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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
Iontaobhas SSS Shliabh Speirín
£72,109
Nótaí (1) Thosaigh an Príomh-Fheidhmeannach seo sa phost
ar an 1ú Deireadh Fómhair 2000 agus ar an ábhar sin is
é £33,040 an tuarastal iomlán a íocfar go dearfa i 2000/2001.
£66,080 na costais a bheadh ar thuarastal na bliana iomláine. (2) Ní chuireann an figiúr seo ardú
pá ar bith don bhliain 2000/01 san áireamh. Cruinneoidh an Coiste
Cúitimh i ngach ceann de na hIontaobhais seo go luath sa Bhliain Úr
le hardú tuarastail a aontú don bhliain 2000/2001. Speech and Language Therapists Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social
Services and Public Safety to give his assessment of the levels of recruitment
and retention of speech and language therapists in Northern Ireland. (AQW 1139/00) Ms de Brún: There has been no formal assessment
of the recruitment and retention of speech and language therapists. Health and
Social Services Boards and Trusts are responsible for ensuring that there are
sufficient therapists to provide the level of service to meet the assessed needs
of their populations. To date, I have not been made aware of any specific difficulties
in this regard. Ní raibh measúnú foirmiúil ar
fhostú agus ar choinneáil teiripithe urlabhra agus teanga. Tá
Boird agus Iontaobhais Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta
freagrach as cinntiú go bhfuil go leor teiripithe ann le caighdeán
seirbhíse a chur ar fáil a fhreastlaíonn ar riachtanais
a bpobal. Go dtí seo, níor cuireadh in iúl dom faoi dheacrachtaí
áirithe maidir leis seo. Whiteabbey Hospital Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social
Services and Public Safety to ensure the necessary bed spaces will be made available
at Whiteabbey Hospital to cope with the annual increase in winter demand. (AQW 1154/00) Ms de Brún: The United Hospitals Trust, which
has responsibility for Whiteabbey hospital, has been working closely with the
Northern Health and Social Services Board, Homefirst Community HSS Trust and
with General Practitioners to put in place a wide range of measures designed
to deal with increased demands for services over the winter period. These measures include the provision of additional beds at
all hospitals in the Northern Board’s area, including Whiteabbey, as well as
extra beds at hospitals in Belfast. In this regard, hospitals managed by the
United Trust also benefit from the services of the Emergency Admissions Co-ordination
Centre, which manages emergency hospital admissions for Eastern and Northern
Board hospitals. Tá Iontaobhas na nOspidéal Aontaithe, atá
freagrach as Ospidéal na Mainistreach Finne, i ndiaidh a bheith ag obair
go dlúth i bpáirt le Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí
Sóisialta an Tuaiscirt, le hIontaobhas Pobail Homefirst agus le liachleachtóirí
ginearálta chun réimse beart a chur i bhfeidhm atá ceaptha
chun déileáil leis na héilimh bhreise i leith seirbhísí
thar thréimhse an gheimhridh. I measc na mbeart seo beidh leapacha breise á soláthar
i ngach ospidéal i gceantar Bhord an Tuaiscirt, chomh maith le leapacha
breise sna hospidéil i mBéal Feirste. Maidir leis seo, bainfidh
ospidéil atá faoi bhainistíocht an Iontaobhais Aontaithe
leas as seirbhísí Ionad Comhordaithe na nIontrálacha Éigeandála,
atá ag bainistiú iontrálacha éigeandála d’ospidéil
Bhord an Oirthir agus Bhord an Tuaiscirt. Occupational Therapists Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social
Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the number of occupational therapists
and (b) the ratio of occupational therapists to population for each Trust in
Northern Ireland. (AQW 1161/00) Ms de Brún: The information requested is detailed
in the tables below. (a) Occupational Therapists as at 30 September 2000 TRUST
Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) Staff Numbers
Belfast City Hospital
22.60
Green Park
34.75
S & E Belfast Community
36.10
Ulster Community & Hospital
39.52
Royal Group Hospitals
18.05
Mater Infirmorum Hospital
7.40
N & W Belfast Community
25.20
Lisburn & Down
32.19
Causeway
18.24
Homefirst Community
77.59
Armagh & Dungannon
25.95
Newry & Mourne
22.24
Craigavon/Banbridge Community
36.18
Foyle HSS Community
33.66
Sperrin/Lakeland
25.17
TOTAL
(b) Ratio of Occupational Therapists to population There is no official population figure available by Trust
area and the ratios are therefore provided by Health and Social Services Board
area. Board
Population
WTE
Ratio of WTE : Population
Eastern
669404
215.81
1 : 3102
Northern
425406
95.83
1 : 4439
Southern
308616
84.37
1 : 3658
Western
279397
58.83
1 : 4749
TOTAL
1 : 3700
Tá an t-eolas a iarradh sonraithe sna táblaí
thíos. (a) Teiripithe saothair mar a bhí ar 30 Meán
Fómhair 2000 IONTAOBHAS
Coibhéis Uile-Aimseartha (CUA) Líon Foirne
Ospidéal Chathair Bhéal Feirste
22.60
An Pháirc Ghlas
34.75
Pobal Bhéal Feirste an Deiscirt agus an
Oirthir
36.10
Ospidéal agus Pobal Uladh
39.52
Grúpa Ríoga Ospidéal
18.05
Ospidéal Mater Infirmorum
7.40
Pobal Bhéal Feirste an Tuaiscirt agus
an Iarthair
25.20
Lios na gCearrbhach agus an Dún
32.19
An Clochán
18.24
Pobal Homefirst
77.59
Ard Mhacha agus Dún Geanainn
25.95
An tIúr agus Múrn
22.24
Pobal Craigavon agus Droichead na Banna
36.18
Pobal SSS an Fheabhail
33.66
Sliabh Speirín/ Tír na Lochanna
25.17
IOMLÁN
(b) Cóimheas Teiripithe Saothair le Daonra Níl líon oifigiúil daonra ar fáil
de réir cheantar na nIontaobhas agus tá na cóimheasanna
ar fáil de réir cheantar na mBord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí
Sóisialta. Bord
Daonra
CUA
Cóimheas CUA : Daonra
Oirthear
669404
215.81
1 : 3102
Tuaisceart
425406
95.83
1 : 4439
Deisceart
308616
84.37
1 : 3658
Iarthar
279397
58.83
1 : 4749
IOMLÁN
1 : 3700
Occupational Therapists Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social
Services and Public Safety to detail the current average waiting time for visits
by occupational therapists in regard to house adaptations in each Trust in Northern
Ireland. (AQW 1162/00) Ms de Brún: Information on average waiting time
for visits by occupational therapists in regard to house adaptations is not
collected. Ní bhailítear eolas ar an mheánam feithimh
do chuairteanna ó theiripithe saothair maidir le oiriúnuithe tí. Residential Care Mr John Fee asked the Minister of Health, Social Services
and Public Safety to detail for each Health and Social Services Trust (a) the
number of people in each month since April 1999 who have had to remain in residential
care due to the lack of care workers to provide care in the community; (b) the
average extra time spent in residential care for each person who has had to
remain in residential care due to the lack of care workers to provide care in
the community, for each month since April 1999 and (c) the steps being taken
to recruit sufficient care workers to provide a service which meets the needs
of the community. (AQW 1168/00) Ms de Brún: The statistical information requested
is not available. It is clear that there are difficulties in some areas in attracting,
recruiting and retaining people for home help and analogous social care posts.
