The Northern Ireland Assembly -

Membership

What's Happening

Friday 24 November 2000

Written Answers to Questions

Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister

Brussels Office
Economic Research Analysis
Enniskillen Meeting
Sustainable Development

Agriculture and Rural Development

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
Coastal Erosion
Consultancy Services
Farming Incomes
Productivity in Agriculture
Salmonid Enhancement Programme Young People into Agriculture

Culture, Arts and Leisure

Digitised Maps
Regional Museums in Northern Ireland>

Education

Consultancy Services
Extra Funding for Schools
Key Stage 3 Results
Pre-School Education Advisory Groups
Sale of Poppies
Teaching of Democracy and Citizenship>

Enterprise, Trade and Investment >

Announcing New Investments
Cost of Domestic Coal
Domestic Fuel
Small Business

Environment

Driving Test: Female Examiners
Flooding (Area Plans)
Mobile Telecommunications Masts Planning Policy
Planning and Compensation Claims
Planning and Roads Services Co-operation
Protection of Archaeological Sites
Radon Gas in Northern Ireland
Recycled Paper
Road Traffic Accidents Deaths and Injuries
Slow Moving Vehicles
Townscape Planning

Finance and Personnel

Assembly Update on Europe
Capital Modernisation Funding
Consultancy Services
Rates Amendment Order 1999
Restoring Historic Buildings

Health, Social Services and Public Safety

Accident and Emergency Waiting Times
Accountancy Funding
Accountancy Systems
Acute Hospital Beds Provision
Bed Losses
Bilateral Ministeral Meeting
Boards and Trusts
Clinical Priorities
Community Care
Community Care
Consultants Currently Employed
Cystic Fibrosis
Domestic Violence
Folic Acid
Free Tranpsort for Pensioners
General Practice Trainee Course
General Practice Trainees Queens University
Heart Disease
Hospital Admissions
Hospital Funding
Hospital Waiting Lists
Instructions to Senior Civil Servants
Mental Health Care
Monitoring Systems
New Nursing Staff
Northern Board Additional Funding
Northern Board Area
Northern Board Funding
Number of Nurses
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Department
Patients Awaiting Cancer Treatment
Psychiatric Day Hospital Facilities
Sale of Poppies
Skill Mix in Private Sector
Skilled Nursing Staff
Sure Start Strategy
Trusts' Car Lease Scheme

Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment

Consultancy Services
Research Studentships

Regional Development

Bus Lanes
Coastal Erosion
Lay-bys
M1 Extension Westward
M1/Westlink : Traffic Volumes
Pensioners : Free Public Transport
Portadown/Derry Railway Line
Public Enquiries : Support for Lay People
Road Safety Metal Lamp Standards
Sandyknowes Roundabout Traffic Congestion
Warrenpoint Flooding
Water and Sewage Services:
Under-Investment
Water Pump Stations
Water Service Infrastructure Weather Damage
West Tyrone Flooding
Westlink Roadworks

Social Development

All Works Test
Free Transport for Pensioners
Irish Language
Low Income Home Owners
Northern Ireland Housing Executive High Court Appeal
Social Fund Commissioner
Social Security Agencies Mislaid Mail
Social Security Agencies Reduce Delays
Town Centre Management
Town Centre Reinvigoration Study

OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER

Enniskillen Meeting

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail the official expenditure on the meeting that occurred in Enniskillen on Friday 3 November at which the Health Minister and the Deputy First Minister were in attendance and confirm which officials from these two Departments were in attendance.

(AQW 631/00)

The First Minister and Deputy First Minister (Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon): The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister did not incur any expenses in relation to the event. The Deputy First Minister was accompanied to the event in Enniskillen by his Private Secretary, his Principal Information Officer, and a Special Advisor.

We understand that the expenses for the event were met by DHSSPS and the Food Safety Promotion Board. The Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety has received a similar question and will detail the officials attending and the cost falling to her department in her response.

Sustainable Development

Ms Eileen Bell asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what steps are being taken to ensure that the Executive's commitment to sustainable development within the Draft Programme for Government will be delivered across all government departments.

(AQO 322/00)

Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The draft Programme for Government recognises the importance of sustainable development, in environmental, economic and social terms, and the need to ensure that the principle of sustainability underpins the development of major policies and programmes.

The Minister for the Environment will bring forward for consultation early in the New Year a draft Sustainable Development Strategy. This will set out new arrangements to ensure that sustainable development objectives, including those highlighted in the draft Programme for Government, are reflected in the business plans, priorities and resource allocations of all departments. It will also set out arrangements for ensuring high-level cross-departmental co-ordination of effort in this area.

Economic Research Analysis

Dr Esmond Birnie asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to make it policy to ensure the supply of adequate independent economic research analysis to the Assembly and the Economic Policy Unit.

(AQO 345/00)

Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: It is our aim to ensure that there is adequate provision of independent economic advice and research to inform policy making within Government in Northern Ireland. It was with this intention that the Executive recently agreed to a review of the Northern Ireland Economic Council and the provision of independent economic advice and research. The provision of independent economic advice and research is necessary to inform policy making not only within EPU but also across a range of departments including the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Finance and Personnel, Education and Higher and Further Education,Training and Employment. It will also help inform the wider policy debate in the Assembly and elsewhere. That said, securing economic advice for the Assembly is ultimately the responsibility of the Assembly itself.

Brussels Office

Mrs Joan Carson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail what progress has been achieved towards the establishment of an office in Brussels.

(AQO 342/00)

Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: Following the agreement of the Executive Committee to the opening of an Office of the Executive in Brussels, work has proceeded on establishing the Office. A contracting agent in Belgium has been selected to manage the work of fitting out the premises, which are located next to the European Parliament. Consultations with him and with others, designed to ensure that all procedures are followed and all requirements met, are now virtually complete. Work on fitting out the office will begin shortly. We expect the Office to be staffed and functioning by the beginning of March.

The Office of the Northern Ireland Executive Committee will provide early warning of policy developments relevant to Northern Ireland and will facilitate Ministers and their departments in making European contacts. The staff of the Office will be appointed by the Executive and will have diplomatic status as members of the UK Permanent Representation, giving them access to meetings and to a level of information which they would not otherwise have. At the same time the separate premises will provide a focal point for Northern Ireland in Brussels, helping us to develop a distinct and positive profile within the EU.

