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WRITTEN ANSWERS Friday 05 January 2001 Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister British Irish Council Agriculture and Rural Development Better Task Force Cental Administration Budget Central Administration Budget Enterprise, Trade and Investment Aggregates Central Administration Budget Central Administration Budget Health, Social Services and Public Safety Alcohol Strategy Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment Central Administration Budget Arterial Routes in West Belfast Central Administration Budget Friday 05 January 2001 OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER Electronic Access Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to outline what progress has been made in achieving Government targets for electronic access to Government services. (AQW 946/00) The First Minister and Deputy First Minister (Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon): In March 2000 the Prime Minister announced revised targets for the electronic delivery of government services. These were 25% of all services to be capable of being delivered electronically by 2002 and 100% by 2005. The Prime Minister’s targets apply to all Whitehall Departments, but each of the Devolved Administrations has the latitude to develop its own targets for electronic service delivery. In the draft Programme for Government, the Executive has given an undertaking to set local targets for electronic service delivery and to monitor progress. Our officials, in consultation with the Northern Ireland Departments have been considering how appropriate the Whitehall targets are to Northern Ireland. Local targets and a proposed monitoring regime will be discussed by the Executive in the New Year. We are committed to the principle that the public services in Northern Ireland should progress no less speedily than other parts of the United Kingdom in delivering government services electronically. Mobile Investment Mr Ivan Davis asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail the economic policy in place to attract increased mobile investment. (AQO 519/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The key aim of our inward investment policy must be to attract high quality inward investment which provides not only good quality jobs but also brings benefits to the wider economy. It can do that through introducing new technologies, bringing in other skills and developing markets for local suppliers. The Industrial Development Board is directly responsible for the attraction of inward investment. It does this by both marketing Northern Ireland and offering a wide range of financial incentives. Its work will be examined as part of the wider review that Sir Reg Empey is undertaking in light of what has been agreed within the Programme for Government and the ETI Committee’s findings from their inquiry on Strategy 2010. It is increasingly recognised that the wider economic environment plays an important role in attracting inward investment. This includes the provision of a well educated and flexible workforce, a solid R&D base, positive attitudes to risk and innovation, efficient planning procedures and a good physical infrastructure. The need to create these wider conditions for economic growth is a key element in the draft Programme for Government. Many Departments play an important role in this work and it is essential that they work together within an agreed strategy. Executive Committee's Drug Strategy Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if any reports from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety were received on the Executive Committee's Drugs Strategy. (AQO 516/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has submitted a report, setting out the current position on the implementation of the Northern Ireland Drugs Strategy and the proposals for taking forward co-operation on Drugs issues within the context of the British-Irish Council. International Fund for Ireland Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister when the most recent liaison meeting took place between the Chairman and officials of the International Fund for Ireland, and the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister, and what issues were discussed. (AQO 489/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister has not, as yet, had a formal liaison meeting with the Chairman and officials of the International Fund for Ireland. Arrangements were made for a meeting, however, due to diary pressures it had to be postponed. We have met the Chairman of the Fund, Willie McCarter, on a number of occasions, involving the public announcement of Fund assisted projects, many of which have been assisted in partnership with Government. The most recent occasion was on 17 October 2000 at the launch of a community-led project to regenerate the village of Moygashel. Fair Employment Mr Sean Neeson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if there are plans to amend the Fair Employment monitoring criteria to reflect the wider range of identities in Northern Ireland. (AQO 509/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: There are no plans at present to amend the Fair Employment monitoring criteria. These derive from the Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 and the Fair Employment (Monitoring) Regulations made under that Order which makes provision for recording the community background of employees. The issue of whether other characteristics of the workforce should be monitored is likely to be addressed in the consultation on the Single Equality Bill which will be initiated next spring. Human Rights Mr Edwin Poots asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what action is being taken in relation to human rights abuses by paramilitary organisations. (AQO 496/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: We condemn all so-called punishment attacks which, as recent research has shown, are still all too prevalent, at a terrible cost to individuals, families and communities. There is no place for punishment attacks in a civilised society. There is no acceptable alternative to an accountable police service and criminal justice system which have the support and confidence of everyone they serve. While the issues of criminal justice and policing are currently reserved matters, this administration will do all it can both to tackle the underlying social problems that can contribute to crime, and to ensure that the needs of victims of violence are met through high quality, effective services. Many organisations are involved on the ground in attempting to address these issues and the Executive’s commitment to victims is outlined in the draft Programme for Government. Freedom of Information Mr David Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail progress on a Freedom of Information Act for Northern Ireland. (AQO 508/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The Freedom of Information Act which received Royal Assent on 30 November 2000 extends to Northern Ireland and the intention is that this legislation will be brought into force in Northern Ireland at the same time as in England and Wales. Freedom of Information is a transferred matter and falls within the Assembly’s competence to legislate. The reason for extending the Freedom of Information Bill to Northern Ireland is to ensure that the people of Northern Ireland are not disadvantaged in relation to freedom of information legislation here. However, the Executive when agreeing that the Freedom of Information Bill should extend to Northern Ireland, decided that further consultation should be carried out on the need or desirability of bringing forward further separate legislation here. It is proposed that a consultation paper will be issued next year to assess the need for dedicated legislation in this jurisdiction. British Irish Council Ms Carmel Hanna asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail the date, venue and agenda of the next British Irish Council meeting. (AQO 502/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The next meeting of the British Irish Council will be a meeting of the Transport Sector which is scheduled for 19 December 2000, in Belfast. The agenda is: 1. Opening Remarks 2. Adoption of Outline Work Programme 3. Strategic Transport Planning 4. Road and Rail Safety 5. Date of Next Meeting 6. Draft Joint Communiqué Civic Forum Mr Seamus Close asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister why the Civic Forum has