HSS Trusts are making special efforts to recruit sufficient home care workers
for their services. These efforts include reviewing the arrangements, terms
and conditions for the employment of home care staff, consideration is being
given to employing care workers on fixed period contracts and contracted weekly
hours. When specific difficulties arise in relation to the availability of care
workers, the Trusts make every effort to resolve these or provide alternative
arrangements for care that are acceptable to the individuals and families concerned. Níl an t-eolas staitisticiúil a iarradh ar fáil. Is léir go bhfuil fadhbanna i limistéir áirithe
ag mealladh, ag earcú agus ag coinneáil daoine do phoist mar chuiditheoir
baile nó poist chúraim shóisialta den chineál céanna.
Tá iontaobhais SSS ag déanamh a ndíchill go leor oibrithe
cúraim bhaile a earcú dá seirbhísí. Ar na
hiarrachtaí seo tá athbhreithniú ar shocruithe, théarmaí
agus choinníollacha fostaíochta d’oibrithe cúraim bhaile,
agus táthar ag machnamh ar oibrithe cúraim a fhostú ar
chonarthaí ar théarma seasta agus uaireanta conraithe seachtainiúla.
Nuair a tharlaíonn fadhbanna sainiúla maidir le soláthar
oibrithe cúraim, déanann na hiontaobhais a seacht ndícheall
iad a réiteach nó socruithe cúraim eile a chur ar fáil
atá sásúil ag na daoine agus teaghlaigh lena mbaineann
siad. Special Needs Children Programme Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social
Services and Public Safety to confirm that the funding for the special needs
children programme will be controlled from within her Department. (AQW 1176/00) Ms de Brún: I can confirm that my Department
is responsible for funding healthcare services provided to children with special
needs and that Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts are responsible
for ensuring that the funds provided are used to meet the particular needs of
their local populations. Thig liom a dhearbhú go bhfuil mo Roinnse freagrach
as seirbhísí cúraim sláinte a mhaoiniú a
sholáthraítear do pháistí a bhfuil riachtanais speisialta
acu agus go bhfuil na Boird agus na hIontaobhais Sláinte agus Seirbhísí
Sóisialta freagrach as a chinntiú go mbaintear úsáid
as an mhaoiniú a sholáthraítear le freastal ar na riachtanais
ar leith atá ag an phobal áitiúil. Occupational Therapists Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social
Services and Public Safety to detail the number of occupational therapists currently
employed by the Eastern Health and Social Services Board and to confirm that
eight new occupational therapists are needed to address the present workload. (AQW 1178/00) Ms de Brún: Occupational Therapists in the Health
and Personal Social Services are employed by HSS Trusts. The number employed
by each Trust within the Eastern Health and Social Services Board area at 30
September 2000 is set out in the table below. TRUST OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS Belfast City Hospital 24 Green Park Trust 38 South & East Belfast Trust 42 Ulster Community & Hospital Trust 47 Royal Group 19 Mater Infirmorum Hospital 8 North & West Belfast 29 Lisburn & Down 38 Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts are responsible
for ensuring that there are sufficient Occupational Therapists to provide the
level of service to meet the assessed need of their population. Fostaíonn na hIontaobhais SSS na teiripeoirí
ceirde sna seirbhísí sláinte agus sna seirbhísí
sóisialta pearsanta. Tá an líon a d’fhostaigh gach iontaobhas
taobh istigh de cheantar Bhord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta
an Oirthir leagtha amach sa tábla thíos. IONTAOBHAS TEIRIPEOIRÍ CEIRDE Ospidéal Cathrach Bhéal Feirste 24 An Pháirc Ghlas 38 Deisceart agus Oirthear Bhéal Feirste 42 Pobal agus Ospidéil Uladh 47 An Grúpa Ríoga 19 Ospidéal an Mater Infirmorum 8 Tuaisceart agus Iarthar Bhéal Feirste 29 An Dún agus Lios na gCearrbhach 38 Tá na boird sláinte agus seirbhísí
sóisialta freagrach as a chinntiú go bhfuil go leor teiripeoirí
ceirde ann chun an leibhéal seirbhíse a sholáthar a fhreagraíonn
do riachtanas measúnaithe an phobail áitiúil. Personal Expenses Mr Gerry Adams asked the Minister of Health, Social
Services and Public Safety to detail the level of spending on personal expenses
by each Trust Board area in each of the last four years. (AQW 1183/00) Ms de Brún: The reimbursement of personal expenses
to Trust Chief Executives and Executive Directors is as follows: HSS Trust
1996/97 £
1997/98 £
1998/99 £
1999/2000 £
Altnagelvin Hospitals
Nil
25
Nil
Nil
Armagh and Dungannon
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Belfast City Hospital
224
42
98
164
Causeway
164
275
535
338
Craigavon and Banbridge Community
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Craigavon Area Hospital
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Down Lisburn
830
910
1,007
928
Foyle
210
118
115
30
Green Park
N/k
N/k
N/k
422
Homefirst Community
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Mater Infirmorum Hospital
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Newry and Mourne
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
North and West Belfast
Nil
86
536
1,277
NI Ambulance Service
556
1,102
778
1,477
Royal Group of Hospitals
1,790
1,531
1,216
1,082
South and East Belfast
778
992
635
777
Sperrin Lakeland
250
300
350
300
Ulster Community & Hospitals
2,774
1,207
2,649
1,529
United Hospitals
Nil
Nil
127
49
Is mar a leanas atá na suimeanna a cúitíodh
le príomhfheidhmeannaigh iontaobhais agus le stiúrthóirí
feidhmiúcháin as a gcaiteachas pearsanta: Iontaobhais SSS
1996/97 £
1997/98 £
1998/99 £
1999/2000 £
Ospidéil Alt na nGealbhan
Náid
25
Náid
Náid
Ard Mhacha agus Dún Geanainn
Náid
Náid
Náid
Náid
Ospidéal Cathrach Bhéal Feirste
224
42
98
164
An Chlochán
164
275
535
338
Pobal Craigavon agus Dhroichead na Banna
Náid
Náid
Náid
Náid
Ospidéal Cheantar Craigavon
Náid
Náid
Náid
Náid
An Dún agus Lios na gCearrbhach
830
910
1,007
928
An Feabhal
210
118
115
30
An Pháirc Ghlas
Ní fios
Ní fios
Ní fios
422
Pobal Homefirst
Náid
Náid
Náid
Náid
Ospidéal an Mater Infirmorum
Náid
Náid
Náid
Náid
An tIúr agus Múrna
Náid
Náid
Náid
Náid
Tuaisceart agus Iarthar Bhéal Feirste
Náid
86
536
1,277
Seirbhís Otharcharranna TÉ
556
1,102
778
1,477
An Grúpa Ríoga Ospidéal
1,790
1,531
1,216
1,082
Deisceart agus Oirthear Bhéal Feirste
778
992
635
777
Loch-Cheantar Speirín
250
300
350
300
Pobal agus Ospidéil Uladh
2,774
1,207
2,649
1,529
Na hOspidéil Aontaithe
Náid
Náid
127
49
Trust Board Chief Executives Mr Gerry Adams asked the Minister of Health, Social
Services and Public Safety to detail the level of personal expenses paid to
Trust Board Chief Executives in each of the last four years. (AQW 1184/00) Ms de Brún: The amounts paid to Trust Chief
Executives in reimbursement of personal expenses is as follows: HSS Trust
1996/97 £
1997/98 £
1998/99 £
1999/2000 £
Altnagelvin Hospitals
Nil
25
Nil
Nil
Armagh and Dungannon
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Belfast City Hospital
224
42
