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WRITTEN ANSWERS Friday 16 March 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 Victims Unit : Funding Mr David Hilditch asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail the proposed spend on the Victims Unit for the financial year 2001/02. (AQW 2121/00) The First Minister and Deputy First Minister (Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon): The Victims Unit has, to date, been allocated £150,000 for the 2001/02 financial year. Bids for additional resources will be made in monitoring rounds during the year. The Northern Ireland Executive will also be contributing approximately £1.67 million to a total allocation of around £6.67 million for the new victims’ measure under the Peace II Programme. The Victims Unit will be responsible for this measure. The Northern Ireland Office recently made available substantial
extra funds of AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT Foot and Mouth Disease : Export Controls Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the steps she is taking to ensure a lifting of the export ban on Northern Ireland beef, sheep, pigs and poultry. (AQW 2065/00) The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): We will have to monitor the current Foot and Mouth Disease situation closely. One case of the disease has been confirmed to date. After an appropriate period without any further cases being confirmed, Northern Ireland would be regarded as free from Foot and Mouth Disease. This would enable us to seek recognition from the European Commission as a disease free region. As soon as we are sure that we have eradicated Foot and Mouth Disease I will be making the case vigorously to the Commission for regionalisation of Northern Ireland which would free us from the export controls currently in place. Foot and Mouth Disease : Export Controls Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide financial assistance for Northern Ireland beef, pig, sheep and poultry producers for losses incurred by the current export ban. (AQW 2066/00) Ms Rodgers: We will shortly be able to start paying compensation to those who have had livestock slaughtered as a result of the disease outbreak and we will be examining the subsidy aspects of these cases to ensure that the producers in question do not lose out. I have also asked my officials to ensure that the newly announced agri-monetary compensation is paid out as quickly as possible. German Cattle Imports Mr Wilson Clyde asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) the number of German cattle imported into Northern Ireland (b) the dates of importation (c) if any of these cattle were slaughtered in County Antrim and (d) where they were slaughtered. (AQW 2090/00) Ms Rodgers: For the 14-month period 01/01/00 – to date, a total of 245 cattle of German origin were imported into Northern Ireland. Of these, 62 were imported on 2nd February 2001. These 62 cattle were slaughtered as follows:
The remaining 183 German cattle are still in other herds throughout Northern Ireland, mainly in small numbers on individual farms. The specific details of these animals could be provided if required but only with a disproportionate effort. At this critical time I hope you will understand that I would prefer not to divert valuable veterinary resources from the work to contain the Foot and Mouth outbreak. Salmonid Enhancement Scheme Mr Seamus Close asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail any expenditure on the Salmonid Enhancement Scheme since its inception. (AQW 2144/00) Ms Rodgers: The Salmonid Enhancement Programme (SEP) was launched in December 1995 and was aimed at improving the economies of rural communities and fostering reconciliation by encouraging the development of game angling. The programme was divided into three tranches. The total award for Tranche I was £2,002,624.55 which was awarded to 59 projects. The amount actually spent was £1,999,528.70 leaving an underspend of £3,095.85. Tranche II was awarded £412,948.50. This funded 59 projects and to date the total spend is £371,960.56. This leaves a remainder of £40,987.94 to be spent. Two clubs have still to complete their projects. Tranche III was launched in 1999 with 40 clubs and associations awarded funding of £1,739,965.23. The total spend to date is £1,386,068.26 leaving £353,896.97 to be spent. Clubs have so far declared they will be surrendering £23,892.25 leaving £330,004.72 to be claimed by June 2001. In order to assist you, the table below summarises this expenditure. SALMONID ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMME - PAYMENTS MADE AT 12/03/01
Bann Systems Ltd Mr Seamus Close asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail how much financial compensation has been paid to Bann Systems Limited and to give an assessment of the benefit of such payments. (AQW 2145/00) Ms Rodgers: Bann Systems have been paid a total of £61,000 for the years 1996-1998 under the Salmonid Enhancement Programme (SEP). This was for the right to operate the salmon traps at the cutts on the Lower Bann to take brood stock for the production of eggs and fry for restocking the Lough Neagh system. They were assessed to be capturing up to 4000 mature salmon annually, which were migrating into the Lough Neagh tributaries. The non-operation of the traps for three consecutive years has allowed additional mature salmon returning from the sea into the Lough Neagh system. This not only provided additional fish for angling, but increased the numbers of spawning adults available to each of the Lough Neagh tributaries to utilise habitat which was being improved or created by clubs funded by SEP. The benefit accruing from this expenditure was:- 1. 725 fish caught by anglers, assuming a value of £100 per fish to the economy (based on the value of a rod caught fish on the Bush), is estimated at £72500 per annum. 2. Value of the natural spawning from the additional salmon in the system – assuming an extra 2900 fish of which 55% are female producing 55825 smolts at a value of £12 per wild smolt added benefit is £669900. 3. Overall benefit is therefore estimated at approximately £0.75 million per annum. Salmonid Enhancement Scheme Mr Seamus Close asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) what targets he has set to measure the success of the Salmonid Enhancement Scheme and (b) whether these targets have been met. (AQW 2147/00) Ms Rodgers: The Salmonid Enhancement Programme (SEP) was launched in December 1995 and was aimed at improving the economies of rural communities most affected by violence, and fostering reconciliation by encouraging the development of game angling. The programme offered angling clubs the opportunity to implement projects to improve fish populations, access and angling facilities. As a measure of its success it has improved access to all of the clubs that received funding, including access by the angling pubic and tourists alike through the provision of day permits. The number of salmon in Northern Ireland rivers as a result of improvements funded by SEP are difficult to determine as improvements in habitat take a number of seasons to be translated into increased numbers of adult fish returning. A salmon management plan has been set up and funded by SEP to provide hard data on adult salmon returning to individual catchments. This will enable the Fisheries