not met since October. (AQO 524/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The frequency and timing of meetings of the Civic Forum is the responsibility of the Forum itself, rather than of the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister. We understand that the Civic Forum plans to meet every two months in plenary format. The second such meeting was held on Wednesday, 6 December 2000 in the Burnavon Theatre, Cookstown. Decommissioning Mr Alan McFarland asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail any reports they have received on the re-engagement of the Provisional IRA with the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning. (AQO 528/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The most recent report of the Independent International Commission for Decommissioning to the British and Irish Governments was dated 26th October 2000. Conference on Human Rights Mr John Dallat asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to make a statement on recent participation in the Conference on Human Rights. (AQO 500/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: A major ground breaking conference entitled Protecting and Developing Human Rights on the Island of Ireland in an International Context was held in Dublin Castle on 9 and 10 December. The Conference brought together for the first time, representatives of: the Governments of Northern Ireland and the Republic; the Northern Ireland Office; the two Human Rights Commissions; the Northern Ireland Equality Commission; the Republic’s Equality Authority; leading academics; members of the legal profession; and a broad range of non-Government organisations to discuss key human rights issues. The Junior Ministers Dennis Haughey and Dermot Nesbitt, represented OFMDFM and addressed the conference. The Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Ms de Brun, also attended. The conference was highly successful. It has helped to foster closer working relationships between Governments, statutory authorities and social partners, and will pave the way for further valuable dialogue on human rights matters of mutual interest. Marketing Northern Ireland Mr P J Bradley asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail what plans are in place to stimulate the marketing of Northern Ireland in Europe. (AQO 498/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The First Minister and the Deputy First Minister will, at the end of January, accompany Sir Reg Empey, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment on a European marketing campaign. It is planned that visits will be made to Paris, Dusseldorf and Berlin. An office of the Executive will be opened in Brussels in March of next year and staff from both OFMDFM and the IDB will be based there. Currently, the IDB and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board actively promote Northern Ireland as an inward investment location and tourist destination through their respective offices in Dusseldorf and Frankfurt. Work is currently underway to develop a co-ordinated and cohesive approach to Europe for the Executive as a whole. TOPAGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT Compensation for Meat Producers Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline her plans to compensate meat producers for the additional costs incurred in adhering to regulations aimed at preventing the spread of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE). (AQW 929/00) The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): There are no plans to compensate meat producers for the additional costs in adhering to regulations aimed at preventing the spread of BSE. All the regulations to combat BSE have been introduced on the latest scientific advice available in an effort to protect public safety and restore consumer confidence in the meat industry. As a consequence, the meat industry has had to make changes to their operating practices to adapt to the new circumstances. Recent developments in the rest of the EU have brought about significant changes for other Member States and they too are now having to adapt to changes that have been in place in the United Kingdom since 1996. Compensation for Pig Producers Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline her plans to provide compensation payments to pig producers. (AQW 930/00) Ms Rodgers: You will doubtless be aware that Mr Nick Brown, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has now announced the opening of the Outgoers element of the Pig Industry Restructuring Scheme (PIRS), which is designed to help pig producers throughout the UK. I am delighted that the Commission has finally agreed our proposals in regard to Outgoers and trust that formal clearance for the whole scheme - Outgoers and Ongoers – will follow shortly. The two main elements of the PIRS are:
I very much hope that Northern Ireland pig producers will benefit from the scheme as far as possible. Copies of the explanatory literature on the Outgoers element, have been placed in the Assembly Library. BSE in the European Union Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of cases of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy which have been reported in each European Union member state in (a) 1999 and (b) 2000. (AQW 931/00) Ms Rodgers: There is no centralised official record of the number of BSE cases reported in European Union Member States in 1999 and 2000. However the attached table shows the most accurate figures we have to date for Member States other than the UK derived from a variety of official and semi-official sources:
No information is available for Greece BSE in the European Union Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) cases which have been reported in England, Scotland and Wales in (a) 1999 and (b) 2000. (AQW 932/00) Ms Rodgers: The number of BSE cases reported in England, Scotland and Wales in 1999 and 2000 are as follows:
*Figures to 30 Nov 2000 BSE in the European Union Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of cases of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) which have been reported in Northern Ireland in (a) 1999 and (b) 2000. (AQW 933/00) Ms Rodgers: The number of BSE cases reported in Northern Ireland in 1999 and 2000 are as follows:
*Figures to 8 December 2000 Central Administration Budget Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the central administration budget for her Department in each of the last two financial years and to advise the specific functions to which any increase will be allocated and if she will make a statement. (AQW 942/00) Ms Rodgers: The table below sets out actual expenditure for 1999/00, anticipated expenditure for 2000/01 and the estimated budget for 2001/02 for the various functions which are classified as central administration and which form part of the Central Administration and Miscellaneous Services in the Budget document. £million
The 2001/02 budget for central administration set out above provides only for inflation and no other increases are planned. As far as the wider Department is concerned overall staff numbers declined from 3972 in 1993 to 3331 in 1999. I am satisfied that the recent increase in staff numbers – now standing at 3415 – is fully justified and follows rigorous assessment of need. There continue to be workload pressures in areas such as BSE, Brucellosis and TB in cattle, Devolution, Agenda 2000 Reforms, Education and Training and Rural Development, and this means unavoidable increases in front line staff. Farm Support Group Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) the assistance she has given to farm support groups to help farm workers cope with the pressure and stress associated with farm debt (b) how many such groups will benefit from this assistance (c) where they will be located and (d) if the aid will be targeted in accordance with Targeting Social Need. (AQW 952/00) Ms Rodgers: On 20 November I announced the allocation of up to £150,000 to provide additional information, guidance and counselling for farmers and their families to help alleviate stress due to the difficult financial situation. My officials have consulted industry representatives and health personnel working in this area, and are currently finalising our proposals. A number of organisations are already involved in projects to help farmers and their families, and it is probable that a main strand of this additional funding will be to build on and expand these initiatives and encourage new initiatives from other local groups. The