98
60
Causeway
164
275
535
338
Craigavon and Banbridge Community
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Craigavon Area Hospital
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Down Lisburn
830
910
1,007
928
Foyle
60
90
80
30
Green Park
N/k
N/k
N/k
422
Homefirst Community
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Mater Infirmorum Hospital
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Newry and Mourne
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
North and West Belfast
Nil
86
536
1,277
NI Ambulance Service
543
918
720
682
Royal Group of Hospitals
945
595
88
210
South and East Belfast
778
914
498
717
Sperrin Lakeland
200
250
200
250
Ulster Community & Hospitals
2,229
1,207
2,118
1,385
United Hospitals
Nil
nil
nil
nil
Is mar a leanas atá na suimeanna a cúitíodh
le príomhfheidhmeannaigh iontaobhais as a gcaiteachas pearsanta: Iontaobhais SSS
1996/97 £
1997/98 £
1998/99 £
1999/2000 £
Ospidéil Alt na nGealbhan
Náid
25
Náid
Náid
Ard Mhacha agus Dún Geanainn
Náid
Náid
Náid
Náid
Ospidéal Cathrach Bhéal Feirste
224
42
98
60
An Chlochán
164
275
535
338
Pobal Craigavon agus Dhroichead na Banna
Náid
Náid
Náid
Náid
Ospidéal Cheantar Craigavon
Náid
Náid
Náid
Náid
An Dún agus Lios na gCearrbhach
830
910
1,007
928
An Feabhal
60
90
80
30
An Pháirc Ghlas
Ní fios
Ní fios
Ní fios
422
Pobal Homefirst
Náid
Náid
Náid
Náid
Ospidéal an Mater Infirmorum
Náid
Náid
Náid
Náid
An tIúr agus Múrna
Náid
Náid
Náid
Náid
Tuaisceart agus Iarthar Bhéal Feirste
Náid
86
536
1,277
Seirbhís Otharcharranna TÉ
543
918
720
682
An Grúpa Ríoga Ospidéal
945
595
88
210
Deisceart agus Oirthear Bhéal Feirste
778
914
498
717
Loch-Cheantar Speirín
200
250
200
250
Pobal agus Ospidéil Uladh
2,229
1,207
2,118
1,385
Na hOspidéil Aontaithe
Náid
Náid
Náid
Náid
Residential Care Homes for Children Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social
Services and Public Safety to outline the steps she is taking to improve the
recruitment and terms of service for those who work in residential care homes
for children. (AQW 1185/00) Ms de Brún: Last year I established the Children
Matter Taskforce because of the recognised shortage of residential care places
for Children. The role of the Taskforce is to produce a realistic and achievable
Regional Plan for the expansion of residential childcare services. I am expecting
to receive the Regional Plan shortly from the Taskforce. A human resources sub-group of the Taskforce was established
in October 2000 to develop a strategy for the recruitment of staff to meet
the requirements of an expanded residential childcare sector. The recruitment
strategy will also address the issue of retaining staff within this sector,
by addressing issues such as the provision of appropriate training and support
to residential staff. Anuraidh, bhunaigh mé an Tascfhórsa Tábhacht
le Páistí mar gheall ar an ghanntanas aitheanta d’áiteanna
cúraim chónaithe do pháistí. Is é ról
an Tascfhórsa Plean Réigiúnach réadúil so-aimsithe
a chur amach le haghaidh fairsingiú seirbhísí cúraim
chónaithe do pháistí. Tá coinne agam an Plean Réigiúnach
a fháil ón Tascfhórsa gan mhoill. Bunaíodh fo-ghrúpa acmhainní daonna den
Tascfhórsa i mí Dheireadh Fómhair 2000 le straitéis
d’earcaíocht foirne a fhorbairt le riachtanais earnála fairsingithe
cúraim chónaithe do pháistí a chomhlíonadh.
Tabharfaidh an tsraitéis earcaíochta aghaidh ar an cheist foireann
a choinneáil laistigh den earnáil seo fosta, trí aghaidh
a thabhairt ar cheisteanna cosúil le soláthar na hoiliúna
agus na tacaíochta cuí don fhoireann chónaithe. Child Maltreatment Mr Seamus Close asked the Minister of Health, Social
Services and Public Safety to outline the implications for her Department of
the recently published National Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
report into child maltreatment, and if she will make a statement. (AQO 546/00) Ms de Brún: Child abuse and the need to safeguard
children is a matter of concern to all of us, and I welcome the NSPCC’s report
on child maltreatment. The report contains a large number of recommendations in relation
to further research, training, public education, data collection and strategies
for dealing with child abuse. My Department will be giving careful consideration
to the report and I will take account of it in the development of future policy
for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Is cúis imní dúinn uilig í an
mhí-úsáid páistí agus an gá le páistí
a chosaint, agus cuirim fáilte roimh thuairisc an CNCPC ar dhrochíde
ar pháistí. Tá cuid mhór moltaí sa tuairisc maidir
le níos mó taighde, traenáil, oideachas poiblí,
bailiú sonraí agus straitéisí le déileáil
le mí-úsáid páistí. Beidh mo Roinn ag déanamh
dianmhachnaimh ar an tuairisc agus cuirfidh mé san áireamh í
i bhforbairt polasaithe amach anseo le páistí a chosaint agus
lena leas a chothú. Erne Hospital Mr Gerry McHugh asked the Minister of Health, Social
Services and Public Safety to give her assurance that full gynaecology services
will be reinstated in the Erne Hospital at the earliest opportunity. (AQO 559/00) Ms de Brún: The decision to combine Gynaecology
and Female Surgical Services at the Erne Hospital is a contingency arrangement,
agreed by the Sperrin Lakeland Trust and the Western Board, to enable the Trust
to handle winter pressures. This is a temporary measure and the Trust advised
the Department last week that they intend restoring normal services from 5 February,
subject to emergency activity remaining within manageable proportions. Is socrú teagmhasach é an cinneadh, aontaithe
ag Iontaobhas Sliabh Speirín agus ag Bord an Iarthair, le Seirbhísí
Liachta agus Máinliachta Ban ag Otharlann na hÉirne a chur le
chéile le cuidiú leis an Iontaobhas agus leis an bhord brúnna
an gheimhridh a láimhseáil. Is beart sealadach é seo agus
thug an tIontaobhas le fios don Roinn an tseachtain seo chuaigh thart go bhfuil
rún acu gnáthsheirbhísí a chur in áit arís
ó 5 Feabhra, ar choinníoll go bhfanann gníomhaíocht
éigeandála faoi stiúir. Quality Protect Programme Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister of Health, Social
Services and Public Safety if it is her intention to bring Quality Protects
legislation into Northern Ireland. (AQO 553/00) Ms de Brún: As I indicated to the Assembly on
12 December during the debate on the Health Committee’s Report on Residential
and Secure Accommodation for Children, I intend to produce a regional overview
of the way forward for children’s services. I will also be bringing forward
a range of proposals relating to children’s services to address the same broad
issues covered by the Quality Protects programme in England. In doing so, I
will also look at the new National Children’s Strategy in the South. Mar a thug mé le fios don Tionól ar an 12 Nollaig
le linn na díospóireachta ar Thuairisc Choiste na Sláinte
ar Chóiríocht Chónaithe agus Dhaingean do Pháistí,
tá rún agam forbhreathnú réigiúnach a thabhairt
chun cinn ar an bhealach chun tosaigh do sheirbhísí páistí.
