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.

(c) I fully support the scientific evidence on the importance of folic acid supplements in reducing the risk of neural tube defects.

(d) Health Departments issued a consultation document in July this year on the fortification of flour with folic acid. The consultation ended on 31 October and the responses are presently being considered.

Is mar a leanas atá an t-eolas a iarradh:

Is é ráta na gcásanna: -

(a) 0.5 in aghaidh gach 1,000 breith anseo
1.1 in aghaidh gach 1,000 breith in Albain
0.1 in aghaidh gach 1,000 breith i Sasana agus sa Bhreatain Bheag

(b) Ón bhliain 1991 tá feachtais eolais ar siúl chun a chur in iúl a thábhachtaí atá sé go nglacfaidh mná, atá ag smaoineamh ar a bheith torrach, ábhar forlíontach d’aigéad fólach chun cosc a chur ar éislinní néarfheadán. Leoga, táimid i mbun mórfheachtais ar aigéad fólach faoi láthair i bpáirt leis an Roinn Sláinte agus Leanaí.

(c) Tacaím go hiomlán leis an fhianaise eolaíochta go bhfuil tábhacht mhór le hábhair fhorlíontacha d’aigéad fólach maidir le priacal éislinní néarfheadán a laghdú.

(d) D’eisigh na Ranna Sláinte cáipéis chomhairliúcháin i mí Iúil i mbliana ar threisiú plúir le haigéad fólach. Chríochnaigh an tréimhse chomhairliúcháin ar an 31 Deireadh Fómhair agus tá na freagraí á mbreithniú faoi láthair.

Cystic Fibrosis

Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the percentage of new born babies who were screened for Cystic Fibrosis in all hospitals from 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000.

(AQW 576/00)

Ms de Brún: All newborn babies here are screened for cystic fibrosis.

Déantar scagthástáil ar gach leanbh nuabheirthe le haghaidh fiobróise cistí.

Heart Disease

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the steps she is taking to combat heart disease in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 577/00)

Ms de Brún: Action is being taken on many fronts. The Health Promotion Agency spends about one half of its total annual budget on initiatives to tackle the risk factors associated with heart disease. The Agency’s efforts are complemented at local level by the health promotion work of Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts, and by general practitioners. Strategies on food and nutrition, physical activity, smoking and alcohol have been developed and are being implemented at local level. In addition a review of cardiology has been completed and a review of cardiac surgery has just started.

Tá bearta á ndéanamh in a lán réimsí. Caitheann an Ghníomhaireacht Chur Chun Cinn Sláinte tuairim agus leath a buiséid bhliantúil ar thionscnaimh chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar na priacail a ghabhann le galar croí. Cuireann an obair ar chur chun cinn sláinte a dhéanann na Boird agus na hIontaobhais Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta agus na liachleachtóirí le hiarrachtaí na Gníomhaireachta. Ceapadh straitéisí go háitiúil maidir le bia agus cothú, gníomhaíocht fhisiciúil, caitheamh tobac agus alcól, agus tá siad á gceapadh go fóill. Ina theannta sin tá athbhreithniú ar sheirbhísí cairdeolaíochta curtha i gcrích agus táthar go díreach i ndiaidh tús a chur le hathbhreithniú ar mháinliacht chairdiach.

Number of Nurses

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the number of nurses working in the National Health Service.

(AQW 580/00)

Ms de Brún: The estimated number of qualified nurses employed in the National Health Service is 410,000.

Meastar gurb é 410,000 líon na n-altraí cáilithe atá fostaithe sa tSeirbhís Náisiúnta Sláinte.

Occupational Therapy Department

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will undertake to employ more administration staff within the Occupational Therapy Department with responsibility for the Ulster North Down and Ards Trust area.

(AQW 582/00)

Ms de Brún: The employment of staff within the health and social services is a matter for Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts. I understand that the Ulster Hospitals and Community HSS Trust is committed to ensuring that recruitment of additional staff to the occupational therapy service will reflect the need to have the correct balance between clinical and administrative staff so as to ensure the most effective use of the time of occupational therapists.

Is gnó é do na Boird agus do na hIontaobhais Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta foireann a fhostú taobh istigh de sheirbhísí sláinte agus de sheirbhísí sóisialta. Tuigim go bhfuil rún daingean ag Iontaobhas SSS Phobal agus Ospidéil Uladh a chinntiú go léireoidh líon na foirne breise a earcófar do theiripe cheirde an gá atá leis an chothromaíocht cheart a fháil idir an fhoireann chliniciúil agus an fhoireann riaracháin lena chinntiú go mbainfear an úsáid is éifeachtaí as am na dteiripeoirí ceirde.

Occupational Therapists

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the amount of time that Occupational Therapists use to visit patients and how much time is spent on administration within the Ulster North Down and Ards Trust Area.

(AQW 583/00)

Ms de Brún: The information requested is not available.

Níl an t-eolas a iarradh ar fáil.

Northern Board Funding

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the percentage increase in funding to the Northern Board as a result of the budget announcement compared to last year's allocation.

(AQW 587/00)

Ms de Brún: I am not yet in a position to provide this information. Decisions on the allocation of the Budget available to my Department will only be finalised following the further Statement on the Budget by the Minister of Finance & Personnel to the Assembly in December.

Níl mé in ann an t-eolas sin a sholáthar go fóill. Is i ndiaidh an ráitis bhreise ar an Bhuiséad a thabharfaidh an tAire Airgeadais agus Pearsanra don Tionól i mí na Nollag, a chuirfear bail chríochnaitheach ar na cinntí maidir le leithroinnt an Bhuiséid a bheas ar fáil do mo Roinnse.

Skilled Nursing Staff

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail how the budget allocation to her Department will address the shortage of skilled nursing staff in the Northern Health and Social Services Health Board area.

(AQW 588/00)

Ms de Brún: Decisions on the allocation of the Budget additions for my Department will be taken in due course and will be informed, among other things, by the further Statement from the Minister of Finance & Personnel on the Budget in December to the Assembly. A key objective in the allocation of resources is in providing the necessary funding to support front-line staff and services in meeting the increasing pressure on them. In this respect, any additional resources I allocate to the Northern Board will help them, and local Trusts, to look at their own priorities, including the shortage of skilled nursing staff, and to fund them accordingly.

Déanfar cinntí maidir le leithroinnt breiseanna an Bhuiseid ar mo Roinnse in am is i dtráth agus is é a rachaidh i gcion ar na cinntí sin, i measc nithe eile, an ráiteas breise ar an Bhuiséad a thabharfaidh an tAire Airgeadais agus Pearsanra don Tionól i mí na Nollag. Nuair a leithroinntear acmhainní tá sé ar na príomhchuspóirí an maoiniú riachtanach a sholáthar chun tacú le baill foirne agus le seirbhísí sa líne tosaigh agus iad ag déileáil leis na brúnna atá ag síormhéadú. I dtaca le sin de, beidh acmhainní breise ar bith a leithroinnfidh mé ar Bhord an Tuaiscirt ina gcuidiú aige agus ag Iontaobhais áitiúla aghaidh a thabhairt ar a gcuid tosaíochtaí féin, agus ganntanas altraí cáilithe san áireamh, agus iad a mhaoiniú da réir.

Northern Board Additional Funding

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail how much additional funding does she intend to allocate to the Northern Board area during the next financial year.

(AQW 589/00)

New Nursing Staff

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail how much additional funding she intends to allocate to the Northern Board for new nursing staff.

(AQW 590/00)

Northern Board Area

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will confirm that the shortage of nursing staff in the Northern Board area can only be resolved once permanent funding arrangements are put in place.

(AQW 591/00)

Ms de Brún: It is a matter in the first instance for the relevant Health and Social Services Trusts to determine their nursing staff requirements to ensure that effective patient services are in place and to negotiate funding with the Northern Health and Social Services Board. The scope for allocating resources will of course be dependent on the amount of funding available to the Board and on the priorities determined by the Board for services in its area.

Sa chéad dul síos is gnó é do na hIontaobhais chuí Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta a shocrú cad iad na riachtanais atá orthu maidir le foireann altraí chun a chinntiú go mbeidh seirbhísí éifeachtacha d’othair ann agus an maoiniú ina leith sin a chaibidil le Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Tuaiscirt. Ar ndóigh beidh an scóp maidir le leithroinnt acmhainní ag brath ar an mhaoiniú atá ar fáil ag an Bhord agus ar na tosaíochtaí a shocraíonn an Bord do sheirbhísí ina cheantar.

Consultants Currently Employed

Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the number of consultants currently employed in the Health Service in Northern Ireland broken down by speciality, byHealth Board area and by individual Trust.

(AQW 592/00)

Ms de Brún: The information requested is set out in the attached tables.

Tá an t-eolas a iarradh leagtha amach sna táblaí atá i gceangal leis seo.