assistance available through this additional funding will be offered to all farmers and their families throughout Northern Ireland who feel they might benefit from such help. It will be administered through local group initiatives and by the distribution of general information. In addition under Agenda for Government the Department has introduced an introductory business management training programme for farmers in the less favoured areas of Northern Ireland. This will help farmers with filling in forms, maintaining herd registers and keeping basic records which will help them better cope with the changes in farming and the development of their businesses. River Courses Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps she is taking to record river courses that have not as yet been designated and when present records will be updated. (AQW 989/00) Ms Rodgers: The Rivers Agency of my Department maintains a current database which details the upstream and downstream limits of all designated watercourses. Those watercourses, and sections of watercourses, not included on this database can be identified as "undesignated". There are no plans to establish separate records in respect of watercourses which are not designated. Watercourses are only designated for maintenance at public expense in circumstances where a drainage need is identified and relevant key criteria are met. Any benefits derived from designation and associated works must outweigh the costs involved. In consequence, the designation process is not based on a "rolling programme" designed to encompass all watercourses. Rather, the number of new designations in any year is relatively small. The Drainage Council for Northern Ireland, an independent statutory body, makes decisions as to whether a watercourse should be designated and maintained by Rivers Agency at public expense. The Drainage Council will consider representations from the public, as well as Government Departments, for designation of specific watercourses. Better Task Force Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if (a) she is aware of the "Better Task Force" report into European Union regulations (b) she will give her assessment of its recommendations and (c) she intends to implement them. (AQW 995/00) Ms Rodgers: I am assuming that your question refers to the "Better Regulation task Force" which is chaired by Lord Haskins and which has recently reported on "Environmental Regulations and Farmers". The Report in question was published in November 2000 and copies should be available in the Assembly Library. The majority of the Report’s recommendations relate directly to the responsibility of Minister Sam Foster as, in Northern Ireland, DOE is the Department with the main responsibility for environmental regulation. Although the focus of the report is mainly on the situation in England, I am also anxious, where possible, to reduce the regulatory burden on the farming industry here and will be anxious to adopt any new measures relating to agriculture which may help in doing this. In Northern Ireland, there is close co-operation and co-ordination between officials of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and officials of the Department of the Environment. Both Departments also engage in close and regular contact with the farming unions and non-governmental bodies concerned with the protection of the environment. The Report included suggestions that the level of record keeping required be reduced and that the complexity of UK IACS claim forms be reduced. Unfortunately, many regulatory burdens are imposed by EU Regulations and we have no discretion to do other than implement them. Again, IACS is a national scheme with UK-wide legislation and any amendment to it will have to be introduced on that basis. A comprehensive reply to the Better Regulation Task Force Report is currently being prepared. This exercise is being led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions in England. My Department, along with others, will have input to this exercise, which will not be completed for some weeks yet. However, you can be assured that I shall be considering what deregulatory action we should take as a consequence. Definitions of Urban and Rural Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the definition of (a) urban and (b) rural used within her Department. (AQW 1003/00) Ms Rodgers: While most people will have an intuitive sense of what is meant by the terms "urban" and "rural", there are no universally accepted definitions of the terms that the Department is able to apply to its activities. As a result, the Department has had to devise its own definitions where it is necessary to draw a distinction between urban and rural. One of the areas where it has been necessary to define 'rural areas' has been in the Rural Development Programme. For the purposes of that Programme, rural areas are defined as all parts of Northern Ireland outside the Belfast Metropolitan Area, the city of Derry/Londonderry and towns with populations greater than 5,000. However, the Rural Development Programme will retain the flexibility to support projects located in more urban settings in cases where the projects will benefit rural areas and it makes sense that they should be located in a town. Early Retirement Schemes for Farmers Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) what assessment she has made of an early retirement scheme for farmers (b) what assessment she has made of any similar scheme in the European Union and (c) what policy she intends to follow on this issue. (AQW 1010/00) Ms Rodgers: I have decided to commission a study of early retirement and new entrants schemes, including an assessment of the available evidence on such schemes in other EU Member States, and have written to a number of institutions inviting them to bid to carry out the study. I would like to have someone appointed to carry out the study early in the New Year and hope to have it completed before the end of February 2001. Until I see the results of the study, and any views which the Vision Group may have on this issue, I will not make a decision on whether or not to introduce such schemes. While I understand the interest of farmers in these schemes, the evidence for their effectiveness is mixed and this is why I would like to have an independent appraisal. Fishing Industry Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will make it her policy not to implement European Union Regulations relating to the Fishing Industry ahead of other European Union States. (AQW 1015/00) Ms Rodgers: Both European Union Council and Commision Regulations are binding in their entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. The question of the timing of local implementation does not therefore arise. Fishing Industry Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if, in relation to the local Fishing Industry, she will make it her policy not to implement European Community Directives. (AQW 1016/00) Ms Rodgers: Whilst Directives leave the choice of means of implementation to national administrations, they are legally binding instruments addressed to Member States. It follows, therefore, that there is a need for their introduction as soon as possible. Bovine Tuberculosis Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) the highest level of compensation paid out to date in respect of any one animal rejected as result of Bovine Tuberculosis or Brucellosis and (b) the highest level of compensation paid out to date in respect of any one herd as a result of Tuberculosis or Brucellosis. (AQW 1070/00) Ms Rodgers: The highest level of compensation paid out to date in respect of any one animal slaughtered was £50,000 paid in respect of a pedigree Charolais bull in a brucellosis breakdown herd. The highest level of compensation paid out to date in respect of any one herd was £1,213,092.50 in respect of Brucellosis. The herd consisted of 39 reactor animals and 777 negative in contacts. Brucellosis Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) the number of Northern Ireland herds affected by Brucellosis in each of the last five years (b) the amount of compensation paid out in respect of Brucellosis outbreaks in each of the last five years and (c) the amount of compensation paid out in respect of Brucellosis outbreaks in each of the eighteen constituencies in each of the last five years. (AQW 1071/00) Ms Rodgers: The following table sets out the number of NI herds affected by Brucellosis in each of the last five years and also the amount of compensation paid.