Conservancy Board to provide the Department with advice on salmon stocks. This project requires the construction of fish counting facilities in Northern Ireland which is currently underway. Improvements to the Dunlady Stream and Overflow Culvert Mr John Taylor asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans the Rivers Agency has to improve Dunlady Stream and the overflow culvert following the flooding, on 29 September 2000, at Dunlady Park; Canberra Park; Canberra Gardens; Ballyregan Crescent and Cherryville Road, Dundonald. (AQW 2162/00) Ms Rodgers: I can confirm that Rivers Agency has implemented a number of improvements to the Dunlady Stream and overflow culvert in Dundonald to reduce the risk of flooding. Works completed include replacement of the main culvert inlet grille plus maintenance of the designated channel upstream. Installation of an interceptor trash grille is planned as soon as possible. Extension of the designated limit is being actively pursued with a view to undertaking any further maintenance deemed beneficial. Farmers Summonsed for Offences Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to (a) detail the number of farmers, in the Dungannon District Council area, that have been summonsed by her Department for offences arising from (i) late registration of cattle, (ii) herd book irregularities and (b) comment on how these figures compare to the rest of Northern Ireland. (AQW 2166/00) Ms Rodgers: The information requested is not held by District Council area. Our information is held by Divisional Veterinary Office and I have included the details for Dungannon and the rest of Northern Ireland since 1 January 2000 below:
Foot and Mouth Disease in Germany Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the steps she is taking to prevent the importation of German produce to Northern Ireland following the discovery of foot and mouth disease in Germany on 27 February 2001. (AQW 2167/00) Ms Rodgers: There has been no outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease in Germany. Some sheep imported from Great Britain were found to have Foot and Mouth antibodies and were slaughtered as a precautionary measure. As there is no Foot and Mouth disease in Germany, the trade in produce to Northern Ireland is not affected and is permitted in line with conditions laid down in a variety of EU Directives. Salmonid Enhancement Scheme Mr Seamus Close asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) how many "rock-planks" have been installed in rivers with assistance from the Salmonid Enhancement Scheme (b) the average cost of these installations and (c) how many are still in working condition. (AQW 2171/00) Ms Rodgers: Under the Salmonid Enhancement Programme (SEP) most in-river works involve the placement of rock to create fishery habitat by providing pools, riffles and glides. These features were inspected by staff of DANI (Now DCAL) as part of the grant procedures, work which has been ongoing since 1996. Rivers are dynamic habitats and it would be expected that some features would change over a period of time. At this stage officers of DCAL are unable to inspect these features due to Foot and Mouth disease and the cost of doing so is disproportionate:- 250 man hours inspection @ £20/hour (Fishery Officer 1) - £ 5,000 8 man hours collation @ £27/hour (Senior fishery officer) - £ 216 Travel - £ 2,000 Administration - £ 800 TOTAL - £ 8,016 Forestry Mr John Fee asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) what proportion of land is dedicated to commercial forestry (b) how much afforested land is privately owned and (c) what plans she has to increase the proportion of afforested land. (AQW 2174/00) Ms Rodgers: (a) Areas that are predominantly for commercial wood production account for 75% of Forest Service area; (b) Private woodland extends to 22,000 ha; (c) Forest Service intends to increase afforested land on average by 700 ha per annum. The Rural Development Plan allows continued support for the private woodland programme, at a rate of 600 hectares of new planting on agricultural land. The balance of 100 ha will be planted by the Forest Service. Pesticide Control Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her policy on pesticide control and the number of staff involved in this area. (AQW 2192/00) Ms Rodgers: There are very stringent EU legislative requirements for pesticides, which apply across all Member States. Statutory pesticide controls operate uniformly throughout the UK. In GB responsibility for these matters falls to the Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD), an executive agency of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF), while in Northern Ireland the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) is responsible. PSD and DARD enforce the legislative regime through the introduction of parallel Regulations covering the approval, revocation, etc of pesticides. In carrying out their functions PSD and UK Agriculture Departments are advised by the Advisory Committee on Pesticides (ACP), an independent panel of scientific and medical experts. The ACP is in turn advised by other experts, as necessary, such as the Pesticides Residue Committee, which also has an entirely independent membership. In addition to ensuring compliance with EU and national legislative requirements, work proceeds to encourage pesticide minimisation, for example, through training and advice such as PSD’s publication of Local Environmental Risk Assessments for Pesticides (LERAPS). There are 19 DARD administrative and professional staff involved in pesticides, whether in relation to preparation of legislation and general administration or in monitoring and enforcement. However these staff are not dealing exclusively with pesticide issues; they have other duties as well. You may also note that Health and Safety Executive staff and the Environmental Health Officers of local District Councils also have responsibilities in relation to pesticides. You may be aware that the UK Government had proposed the introduction of a pesticides tax as a means to achieve environmental benefits. However before coming to a final decision they provided opportunity for the agro-chemical industry to propose voluntary arrangements that would achieve equivalent effects. The Crop Protection Association (CPA) submitted proposals, which secured the support of farming organisations, including the Ulster Farmers’ Union, and environmentalists. The Budget statement of 7 March 2001 welcomed these proposals and the Treasury will soon meet the CPA to discuss the timetable for implementation. I am confident that avoidance of a pesticides tax represents the best possible outcome for Northern Ireland agriculture. The Forestry Service Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her proposed spend on the Forestry Service in parliamentary constituency of East Antrim for 2001-02. (AQW 2212/00) Ms Rodgers: An approximation of the spend by Forest Service for 2001/02 in the East Antrim Constituency is £130,000. Foot and Mouth Disease : Compensation Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) her policy on the payment of compensation due to the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease and (b) who will be eligible for such compensation. (AQW 2222/00) Ms Rodgers: The payment of compensation in the event of an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease is provided for in Schedule 2 Part II of the Diseases of Animals (Northern Ireland) Order 1981. That legislation makes provision for compensation to be paid in respect of animals slaughtered because either:
