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WRITTEN ANSWERS Friday 19 January 2001 Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister Agriculture and Rural Development Enterprise, Trade and Investment Health, Social Services and Public Safety Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment TOPOFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER Funding to Prisoners Groups Mr Jim Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail the funding allocated to prisoners groups in each constituency area for the financial years 1998-1999, 1999-2000 and 2000-2001. (AQW 1013/00) The First Minister and Deputy First Minister (Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon): The information requested is not maintained by constituency area and could only be compiled in this format at a disproportionate cost. Victims Unit Mr Jim Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to outline when the first meeting of the Victims Unit with Give Innocent Victims Equality (GIVE) and Families Acting for Innocent Relatives (FAIR) will take place. (AQW 1024/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: As part of an ongoing information sharing exercise, officials from the Victims Unit met representatives of FAIR in Markethill on 29 November 2000. This will be followed by regular further meetings in the coming months. An initial meeting with GIVE has been scheduled for 19th January. Costs of Questions Mr John Fee asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister pursuant to AQW 799/99 (a) what action has been taken to determine the range of costs incurred in responding to written and oral questions to Ministers of the Assembly and (b) when and where the results of that action will be available. (AQW 1063/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: An exercise has recently been conducted on the cost of answering a written Assembly question. The average cost of providing a written answer is £91.44. A similar exercise is underway in relation to oral Assembly questions. A figure for the average cost is expected to be available in March 2001. The exercise to determine the cost of answering Assembly questions will be repeated at five-yearly intervals. Urban and Rural Mr Derek Hussey asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to state the definition of (a) urban and (b) rural used within their Office. (AQW 1065/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister does not have a formal definition of "urban" and "rural". However, OFMDFM when working with other NI Departments takes account of any definitions relevant to their policies. Christmas Cards Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail (a) the number of official Christmas cards they have sent (b) the cost of their design, publication and postage and (c) the list of people on the Ministers' official Christmas card list. (AQW 1108/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The First Minister, Deputy First Minister and Junior Ministers sent a total of 1350 official Christmas cards at a cost of £686.35. The cost of postage was £354.30. Christmas cards are typically sent to individuals and members of organisations met through the year by Ministers; to counterparts and office-holders in organisations with which a department regularly corresponds or which have a significant interest in the department's activities and responsibilities. TOPAGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT Milk Quota Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail how she intends to (a) address the concerns about proposed milk quota allocation, (b) provide support for farmers who own a milk quota with more than 250,000 litres (c) provide support for farm businesses with more than one family deriving a living from one milk quota and (d) provide support for new entrants to the farming industry since 1 April 1999 with regard to distribution of milk quotas. (AQW 1143/00) The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): A diversity of views were expressed during the consultation process on the allocation of additional milk quota and essentially it was a choice between an allocation to all producers and a targeted approach. As the amount of quota is small I decided that to provide maximum impact at individual farm level it should be allocated to active small producers. Had I decided to allocate the quota pro-rata to all producers the impact on producers with a quota holding of more than 250,000 litres would have been quite modest. In the circumstances and given the recent payment of £2.4m agrimonetary compensation to all dairy farmers I do not see a need for any further action to address the concerns of larger producers. Regarding new entrants I do have some sympathy for them and would have liked to have been able to help them. Unfortunately it was not possible to devise an acceptable mechanism. Nevertheless some new entrants since 1 April 1999 may benefit if they acquired all or some of their quota by gift or inheritance from a producer who was eligible for an award at 1 April 1999 but since disposed of all his quota. All milk producers will benefit from the rising trend in milk prices and from the recent payment of £2.4m of dairy agrimonetary compensation. Reduction in European Union Farm Support Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of Agriculture and
Rural Development to outline her plans to implement the proposed reduction in
European Union farm support as presented by the European
(AQW 1144/00) Ms Rodgers: My Department is currently involved in
implementing the reforms agreed in the Agenda 2000 negotiations, which
culminated in the Berlin Agreement of March 1999. These involve reductions
in market support accompanied by increases in direct support payments. We expect
Northern Ireland agriculture to make a small net gain in income, with the reduction
in market returns being more than offset by increases in direct payments. There is ongoing discussion of the need for further reform
of the CAP because of budgetary pressures, enlargement of the Union and the
desire to reach an agreement in a new round of WTO trade talks. However, it
will be some time before any new CAP reform proposals emerge. Fishing Quotas Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and
Rural Development to (a) outline the impact on the fishing community of the
cuts in the fishing quotas (b) detail the steps she is taking to secure the
jobs and future of the fishing industry and if she will make a statement. (AQW 1201/00) Ms Rodgers: Whilst at the December Fisheries Council
we had some success in negotiating increases above the initial Commission proposals,
it was disappointing that the Total Allowable Catches for Irish Sea cod remains
at its 2000 level and for the important nephrops there is a 10% reduction –
although on the latter stock a Formal Declaration from the Council was secured
that this will be revised if a low by catch of cod in the nephrops fishing can
be demonstrated. There is no doubt that the industry faces a difficult year
ahead but we cannot ignore the scientific advice and the interaction which catches
of other stocks have on cod and have which are in serious difficulties. We must
ensure that the industry has a long-term future. I hope soon to be in a position
to announce a fishing vessel decommissioning scheme to assist the industry through
the difficult times ahead. Review of Fisheries Policy Mr David Ford asked the Minister of Agriculture and
Rural Development to detail her plans for public consultation in Northern Ireland
on the proposed review of the EU Common Fisheries Policy. (AQW 1221/00) Ms Rodgers: The European Commission has yet to publish
its proposals but it is preparing a Green Paper on the 2002 review for publication
in the spring of this year. It is my intention to conduct extensive consultation. Irish Lights Commission Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of Agriculture
and Rural Development what action she is taking to address the situation whereby
Northern Ireland fishermen have to pay duties to the Irish Lights Commission,
whilst their counterparts in the Republic of Ireland do not. (AQW 1246/00) Ms Rodgers: Responsibility for policy relating to the
collection of lights dues, rests with the Department of the Environment, Transport
and the Regions in London. The UK Fisheries Minister, Mr Elliot Morley has recently written
to Mr Keith Hill, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of
the Environment, Transport and the Regions, seeking a reduction or the removal
of the payment of lights dues by UK fishermen. In view of the recent hardships suffered by the fishing industry
in Northern Ireland and the fact that Northern Ireland fishermen are required
to pay lights dues while their colleagues in the Republic of Ireland do not,
I have written to Mr Hill to support Mr Morley’s attempt to obtain a reduction
or the removal of the payment of lights dues by UK fishermen. A copy of the recent press release issued by the Department
announcing my support for Mr Morley’s position is attached. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT 9 January 2001 004/00 AGRICULTURE MINISTER ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR LOCAL FISHERMEN The Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Brid
Rodgers MLA, today announced that she was supporting calls from local fishermen
for the removal of Lights Dues. These dues were initially levied to cover the cost of navigational
aids provided by lighthouses, but these aids are no longer used by fishermen. The Minister said that she had written to the Minister at
