Act 1998 responsibility for signing the Charter rests with the United Kingdom. The First Minister and Deputy First Minister of the NI Assembly have written on behalf of the Executive Committee to the Foreign Secretary notifying him of those provisions relating to devolved matters which may be included in the instrument of ratification in respect of Irish. The Northern Ireland Office has responsibility for taking forward work to ensure that the UK is in a position to ratify the Charter in relation to non-devolved matters. The Secretary of State will advise the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on the provisions relating to these. I understand that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is currently seeking to finalise the terms of the instrument of ratification with a view to lodging it with the Council of Europe Secretariat in the very near future. My Department will chair a standing Interdepartmental Charter Group to co-ordinate an action plan for implementing the Charter. We would aim to publish this six months after ratification takes place. TOPSchool Exclusions Ms Sue Ramsey asked the Minister of Education if he will detail the number of children suspended from school by each education and library board area for the current school year to date. (AQW 355/00) The Minister of Education (Mr McGuinness): Under current legislation pupils are excluded from school because they have been expelled or have been suspended. The position for the period 1 September 2000 to 13 October 2000, as notified by Education and Library Boards, is as follows :
When a pupil has been expelled, education and library boards may make arrangements for home tuition while application is made for admission to another school or other provision is put in place. Depending on the circumstances of the expulsion, the age of the pupil and the wishes of the parents and pupil, a placement can be made in a Pupil Referral Unit or on an alternative education programme. Alternative education programmes have recently been surveyed by the Education and Training Inspectorate and the report giving full details will be published at the end of November. I will arrange for a copy of this report to be placed in the Assembly Library. School Exclusions Ms Sue Ramsey asked the Minister of Education if he will detail the number of children excluded from school by each education and library board area for this current school year. (AQW 356/00) Mr McGuinness: Under current legislation pupils are excluded from school because they have been expelled or have been suspended. The position for the period 1 September 2000 to 13 October 2000, as notified by Education and Library Boards, is as follows :
When a pupil has been expelled, education and library boards may make arrangements for home tuition while application is made for admission to another school or other provision is put in place. Depending on the circumstances of the expulsion, the age of the pupil and the wishes of the parents and pupil, a placement can be made in a Pupil Referral Unit or on an alternative education programme. Alternative education programmes have recently been surveyed by the Education and Training Inspectorate and the report giving full details will be published at the end of November. I will arrange for a copy of this report to be placed in the Assembly Library. School Exclusions Ms Sue Ramsey asked the Minister of Education if he will detail what facilities are provided for children excluded from school by each education and library board area. (AQW 363/00) Mr McGuinness: Under current legislation pupils are excluded from school because they have been expelled or have been suspended. The position for the period 1 September 2000 to 13 October 2000, as notified by Education and Library Boards, is as follows :
When a pupil has been expelled, education and library boards may make arrangements for home tuition while application is made for admission to another school or other provision is put in place. Depending on the circumstances of the expulsion, the age of the pupil and the wishes of the parents and pupil, a placement can be made in a Pupil Referral Unit or on an alternative education programme. Alternative education programmes have recently been surveyed by the Education and Training Inspectorate and the report giving full details will be published at the end of November. I will arrange for a copy of this report to be placed in the Assembly Library. Temporary Classrooms Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education if he will detail the number of schools in each of the Controlled and Maintained Sectors that have had temporary mobile classrooms for ten years or more and what steps are being taken to replace them with permanent buildings. (AQW 399/00) Mr McGuinness: Information in the form requested is not readily available and could only be compiled at disproportionate cost. It is estimated that there are about 2,600 temporary classrooms in controlled and maintained schools. My Department is committed to improving accommodation across the schools estate and, whilst it is governed by the resources available, the replacement of temporary classrooms has a high priority within its capital programme. Class Sizes Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education if he will detail (a) the average class size in primary schools; (b) the pupil to teacher ratio; (c) how this compares with similar figures for Great Britain and (d) what policy he is pursuing in relation to class sizes. (AQW 412/00) Mr McGuinness: The information requested is as follows: a. the average class size in primary schools in 1999/2000 was 23.8; b. the pupil:teacher ratio in primary schools in 1999/2000 was 20.2; and c. the equivalent figures for Great Britain are:
d. the policy to limit class sizes to a maximum of 30 pupils other than in specified circumstances, applies to all classes in Key Stage 1 ie P1 to P4 in primary schools. Academy Primary School Saintfield Mr John Taylor asked the Minister of Education if, pursuant to his reply (AQW 333/00) on 18/10/2000, he will detail the enrolment figures at Saintfield Primary School for each of the last five years. (AQW 459/00) Mr McGuinness: The enrolment figures at Academy Primary School, Saintfield over the past 5 years are: 1995/96 315 1996/97 329 1997/98 325 1998/99 336 1999/2000 328 Pre-School Facilities Mr James Leslie asked the Minister of Education if he will make a statement on the funding of community centre based pre-school facilities. (AQO 204/00) Mr McGuinness: Through the Pre-School Education Expansion Programme, the Department of Education has been able for the first time to fund pre-school education places in existing voluntary and private settings - which include community facilities - as well as establishing new statutory nursery provision. The Programme is being taken forward through a partnership approach, with the overall objective of the additional places being shared equally between the statutory and the voluntary or private sectors. Special Educational Needs Ms Eileen
Bell asked the
Minister of Education if he will set out his policy on mainstreaming children
with
(AQO 186/00) Mr McGuinness: My policy is that
wherever possible children with special educational needs should be educated
in mainstream schools. I also acknowledge that some parents prefer their children
to attend special schools and that some children’s special educational needs
are so severe that their needs could not easily be met outside special schools.