Under the terms of the legislation animals are valued prior to slaughter. Compensation payable for an affected animal is its value before it became affected and in every other case the value of the animal before it was slaughtered. Herd and flock owners whose animals have been slaughtered either because of evidence of infection or as a precautionary measure to halt the spread of the foot and mouth disease virus are normally eligible for compensation. However, the Department may withhold, either wholly or partially, compensation in respect of a slaughtered animal where, in the judgement of the Department, the owner or person in charge of the animal has been guilty of an offence tending to prejudice the due control of Foot and Mouth Disease. The legislation also allows for compensation to be paid for a limited range of other materials, such as carcases, fodder or feedingstuffs that may be seized to prevent the spread of the disease. Importation of Animals : Meigh, Co Armagh Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to confirm (a) that the shipment of animals to the farm at Meigh, County Armagh had previously been refused entry to Northern Ireland and (b) the number of sheep in that consignment traced and slaughtered. (AQW 2224/00) Ms Rodgers: Investigations are still continuing into the circumstances surrounding the importation of sheep from Great Britain to Meigh, Co. Armagh. Until such time as these investigations are completed, I am not in a position to comment further on this matter, other than the statements I have already given in the Assembly on 12 March 2001. Fishing Industry : Payment of Light Dues Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide additional funding to offset the Light Dues levied annually on the Northern Ireland fishing industry. (AQW 2262/00) 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. As such I am continuing to lobby on behalf of Northern Ireland fishermen for the removal or reduction of the payment of lights dues. As you know I wrote 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 his reply he has stated that, while sympathetic to the financial state of the industry, the removal or reduction of lights dues would be contrary to the "user pays" principle, and that, as users of aids to navigation, lights dues are a proper charge against fishermen. I have responded that I feel the particular difficulties being experienced by the fishing industry have not been fully considered – the reduction in Total Allowable Catches, the closure of the Irish Sea to cod fishing, the additional closure of the West of Scotland fishery, the high cost of fuel, and have reminded him of the non-payment of lights dues by neighbouring fleets, both in Ireland and Europe. Since policy on the payment of lights dues remains a reserved matter I have asked that when reviewing that policy the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions considers the economic circumstances of the industry and also considers the wider European context under which the fishing industry is regulated. I await a reply. I can assure you that in the event of policy in this matter being devolved to this administration I shall indeed consider providing the funding required to offset lights dues payments by local fishermen. There are a number of considerations to take into account in making such a decision, such as the EU rules on State Aids. However while such matters need to be considered in full, I remain committed to helping the local industry as much as I can in the difficult times it faces. Importation of Animals : Veterinary Inspections Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, pursuant to her statement to the Assembly of 5 March, to list the European Union regulations which prohibit the inspection, at port of arrival, of animals being imported into Northern Ireland. (AQW 2268/00) Ms Rodgers: Council Directive 90/425 sets down the veterinary checks that apply for trade in certain live animals within the EU as part of the Single European Market. This Directive is implemented in Northern Ireland legislation by the Animals and Animal products (Import and Export) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000. The Directive places the onus on the exporting Member State to ensure that all animals exported comply with the conditions of trade. Article 5 allows the competent authority of the Member State of destination to carry out only non-discriminatory veterinary spot checks but only at the point of destination – not at the port. It does not specify the level of checks. This is left to Member States to decide in relation to the particular animals and the risk of particular diseases from each type of animal. While trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland is not directly covered by the Directive, we have, since the Single European Market was introduced, been applying its terms to relevant animals and material arriving in Northern Ireland. Article 8 of the Directive allows much more intensive checking if animal disease or fraud is suspected and that is what is now being invoked in Northern Ireland following the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in Great Britain. Directive 90/425 seeks to achieve a balance between free trade within Member States and disease risk. To apply stricter controls between Northern Ireland and Great Britain at times other than in the current emergency would be contrary to the principle of an open market and the free movement of goods. Agrimonetary Compensation Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline her policy on the future payment of agrimonetary compensation and to make a statement. (AQW 2308/00) Ms Rodgers: As I indicated in my reply to your previous question on this topic (AQO 1331/00), I favour the payment of all available agrimonetary as it represents one of the few ways in which we can channel money directly into the hands of hard-pressed producers without breaching the very strict EU State Aid Rules. Since becoming Minister, I have argued, with a good measure of success, for the payment of agrimonetary compensation on each occasion that it has become available and will continue to do so for as long as it is available and is needed by our industry. However, as there is no regional discretion on its payment, agreement has to be reached at a UK level on this issue. TOPCULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE Consultancy Services Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail his projected spend for consultancy services in the 2001/2002 financial year. (AQW 1950/00) The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): My Department has not yet finalised its plans for the use of consultants next year. A number of areas are under consideration. The purpose of these projects will be to assist my Department undertake its core business and to take decisions on improving the delivery of the services provided by it and the bodies it funds. As a new Department it is essential that it has an up-to-date assessment of how these are being delivered and what is required to enhance and improve them. The following are the areas that are being considered.