the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions with responsibility
for Lights Dues, Calling for the removal of this burden she said:-. "Each year our fishermen pay out some £58,000 for this
service part of which they no longer receive. When I met with them recently
this was certainly one issue which their representatives highlighted. What they
find particularly galling is the fact that their counterparts in the RoI no
longer pay these dues. "Following the December meeting of the Fisheries Council
I pledged to do whatever I could to help the local fishing industry. This I
hope will be seen as a first step in what will be continuing efforts to alleviate
the hardship faced by this sector. " I would also like to take this opportunity to reiterate
my resolve to pursue a Northern Ireland vessel decommissioning scheme and will
continue to consult the industry on it’s development." Note for Editors Lights dues are used to meet the operating costs of all aids
to navigation used by mariners around the UK and Irish coasts. All lights dues
collected go to the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
(DETR) who manage the General Lighthouse Fund (GLF) on behalf of all Lighthouse
Authorities. The Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL) are the General Lighthouse
Authority for the whole island of Ireland. The policy in the UK is that users
should pay towards the cost of the service provided by the General Lighthouse
Authorities and, in line with this policy, lights dues are therefore levied
on Northern Ireland fishing vessels. Fishing vessels based in the republic of
Ireland do not pay lights dues. However the Irish Government makes a contribution
to the General Lighthouse Fund, the level of which is a matter between the UK
and Irish Governments. The total contribution from the Northern Ireland Fishing
Fleet is in the region of £58,000 per annum. ENDS Advice on Predator Control Mr Jim Wells asked the Minister of Agriculture and
Rural Development to detail the advice given on predator control to those seeking
to establish fish farming enterprises in the Carlingford Lough area. (AQW 1247/00) Ms Rodgers: Those seeking to establish fish farming
enterprises in Carlingford Lough are given general advice by my officials on
predators that may affect the species they intend to cultivate and the recognised
measures that are available to them for their control. Fish Farmers are also
advised through conditions in their fish culture licences that they must notify
the Department of any major problems they encounter with predators and seek
approval for their removal and disposal. This would include where appropriate
seeking the necessary statutory consent from the Environment and Heritage Service
of the Department of the Environment. Public Records Office for Northern Ireland Mr Donovan McClelland asked the Minister of Culture,
Arts and Leisure to detail (a) the number of users who have visited the Public
Record Office this year and (b) what plans he has to provide wider access to
the facility. (AQW 999/00) Gaelic Games in South Antrim Mr Donovan McClelland asked the Minister of Culture,
Arts and Leisure to detail (a) the number of venues available for the playing
of Gaelic games in South Antrim and (b) what funding has been made available
to enhance such venues. (AQW 1002/00) Mr McGimpsey: There are seven GAA clubs and two schools in the South
Antrim parliamentary constituency area where Gaelic games are known to be played.
These are as follows: GAA clubs: Erin’s Own Cargin Tir na nOg Randalstown St James’ Crumlin St Comgall’s Antrim Kickhams Creggan St Enda’s Glengormley St Ergnatt’s Moneyglass Schools: Edmund Rice College Hightown St Olcan’s High School Randalstown These school grounds are only used occasionally by the local clubs for training/games. Funding for sport in Northern Ireland is made available through the Sports
Council for Northern Ireland. The following two GAA clubs within the South Antrim
parliamentary constituency area have received financial support through the
Sports Council’s Capital Lottery Programme: Tir na nOg Randalstown £51,101 St Enda’s Glengormley £78,200 Urban and Rural Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts
and Leisure to state the definition of (a) urban and (b) rural used within his
Department. (AQW 1004/00) Mr McGimpsey: 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. However, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
has defined "rural areas" for the purposes of their Rural Development
Programme as all parts of Northern Ireland outside the Belfast Metropolitan
Area, the city of Derry/Londonderry and towns with populations greater than
5,000. My Department would use this definition should the need arise. Introducing Carp Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts
and Leisure to detail the research he has undertaken on the effect of introducing
carp to Inland Waterways in Northern Ireland. (AQW 1060/00) Mr McGimpsey: On reaching my decision to allow the
introduction of carp into Northern Ireland, I sought advice from scientific
and technical staff in the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development,
the Department of the Environment, Environment and Heritage Service and from
technical staff in my own Department. The introduction of any animal which is not ordinarily resident
in Northern Ireland requires the consent of the Environment and Heritage Service
(EHS) under the provisions of the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985. EHS has carried
out a survey of all Northern Ireland’s lakes which details plant communities
and water chemistry. Using this and other relevant information EHS assesses
the potential impact of proposed carp introductions on a site by site basis
and will only give approval where it is considered that there will be no significant
damage to nature conservation interests. The scientific advice provided by the Department of Agriculture
and Rural Development (DARD) was based on experience from elsewhere as there
are no significant carp populations locally on which to carry out practical
research. Scientific and technical advice is that carp are unlikely
to breed successfully on a regular basis in Northern Ireland as a result of
summer water temperatures being too low. Accordingly Northern Ireland waters
are unlikely to facilitate production of carp fry. Furthermore, carp cannot
interbreed with indigenous species. Scientific staff have examined a small population
of carp which was introduced in around 1996 into a pond in the vicinity of Belfast.
There was no indication that the population had bred since its introduction
and fish growth rates subsequent to introduction were steady but not high. The potential disease risk from introducing carp was also
considered. The Fish Health Regulations (NI) 1998 require fish species entering
Northern Ireland to be accompanied by certification by a competent authority
that they are free from specified diseases, including Spring Viraemia of Carp.
The responsible authority, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development,
indicated that they would issue the appropriate health and movement permits
if they were satisfied that imports came from a disease free stock. On the basis of the above I decided to allow the introduction
of carp but only into lakes which have no or very low fishery value and where
any outlets to other loughs or rivers are screened to the Department’s satisfaction
to prevent escapes and subject to DOE licensing requirements and DARD fish health
requirements being met. For those carp which have been introduced to date, the source
of the fish were thoroughly researched from a fish health perspective. Testing
was carried out for bacterial, viral and parasitic diseases and the results
were scrutinised before permits were issued. The fish were later sampled and
tested by DARD’s Veterinary Science Division after stocking. The site will continue
to be inspected on a frequent basis. Introducing Carp Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts
and Leisure to outline the action he has taken to prevent carp introductions
into lakes in Northern Ireland. (AQW 1061/00) Mr McGimpsey: In September 2000 I decided to allow
the controlled introduction of carp fisheries in Northern Ireland subject to
the following conditions:-. Carp introduced will only be permitted into lakes
which have no or very low fishery value and any outlets to other loughs or rivers
will have to be adequately screened to prevent escapes; the carp will have to
be certified as being from a disease free stock and a licence will also be required
from the Department of Environment under the provisions of the Wildlife (NI)
Order 1985. These conditions should act as a safeguard to ensure that there
are no detrimental effects on native fish stocks. Each potential development
will be considered on a site by site basis. Lawn and Indoor Bowls Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts
and Leisure to detail the number of participants in the sport of bowls (lawn
and indoor) in Northern Ireland. (AQW 1067/00) Mr McGimpsey: The latest figures available are as follows: Irish Bowling Association - 6,440 Lawn and Indoor Bowls Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts
and Leisure to detail the measures he has put in place to ensure improved accessibility,
participation and coaching in the sports of bowls (lawn and indoor) in Northern
Ireland and to ensure improved support and encouragement for participation at
representative level. (AQW 1068/00) Mr McGimpsey: The Sports Council for Northern Ireland
has statutory responsibility for the development of sport within the Province.