Chomh maith leis sin beidh mé ag tabhairt réimse moltaí
chun tosaigh maidir le seirbhísí páistí le tabhairt
faoi na saincheisteanna leathana céanna a chlúdaítear ag
an chlár Quality Protects (Cosnaíonn Cáilíocht)
i Sasana. Agus seo á dhéanamh agam, amharcfaidh mé ar Straitéis
nua Náisiúnta na bPáistí sa Deisceart. Audited Figures for 1999/2000 Mr Alan McFarland asked the Minister of Health, Social
Services and Public Safety when the Department's audited figures for the year
1999/2000 will be available. (AQO 554/00) Ms de Brún: Appropriation Accounts for 1999-2000
were prepared on the basis of the Departmental structure as at 1 April 1999
i.e. before the Executive was established. The Appropriation Accounts for the
former Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) have now been audited
and I understand that they will be published shortly by the Comptroller and
Auditor General, as normal, in a single volume covering the accounts of all
Departments. In addition to the Appropriation Accounts, summarized accounts
for health and social services organizations are also published. These contain
a summary of the audited accounts of the individual HPSS bodies and are produced
and audited somewhat later than the Department’s accounts. The summary of the
1998-1999 and 1999-2000 accounts have been passed to the Comptroller and Auditor
General for audit. I understand that he is currently finalising his report on
the 1998-1999 accounts, and they too will be available for publication shortly.
The 1999-2000 summarized accounts are likely to be published in the summer. Ullmhaíodh cuntais leithreasaithe do 1999-2000 ar bhonn
an struchtúir Roinne ar an 1 Aibreán 1999, is é sular cuireadh
an Coiste Feidhmiúcháin ar bun. Tá cuntais leithreasaithe
don iar-Roinn Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta (RSSS)
iniúchta anois agus tuigim go bhfoilseoidh an tArd-Reachtaire Cuntas
agus Ciste gan mhoill iad, mar is gnách, in imleabhar amháin ag
cumhdach chuntais na Ranna uilig. I dteannta na gcuntas leithreasaithe, foilsítear cuntais
achoimrithe d'eagraíochtaí sláinte agus seirbhísí
sóisialta fosta. Tá achoimre chuntais iniúchta na bhforas
SSSP aonair iontu agus cuirtear amach agus iniúchtar iad níos
moille ná cuntais na Roinne. Tugadh an achoimre a rinneadh ar chuntais
1998-1999 agus 1999-2000 don Ard-Reachtaire Cuntas agus Ciste le hiniúchadh.
Tuigim go bhfuil sé ag cur bailchríche ar a thuairisc ar chuntais
1998-1999 faoi láthair, agus beidh siad ar fáil le foilsiú
ar ball. Is dócha go bhfoilseofar cuntais achoimrithe 1999-2000 sa samhradh. General Practitioner - Fund Holding Dr Esmond Birnie asked the Minister of Health, Social
Services and Public Safety to give her assessment of the size, in terms of population
coverage, of the health committees to replace current General Practitioner -
Fund Holding and Trust arrangements. (AQO 544/00) Ms de Brún: On 11th December I published
a consultation paper Building the Way Forward in Primary Care which sets
out proposals for new arrangements in primary care to be put in place
following the end of the GP Fundholding Scheme. The paper proposes that groupings of primary care professionals,
called "Local Health and Social Care Groups", should be constituted as committees
of Health and Social Services Boards and be given the remit of improving the
delivery of primary care services to local populations and contributing to the
commissioning of health and social services for the populations they serve.
It proposes that they might typically cover populations in the region of 50,000
to 150,000. The paper also suggests that the actual population coverage would
vary according to local geography and demography and that it would be inappropriate
to impose strict population limits. There are no proposals in the paper concerning Trust arrangements. Ar 11 Nollaig d’fhoilsigh mé páipéar
comhairliúcháin Ag Tógáil an Bhealaigh chun Tosaigh
i bPríomhchúram a leagann amach moltaí ar shocruithe
nua sa phríomhchúram atá le cur i bhfeidhm i ndiaidh dheireadh
na scéime cisteshealbhúchais liachleachtóirí. Molann an páipéar gur chóir meithle gairmithe
príomhchúraim nó "Grúpaí Sláinte
Aitiúla agus Cúraim Shóisialta" a chur le chéile
mar choistí Bhoird Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta
agus mar théarmaí tagartha acu bheadh feabhsú sholáthar
príomhchúraim do dhaonraí áitiúla agus cur
le coimisiniú seirbhísí sláinte agus sóisialta
do na daonraí a bhfuil siad ag freastal orthu. Moltar gur chóir
dóibh freastal ar dhaonraí de 50,000 go 150,000. Tugann an páipéar
le fios chomh maith go mbeadh duifear idir na daonraí a chlúdófaí
ag brath ar thíreolaíocht agus ar dhéimeagrafaíocht
na háite agus nár cheart teorainneacha righne daonra a leagan
síos. Níl moltaí sa pháipéar ag baint
le socruithe Iontaobhas. The Capitation Formula Review Group Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services
and Public Safety to indicate the projected budget for 2001/2002 for each of
the Northern Ireland Health Boards, using (a) the current weighted capitation
formula; (b) the proposed new weighted capitation formula as outlined in the
"Third Report From The Capitation Formula Review Group" and if she will make
a statement. (AQO 552/00) Ms de Brún: I am not yet in a position to provide
detailed budgets for Health and Social Services Boards for 2001-02. However,
I can confirm that full implementation of the proposals set out in the third
report of the Capitation Formula Review Group, would lead to marginal changes
in the relative shares of resources for each Board. The current shares excluding
transitional relief for the EHSSB, NHSSB, SHSSB and WHSSB are 42.11%, 23.69%,
17.67% and 16.53% respectively. These would change to 41.93% for the Eastern
Board, 23.71% for the Northern Board, 17.67% for the Southern Board and 16.69%
for the Western Board. Some further adjustments may be necessary following my consideration
of the responses to the consultation document. When the figures are finalised
it is my intention to phase their implementation to minimise any financial instability
for Boards whose capitation share is reducing. While I have not yet reached a decision my present view is
that implementation should be phased over 3 years to ensure that change is manageable.