This policy is contained in Article 7 of the 1996 Education Order and I have
no plans to change it. Co-education Mr Eamonn ONeill asked the Minister
of Education if he will confirm that he is supportive of co-education and the
amalgamation of schools to achieve this aim. (AQO 211/00) Mr McGuinness: Schools are essentially
social entities and there is ample evidence that a co-educational environment
has a significantly beneficial effect and improves the range of experiences
available to both boys and girls. However, when examining specific proposals
to amalgamate single sex schools I must also take into account other factors
such as the level of support in the area for co-educational provision and the
accommodation arrangements for the new school. Deprivation in Schools Mr David Ford asked the Minister
of Education if he will outline the measures he uses to indicate deprivation
in schools. (AQO 201/00) Mr McGuinness: The measure which
my Department uses to indicate deprivation in schools is the number of pupils
who have an Entitlement to Free School Meals. This indicator is pupil-specific
and highly correlated with low educational achievement. Consultancy Fees Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the
Minister of Education if he will detail the amount paid in respect of consultancy
fees prior to the announcement of St Genevieve's Public Private Partnership
(PPP) scheme. (AQO 191/00) Mr McGuinness: £ 623,963 was paid in respect of
consultancy fees for the St. Genevieve’s Public Private Partnership Scheme. Pupils Without Formal Qualification Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister
of Education what action he is taking to reduce the large number of pupils who
are leaving secondary school without a formal qualification. (AQO 190/00) Mr McGuinness: The latest available
figures show that 2.7% of school leavers have no formal qualifications. It is
my objective that all young people should achieve their full potential irrespective
of their background and circumstances and that no young person should leave
school without qualifications. Work being taken forward under the School Improvement
Programme and a range of other initiatives is seeking to achieve this. Assessing New Integrated Schools Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister
of Education if he will outline the procedures used in assessing applications
for (a) new Integrated Schools, and (b) Irish language medium schools and if
he will make a statement. (AQO 196/00) Mr McGuinness: The criteria for
assessing grant-aid applications include intake and enrolment viability, religious
balance (in the case of integrated school proposals), availability of alternative
provision, impact on other schools and the condition of the school premises.
On the issue of viability criteria I have recently announced that I intend to
consult on proposals for changes to the current arrangements and I will decide
on the criteria to be used in future in the light of the outcome of that consultation. Corporal Punishment Mr Edwin
Poots asked the Minister of Education if he has any plans to introduce corporal
punishment as a means of punishment in schools. (AQO 205/00) Mr McGuinness: Corporal punishment
is banned by law in all grant-aided schools. Corporal punishment, subject to
certain restrictions, is still permitted by law in schools which are not grant-aided.
Legislation to ban corporal punishment in all schools will be introduced at
the next available opportunity. Planning Service Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister
of Education if he will take cognisance of the areas identified by the Planning
Service as future residential growth areas and if he will introduce a strategy
to provide adequate accommodation to meet the requirements of pre school and
primary school pupils in these areas. (AQO 195/00) Mr McGuinness: My Department
already works closely with the Planning Service and the Northern Ireland Housing
Executive to ensure that the future accommodation needs of primary pupils are
met as far as is practical. The demands arising from residential growth areas
are considered along with enrolment trends and the current level of accommodation
provision to ensure that pupils’ requirements are adequately met in a cost-effective
and efficient manner. Similar principles are applied to the pre-school sector
where the 5 Pre-School Advisory Groups allocate places to the statutory,
voluntary and private sectors. Northern Ireland Curriculum Dr Esmond Birnie asked the Minister
of Education if he will outline the next stages of the consultation process
in the review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum. (AQO 214/00) Mr McGuinness: Phase 2 of the
Review has just started, and the first stage of this will consist of drawing
together the feedback received during the Phase 1 consultation, into a consultation
report which will be sent to schools later in the Autumn Term. In light of the
views expressed during that consultation, the Phase 1 proposals will be refined,
to produce revised draft Programmes of Study at each Key Stage. The Northern
Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) will
be setting up working groups, made up mainly of practising teachers, to assist
with this work. Temporary Classrooms Mr Tom Benson asked the Minister
of Education if he will indicate when the temporary classrooms that have been
re-sited at Loughries Primary School, Newtownards will be replaced by permanent
school buildings and if he will make a statement. (AQO 193/00) Mr McGuinness: Responsibility
for the accommodation needs of Loughries Primary School lies with the South-Eastern
Education and Library Board. The Board, under its minor works programme, is
planning to provide a 3-classroom permanent extension for the school. The scheme
is currently at tender stage. Section 75 Mr Meryvn Carrick asked the Minister
of Education if he will detail the measures he proposes to introduce in line
with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 to bring equality of opportunity
for all to the pre-school nursery enrolment and if he will
(AQO 178/00) Mr McGuinness: I am satisfied
that the effect of the Pre-School Education Expansion Programme itself is to
provide an equalising of opportunity for pre-school education and that it is
a positive measure in the context of the Equality legislation which means that
no additional measures require to be taken. 2001/01 Capital Building Programme Mr Jim Wilson asked the Minister
of Education if he will detail the number of projects that form part of the
2001/02 Capital Building Programme and confirm the level of funding he intends
to allocate to the Programme. (AQO 189/00) Mr McGuinness: Next year’s capital
programme and the level of funding to be devoted to it has still to be determined. Review of the Local Management of Schools Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister
of Education if he will make a statement on the Review of the Local Management
of Schools funding formulae. (AQO 200/00) Mr McGuinness: It is my intention
to issue a consultation document inviting views on proposals for an equitable
common funding formula for all schools before the end of this year. ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND
INVESTMENT Bankruptcy Orders Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister
of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he will detail the number of businesses
that have been declared bankrupt in each of the last three years and if he will
make a statement. (AQW 390/00) The Minister of Enterprise, Trade
and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): Bankruptcy Orders are made by the High Court
against individuals (including business proprietors) in their own names, not
against businesses as such. On this basis the number of individuals who were
engaged in business and who have been declared bankrupt in each of the last
three financial years is as follows: 1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998 361 1 April 1998 to 31 March 1999 359 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000 329 New Regulations for Businesses Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister
of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he will detail (a) how many new regulations
were introduced for businesses each year for the last three years and (b) what
steps have been taken to reduce paper work for small businesses. (AQW 391/00) Sir Reg Empey: In the last three
years the number of new regulations introduced for businesses in Northern Ireland
is as follows: Legislation which resulted in Legislation which
was costs costs to business. neutral or provided
savings to business. 1998 60 45 1999 37 7 2000 52 21 In 1998 NI Departments carried out a
review of forms which issued to business. Of the 123 forms reviewed, 29 were
redesigned and 1 was abolished. In 1999 the remaining 320 forms which issued
to business were reviewed, 8 were redesigned and 52 were abolished. Organophosphate Sheep Dip Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister
of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in view of the pending return of organphosphate
sheep dips, what proposals he has to issue health warning notices and what level
of advice he will introduce to make sheep farmers aware of the dangers associated
with the use of organophosphates. (AQW 446/00) Sir Reg Empey: The Veterinary
Products Committee (VPC), an independent expert committee with responsibility
for advising the Government on matters relating to the safety, quality and efficacy
of veterinary medicines, has recommended the re-introduction of sheep dips containing
organophosphates (OPs) to the market. This recommendation for the re-introduction
of OP dips is conditional upon marketing authorisation holders implementing
a number of measures which aim to minimise the risk of operator exposure to
organophosphates and in particular to the concentrate. Product labels will be required to emphasise
the added risks to health which arise if there is exposure to the concentrate
and safety warnings on containers will be required to be clearer and more prominent.