In relation to part (c) information in the form requested is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. Bovine Tuberculosis Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) the number of Northern Ireland herds affected by Bovine Tuberculosis in each of the last five years (b) the amount of compensation paid out in respect of Bovine Tuberculosis outbreaks in each of the last five years and (c) the amount of compensation paid out in respect of Bovine Tuberculosis in each of the eighteen constituencies in each of the last five years. (AQW 1072/00) Ms Rodgers: The following table sets out the number of NI herds affected by Tuberculosis in each of the last five years and also the amount of compensation paid.
In relation to part (c) information in the form requested is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. Buildings and Amenities West Tyrone Mr Pat Doherty asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to (a) detail all buildings and amenities within her responsibility in the constituency of West Tyrone (b) outline the percentage of her budget that has been allocated to the West Tyrone constituency and (c) explain how this compares with the previous budget. (AQW 1083/00) Ms Rodgers: (a) Within the constituency of West Tyrone, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development staff are located mainly in 4 properties, all of which are in the Omagh area – Sperrin House (which houses the Divisional Veterinary Office and Agri-Food Development Service), Hospital Road (Rural Development Division), Woodside Avenue (Rivers Agency) and the Veterinary Inspection Centre. The Forest Service operate the Gortin Forest Park amenity. The maintenance and upkeep of the office accommodation estate is the responsibility of Department of Finance and Personnel and my Department is responsible for the specialised buildings and for the Gortin Forest Park amenities. (b) It has not been the practice of NICS Departments to retain budgetary information or maintain records of expenditure on a constituency by constituency basis. To obtain or provide such information would incur disproportionate effort and cost. (c) In light of (b), information for previous years is not available. TOPNorthern Ireland Schools' Football Association Under 15 Side Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail his plans to acknowledge the success of the Northern Ireland Schools' Football Association under 15 side, which recently won the Victory Shield Home International Tournament. (AQW 927/00) The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): I have recently issued a letter of congratulation to Mr Brian Gilliland, Secretary of the Northern Ireland Schools’ Football Association, offering my wholehearted congratulations to both the management team and the players, on their magnificent achievement of winning the Victory Shield for the first time for Northern Ireland. I am also planning to host a reception in recognition of the team’s success in the New Year. Home International Soccer Tournament Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will actively support the reintroduction of the Home International Football Tournament at full international level and if he will make a statement. (AQW 928/00) Mr McGimpsey: I am very much in favour of the reintroduction of the Home International Tournament, but I should stress that this is a matter for the four football Associations concerned. I am well aware of the disappointment felt by the IFA and local supporters when the Tournament was lost in 1983-84. The opportunity which the competition provided for local people to see the stars of the English and Scottish Premier Leagues in regular competitive competition coupled with the regular revenue generated has never been replaced. The Tournament also provided a regular, and profitable, focus for international soccer in Belfast. Its reinstatement would also compliment the efforts being made to modernize and strengthen the sport through the process which I announced recently for the development of a Soccer Strategy for NI. Central Administration Budget Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the central administration budget for his Department in each of the last two financial years and to advise the specific functions to which any increase will be allocated and if he will make a statement. (AQW 938/00) Mr McGimpsey: The Department of Culture Arts and Leisure was only created in December 1999 and therefore budget figures are not available for the 1999/2000 Financial Year. The total DRC provision for the Financial Years 2000/2001 and 2001/2002 is £11.6m and £12.5m respectively. The increase of £900k will be used mainly to meet the cost of the additional staff (£560k) that were recruited to enable the department to deliver the full range of services for which it has responsibility and to undertake a programme of research/consultancy (£250k) to help my Department focus its programme of activity in the coming years. The remainder will be used to meet any other increases in expenditure that may arise, eg salary increases, inflation etc. My Department has been tasked with a number of new activities, as well as the existing ones that transferred from other departments, and it is essential that it is adequately staffed to carry out all of these duties effectively and efficiently. Funding for Sport in North Belfast Mr Nigel Dodds asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail what funding was made available to (a) soccer (b) Gaelic games (c) rugby and (d) other sports in North Belfast in each of the last five years. (AQW 962/00) Mr McGimpsey: Funding for sport in Northern Ireland is made available through the Sports Council for Northern Ireland. The figures for the North Belfast constituency area are as follows: SOCCER 1995/96 1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 1999/00 NIL NIL £38,595 NIL £47,814 GAELIC GAMES 1995/96 1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 1999/00 NIL NIL £12,808 £215,856 £70,000 RUGBY 1995/96 1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 1999/00 NIL NIL NIL NIL NIL ALL OTHER SPORTS 1995/96 1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 1999/00 £89,543 NIL £151,885 £11,168 £170,000 The figures quoted above are comprised of Lottery Capital and Lottery Revenue funds. New Library for Strabane Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline his position with regard to the provision of new library facilities in (a) Strabane and (b) Castlederg. (AQW 971/00) Mr McGimpsey: Since taking over policy responsibility for the public library service, I have announced the building of a new library for Strabane as part of the Strabane 2000 initiative. Planning of this is advancing and the aim is that building should commence in May 2001 with a