CONSULTANTS BY BOARD, TRUST AND SPECIALTY

	A&E	Anaesthetics	Medicine	Surgery	Obstetrics & Gynae	Dentistry	Paediatrics	Pathology	Psychiatry	Radiology *	Public Health
EASTERN BOARD Belfast City Hospital Down & Lisburn Greenpark Mater Infirmorum N&W Belfast Royal Group S&E Belfast Ulster Hospital & Community Blood Transfusion Service TOTAL	2 1 - 1 - 3 - 3 - 10	20 8 7 4 - 40 - 15 - 94	40 6 4 4 - 44 - 16 - 114	18 3 17 7 - 50 - 17 - 112	6 5 - 3 - 6 - 5 - 25	- - - - - 19 - 2 - 21	- - - - 1 16 2 5 - 24	14 - - - - 23 - 4 2 43	6 11 1 7 4 2 9 5 - 45	21 3 2 3 - 8 - 7 - 44	9 - - - - - - - 1 - 10
NORTHERN BOARD Causeway Homefirst United Hospitals TOTAL	- - 1 1	6 - 11 17	6 - 19 25	3 - 14 17	3 - 6 9	- - - -	3 1 5 9	1 - 8 9	3 15 - 18	3 - 7 10	6 - - - 6
SOUTHERN BOARD Armagh & Dungannon Craigavon Area Hospital Craigavon & Banbridge Community Newry & Mourne TOTAL	- 3 - - 3	4 10 - 4 18	4 8 - 4 16	2 9 - 4 15	2 4 - 4 10	1 - 1 - - 2	1 5 - 4 10	- 8 - - 8	6 - 6 3 15	- 5 - 2 7	7 - - - - 7
WESTERN BOARD Altnagelvin Foyle Sperrin Lakeland TOTAL	2 - - 2	12 - 8 20	14 1 7 22	17 - 7 24	5 - 3 8	3 - - 3	4 1 3 8	7 - - 7	- 9 8 17	6 - 3 9	3 - - - 3
OVERALL TOTAL	16	149	177	168	52	26	51	67	95	70	26

* Radiology includes Radiotherapy

LIANNA COMHAIRLEACHA DE RÉIR BORD, IONTAOBHAS AGUS SPEISIALTÓIREACHTAÍ

	T&É	Ainéistéitic	Míochaine	Máinliacht	Cnáimh & Gínéic	Fiaclóireacht	Péidiatraic	Paiteolaíocht	Síciatracht	Raideolaíocht *	Sláinte Phoiblí
BORD AN OIRTHIR Ospidéal Cathrach Bhéal Feirste An Dún & Lios na gCearrbhach An Pháirc Ghlas Mater Infirmorum T&I Bhéal Feirste An Grúpa Ríoga D&O Bhéal Feirste Pobal agus Ospidéal Uladh An tSeirbhís Fuilaistriúcháin IOMLÁN	2 1 - 1 - 3 - 3 - 10	20 8 7 4 - 40 - 15 - 94	40 6 4 4 - 44 - 16 - 114	18 3 17 7 - 50 - 17 - 112	6 5 - 3 - 6 - 5 - 25	- - - - - 19 - 2 - 21	- - - - 1 16 2 5 - 24	14 - - - - 23 - 4 2 43	6 11 1 7 4 2 9 5 - 45	21 3 2 3 - 8 - 7 - 44	9 - - - - - - - 1 - 10
BORD AN TUAISCIRT An Clochán Homefirst Na hOspidéil Aontaithe IOMLÁN	- - 1 1	6 - 11 17	6 - 19 25	3 - 14 17	3 - 6 9	- - - -	3 1 5 9	1 - 8 9	3 15 - 18	3 - 7 10	6 - - - 6
BORD AN DEISCIRT Ard Mhacha & Dún Geannain Ospidéal Cheantair Craigavon Pobal Craigavon & D. na Banna An tIúr agus an Mhorn IOMLÁN	- 3 - - 3	4 10 - 4 18	4 8 - 4 16	2 9 - 4 15	2 4 - 4 10	1 - 1 - - 2	1 5 - 4 10	- 8 - - 8	6 - 6 3 15	- 5 - 2 7	7 - - - - 7
BORD AN IARTHAIR Alt na nGealbhan An Feabhal Loch-Cheantar an Speirín IOMLÁN	2 - - 2	12 - 8 20	14 1 7 22	17 - 7 24	5 - 3 8	3 - - 3	4 1 3 8	7 - - 7	- 9 8 17	6 - 3 9	3 - - - 3
FORIOMLÁN	16	149	177	168	52	26	51	67	95	70	26

* Áirítear Radaiteiripe le Raideolaíocht

General Practice Trainee Course

Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the number of male and female applicants for the general practice trainee course at Queen's University between 1999 and 2000.

(AQW 593/00)

Ms de Brún: Applications for general practitioner vocational training are not made to the Queen’s University of Belfast. This training is co-ordinated by the NI Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education on behalf the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. There are currently two routes of entry to training:

(a) selection for GP Registrar year (involving a minimum of 12 months vocational training in the general practice setting) after completion of the required training in approved hospital-based posts (usually 2 years); and

(b) selection for the 3-year scheme comprising both the hospital and practice-based elements.

The breakdowns, by gender, for applications to the two vocational training schemes commencing between 1999 and 2000 were as follows:

FEMALE MALE TOTAL

GP Registrar scheme 42 31 73

(1–year):

3-year scheme: 34 18 52

Ní chuirtear iarratais chuig Ollscoil na Banríona Bhéal Feirste le haghaidh oiliúna gairmiúla mar liachleachtóir ginearálta. Is é Comhairle Oideachais Iarchéime Míochaine agus Fiaclóireachta a chomhordaíonn an oiliúint thar ceann na Roinne Sláinte, Seirbhísí Sóisialta agus Sábháilteachta Pearsanta. Faoi láthair tá dhá chonair iontrála ann le haghaidh oiliúna:

(a) roghnaítear iarratasóirí don bhliain mar chláraitheoir Liachleachtóra Ghinearálta (tá oiliúint ghairmiuil 12 mhí ar a laghad i gceist i dtimpeallacht chleachtais ghinearálta) i ndiaidh dóibh tréimhse éigeantach oiliúna a chaitheamh (dhá bhliain go hiondúil) i bpoist fhormheasta ospidéal; agus

(b) roghnaítear iarratasóirí le haghaidh scéime trí bliana ina bhfuil oiliúint in ospidéal agus i gcleachtas ginearálta i gceist.

Is mar a leanas miondealú na n-iarratais, de réir inscne, don dá scéim oiliúna gairmiúla a thosaigh idir 1999 agus 2000:

MNÁ FIR IOMLÁN

Scéim chláraitheora LG 42 31 73

(1 bhliain):

Scéim 3 bliana: 34 18 52

Acute Hospital Beds Provision

Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if, with reference to AQO 184/00 regarding Acute Hospital Beds Provision, she will outline the situation with the acute beds provision in Craigavon Area Hospital and what plans were reviewed with Craigavon Area Hospital Group Trust to deal with winter pressures.

(AQW 594/00)

Ms de Brún: The number of acute beds currently available at Craigavon Area Hospital is 414. The Southern Health and Social Services Board has been engaged in discussions with Craigavon Area Hospitals Group Trust since before the summer on a number of proposals to deal with winter pressures. Measures already agreed include the expansion of Intensive Care/High Dependency Beds, the funding of additional intermediate care beds and the consolidation and expansion of the community "step-down" scheme to facilitate earlier discharge from hospital. Some other measures are currently being explored with the Trust.

Tá 414 géarleapacha ar fáil faoi láthair in Otharlann Cheantar Craigavon. Tá Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Deiscirt i mbun díospóireachta le hIontaobhas Ghrúpa Otharlanna Cheantar Craigavon sula raibh an samhradh ann faoi roinnt moltaí le déileáil le brúnna an gheimhridh. Ar na bearta ar socraíodh orthu tá cur le Leapacha Géarchúraim/Ardspleáchais, maoiniú leapacha breise cúraim idirmheánaigh agus daingniú agus méadú na scéime pobail "step-down" le ligean amach níos luaithe ón otharlann a éascú. Tá roinnt beart eile á bhfiosrú leis an Iontaobhas.

Patients Awaiting Cancer Treatment

Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the waiting times for those patients awaiting cancer treatment - i.e. the time between the initial diagnosis and the commencement of treatment.

(AQW 596/00)

Ms de Brún: The information is not available in the form requested. Information gathered in relation to patients with a diagnosis of cancer in 1999/2000 indicates that the average waiting time between the date on which a consultant decided to admit a patient and the actual admission date was 46 days.

Níl an t-eolas ar fáil san fhoirm a iarradh. Léiríonn an t-eolas a fuarthas maidir le hothair le hailse i 1999/2000 gurbh é 46 lá an meánam feithimh idir an dáta ar ar chinn an lia comhairleach othar a ligean isteach, agus an fíordháta a ligeadh isteach é/í.

Community Care

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail how much funding she is going to allocate to the Northern Board to address the Community Care needs of the 536 patients waiting for care packages.

(AQW 599/00)

Community Care

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she is aware that 96 of the 536 patients on the waiting list for Community Care in the Northern Health and Social Services Board area could be discharged from hospital if funding for additional community care packages was available and how does she intend to allocate this funding.