The Council provides technical and financial support to the Irish Bowling Association,
the Irish Women’s Bowling Association, the Irish Women’s Indoor Bowling Association
and the Irish Indoor Bowling Association. This support covers coaching, nurturing
talent, squad preparation and competition from both Exchequer Grant and Sports
Lottery Fund programmes, under which £38,693 has been contributed in the current
financial year. In addition, the Talented Athlete programme will be providing
substantial assistance for the preparation of bowlers participating in the Commonwealth
Games in Manchester in 2002. In recent years, clubs have received over £1m to help with
major capital projects. Lawn and Indoor Bowls Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts
and Leisure to investigate alleged underfunding of bowls (lawn and indoor) by
the Sports Council for Northern Ireland and if he will make a statement. (AQW 1069/00) Mr McGimpsey: The attached table details the financial
support which has been provided to the sport of bowls (lawn and indoor) by the
Sports Council for Northern Ireland between 1998 and 2001. This is a significant
level funding and I am unaware of the allegations of underfunding. FUNDING FROM THE SPORTS COUNCIL FOR LAWN AND INDOOR BOWLS 1998/99
- 2000/01 EXCHEQUER FUNDING - Annual Grant and Major Home Events support
1998/1999
1999/2000
2000/2001
IBA
£3,000
£3,000
£3,000
IWBA
£2,000
£2,750
£2,000
IWIBA
£1,000
£1,000
£1,000
IIBA
£1,000
£1,469
£1,000
LOTTERY FUNDING - Talented Athlete and Major International
Event support
1998/1999
1999/2000
2000/2001
IBA
£12,500
IWBA
£4,360
£10,000
£18,050
IWIBA
£16,643
IIBA
TOTAL
1998/1999
1999/2000
2000/2001
IBA
£15,500
£3,000
£3,000
IWBA
£6,360
£12,750
£18,050
IWIBA
£1,000
£1,000
£16,643
IIBA
£1,000
£1,469
£1,000
Under the Sports Lottery Fund, Capital Programme, none of
the Governing Bodies applied for funding, but money was awarded to clubs as
follows -- bowls indoor £723,100 and bowls outdoor £709,501. TOTAL 1998 - 2001 -- £1,513,373 Governing bodies:- IBA -- Irish Bowling Assoc. (men’s lawn and indoor bowls). IWBA -- Irish Women’s Bowling Association (women’s lawn bowls). IWIBA -- Irish Women’s Indoor Bowling Association (women’s
indoor bowls). IIBA -- Irish Indoor Bowling Assoc. (men’s and women’s indoor
short mat bowls). Football Task Force Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Culture, Arts
and Leisure to detail the number of meetings to date of the football task force
and to give a breakdown of the attendance of members. AQW 1098/00) Mr McGimpsey: Last October I announced plans for an
initiative, "Creating a Soccer Strategy for Northern Ireland". I also
announced the establishment of an Advisory Panel to help guide the process of
developing the strategy. To date, the Advisory Panel has met on 3 occasions
- 15 November and 15 December 2000, and 10 January 2001. In addition the Advisory Panel has established two sub-groups,
one to consider the arrangements for a Conference Workshop to which representatives
of key interest groups will be invited, and the other to consider Best Practice
Elsewhere. The Conference Planning sub-group has met twice, on 29 November 2000
and 5 January 2001. The Best Practice sub-group has also met twice, on 7 December
2000 and 10 January 2001. A breakdown of the attendance of the Advisory Panel
members at these meetings is as follows:- Advisory Conference Planning Best Practice Panel Sub-group Sub-group Out of 3 2 2 Gerry Armstrong 1 - - Professor Alan Bairner 3 - 2 Hilary Brady* 2 2 - Ian Dowie 0 - - Jim Flanagan 3 2 - Billy Hamilton* 3 2 - Bryan Hamilton 2 - 1 Johnny Jameson* 3 - 2 Felix McCrossan 2 2 - Sammy McIlroy 0 - - Nadine Nicholl 1 - 1 Martin O’Neill 0 - - Jim Price 2 1 - Councillor Jim Rogers 3 - - Professor Eric Saunders 1 - - Marty Tabb 3 - 2 Stephen Watson 3 - - Eamonn McCartan* 3 2** - * Hilary Brady, Chairperson of Conference Planning Sub-group Billy Hamilton, Chairman of Advisory Panel Johnny Jameson, Chairman of Best Practice sub-group Eamonn McCartan, observor **Sports Council official attended in Mr McCartan’s absence. In addition, there has been informal contact with Panel members
based in GB. Several members of the Advisory Panel are participating in
the series of Open Meetings to be held at venues throughout Northern Ireland
during the week commencing 15 January 2001 as part of a consultation process
to obtain as wide a range of views as possible on the game of football in Northern
Ireland. Advisory Panel members will also be participating along with
representatives of key interest groups in a Conference Workshop to be held from
10-12 February 2001. Christmas Cards Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Culture, Arts
and Leisure to detail (a) the number of official Christmas cards he has sent
(b) the cost of their design, publication and postage and (c) the list of people
on the Minister's official Christmas card list. (AQW 1109/00) Mr McGimpsey: In December 2000 I sent 340 official
Christmas Cards at a total cost of £393.20. The cost of design and publication
for these cards was £1.00 per card, and of the 340 cards sent 280 were issued
by 2nd class postage. No postage charge was incurred on the remaining
60 cards. Christmas cards are typically sent to individuals and members
of organisations met through the year by Ministers; to counterparts and office-holders
in organisations with which a department regularly corresponds or which have
a significant interest in the department’s activities and responsibilities. Grant Assistance Dr Dara O'Hagan asked the Minister of Culture, Arts
and Leisure to detail what projects have been allocated grant assistance by
the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts. (AQW 1121/00) Mr McGimpsey: To date one project in Northern Ireland
has received grant assistance from the National Endowment for Science, Technology
and the Arts (NESTA). This was in Invention and Innovation award of £50,000
over two years made to Paul McCormack in May 2000 to help develop and test a
full working prototype of PAC TechFor, an innovative labour saving device that
can automate packaging functions and help businesses meet their environment
targets. I understand that NESTA will be announcing further awards
in February and that one of these, a Fellowship award, will come to Northern
Ireland. Fishery Advisory Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts
and Leisure to (a) detail the fishery advisory or policy making groups with
which he has developed links, (b) list the meetings he has had with them and
(c) explain the policies he has adopted as a result. (AQW 1132/00) Mr McGimpsey: The main Advisory or Policy Making Group
within the Inland Fisheries area that I have responsibility for is the Fisheries
Conservancy Board (FCB). The FCB has statutory responsibility for making and
enforcing policy on the conservation and protection of salmon and inland fisheries
(except for the Foyle and Carlingford areas which are the responsibility of
the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission). The Board of the FCB is
comprised of representatives from the inland and salmon commercial fishing industry,
angling representatives, the Ulster Farmers Union, fish farming, tourism, sport,
industry and local councils. The Department may seek the Board’s advice on any
matter pertaining to inland fisheries. The Board is required to submit all policy
and legislative proposals to me for approval. I have not yet had formal policy meetings with the Board although
I have met them informally. The Board has been consulted in writing on a number
of advisory and policy issues. The Board was consulted on the Department’s proposals to introduce
common carp into specified Northern Ireland waters which will provide opportunities
for local and tourist anglers to fish exclusively for carp. There is ongoing liaison between the Department and the Board
on the implementation of a Salmon Management Plan which will introduce the internationally
acceptable catchment based approach to salmon management and conservation. The Department advised the Board that fishery scientists were
concerned that marine survival of wild salmon was showing a serious decline
and that consideration should be given to the introduction of measures to reduce
exploitation of salmon stocks. The Board has submitted proposals to the Department
which are currently under consideration. Major Athletic Events Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts
and Leisure to give his assessment of the capacity to stage major athletics
(AQW 1149/00) Mr McGimpsey: Northern Ireland as a whole is well resourced
in terms of available tracks and has hosted many significant events in recent
years. There are four synthetic tracks at present, including one at the Templemore
complex in Londonderry, the Antrim Stadium, the Mary Peters Track and the new
8-lane facility which is soon to be opened in Bangor. In addition there is a
new indoor athletics track in the Odyssey Arena which offers opportunities for
competition during the winter months and there is also a plan to create a new
track as part of the Sports Institute - Northern Ireland at the University of
Ulster. The Northern Ireland Athletics Federation, which is the Governing
Body for the sport, is competent in the management of major events and the sport
in general has the human and skills resources to attract and present events
appropriate to the size and status of Northern Ireland. Eleven Plus Transfer Examination Mr John Fee asked the Minister of Education if, for