In addition, to the above consultancy services, the Electronic Libraries for Northern Ireland (ELFNI) Project for Procurement advice under PFI is at a projected cost of £145k. Access to the Arts Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the steps he is taking to widen access to the Arts. (AQW 2068/00) Mr McGimpsey: In November 2000 my Department initiated a pilot programme administered by ADAPT Northern Ireland (Access for Disabled People to Arts Premises Today) to carry out a comprehensive audit of an initial 40 venues and buildings in the culture, arts and leisure sectors. The pilot programme runs to March 2001 and comprises:
Decisions on the scale and format of future programmes will be informed by an evaluation of the pilot programme to be carried early in the new financial year. It is important that people regardless of age, gender, income or geographical location should be able to attend and participate in as wide a range as possible of arts activity. In its recent announcement of allocations for 2001-2002, the Arts Council has re-profiled its expenditure to allow a stronger focus on arts in the community and arts for young people. My Department has commissioned an independent review of community arts to be completed later this year and under its TSN action plan has commissioned work to identify indicators of social disadvantage in the context of the arts and identify barriers to social exclusion. In the current financial year DCAL is also making up to £170,000 available to strengthen and expand the "New Belfast" Community Arts Initiative, involving high levels of participation from among the most socially disadvantaged communities in Belfast. DCAL funding will support a dramatic increase in the scale and scope of the project, giving it the ability to capture the public imagination and involve larger numbers of people in the production of major artworks. The additional resources will also provide for some of the themes to be explored in an associated outreach initiative in Portadown. Rural Sports Facilities Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail what assessment he has made of the quality of sports facilities in rural areas. (AQW 2069/00) Mr McGimpsey: At local level, each District Council is responsible for securing the provision for its area of adequate facilities for recreational, physical and cultural activities. District Councils and sporting bodies may make application to the Sports Council for Northern Ireland which has overall responsibility for the development of sport, for assistance with facility development. The Sports Council makes no difference in the quality of the facilities provided in either rural or urban areas. Applications for the development of facilities in both rural and urban areas are assessed for quality in a range of criteria, including building dimensions, design concept and build quality and the quality of sporting activities for which provision has been made is constantly monitored. National Lottery Funding to Areas of Greatest Social Need Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail those measures he is taking to ensure National Lottery funding is distributed to those areas with the greatest social need. (AQW 2072/00) Mr McGimpsey: The National Lottery is a reserved matter and overall responsibility rests with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in London (DCMS). Policy Directions were issued to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Sports Council for Northern Ireland by the former Department of Education Northern Ireland which acted as an agent for DCMS. This responsibility now rests with DCAL. The Directions define how the distributing bodies will distribute lottery proceeds and include the need to consider the scope for reducing economic and social deprivation. Both bodies are also designated under equality legislation. The Distributing Bodies can also solicit applications to pursue strategic objectives and can therefore target areas where there is social need and a low uptake of grants or less interest in applying. Government has also re-launched the Targeting Social Need initiative under the banner of New TSN. New TSN is about identifying people and areas in greatest need in our society and trying to ensure that all public sector programmes are more effective in helping them. New TSN will be taken into consideration in all Lottery programmes. Promotion of Ulster-Scots Language, Culture and History : North Antrim Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the proposed timetable for the promotion of the Ulster Scots language, culture and history in North Antrim. (AQW 2076/00) Mr McGimpsey: The North/South Ministerial Council on 5 December 2000 approved Tha Boord o Ulster-Scotch corporate plan for 2001/2 to 2003/4. Tha Boord circulated the plan on 2 January 2001 for a period of consultation which ended on 28 February 2001. In accordance with its remit under the North/South Bodies (Implementation Order) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 that plan covers the promotion of Ullans and Ulster-Scots cultural issues throughout Northern Ireland. My Department commissioned research to help the Ulster-Scots Language Society develop their strategic planning capability. The report which has recently been received outlines a three-year strategy for promoting awareness, understanding and respect for the Ulster-Scots language as a central and integral part of the Ulster-Scots identity and to support its use and development. I understand that Tha Boord o Ulster Scotch and the Ulster-Scots Language Society will work closely on implementing their respective plans. Special Advisor Mr Boyd Douglas asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (a) whom he has employed as special advisor(s) (b) the qualifying criteria used for the appointment and (c) the remit of the special advisor(s). (AQW 2083/00) Mr McGimpsey: I can confirm that I have appointed Mr Bob Stoker as my Special Advisor. Mr Stoker was appointed on the basis of his ability to carry out the functions of the post. The remit is set out in Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the standard contract of employment for such advisors, a copy of which has been placed in the library. Parity of Funding Between the Irish and Ulster-Scots Languages Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail his timetable to achieve parity of funding between the Irish and Ulster-Scots languages. (AQW 2106/00) Mr McGimpsey: The North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) on 5 December approved Tha Boord o Ulster Scotch corporate plan for 2001/2 to 2003/4. Tha Boord circulated the plan on 2 January 2001 for a period of consultation which ended on 28 February 2001. The Corporate Plan for Foras na Gaeilge will be submitted to NSMC shortly. The Ulster-Scots and Irish languages are at different stages of development and this is reflected in the funding for Tha Boord o Ulster Scotch and Foras na Gaeilge. It is also reflected in the treatment of the two languages under the Council of Europe Charter on Regional or Minority Languages, Ulster-Scots is specified for Part II whereas Irish is specified for Part III of the Charter. There will be equity of treatment for the Irish and Ulster-Scots languages. It is not, however, appropriate to use the treatment of one language as a benchmark for the treatment of the other because one is not comparing like with like in terms of actions required to sustain and celebrate individual languages. Football Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail his plans to (a) develop football stadiums and (b) provide a coaching framework to enhance football skills. (AQW 2148/00) Mr McGimpsey: The Safe Sports Grounds scheme, which I announced in August, is designed to implement urgent health and safety work at the major sports grounds in Northern Ireland, including Football, Gaelic Football and Rugby. The main objective of the scheme is to assist clubs who host fixtures at the larger sports grounds in Northern Ireland to upgrade safety arrangements at their respective venues. Two Categories of clubs are eligible to apply for funding. Those in Category A include Premier League Football (10 clubs), Main County GAA grounds (6 clubs), League of Ireland (1 ground) and Rugby (1 ground). Those in Category B include 1st Division Football (10 clubs) and Secondary County GAA grounds (6 clubs). Funding is provided under three Programmes:
The Safety Management Programme includes the training of safety officers and stewards, nominal remuneration for stewards, grant-aid for CCTV for larger fixtures, grant-aid for crowd control and ‘super’ stewards for larger, potentially confrontational fixtures. All clubs are required to participate fully in this element of the scheme before applying for funding under Programmes (1) and (2). The Safe Sports Grounds scheme has allowed a start to be made on tackling urgent health and safety needs at our major sports grounds. I am aware, however, that the long-term needs have yet to be addressed but the outcome of the Soccer Strategy should be an important consideration in determining future developments. Furthermore, the process of developing a strategy for soccer, which I instigated last August, is intended to identify ways of tackling the long-term problems facing local soccer, including coaching. Following the release last month of a report commissioned by me and carried out by PricewaterhouseCoopers, on the difficulties facing local soccer, my Department organised a 3 day conference workshop in Newcastle, in which all interests in football were represented, to identify key issues to be confronted. The Conference has drawn together a list of follow-up projects under which it is intended to create both a strategy for the development of coaching and youth football and which may incorporate the concept of a centre for technical development. Collaboration Between Museums, Galleries and Visitor Centres Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure whether he has consulted with the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to strengthen collaboration between Museums, Galleries and Visitor Centres and to make a statement. (AQW 2163/00) Mr McGimpsey: To date, I have not consulted with my Ministerial colleague about visitor centres, or, more generally, visitor amenities. The design and implementation of a strategy for the development of visitor amenities is a key task in my Department’s corporate strategy. My officials will therefore consider how to take this forward in light of the recommendations of the Local Museums and Heritage Review, which should be available shortly. I may seek a meeting with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment when I have had an opportunity to study the Review for myself. Preliminary discussions on visitor amenities have already taken place between our two departments at official level. TOPEDUCATION Consultancy Services Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Education to detail his projected spend on consultancy services in the 2001/02 financial year. (AQW 1957/00) The Minister of Education (Mr McGuinness): The Department of Education’s projected expenditure on consultancy services in the 2001/02 financial year is £934,000. Autism Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education to (a) confirm the number of children who have a statement of educational need on the basis of autism (b) detail what educational facilities are provided for such children and (c) specify what funding is set aside for them in the educational budget. (AQW 2045/00) Mr McGuinness: The October 2000 school census show a total of 179 children in nursery, primary and secondary schools as having autism according to their statements of special educational needs. I will also provide information on the numbers in special schools when these become available. Many autistic children with severe learning difficulties attend special schools where there are appropriate staff and facilities to meet their special educational needs. Depending on the severity of their needs, some of those at mainstream schools may have classroom assistance and be supported either by a peripatetic teacher or an outreach teacher attached to a special school. Money to meet the needs of autistic children is drawn from the Special Education budget which is intended to meet the needs of children with all kinds of learning difficulties and disabilities. Special Advisor Mr Boyd Douglas asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) whom he has employed as special advisor(s) (b) the qualifying criteria used for the appointment and (c) the remit of the special advisor(s). (AQW 2079/00) Mr McGuinness: I have appointed Mr Aidan McAteer as a Special Adviser. Mr McAteer was appointed on the basis of his ability to carry out the functions of the post. His remit is set out in Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the standard contract of employment for such advisers, a copy of which has been placed in the Library. Teaching of Languages Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister of Education what steps he has taken to ensure that the teaching of European languages in primary schools would not be promoted to the detriment of the Northern Ireland schools curriculum. (AQW 2105/00) Mr McGuinness: There is currently no requirement to teach a European language in primary schools, although many schools choose to do so, on an informal basis. The statutory school curriculum is not designed to take up 100% of teaching time, and this allows schools to teach other topics/subjects which they consider to be important for a pupil’s development. It is a matter for individual schools to determine whether the teaching of languages is one of their priorities. It is generally recognised that starting to learn a language early can be beneficial and this is an issue that the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment will be considering as part of their current review of the curriculum. Boarders Mr John Taylor asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of boarders at each of the schools that provide boarding facilities. (AQW 2111/00) Mr McGuinness: From the information in the school census, and provided directly by schools, the figures are: GRANT-AIDED SCHOOLS
Number of Pupils in the Parliamentary Constituency of Strangford Mr John Taylor asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils enrolled in each of the primary, secondary and grammar schools in the parliamentary constituency of Strangford in the 2000/01 academic year. (AQW 2112/00) Mr McGuinness: From the annual school census, the information requested is as follows:
The Post Primary Review Body : Remit Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education whether he has any plans to extend the remit of the Post Primary Review Body to include the timing, quality and impact of pre-school provision on the learning process and to make a statement. (AQW 2158/00) Mr McGuinness: The Terms of Reference of the Post Primary Review Body were agreed with the Executive and discussed with the Assembly Education Committee and relate to the arrangements for post-primary education. It would not be appropriate or practical at this stage to extend the remit of the Review Body. However a major research project on children’s progress and development from age 3 to 7 is already underway. "The Effective Pre-School Provision in Northern Ireland Project" was jointly commissioned by my Department and the then Department of Health and Social Services and is due to report in Spring 2003. Rostulla Special School Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the action he is taking to increase the provision of speech and language therapy at Rostulla Special School in Jordanstown and Roddensvale School in Larne. (AQO 1063/00) Mr McGuinness: My Department is not responsible for the provision of speech and language therapy. Although the need for such therapy is specified in some children’s statements of special educational needs, this is as recommended and provided by the relevant Health and Social Services Trusts. North-South Ministerial Council : Education Working Groups Mr Gerry McHugh asked the Minister of Education to detail progress made by the Education Working Groups set up under the North-South Ministerial Council. (AQO 1053/00) Mr McGuinness: I very much regret that there has not been a meeting of the North South Education Sectoral Council since 3 July 2000. I reported progress from that meeting in the Assembly on 11 September. The Working Groups of officials, established under the Council, are continuing their work, and formal reports will be considered by the Council when it next meets, following which I will report to the Assembly. I am considering what further action I should take to ensure that the North South Council meets again as soon as possible, to enable me to exercise my full range of Ministerial responsibilities, and to ensure that this important work is not delayed further. Voluntary and Controlled Grammar Schools : Funding Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 1530/00, to explain the disparity in funding between Voluntary and Controlled Grammar schools. (AQO 1028/00) Mr McGuinness: Differences in the per capita funding allocations arise from the additional responsibilities exercised by voluntary grammar schools compared to their counterparts in the controlled sector. In particular, voluntary grammar schools have responsibility to meet the full costs of maintenance and certain administration costs including those relating to audit and accountancy. In the case of controlled grammar schools these costs are met centrally by the Education and Library Boards. Voluntary Grammar Schools must also pay VAT whereas these costs can be reclaimed in respect of schools funded by the Boards. Ulster Scots Language Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail the steps he is taking to include the teaching of the Ulster/Scots language in the school curriculum. (AQO 1035/00) Mr McGuinness: As I indicated in my answer to the Member for East Belfast, Dr Adamson, in the written answers for Friday 16 February 2001, scope already exists within the statutory curriculum for schools to introduce aspects of Ulster Scots language, literature and culture as part of the Cultural Heritage and Education for Mutual Understanding cross-curricular themes and resource material is available from the Ulster-Scots Heritage Council. Protection of School Property Mr Nigel Dodds asked the Minister of Education to detail arrangements he has put in place to consult the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) on issues affecting the safety of schoolchildren and the protection of school property. (AQO 1057/00) Mr McGuinness: I personally have made no arrangements to consult with the RUC nor is there any necessity for me to do so. The protection of school property is the responsibility of individual school authorities and this is determined locally in light of the circumstances