(AQW 600/00)

Ms de Brún: At 30 September 2000 there were 76 residents of the Northern Health and Social Services Board in hospital who were reported medically fit for discharge from hospital and waiting for a community care package to be arranged. This included 43 people waiting because no funding was available from the Northern Board to provide their care packages.

As regards funding for additional community care packages I am not yet in a position to provide this information. Decisions on the allocation of additional funds will be taken in light of the further Statement from the Minister of Finance and Personnel by the Budget in December to the Assembly.

Ar an 30 Meán Fómhair 2000 bhí 76 chónaitheoir ó cheantar Bhord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta san ospidéal agus tuairiscíodh fúthu go raibh siad sláintiúil go leor lena gcur abhaile agus go raibh siad ag feitheamh go socrófaí cúram pobail dóibh. Bhí 43 ina measc a bhí ag feitheamh cionn is nach raibh maoiniú ar fáil ó Bhord an Tuaiscirt le cúram a sholáthar dóibh.

Maidir le maoiniú le haghaidh cúraim pobail bhreise, níl mé in ann an t-eolas sin a sholáthar go fóill. Déanfar cinntí maidir le leithroinnt an mhaoinithe bhreise i bhfianaise an chéad ráitis eile ar an Bhuiséad a thabharfaidh an tAire Airgeadais agus Pearsanra don Tionól i mí na Nollag.

Sale of Poppies

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will confirm that she will provide prominent positioning and room for the sale of poppies in Departmental buildings.

(AQW 602/00)

Ms de Brún: I can confirm that poppies were on sale in the Reception Area of Castle Buildings.

Thig liom a dhearbhú go raibh poipíní ar díol in Ionad Fáiltithe Fhoirgnimh an Chaisleáin.

Accident and Emergency Waiting Times

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the average waiting times in the Accident and Emergency Department of the Ulster Hospital in each of the last six months.

(AQW 603/00)

Ms de Brún: Information is not available in the form requested. Information on the percentage of new patients seen by a doctor within specified time bands at the A&E Department of the Ulster Hospital is available and is presented in the table below.

	1 hour	2 hours	3 hours	More than 3 hours
May 2000	53%	82%	93%	7%
June 2000	59%	87%	95%	5%
July 2000	56%	86%	96%	4%
August 2000	58%	85%	95%	10%
September 2000	54%	83%	94%	6%
October 2000	55%	82%	94%	6%

Níl an t-eolas ar fáil san fhoirm a iarradh. Léirítear agus cuirtear ar fáil sa tábla thíos eolas ar chéatadán na n-othar nua a chuaigh chuig dochtúir taobh istigh de bhandaí ama ar leith ag an Roinn T & É d’Otharlann Uladh.

	1 uair	2 uair	3 huaire	Níos mó ná 3 huaire
Bealtaine 2000	53%	82%	93%	7%
Meitheamh 2000	59%	87%	95%	5%
Iúil 2000	56%	86%	96%	4%
Lúnasa 2000	58%	85%	95%	10%
Meán Fómhair 2000	54%	83%	94%	6%
Deireadh Fómhair 2000	55%	82%	94%	6%

Boards and Trusts

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail which Boards and Trusts have received their share of the £11m allocated in July for community care.

(AQW 610/00)

Ms de Brún: The Boards were allocated their share of the £11 million allocation in July for community care as follows:-

£m

Northern Health and Social Services Board 2.593

Southern Health and Social Services Board 1.938

Eastern Health and Social Services Board 4.657

Western Health and Social Services Board 1.812

The subsequent application of these funds to Health and Social Services Trusts is a matter for individual Health and Social Services Boards and is subject to Service Level Agreement between the Boards and the Trusts.

Dáileadh a sciar féin den £11 mhilliún ar na Boird i Mí Iúil do chúram pobail sa dóigh seo a leanas:-

£m

Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Tuaiscirt 2.593

Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Deiscirt 1.938

Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Oirthir 4.657

Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Iarthair 1.812

Baineann úsáid an airgid sna hIontaobhais Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta ina diaidh sin leis na Boird Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta aonair, agus tá sí faoi réir Aontú Leibhéal Seirbhíse idir na Boird agus na hIontaobhais.

Accountancy Systems

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail (a) how many different accountancy systems exist in Boards and Trusts and (b) outline her plans to create one system so that financial inputs and outputs can be measured in terms of services provided.

(AQW 611/00)

Ms de Brún: All accounting systems across Boards, Trusts and Agencies are regional standard systems.

These include:
(1) General ledger
(2) Local Accounts Payable System
(3) Budgetary Control
(4) Travelling Expenses
(5) Patients Property
(6) Trust Funds
(7) Capital Charging
(8) Debtors Billing
(9) Payroll covering salaries, wages home helps

These systems record financial data only and are used as indicated for different purposes. They do not provide ‘output’ information, which is recorded on a range of other information systems.

I have commissioned the development of a new Information and Communication Technology Strategy for the HPSS and this will cover, at a strategic level, the integration of finance and activity data. I would envisage the strategy being available for final public consultation next year.

Is córais chaighdeánaithe réigiúnacha iad na córais chuntasóireachta uilig trasna Bord, Iontaobhas agus Gníomhaireachtaí.

San áireamh tá:
(1) Mórleabhar Cuntas Ginearálta
(2) Córais Iníoctha Chuntas Áitiúil
(3) Rialú Buiséid
(4) Costais Taistil
(5) Maoin Othar
(6) Cistí Iontaobhais
(7) Costais Chaipitil
(8) Billí Fiachóirí
(9) Párolla ag cumhdach tuarastal, tuarastal feighlithe baile

Ní thaifeadann na córais seo ach sonraí airgeadais agus úsáidtear, mar a léiríodh, do chuspóirí éagsúla iad. Ní sholáthraíonn siad eolas aschurtha, a thaifeadtar ar réimse córas eolais eile.

Choimisiúnaigh mé forbairt Staitéis nua Theicneolaíocht Eolais agus Cumarsáide do na SSSP agus cumhdóidh sí seo, ag leibhéal straitéiseach, comhtháthú sonraí airgeadais agus gníomhaíochta. Bheinn ag súil go mbeadh an straitéis ar fáil do chomhairle phoiblí sa bhliain seo chugainn.

Monitoring Systems

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will (a) detail the basis on which monies are paid to General Practitioners and (b) outline the monitoring system that exists to arrive at the figures given.

(AQW 612/00)

Ms de Brún: General Practitioners (GPs) are paid as independent, self-employed contractors under a cost-plus principle. The payments they receive cover both their expenses ("the cost") in providing general medical services (GMS) and a net income for doing so ("the plus").

A GP who is on the list of a Health and Social Services Board for the provision of GMS may claim reimbursement of certain practice expenses and a range of fees and allowances. The current fee structure is outlined below:

A Basic Practice Allowance is paid. This is the key element of a GP’s income for providing GMS;

Capitation fees are annual fees payable for each patient registered on a GP’s list;

Health Promotion Payments comprise payments for running Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Management programmes; and for achieving target levels of coverage of Childhood Immunisation and Cytology Screening;

Items of service payments are made every time a GP provides certain services, night consultation being an example.

An individual GP’s income from fees and allowances will therefore depend on:

the number of registered patients on the GP’s list;

the number and level of activities undertaken; and

performance achieved.

Fees and allowances for GPs are reviewed annually on the basis of recommendations made by the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Body which was set up in 1960 to consider an appropriate level of income for GPs. The recommended level of fees and allowances are agreed here between the Department and the British Medical Association (NI).

Íoctar liachleachtóirí mar chonraitheoirí neamhspleácha féinfhostaithe ar phrionsabal ‘costas móide ioncam’. Clúdaíonn na híocaíochtaí a fhaigheann siad a gcuid costas agus iad ag soláthar seirbhísí ginearálta míochaine (SGM) agus a n-ioncam glan as an obair a dhéanamh.

Féadann liachleachtóir, atá ar liosta Bhord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta mar sholáthróir SGM, cúiteamh a éileamh i dtaca le costais áirithe cleachtais agus réimse táillí agus liúntas. Tá cur síos ar an struchtúr táillí atá anois ann thíos:
Íoctar Bunliúntas Cleachtais. Is príomhghné d’ioncam Liachleachtóra é seo a thuilltear as SGM a sholáthar;

Íoctar Táillí caipitíochta thar ceann gach othair atá cláraithe ar liosta an liachleachtóra;

Íocaíochtaí Cur Chun Cinn Sláinte: is é atá iontu íocaíocthaí ar son cláir Chur Chun Cinn Sláinte agus cláir Bhainistithe Galar Ainsealach a reáchtáil; agus ar son spriocleibhéil a bhaint amach maidir le Imdhíonadh Leanaí agus Scagthástáil chíteolaíochta a dhéanamh;

Íoctar Íocaíochtaí ar son Míreanna Seirbhíse gach uair a chuireann liachleachtóir seirbhísí áirithe ar fáil, cuairt oíche, mar shampla.