each of the last five years, he will detail (a) what has been the total cost of the administration of
the 11+ Transfer Examinations (b) the amount spent on marking exam papers (c) the amount spent on issuing results (d) how many 11+ Transfer Examination results have been challenged
by appeal (e) how many decisions have been changed on appeal and (f) how much the appeal process cost each of the Education
and Library Boards and the Department of Education. (AQW 1043/00) The Minister of Education (Mr McGuinness): I should
explain that the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment is
responsible for the setting, marking and administration of the Transfer Tests,
while other administrative duties, including recruitment, training and payment
of invigilators and posting of results are the responsibility of Education and
Library Boards. I am advised by CCEA and the Boards that the information requested
is estimated as follows:- 1995/96 £
1996/97 £
1997/98 £
1998/99 £
1999/00 £
(a) total administration cost
426,089
484,389
413,481
404,293
385,496
(b) cost of marking tests
162,032
208,693
146,024
133,682
123,945
(c) cost of issuing results
5,642
5,832
5,885
5,797
5,710
(d) number of results appealed
Not Available
1,484
1,730
1,789
1,531
(e) number of results changed
Not Available
7
16
5
5
Reference to appeals is to requests for remarking, which is the responsibility
of CCEA, and does not involve Education and Library Boards, so no direct costs
accrue to Boards or the Department. Performance Related Pay Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Education if
he intends to introduce performance related pay for teachers and if he will
make a statement. (AQW 1044/00) Mr McGuinness: The Teachers’ Salaries and Conditions
of Service Committee (Schools) is currently negotiating a revised pay structure
for teachers here. It would be premature to comment further while negotiations
continue but I will advise the member of the agreed outcome in due course. Free School Meals Dr Dara O'Hagan asked the Minister of Education to
detail the number of pupils receiving free school meals. (AQW 1124/00) Mr McGuinness: At October 2000, the number of pupils
entitled to free school meals, and the uptake in each sector, is: Entitlement Uptake Nursery Schools 1,477 1,081 Primary Schools 41,305 34,515 Secondary Schools 29,206 22,594 Grammar Schools 4,966 3,859 ______ ______ Total 76,954 62,049 Public Absenteeism Dr Dara O'Hagan asked the Minister of Education to
detail the recorded levels of pupil absenteeism. (AQW 1125/00) Mr McGuinness: From the information provided by Education
and Library Boards and individual schools, the non-attendance percentage rates
for 1999/2000 in each Education and Library Board area were as follows: BELB
WELB
NEELB
SEELB
SELB
Primary
7.1
4.4
4.2
6.2
4.8
Secondary
8.0
7.4
7.0
8.0
7.2
Pupils Per Teacher Mr John Fee asked the Minister of Education to detail
the average number of pupils per teacher in (a) primary schools; (b) secondary
schools; (c) grammar schools and (d) special needs schools, in each Education
and Library Board in Northern Ireland. (AQW 1169/00) Mr McGuinness: Figures for 2000/01 are not yet available. For 1999/2000
the information requested is as follows:
BELB
WELB
NEELB
SEELB
SELB
TOTAL
Primary
20.0
20.4
21.0
20.8
19.1
20.2
Secondary
13.8
14.1
14.4
14.5
14.1
14.2
Grammar
15.4
15.5
15.5
15.6
15.6
15.5
Special
5.7
5.9
6.4
7.1
5.7
6.2
Viability Criteria for Irish Medium and Integrated Schools Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education to
outline the results of the consultation exercise on the review of the viability
criteria for Irish-medium and Integrated schools. (AQO 542/00) Mr McGuinness: On Monday 18th December 2000
I announced reduced viability criteria for integrated and Irish-medium primary
schools. The revised criteria are: initially an intake of 15 pupils for new
urban schools and an intake of 12 pupils for new schools in rural areas. There
will also be medium term targets of an intake of 20 for urban schools and 15
for rural schools. Schools must satisfy these medium term targets in order to
qualify for capital funding. While the secondary level viability criteria have
not been reduced at this stage, I am committed to looking strategically at the
development of second-level provision in consultation with appropriate education
partners. ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT West Tyrone Budget Percentage Mr Pat Doherty asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade
and Investment 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 1080/00) The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg
Empey): The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and its agencies
do not have any buildings or amenities within its responsibility in the constituency
of West Tyrone. The Department and its agencies do not allocate monies on
a constituency basis. However I would submit the following information regarding
funding. Selective Financial Assistance (SFA) from the Industrial Development
Board (IDB) may be offered in respect of viable business plans brought forward
by client companies wherever located. It is not allocated by geographical area
within Northern Ireland. Similarly IDB support for companies under its Trade
International and Business Excellence Programmes is not allocated on a geographical
basis but on the needs of individual companies irrespective of location. Certain details of IDB’s SFA are, however, published by Parliamentary
Constituency and appear in Table 3.4 in IDB’s Annual Report 1999/00, a
copy of which has been provided to each MLA following its publication on 23
November. Over the last five years IDB offered £8.7 million of SFA towards 8
projects in the West Tyrone constituency, representing a total investment of
£29 million and offering 704 new and safeguarded jobs. In the financial year 1998/99 the Local Enterprise and Development
Unit (LEDU) committed £1,110,747 to the West Tyrone constituency which was 6%
of the total LEDU letter of offer commitment for that year. In the financial
year 1999/00 LEDU committed £874,649 to the West Tyrone constituency which was
4% of the total LEDU letter of offer commitment . During 1998/1999 a total of £236k was committed by the Industrial
Research and Technology Unit to projects in the West Tyrone constituency which
was 1.7% of the total committed funds. During 1999/2000 a total of £1,163k was
committed in the constituency which was 10% of the total committed funds. Since 1st January 1995, Selective Financial Assistance
awarded by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to projects across the 18 Northern
Ireland parliamentary constituencies’ amounts to £56,118,477. Of this, the West
Tyrone constituency received £1,544,863, representing 2.75% of total assistance
awarded during the period. Since 1st January 1990 to 31st December
1994, financial assistance awarded by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to
projects across the 18 Northern Ireland parliamentary constituencies’ amounted
to £54,124,086. Of this, the West Tyrone constituency received £2,107,614, representing
4% of total assistance awarded during the period. Historical Sites in South Armagh Mr Donovan McClelland asked the Minister of the Environment
to detail the number of listed and/or designated heritage and historical sites
in the constituency of South Antrim. (AQW 1000/00) The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): There
are 5 historic monuments in state care, 86 scheduled historic monuments, 6 registered
historic garden sites, 269 listed buildings and 4 conservation areas in the
South Antrim constituency. The Department’s Environment and Heritage Service
has identified1, 342 archaeological sites in the constituency. The 1,342 sites include 263 Early Christian period raths,
371 earthwork enclosures, 47 ecclesiastical sites, 43 prehistoric megalithic tombs or cairns or barrows, 37 standing
stones, 20 Anglo-Norman mottes, 11 tower- houses or medieval castles, and 252 sites of indeterminate
nature detected on air photographs. The remainder is made up of rarer site types. The 269 listed buildings comprise 15 grade A, 17 grade B+,
130 grade B1, 34 grade B2 and 73 grade B. Data on these sites, monuments and buildings can be accessed
in the Monuments and Buildings Record, at 5-33 Hill Street, in Belfast city centre. The Sites and Monuments
Record is now available online, through the EHS web-site – www.ehsni.gov.uk The 4 conservation areas are Merville Garden Village, Antrim,
Antrim – Riverside and Randalstown. Waste Management Strategies Mr Sean Neeson asked the Minister of the Environment
to detail his plans to assist District Councils in the preparation of Waste
Management Strategies. (AQW 1009/00) Mr Foster: To assist District Councils in the preparation
of their Waste Management Plans, my Department is providing financial support,
improved data on waste arisings and detailed guidance on partnerships and planning. Following publication of the NI Waste Management Strategy,
District Councils formed three waste management planning partnerships to prepare
Waste Management Plans for their areas. The Department has given financial support
to two of these Groups and has offered similar support to the third. The recently
approved Budget has made £3.5m available to my Department in 2001/02 to assist
Councils in the implementation of their Waste Management Plans. I am currently
considering how best these resources might be used. My Department is also working to improve the accuracy of waste
data available to Councils to help the planning process and subsequent monitoring.