which prevail. My Department has issued guidance to all schools which provides practical advice and guidance on security and personal safety in schools. Additional Fees Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) what guidelines he provides to schools charging additional fees or requesting special contributions from parents for items and services not covered by tuition grants and (b) if he is satisfied that parents are fully informed as to the voluntary nature of any such fees and to make a statement. (AQO 1080/00) Mr McGuinness: Guidance is provided in a 1991 Department of Education Circular (No 1991/21) on the circumstances in which charges can and cannot be levied on parents of registered pupils in grant-aided schools. This has been supplemented by a number of letters from my Department to Voluntary Grammar Schools reinforcing the requirement to make clear in school prospectuses and other school literature that there is no obligation on parents to make voluntary contributions. I am content that the arrangements for schools seeking voluntary contributions are satisfactorily set out in the legislation and circular and that parents are aware of these. Executive Programme Funds Mr Tom Hamilton asked the Minister of Education to detail the bids he made for Executive Programme Funds. (AQO 1062/00) Mr McGuinness: In the present bidding round the Department of Education has submitted a total of 24 bids, amounting to £24 million, £64 million and £88 million over the next three years, across the five Executive Programme Funds. Earlier this month I forwarded details of the bids to the Chairman of the Education Committee and invited the Committee to let me have its views on the broad order of priority attaching to bids within each Fund and the bids generally. Capital Projects - Resources Mr Paul Berry asked the Minister of Education to detail the resources made available for capital projects. (AQO 1050/00) Mr McGuinness: The capital budget for 2001/02 amounts to £96m, the largest part of which will be directed to school capital projects. On 1 March I announced a capital investment programme incorporating 17 capital projects to be taken forward under the conventional school building programme - at a cost of over £62 million - and up to 8 secondary school projects - with a capital value of some £70m - to be taken forward under Public Private Partnerships. Information Communication Technology Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of Education to detail the steps he is taking to provide Information Communication Technology (ICT) training for teachers. (AQO 1052/00) Mr McGuinness: Teachers were trained in generic ICT skills by the Education and Library Boards under their Connecting Teachers to ICT programme, in preparation for their training in the use of ICT in subject teaching. There are already 30% of teachers engaged in the follow-on initiative and all teachers will have been trained when the project is completed in March 2003. Local Management of Schools : Funding Formula Dr Esmond Birnie asked the Minister of Education to detail when the consultation process on a common Local Management of Schools (LMS) funding formula will begin. (AQO 1064/00) Mr McGuinness: A consultation paper containing proposals for a common funding formula is being finalised and will issue shortly. Consultation with schools and other education interests will take place until the end of June 2001, after which the necessary legislative and administrative arrangements will be put in place for implementation by April 2002. North/South Task Force Mr Alex Maskey asked the Minister of Education to detail the progress made by the North/South Task Force for the provision of education for children suffering from autism. (AQO 1083/00) Mr McGuinness: I very much regret that there has not been a meeting of the North South Education Sectoral Council since 3 July 2000. I reported progress from that meeting in the Assembly on 11 September. The Working Group of officials, established under the Council, is continuing its work, and a formal report will be considered by the Council when it next meets, following which I will report to the Assembly. I am considering what further action I should take to ensure that the North South Council meets again as soon as possible, to enable me to exercise my full range of Ministerial responsibilities, and to ensure that this important work is not delayed further. Allocated Funding Mr Sammy Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the funding allocated to helping children for whom English is not their first language (excluding Irish medium education) in the year 1999/2000. (AQO 1085/00) Mr McGuinness: Current arrangements provide for the Education and Library Boards to provide support centrally for all schools with pupils for whom English is not their first language, usually in the form of assistance by the peripatetic teaching service. It is estimated that some £490,000 was allocated by Boards during 1999/2000 for this purpose. In addition the Belfast Education and Library Board allocates a further amount in respect of each pupil enrolled who has English as an additional language and has received less than two years full-time education here. In 1999/2000 financial year each such pupil attracted funding of £763.04. TOPENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT Northern Ireland Tourist Board : Marketing Strategy Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to give his view on the future marketing strategies of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Tourism Ireland Limited and to make a statement. (AQW 2085/00) The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): The marketing strategy of Tourism Ireland Limited will, in line with the company’s remit, focus on increasing tourism to the island of Ireland. The marketing strategy of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board will focus on promoting the Northern Ireland product. Both strategies should be complementary to help maximise tourism to Northern Ireland. Tourism Ireland Limited Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to give his assessment of the decision by Tourism Ireland Limited to consider Great Britain as a foreign market. (AQW 2086/00) Sir Reg Empey: Tourism Ireland Limited was set up to increase tourism to the island of Ireland. In this context it will target all key tourism markets, including Great Britain which is a major source of tourism to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Tourism Ireland Limited : Operational Arrangements Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment whether any Northern Ireland Tourist Board office will close as a result of the establishment of Tourism Ireland Limited. (AQW 2087/00) Sir Reg Empey: A sub-committee comprising the Chief Executive of both tourist boards together with their Human Resource Managers under the Chairmanship of the Vice Chair of Tourism Ireland Ltd has been established to consider the future structure of the new company and its operational arrangements , including premises. It is envisaged Tourism Ireland Limited will assume responsibility for the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Bord Failte network of offices outside the island of Ireland in its attempts to deliver its remit for destination marketing. Northern Ireland Tourist Board : Operational Arrangements Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to give his assessment of the future for Northern Ireland Tourist Board offices in Great Britain. (AQW 2088/00) Sir Reg Empey: Both Bord Failte and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board have offices in Great Britain. It is envisaged that Tourism Ireland Ltd will assume responsibility for these and both Board's current network of overseas offices. The future structure of Tourism Ireland Ltd, its operational arrangements including premises, will reflect the needs of the new organisation in taking it's remit forward. Scottish Visitors Dr Esmond Birnie asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (a) the number of Scottish tourists who visited Northern Ireland in each of the last three years for which figures are available (b) the projected figures for 2001, 2002 and 2003 and (c) the total promotional spending by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board on the Scottish market. (AQW 2096/00) Sir Reg Empey: (a) The number of Scottish visitors who visited Northern Ireland in the last three years were:
(b) Targets set for the Scottish market for the next three years are:
(c) The total promotional spend by NITB on the Scottish market in the last three years was £71,000. Unemployment Statistics Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail unemployment statistics by District Council area within Mid Ulster for 1997, 1998 and 1999; and to give his assessment as to how these compare with the Northern Ireland average. (AQW 2101/00) Sir Reg Empey: Unemployment statistics at District Council level are only available from the claimant count. Mid Ulster Parliamentary Constituency is made up of Cookstown District Council, Magherafelt District Council and six of the twenty-two wards from Dungannon District Council. Details of claimant count unemployment in each of these Councils and comparisons with Northern Ireland as a whole can be found in the attached table. Annual average number and rate of claimant count unemployed in Cookstown District Council, Magherafelt District Council, Dungannon District Council and Northern Ireland.