TOP

AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Consultancy Services

Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if, for the period since devolution, she will detail (a) the number of contracts for consultancy services which did not have to go out to public tender that have been awarded by her Department; (b) to whom these contracts have been awarded; (c) the number of contracts awarded on the basis of such consultancy advice; and (d) to whom these contracts were awarded.

(AQW 573/00)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): In the period since devolution (02/12/99), 8 contracts for consultancy services have been awarded by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development which did not have to go out to public tender.

These contracts were awarded to the following:

Dr J Kremer
BIC Systems
James Black Partnership
OMI Consultancy
Wade and Partners
Industrial Relations Personnel Consultants
Elm Farm Research
Lear Associates

No other contracts were awarded on the basis of this consultancy advice.

Farming Incomes

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will detail what specific programmes, funded by the Programme for Government and the Budget, will address the decline in farming incomes.

(AQW 598/00)

Ms Rodgers: as I indicated in my statement to the Assembly Committee on the Budget, one of my key concerns is to assist the competitiveness of the agri-food industry. As a result of the Budget settlement, we will be able to introduce a new Beef Quality Initiative in the coming year. The aim of this is to help processors compete in international markets, and thus to improve beef producers returns through improved breeding, production management and marketing. This will have an impact on incomes.

Another initiative within the Budget which supports the drive to enhance competitiveness is that related to education, training and business support services. Under this initiative, the portal set up earlier in the year under the Agenda for Government will be developed and maintained and a contribution will be made to the cost of information and communication technology teaching suites for use by full and part-time students at the Agricultural Colleges and by working farmers. In addition, farmers in Less Favoured Areas will have particular education and training courses tailored to their needs.

The provision for an extra £3.6m for Less Favoured Areas (LFA) payments will increase the incomes of beef and sheep farmers in the LFA. The extra money will enable us to provide safety net arrangements for farmers who would otherwise be disadvantaged by the change from the existing, headage-based, scheme to one based on area.

The various measures on animal health, including a Scrapie Eradication Programme, and animal welfare could have an impact on farmers’ incomes in the medium to longer term.

The Budget also includes match funding for payments modulated from farmers’ subsidies. This reflects a ring-fenced allocation by Treasury to the Block. Although it has not yet been allocated to specific initiatives, decisions on this will be made early next year, with consequent direct or indirect impacts on farming incomes.

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will detail the level of consultation between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development about the threat of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy contamination being transferred to sheep and will she make a statement.

(AQW 632/00)

Ms Rodgers: My Department is in regular and close contact with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on all aspects of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), including on contingency planning for the possible emergence of the disease in sheep.

The only evidence of BSE in sheep so far is where it has been deliberately transferred in the course of scientific experiment. However, as a prudent precaution, the UK Government is devising a strategy to reduce the risk of BSE in sheep. This includes an ongoing research programme, the development of rapid screening methods, a national plan to eliminate scrapie from the UK flock and remove potentially hazardous material from the food chain. The Government is drawing up contingency plans to cater for the situation where current experiments indicate that BSE might be present in the sheep population.

Scrapie is much less prevalent in Northern Ireland that in GB but as a precaution, my Department is nonetheless following the UK line on the issue and has been fully involved in the construction of the Contingency Plans.

Productivity in Agriculture

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will outline her plans to change productivity in agriculture.

(AQW 642/00)

Ms Rodgers: Much of the work of the DARD Agri-food Development Service and the Department’s R&D programme are aimed ultimately at improvements in productivity. Indeed, some of the measures announced in the recent Budget statement, for example, the Beef Quality Initiative, will have an impact on productivity.

In any case, productivity does not appear to be a problem for Northern Ireland agriculture. The long-term rate of increase in "total factor productivity", which takes account of all inputs (including labour), has been running at an average of 1½% per annum over the past two decades. This compares very favourably with the rate for the UK as a whole of 1%.

Young People into Agriculture

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action she intends to take to encourage young people into the agricultural industry.

(AQW 643/00)

Ms Rodgers: In choosing a career, young people and their parents are very strongly influenced by future career opportunities and the image of the industry. A highly competitive and progressive industry which is perceived as having a sustainable and viable future will be much more successful in attracting young people to seek careers in that industry. It is for this reason that I believe that the current Vision exercise is so important in providing a positive and proactive direction on which we can consult and build a programme for future industry development.

The availability of high quality education courses and facilities is another vital factor in attracting young people of high calibre into the industry. The courses run by the DARD colleges are specifically targeted at ensuring that those entering the industry have the necessary skills knowledge and experience to contribute to the industry while enjoying a satisfying and fulfilling career. I have been pleased to have been able, through the Programme for Government, to allocate additional funds to ensure that the computer suites at the colleges are maintained at the highest standard. Clearly Information and Communication Technology, as well as being a key skill for modern farming is attractive to young people and encourages entry to the industry.

To ensure that young people of high calibre are attracted to the courses in agriculture and related subjects, my Department initiates direct contact with students and their parents through attending careers conventions and exhibiting at farming events such as Balmoral Show. This is supplemented by advertising in the Press, on radio programmes and in cinemas. A pilot trial of TV advertising is currently being evaluated.

Steps are also taken to ensure that careers teachers and schools have a good understanding of the agri-food industry and career opportunities within it. DARD colleges hold regular events such as open days and seminars of relevance to schools throughout Northern Ireland.

As you will be aware the EU Rural Development Regulation includes provision for measures to encourage young people to take up farming. However the Department has not included this within the Community Support Framework. The Vision Group, I understand, are looking at the whole area of restructuring. I await their report which will help to inform my final decision.

Salmonid Enhancement Programme

Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will detail the river system and work carried out following the funding of £89,498 to Gilaroo Anglis in relation to the Salmonid Enhancement Scheme.

(AQW 646/00)

Ms Rodgers: Since the Salmonid Enhancement Programme (SEP) was launched in December 1995 under the European Commission’s Water Based Tourism Peace I Measure Gilaroo Angles have been awarded funding of £89,498 to promote the tourism aspects of the Measure. Under the Programme Gilaroo Angles have produced a guide to all the fisheries that received funding, an angling map of Lough Erne, promotional videos and have arranged a series of angling press and media visits which have resulted in many press articles and radio coverage of fisheries improved through SEP.