Ar an ábhar sin beidh ioncam an liachleachtóra aonair, a thagann ó tháillí agus ó liúntais, ag brath ar na nithe seo a leanas:-
líon na n-othar atá cláraithe ar liosta an liachleachtóra;

líon agus leibhéal na ngníomhaíochtaí atá ar siúl aige; agus

na torthaí a bhaintear amach.

Déantar athbhreithniú bliaintiúil ar tháillí agus ar liúntais liachleachtóirí, athbreithniú atá bunaithe ar mholtaí a rinne Grúpa Athbhreithnithe na nDochtúirí agus na bhFiaclóirí a bunaíodh sa bhliain 1960 chun leibhéal cuí ioncaim le haghaidh liachleachtóirí a mheas. Bíonn comhaontú ann anseo idir an Roinn agus an British Medical Association (NI) ar an leibhéal a mholtar maidir le táillí agus liúntais.

Hospital Funding

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if, pursuant to AQW 304/00, she will (a) detail which hospitals have received their share of the £53m, (b) explain why her Department received the biggest share of the funding and (c) detail the amount each Board received from each of the eleven categories listed.

(AQW 613/00)

Ms de Brún: Boards were allocated £38.2 million of the £53 million as follows:

Description

Northern

Southern

Eastern

Western

£000

Total

Community Care

2,593

1,938

4,657

1,812

11,000

Hospital Pressures

4,007

2,995

7,198

2,800

17,000

Children’s Services

1,178

881

2,117

824

5,000

Board Local Pressures

1,226

916

2,202

856

5,200

The subsequent application of these funds to Health and Social Services Trusts is a matter for individual Health and Social Services Boards and is subject to Service Level Agreement between the Boards and the Trusts.

The £14.8 million managed centrally by the Department has been applied to professional training and recruitment (£3 million), ambulance services (£2 million), Trust capital (£6 million), the HPSS ICT strategy (£1 million), counter fraud work in Boards (£1 million), family doctors (£1 million) and the extension of vaccination programmes (£0.8 million).

Is mar a leanas a leithroinneadh £38.2 milliún den £53 mhilliún ar na Boird:

Tuairisc

Tuaisceart

Deisceart

Oirthear

Iarthar

£000

Iomlán

Cúram Pobail

2,593

1,938

4,657

1,812

11,000

Brúnna ar Ospidéil

4,007

2,995

7,198

2,800

17,000

Seirbhísí do Leanaí

1,178

881

2,117

824

5,000

Brúnna Áitiúla ar Bhoird

1,226

916

2,202

856

5,200

Is gnó é do na Boird Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta aonair an dóigh ar leithroinneadh na cistí seo ina dhiaidh sin ar na hIontaobhais Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta agus tá sí faoi réir Chomhaontú Leibhéal Seirbhíse idir na Boird agus na hIontaobhais.

Cuireadh an £14.8 milliún, a bhainistíonn an Roinn go lárnach, ar fáil le haghaidh na nithe seo a leanas: oiliúint ghairmiúil agus earcaíocht (£3 mhilliún), seirbhísí otharcharranna (£2 mhilliún), caipiteal Iontaobhais (£6 mhilliún), straitéis na SSSSP i leith TCE (£1 mhilliún), obair frithchalaoise na mBord (£1 mhilliún), lianna teaghlaigh (£1 mhilliún) agus fad a chur le cláir imdhíonta (£0.8 milliún).

Hospital Waiting Lists

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if, pursuant to AQW 322/00, she will detail what specific measures each Board is implementing.

(AQW 614/00)

Ms de Brún: I am not yet in a position to detail the specific measures that each Board will be taking, as the proposals submitted by the Boards in their draft waiting list action plans are still under discussion. In general terms, however, all Boards have proposed a range of measures including:

the appointment of a senior officer with responsibility for waiting lists;

agreed annual waiting list target reductions;

the provision of additional hospital inpatient procedures, particularly in relation to those patients who have been waiting longest;

the provision of extra community care packages;

the validation of waiting lists;

the development of GP referral protocols; and

measures to reduce outpatient waiting times.

Ní féidir liom mionchuntas a thabhairt go fóill ar na bearta ar leith a bheas gach Bord a dhéanamh, mar go bhfuil na moltaí curtha isteach ag na Boird ina ndréachtghníomhphleananna do liostaí feithimh faoi chaibidil go fóíll. Go ginearálta áfach, mhol gach Bord réimse beart. San áireamh tá:

ceapadh oifigigh shinsearaigh le freagracht as liostaí feithimh;

sprioclaghduithe aontaithe ar liostaí feithimh bliantúla;

soláthar gnásanna otharlainne breise d’othair chónaitheacha, go háirithe maidir leis na hothair sin is faide a bhí ag fanacht;

soláthar beart cúraim pobail breise;

daingniú liostaí feithimh;

forbairt phrótacal atreoraithe dochtúirí, agus;

bearta le hamanna feithimh d’othair sheachtracha a laghdú.

Psychiatric Day Hospital Facilities

Ms Monica McWilliams asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the provision of psychiatric day hospital facilities across Northern Ireland.

(AQW 617/00)

Ms de Brún: This information is detailed in the table below.

Hospitals providing day care facilities in the Mental Health Programme of Care, 1999/2000

HOSPITAL

TOTAL ATTENDANCES

Albertbridge Road

7,394

Alexandra Gardens

6,502

Ards

6,501

Craigavon PNU

2,669

Daisy Hill

3,265

Downshire

511

Forster Green

2,001

Gransha

7,548

Lagan Valley PNU

1,773

Shaftesbury Square

837

St. Lukes

2,219

Whiteabbey PNU

7,674

Windsor House

5,300

Young Peoples Centre

298

Total

54,492

Tá an t-eolas ar fáil sa tábla thíos.

Ospidéil a sholáthraíonn saoráidí cúraim lae sa Chlár Cúraim Meabhair-Shláinte, 1999/2000

OSPIDÉAL

TINREAMH IOMLÁN

Aonad BhótharAlbertbridge

7,394

Aonad Ghairdíní Alexandra

6,502

Ospidéal na hArda

6,501

Aonad Sícinéaróise (AS), Ospidéal Craigavon,

2,669

Ospidéal Chnoc na Nóiníní

3,265

Ospidéal Downshire

511

Ospidéal Forster Green

2,001

Ospidéal na Gráinsí

7,548

AS, Ospidéal Ghleann an Lagáin

1,773

Ospidéal Chearnóg Shaftesbury

837

Ospidéal Naomh Lúcás

2,219

AS, Ospidéal na Mainistreach Finne

7,674

Ospidéal Theach Windsor

5,300

Aonad an Aosa Óig

298

Iomlán

54,492

General Practice Trainees Queens University

Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the number of males and females accepted into the general practice trainee course at Queen's University between 1999 and 2000.

(AQW 623/00)

Ms de Brún: As I explained in my previous answer (AQW 593), training for general practice (the GP vocational training schemes) is not organised by the Queen’s University of Belfast. This training is co-ordinated by the NI Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education on behalf the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

The breakdown, by gender, for those accepted onto each of the vocational training schemes commencing between 1999 and 2000 is as follows:

FEMALE MALE TOTAL

GP Registrar scheme 23 19 42

(1–year):

3-year scheme: 12 8 20

Mar a mhínigh mé sa fhreagra a thug mé cheana féin (AQW 593), ní reachtálaíonn Ollscoil na Banríona, Béal Feirste oiliúnt i ndochtúireacht (na scéimeanna oiliúna dochtúirí gairmiúla). Comhordaíonn an Chomhairle TÉ d'Oideachas Míochaine agus Fiaclóireachta Iarchéime an oiliúnt seo ar son na Roinne Sláinte, Seirbhísí Sóisialta agus Sábháilteachta Poiblí.

Mar seo a leanas an miondealú, de réir inscne, dóibh siúd a glacadh ar gach scéim oiliúna gairmiúla a thosaigh idir 1999 agus 2000:

MNÁ FIR IOMLÁN

Scéim Chláraithe Dochtúirí 23 19 42

(Bliain amháin):

Scéim 3 bliana: 12 8 20

Mental Health Care

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the resources allocated to mental health care.

(AQW 624/00)

Ms de Brún: Health and Social Services Boards’ general allocations are not hypothecated and it is for individual Boards and General Practitioner fundholders to use their funds to respond to the mental health care needs of their local populations. Accordingly, spending on specific services can only be determined accurately in retrospect once the accounts of the Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts have been completed. In 1998-99 some £115million was spent on services to people with mental health care needs.

Ní dhéantar leithroinntí ginearálta na mBord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta a shannadh go sonrach agus is gnó é do na Boird aonair agus do na Liachleachtóirí Ginearálta aonair, ar cisteshealbhóirí iad, a gcuid cistí a úsáid le freastal ar riachtanais mheabhair-shláinte phobal a gceantair. Ar an ábhar sin ní féidir an caiteachas ar sheirbhísí sonracha a shocrú go beacht ach go cúlghabhálach chomh luath agus atá cuntais na mBord agus na nIontaobhas Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta déanta. Sa bhliain 1998-99 caitheadh £115 mhilliún ar sheirbhísí do dhaoine a bhfuil riachtanais chúraim meabhair-shláinte acu.