view to completion in July 2002. The need for a new library in Castlederg has been recognised for many years but funding has not been available. I am making efforts to secure additional resources for library capital projects and my Department is working on the details of a capital development programme. I hope to be in a position to make an announcement early in the new year. Upgrading First Division Football Clubs Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if, in relation to the upgrading of First Division Football Clubs, he will (a) detail what criteria will be used for the allocation of funds and (b) outline how much funding will be available. (AQW 987/00) Mr McGimpsey: (a) First Division Clubs are eligible to apply for funding for urgent (health and safety) works and safety management. The following criteria for the allocation of funds has been used across both programmes, except where specifically indicated: Safety Applicants must identify the impact of the project on the safety of spectators or others at their venue. The views of the club safety officer and of the Environmental Health Department of the district Council must be taken into account. Proposed safety management schemes will have to show a scale appropriate to past and projected attendance figures. Supporting information may be required. Technical Conformity For urgent works schemes, the facility proposed should be of adequate size and conform with the appropriate technical specifications and/or other recognised specific criteria. Projects will also be reviewed against the following technical requirements:
For safety management schemes the Sports Council will determine criteria for and approve providers of:
Financial Viability and Funding Applicants must demonstrate that they have secured a viable capital funding package. Applications need to display that their percentage of the finance is in place, or that there are other realistic sources for raising the funding shortfall within six months of the application. Applicants will also need to show that they can manage the project and control the finances during its development. Applicants may be required to evidence the necessary financial need to warrant an award. Social Inclusion The Sports Council is committed to providing equality of opportunity for people who may suffer social disadvantage. In particular, the Sports Council recognises that arrangements for women, young people and people with disabilities are limited at some sporting venues. Applicants are encouraged to consider these issues within their planned project. (a) The maximum grant available to First Division Clubs for urgent works is 85% up to a maximum of £15k per club and for safety management is 90% of the total cost. All applicants which fulfil the funding criteria will be successful. West Tyrone Budget Share Mr Pat Doherty asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to (a) detail all buildings and amenities within his responsibility in the constituency of West Tyrone (b) outline the percentage of his budget that has been allocated to the West Tyrone constituency and (c) explain how this compares with the previous budget. (AQW 1081/00) Mr McGimpsey: In answer to part (a) of your question my Department does not have any buildings and amenities for which I have direct responsibility within the constituency of West Tyrone. In relation to parts (b) and (c) of your question this information is not recorded on a constituency basis and could be provided only at a disproportionate cost. TOPCentral Administration Budget Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail the central administration budget for his Department in each of the last two financial years and to advise the specific functions to which any increase will be allocated and if he will make a statement. (AQW 944/00) The Minister of Education (Mr McGuinness): I have interpreted the Central Administration budget as referring to Departmental Running Costs. The Departmental Running Costs of my Department were:- 1998/99 - net expenditure amounting to £15.112m 1999/00 - net expenditure amounting to £16.016m The increase is attributable to the application of the 1999 pay settlement and inescapable costs arising from the restructuring of Departments in preparation for devolution. TOPENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT Central Administration Budget Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the central administration budget for his Department in each of the last two financial years and to advise the specific functions to which any increase will be allocated and if he will make a statement. (AQW 940/00) The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): The central administration budget for my Department for the years 2000/01 and 2001/02, respectively, are £36.4 million and £38.1 million. For the year 2000/01, additional monies have been allocated to the Health & Safety Executive NI (HSENI) and to Companies Registry. In 2001/02, additional monies will be allocated to the continuing support of HSENI. In addition monies will be allocated to work required for the Freedom of Information legislation, the Modernising Government Agenda and to cover devolution costs. Sustainable and Renewable Energy Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what steps he has taken to encourage the development of sustainable and renewable energy. (AQW 948/00) Sir Reg Empey: I fully support the development of sustainable and renewable energy. The harnessing of renewable energy sources assists the diversification of Northern Ireland’s energy supplies and has an important role to play in reducing greenhouse gases emissions. Government has established an initial target of 45MW of renewables plant in Northern Ireland by the year 2005. The then Department of Economic Development, in pursuit of this objective, made two Non-Fossil Fuel Orders (NFFO) in 1994 and 1996 under which Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) is required to purchase some 32MW of renewable energy. In addition, a number of innovative renewable energy projects have been assisted under the EU funded Energy Demonstration Scheme and the EU INTERREG cross-border energy sub-programme. Furthermore, 1,000 customers currently receive all or part of their electricity from renewable sources under Northern Ireland Electricity’s Eco Energy tariff scheme. Recent assessments of the potential for renewables in Northern Ireland have indicated that, based on certain assumptions, some 7% of electricity consumption could be met by offshore wind energy by 2005 and that a further 7.6% could be met by other renewables by 2010. My Department intends to consult interested parties in the New Year on the future development of renewable energy sources in Northern Ireland. We will wish, in particular, to