Due to the continuing success and tourist demand for these publications Gilaroo Angles have organised a re-run of the map and are presently arranging for an update of the day ticket guide to include clubs awarded funding under the later stages of the Programme.

The Gilaroo Angles application is quite different from the majority of the applications which were for in-river works and angling development to improve salmonid stocks. It does, however meet the needs of a key element of the Measure in that it promotes tourism and provides publicity for the Peace Programme. The publicity generated by Gilaroo’s promotional material has encouraged tourists to come and utilise the enhanced facilities.

Coastal Erosion

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will outline her plans to address the problem of coastal erosion.

(AQW 650/00)

Ms Rodgers: Responsibility for coastal erosion does not reside within my Department except in very limited circumstances. The statutory remit of my Department’s Rivers Agency extends to maintenance of Sea Defences designated by the Drainage Council for Northern Ireland to alleviate the risk of flooding from the sea. The Rivers Agency has an on-going programme of work to improve the standards of protection provided by designated Sea Defence structures, but my Department has no statutory responsibility for coastal erosion other than in circumstances where there is a flooding risk.

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CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE

Digitised Maps

Ms Monica McWilliams asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will explain why United Kingdom Boundary Outline and Reference Database for Education and Research Study (UKBORDERS) supply free digitised maps to the academic community for Britain only and what steps he is taking to rectify the matter so that digitised maps for Northern Ireland may be freely available to the academic community.

(AQW 615/00)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): Although digitised maps are provided free to the academic community they are licensed by the data providers (General Registers of Scotland and the EDline consortium), to ESRC/JISC (Economical and Social Research Council/Joint Information Systems Committee). The ESRC/JISC pay a license fee for this data on behalf of the academic community.

Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland (OSNI) are not part of the EDline consortium and were not included in the original agreement between General Register Office for Scotland and the EDline consortium and ESRC/JISC. OSNI are in contact with Professor Phillip Rees of the ESRC/JISC 1991 Census Inititative to facilitate the inclusion of Northern Ireland boundary data within the United Kingdom Boundary Outline and Reference Database for Education and Research Study (UKBORDERS) in the near future.

Regional Museums in Northern Ireland

Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will detail which District Councils, Bodies and individuals have been involved in the consultation on the review of Regional Museums in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 653/00)

Mr McGimpsey: The main consultation exercise for the Local Museum and Heritage Review, the remit of which includes regional museums, is due to take place early next year.

Some initial consultation, however, has already taken place as follows:

(a) the Review has been overseen by a Steering Group, made up of representatives of key interest groups, and an Advisory Group

(b) a consultation workshop, attended by 61 participants, nominated by stakeholder groups, took place at Craigavon Civic Centre on 18 April 2000

(c) consultants employed by the Steering Group consulted with organisations and individuals, in writing and in interviews and meetings.

The names of all those consulted above are set out below:

Members of the Review Steering Group
Mr Kevin Baird Heritage Lottery Fund
Mr Nick Brannon Environment & Heritage Service
Ms Louise Browne Northern Ireland Tourist Board
Mr Norman Davidson Lisburn Borough Council
Mr John Donaghy An Creagán Visitor Centre
Mr Jackie Fitzsimons South Eastern Education & Library Board
Mr Mike Houlihan National Museums & Galleries of Northern Ireland
Mr Tommy Kirkham Fernhill House: The People’s Museum
Mr Tim Mason Museums Consultant, formerly Museums & Galleries

Commission
Mr Des Mitchell Armagh City & District Council
Mr Martin Moore Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure
Dr Eddie Rooney Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure
Dr Gerry Slater Public Record Office of Northern Ireland

Mr Aidan Walsh Northern Ireland Museums Council

Members of the Review Advisory Group

Prof. Ronnie Buchanan
Dr Alan Elliott
Mr Dan Harvey

Participants in the Consultation Workshop
Miss Valerie Adams Public Record Office of Northern Ireland
Mr Tim Ambrose Locum Destination Consulting
Mr Richard Black Historic Monuments Council
Mr William Blair Ballymena Borough Council
Mr Nick Brannon Environment & Heritage Service
Ms Louise Browne Northern Ireland Tourist Board
Mr Tony Candon Omagh District Council
Dr Maurna Crozier Northern Ireland Museums Council
Mr Bobby Dickinson Ulster Archaeological Society
Mr Hugh Doherty Western Education & Library Board
Mr John Donaghy An Creagán Visitor Centre
Ms Gwynne Donnell The Queen’s University of Belfast
Ms Sandra Durand Armagh City & District Council
Dr Alan Elliott Review Advisory Group
Mrs Margaret Elliott National Museums & Galleries of Northern Ireland
Ms Rosemary Ewles Committee of Area Museums Councils
Mr Jackie Fitzsimons South Eastern Education & Library Board
Ms Diane Forbes National Trust
Prof. Tom Fraser Northern Ireland Museums Council
Mr Paul French North Eastern Education & Library Board
Mr Tom Garrett County Down Museum Trust
Mr Michael Goodall Public Record Office of Northern Ireland
Mr John Gordon International Fund for Ireland
Mr Dan Harvey Review Advisory Group
Mr Roddy Hegarty Federation of Ulster Local Studies
Mr Robert Heslip Irish Museums Association
Mr Mike Houlihan National Museums & Galleries of Northern Ireland
Ms Sue Howley Museums, Libraries & Archives Council
Prof. Keith Jeffery University of Ulster
Mr Feargal Kearney Northern Ireland Tourist Board
Ms Vivien Kelly Southern Education & Library Board
Mr Malcolm Lake Institute of Historic Buildings Conservation
Mr David Lammey Public Record Office of Northern Ireland
Mrs Helen Lanigan Wood Fermanagh County Museum
Ms Rose Lavery Association of Northern Ireland Colleges
Ms Catriona Leask Heritage Lottery Fund
Mr Cathal Logue Derry City Council
Mr Shane McAteer Ulster Historical Foundation
Mr Thomas McCall Newry & Mourne District Council
Ms Katherine McCloskey Belfast Education & Library Board
Ms Stella McDermott Heritage Lottery Fund
Dr Aideen McGinley Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure
Mr Craig McGuicken Somme Heritage Centre
Mr Vivian McIver Education & Training Inspectorate
Ms Eila McQueen Northern Ireland Museums Council
Mr Brian Mackey Lisburn Borough Council
Ms Johanne Martin Environment & Heritage Service
Mr Tim Mason Museums Consultant
Mr Des Mitchell Armagh City & District Council
Mr Martin Moore Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure
Ms Alison Muir Irish Professional Conservators’ & Restorers’ Association
Mr Tom Nolan National Museums & Galleries of Northern Ireland
Dr Eddie Rooney Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure
Dr Gerry Slater Public Record Office of Northern Ireland
Ms Zoe Smyth Society of Archivists
Dr Brian Turner Friends of Down County Museum
Mr Aidan Walsh Northern Ireland Museums Council
Cllr Bill Watson National Museums & Galleries of Northern Ireland
Mr Ian Wilson Northern Ireland Regional Curators’ Group
Ms Lesley-Ann Wilson National Museums & Galleries of Northern Ireland
Mrs Primrose Wilson Historic Buildings Council