Concentrate containers are required to be fitted with a vented dispensing tap,
to reduce the risk of splashing. In addition, authorised merchants are required,
at the time of sale of sheep dip, to provide purchasers with a laminated sheet
describing safe handling methods and two pairs of gloves of the recommended
standard. Two marketing authorisation holders have
addressed the outstanding issues to the satisfaction of the VPC and have, in
the meantime, been permitted to re-launch their products. At the start of the dipping season it
is intended to remind farmers of the need to adopt safe working practices when
using sheep dip and to advise them of the risks to health which may ensue if
exposure occurs. It is proposed that this advice will be issued jointly by the
Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland and the Department of Health,
Social Services and Public Safety. Concordat Mr Jim Wilson asked the Minister
of Enterprise, Trade and Investment when he expects to publish the bilateral
Concordat between his Department and the Department of Trade and Industry. (AQW 467/00) Sir Reg Empey: The Secretary of
State for Trade and Industry and I have today agreed the text of the Concordat
between the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and the Department
of Trade and Industry. Copies of the Concordat have been placed in the Assembly
Library. Health and Safety at Work Mr James Leslie asked the Minister
of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he will detail the number of prosecutions
which have been brought against developers contravening the Health and Safety
regulations for site work in each of the last three years. (AQW 469/00) Sir Reg Empey: The number of prosecutions
initiated for breach of health and safety at work legislation on construction
sites during the last three calendar years was as follows: 1997 2 prosecutions involving 7 separate
charges 1998 7 prosecutions involving 15 separate
charges 1999 5 prosecutions involving 9 separate
charges. Burning of Heather Mr Jim
Wilson asked the Minister of the Environment if it is his intention to reinstate
the pre 1985 measures for the controlled burning of heather on moors during
the month of August. (AQW 394/00) The Minister of the Environment (Mr
Foster): The Game Law Amendment Act (Northern Ireland) 1951 section 7E made
it unlawful to burn or destroy heather on uncultivated land between 15 March
and 15 July. The purpose was to protect nesting game birds. This period was amended by the Wildlife
(Northern Ireland) Order 1985 to between 15 April and 31 August. This change
improved the protection afforded to other species of moorland bird with a longer
breeding season. I have no proposals for changing these
arrangements. Special Advisers Mr David Ford asked the Minister
of the Environment if he will provide a list of those appointed as Special Advisers
within his Department detailing in each case (a) the date appointment was offered
(b) the date employment commenced (c) the gender of the appointee (d) whether
or not the appointee is disabled (e) whether or not the appointment was as a
result of open competition, and (f) whether the appointee holds membership of
any political party on the date appointment was offered. (AQW 443/00) Mr Foster: There have been no
appointments to the post of Special Adviser within DOE Absenteeism Mr Seamus
Close asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will provide details
of the level of absenteeism in each Government Department and if he will make
a statement. (AQW 358/00) The Minister of Finance and Personnel
(Mr Durkan): The information sought is only readily available for non-industrial
civil servants. The table below reflects the percentage rate of absence for
non-industrial civil servants in terms of available working days lost for the
calendar year 1999. To take account of the reorganisation of departments the
figures represent the absence records according to the Northern Ireland department
in which the staff were employed at the end of the 1999/2000 financial year
(31 March 2000). Comparable statistics for industrial civil servants are not
held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
The Northern Ireland Civil Service acknowledges that the current level of absence is a matter of concern. Departments are continually striving to reduce these levels. To this end absenteeism is monitored regularly both at the corporate and departmental level. A number of initiatives have been undertaken aimed at ensuring that the NICS not only complies with best practice in this area but also that it continues to devise practical steps to reduce the level of absenteeism. In addition, my officials will be bringing forward proposals based on this work for targets for a reduction across the service over an agreed timescale. Barnett Formula Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what assessment he has made in relation to the Barnett Formula and if he will make a statement. (AQW 384/00) Mr Durkan: Strict application of the Barnett Formula will result in convergence in per capita spending between Northern Ireland and England. Clearly this makes it progressively more difficult to sustain some local spending programmes that traditionally have had a higher per capita spend than comparable programmes in England. However, there have been some positive changes to the application of the Barnett Formula in SR2000 in response to representations that the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and I made to Treasury Ministers, and I will continue to press for expenditure allocations which reflect the higher levels of need within Northern Ireland. TOPHEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY Surgery in Scotland Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the number of people from Northern Ireland who have been referred to hospitals in Scotland for heart operations in the past year. (AQW 368/00) The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): In the financial year 1999/2000, a total of 26 people from here were referred to hospitals in Scotland for cardiac surgery. All of these referrals were from the Western Health and Social Services Board. Sa bhliain airgeadais 1999/2000, seoladh 26 duine ón áit seo go dtí otharlanna in Albain le haghaidh máinliachta corónaí. Tháinig siad uilig as An Bhord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta Thiar. Carers Strategy Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will make it her policy to introduce a Carers Strategy for Northern Ireland, that will offer financial, physical and emotional assistance for those who provide care on a voluntary basis in the home environment. (AQW 374/00) Ms de Brún: Yes. I have