Building on a pilot survey in 1998/99 on municipal waste arisings, my Department
has under way a more detailed survey of municipal, industrial and commercial
wastes, covering all Council areas. The survey is expected to be completed this
March. To encourage a partnership approach by Councils on waste issues,
my Department has issued a guidance paper on partnerships and has set up an
Inter-Group Forum to enable representatives from each of the Council groupings
to exchange ideas and experience. It has also sponsored a partnership conference,
in conjunction with the Institute of Waste Management, to bring together representatives
of the public, private and voluntary sectors. My Department’s Planning Service is also working with Councils
in preparing Waste Management Plans. A draft Planning Policy Statement providing
guidance on the Department’s policies on planning applications for waste facilities
is expected to go out for consultation in the near future. My Department is also completing guidance on Best Practical
Environmental Options. Disposal of Abandoned Vehicles Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment
to outline the current procedures to deal with abandoned cars. (AQW 1049/00) Mr Foster: It is the responsibility of district councils,
under the Pollution Control and Local Government (Northern Ireland) Order 1978,
to remove or dispose of abandoned vehicles and to initiate proceedings for prosecution. I understand that the Department for Regional Development
has powers to secure the removal from roads of vehicles causing obstruction,
danger or nuisance; and that, under the Road Traffic Regulation (NI) Order 1997,
the police are empowered to remove any vehicle illegally parked or abandoned. Urban and Rural Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of the Environment
to detail the definition of (a) urban and (b) rural used within his Department. (AQW 1051/00) Mr Foster: There is no statutory or standard definition
of urban and rural. Within my Department the terms are used mainly in the Planning
Service but the use of them needs to be interpreted in the particular context
in which they appear. The Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland defines rural
Northern Ireland as being all of Northern Ireland outside the development limits
of Bangor, Carrickfergus, Londonderry and beyond the inner edge of the Green
Belt for the Belfast Urban Area. However, different definitions have also been used. In a recent
study to which the Planning Service contributed, the rural area of Northern
Ireland was defined as the total area outside the development limits of all
settlements having a population of 3000 or greater. Cormorants Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment
to detail the present number of cormorants in Northern Ireland and what has
been the percentage increase in numbers over each of the last five years. (AQW 1057/00) Mr Foster: The most recently available count of wintering
cormorants (for 1998/99) was 2,605 birds. Percentage increases in wintering populations from previous
winters have been:- 1998/99 + 28.2% 1997/98 + 50.0% 1996/97 - 8.8% (decrease) 1995/96 + 11.3% 1994/95 + 6.0% Licences to Cull Cormorants Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment
to detail the number of licences to cull cormorants that have been issued this
year and how many cormorants have been culled in the year 1998-1999 and 1999-2000. (AQW 1058/00) Mr Foster: Licences to kill cormorants are issued where
the Environment and Heritage Service of my Department is satisfied that this
is necessary to prevent serious damage to fisheries. 19 licences were issued in 2000. 75 birds have been reported
killed under the terms of 15 of these licences. Reports for the remaining 4
are awaited. 96 birds were killed in 1998 and 102 birds were killed in
1999. Controlling Cormorants Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment
to outline what measures he is taking to control cormorants and their predation
on fish-stock. (AQW 1059/00) Mr Foster: My Department has no duty to control cormorant
numbers. The Environment and Heritage Service may, however, on application by
fishery managers, issue licences under the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 to kill
a limited number of cormorants to control predation. As a condition of the licences
managers are required to use non-lethal methods first, including shooting to
scare, as the preferred way of protecting fish stocks against predation, and
to kill birds only as a last resort. West Tyrone Budget Percentage Mr Pat Doherty asked the Minister of the Environment
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 1092/00) Mr Foster: (a) Environment and Heritage Service
(EHS) There are 13 historic monuments in state care, 159 scheduled
historic monuments and 4 registered historic garden sites. EHS has identified
1,154 archaeological sites in the constituency. The 1,154 sites include 230 Early Christian period raths,
221 earthwork enclosures, 190 prehistoric megalithic tombs, cists or cairns,
159 standing stones and stone circles, 59 sites of indeterminate nature detected
on air photographs, 27 ecclesiastical sites and 22 tower houses or medieval
castles. EHS is also responsible for nature reserves at Killeter and
Meenadoan. Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA) DVTA owns the testing centre at Gortrush Industrial Estate,
Derry Road, Omagh. Planning Service Planning Service has premises officer responsibility for County
Hall in Omagh. (b) & (c) The information requested is not recorded on
a constituency basis and could be provided only at a disproportionate cost. Cormorants on Lough Neagh Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment
if any colonies of cormorants have been established on Lough Neagh and what
action he has taken to control their numbers. (AQW 1093/00) Mr Foster: No breeding colonies of cormorants have
been established on Lough Neagh. However, the numbers of birds counted in winter
there in recent years have been as follows: 1994/95 – 631 My Department has no duty to control cormorant numbers but,
in certain circumstances, can licence others to kill cormorants, as a last resort,
in order to prevent fish predation. Review Planning Regulations Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment
if he has plans to review the Planning Regulations and how long this process
will take. (AQW 1094/00) Mr Foster: As part of the Assembly Executive’s proposed
review of Public Administration, referred to in the recently published draft
Programme for Government, I intend reviewing the systems for operational planning
policy, development planning and development control. This reflects concerns
expressed about the time taken to carry out these processes and the need to
make them as efficient as the legal and consultative constraints will allow.