Consultancy exercise: organisations and individuals consulted in writing

District Councils

Antrim Borough Council
Ards Borough Council
Armagh City & District Council
Ballymena Borough Council
Ballymoney Borough Council
Banbridge District Council
Belfast City Council
Carrickfergus Borough Council
Castlereagh Borough Council
Coleraine Borough Council
Cookstown District Council
Craigavon Borough Council
Derry City Council
Down District Council
Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council
Fermanagh District Council
Larne Borough Council
Limavady Borough Council
Lisburn Borough Council
Magherafelt District Council
Moyle District Council
Newry & Mourne District Council
Newtownabbey Borough Council
North Down Borough Council
Omagh District Council
Strabane District Council

Bodies

Age Concern

An Creagán Visitor Centre
Arts & Business
Arts Council of Northern Ireland
Association of Northern Ireland Colleges
Belfast Regeneration Office
Chief Leisure Officers’ Association
Committee of Area Museums Councils
Community Relations Council
Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
Disability Action
DOE Planning Service
Education & Training Inspectorate
Environment & Heritage Service
European Commission
Federation of Ulster Local Studies
Fernhill House: The People’s Museum
Friends of Armagh County Museum
Friends of Down County Museum
Friends of Fermanagh County Museum
Heritage Lottery Fund
Historic Buildings Council
Historic Monuments Council
Institute of Historic Buildings Conservation
International Fund for Ireland
Irish Association of Professional Archaeologists
Irish Museums Association
Irish Professional Conservators’ & Restorers’ Association
Museums Association
National Museums & Galleries of Northern Ireland
National Trust
New Opportunities Fund
Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers’ Association
Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities
Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action
Northern Ireland Environment Link
Northern Ireland Museums Council
Northern Ireland Partnership Board
Northern Ireland Regional Curators’ Group
Northern Ireland Tourist Board
Northern Ireland Voluntary Trust
Northern Ireland Volunteer Development Agency
Northern Ireland Youth Forum
Public Record Office of Northern Ireland
The Queen’s University of Belfast
Resource: The Council for Museums, Archives & Libraries
Rural Community Network
Rural Development Council for Northern Ireland
Society of Archivists
Somme Heritage Centre
South Eastern Education & Library Board
Ulster Archaeological Society
Ulster Architectural Heritage Society
Ulster Farmers’ Union
Ulster Historical Foundation
University of Ulster
Workers’ Educational Association

Individuals

Prof. Ronnie Buchanan
Mr Tim Mason

Consultancy exercise: organisations and individuals consulted in meetings and interviews

Mr Kevin Baird Heritage Lottery Fund
Mr Bob Blakely Environment & Heritage Service
Mr Nick Brannon Environment & Heritage Service
Ms Sue Christie Northern Ireland Environment Link
Mr Jackie Fitzsimons South Eastern Education & Library Board
Prof. Tom Fraser Northern Ireland Museums Council
Mr Gordon Hatrick Environment & Heritage Service
Mr Mike Houlihan National Museums & Galleries of Northern Ireland
Ms Ruth Laird National Trust
Mr Nick Livingston Arts Council of Northern Ireland
Dr Aideen McGinley Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure
Mr Neville McKay Resource: The Council for Museums, Archives and Libraries
Mr Peter Marlow National Trust
Mr Martin Moore Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure
Dr Eddie Rooney Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure
Dr Gerry Slater Public Record Office of Northern Ireland
Mr Campbell Tweed Historic Monuments Council
Mr Aidan Walsh Northern Ireland Museums Council

TOP
EDUCATION

Consultancy Services

Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Education if, for the period since devolution, he will detail (a) the number of contracts for consultancy services which did not have to go out to public tender, that have been awarded by his Department; (b) to whom these contracts have been awarded; (c) the number of contracts awarded on the basis of such consultancy advice; and (d) to whom these contracts were awarded.

(AQW 550/00)

The Minister of Education (Mr McGuinness): For the period since devolution my Department has awarded two contracts for consultancy services which did not have to go out to public tender. One contract was awarded to PA Consulting Group and the other to Grant Thornton. No contracts were awarded on the basis of this consultancy advice.

Teaching of Democracy and Citizenship

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Education what plans he has to promote the teaching of democracy and citizenship in schools and if he will make a statement.

(AQW 581/00)

Mr McGuinness: I am very aware of the importance of citizenship education for our young people. The Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) is currently undertaking a review of the school curriculum here, taking into account the changing needs of pupils, society and the economy in the new Millennium. The Council has highlighted the issue of citizenship education as part of this review and has been given approval to begin development work on a programme covering Education for Democracy and Citizenship.

Sale of Poppies

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Education if he will confirm that he will provide prominent positioning and room for the sale of poppies in Departmental buildings.

(AQW 601/00)

Mr McGuinness: The established civil service practice has not changed and continued this year at Rathgael House. I will be considering the equality dimension of this further.