asked officials to develop proposals for a strategy for carers here. Carers and their representatives will be directly involved in preparing the strategy and there will be full consultation with all interested parties. Beidh sé mar pholasaí agam. D’iarr mé ar fheidhmeannaigh moltaí a fhorbairt do straitéis anseo do chúramóirí. Beidh baint dhíreach ag cúramóirí le hullmhú na straitéise agus rachfar i gcomhairle le gach páirtí leasmhar. Tobacco Advertising Mr David Ford asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans she has to review legislation in respect of tobacco advertising. (AQW 375/00) Ms de Brún: I remain committed to banning tobacco advertising here and am considering how best to introduce such a ban in the light of the recent European Court of Justice ruling annulling the EC Directive banning tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. Fanaim tiomanta cosc a chur ar fhógraíocht tobac anseo agus tá mé ag machnamh ar an dóigh is fearr lena léitheid de chosc a thabhairt isteach; go háirithe i ndiaidh an rialaithe ón Chúirt Eorpach Cirt a chealaigh an Treoir CE a chuir cosc ar fhógraíocht, cur chun cinn agus urraíocht tobac. Social Services Inspectorate Ms Monica McWilliams asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the number of visits by the Social Services Inspectorate to Muckamore Abbey Hospital in each of the last five years. (AQW 386/00) Ms de Brún: The Social Services Inspectorate has not made any visits to Muckamore Abbey Hospital in the last five years, as visiting hospitals is not a regular part of the Inspectorate’s remit. The Mental Health Commission has a statutory remit to visit hospitals and details of their visits are published in the Commission’s Annual Report. The Commission has visited Muckamore Abbey Hospital on six occasions in the past five years. In addition, the Hospital Advisory Service Review Group visited the hospital in January 2000. Níor thug Cigireacht na Seirbhísí Sóisialta cuairt ar Otharlann Mhainistir Mhaigh Chomair le cúig bliana anuas, mar ní gnáthchuid de shainchúram na Cigireachta í cuairteanna a thabhairt ar otharlanna. Tá sainchúram reachtúil ar an Choimisiún Meabhairshláinte cuairt a thabhairt ar otharlanna agus foilsítear sonraí a gcuairteanna i dTuairisc Bhliantúil an Choimisiúin. Thug an Coimisiún cuairt ar Otharlann Mhainistir Mhaigh Chomair sé huaire le cúig bliana anuas. Lena chois, thug Grúpa Athbhreithnithe Sheirbhís Chomhairleach Otharlainne cuairt ar an otharlann i mí Eanáir 2000. Waiting Time Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister
of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will provide statistics
on waiting times for consultations with General Practitioners and to give her
assessment of how these compare with similar statistics for Great
(AQW 392/00) Ms de Brún: The information requested is not available. A voluntary scheme was introduced in October 1999 whereby GPs who meet certain criteria qualify for an additional allowance. The first criterion is that all patients, where it is clinically appropriate, are able to obtain a consultation within 24 hours. At present about 78% of GP practices are meeting this voluntary standard. The recently published NHS Plan in England contains a proposal to give all patients, by the year 2004, a right of access to a primary care professional within 24 hours and to a GP within 48 hours. My officials are considering the implications of these recommendations for our health service and any proposals for change in GPs’ arrangements will be subject to consultation with all interested parties. Níl fáil ar an eolas a iarradh. Tugadh isteach scéim dheonach i nDeireadh Fómhair 1999 faoina gcáilíonn liachleachtóirí, a chomhlíonann critéir áirithe, le haghaidh liúntas breise. Is é an chéad chritéar go bhfaigheann gach othar, nuair is cuí go cliniciúil é, cruinniú comhairleach dochtúra faoi cheann 24 uair. Faoi láthair tá thart faoi 78% de sheomraí comhairle liachleachtóirí ag comhlíonadh an chaighdeáin dheonaigh seo. Sa Phlean NHS a foilsíodh i Sasana le deireannas tá moladh an ceart a thabhairt do gach othar, faoin bhliain 2004, teacht a bheith aige/aici ar ghairmí cúraim phríomhúil faoi cheann 24 uair agus ar liachleachtóir faoi cheann 48 uair. Tá mo chuid feidhmeannach ag déanamh machnaimh ar impleachtaí na moltaí dár seirbhís sláinte agus rachaidh moltaí ar bith maidir le hathrú i socruithe liachleachtóirí faoi chomhairle na bpáirtithe leasmhara uilig. Rural Areas Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will outline her plans to improve access to health services in rural areas; and if she will make a statement. (AQW 398/00) Ms de Brún: I recognise that all people, including those in rural areas, need to have easy access to health and social services, and such matters are taken into account in the plans of Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts. The particular needs of people living in rural areas are being reflected in a number of reviews of services, which are currently being undertaken. I am at present considering the recommendations of the strategic review of the Ambulance Service. The capitation formula for distributing resources to Health and Social Services Boards will reflect the differential cost of providing health and social services in rural areas. The independent review of hospital services, which I commissioned recently, will include consideration of the important aspect of local accessibility. As far as primary care is concerned, there are a number of incentive schemes already in place to encourage practitioners to provide services in rural areas. Aithním gur gá don phobal uile, lena n-áirítear na daoine sin a chónaíonn i gceantair thuaithe, fáil fhurasta a bheith acu ar sheirbhísí sláinte agus sóisialta agus cuirtear ábhair den chineál seo san áireamh i bpleananna na mBord agus na n-Iontaobhas Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta. Léirítear riachtanais ar leith na ndaoine a chónaíonn i gceantair tuaithe i roinnt athbhreithnithe ar sheirbhísí, atá á ndéanamh i láthair na huaire. Faoi láthair, tá mé ag déanamh machnaimh ar mholtaí an athbhreithnithe straitéisigh ar an tSeirbhís Otharcharr. Léireoidh an fhoirmle chaipitíochta do dháileadh acmhainní ar Bhoird Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an costas difreálach ar sholáthar seirbhísí sláinte agus sóisialta i gceantair thuaithe. San athbhreithniú neamhspleách ar sheirbhísí otharlainne, a choimisiúnaigh mé ar na mallaibh, beidh machnamh ar ghné thábhachtach na rochtana furasta áitiúla. Ó thaobh cúram príomhúil de, tá scéimeanna dreasachta i bhfeidhm cheana féin le liachleachtóirí a spreagadh chun seirbhísí a sholáthar i gceantair thuaithe. Cardiac