The reviews are targeted for completion by end December 2001
and will cover how the processes are carried out, not who does them – the latter
being for the Executive’s wider review. The Environment Committee will be consulted as part of this
process. Planning Legislation Appeals Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment
to bring forward proposals to amend planning legislation relating to appeals
so that a successful appellant can receive compensation and thus bring Northern
Ireland in line with Great Britain. (AQW 1095/00) Mr Foster: My Department has no plans to amend planning
legislation relating to appeals to enable a successful appellant to claim compensation
nor does such a scheme exist in Great Britain. Appeal costs can be awarded in GB in certain limited and
specified cases. Contamination by Sheep Dip Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment
to detail what percentage of groundwater supplies are at risk of contamination
by sheep dip and pesticide disposal. (AQW 1103/00) Mr Foster: Under the Groundwater Regulations (Northern
Ireland) 1998, my Department has responsibility for controlling the disposal
of spent sheep dip and waste pesticides to land. The purpose of the Regulations
is to protect groundwater. Approximately 8% of the drinking water supply of the Department
for Regional Development’s Water Service is taken from groundwater sources.
The quality of these sources is regularly monitored by the Water Service for
a range of sheep dips and pesticides used in Northern Ireland. There have been
no recorded exceedences of the regulatory standards for these substances. I understand that, in order to provide further safeguards,
the Water Service has appointed a consultant to carry out a risk analysis of
drinking water sources. This will include the identification of potential sources
of pollution, the preparation of maintenance schemes and practical pollution
monitoring programmes. My Department’s Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) monitors
some 70 groundwaters under the Private Water Supplies Regulations (Northern
Ireland) 1994. For the period 1999-2000, 2 (2.7%) were found to contain non-sheep
dip pesticides at concentrations greater than the regulatory limit of 0.1 microgrammes
per litre. Under the Regulations the DWI keeps owners/occupiers and health authorities
informed of the monitoring results. In addition my Department's Water Quality Unit has in the
last year commenced a groundwater monitoring programme at 78 sites, which includes
36 private water supplies serving single dwellings. The purpose of this programme
is to assess the general quality of groundwater in Northern Ireland. Out of
58 sites for which data are currently available, 6(10%) --- of which 3 are single
dwelling supplies --- have been found to contain one or more non-sheep dip pesticides
above the regulatory limit. The DWI has written to the 6 owners/occupiers advising
them of the results and providing advice on what they should consider doing
if they use the supply for drinking water. It is not possible at present to determine whether the above
exceedences are due to disposal or normal use of pesticides or whether they
are from localised contamination of the wells/boreholes due to poor pesticide
management practices. Christmas Cards Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of the Environment
to detail (a) the number of official Christmas cards he has sent (b) the cost
of their design, publication and postage and (c) the list of people on the Minister's
official Christmas card list. (AQW 1110/00) Mr Foster: (a) In total 255 Christmas Cards were sent. (b) The total expenditure on Christmas Cards was £404.39 This is broken down as follows – 1. Design and printing £345.39 2. Postage (2nd class). £ 59.00 (c) Christmas cards are typically sent to individuals and
members of organisations I have met throughout the year; to counterparts and
office-holders in organisations with which my department regularly corresponds
or which have a significant interest in my department’s activities and responsibilities." Quality Decisions Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment
to outline what measures are in place to ensure the planning office make quality
decisions when dealing with planning applications. (AQW 1118/00) Mr Foster: There are a number of measures in place
to ensure that decisions made in respect of planning applications are of the
highest quality. When determining planning applications, the Planning Service
is guided by legislation, planning policy statements, development plans
and development control advice notes. These provide a framework for ensuring
that decisions are not only of the highest quality, but are also consistent
and transparent. In addition, the Planning Service also provides a comprehensive
training programme for all its staff. The Planning Service is also continually looking to introduce
new initiatives to improve the quality of its work. One such initiative is the
"Quality Initiative" which was set up to improve the quality of new
housing developments. This initiative establishes the principle that the quality
of a housing scheme is as important as its location. For schemes to be consistent
with the "Quality Initiative", they have to show a sense of distinctiveness
and identity, and show variety and contrast in their layout, house types, orientations,
and finishes. Telecommunications Masts Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment
to detail the number of telecommunication masts erected in the East Antrim area
in each of the last five years. (AQW 1119/00) Mr Foster: My Department does not hold details of the
number of telecommunications masts actually erected. As with most planning approvals,
a developer has five years from the date of a decision notice, within which
to commence a development. I can tell you, however, that of the 55 applications for telecommunications
masts submitted in the east Antrim area in the last five years, 51 were approved,
three were withdrawn and one was refused planning permission. Waste from Industry Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment
to detail the steps is he taking to reduce waste sent to landfill from industry. (AQW 1120/00) Mr Foster: The Northern Ireland Waste Management Strategy
contains a target to reduce the amount of industrial and commercial wastes placed
in landfill to 85% of its 1998 level by 2005. District Councils will have to indicate how they propose to
achieve this target in their Waste Management Plans now in preparation. To assist Councils with accurate data on waste, my Department
appointed consultants last November to undertake a detailed survey of municipal,
industrial and commercial waste arisings. Increased recycling and new markets for recycled products
will be important in meeting the landfill reduction target. Together with DETI
and key stakeholders, my Department is establishing a Market Development Programme
to stimulate demand for recycled products. Key tasks for the independent Advisory Board to be established
under the Strategy will be to promote the Market Development Programme and to
establish a Business Leaders Forum for Waste Minimisation. Financial assistance from my Department enabled ARENA Network
to undertake a study on the development of markets for recycled materials in
Northern Ireland, the findings of which were released at a conference last November. Further financial assistance to NI2000 is support the production
of an all-Ireland recycling directory. The directory will be published at the
end of January. In February my Department will co-sponsor an event to encourage
creation of new product designs using recycled and sustainably harvested materials.
Design will be a key influence in reducing waste sent to landfill. Sewage Sludge Mr Ken Robinson asked the the Minister of the Environment
what steps he is taking to (a) inform the farming community of the implications
of the European Union sewage sludge Directive and (b) encourage an awareness
that concentrations of heavy metals in sludge should not exceed the threshold
limits laid down in legislation. (AQW 1153/00) Mr Foster: The use of sewage sludge in agriculture
is regulated under the Sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations (Northern Ireland)
1995, which implement EU Directive 86/278/EEC. The Department of the Environment
is responsible for the implementation of this Directive. The Regulations, which place a responsibility on sludge producers
to maintain registers of sewage sludge use in agriculture, are complemented
by the Code of Practice for the Agricultural Use of Sewage Sludge. Within NI, the only sludge producer under the terms of the
Directive is the Department of Regional Development's Water Service. The Water
Service is required to ensure that sludge provided to farmers for spreading,
and the fields to which it is to be applied, meet the requirements of the Regulations.