Pre-School Education Advisory Groups

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education if he will detail the amount of funding to Pre School Education Advisory Groups for each of the Board areas in the last twelve months.

(AQW 647/00)

Mr McGuinness: Funding under the Pre-School Education Expansion Programme is allocated on the basis of financial years. The budget for the Pre-School Education Advisory Group in each Board area for the 1999/2000 financial year was as follows:

BOARD AREA	Recurrent Funding (£m)	Capital Funding (£m)
BELB	0.541	0.165
WELB	1.029	1.327
NEELB	1.156	1.327
SEELB	0.820	0.995
SELB	0.791	1.161
TOTAL	4.337	4.975

The budget for the Pre-School Education Advisory Group in each Board area for the 2000/01 financial year is as follows:

BOARD AREA	Recurrent Funding (£m)	Capital Funding (£m)
BELB	0.813	0.170
WELB	1.597	1.360
NEELB	1.929	1.360
SEELB	1.502	1.020
SELB	1.357	1.190
TOTAL	7.198	5.100

Extra Funding for Schools

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education if he will (a) detail the amount to be given to schools in Northern Ireland following the Chancellor's announcement on 18 July 2000 (b) confirm that this has been included in the increased education budget which was announced on 17 October 2000 and (c) explain why this money is not being given directly to schools but through education and library boards.

(AQW 688/00)

Mr McGuinness: The Chancellor’s announcement dealt with the outcome of the Spending Review at national level. It is for the Executive Committee to determine the allocation of funds locally, and this has been presented to the Assembly in the Draft Budget. The Budget includes, inter alia, an extra £20m which will go directly to schools as an addition to their LMS allocations for 2001/02. For legislative reasons, the resources for controlled and maintained schools will be issued via the education and library boards, but the funds are earmarked and will be passed on to schools without abatement. The basis of distribution to individual schools will be discussed with the Education Committee.

Key Stage 3 Results

Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Education if, in relation to the target set in The Strategy for Numeracy and Literacy in Northern Ireland that 75% of pupils at Key Stage 3 would achieve level 5 or above by 2002, he will (a) explain his published 1998/99 results for English of 67.7% against 70.6% in 1997/98 (b) detail what steps he is taking to reverse this trend to ensure that the target for 2002 is achieved and (c) provide results at Key Stage 3 for 1999/2000.

(AQW 720/00)

Mr McGuinness: The provisional results for 1999/00 provided to my Department by CCEA are:

Percentage of pupils achieving level 5 or above in end of Key Stage 3 assessment tests:

English

66.8

Mathematics

66.0

These indicate that, in terms of end-of-Key Stage assessment, pupils in post-primary schools have not yet been able to demonstrate the same consistent progress as in the primary sector and reinforces the need to pursue improvement through a range of measures, particularly the Strategy to Promote Literacy and Numeracy which was put in place in 1998/99 and a major programme of in-service training for teachers which commenced in 1999/00. These measures will enable the post-primary sector to build on the solid platform of improvements being achieved in the primary sector. I am also currently engaged in meetings with the Chairs and Chief Executives of each education and library board, and am discussing with them progress in each board area, and what further action is necessary to meet the targets.

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ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT

Domestic Fuel

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail what steps he is taking to assist senior citizens in view of the recent dramatic rise of nearly 14% in the cost of domestic fuel.

(AQW 584/00)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): Responsibility for ensuring that prices paid by domestic electricity and natural gas customers reflect the cost of production and distribution rests with the independent energy Regulator. Similar regulatory arrangements do not apply in the competitive oil and coal sectors where market forces determine the prices charged to customers.

Responsibility for assisting senior citizens in meeting fuel bills rests with my colleague, the Minister for Social Development. His Department has a range of measures in place. In his recent Pre-Budget Report, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced the intention to increase the winter fuel payment by £50 to £200 this winter for all pensioner households. The Department for Social Development (DSD) plans to make these payments in Northern Ireland before Christmas to ensure that the money is available when it is most needed. Cold Weather Payments are also available to help pensioners on Income Support with extra heating costs during periods of very cold weather.

DSD provides funding for the Domestic Energy Efficiency Scheme (DEES) to install energy efficiency measures in certain qualifying households. The Scheme provides basic physical measures such as draughtproofing and loft insulation in dwellings occupied by the over 60s and those households on certain benefits.

From April 2001, a new Domestic Energy Efficiency Scheme will come into operation to address the issue of fuel poverty. The scheme will provide physical measures to include cavity wall insulation and either gas or oil central heating systems for the over 60s. Depending on the energy efficiency of the dwelling prior to improvement it is estimated that elderly households availing of the full package of new DEES measures could save over £300 annually on heating costs.

In addition to the statutory scheme, there is a significant number of voluntary schemes operating in Northern Ireland, all of which provide assistance for the elderly. Advice on such schemes can be obtained by contacting the Energy Efficiency Advice Centre Helpline (Freephone number 0800 512012).

DSD continues to work closely with the energy utilities in Northern Ireland, the Housing Executive, and other agencies and organisations, to develop energy efficiency projects and initiatives for the elderly who may not qualify for the statutory scheme.

Cost of Domestic Coal

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he will outline what steps he intends to take to address the current high cost of domestic coal in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 604/00)

Sir Reg Empey: Government does not have a role in setting or controlling domestic coal prices. Nine tenths of domestic coal stocks in Northern Ireland are imported from outside the United Kingdom. Prices are determined by a number of largely external factors including the level of prices on the world market, transportation costs and currency fluctuations.

The Department for Social Development has a range of measures in place to assist the elderly and families and individuals on low incomes meet their energy, including coal, bills. The measures include the Winter Fuel Payment Scheme, the Cold Weather Payments Scheme and the Domestic Energy Efficiency Scheme.

Small Business

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he will detail how small and medium sized businesses are disadvantaged by regulations such as Minimum Wage, Working Family tax Credits, Student Loans or Stakeholder Pensions and if he will make a statement.