Níl mé i riocht go fóill mionbhuiséid
do Bhoird Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta don bhliain
2001-02 a chur ar fáil. Is féidir liom a dhearbhú áfach
gur athruithe imeallacha i scaireanna coibhneasta na n-acmhainní do gach
bord an toradh a bheadh ar chur i bhfeidhm iomlán na moltaí atá
leagtha amach sa tríú tuairisc den Ghrúpa Athbhreithnithe
Foirmle Ceannsraithe. Is iad 42.11%, 23.69%, 17.67% agus 16.53% faoi seach,
na scaireanna atá ann faoi láthair don BSSSO, BSSST agus don BSSSI,
gan faoiseamh idirthréimhseach a chur san áireamh. D’athrófaí
iad seo go 41.93% do Bhord an Oirthir, go 23.71% do Bhord an Tuaiscirt, go 17.67%
do Bhord an Deiscirt agus go 16.69% do Bhord an Iarthair. D’fhéadfaí tuilleadh coigeartuithe bheith de
dhíth i ndiaidh mé na freagraí ar an cháipéis
chomhairliúcháin a mheas. Nuair a bheas na figiúirí
tugtha chun críche, tá sé ar intinn agam a gcur i bhfeidhm
a thabhairt isteach céim ar chéim le éagobhsaíocht
airgeadais ar bith do bhoird a íoslaghdú a bhfuil a scair cheannsraithe
ag ísliú. Cé nach bhfuil cinneadh déanta agam go fóill,
is í mo thuairim faoi láthair gur chóir an cur i bhfeidhm
a thabhairt isteach céim ar chéim thar trí bliana le cinntiú
go bhfuil na hathruithe soláimhsithe. Increase the Number of Nurses Mr Kieran McCarthy asked the Minister of Health, Social
Services and Public Safety to detail the provision she has made to increase
the number of nurses employed in Northern Ireland and if she will make a statement. (AQO 548/00) Ms de Brún: In recognition of a current shortage
of qualified nursing staff and the recruitment and retention difficulties being
experienced by some HPSS employers, a number of initiatives have been taken
to increase the number of nurses in employment. In the short term 117 qualified nursing staff are currently
participating in "Return to Professional Practice" training and will
shortly be ready to resume practice. Further training opportunities will be
offered by the 3 In-Service Education Units and both local Universities over
the next few months. In order to enhance the supply of qualified nursing staff,
an additional 300 training places for new nurses have been commissioned over
a 3 year period. The need for a further increase is also currently under consideration. For their part, HPSS employers recognise the need to operate
recruitment and retention strategies that encourage nursing staff to join and
remain in employment. These include minimising the use of temporary contracts
and offering meaningful and acceptable terms and conditions of employment. Leis an ghanntanas reatha de fhoireann cháilithe altranais
agus na deacrachtaí earcaíochta agus coinneála atá
ag roinnt fostóirí SSSP a chur ina cheart, cuireadh tús
le roinnt tionscnamh le líon na n-altraí i bhfostaíocht
a mhéadú. Sa ghearrthéarma, tá 117 foireann altranais
cáilithe rannpháirteach in oiliúnt "Filleadh ar Chleachtas
Gairmiúil" faoi láthair, agus beidh siad réidh ar ball
le cleachtas a atosú. Cuirfidh na trí ionad oideachais inseirbhíse
agus an dá ollscoil áitiúla deiseanna breise oiliúna
ar fáil sna míonna seo chugainn. Le soláthar fhoireann cháilithe altranais a
mhéadú, coimisiúnaíodh 300 áit bhreise oiliúna
d’altraí nua thar tréimhse trí bliana. Tá machnamh
á dhéanamh fosta faoi láthair ar an ghá le méadú
breise. I dtaca le fostóirí SSSP de, aithníonn
siad an gá le straitéisí earcaíochta agus coinneála
a fheidhmiú a spreagfaidh foireann altranais le fostaíocht a ghlacadh
agus le fanacht inti. Orthu seo tá íoslaghdú úsáid
conarthaí sealadacha agus tairiscint téarmaí agus coinníollacha
fostaíochta fiúntacha inghlactha. HIGHER AND FURTHER EDUCATION, TRAINING AND
EMPLOYMENT West Tyrone Budget Percentage Mr Pat Doherty asked the Minister of Higher and Further
Education, Training and Employment 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 1091/00) The Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training
and Employment (Dr Farren): In reply to part (a) of your question, the only
buildings and amenities for which I have responsibility in your constituency
are the Job Centres in Kevlin Avenue, Omagh and Upper Main Street, Strabane. The information requested in parts (b) and (c) of your question
is not recorded on a constituency basis and could only be provided at a disproportionate
cost. Quality of Teaching Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Higher and Further
Education, Training and Employment to give his assessment of the current quality
of teaching in Colleges of Further Education. (AQW 1137/00) Dr Farren: Good quality teaching in Colleges of Further
Education is essential if students are to achieve to their maximum potential
and contribute to society and the Northern Ireland economy. Unlike any other part of the United Kingdom, all full-time
lecturers and associate lecturers (part-time with teacher recognition) in further
education are required to be trained teachers either when they commence teaching
with a Bachelor of Education or Postgraduate Certificate in Education or within
the first three years of taking up appointment. In the case of the latter lecturers
study on a part-time basis at the University of Ulster for a Postgraduate Certificate
in Further and Higher Education. The Governing Body of each College of Further Education has
a responsibility for the quality of teaching in it’s college and in addition
the Education and Training Inspectorate assesses the quality of teaching and
learning as part of it’s inspection process. In the inspections in the past two years approximately 600
teaching sessions were observed. Around 25% of the lessons observed were excellent,
54% were good and 20% were satisfactory. Around 1% of the lessons were unsatisfactory. In an effort to help Colleges assess quality of teaching,
the Education and Training Inspectorate has produced for colleges indicators
of quality which inspectors use to assess the quality of provision. The Inspectorate has also introduced an Associate Assessor
scheme where lecturers are trained by the Inspectorate in classroom observation
to make judgements on the quality of teaching and learning. These lecturers
will work alongside the Inspectorate in college inspections. Raising standards and promoting quality are priorities for
the Further Education Sector generally. Good quality teaching is an essential
component. Whilst performance overall is very good it is an area I will
keep under constant scrutiny. Centres of Excellence Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of Higher and Further
Education, Training and Employment to explain why there are no "centres of excellence"
being created in Colleges of Further Education West of the Bann. (AQW 1145/00) Dr Farren: Bids from Further Education Colleges for
recognition as Centres of Excellence were considered by an independent Assessment
Panel, which included industry representatives and the Education and Training
Inspectorate. Bids were assessed against a number of criteria, which focused
on standards, quality and industry-responsiveness. The Panel concluded that eight bids were strong enough to
meet the criteria for recognition as Centre of Excellence. These included the
Upper Bann Institute of Further and Higher Education bid to be recognised as
a Centre of Excellence in ICT & Computing. A number of other bids of a high
standard, including some from the North West Institute and Fermanagh College,
were considered worthy of recognition and the award of additional funding to
help them improve quality/standards and links with industry. The Centre of Excellence initiative is part of the wider Strategic
Investment Initiative totalling some £3.7million) from which all colleges benefited.
Armagh, East Tyrone, Fermanagh and Omagh colleges benefited from funding set
aside to assist the development of strategic alliances, and Armagh, East Tyrone
and Omagh colleges received funding to assist the alignment of existing staffing
with evolving economic needs. Not all colleges bid against all the components
of the Strategic Investment Initiative. This additional investment of £3.7million in further education
colleges demonstrates our continuing commitment to the achievement of the highest
standards by the sector including its responsiveness to the needs of local business
and industry. Basic Literacy and Numeracy Skills Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Higher and Further
Education, Training and Employment to outline his plans to reduce the number
of adults who lack basic literacy and numeracy skills. (AQW 1157/00) Dr Farren: The findings of the International Adult
Literacy Survey, in which Northern Ireland was benchmarked against almost all
the OECD countries, indicate that c.24% of the adult population in Northern
Ireland perform at the lowest levels of literacy. Improving Basic Skills is
one of the key challenges facing my Department. To this end a number of initiatives
have already been taken to tackle the problem. Basic Skills Unit A Basic Skills Unit has been set up within the Educational
Guidance Service for Adults (EGSA), but relating to the Basic Skills Committee.