Trusts' Car Lease Scheme

Mr Kieran McCarthy asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will list those grades of employees of the Ulster Hospitals Trust who qualify for the Trusts' Car Lease Scheme and detail the cost of the scheme.

(AQW 626/00)

Ms de Brún: The Ulster Community and Hospitals Trust operates three Car Leasing Schemes.

A General Scheme is open to all employees of the Trust who are classified as regular car users. The Trust saves £100 per person on the costs it would have incurred under the regular user mileage allowances scheme.

A Director's Scheme is open to all Directors as part of a remuneration package. The cost to the Trust is on average £1,750 to £2,000 per car.

A Private Car Leasing Scheme is available to all employees. There is no cost to the Trust.

Baineann Iontaobhas Phobal agus Ospidéal Uladh úsáid as trí scéim léasaithe gluaisteán.

Tá Scéim Ghinearálta ar fáil do gach fostaí de chuid an Iontaobhais atá á n-aicmiú mar úsáideoirí rialta gluaisteán. Coiglíonn an tIontaobhas £100 an duine ar na costais a thabhódh sé faoin scéim liúntas míleáiste d’úsáideoirí rialta.

Tá Scéim do Stiúrthóirí ar fáil do gach Stiúrthóir mar chuid dá luach saothair. Is é £1,750 go £2,000 an meánchostas in aghaidh an ghluaisteáin don Iontaobhas.

Tá Scéim Phríobháideach Léasaithe Gluaisteán ar fáil do gach fostaí. Níl aon chostas ann don Iontaobhas.

Bilateral Ministeral Meeting

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the official expenditure by her Department on the meeting that occurred in Enniskillen on Friday 3 November and the officials from the Department who were in attendance.

(AQW 630/00)

Ms de Brún: The costs to the Department of the Bilateral Ministerial Meeting and the Press Conference amounted to some £2,496. The Department also paid 20% of the lunch costs following the launch of the Food Safety Promotion Board. This amounted to some £795 with the balance being met by the Food Safety Promotion Board.

The following DHSSPS officials attended the meeting:

Mr C Gowdy Permanent Secretary
Dr H Campbell Chief Medical Officer
Mr D Hill Deputy Secretary
Mr P Simpson Deputy Secretary
Mr A Owens Secretariat
Mr L Green Ministerial Special Adviser
Mr C Allen Departmental Private Secretary

In addition a further nine administrative and support staff attended to assist with the general arrangements including the press conference, the announcement of the Folic Acid campaign and the launch of the Food Safety Promotion Board.

Bhí tuairim le £2,496 ar na costais a ghabh leis an Chruinniú Aireachta Déthaobhach agus leis an Phreasócáid. D’íoc an Roinn as 20% de chostais an lóin a lean seoladh an Bhoird um Chur Chun Cinn Sábháilteachta Bia. Bhí timpeall £795 i gceist agus d’íoc an Bord um Chur Chun Cinn Sábháilteachta Bia an t-iarmhéid.

D’fhreastail na feidhmeannaigh seo a leanas de chuid na RSSSSP ar an chruinniú:

An tUas C Gowdy An Rúnaí Buan
An Dr H Campbell An Príomh-Ofigeach Míochaine
An tUas D Hill Leas-Rúnaí
An tUas P Simpson Leas-Rúnaí
An tUas A Owens Rúnaíocht
An tUas L Green Comhairleoir Speisialta don Aire
An tUas C Allen Rúnaí Príobháideach Roinne

Ina theannta sin bhí naonúr breise den fhoireann riaracháin agus tacaíochta ann chun cuidiú a thabhairt leis na socruithe ginearálta agus orthu sin bhí an phreasócáid, an fógra faoin fheachtas ar Aigéad Fólach agus seoladh an Bhoird um Chur Chun Cinn Sábháilteachta Bia.

Instructions to Senior Civil Servants

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will confirm that instructions were given to senior civil servants that they are not to use the term Northern Ireland and if she intends to revoke such an instruction.

(AQW 634/00)

Ms de Brún: No such instruction was given. Civil servants are free to use whatever term they consider appropriate. However, this is not a term which I use and material issuing in my name or under my direction is prepared accordingly.

Níor tugadh a leithéid de threoir. Tá saoirse ag Státseirbhísigh cibé téarma is cuí leo a úsáid. Ach ní téarma é seo a mbainim féin úsáid as agus dá réir sin ní úsáidtear é in ábhar ar bith a eisítear faoi m’ainm nó faoi mo threoir.

Skill Mix in Private Sector

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will (a) detail why Trusts on behalf of Boards are reducing the skill mix within the private sector residential nursing homes and (b) confirm that the change in skill mix is directly related to the new regulations introduced that clients are to pay for all social care but not nursing care.

(AQW 635/00)

Ms de Brún: The Health and Social Services Trusts have no role in relation to the staffing of independent sector residential care and nursing homes. The Health and Social Services Boards, through their Registration and Inspection Units, are responsible for monitoring the delivery of care in all residential care and nursing homes, including staffing levels and the professional qualifications needed to provide care for residents. No significant alteration in the skill mix of staff has been noted in private establishments. The Boards are, however, currently engaged in an exercise to align skill mix guidelines across all four Boards and this may result in some slight adjustments in some locations to ensure consistency of standards.

The recommendation of the Royal Commission on Long Term Care that nursing care should be provided free of charge in all settings is being considered and no such regulations have been introduced here to date.

Níl ról ar bith ag Iontaobhais Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta maidir le ceapadh foirne san earnáil phríobháideach chúraim chónaithigh nó i dteaghaisí altranais. Is tríd a nAonaid Chlárúcháin agus Chigireachta atá na Boird Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta freagrach as faireachán a dhéanamh ar sholáthar cúraim i ngach teaghais chúraim chónaithigh agus altranais, lena n-áirítear an líon foirne agus na cáilíochtaí gairmiúla atá riachtanach le cúram a sholáthar do chónaitheoirí. Níor tugadh faoi deara go raibh athrú suntasach ann maidir le scileanna na mball foirne i gcomhréir lena chéile i dteaghaisí príobháideacha. Ach tá na Boird i mbun oibre faoi láthair leis na treoracha maidir le cionmhaireacht scileanna sna Bordcheantair uile a chur ar aon dul lena chéile agus féadfar, dá thairbhe seo, go mbeidh coigeartú beag le déanamh in áiteanna chun a chinntiú go mbeidh comhréireacht ann sna caighdeáin.

Tá breithniú á dhéanamh ar mholadh an Choimisiúin Ríoga um Chúram Fadtéarmach go gcuirfí cúram altranais ar fáil in aisce i ngach suíomh ach níor tugadh a leithéid de rialacháin isteach anseo go dtí seo.

Hospital Admissions

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if, pursuant to AQW 322/00, she will detail what arrangements are in place to deal with hospital admissions and the necessary discharge of patients.

(AQW 636/00)

Ms de Brún: Under the Framework for Action on Waiting Lists which I issued on 11 September, Boards and Trusts will be implementing a number of measures geared at speeding up hospital admissions and facilitating the discharge of patients. Non-urgent elective work will be profiled throughout the year to maximise the number of patients treated. Referral protocols for GPs will be developed. There will be more emphasis on integrated working between the hospital and community sectors. Community care services will be improved in order to reduce the need for inappropriate hospital admissions and to ensure that people who do not need to be in hospital can be discharged.

Improved capacity in intensive care and high dependency services, which is now coming on stream and will be further expanded over the next three years, will also improve the capacity of hospitals to deal with waiting lists.

Faoin chreatcháipéis do Ghníomhú ar Liostaí Feithimh a d'fhoilsigh mé ar an 11ú Meán Fómhair, beidh Boird agus Iontaobhais ag cur roinnt beart i bhfeidhm leis an chuspóir ligthe isteach otharlainne a ghéarú agus scaoileadh amach othar a éascú. Aibhseofar obair roghnach neamhphráinneach tríd an bhliain le líon na n-othar a chóireálfar a íosmhéadú. Forbrófar prótacail atreoraithe do dhochtúirí. Cuirfear níos mó béime ar chomhoibriú imeasctha idir an earnáil otharlainne agus an earnáil phobail. Feabhseofar seirbhísí cúraim pobail leis an ghá do ligthe isteach otharlainne mí-oiriúnacha a laghdú agus le cinntiú go scaoilfear amach daoine nár chóir dóibh bheith san otharlann.

Fairsingeofar a thuilleadh acmhainní feabhsaithe i ngéarchúram agus i seirbhísí ardspleáchais, atá ag teacht le sruth anois, thar na trí bliana seo chugainn, agus feabhseoidh siad cumas otharlann le déileáil le liostaí feithimh fosta.

Accountancy Funding

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if, pursuant to AQW 322/00, she will outline the measures she has put in place to overcome the different accountancy funding in relation to each client between Community Trusts and Acute Trusts.