(AQW 629/00)

Sir Reg Empey: The National Minimum Wage has been introduced with no significant adverse impact on employment or the economy. The new arrangements for the repayment of student loans are aligned closely to the administration of tax and national insurance and should not impose a significant burden on employers. On the impact of Stakeholder Pensions on business, a copy of the Regulatory Impact Assessment prepared for the Stakeholder provisions in the Welfare Reform and Pensions (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 and the Stakeholder Pensions Regulations is available in the Assembly Library. Working family tax credits is a reserved matter which is the responsibility of the Inland Revenue.

Announcing New Investments

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he will (a) outline what policy he follows when announcing new investment in each constituency, (b) detail what invitations he issues to MP's and MLA's to attend any media event associated with such announcement and (c) detail the elected representation invited to such occassions in the last 12 months.

(AQW 638/00)

Sir Reg Empey: It is not normal practice for the Minister to issue invitations to MPs or MLAs. Frequently the Minister is himself a guest.

Most announcements of new investments in any constituency are a matter for the company concerned. Invitations are usually issued by a company or a public relations firm acting on its behalf. If companies wish to invite MPs, MLAs or Councillors, my Department is happy to provide a list of relevant public representatives.

The final decision on who is to be invited is a matter for the company.

TOP
ENVIRONMENT

Slow Moving Vehicles

Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Minister of the Environment if he will make it compulsory for all slow moving vehicles, especially tractors, to have flashing beacons fitted when using public highways.

(AQW 568/00)

The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): I have no plans to make the fitting of flashing beacons compulsory on all slow moving vehicles, such as tractors, when they are used on public highways.

There are already requirements, under the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000, for motor vehicles with four or more wheels and with a maximum speed not exceeding 25 mph to be fitted with a flashing amber beacon when used on a dual-carriageway (except to cross such a carriageway). This restriction does not apply to other public roads.

Slow moving vehicles such as tractors are not permitted to use motorways.

Radon Gas in Northern Ireland

Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Minister of the Environment what assessment he has made in relation to the threat posed by Radon Gas in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 608/00)

Mr Foster: My Department published The 1999 Radon in Dwellings report in May 1999 showing the levels of radon gas in private dwellings throughout Northern Ireland. This Report, based on some 16,000 measurements in private dwellings, includes a map of radon risk and information on radon tests carried out in the province. This shows that there are areas in the West of the province and the Southeast where radon risk is elevated. It also includes an assessment of the risk posed by radon gas.

It is estimated that radon could account for about 60 of the 800, or so, lung cancer deaths each year in Northern Ireland.

Copies of the Report are available in the Assembly library.

The Environment and Heritage Service of my Department continues to offer free tests to all householders in the highest risk areas.

Recycled Paper

Mr Jim Wells asked the Minister of the Environment if he will detail the proportion of stationery used by his Department which is manufactured from recycled material and the proportion of waste paper generated by his Department which is recycled.

(AQW 628/00)

Mr Foster: Information in the form requested is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Driving Test: Female Examiners

Mr Donovan McClelland asked the Minister of the Environment if he will detail the number of driving test examiners who are female and what plans he has to redress any imbalance.

(AQW 656/00)

Mr Foster: Of the 20 Driving Traffic Examiners employed in the Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency, three are female. Prior to 1999 no women had been employed as Examiners.

The Agency recognises the value of recruiting more female Examiners and has already taken steps to redress the gender imbalance. In 1999, following advice from the former Equal Opportunities Commission, the criteria used for recruiting and selecting Driving Traffic Examiners were revised to ensure that they did not discriminate against women either directly or indirectly. All recruitment literature now specifically encourages applications from women able to meet the eligibility conditions, and partly as a result the last recruitment exercise for Examiners, in July 1999, attracted 46 applications from women out of a total of 174 applications received.

The Agency is continuing to monitor and review its recruitment and selection procedures to ensure equality of opportunity and to optimise the number of applications received from suitably qualified women.

Townscape Planning

Ms Eileen Bell asked the Minister of the Environment if he will make a statement on 'Townscape' Plans.

(AQO 330/00)

Mr Foster:

Planning Policy Statement 6 entitled "Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage", explains the nature, purpose and implementation of Areas of Townscape Character.

Areas of Townscape Character are normally designated through the development plan process. This provides guidance on the control of development in areas which, while not necessarily meriting Conservation Area designation, nevertheless possess characteristics distinctive of building styles of particular eras or localities. Local policies or proposals and guidance for such areas will also be included in the plan or where appropriate in supplementary planning guidance.

There are currently 25 designated Areas of Townscape Character in Northern Ireland and further designations are proposed in draft development plans.

Mobile Telecommunications Masts Planning Policy

Mr John Kelly asked the Minister of the Environment what steps he is taking to address the gap in planning that permits mobile telecommunications masts to be erected without the need for a full planning application.

(AQO 301/00)

Mr Foster: Current legislation is that the installation of masts up to 15 metres in height is permitted development, subject to a "prior approval procedure." This involves the approval of matters relating to siting and design. Masts above 15 metres in height require full planning permission.

On 10 November 2000 I issued a consultation paper seeking views on possible changes to planning legislation and revised planning policy guidance for telecommunications development.

The consultation paper is widely available and the closing date for responses is 15 January 2001.

Planning and Roads Services Co-operation

Mr Sean Neeson asked the Minister of the Environment what steps he will take to improve co-operation between the Planning Service and the Roads Service.

(AQO 318/00)

Mr Foster: The Roads Service is consulted by the Planning Service on all planning applications received which affect the public road network and/or road safety. The Roads Service is also fully consulted during the preparation of area development plans and when policies in which both Planning and Roads Services have an input are being prepared.

In addition, quarterly joint Management Board Meetings between the two agencies are held to discuss problems and matters of mutual interest.

Flooding (Area Plans)

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of the Environment if he will ensure that when drawing up new Area Plans, consideration will be given to the recent increased levels of flooding.

(AQO 333/00)

Mr Foster: This is clearly an issue of growing concern given the implications of recent adverse weather and current predictions regarding long term climate changes. In drawing up new Area Plans, it is already established practice for my Department to consult with the Rivers Agency of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. This is done with a view to seeking advice on areas liable to flooding, and to ensure that Plan proposals have due regard to these factors.

I can give assurance that such consideration will continue in the preparation of future Area Plans.

Planning and Compensation Claims

Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister of the Environment if he will detail the total cost of compensation claims made under the provision of the 1965 Act and 1972 Order which are to be amended as part of the Planning (Compensation Etc.) Bill.