The role of this new Committee and Unit is to provide the Department with advice
on adult literacy and numeracy issues. It will identify, promote and support
good practice in teaching and learning basic skills, support innovation in basic
skills education and encourage collaboration between providers. A Basic Skills
Unit Innovation Fund has been established to promote and support innovative
approaches in the delivery of basic skills to adults within the wider community.
In addition I have asked the Basic Skills Unit to advise me on a range of targets
for taking people out of basic skills and how best to measure progress against
these targets. I have sought their advice on how to market and promote basic
skills education and how the teacher base might be expanded . Learndirect Basic Skills is also one of the key priorities set by Government
for the University for Industry,(UFI). Ufi has commissioned materials in this
area making use of the latest technologies, and these are accessible by anyone,
anywhere and at any time under the brand name of learndirect. For those
without access to a computer, the training material can be accessed at a range
of learndirect learning centres – 16 of which are already open or will open
shortly in NI. Funding arrangements for learners in learndirect Centres have
been put in place by the Department. Under these arrangements all basic skills
courses are offered free of charge to learners, up to a maximum of £500 per
person per year. New Deal In December 1999 the Agency set up a Basic Skills Working
Group to review basic skills within New Deal. A "Toolkit" aimed at
raising New Deal Personal Advisers’ awareness of basic skills issues and to
assist in the identification of clients with basic skills needs was developed
and is currently being rolled out to the JobCentre network. The Group is also
involved with a New Deal Curriculum Project which aims to consider exemplars
of good practice in basic skills delivery and report on the requirements of
the New Deal sector when implementing the new basic skills standards and curriculum. Developments in GB DfEE has recently published its strategy for improving adult
literacy and numeracy. My officials are studying these proposals closely and
this together with advice from the Basic Skills Unit will help inform our own
strategy. There will of course be liaison with other Government Departments
given the particular cross-cutting nature of this issue. Translink Services Mr John Fee asked the Minister for Regional Development
to detail (a) what proportion of Translink services have run on time over the
period from January 1999 (b) how many trains have been more than 15 minutes
late in each month since January 1999 (c) how many timetabled services have
not run at all in each month since January 1999 and (d) his plans to improve
the reliability of the timetable. (AQW 1023/00) The Minister for Regional Development (Mr Campbell): (a) Translink measures delays of over 5 minutes on the
Larne, Bangor and Portadown lines and delays of over 10 minutes on the Londonderry
and Dublin lines. Translink has advised that during the period from January
1999 to November 2000 94% of services were punctual to within 5 minutes
on the Larne, Bangor and Portadown lines and 93% were punctual to within 10
minutes on the Londonderry and Dublin lines. (b) As Translink does not retain figures on an absolute basis
it has not been able to supply information about the number of trains which
have been late each month since January 1999. However, Translink has been able
to supply the following percentage figures for each month from January 1999
until November 2000, the latest month for which figures are available, for delays
over 5 minutes on the Larne, Bangor and Portadown lines and delays over 10 minutes
on the Londonderry and Dublin lines. Translink does not measure delays of over
15 minutes. NIR PUNCTUALITY RESULTS 1999
% DELAYS OVER 5 MINUTES
% DELAYS OVER 10 MINUTES
Month
Larne line
Bangor line
Portadown line
Londonderry line
Dublin line
January
4
3
1
6
2
February
2
0
0
2
2
March
3
1
0
3
0
April
4
1
1
6
4
May
7
3
2
6
3
June
6
5
0
5
1
July
4
5
1
1
1
August
8
8
2
5
4
September
5
6
3
8
8
October
17
17
7
23
22
November
9
10
4
9
15
December
7
5
2
8
6
NIR PUNCTUALITY RESULTS 2000 (to November 2000)
% DELAYS OVER 5 MINUTES
% DELAYS OVER 10 MINUTES
Month
Larne line
Bangor line
Portadown line
Londonderry line
Dublin line
January
7
2
2
6
3
February
8
4
3
11
7
March
5
2
2
6
6
April
4
3
2
2
3
May
4
2
2
4
2
June
6
3
3
2
1
July
3
3
2
1
3
August
5
3
3
4
3
September
6
3
3
4
4
October
10
6
4
6
4
November
22
20
13
13
17
(c) As Translink does not retain figures on an absolute basis
it has not been able to supply information about the number of trains which
have not run at all each month since January 1999. However, Translink has been
able to supply the following percentage figures for each month from January
1999 until November 2000, the latest month for which figures are available,
for trains that have not run at all. NIR RELIABILITY RESULTS 1999
Month
Larne line
Bangor line
Portadown line
Londonderry line
Dublin line
January
0.5
0.6
0.2
0.4
0
February
0
0
0.1
0
0
March
0.2
0.1
0
0
0
April
0.2
0.1
0
0.8
0
May
0.3
0.1
0.2
0.2
0
June
0.3
0.8
0
0.4
0
July
0.1
0.1
0
0
0
August
0
0.4
0
0.2
0.5
September
0.1
0.3
0.2
0
0
October
0.8
0.7
0
0.4
0
November
0.3
1.3
0.2
0.2
0
December
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0
NIR RELIABILITY RESULTS 2000 (to November 2000)
Month
Larne line
Bangor line
Portadown line
Londonderry line
Dublin line
January
0.2
0.1
0
0
0
February
0.8
0.3
0.1
0.4
0
March
0.3
0.1
0.2
1
0
April
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
0
May
0.1
0.2
0.1
0.6
0
June
0.7
0.1
0.3
0.4
0
July
0.1
0.1
0.1
0
0
August
0.1
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.5
September
0.2
0.1
0.3
0.6
0
October
0.5
0.2
0.5
0.4
0
November
0.7
0.6
0.6
0.4
0.2
(d) Translink has advised that its plans to improve the reliability
of the timetable relate primarily to improving punctuality. Translink consider
that punctuality problems are caused almost exclusively by the condition of
the current rolling stock. The £19.6m additional resources for railways, that
were approved by the Assembly on 18 December, will allow Translink to initiate
an investment programme to replace outdated rolling stock with new trains which
should provide more reliable and more comfortable services. Urban and Rural Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister for Regional Development
to detail the definition of (a) urban and (b) rural used within his Department. (AQW 1054/00) Mr Campbell: There is no standard definition of "urban"
and "rural" but for the purposes of strategic regional planning, the
Department for Regional Development considers rural Northern Ireland to include
all the towns, villages, small settlements and open countryside outside the
main urban areas of Belfast and Londonderry. This is consistent with the comments
made by the independent Panel which conducted the Public Examination into the
draft Regional Strategic Framework in November 1999. It will ensure that there
is an integrated approach to dealing with rural development issues. It also
reflects the fact that the Region is predominantly rural with a dispersed population
living mainly in a variety of settlement types served by the main market towns
which are the hubs of employment, services and key amenities. Mossley West Rail Station Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development
to confirm that the Mossley West train station has not been included in the
latest train timetable for services between Londonderry and Belfast and if he
will make a statement. (AQW 1155/00) Mr Campbell: Translink has advised that, as the Mossley
West train station is not expected to be operational when the Antrim to Bleach
Green line is opened, it has not been included in the train timetable which
Translink intend to operate initially on the line. Mossley West Rail Station Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development
to ensure that Mossley West Rail Station will be included in the new timetable
of services. (AQW 1172/00) Mr Campbell: Translink has confirmed that it intends
to use the Mossley West Rail Station as soon as possible. I understand that
Translink is currently engaged in consultation with interested parties with
a view to ensuring safe access to the station, so that an outstanding planning
consideration can be resolved as soon as possible. Housing Bill Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development
to outline when the Housing Bill will be brought to the Assembly for consideration. (AQW 988/00) The Minister for Social Development (Mr Morrow): I
am awaiting a formal response from the Executive Committee to the policy proposals
I submitted to it in October 2000 in connection with the proposed Housing Bill.