seek views on how Northern Ireland might best make a proportionate contribution to the revised UK target of 10% of electricity from renewables by 2010 and also on the possible replication of the recent Great Britain legislation on a renewables obligation which will place an obligation on suppliers to obtain a specified percentage of their supplies from renewable sources. Large Scale Shipbuilding Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he will confirm that adequate engineering expertise is available in Northern Ireland to undertake large scale shipbuilding and if he will make a statement. (AQW 956/00) Sir Reg Empey: Northern Ireland has a long and respected tradition of engineering excellence which is partly reflected in the engineering faculties of the two universities and the further education institutions where substantial numbers of students are enrolled in courses in engineering and the technologies. At November 2000 there were nearly 2,500 participants undertaking specialist training in engineering occupations under the Jobskills programme. With regard to skills, that may be required in the future to meet the needs of large-scale shipbuilding, it remains important that education and training providers be sufficiently flexible and responsive to the needs of employers to ensure that skill needs will be met, regardless of the sector in which those needs arise. A number of important initiatives have already been taken in this area. The Northern Ireland Skills Task Force have commissioned a programme of research to review in detail the skills demand and supply in priority areas on which one report (on the IT sector) has already been published and another (on the Electronic Engineering sector) is almost complete. Work is due to begin on a review of the Mechanical Engineering sector in the new year. This research will provide a better and more informed understanding of the balance between skills supply and demand in the engineering, including shipbuilding, sectors. In the meantime the Department of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment will continue to work closely with the Harland and Wolff Group to identify specific trades and skills required to meet the challenges of potential new work in the shipbuilding and offshore sectors. Aggregates Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the percentage volume of non fuel material quarried or extracted in Northern Ireland and reused within Northern Ireland for each of the past five years. (AQW 967/00) Sir Reg Empey: The following quantities of non fuel material were quarried or extracted in Northern Ireland in each of the past five years:- 1999 29,020 tonnes 1998 22,356 tonnes 1997 21,591 tonnes 1996 25,113 tonnes 1995 22,120 tonnes Information on the percentage of these quantities reused in Northern Ireland is not available. Aggregates Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the volume of quarried or extracted non fuel materials imported into Northern Ireland from (a) the Republic of Ireland (b) Great Britain (c) the rest of the world for each of the past five years. (AQW 968/00) Sir Reg Empey: The information requested is not available. Aggregates Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the percentage volume of quarried or extracted non fuel materials exported from Northern Ireland to (a) the Republic of Ireland (b) Great Britain (c) the rest of the world for each of the past five years. (AQW 969/00) Sir Reg Empey: Comprehensive information on the quantity of non fuel materials exported from Northern Ireland is not available. The report of the Belfast Harbour Commissioners for 1999 records that the following quantities of stones were exported, mainly to Great Britain, in each of the last years: 1995 264,000 tonnes 1996 325,000 tonnes 1997 254,000 tonnes 1998 392,000 tonnes 1999 364,000 tonnes Definitions of Urban and Rural Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to state the definition of (a) urban and (b) rural used within his Department. (AQW 1006/00) Sir Reg Empey: The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment does not have specific definitions for urban or rural. TOPCentral Administration Budget Mr George Savage asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the central administration budget for his Department in each of the last two financial years and to advise the specific functions to which any increase will be allocated and if he will make a statement. (AQW 941/00) The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): The Department’s Central Administration Budget meets the salary, general administrative expenses and other costs of staff employed in Corporate Services, as well as IT capital requirements. Corporate Services was set up in December 1999 following devolution. The following table sets out the actual expenditure incurred by Corporate Services in 1999-2000 and projected spend for the current year.
The Draft Budget for 2001-02 includes an increase in the Department’s overall allocation for administration costs. This will help meet inflationary pressures. Townscape Character and Conservation Areas Mr Alex Maskey asked the Minister of the Environment if he will provide a breakdown by constituency of (a) areas of townscape character and (b) conservation areas in Northern Ireland. (AQW 953/00) Mr Foster: The information requested is set out in the attached schedules. AREAS OF TOWNSCAPE CHARACTER
CONSERVATION AREAS
Legal Requirements on Quarry Owners Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the legal requirements placed on quarry-owners to prevent noise, dust, fume-pollution and structural damage to neighbouring homes. (AQW 963/00) Mr Foster: In granting planning permission for quarries for the extraction of hard rock the Department imposes planning conditions which control the vibration and noise from blasting operations. Current practice and research indicates that the application of these conditions will prevent structural damage occurring to property. All quarries are required by the Industrial Pollution Control (NI) Order 1997 to use Best Available Techniques Not Entailing Excessive Cost (BATNEEC) to prevent or minimise all aspects of air pollution from their operations. The BATNEEC requirement is enforced for each quarry by conditions set out in an authorisation issued by the Chief Industrial Pollution Inspector of my Department. In most cases, these authorisations incorporate an improvement programme setting out a series of actions required to bring the quarry’s standards of dust control up to the BATNEEC standards. In addition, quarry operators are obliged to comply with the Quarries (Explosives) Regulations (NI) 1991. These Regulations take account of modern blasting practices and materials and set out the standards to be achieved in order to prevent danger from the presence and use of explosives at quarries. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Industry’s Quarry Inspector polices these Regulations. Planning Application for Housing Development Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister of the Environment if he will make it his policy that a planning application for housing development must indicate the full proposed development plans before approval is granted. (AQO 485/00) Mr Foster: Full details of any proposed housing development are indicated before planning approval is granted. However, under existing law, applicants are entitled to make an outline planning application for operational development, which includes housing. This enables applicants to establish whether the development of land for a proposed use is acceptable in principle, without the financial expense of preparing detailed plans. This is a long established procedure within the planning system and I have no plans to change it. However, the Department’s publication "Creating Places – Achieving Quality in Residential Developments" requires applicants to provide much more detailed information, for example an analysis of the application site and its context together with a Concept Statement, with applications for outline permission. This will assist the Department in assessing a proposal against quality and sustainability objectives. It will also provide the public with more information about the proposals. Drink-Driving Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of the Environment what steps he is taking to address the problem of drink-driving and if he will make a statement. (AQO 507/00) Mr Foster: Drink-driving remains a major cause of deaths and serious injuries on Northern Ireland’s roads. My Department carries out extensive research into attitudes to drinking and driving. This is to ensure that the Department’s education and advertising activities are targeted effectively. Advertising and publicity campaigns are co-ordinated with RUC enforcement campaigns. I can assure the Assembly that I am totally committed to further reducing road casualties. I recently launched a new anti-drink drive commercial, in association with the National Safety Council in the Republic of Ireland This has provided the focus of the current Christmas Anti-Drink Drive Campaign. An experimental scheme in the use of courses as a sentencing option for drink-drive offenders has been running in Belfast and Newtownabbey petty sessions district since April 1998. On 11 December, the Assembly approved the Motion to extend the experimental period until 2005. My Department, in association with the RUC and other road safety groups will continue with our efforts to reduce the problem of drink-driving and to encourage responsible driver attitudes. The importance of discouraging drink driving will be emphasised in the new Road Safety Strategy, on which I hope to be able to consult as soon as possible next year. Third Party Appeals Mr Edwin Poots asked the Minister of the Environment to detail what consultations he has had on the issue of third party planning appeals. (AQO 495/00) Mr Foster: My Department is in regular contact with its counterparts in England, Scotland and Wales on this subject. There is no provision for third party appeals in any of the planning jurisdictions in the United Kingdom. I have however been giving very careful consideration to all aspects of third party appeals and how it might impact on the planning system in Northern Ireland. On the one hand, third parties already have structured opportunities to make representations concerning planning applications. Such representations are given careful consideration. On the other hand, there is an argument that third party appeals would provide better protection to members of the public and that it would place them on the same footing as applicants whose permission for development had been refused. Work carried out by my Department indicates that there would be significant costs involved in introducing a third party appeal system in Northern Ireland. Such a provision would also add delays to the planning process and would increase uncertainty among developers. Third party appeals could also be used to obstruct a commercial competitor or to frustrate a neighbour. This is an area which I realise is attracting considerable interest and debate not just in Northern Ireland but also in the rest of the UK. I will therefore continue to keep our policy and procedures under review and have presented an analysis to my Executive colleagues for early consideration. TOPCentral Administration Budget Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the central administration budget for his Department in each of the last two financial years and to advise the specific functions to which any increase will be allocated and if he will make a statement. (AQW 937/00) The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): The central administration budget for the Department of Finance and Personnel for 2000-01 is £92.6m. The revised budget for 2001-02 as presented to the Assembly on 12 December provides £97.1m. This represents an increase of £4.5m and will allow the Department to maintain its current level of service including, providing for pay increases and the restructuring of the Department to incorporate the former Department of the Environment agencies. Collection of Domestic Rate Dr Dara O'Hagan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the revenue generated through the collection of domestic rate by electoral ward in the parliamentary constituency of West Belfast and as a percentage of the overall domestic rate value in the Belfast City Council area. (AQW 1122/00) Mr Durkan: Information in the form requested is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. Rates Revenue West Belfast Dr Dara O'Hagan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the rates revenue generated from retail business in the constituency of West Belfast by electoral ward and as a percentage of the overall retail rate value generated in Belfast City Council area. (AQW 1188/00) Mr Durkan: Information in the form requested is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. TOPHEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY Central Administration Budget Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the central administration budget for her Department in each of the last two financial years and to advise the specific functions to which any increase will be allocated and if she will make a statement. (AQW 935/00) The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety’s running cost provision for 2000-2001, its first full year of operation, is £31.1m. The Budget proposals for 2001-02 uplift the provision to £32.7m. Most