(AQO 305/00)

Mr Foster: The Member will appreciate that there must be some doubts about the accuracy and completeness of records which go back 35 years in the case of the 1965 Act, and 28 years in the case of the 1972 Order. Figures extracted from old registers would indicate that the total paid under the 1965 Act is in the region of £5.7m. There are no records of any payments under the 1972 Order.

Since 1991, when the compensation provisions were changed in Great Britain some £0.9m has been paid under Section 29 of the 1965 Act.

Road Traffic Accidents Deaths and Injuries

Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of the Environment in each of the last five years he will (a) indicte the number of deaths and injuries caused through road traffic accidents; (b) give a breakdown of ages by percentage of those who have died through road traffic accidents; and (c) give his assurance that he is constructively tackling the serious problem of road traffic in co-ordination with the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

(AQO 310/00)

Mr Foster: During the period 1995 to 1999 the number of deaths and injuries caused through road traffic collisions was as follows:

Year Deaths Serious Casualties Slight Casualties

1995 144 1,532 10,049

1996 142 1,599 10,834

1997 144 1,548 11,006

1998 160 1,538 11,006

1999 141 1,509 11,799

I am unable at this stage to provide a breakdown by age of those who have died through road traffic collisions. The collection of road casualty statistics is carried out by the RUC. Policing is a reserved matter, and my Department has requested this information from the Northern Ireland Office. I will write to the Member as soon as the figures are to hand.

I can assure the Member that my Department and the RUC work constructively together in our joint efforts to reduce the unacceptable number of casualties on our roads and to approach this task in a strategic way. To this end, my Department will be publishing shortly a consultation document seeking views on a new road safety strategy for Northern Ireland for 2001-2010. This has been drawn up under the direction of the Road Safety Review Group, a cross-departmental group led by my Department and including other local departments and the RUC.

My officials continue to have a close working relationship with the RUC, in particular to ensure that advertising campaigns and increased RUC enforcement are co-ordinated. This will be the case for a new Anti-Drink Drive commercial to be launched at the end of November.

Protection of Archaeological Sites

Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister of the Environment if he will outline his plans to address the destruction of many of our ancient archaeological sites by modern housing and road developments and if there are mechanisms in place to protect such sites.

(AQO 315/00)

Mr Foster: My Department is committed to ensuring that all features of the archaeological and built heritage are appropriately protected from unnecessary damage or destruction from whatever source.

There are a number of mechanisms in place which provide protection for our rich archaeological heritage. Specific archaeological sites and monuments may be taken into the care of my Department, or may be scheduled for protection under the provisions of the Historic Monuments and Archaeological Objects (NI) Order 1991.

In addition, the planning policies outlined in Planning Policy Statement 6, entitled "Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage", afford appropriate protection to archaeological remains from the effects of development proposals. TOP

FINANCE AND PERSONNEL

Consultancy Services

Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if, for the period since devolution, he will detail (a) the number of contracts for consultancy services which did not have to go out to public tender, that have been awarded by his Department; (b) to whom these contracts have been awarded; (c) the number of contracts awarded on the basis of such consultancy advice; and (d) to whom these contracts were awarded.

(AQW 572/00)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): The information requested is as follows:

(a) Since devolution the Department has awarded 32 contracts for consultancy services which did not have to go out to public tender.

(b) These contracts were awarded to:-

Altis
Fred Ashwood
BizNet
BKS Surveys Ltd
Mr J Bradley
Bridgehead
A V Browne Events Management
Building Services Design
Building Research Establishment
Business Strategies Ltd
CADCO
Mr T Chapman
Devise Ltd
Economic Research and Evaluation
Trevor Evans
Ewan Associates

Richard Hallerton
Mrs E Harkness
Hillen & Jenkinson
Independent Research Solutions
Information Builders (UK) Ltd
Internet Business Ltd
Mr N Lambe
Microsoft
Mineit
Mr J Power
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Professor Colin Knox
Proteus (NI) Ltd
Real Statistics
RMA Systems
K Stoney & Partners

(d) Not applicable

Capital Modernisation Funding

Ms Monica McWilliams asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will detail how much of the £50 million allocated to Northern Ireland under the Capital Modernisation funding will be made available to the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Learning Centres initiative and what is the target number of ICT Learning centres for Northern Ireland under this programme.

(AQW 618/00)

Mr Durkan: Northern Ireland receives a share through the Barnett formula of resources that are allocated from the Capital Modernisation Fund. This share forms part of the budget over which the Executive Committee has full discretion as to how it is used.

Provision of £4 million has been made available in 2000/01 to provide for the establishment of 20 accredited Learning Centres and the activation of 3,000 Individual Learning Accounts by March 2001.

In the Spending Review period, the draft budget plans provide for the establishment of 30 Learning Centres and the activation of 17,000 Individual Learning Accounts by March 2002.

Rates Amendment Order 1999

Mr Sean Neeson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will detail when he will implement the Rates Amendment Order 1999 particularly in relation to rates relief for rural shops.

(AQW 621/00)

Mr Durkan: The Rates (Amendment) Order came into operation on 1 April 1999 and the enabling power to make a relief scheme was set out in that Order. To date 521 local rural settlements have been identified with boundaries delineated on maps and a sample survey has been completed to identify eligible properties in the settlements and estimates of the revenue loss have been made. Further work would be required on refining criteria, rules and procedures for the scheme, consulting with District Councils and drawing up subordinate legislation. The Executive Committee will consider the proposed scheme and a decision on implementation will be made at the earliest opportunity.

Assembly Update on Europe

Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to update the Assembly on forthcoming European funds and programmes and to make a statement.

(AQO 309/00)

Mr Durkan: Negotiations on the European Commission’s Community Support Framework (CSF) for Northern Ireland, which will be implemented via two Operational Programmes - Peace II and Transitional Objective 1 - have reached a conclusion and we are awaiting the document’s formal approval and publication by the Commission. Negotiations with the European Commission on the two Operational Programmes commenced at the beginning of October and are expected to continue until the end of the year. Together with the European Commission, we are committed to finalising these negotiations on the detail of the Programmes as quickly as possible.