Discussions have taken place with the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister
about the proposals in the meantime. Until the Executive Committee’s approval
is forthcoming, I will not be in a position to progress the Bill further. In
the circumstances, it is not possible to predict precisely when the Bill will
be brought to the Assembly for consideration, although I still hope that it
will be introduced before the Summer recess. Housing Executive Rents Mr Seamus Close asked the Minister for Social Development
if he will use the additional money made available from increased housing sales
to ensure that Housing Executive rents are not increased by a rate above that
of inflation. (AQW 1007/00) Mr Morrow: I announced on 22 December 2000 that Housing
Executive rents were to rise by 3% from April 2001. This is below the current
rate of inflation and means that Housing Executive tenants in Northern Ireland
will be better off than those in England and Wales where rents will rise by
4.5%. For the average tenant this will mean an increase of £1.17 per week. It is not possible to use additional capital receipts from
house sales to offset a rent increase. There are two reasons for this: First,
house sales are classified as capital, whereas rental income is revenue.
Treasury rules prohibit the transfer of funds from one to the other. And secondly,
the Housing Executive’s accounting arrangements, which are similar to all other
NDPBs and Departmental Agencies, mean that additional receipts over and above
those included in approved and published estimates cannot be carried over from
one year to another. Again, in accordance with Treasury rules they must be surrendered
to the Department of Finance and Personnel and are at the disposal of the Executive
Committee. Anti-Social Behaviour in Housing Executive Property Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister for Social Development
if, in relation to anti-social behaviour in Housing Executive property, he will
detail (a) the number of tenants they have taken action against in each of the
last two years in the Carrickfergus area and (b) what has been the outcome of
these actions. (AQW 1032/00) Mr Morrow: Only since October 2000, have all Housing
Executive District Offices been required to collect and report on incidences
of anti-social behaviour. While detailed information over the last 2 years is
not available, I understand that in the Carrickfergus District, there would
be around 100 reports of such behaviour in any one year, including nuisance
neighbours, bonfires, children playing, boundary disputes and abandoned properties.
The Housing Executive acts on all complaints, and has advised
that many of these cases are resolved by the issue of letters from the District
Office, follow-up visits and interviews with staff. The Volunteer Mediation
Service has also dealt with a number of cases of anti-social behaviour in the
District. I can confirm that there have been no evictions of Housing
Executive tenants on the grounds of anti-social behaviour in the Carrickfergus
District during the last 2 years. You may also be interested to know that the Housing Executive
has set up a central Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, including an officer seconded
from the RUC, which will help District Offices to deal with the worst cases. Combating Anti-Social Behaviour Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister for Social Development
to detail current Housing Executive procedures to combat anti-social behaviour
in their properties. (AQW 1048/00) Mr Morrow: The Housing Executive normally attempts
to deal with anti-social behaviour through mediation, using its Neighbourhood
Dispute system. However, the Executive has a range of options available where
mediation does not produce the desired result. Housing Executive tenancies are normally "secure"
tenancies, which means that the tenancy can only be brought to an end by a court
order. While eviction is very much a last resort when all other methods have
failed, the Executive can seek an order for possession (ie eviction) against
one of its own tenants where the tenant’s behaviour provides grounds for the
court to make such an order. The grounds for possession, which are set out in
legislation, include certain forms of anti-social behaviour such as causing
nuisance or annoyance to neighbours and using a house for illegal or immoral
purposes. The Housing Executive can also seek an injunction against
one of its own tenants, where the tenant has breached, or threatens to breach,
his tenancy agreement (such a breach could include anti-social behaviour such
as causing nuisance to neighbours). Where the court has granted such an injunction,
and the tenant breaches or continues to breach the tenancy agreement, the tenant
can be held to be in contempt of court. The Housing Executive is developing a wider approach to the
problems of anti-social behaviour in the context of community safety. Initiatives
being taken forward include setting up a specialised unit to deal with the worst
cases, developing seminars with staff from other bodies to promote closer working
relationships, the introduction of Neighbourhood Wardens and the imposition
of sanctions against those on the Waiting Lists who have a history of anti-social
behaviour. Urban and Rural Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister for Social Development
to detail the definition of (a) urban and (b) rural used within his Department. (AQW 1055/00) Mr Morrow: There is no actual definition of urban and
rural used by my Department. Rather we use the definition of cities, towns and
villages as delineated by the Area Plans which have been drawn up by Planning
Service in the Department of the Environment. Reducing Child Poverty Ms Monica McWilliams asked the Minister for Social
Development to outline the target for reducing child poverty in Northern Ireland
as part of the United Kingdom Government's policy of abolishing child poverty
in 20 years. (AQW 1085/00) Mr Morrow: The commitment to eradicating child poverty
in 20 years and halving it in 10 covers a range of initiatives which seek to
address the multi-dimensional problems associated with child poverty. Ensuring that children get the best start in life requires
improvements in a number of key areas for example, improvement in family income
through tax and benefit reform and through increasing opportunities for parents
to work. Progress towards achieving the objective will be monitored
using key headline indicators such as: i. a reduction in the proportion of children living in
low income households; ii. a reduction in the proportion of children living in
households where nobody is in work; and iii. a reduction in the number of households with children
living in housing that falls below the set standard of decency. Refurbishment Schemes Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister for Social Development
what steps he is taking to minimise disruption and inconvenience to home owners
during planned refurbishment schemes on housing executive estates. (AQW 1097/00) Mr Morrow: This is a matter for the Northern Ireland
Housing Executive. I am advised by its Chief Executive that it has established
a set of consultation standards, specific to homeowners who are affected by
scheme related activity, to ensure disruption and inconvenience is kept to a
minimum. Action ranges from written notification, advising homeowners of scheme
work that is to be undertaken, to detailed consultation where work is required
to adjoining properties. Voluntary Activity Unit Dr Dara O'Hagan asked the Minister for Social Development
to detail the level of expenditure by the Voluntary Activity Unit to the voluntary
and community sector for each District Council, Council Ward and Parliamentary
Constituency. (AQW 1123/00) Mr Morrow: The VAU administers a number of grant making
programmes including the District Councils’ Community Services Programme. Details
of the Unit’s allocation to each of the 26 District Councils under the Community
Services Programme are appended. The remainder of the information requested is not readily
available and could only be obtained at disproportionate costs for reasons relating
to the large number of organisations funded both directly and indirectly through
VAU (estimated to be in the region of 4,000) and the fact that the activities
of many of these organisations span several of the boundaries identified in
the question. Compounding the difficulty is the Unit’s use of managing agents
(Northern Ireland Voluntary Trust and Volunteer Development Agency) to administer