Services Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail (a) how much the review of Cardiac Services has cost so far and (b) what the estimated final cost will be. (AQW 400/00) Ms de Brún: Work on the review of Cardiac Surgery has begun only recently and the costs incurred so far are negligible. It is estimated that the final cost will be around £18,000, plus the costs of staff time, which cannot be predicted at this stage. Níltear ach i ndiaidh tosú ar athbhreithniú Mháinliacht Chairdiach agus tá na costais an-íseal go dtí seo. Meastar go mbeidh thart faoi £18,000 air faoi dheireadh, costais am na foirne san áireamh, rud nach féidir a réamhaithris faoi láthair. Bed Blocking Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will outline the steps she has taken to reduce the delayed discharge of patients (bed-blocking) from hospitals. (AQW 401/00) Ms de Brún: In July I provided an additional allocation of £11 million to the HPSS budget for community care. I will make a further announcement on my Department’s 2001/02 spending plans, including money for community care services, in the near future. These allocations are designed to enable Boards to provide more timely and increased numbers of care packages for elderly and other vulnerable people in the community, thereby freeing hospital beds for other patients. Comprehensive plans have been drawn up by Boards and Trusts in anticipation of the pressures during the winter months. These include greater use of intermediate care schemes to reduce the need for inappropriate hospital admissions and ensure that people who do not need to be in hospital can be discharged. My Department has also introduced monthly monitoring of delayed discharges and I shall be stepping this up to weekly monitoring over the winter months. Ar an I Iúil, sholáthair mé £11 milliún breise do bhuiséad an SSPS do chúram pobail. Déanfaidh mé fógairt eile ar phleananna caiteachais mo Roinne i 2001/02, an t-airgead do sheirbhísí cúraim phobail san áireamh, ar ball. Ceapadh na leithrannta seo le cuidiú leis na Boird níos mó pacáistí cúraim tráthúla a sholáthar do sheandaoine agus do dhaoine leochaileacha eile sa chomhphobal, tríd sin scaoiltear leapacha otharlainne saor d’othair eile. Dhréachtaigh na Boird agus na hIontaobhais pleananna cuimsitheacha in oirchill na mbrúnna le linn míonna an gheimhridh.Orthu seo tá úsáid bhreise a bhaint as scéimeanna cúraim idirmheánaigh leis an ghá do iontrálacha míchuí a laghdú agus le cinntiú go ligtear amach daoine nach gá dóibh bheith san otharlann. Thug mo Roinn isteach monatóireacht mhíosúil ar scaoilte moillte, agus beidh mé a mhéadú seo go monatóireacht sheachtainiúil i rith míonna an gheimhridh. Heart Operations Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the number of people from the Republic of Ireland who have received heart operations in Northern Ireland in the last twelve months. (AQW 403/00) Ms de Brún: In the financial year 1999/2000, 3 patients from the south of Ireland were treated in cardiac surgery here. Sa bhliain airgeadais 1999/2000, tugadh cóireáil máinliacht chairdiach do thrí hothar ó dheisceart Éireann anseo. Heart Operations Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the number of people from the Republic of Ireland who are on the waiting list for heart operations in Northern Ireland. (AQW 404/00) Ms de Brún: One person from the south of Ireland is currently waiting for cardiac surgery here. Tá duine amháin ó dheisceart na hÉireann ag fanacht san am i láthair ar mháinliacht chairdiach. Heart Operations Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the total cost of performing heart operations and providing aftercare in Northern Ireland for people from the Republic of Ireland over the past twelve months. (AQW 405/00) Ms de Brún: In the financial year 1999/2000, three patients from the south of Ireland were treated in cardiac surgery here. All were treated as private patients and therefore the cost to the HPSS of performing heart operations and providing aftercare for people from the south of Ireland was zero. Sa bhliain airgeadais 1999/2000, tugadh cóireáil máinliacht chairdiach do thrí hothar ó dheisceart na hÉireann anseo. Fuair an t-iomlán acu córeáil phríobháideach, mar sin de, ní raibh costas ar bith ar an SSSP as obráidí cairdiacha a dhéanamh nó soláthar iarchúraim do dhaoine ó dheisceart na hÉireann. Aftercare Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail which health body is responsible for the provision of aftercare for patients from the Republic of Ireland who have heart operations in Northern Ireland. (AQW 406/00) Ms de Brún: There are two circumstances in which patients from the South of Ireland might have cardiac surgery here. One would be where a Health Board from the South contracts with the Royal Group of Hospitals (RGH) Trust for a number of cardiac operations and, in that case, the relevant Health Board would have sole responsibility for the provision of aftercare. The other circumstance would be where a patient from the South of Ireland enters into a private arrangement for cardiac surgery in the RGH Trust. In the latter case, arrangements for the provision of aftercare would be the responsibility of the patient. Tá dhá thoisc ann inar féidir le hothair ó Dheisceart na hÉireann máinliacht chairdiach a fháil anseo. I dtoisc amháin déanann Bord Sláinte ón Deisceart conradh leis an Ghrúpa Ríoga Otharlann (GRO) do roinnt obráidí cairdiacha; sa chás sin an Bord Sláinte amháin a bheadh freagrach as soláthar iarchúraim. Sa toisc eile, déanann othar ó Dheisceart na hÉireann socrú príobháideach do mháinliacht chairdiach san Iontaobhas GRO. Sa chás dheireanach, an t-othar a bheadh freagrach as socruithe sholáthar iarchúraim. Aftercare Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail which health body is responsible for the provision of aftercare for patients from Northern Ireland who have heart operations in Scotland. (AQW 407/00) Ms de Brún: Where a Health and Social Services Board contracts for cardiac surgery for one of its residents with a hospital in Scotland, that Board is also responsible for making appropriate aftercare provision for the patient, usually in its own area. Nuair a dhéanann Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta conradh le haghaidh máinliachta cairdí do chónaitheoir dá chuid le hotharlann in Albain, tá an Bord sin freagrach fosta as soláthar iarchúraim chuí don othar, ina limistéar féin de ghnáth. Ulster Hospital Trust Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail how many hospital beds were available (a) in the Ulster Hospital Trust 1997-1999 and (b) in the rest of Northern Ireland during the same period. (AQW 413/00) Ms de Brún: This information is given in the table below.