of the additional £1.6m would go towards maintaining existing levels of service by meeting next year’s pay pressures, but it will also enable the Department to augment its support for a number of programmes and services. Examples of these are the development of Children’s services, strengthening support for the Equality and New TSN agendas, hospital services, public safety and strategic planning. Is é £31.1m. costais choinneála na Roinne Sláinte, Seirbhísí Sóisialta agus Sábháilteachta Poiblí do 2000-2001, a chéad bhliain iomlán oibre. Ardaíonn na moltaí Buiséid do 2001-02 an soláthar go dtí £32.7m. Chaithfí an chuid is mó den £1.6m breise leis na caighdeáin seirbhíse atá ann anois a choinneáil trí bhrú pá na bliana seo chugainn a chlúdach, ach chomh maith leis sin cuirfidh sé ar chumas na Roinne cur lena tacaíocht do roinnt clár agus seirbhísí. Orthu seo tá forbairt sheirbhísí Páistí, ag neartú tacaíochta do na cláir oibre don Chomhionannas agus DRS Nua, seirbhísí ospidéil, sábháilteacht phoiblí agus pleanáil straitéiseach. Designer Drugs Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she has had discussions with other Departments in relation to public information on the long term effects of designer drugs with specific reference to ecstasy. (AQW 945/00) Ms de Brún: Public information plays an important role in increasing awareness of the damage that can be caused by drug misuse. During the recent meeting of the Ministerial Group on Drugs, of which I am chair, I provided an overview of the drugs–related public information campaign delivered by the Health Promotion Agency over the last few years. One phase of this campaign was focused on Ecstasy, LSD and amphetamine sulphate (speed), providing information to young people on long and short-term effects of these drugs. I also advised my Ministerial colleagues of the next phase of the campaign, which, although not focused solely on ecstasy, will be targeted at young people attending bars and nightclubs. Tá ról tábhachtach ag an eolas phoiblí ar aird a dhíriú ar an dochar is féidir le mí-úsáid drugaí a dhéanamh. Ag cruinniú den Ghrúpa Aireachta ar Dhrugaí ar na mallaibh, a bhfuil mise i mo chathaoirleach air, thug mé forbhreathnú ar an fheachtas eolais phoiblí faoi dhrugaí atá ar bun ag an Ghníomhaireacht Cothaithe Sláinte le blianta beaga anuas. Bhí céim amháin den fheachtas seo dírithe ar an Eacstais, LSD agus sulfáit amfaitimín (luas), ag cur eolais ar fáil do dhaoine óga ar éifeachtaí fadtéarmacha agus gearrthéarmacha na ndrugaí seo. Chomh maith leis sin chuir mé mo chomhAirí ar an eolas faoin chéad chéim eile den fheachtas, a bheas dírithe ar dhaoine óga a ghnáthaíonn tithe tábhairne agus clubanna oíche. Philippine Nurses Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) how many Philippine nurses have been recruited for the Eastern Health and Social Services Board (b) the total cost to date and (c) how much it costs to provide accommodation for these nurses. (AQW 957/00) Ms de Brún: Within the Eastern Health and Social Services Board area the Ulster Community & Hospitals Trust has recruited 20 Filipino nurses. The total cost to date is £48,183. The nurses are responsible for their own accommodation charges. Taobh istigh de limistéar Bhord Sláinte agus Sheirbhísí Sóisialta an Oirthir d’earcaigh Iontaobhas Pobail agus Ospidéal Uladh 20 banaltra ó na Filipíneacha. Is é an costas iomlán go dtí seo £48,183. Tá na banaltraí freagrach as costas a lóistín féin. Cardiac Surgeon Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to (a) confirm that the cardiac surgeon who left the Eastern Health and Social Services Board at the Ulster Hospital has not yet been replaced and (b) outline the steps she is taking to fill the vacancy. (AQW 958/00) Ms de Brún: There is no cardiac surgeon based at the Ulster Hospital. However, a consultant cardiac surgeon employed by the Royal Hospitals Group HSS Trust retired recently and the vacant post has been advertised. There has been a specialist trainee in post for several years in anticipation of such a vacancy who has completed training within the last year. The vacant post will have to be filled through competition in line with the Appointment of Consultant Regulations (NI) 1996. Níl aon mháinlia cairdiach bunaithe ag Ospidéal Uladh, ach d’éirigh máinlia cairdiach comhairleach a bhí fostaithe ag Iontaobhas SSS Ghrúpa na nOspidéal Ríoga as a obair ar na mallaibh agus fógraíodh an post folamh. Tá foghlaimeoir sainiúil i bpost le roinnt blianta anuas in oirchill folúntais den chineál a bhfuil traenáil críochnaithe aige taobh istigh den bhliain seo caite. Caithfear an post folamh a líonadh trí iomaíocht de réir Rialacha Ceapacháin na nDochtúirí Comhairleacha (TÉ) 1996. Chiropractic Service Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what provision she has made for the chiropractic service within the Health Budget and how many staff are employed in each Board Area with that expertise. (AQW 959/00) Ms de Brún: No specific provision for chiropractic services has been made within the HPSS budget. The information requested on members of staff with chiropractic expertise is not readily available. Ní dhearnadh aon soláthar ar leith sa bhuiséad SSSP do sheirbhísí círeapraicteacha. Níl an t-eolas a iarradh maidir le baill foirne a bhfuil scileanna círeapraicteacha acu ar fáil go héasca. Funding for Extra Nurses Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps she is taking to release the funding necessary to address the need for nurses in the Eastern Health and Social Services Board. (AQW 960/00) Ms de Brún: The number of nurses employed in the Eastern Board area is a matter for determination between the Board and the Health & Social Services Trusts. The additional resources which I intend to make available to the Health and Social Services Boards should help the Eastern Board to address the priorities in its area. Is ceist í líon na mbanaltraí a fhostaítear i gceantar Bhord an Oirthir atá le socrú idir an Bord agus na hIontaobhais Shláinte agus Sheirbhísí Sóisialta. Ba cheart do na hacmhainní breise a bhfuil sé de rún agam á gcur ar fáil do na Boird Shláinte agus Sheirbhísí Sóisialta cuidiú le Bord an Oirthir tabhairt faoi na tosaíochtaí ina cheantar. Cancer Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) how many people have been diagnosed with cancer since 1996 (b) what categories they fall under and (c) what steps she is taking to reduce the incidence of prostrate cancer. (AQW 974/00) Ms de Brún: The information requested is not yet available. Data for the years 1997 and 1998 should be available in early 2001. Information on the number of deaths from cancer since 1996 is shown in the following table. Table 1: Number of cancer deaths by site: Northern Ireland 1996-1999
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