B H McCleery & Co Ltd, Ballygowan Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to confirm the amount of financial assistance the Industrial Development Board for Northern Ireland offered to Lamont Holdings, Ballygowan in each of the last five years for which figures are available. (AQW 2109/00) Sir Reg Empey: In the last five years no financial assistance by IDB was offered to B H McCleery & Co Ltd, the Lamont Holdings subsidiary located in Ballygowan. Employment and Unemployment Figures Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to give his assessment of the change in (a) employment and (b) unemployment in the last twelve months for which figures are available. (AQW 2131/00) Sir Reg Empey: The latest available employee jobs estimate relates to December 2000. At that date there were 639,570 employee jobs in Northern Ireland, the highest figure on record. Over the year December 1999 to December 2000 the number of employee jobs in Northern Ireland has increased by 5,580 (0.9%). Unemployment data at Northern Ireland level is available from two sources - the Labour Force Survey (LFS) and the Claimant Count. LFS estimates for the 3 month period November 2000 to January 2001 indicate that there were 44,000 persons unemployed, a fall of 3,000 on the same period one year earlier. Over the same period the unemployment rate fell from 6.3% of the workforce to 5.9%. The latest claimant count data refers to February 2001. At that date seasonally adjusted unemployment stood at 40,400, a fall of 3,400 (7.8%) compared to February 2000. Over the same period the claimant count rate fell from 5.6% to 5.2%. TOPENVIRONMENT Special Advisor Mr Boyd Douglas asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (a) whom he has employed as special advisor(s) (b) the qualifying criteria used for the appointment and (c) the remit of the special advisor(s). (AQW 2081/00) The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): (a) I have employed Mr Stephen Barr as a special adviser. (b) He was appointed on the basis of his ability to carry out the functions of the post. (c) The remit is set out in Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the standard contract of employment for such advisers, a copy of which has been placed in the Library. Welfare, Housing and Control of Dangerous Animals Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail consultations he has had with the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in relation to the welfare, housing and control of dangerous animals. (AQW 2104/00) Mr Foster: I intend to bring policy proposals for regulating dangerous wild animals kept by private individuals before the Executive Committee during March and to introduce a Bill into the Assembly by the end of October 2001. Although the Bill will be concerned primarily with the public safety aspects of keeping such animals, it will also provide that welfare considerations will be a factor to be taken into account by district councils in deciding whether to grant a licence. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development already has overall responsibility for animal welfare issues under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 1972 and was consulted as part of a consultation exercise into the current proposals which was carried out in 1999. My officials will continue to co-operate closely with their counterparts in DARD as the Bill progresses to ensure that welfare considerations are properly taken into account. Planning Appeals Commission Ms Carmel Hanna asked the Minister of the Environment how often a barrister represented the Department in a case heard by the Planning Appeals Commission, where the appellant was unsuccessful, in each of the last five years. (AQW 2116/00) Mr Foster: The answers to questions (a) and (b), including appeals to the Planning Appeals Commission on grounds of non-determination of an application, calculated on the basis of decisions made in each of the last five years are as follows: -
As regards (c), we only have complete information available for 1999/2000. In that year, 19 appellants were represented by a barrister, and 16 were successful. Planning Appeals Commission Ms Carmel Hanna asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (a) the number of appeals heard by the Planning Appeals Commission (b) the number of successful appeals and (c) in how many cases was the successful appellant represented by a barrister in each of the last five years. (AQW 2117/00) Mr Foster: The answers to questions (a) and (b), including appeals to the Planning Appeals Commission on grounds of non-determination of an application, calculated on the basis of decisions made in each of the last five years are as follows: -
As regards (c), we only have complete information available for 1999/2000. In that year, 19 appellants were represented by a barrister, and 16 were successful. Recycled Waste Mr John Fee asked the Minister of the Environment to detail by District Council area the percentage of industrial waste which is recycled under the following categories; (a) paper (b) glass and (c) fabric in each of the last five years for which figures are available. (AQW 2127/00) Mr Foster: Information on the levels of recycling of individual waste types by District Council area is not currently held by my Department. Following a pilot survey in 1998/99 on municipal waste arisings, my Department has now commissioned a more detailed survey of municipal, commercial and industrial wastes, covering all Council areas. The survey will provide (where available) information on the percentage of industrial waste presently recycled by District Council area. This information will support District Councils in the development of their Waste Management Plans. I expect the completed report to be submitted to my Department by early July. Planning Application - Riverside, Comber Mr John Taylor asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (a) the date on which the planning application for the Residential Development at Riverside, Comber was received (b) when a planning decision is expected and to make a statement. (AQW 2160/00) Mr Foster: The application was received by the Planning Service on 12 November 1998 and an Environmental Statement was requested on 3 December 1998. This was received on 21 June 1999 and supplementary Environmental Statement reports on land contamination, flooding and archaeology were received on 22 November 1999. My Department has now completed its assessment of this application and expects to indicate its opinion on how this application should be progressed during March 2001. Planning Application No Y/2000/0610/0 Mr John Taylor asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (a) how many objections were received to planning application number Y/2000/0610/0 for development of lands at the junction of Ballyregan Road and Stoney Road, Dundonald (b) how many new homes are proposed at this site (c) what stage this planning application has reached and to make a statement. (AQW 2161/00) Mr Foster: The answers to your questions are set out below: - (a) 459 objections have been received; (b) the application is for outline permission for approximately 200 dwellings on a 14.5 hectare site; and, the application was given major status under Article 31 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 on 21 December 2000. Certain consultation responses are awaited, and it has yet to be decided whether to proceed by way of a Public Inquiry or the issue of a Notice of Opinion. Regional Park Across Belfast Hills Mr Gerry Adams asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the steps he is taking to establish a regional park across the Belfast Hills. (AQW 2194/00) Mr Foster: I have no plans at present