Léirítear an t-eolas seo sa tábla thíos.
Administrative Staff Rev Robert Coulter asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the number of administrative staff employed at (a) her Department, (b) each of the Health and Social Services Boards, and (c) each of the Health Trusts. (AQO 203/00) Ms de Brún: My Department currently employs 642 administrative staff. At the 31st March 2000 the Eastern Health and Social Services Board had 128 administrative and clerical staff, the Northern Board had 119, the Southern Board 123 and the Western Board 188. The total number of administrative and clerical staff employed in the 19 Health and Social Services Trusts at 31st March 2000, was 8,853. Rather than read out the figure for each Trust individually, I will provide the Member with the information in writing. Administration and clerical staff carry out a wide range of duties, many of which are related directly to patient care e.g. ward clerks, medical record staff, and receptionists in GP surgeries. The amounts spent by Boards and Trusts on management and core administration are tightly controlled by my Department and compare favourably with management and administration costs in England, Scotland and Wales. Fostaíonn mo Roinnse foireann riaracháin 642 duine. Ar an 31 Márta 2000 bhí 128 de fhoireann riaracháin agus chléireachais ag Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Oirthir; bhí 119 ag Bord an Tuaiscirt, 123 ag Bord an Deiscirt agus 188 ag Bord an Iarthair. Ba é 8,853 líon iomlán na foirne riaracháin agus chléireachais a bhí fostaithe ag na hIontaobhais Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta ar an 31 Márta 2000. In ionad an figiúr do gach Iontaobhas ar leith a léamh amach, seolfaidh mé an t-eolas chuig an Teachta i scríbhinn. Comhlíonann an fhoireann riaracháin agus cléireachais réimse leathan dualgas a bhfuil baint dhíreach ag cuid mhór acu le cúram othar, mar shampla, cléirigh barda, foireann thaifead liachta agus fáilteoirí i seomraí freastail liachleachtóirí. Coinníonn mo Roinn súil ghéar ar na suimeanna a chaitheann Boird agus Iontaobhais ar bhainistíocht agus ar riarachán láir agus ní bhfaighfear locht orthu i gcomparáid le costais bhainistíochta agus riaracháin i Sasana, in Albain agus sa Bhreatain Bheag. Beta Interferon Mr Kieran McCarthy asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will make a statement on the availability of the drug Beta Interferon to those suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. (AQO 183/00) Ms de Brún: Beta interferon is currently available to people with multiple sclerosis who have been assessed by a consultant neurologist as likely to benefit from the treatment. I am aware that the review of beta interferon recently conducted by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has given rise to considerable concern about the future availability of the drug. I have already met with representatives of the Multiple Sclerosis Society to hear at first hand of their concerns and I will shortly be meeting with health professionals to take their views. Any recommendations made by NICE will apply only to England and Wales and I will wish to consider the recommendations in terms of their application here. I am conscious that the current uncertainty is giving rise to a great deal of anxiety among MS sufferers and I hope to be in a position to clarify the matter as soon as possible after the NICE recommendations are finalised. Unfortunately, at this point I have no information as to when the final guidance from NICE is likely to be produced. Tá Béite-Inteirfearón ar fáil faoi láthair d’othair a bhfuil scléaróis iolrach orthu más rud é go measann néareolaí comhairleach ina leith gur dócha go mbainfeadh siad tairbhe as mar chóireáil. Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil imní mhór ar dhaoine faoi sholáthar an druga sa todhchaí i ndiaidh an athbhreithnithe ar bhéite-inteirfearón a rinne an Institiúid Náisiúnta um Fheabhas Cliniciúil (INFC) le gairid. Bhuail mé cheana le hionadaithe ón Chumann Scléaróise Iolraí lena gcuid imní a chluinstin go pearsanta agus ar ball beag buailfidh mé le daoine gairmiúla sa réimse sláinte lena a dtuairimí a fhail. Beidh feidhm ag aon mholtaí a rinne an INFC i Sasana agus sa Bhreatain Bheag amháin agus beidh mise ag iarraidh na moltaí a bhreithniú maidir lena gcur i bhfeidhm anseo. Tuigim go bhfuil an éiginnteacht atá ann ag cur a lán buairimh ar dhaoine a bhfuil scléaróis iolrach orthu agus tá súil agam go mbeidh sé ar mo chumas an cheist a shoiléiriú a luaithe is féidir i ndiaidh don IFNC a moltaí a chríochnú. Ar an drochuair níl eolas ar bith agam ag an phointe seo faoi cá huair is dóiche a chuirfear treoir ón INFC ar fáil. Long Term Residential Care Mr Alan McFarland asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans she has for long term residential care for the elderly and if she will make a statement. (AQO 210/00) Ms de Brún: I have asked officials to examine all the proposals contained in the British Labour Government’s statement of 27 July on long-term care and to bring forward a range of options that I may consider. I will make a statement when this work is completed. Tá mé i ndiaidh a iarraidh ar fheidhmeannaigh scrúdú a dhéanamh ar na moltaí a rinneadh i ráiteas Rialtas Lucht Oibre na Breataine ar an 27 Iúil faoi chúram fadtéarmach agus réimse roghanna a chur faoi mo bhráid a d’fhéadfainn a bhreithniú. Déanfaidh mé ráiteas nuair a bheas an obair seo curtha i gcrích. Discussions With Minister for Social Development Mr Seamus Close asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail any discussions she has had with the Minister for Social Development regarding Public Health issues. (AQO 187/00) Ms de Brún: I have had no direct discussions with the Minister for Social Development regarding Public Health issues although, following an invitation extended by me through the Ministerial Group on