The Water Service provides farmers with nutrient and metal analyses of sludges
and metal levels in the receiving soils. These arrangements are subject to audit by the Environment
and Heritage Service of my Department. This has confirmed that the Water Service
is complying with the requirements of the Regulations. Mossley West Rail Station Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment
to outline when planning permission will be granted for the station at Mossley
West. (AQW 1156/00) Mr Foster: Following careful consideration of all the
issues involved, my Department presented its preliminary opinion in November
2000 to refuse planning permission for this application to Newtownabbey Borough
Council for consideration. This opinion was based on the Department of Regional Development’s
(DRD) Roads Service recommendation that approval of the application could not
be recommended unless it was accompanied by a proposal to provide pedestrian
facilities over the nearby bridge over the railway line, whilst maintaining
the existing vehicular width. I understand from DRD that the applicant is currently in consultation
with interested parties, with a view to a satisfactory outcome to this matter
being reached as soon as possible. Quantity of Sewage Sludge Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment
to outline the procedures used to monitor the quantity of sewage sludge produced
and used in agriculture within Northern Ireland and to detail the procedures
used to determine metal and nutrient concentrations, as required under the European
Union sewage sludge directive. (AQW 1173/00) Mr Foster: EU Directive 86/278/EEC is implemented in
Northern Ireland by the Sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations (NI) 1990 which
are complemented by the Code of Practice for Agricultural Use of Sewage Sludge. Within NI, the only sludge producer as defined within the
Regulations is the Department of Regional Development's Water Service . As required
by the Regulations, the Water Service maintains a register of the quantities
of sludge produced, the location of the fields on which the sludge is spread
and analyses of the soil before the spreading of sludge. The Water Service samples
and analyses soil and sludges in accordance with the Code of Practice which
specifies the analytical methods for determining the concentrations of nutrients
and metals in sludge and soil. These arrangements are subject to audit by the Environment
and Heritage Service of my Department. This has confirmed that the Water Service
is complying with the requirements of the Regulations. Woodland Pre 1830 Mr Jim Wells asked the Minister of the Environment
if he has plans to compile an inventory of all the woodland which was in existence
in Northern Ireland before 1830. (AQW 1251/00) Mr Foster: Environment and Heritage Service of my Department
has agreed to enter into a partnership with the Woodland Trust to compile an
ancient woodland inventory for Northern Ireland. Woodland known to have been
in existence in 1830 will qualify. The Woodland Trust has applied to the Heritage Lottery Fund
for assistance towards its costs in compiling the inventory. Subject to a successful
outcome, initial work on the inventory should start this year. Public Sector Posts Dr Dara O'Hagan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel
if he will detail the amounts spent employing private consultancy firms in the
recruitment of public service posts since 1995 and if he will give a breakdown
for each year. (AQW 439/00) The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): [holding
answer 14 November 2000]: Since 1995 no private consultancy firms have been
employed to recruit staff to the Northern Ireland Civil Service. Information
on recruitment in the wider public sector is not held centrally. North/South Bodies Mr Nigel Dodds asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel
if he will detail the costs of each of the seven North/South Bodies for 2001/02. (AQW 523/00) Mr Durkan: Final estimates for the Implementation Bodies
have yet to be approved by the Northern Ireland Executive and the Irish Government.
I shall write to you as soon as the allocations are confirmed. 15 January 2000 There are only six North South Implementation Bodies. The
Northern Ireland Executive’s contribution to the budgets of the Bodies for the
coming year, as detailed in the 2001/02 Budget, was approved by the Assembly
on the 18 December 2000. The allocations made to each of the six Bodies in the 2001/02
Budget are as follows – Waterways Ireland £2.6m A total of £5.8m was also included in the 2001/02 Budget to
provide the North South Tourism Company, a publicly owned limited company established
by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Bord Failte, with funds to meet the
Northern Ireland share of the international marketing of the island of Ireland. Departmental Administration Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Finance and
Personnel to detail (a) the total cost for the ten Department option for Government
and (b) an estimated cost for a six Department administration. (AQW 1050/00) Mr Durkan: The planned departmental running costs of
the eleven department administration for 2000/01 are £628.4 million. The most recent figures available on the old six department
structure are for 1998/99, when planned departmental running costs totalled
£585.2 million. While there is a considerable difference between these figures,
one needs to acknowledge the two year pay and price increases built into departmental
allocations as part of the 1998 Comprehensive Spending Review settlement. Departmental Administration Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel
to detail the definition of (a) urban and (b) rural used within his Department. (AQW 1052/00) Mr Durkan: The Department of Finance and Personnel
(DFP) does not have a formal definition of "urban" or "rural".
However, DFP when working with other NI Departments takes account of any
definitions relevant to their policies. West Tyrone Budget-Percentage Mr Pat Doherty asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel
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 1089/00) Mr Durkan: The Minister of Finance and Personnel is
responsible for the provision of office accommodation for all Government Departments,
including Agencies within those Departments. The list below details all office
accommodation in the West Tyrone constituency which is either owned or leased
by the Department of Finance and Personnel. Town
Property Name
Address Occupier
Omagh
Crown Buildings Crown Buildings Car Park County Hall Rural Development Office 15/17 High Street (SSA) DOE Roads Office Medical Support Service DARD Sperrin House Grugans Garage (OSNI) DOE Office Boaz House Kevlin Buildings
7 Mountjoy Road Mountjoy Road Drumragh Avenue 21 Hospital Road 15-17 High Street 32 Deverney Road 51 Market Street Sedan Avenue 10 Mountjoy Road 10A Market Street 15 Scarffe’s Entry Kevlin Avenue
Strabane
Crown Building Elmview (Roads Service) T & EA Office DARD Area Office
Urney Road 20 Derry Road 23 Upper Main Street Units 14 & 15 Orchard Road
Trillick
DARD Area Office
25 Main Street
Castlederg
DARD Area Office
8A Ferguson Crescent
Plumbridge
DARD Area Office
32 Dergbrough Road
The information requested in parts (b) and (c) of your question
is not recorded on a constituency basis and could be provided only at a disproportionate
cost. HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY Agreed Deficit Recovery Plan Ms Monica McWilliams asked the Minister of Health,
Social Services and Public Safety if, for Trusts which have an agreed deficit
recovery plan, she will list the target reduction in cumulative deficit per
financial year. (AQW 1115/00) The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
(Ms de Brún): The recovery plans produced by the relevant Trusts
are still under consideration by my Department and none have yet been formally
agreed. My Department is working with the Boards and Trusts concerned with a
view to finalising plans by the end of this financial year. Tá an Roinn s’agam ag meas na bpleananna téarnaimh
go fóill atá déanta ag na hIontaobhais chuí agus
níor socraíodh go foirmiúil plean ar bith go dtí
seo. Tá an Roinn s’agam ag obair leis na Boird agus leis na hIontaobhais
bhainteacha ag iarraidh na pleananna a chríochnú faoi dheireadh
na bliana airgeadais. Agreed Deficit Recovery Plan Ms Monica McWilliams asked the Minister of Health,
Social Services and Public Safety to list all Trusts that have an agreed deficit
recovery plan following the 30 October deadline. (AQW 1116/00) Ms de Brún: The recovery plans produced by the
relevant Trusts are still under consideration by my Department and as such do
not represent agreed final documents. Tá an Roinn s’agam ag meas na bpleananna téarnaimh
go fóill atá déanta ag na hIontaobhais chuí agus
mar sin ní doiciméid iad atá beartaithe go críochnúil.
Deficit Management Ms Monica McWilliams asked the Minister of Health,
Social Services and Public Safety to provide evidence that the process of deficit
management is being applied locally in a way comparable to Health Trusts in
England, Scotland and Wales. (AQW 1131/00) Ms de Brún: I can confirm that Trusts, both
here and in England, Scotland and Wales, have to comply with the statutory duty
to break even over a rolling three year period, and in exceptional circumstances,
over a five year period. Where Trusts, both here and in England, Scotland and
Wales, experience serious financial deficits, they are required to produce a
financial recovery plan in order to recover the deficit position. The deficit problem is however influenced by the allocation
of resources to the health and social services sector and for some years the
level of resource increases here have been lower than in Great Britain. A number
of trusts in Great Britain have also received assistance to help cope with deficit
problems. Recovery plans here are evaluated and agreed on a consistent
basis, following the same approach, to ensure parity for all Trusts. Is féidir liom dearbhú go gcaithfidh Iontaobhais
anseo i Sasana, in Albain agus sa Bhreatain Bheag chomh maith cloí leis
an dualgas reachtúil le fanacht taobh istigh den bhuiséad thar
thréimhse reatha trí bliana, agus i gcúinsí eisceachtúla,
thar thréimhse cúig bliana. Áit ar bith a bhfuil easnamh
airgeadais ag Iontaobhais anseo nó i Sasana, in Albain nó sa Bhreatain
Bheag iarrtar orthu plean téarnaimh airgeadais a sholáthar le
talamh slán a dhéanamh den stádas easnaimh arís.