(AQW 637/00)

Ms de Brún: Waiting List Action Plans submitted by the Boards, which I am now considering, recognise the need to balance funds between Acute and Community Care services to reduce delayed discharges from hospitals and to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions. I shall be monitoring closely the effective implementation of these plans. I have also commissioned a review of the implementation of community care policy, to report in September 2001. One key element of that review will be an examination of the planning and funding of all aspects of community care here.

Aithnítear sna pleananna gníomhaíochta le haghaidh liostaí feithimh, atá mé á meas faoi lathair, gur gá comhardú a dhéanamh maidir le maoiniú seirbhísí Géarmhíochaine agus maoiniú seirbhísí Cúraim Pobail chun líon na n-othar a chuirtear abhaile i ndiaidh moille a laghdú agus chun cosc ar chur ar othair a ghlacadh isteach sna hospidéil gan ghá. Beidh mé ag déanamh géarfhaireacháin ar fheidhmiú éifeachtach na bpleananna seo. Tá mé i ndiaidh athbhreithniú a choimisiúnú fosta ar fheidhmiú polasaí cúram pobail agus tá an tuarascáil sin le bheith agam i Meán Fómhair 2001. Is é a bheas mar chuid thábhachtach amháin den athbhreithniú sin scrúdú ar phleanáil agus ar mhaoiniú maidir le gach gné de chúram pobail anseo.

Clinical Priorities

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail what changes to clinical priorities have been implemented as a consequence of the National Plan for the Health Service.

(AQW 639/00)

Ms de Brún: The National Health Service Plan was developed for, and applies only to England. I shall however be looking at the proposals in England and elsewhere to assess their relevance and value in relation to services here.

In July I set out a number of immediate priorities for the health and personal social services here and good progress has been made to date. Dr Maurice Hayes and his team have started their review of acute hospital services; a Children Matter Taskforce has been set up and is currently examining how best to provide the additional residential care we all agree is needed; Health & Social Services Boards have produced comprehensive action plans to deal with winter pressures; 21 additional intensive care and high dependency beds will be in place during this financial year; and the flu vaccination is now available for all those over 65.

I also intend to make early progress with the publication soon of a consultation document on a Public Health Strategy. In addition, I will shortly be setting out proposals for consultation on the future of primary care following the abolition of fundholding.

For the longer term, I shall be focusing on the priorities set out in the Programme for Government and I will be seeking to address the priority needs of those who require care and treatment across all the programmes of care.

Ceapadh Plean na Seirbhíse Náisiúnta Sláinte do Shasana agus baineann sé leis an tír sin amháin. Ach mar sin féin amharcfaidh mé ar na moltaí i Sasana agus in áiteanna eile lena fháil amach an bhfuil baint acu le seirbhísí anseo agus lena bhfiúntas a mheasúnú i leith sin.

I mí Iúil leag mé amach roinnt tosaíochtaí láithreacha i dtaca le seirbhísí sláinte agus seirbhísí sóisialta pearsanta anseo agus tá dul chun cinn maith déanta go dtí seo. Tá an Dr Maurice Hayes agus a fhoireann i ndiaidh tús a chur lena n-athbhreithniú ar sheirbhísí géarmhíochaine; tá tascfhórsa Children Matter bunaithe agus tá scrúdú á dhéanamh aige faoi láthair ar an doigh is fearr leis an chúram cónaitheach, a bhfuilimid uile aontaithe faoin ghá atá leis, a sholáthar; tá na Boird Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta i ndiaidh pleananna gníomhaíochta cuimsitheacha a ullmhú chun déileáil le brúnna an gheimhridh; beidh 21 leaba bhreise dhianchúraim agus ardspleáchais ar fáil i rith na bliana airgeadais seo; tá imdhíonadh in éadan fliú ar fáil anois do gach duine os cionn 65 bliana d’aois.

Ta rún agam fosta dul chun cinn a dhéanamh go luath le doiciméad ar Straitéis Sláinte Poiblí a bheas á fhoilsiú ar ball. Ina theannta sin, leagfaidh mé moltaí amach gan mhoill le haghaidh comhairliúcháin maidir le cúram príomhúil sa todhchaí nuair a chuirfear deireadh le cisteshealbhóireacht.

San fhadtéarma beidh mé ag díriú ar na tosaíochtaí atá leagtha amach sa Chlár Rialtais agus beidh mé ag iarraidh aghaidh a thabhairt ar riachtanais tosaíochta na ndaoine a bhfuil cúram agus cóireáil uathu faoi gach clár cúraim.

Free Tranpsort for Pensioners

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will accept equal responsibility with the Minister for Social Development for providing the funding to support the proposal to provide free transport for senior citizens.

(AQW 659/00)

Ms de Brún: The development of proposals (including the funding arrangements) to introduce free travel on public transport for older people does not fall within my area of responsibility.

Ní ormsa atá an dualgas maidir le moltaí a cheapadh chun saorthaisteal (agus socruithe maoinithe san áireamh) a thabhairt isteach do dhaoine scothaosta ar an chóras iompair phoiblí.
TOP
HIGHER AND FURTHER EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT

Consultancy Services

Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment 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 571/00)

The Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment (Dr Farren): During the period of devolution my Department has allocated 3 contracts on a single tender basis for consultancy services.

These contracts were awarded to KPMG Chartered Accountants, Grant Thornton and to a Ms S Nichol.

No further contracts have been awarded on the basis of advice received from these consultants.

Research Studentships

Mr Donovan McClelland asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment if he will detail the number of persons in receipt of research studentships and what plans he has to provide additional support.

(AQW 655/00)

Dr Farren: My Department is one of a number of funders of postgraduate research studentships tenable at the University of Ulster and the Queen’s University of Belfast. My reply, therefore, is limited to those research studentships which are funded by the Department of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment (DHFETE).

For the 2000/01 academic year, my Department made available 148 new postgraduate research studentships for study at the local universities. These new awards are additional to a further 183 research studentships which my Department continues to fund from previous years’ allocations. The total number of postgraduate research studentships being funded by DHFETE this year is, therefore, 331.

You may be aware that on 5^th July 2000 the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced, inter-alia, a 23% increase, in real terms, in the level of science and engineering PhD students’ basic stipends over the next four years (2000/01 – 2003/04). You may also be aware that my Department has, to date, ensured that it’s award holders have retained parity with the levels of stipend being offered to their counterparts being funded by the Research Councils in Great Britain. This is a practice that I am determined to continue and, to make this possible, my Department has recently made bids for additional resources to the Department of Finance and Personnel. If successful, these additional resources will enable my Department to both retain this stipend parity, and also maintain the 2000/01 level of new awards for each of the next three years.

I can also inform you that over the last two years, my Department has heavily skewed its postgraduate awards budget towards research studentships. This approach has been supported by the Department’s Postgraduate Awards Advisory Board, and reflects my Department’s objective of investing available resources in those areas which are considered to be most important for sustaining and developing the Northern Ireland research base and in turn the local economy.
TOP
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Lay-bys

Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to introduce lay-bys on major roads, so that tractors and slow moving vehicles may allow other traffic to pass.

(AQW 567/00)

The Minister for Regional Development (Mr Campbell): My Department’s Roads Service has previously investigated the use of lay-bys on major roads as a possible means of providing overtaking opportunities. As a result of these investigations, it was concluded that the use of ‘2+1’ lane carriageway layouts is a safer and much more effective way of providing overtaking facilities. The ‘2+1’ layout is where there are 2 lanes in one direction and 1 lane in the other direction. On steeper roads the additional lane is known as a climbing lane.

A number of potential major works schemes to provide such overtaking opportunities have been identified by Roads Service. These schemes are being assessed for possible inclusion in the Department’s 10-Year Forward Planning Schedule which is due to be published next year.
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Water Pump Stations

Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will ensure that all Water Pump Stations are equipped with back-up generators in the event of a serious breakdown in electricity supply.

(AQW 569/00)

Mr Campbell: There are around 2,500 sites where pumping operations take place. The Water Service has permanently installed diesel engine generator sets at 49 sites which are of key strategic importance. These sites have been determined on the basis of the population served, the physical ability to supply alternative generation and the cost of such installation. The generator sets operate automatically whenever there is an interruption to the electricity supply. A recent review has identified the need to provide fixed sets at a further 18 key sites and they are currently being installed at a cost of just over £1 million.

It would not be economically viable to provide and maintain generators at the remaining sites. However, the Water Service has some 200 mobile generators, held at key locations, which can be rapidly deployed in the event of power failure at these locations. Over 50% of water is provided via a pumped system. The cost of providing generators at all 2,500 sites would be significantly in excess of £100m.

M1 Extension Westward

Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will outline his plans to develop the M1 further West.