Public Health, my officials have done so. Ní raibh plé díreach ar bith ann idir mé féin agus an tAire Forbartha Sóisialta faoi cheisteanna a bhaineann le Sláinte Phoiblí, ach san am céanna bhí plé díreach ag mo chuid feidhmeannach leis i ndiaidh dom cuireadh a thabhairt dó tríd an Ghrúpa Aireachta ar Shláinte Phoiblí. Surgical Waiting List Mr Sammy Wilson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the change in the total waiting list for surgical operations on a monthly basis from November 1999 until September 2000. (AQO 215/00) Ms de Brún: Information on people waiting for inpatient treatment is collected on the basis of speciality rather than whether they are waiting for a surgical operation. I will provide the Member with figures for the numbers of patients waiting for inpatient admission to the surgical specialities. These figures are currently published on a quarterly basis. Bailítear eolas ar dhaoine atá ag feitheamh le cóireáil mar othair chónaitheacha ar bhonn speisialtóireachtaí, ní ar an bhonn go bhfuil siad ag feitheamh le hobráid. Cuirfidh me figiúirí ar fáil don Chomhalta maidir le líon na n-othar atá ag feitheamh le hiontráil mar othair chónaitheacha chuig na speisialtóireachtaí máinliachta. Foilsítear na figiúirí seo ar bhonn ráithe faoi láthair. Nursing Staff in Special Schools Ms Eileen Bell asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will review the provision of non teaching nursing staff in Special Schools. (AQO 182/00) Ms de Brún: Provision of nursing staff in special schools was reviewed earlier this year by a joint Health and Social Services/Education and Library Board review group. The review group concluded that in most circumstances trained carers should be able to carry out the majority of ongoing personal and health care needs. The carers would be trained, supported and mentored by community learning disability nurses, community paediatric nurses and school health nurses. Ní ba luaithe i mbliana rinne grúpa athbhreithnithe comhpháirteach de chuid na seirbhísí sláinte, na seirbhísí sóisialta agus na mBord Oideachais agus Leabharlann athbhreithniú ar sholáthar altraí i scoileanna speisialta. Is é a shocraigh an grúpa athbhreithnithe gur cheart go mbeadh cúramóirí oilte ábalta freastal, i mbunús na gcásanna, ar an chuid is mó de riachtanais leanúnacha sláinte agus pearsanta na ndaltaí. Bheadh oiliúint, tacaíocht agus comhairle á dtabhairt do chúramóirí ag altraí míchumais foghlama, ag altraí péidiatraiceacha pobail agus ag altraí sláinte scoileanna. Ambulances Mr Tommy Gallagher asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the total number of ambulances currently based in the Western Health Board Area and what percentage this is of the Northern Ireland fleet. (AQO 181/00) Ms de Brún: There are 27 Accident & Emergency ambulances based in the Western Division. This represents 20% of the Ambulance Service’s Accident & Emergency fleet. Tá 27 n-otharcharr Thaismí agus Éigeandálaí bunaithe sa Rannán Iartharach. Is é seo 20% de fhlít Taismí agus Éigeandálaí na Seirbhíse Otharcharranna. Nursing Staff Mr Edwin Poots asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps have been taken to encourage nursing staff to remain within the Health Service. (AQO 206/00) Ms de Brún: Nurses play a vital role in providing care. This was recognised in the pay awards from April this year, when higher than inflation awards were made to Nurses in general, and substantial awards were made for experienced Nurses at C and E Grades. I also recently announced the creation of eight new Nurse Consultant posts. These posts will provide career development opportunities for nurses while maintaining their day to day contact with patients. In addition, my Department is presently involved with the Health Departments in England, Scotland and Wales in the development of a new pay scheme, which will offer all HPSS staff a more attractive career with the potential for better progression, greater use of skills, improved status and higher earnings for those who contribute most to the service. Tá ról barrthábhachtach ag altraí agus iad ag soláthar cúraim. Aithníodh seo san ardú pá a tugadh dóibh ó mhí Aibreáin i mbliana nuair a tugadh ardú d’altraí i gcoitinne a bhí níos airde na an ráta boilscithe agus nuair a tugadh ardú suntasach d’altraí Ghráid C agus E a raibh taithí acu. D’fhógair mé fosta ar na mallaibh gur cruthaíodh ocht bpost nua d’Altraí Comhairleacha. Tabharfaidh na poist seo deiseanna d’altraí cur lena ngairmréim ach teagmháil a bheith acu le hothair i rith an ama. Ina theannta sin, tá mo Roinnse faoi láthair, i gcomhar leis na Ranna Sláinte i Sasana, in Albain agus sa Bhreatain Bheag, ag plé forbairt córais nua pá a fhágfaidh go mbeidh gairmréim níos tarraingtí ag gach ball foirne na SSSSP agus beidh faill acu siúd a thugann an oiread is mó don tseirbhís dul chun cinn a dhéanamh, úsáid níos fearr a bhaint as a gcuid scileanna, ardú stádais a fháil agus tuilleadh pá a ghnóthú. Circulars Mr Jim Wilson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will ensure that all National Health Service circulars are properly disseminated. (AQO 198/00) Ms de Brún: Since health and social services are devolved matters, it is not appropriate to disseminate NHS circulars which apply to England, Wales and Scotland. Where appropriate, guidance concerned with the subject matter of NHS circulars, but which reflects the policies and procedures of my Department, is issued to all relevant HPSS bodies, and to other interested organisations where appropriate. Ós rud é gur ábhair chineachta na seirbhísí slainte agus na seirbhísí sóisialta, ní cuí a bheith ag scaipeadh imlitreacha na SNS a bhaineann le Sasana, leis an Bhreatain Bheag agus le hAlbain. Nuair is cuí, eisítear eolas treorach a bhaineann le hábhair imlitreacha na SNS, ach a léiríonn nós imeachta agus polasaithe mo Roinne agus eisítear iad chuig gach comhlacht SSSSP lena mbaineann