Imríonn dáileadh acmhainní ar an earnáil
sláinte agus seirbhísí sóisialta tionchar ar fhadhb
an easnaimh áfach, agus le blianta anuas b’ísle leibhéal
méaduithe acmhainne anseo ná sa Bhreatain Mhór. Fuair roinnt
Iontaobhas sa Bhreatain Mhór cabhair le cuidiú leo dul i ngleic
le fadhbanna easnaimh. Déantar measúnú agus socrú ar
phleananna téarnaimh anseo ar bhonn seasta, ag leanúint
an bealach céanna le cinntiú go bhfuil cothrom na Féinne
faighte ag gach Iontaobhas. Salaries of Chief Executives Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social
Services and Public Safety to (a) detail the job description and salary for
the current financial year for each chief executive of Boards and Trusts and
(b) outline her policy in regard to salaries. (AQW 1136/00) Ms de Brún: A copy of the job description for
each of the Chief Executive posts has been placed in the library. The total
salary that the Chief Executives will receive this year is set out in the attached
table. My Department determines the salary payable to Board Chief
Executives. In so doing, any pay increase must be in line with those agreed
for other groups of HPSS staff. Under current legislation Trusts have the freedom
to pay Chief Executives remuneration packages that they deem appropriate; however,
these must be justified as reasonable in light of the general practice in the
public sector. I propose to curtail the freedom of Trusts to act independently
on pay and this power is contained in the Health and Personal Services Bill
which is currently before the Assembly. I intend to introduce a new pay and
grading for all HPSS senior managers. Health and Social Services Board and Trust Chief Executive
Salaries for the Year 2000/2001 BOARD
2000/2001 YEAR
Eastern HSS Board
£90,447
Northern HSS Board
£73,104
Southern HSS Board
£78,026
Western HSS Board
£33,040 (see note 1)
EASTERN BOARD AREA TRUSTS
Belfast City Hospital HSS Trust
£82,784
Down Lisburn HSS Trust
£100,250
Green Park HSS Trust
£71,453
Mater Infirmorum Hospital HSS Trust
£66,500
N&W Belfast HSS Trust
£84,746
NI Ambulance Service HSS Trust
£59,565
RGH & Dental Hospital HSS Trust
£91,735
S&E Belfast HSS Trust
£90,900 (see note 2)
Ulster Comm. & Hospitals HSS Trust
£85,947
SOUTHERN BOARD AREA TRUSTS
Armagh & Dungannon HSS Trust
£67,025
Craigavon Area Hospital HSS Trust
£68,024
Craigavon & Banbridge Comm. HSS Trust
£69,491 (see note 2)
Newry & Mourne HSS Trust
£67,512
NORTHERN BOARD AREA TRUSTS
Causeway HSS Trust
£83,017
Homefirst Comm. HSS Trust
£81,000 (see note 2)
United Hospitals HSS Trust
£72,975
WESTERN BOARD AREA TRUSTS
Altnaglevin Hospital HSS Trust
£69,216
Foyle HSS Trust
£67,624
Sperrin Lakeland HSS Trust
£72,109
Notes (1) This Chief Executive took up post on 1 October 2000
therefore the total salary actually payable in 2000/2001 will be £33,040. The
full year salary costs would be £66,080. (2) This figure does not include any pay increase for
the year 2000/01. The Remuneration Committee in each of these Trusts will meet
early in the New Year to agree salary increase for 2000/2001. Cuireadh cóip den chur sios ar phoist na bPríomh-Fheidhmeannach
isteach sa leabharlann. Tá na tuarastail iomlána a gheobhaidh
na Príomh-Fheidhmeannaigh i mbliana leagtha amach sa tábla curtha
leis seo. Socraíonn an Roinn s'agam na tuarastail a íocfar do Phríomh-Fheidhmeannaigh
Bhoird. Nuair a dhéantar seo, caithfidh ardú tuarastail ar bith
bheith de réir iad siúd a aontaíodh do ghrúpaí
eile den fhoireann SSSP. Faoin reachtaíocht atá ann faoi láthair,
tá Iontaobhais saor, má shíleann siad go bhfuil sé
ceart, le bearta cúitimh a íoc do Phríomh-Fheidhmeannaigh
ach, caithfear iad a chosaint mar chiallmhar de réir cleachtaidh ghinearálta
san earnáil phoiblí. Molaim go laghdaítear saoirse na nIontaobhas
le gníomhú go neamhspleách ar phá agus tá
an chumhacht seo sa Bhille Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Pearsanta
atá faoi bhráid an Tionóil i láthair na huaire.
Tá sé ar intinn agam pá agus grádú nua a
thabhairt isteach do bhainisteoirí sinsearacha SSSP uilig. Tuarastail Phríomh-Fheidhmeannaigh Bhoird agus Iontaobhais
Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta don Bhliain 2000/2001 BORD
BLIAIN 2000/2001
Bord SSS Oirthearach
£90,447
Bord SSS Tuaisceartach
£73,104
Bord SSS Deiscirt
£78,026
Bord SSS Iartharach
£33,040 (féach nóta 1)
IONTAOBHAIS CHEANTAR AN BHOIRD OIRTHEARAIGH
Iontaobhas SSS Otharlann Chathair Bhéal
Feirste
£82,784
Iontaobhas SSS an Dúin/Lios na gCearrbhach
£100,250
Iontaobhas SSS na Páirce Glaise
£71,453
Iontaobhas SSS Otharlann an Mater Infirmorum
£66,500
Iontaobhas SSS Bhéal Feirste Thuaidh &
Thiar
£84,746
Iontaobhas SSS Seirbhís Otharcharr TÉ
£59,565
Iontaobhas SSS GRO & Otharlainne Fiaclóireachta
£91,735
Iontaobhas SSS Bhéal Feirste Theas &
Thoir
£90,900 (féach nóta 2)
Iontaobhas SSS Otharlanna agus Phobal Uladh
£85,947
IONTAOBHAIS CHEANTAR AN BHOIRD DHEISCEARTAIGH
Iontaobhas SSS Ard Mhacha & Dhún Geanainn
£67,025
Iontaobhas SSS Otharlann Ceantair Craigavon
£68,024
Iontaobhas SSS Phobal Craigavon & Dhroichead
na Banna
£69,491 (féach nóta 2)
Iontaobhas SSS An Iúir & na mBeann
Boirche
£67,512
IONTAOBHAIS CHEANTAR AN BHOIRD THUAISCEARTAIGH
Iontaobhas SSS An Chlocháin
£83,017
Iontaobhas SSS Phobal Homefirst
£81,000 (féach nóta 2)
Iontaobhas SSS na nOtharlann Aontaithe
£72,975
IONTAOBHAIS CHEANTAR AN BHOIRD IARTHARAIGH
Iontaobhas SSS Otharlann Alt na nGealbhán
£69,216
Iontaobhas SSS An Fheabhail
£67,624 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||