(AQW 595/00)

Mr Campbell: Traffic volumes recorded on the A4 route between the end of the M1 motorway and Ballygawley Roundabout do not, at current levels, justify the construction of a dual carriageway. For the foreseeable future, therefore, I have no plans to extend the M1 motorway further west. My Department’s Roads Service has, however, proposals to carry out major works schemes to improve both the A4 and A5 routes. Some of these schemes are included in the Roads Service Major Works Preparation Pool and others are being considered for possible inclusion in its 10-Year Forward Planning Schedule.

Road Safety Metal Lamp Standards

Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will consider removing metal lamp standards installed on pedestrian traffic islands as these are a major hazard and either replace them with overhead lighting or poles which would collapse on impact.

(AQW 609/00)

Mr Campbell: My Department’s Roads Service provides street furniture, including lighting on pedestrian traffic islands, ie pedestrian refuges, in accordance with the standards contained in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions’ Traffic Signs Manual. Where lighting is necessary, it may be provided by means of street lighting columns, refuge beacons mounted on posts or illuminated bollards/warning signs.

The columns or posts used are normally small and lightweight and should not present any more additional risk than striking a refuge. Refuges are normally only provided in built-up areas where traffic speeds are low and Roads Service is not aware of any serious injury caused directly by striking such columns. When designing pedestrian refuges, Roads Service endeavours to use materials which will minimise personal injury on collision, whilst ensuring the primary safety of pedestrians using the refuges.

Westlink Roadworks

Mr Pat McNamee asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will detail the costs and benefits to the people of the Village area and West Belfast of the proposed £46m roadworks on the Westlink.

(AQW 619/00)

Mr Campbell: The £46M package of proposed road improvements are for the M1 motorway (from Dunmurry to Broadway) and Westlink. The proposed improvements will provide a number of benefits and disbenefits to local communities in west Belfast and the Donegall Road or ‘Village’ area. The benefits will include the following:

a significant reduction in traffic volumes on parallel roads in south and west Belfast, especially during peak periods, and a substantial reduction in travel times on these roads as traffic is attracted by the additional capacity offered by the M1/Westlink improvements;

the reduced traffic levels on parallel roads will bring associated environmental benefits in terms of modest improvements in road traffic noise, air quality and pedestrian environment;

the reduced traffic levels on parallel roads will also assist in the introduction of additional transportation and traffic management measures such as Quality Bus Corridors on those routes;

the grade separation of through traffic from local traffic at the Broadway and Grosvenor Road junctions will help to improve pedestrian linkages between:

- the ‘Village’ area and the Royal Group of Hospitals and the Park Shopping Centre; and

- local residential areas and the centre of Belfast.

improved accessibility for local traffic wishing to join or leave the M1 motorway and Westlink at junctions between Dunmurry and Grosvenor Road;

the provision of a Park and Ride site at Blacks Road, Dunmurry and a priority busway from Stockman’s Lane to the Europa Bus Centre, will enable the provision of more reliable bus services and provide the opportunity for the introduction of new express bus services serving west Belfast and Lisburn.

During construction there will be an inevitable short term increase in pollution levels in the environment (ie noise, dust, etc) and disruption to traffic flows. These will, however, be kept to a minimum through the use of good working practices and traffic management measures. When the improvements are completed there will be a minor increase in local pollution levels for properties close to the route although, over a wider area, properties will experience a reduction in pollutant levels.

Portadown/Derry Railway Line

Mr Pat McNamee asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will detail what proportion of the track bed of the Portadown/Dungannon/Omagh/Strabane/Derry railway line is intact.

(AQW 620/00)

Mr Campbell: Translink has advised that there are no details currently available on the condition of the former Portadown/Dungannon/Omagh/Strabane/Londonderry railway line. It is not therefore possible to give details of what proportion of the track bed is intact. A detailed survey would be required to obtain such information. Translink has no plans to undertake such a survey.

It is estimated that the line from Portadown to Londonderry was about 80 miles, but not all of it is in public ownership.

West Tyrone Flooding

Mr Pat Doherty asked the Minister for Regional Development what steps have been taken to address the recent flooding in West Tyrone and if he will ensure that consultation with local district councils takes place on this matter.

(AQW 622/00)

Mr Campbell: The exceptionally heavy rainfall in the West Tyrone area over the past couple of months resulted in flooding at a number of locations. Water and Roads Service staff responded promptly and took all possible measures to relieve the flooding.

Water Service is carrying out a detailed programme of area drainage studies across Northern Ireland to determine the improvements required to the sewerage network to reduce the risk of flooding and to meet environmental objectives. In the Strabane and Omagh District Council areas these studies embrace Strabane Town, Omagh Town, Fintona, Castlederg, Sion Mills and Newtownstewart.

Arising from these studies, and other investment needs, Water Service intends to invest £6 million over the next 10 years on upgrading sewerage systems in the Strabane and Omagh District Council areas. Pending the completion of these capital works Water Service is implementing a number of operational measures, such as desilting sewers, aimed at reducing the risk of flooding in the most vulnerable areas.

Roads Service is also reviewing the locations where roads were flooded to establish the cause and the nature of any remedial work that may be required. In some instances, flooding was due to the spillage of water and debris running on to the roads from adjoining land. In these cases, Roads Service has reminded the relevant landowners of their responsibilities to maintain their private drainage systems.

I can assure you that both Councils will be fully consulted, in the normal way, about the scope and timing of these improvement proposals.

Coastal Erosion

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will outline his plans to address the problem of coastal erosion.

(AQW 651/00)

Mr Campbell: While responsibility for coastal management rests with the Department of Environment, I can confirm that the forthcoming Regional Development Strategy will re-affirm the need for an integrated approach to tackling coastal erosion. The Roads Service and Water Service will continue to take such practical measures as are feasible and economic to protect the infrastructure for which my Department has responsibility.

Warrenpoint Flooding

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will sanction the action required to prevent the flooding on the roadway in the vicinity of Clontifleece Primary Schools (Warrenpoint).

(AQW 657/00)

Mr Campbell: My Department’s Roads Service intends to replace a culvert on Lurgancanty Road, Warrenpoint, in order to alleviate the potential for flooding in the vicinity of Clontifleece Primary School. It is hoped that this work will be completed next month.

Water and Sewage Services: Under-Investment

Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister for Regional Development if, in view of the statement in the Draft programme for Government that there has been major under-investment in water and sewerage services over the last decades, he will outline what steps he will take to address such deficiencies.

(AQO 307/00)

Mr Campbell: Over the next 20 years Water Service needs to spend an estimated £3 billion to meet EU standards for drinking water and waste water, replace ageing infrastructure and meet increasing demand from new developments. Following devolution, my predecessor indicated that the Water Service would not be privatised and would remain as an agency within the Department for Regional Development. He also launched the "Water Service - Moving Forward" process to enhance the Service’s performance as part of the public sector. Part of that review includes an examination of how best to address the Service’s huge investment needs.

The Draft Programme for Government includes at page 65 commitments to review by 2002 the opportunities for the use of public finance in all major public service provisions, consider by Spring 2002 the practicality of introducing new charges and complete by March 2002 a review of rating policy.

Water Service Infrastructure Weather Damage

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will outline the impact of the recent inclement weather on the Water Service infrastructure and if he will make a statement.

(AQO 337/00)

Mr Campbell: Over the past four months there has been exceptionally heavy levels of rainfall and on a number of occasions this was simply too much for the sewerage infrastructure to cope with. This resulted in flooding with the most severe incidents occurring in the Belfast area on 28 July and 21 August and across Counties Antrim and Down on 9 October.

Many of these incidents are attributable to a legacy of under-investment in the sewerage infrastructure. Water Service is carrying out 105 area drainage studies to determine the improvements required to reduce the risk of flooding and to meet environmental objectives. These studies are due to be completed in 2003. It is likely that they will identify a capital investment requirement in excess of £300 million. Given current funding levels, it is unlikely that the entire programme of improvements will be completed this decade.

M1/Westlink : Traffic Volumes

Dr Esmond Birnie asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will detail the current percentage annual growth in traffic volumes on the M1/Westlink and what is his forecast for the percentage increase in traffic on this route between 2000 and 2015.

(AQO 336/00)

Mr Campbell: Traffic growth varies on the different sections of the M1/Westlink corridor. For illustrative purposes, traffic growth on the section between Stockman’s Lane and Broadway over the 5 year period 1988 to 1993 was in the region of 7% per annum. The growth rate over the last 5 years has reduced to under 2% per annum, as traffic has diverted onto less suitable parallel routes due to increasing congestion along the corridor. The current traffic volume on this section of the M1 is 64,000 vehicles per day.

Future traffic growth on the M1/Westlink will continue to be constrained by this congestion. However, if the current proposed improvements to the M1/Westlink are implemented, traffic is likely to grow in the region of 3% per annum up to 2020, thus relieving the pressure on the parallel routes.

Sandyknowes Roundabout Traffic Congestion

Mr Jim Wilson asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will outline his plans to reduce congestion at Sandyknowes Roundabout, Mallusk.

(AQO 338/00)

Mr Campbell: My Department’s Roads Service has commissioned consultants to assist in carrying out a detailed study of the Sandyknowes Interchange with a view to implementing traffic management improvements to help reduce congestion at this location. An initial report has been received and is currently being considered by Roads Service.