siad agus chuig eagraíochtaí leasmhara eile nuair is cuí. Free Prescriptions For Students Mr Meryvn Carrick asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will outline her policy regarding the eligibility for free prescriptions of students who participate in the students loan scheme and if she will make a statement. (AQO 179/00) Ms de Brún: Students who participate in the students loan scheme are assessed in exactly the same way as any other person who applies for help with prescription costs under the health service low income scheme. Déantar measúnú ar mhic léinn atá páirteach sa scéim iasachta do mhic léinn ar an dóigh cheannann chéanna a ndéantar measúnú ar dhuine ar bith eile a iarrann cúnamh i leith costas oideas faoi scéim na seirbhíse sláinte dóibh siúd atá ar bheagán ioncaim. TOPDrainage Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will outline his plans to improve drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding and if he will make a statement. (AQW 402/00) The Minister for Regional Development (Mr Campbell): The risk of flooding is related to the intensity and duration of the rainfall and the capacity and condition of the drainage systems. The sewerage network consists of some 10,200 km of sewers and has suffered chronic under investment in the past. Water Service is progressing a programme of some 105 area drainage studies to determine the improvements required to the sewerage network to reduce the risk of flooding and to meet environmental objectives. This programme of studies is planned for completion in 2003 and it is estimated that it will identify a capital investment requirement for improvement schemes in excess of £300 million. The largest of the schemes is the £100 million upgrade of the Belfast sewer system which is programmed to commence in 2003 and which will take 6 years to complete. Planning is also underway to improve the sewerage network in East Belfast with a £2.6 million scheme due to commence in 2002 with completion in 2004. The entire programme of improvements is unlikely to be completed within this decade given current funding levels. In addition to the major schemes, a number of interim measures, aimed at reducing the risk of flooding in vulnerable areas, are under active consideration or are currently being implemented. These include the £170,000 scheme designed to help alleviate the problem of flooding in the Lower Ravenhill Road area of Belfast which is due to be completed within this financial year. Water Quality Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will detail the improvements made to the quality of water in Northern Ireland in the past five years. (AQW 415/00) Mr Campbell: Water supplied for domestic purposes is required to meet the standards laid down in the Water Quality Regulations (NI) 1994. Water is regularly monitored and tested for quality and the table below summaries the results for the past five years. Compliance with Regulatory Standards Location \ Year 1994/5 1996 1997 1998 1999 Water Leaving Treatment Works 99.50% 99.69% 99.70% 99.78% 99.86% Water in Service Reservoirs 99.30% 99.36% 99.45% 99.60% 99.71% Water at Customers’ Taps 98.40% 98.19% 98.12% 97.96% 98.10% Overall Water Quality 98.90% 98.89% 98.89% 98.86% 98.95% The results in the tale show that drinking water quality is of a high standard but further investment is required to fully comply with the Regulations. Water Service has identified a need to invest some £800 million on new treatment works and refurbishment of existing works, and on improvements to the water distribution network over the next ten years. TOPStatutory Committees - Meetings Rev Dr Ian Paisley asked the Assembly Commission to confirm the number of meetings of each of the statutory committees and give a breakdown of those that took place in public session and the number in closed session; and to detail the total number of hours each committee has been in session. (AQW 58/00) The Representative of the Assembly Commission Dr O'Hagan): [supplementary answer]: I am writing to advise you that my written reply, on 29 September, to your question to the Assembly Commission about Statutory Committee meetings contained incorrect information about meetings of the Regional Development Committee. My reply reported that that Committee had a total of 21 meetings of which 19 were "closed", 2 were "closed/public and the duration of the meetings had been 35 hours. The correct information on meetings of the Regional Development Committee is shown in the attachment to this letter. The inclusion of incorrect information resulted from an administrative error in the Committee Office and I apologise for this. The Business Office will be advised that incorrect information was provided in my written reply and the correct information will be published in the Official Report in due course.
Assembly Publicity Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Assembly Commission to detail how much has been spent by the Assembly on publicity. (AQW 376/00) The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Mr Wells): I am responding to you on behalf of the Assembly Commission. To date the Assembly Commission has spent £159,862 on publicity which covered the development of the Assembly’s website (£25,000), recruitment advertising (£133,862) and a general advertisement promoting the Assembly’s address and central telephone number (£1,000). Mount Charles Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Assembly Commission how much of the produce sold by Mount Charles in Parliament Buildings is sourced from Northern Ireland suppliers. (AQW 380/00) The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Mr Wells): I am responding to you on behalf of the Assembly Commission. All of the produce sold by Mount Charles in Parliament Buildings is sourced from Northern Ireland suppliers. Mount Charles | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||