Outside of the CSF, Northern Ireland will also benefit from 4 European - wide Community Initiative Programmes - URBAN, EQUAL, LEADER and INTERREG. The Executive Committee has already considered proposals for these Programmes and following their recent approval by the North South Ministerial Council these proposals have now been submitted to the European Commission as a basis for negotiation and agreement.

Restoring Historic Buildings

Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will make representation to the Exchequer to change the anomaly between Value Added Tax (VAT) charged on restoring historic buildings at 17.5% and that charged on new build at 0%.

(AQW 633/00)

Mr Durkan: The Private Secretary to the Chancellor wrote to departments seeking tax proposals for next year's budget. The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister submitted a composite response on behalf of the Northern Ireland departments and this included a proposal that Value Added Tax (VAT) on repairs to listed buildings should be reduced.

TOP
HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY

Sure Start Strategy

Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what progress has been made in respect of the Sure Start Strategy for young babies and children in the constituency of South Down.

(AQW 564/00)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): One of the Sure Start projects for which I announced funding in July will cover Downpatrick and surrounding districts. There are an estimated 1500 children aged under 5 in the area to be covered by the project. Ballymote Children’s Centre will provide a base for the project, but much of the work will be done on an outreach basis. Work is in hand to recruit a co-ordinator for the Sure Start project, which should be operational before the end of December.

Clúdóidh ceann de na tionscadail Sure Start, ar fhógair mé maoiniú ina leith i mí Iúil, Dún Pádraig agus na ceantair máguaird. Meastar go bhfuil 1500 páistí faoi bhonn 5 bliana d’aois sa cheantar a chlúdóidh an tionscadal. Beidh an tionscadal bunaithe in Ionad Leanaí Bhaile an Mhóta ach déanfar cuid mhór den obair ar bhonn cianrochtana. Táthar i mbun oibre le comhordaitheoir a earcú don tionscadal Sure Start agus ba cheart go mbeadh an obair faoi lán seoil roimh dheireadh mhí na Nollag.

Domestic Violence

Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the number of cases of Domestic Violence where men were the victims.

(AQW 566/00)

Ms de Brún: There were 7,411 reported cases of domestic disputes involving physical violence in 1999, of which 889 involved male victims.

Tuairiscíodh 7,411 chás díospóidí teaghlaigh sa bhliain 1999 ina raibh foréigean fisiciúil agus i 889 gcás díobh siúd ba fhir na híospartaigh.

Bed Losses

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the number of private bed losses in, (a) residential care and (b) nursing care in each Board Area in each of the last three years.

(AQW 574/00)

Ms de Brún: The net losses or gains in numbers of private beds in residential care and nursing care in each Board Area in each of the last three years are shown in the tables below.

(a) Residential Care

Board	Year
Board	1997	1998	1999	2000	Change 1997-98	Change 1998-99	Change 1999-00
Eastern	935	1,050	1,019	931	+115	-31	-88
Northern	768	861	927	928	+93	+66	+1
Southern	449	449	533	554	0	+84	+21
Western	291	300	291	307	+9	-9	+16
Overall	2,443	2,660	2,770	2,720	+217	+110	-50

(b) Nursing Care

Board	Year
Board	1997	1998	1999	2000	Change 1997-98	Change 1998-99	Change 1999-00
Eastern	3,884	3,776	3,738	3,623	-108	-38	-115
Northern	2,462	2,396	2,338	2,300	-66	-58	-38
Southern	1,484	1,470	1,507	1,526	-14	+37	+19
Western	1,277	1,312	1,282	1,338	+35	-30	+56
Overall	9,107	8,954	8,865	8,787	-153	-89	-78

The information for the Eastern, Northern and Southern Boards is in respect of the position at 31 March each year, and that for the Western Board is in respect of the position at 30 June each year.

Tá na glanchaillteanais nó na glanghnóthachain maidir le líon na leapacha príobháideacha faoi chúram cónaitheach agus faoi chúram altranais i ngach ceantar Boird ar taispeáint sna táblaí thíos.

(a) Cúram Cónaitheach

Bord	Bliain
Bord	1997	1998	1999	2000	Athrú 1997-98	Athrú 1998-99	Athrú 1999-00
B.an Oirthir	935	1,050	1,019	931	+115	-31	-88
B.an Tuaiscirt	768	861	927	928	+93	+66	+1
B.an Deiscirt	449	449	533	554	0	+84	+21
B.an Iarthair	291	300	291	307	+9	-9	+16
Iomlán	2,443	2,660	2,770	2,720	+217	+110	-50

(b) Cúram Altranais

Bord	Bliain
Bord	1997	1998	1999	2000	Athrú 1997-98	Athrú 1998-99	Athrú 1999-00
B.an Oirthir	3,884	3,776	3,738	3,623	-108	-38	-115
B.an Tuaiscirt	2,462	2,396	2,338	2,300	-66	-58	-38
B.an Deiscirt	1,484	1,470	1,507	1,526	-14	+37	+19
B.an Iarthair	1,277	1,312	1,282	1,338	+35	-30	+56
Iomlán	9,107	8,954	8,865	8,787	-153	-89	-78

Maidir le Bord an Oirthir, Bord an Tuaiscirt, agus Bord an Deiscirt baineann an t-eolas leis an staid ar an 31 Márta gach bliain, agus maidir le Bord an Iarthair baineann sé leis an staid ar an 30 Meitheamh gach bliain.

Folic Acid

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if, in relation to neural tube defects including spina bifida, she will (a) detail the incident rate in Northern Ireland in comparison with Great Britain, (b) outline what steps she is taking to reduce these figures, (c) give her assessment of the use of folic acid as a supplement to reduce spina bifida births and (d) detail any plans to have folic acid added to bread and flour.

(AQW 575/00)

Ms de Brún: The information requested is as follows:

The incident rate is: -

(a) 0.5 per 1,000 births here
1.1 per 1,000 births in Scotland
0.1 per 1,000 births in England and Wales

(b) Since 1991 information campaigns have highlighted the importance of women contemplating pregnancy taking folic acid supplements to prevent neural tube defects. Indeed we are presently running a major folic acid campaign in co-operation with the Department of Health and Children.