In addition the Transport Research Laboratory are investigating the site in order to produce a traffic model which will permit Roads Service to test any proposed measures and to evaluate their effects.

Bus Lanes

Mr David Ford asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will give his assessment of the effectiveness of bus lanes in Northern Ireland compared with Great Britain.

(AQO 321/00)

Mr Campbell: My Department’s Roads Service has not yet carried out any formal studies to compare the effectiveness of bus lanes in Northern Ireland with those in Great Britain. Such a comparison would be difficult to measure as the effectiveness of bus lanes will vary from day to day and is dependent on the location, number of side roads, pedestrian facilities and the number and proximity of signal controlled junctions along the route. Roads Service is, however, preparing to undertake a benchmark study which will assess its overall strategy on bus priority (including bus lanes) and other public transport enhancement measures against the performance of comparable cities and regions in the UK and Europe. This will allow Roads Service to gather data on how bus lanes operate elsewhere.

Pensioners : Free Public Transport

Ms Eileen Bell asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will detail his plans to introduce free travel on public transport for pensioners and if he will make a statement.

(AQO 320/00)

Mr Campbell: The speedy introduction of a Free Travel Scheme for older people remains a top priority for my Department. The importance of this initiative has been recognised by its inclusion in the draft Programme for Government. Unfortunately my Department was not able to secure the finance needed to implement the scheme in the recently announced draft Budget.

Two rounds of consultation have been undertaken with Councils which have indicated that there is widespread support for having a free travel scheme for older people and that a number of Councils are prepared to use District Rate resources to co-finance a scheme in their areas in conjunction with funding from my Department. My officials are currently working on a draft Bill which, I hope to introduce to the Assembly this session to enable District Councils so to do. If all Councils agree to take part in a free travel scheme for the elderly, the cost to ratepayers across NI could be around £5.5 million at current fare levels.

Public Enquiries : Support for Lay People

Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will outline what support he would provide to assist lay people involved in a public enquiry.

(AQO 331/00)

Mr Campbell: The Department for Regional Development provides interested parties with full details of Departmental proposals and the reasons why it is considered necessary to convene a public inquiry. Departmental officials will also explain the structure and procedure of a public inquiry, when requested.

There is currently no provision for Departments to provide financial assistance to lay people. The issue of legal aid for non-government participants in a public inquiry is a reserved matter falling to the Lord Chancellors’ Department.
TOP
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Town Centre Reinvigoration Study

Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister for Social Development if he will undertake a Town Centre Reinvigoration study of those towns not included in the 1999/2000 Town Centre Reinvigoration Study and if he will make a statement.

(AQW 562/00)

The Minister for Social Development (Mr Morrow): The Town Centre Reinvigoration Study was based on a sample of 8 towns, which were chosen because together they exhibit the good and not so good features of our town centres. The intention was to learn lessons which could be applicable to all town centres. Since the Report of the study was received, my Department has consulted widely with District Coiuncils and others and held a Conference in October. In these circumstances, and for reasons of practicability, no further town centre reinvigoration studies will be undertaken, but rather, the lessons learnt can be applied in all the town centres in Northern Ireland. I hope to issue a policy statement on the way ahead by early 2001.

Town Centre Management

Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister for Social Development if he will make a statement on Town Centre Management.

(AQW 563/00)

Mr Morrow: Town Centre Management is about the development of town centres to ensure that they are safe, attractive and vibrant and includes their promotion and marketing. My Department believes that Town Centre Management can play an important part in improving town centres throughout Northern Ireland and is supportive of the concept.

My Department is exploring the possibility of bidding for funding for Town Centre Management in the next tranche of European Union funding and I will let you know the outcome of this.

Low Income Home Owners

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister for Social Development if he will detail the steps he is taking to assist Northern Ireland Housing Executive low income home owners to maintain and improve their homes through grants.

(AQW 578/00)

Mr Morrow: The Housing (NI) Order 1992, in common with housing legislation operating in the rest of the UK, provides for a Grants scheme to tackle unfitness in the private sector. This scheme is administered by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, which has a mandatory duty to provide grant aid, where the dwelling does not meet the statutory fitness standard. The grant scheme is primarily designed to assist the poorer strata of home-owners and employs a 'means test' to determine what contribution, if any, they can make to the cost of work involved. This ensures that help is directed only towards those who need it.

I can also tell you that Housing Executive tenants who apply to buy their houses, are provided with a booklet called "A Tenants Guide to House Purchase". The booklet, among other things, advises prospective purchasers that they will be responsible for future repairs/improvements and that they should ensure that any outstanding repairs are carried out before they buy.

Social Security Agencies Mislaid Mail

Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Minister for Social Development if he will detail the reasons for complaints from claimants whose correspondence has been lost or mislaid when contacting Social Security Agencies.

(AQW 605/00)

Mr Morrow: The Social Security Agency deals with, on average, 5 million pieces of post every year and while the vast majority are dealt with satisfactorily, some do go astray. The need to improve in this area is acknowledged and plans are being developed to introduce IT solutions, such as document imaging, within the next 15 months. This will bring about a dramatic improvement. In the meantime, steps have been taken to insure that instances of this nature are kept to a minimum.

Social Security Agencies Reduce Delays

Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Minister for Social Development what steps he is taking to reduce delays in the settlement of claims by Social Security Agencies.

(AQW 606/00)

Mr Morrow: Year-to-date performance figures show that the Social Security Agency is meeting it’s targets for processing claims for most benefits. Some delays are being experienced with Incapacity Benefit, Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance. In those branches, new staff are being recruited and trained and overtime is being made available. Although this figure gives an indication of the level of service provided, the Agency does recognise that some customers do experience delays in their claims and that for them the Agency’s targets fall short of expectations. The Agency continuously strives to meet and improve upon its targets. It has embarked on a major programme to improve the service provided to its customers.

All Works Test

Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Minister for Social Development if he will give his assurance that the "All Works Test" is fair and that those taking the test are aware of its consequences.

(AQW 607/00)

Mr Morrow: From 3 April 2000, the All Work Test was replaced by the Personal Capability Assessment as the main test of entitlement to Incapacity Benefit. A personal capability assessment is carried out on each claimant who has been in receipt of Incapacity Benefit for 28 weeks. The assessment is generally regarded as effective in determining continuing entitlement to the benefit.

A questionnaire issued by the Social Security Agency gives each claimant an opportunity to detail his condition and his ability to perform a series of prescribed activities. An explanatory letter which accompanies the questionnaire informs the claimant of the reasons for the assessment.

Northern Ireland Housing Executive High Court Appeal

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development if he will confirm that the High Court is currently considering an appeal against the Housing Executive in connection with a house sale.

(AQW 644/00)

Mr Morrow: This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, whose Chief Executive has advised me that he is not aware of any such case.

Irish Language

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development if he will confirm that the Housing Executive is considering spending funds on translating some of their guidance notes and information into the Irish Language.

(AQW 645/00)

Mr Morrow: The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has no immediate plans to translate their guidance notes and information into the Irish Language.

The Executive is, however, committed to making sure that a language barrier hinders none of the people it serves. Since 1994, facilities have been in place for Executive customers who wish to conduct their business in Irish, but it has not been Housing Executive practice to provide Irish language material for people who have the use of English and for whom Irish is the language of choice.

The Housing Executive will be closely examining any future guidance issued on this subject and will adapt their policy accordingly.

Free Transport for Pensioners

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister for Social Development if he will accept equal responsibility with the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for providing the funding to support the proposal to provide free transport for senior citizens.

(AQW 658/00)

Mr Morrow: I do not have any responsibility for this issue. This matter lies entirely within the remit of Gregory Campbell MLA, as Minister for Regional Development.

Social Fund Commissioner

Mr Meryvn Carrick asked the Minister for Social Development if he will detail his plans to appoint a new Social Fund Commissioner and if he will make a statement.

(AQW 754/00)

Mr Morrow: I am pleased to announce that Sir Richard Tilt has been appointed to serve as Social Fund Commissioner for Northern Ireland for a period of 3 years from 1 December 2000. I am confident that he will ably continue the important work undertaken by his predecessor, John Scampion, who resigns on 30 November to take up his new post as Immigration Services Commissioner. I would also take this opportunity to thank Mr Scampion for all his efforts in his time as Commissioner.
TOP

A&E

Anaesthetics

Medicine

Surgery

Obstetrics & Gynae

Dentistry

Paediatrics

Pathology

Psychiatry

Radiology *

Public Health

EASTERN BOARD

Belfast City Hospital

Down & Lisburn

Greenpark

Mater Infirmorum

N&W Belfast

Royal Group

S&E Belfast

Ulster Hospital & Community

Blood Transfusion Service

TOTAL

2

1

-

1

-

3

-

3

-

10

20

8

7

4

-

40

-

15

-

94

40

6

4

4

-

44

-

16

-

114

18

3

17

7

-

50

-

17

-

112

6

5

-

3

-

6

-

5

-

25

-

-

-

-

-

19

-

2