certain EU and volunteer funding programmes. DSD COMMUNITY SERVICES PROGRAMME GRANTS TO DISTRICT COUNCILS
2000-2001 Name of Council Amount of Community Services Grant payable (2000-2001) Antrim
60,929.38
Ards
42,341.82
Armagh
31,481.61
Ballymena
68,215.96
Ballymoney
15,063.80
Banbridge
33,793.00
Belfast
833,466.34
Carrickfergus
47,372.52
Castlereagh
106,987.57
Coleraine
44,273.66
Cookstown
15,228.09
Craigavon
211,731.72
Derry
152,567.64
Down
50,448.74
Dungannon & South Tyrone
18,070.90
Fermanagh
62,232.37
Larne
29,164.52
Limavady
26,951.69
Lisburn
83,589.09
Magherafelt
12,548.45
Moyle
24,190.45
Newry & Mourne
121,253.71
Newtownabbey
72,118.19
North Down
56,845.90
Omagh
85,891.44
Strabane
101,756.31
* Inclusive of grant for advice services Regenerating Town Centres Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister for Social Development
to detail his plans to regenerate town centres outside designated
(AQW 1158/00) Mr Morrow: It is too early to detail plans to regenerate
any of our town centres. Officials from my Department are working with representatives
from other Departments to draw up a strategy for the regeneration of town centres
which will need to be considered by relevant Ministers. However, what I can
say is that we shall be examining the various proposals with a view to establishing
a policy framework for reinvigorating town centres both within and outside designated
Targeting Social Need Areas. It is my aim that town centres should be safe, attractive
and vibrant places which provide services and employment opportunities to their
catchment populations. Housing Executive Housing Selection Scheme Mr John Fee asked the Minister for Social Development
if he has plans to revise the new Housing Executive Housing Selection Scheme
to take account of applicants with mental health problems. (AQW 1170/00) Mr Morrow: Following a comprehensive consultation exercise,
a Common Selection Scheme for the allocation of tenancies by both the Housing
Executive and registered housing associations was introduced on 6 November 2000. The design of the new Common Selection Scheme takes account
of the need to match applicants with mental health, or other medical problems,
to appropriate accommodation. The Scheme aims to assess a person’s ability to
function within their existing accommodation, and how re-housing might improve
that level of functional ability. The Scheme does not focus on particular medical
conditions and there is no automatic entitlement to points for mental health
problems. However, points are awarded for circumstances such as "health
and social well being" and an applicant’s mental health would be an important
factor in this regard. The Scheme also takes account of an applicant’s support
and/or supervision needs. It is envisaged that, when the Common Selection Scheme has
been in operation for a sufficient time, the Scheme will be evaluated to give
an indication of the effectiveness of the new allocation policies. Domestic Energy Efficiency Scheme Mr Alex Maskey asked the Minister for Social Development
to detail the number of households in West Belfast which have received insulation
measures under the Domestic Energy Efficiency Scheme (DEES) in each of the last
three financial years and to detail how this compares with other constituencies. (AQW 1205/00) Mr Morrow: The number of households in West Belfast,
which have received DEES insulation measures in each of the last three financial
years compared with other constituencies, is as follows: CONSTITUENCY
1998/99
1999/2000
2000/2001 (up to 31/12/00)
Belfast East
1196
1648
994
Belfast North
1996
2186
1594
Belfast South
191
731
368
Belfast West
1672
1989
1824
East Antrim
1060
710
603
East Londonderry
1144
960
632
Fermanagh & South Tyrone
1100
867
769
Foyle
2046
1944
1742
Lagan Valley
223
261
153
Mid Ulster
1677
818
549
Newry and Armagh
477
609
569
North Antrim
648
1208
618
North Down
662
403
373
South Antrim
760
315
348
South Down
232
196
112
Strangford
676
350
406
Upper Bann
1476
1663
1107
West Tyrone
1481
1661
336
Energy Action Grant Agency Partnership Mr Alex Maskey asked the Minister for Social Development
to outline when he last met representatives of the Energy Action Grant Agency
Partnership to discuss the operation and further development of the Domestic
Energy Efficiency Scheme (DEES) and if he will make a statement. (AQW 1232/00) Mr Morrow: The Energy Action Grant Agency, now known
as the Eaga Partnership, is the manager of the current Domestic Energy Efficiency
Scheme (DEES) and my officials meet with the company regularly to discuss performance
and operational issues. The last meeting was held on 11 January 2001. In
regard to the development of the new DEES programme, meetings took place with
representatives of the Eaga Partnership in May and November 2000. House Sales by Housing Executive Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development
to detail (a) the total sum of money passed to the Department of Finance and
Personnel in respect of house sales by the Housing Executive in each of the
last three years for which figures are available and (b) the current shortfall
in the Housing budget. (AQW 1257/00)
Capital Receipts Surrendered In-year 1997/1998 £17.1m 1998/1999 £18.0m 1999/2000 £13.5m The Housing Executive’s accounting arrangements, which are
similar to all other NDPBs and Departmental Agencies, are subject to Treasury
rules which prohibit additional receipts over and above those included in approved
and published estimates being held, in-year, by the NIHE. Again, in accordance
with Treasury rules they must be surrendered to the Department of Finance and
Personnel and are at the disposal of the Executive Committee.
Minimum Income Guarantee Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister for Social Development
if, following the recent advertising campaign, he will outline the current take-up
of the Minimum Income Guarantee. (AQW 1289/00) Mr Morrow: Since the take-up campaign in May 2000 just
over 6,500 pensioners have applied for Minimum Income Guarantee. Over 3,300
claims have been successful, with average additional payments of £25.00 per
week. The Agency will continue to further promote Minimum Income
Guarantee in close partnership with the Voluntary Sector. Social Fund Report Mr Meryvn Carrick asked the Minister for Social Development
to outline when he intends to publish his annual report on the Social Fund for
1999-2000 and the Social Fund Commissioner's annual report (AQW 1379/00) Mr Morrow: The Department’s annual report on the Social
Fund for 1999-2000 was published on 17 January and has been laid before
the Assembly. The report records that gross expenditure in the year was
£47.6 million, with additional expenditure of £19 million on Winter Fuel
Payments. There were 219,000 non-repayable grants, 1,956,000 interest free loans,
216,000 funeral and maternity payments and 246,000 pensioners received Winter
Fuel Payments. The Social Fund Commissioner’s annual report was also published
on 17 January and copies placed in the Library. Sign Language Interpreters Mr David Ford asked the Assembly Commission if they
have any plans to introduce sign language interpreters in the Assembly to assist
the deaf and hard of hearing. (AQW 1008/00) The Representative of the Assembly Commission: At this
stage the Commission has no plans to introduce sign language interpreters in
the Assembly, however the Commission is willing to provide any special requirements
to visitors if the Assembly’s Public Events Office receives prior notice. To this end, the Commission has already arranged for the installation
of an Induction Loop System in the Assembly Chamber to assist the deaf and hard
of hearing in the interpretation of proceedings. The Commission is aware of its responsibilities under the
Disability Discrimination Act 1999 and is currently considering a number of
substantive reports on the provision of disabled access and other facilities
throughout Parliament Buildings. 'Fair Trade' Requirements Mr David Ford asked the Assembly Commission if it will
require tea and coffee supplied within Parliament Buildings to comply with "Fair
Trade" requirements. (AQW 1026/00) The Representative of the Assembly Commission: The
Commission has been considering this issue for some time and is aware that many
members have received information from War on Want (NI) on the ‘Fair Trade’
campaign. The Commission has recently agreed to include a specific clause in
new contractual arrangements with Mount Charles which will require the contractor
to comply with Fair Trade policies when purchasing goods. |
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