to establish a regional park across the Belfast Hills. A study into options for management of the Belfast Hills reported in 1999. It identified a lack of support, particularly among landowners, for the establishment of a Regional Park in the Belfast Hills, recommending instead the setting up of a Belfast Hills Trust to provide a co-ordinated approach between statutory bodies and others towards caring for the Belfast Hills. Conservation of Belfast Hills Mr Gerry Adams asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the steps he is taking to conserve the Belfast Hills and, in particular, the Black Mountain. (AQW 2195/00) Mr Foster: An options study commissioned by Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) of my Department recommended in 1999 the setting up of a Belfast Hills Trust to provide a co-ordinated approach between statutory bodies and others towards caring for the hills. In 2000 EHS established a Working Group which commissioned consultants to prepare a business plan for the proposed Trust. The plan will be published later this year and will be used in a bid to secure funding for the establishment of a Belfast Hills Trust, which will provide a practical and integrated management mechanism for the Belfast side of the Hills. Black Mountain is seen as an important component within the operational boundary of the Belfast Hills Trust area. It has particular importance because of its visual prominence on the skyline and its closeness to a large population. A strategic plan for its wise use and that of the Belfast Hills as a whole would be seen as a major priority for the Trust. The Belfast Urban Area Plan (BUAP) 2001, the current statutory Development Plan for the greater Belfast area, identified the Belfast Hills as an Area of High Scenic Value, protected by the Green Belt. Work on the forthcoming Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan has commenced, and the future of these hills will be addressed in an ‘Issues’ Paper to be published in November 2001. Quarrying : Black Mountain Mr Gerry Adams asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the steps he is taking to end quarrying of the Black Mountain. (AQW 2196/00) Mr Foster: My Department is taking no steps to end quarrying of the Black Mountain. Quarrying is taking place under a valid planning permission, which was granted on 10 May 1988. Over the past year, officials have routinely visited the site to assess the operator’s compliance with conditions attached to the previously approved permissions and have found no significant breaches of planning control. Agricultural Waste Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the steps he is taking to reduce agricultural waste, in particular waste silage wrap disposal. (AQW 2226/00) Mr Foster: Agricultural waste is currently excluded from the Waste Management Strategy. However the Strategy commits my Department and DARD to develop an agricultural waste strategy for incorporation within the overall Waste Management Strategy at its first review in 2003. Plastic wrap is an effective means of reducing the risk of damage from silage effluent and for the present, represents a good environmental option. In line with the Strategy’s aim of promoting recycling, my Department is actively looking at market development for used silage wrap. TOPFINANCE AND PERSONNEL Public Sector Comparator Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail his proposals for the construction of a public sector comparator for Northern Ireland and what assessment has he made, in value for money terms, following the introduction of private finance initiatives in Northern Ireland. (AQW 2052/00) The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): As part of the preparatory work leading up to the decision to put each individual project out to tender under the Private Finance Initiative (PFI), the awarding authority develops an outline business case to establish if the PFI procurement route is the right solution. An outline business case would include a fully costed reference project or "Public Sector Comparator (PSC)" to test whether an affordable option exists. The Public Sector Comparator will usually be refined to take account of the issues which emerge as a result of the PFI process and after such refinement provide a benchmark for measuring the value for money of tenderers’ proposals. PFI projects can proceed only where their value for money can be demonstrated using government accounting and economic appraisal guidelines. Twenty projects with a capital value of some £107 million have been awarded in Northern Ireland since the introduction of the Private Finance Initiative. These include schools, further education colleges, renal units, IT systems, energy and sewerage schemes, all of which have been subjected to value for money assessments. Special Advisor Mr Boyd Douglas asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail (a) whom he has employed as special advisor(s) (b) the qualifying criteria used for the appointment and (c) the remit of the special advisor(s). (AQW 2080/00) Mr Durkan: (a) The Minister of Finance and Personnel, Mr Mark Durkan has appointed Mr Damian McAteer as a special advisor. (b) My Special Advisor, Mr Damian McAteer was appointed on the basis of his ability to carry out the functions of the post. (c) The remit is set out in Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the standard contract of employment for such advisors, a copy of which has been placed in the Library. Gap Funding : North West Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail how the additional resources identified in the spring supplementary budget will be allocated as gap funding in the North West. (AQW 2093/00) Mr Durkan: In my Statement to the Assembly on 12 February 2001, I announced that the Executive have agreed that Departments should be authorised to make advance payments to projects where they judge that there is a very strong likelihood that the project will be eligible for funding and successful in an application under the new PEACE II Programme. The £2 million which was set aside under the Executive Programme Fund for social inclusion and community regeneration will act as a safety net against the risk that there might be some cases where Departments in good faith assist a project in the short-term, but which does not in the end succeed in an application for funding under the new PEACE II Programme. The allocation of gap funding will therefore not depend upon geographic area but upon the number and value of applications which come forward from existing projects and which are judged very likely to succeed in an application for funding under the new Programme. Victims Groups Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail those victims groups to which the Northern Ireland Voluntary Trust allocated European Union and/or Government funding in each of the last five years. (AQW 2108/00) Mr Durkan: The victims groups allocated funding by the Northern Ireland Voluntary Trust under the European Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation and the Northern Ireland Single Programme (Physical and Social Environment Programme) in each of the last five years are listed below. NIVT are also responsible for administering the Core Funding for the Victims/Survivors Groups Grants Scheme which is overseen by the Victims Liaison Unit (VLU) of the NIO. Information in respect of the VLU is however a reserved matter and questions relating to this Unit should be addressed in writing to the Minister for Victims, the Rt. Hon. Adam Ingram JP MP. 1996-97 Northern Ireland Music Therapy Trust (NIMTT) The Shankill Stress & Trauma Group WAVE C.A.L.M.S. (Community Action for Locally Managed Stress) CRUSE Bereavement Care (NI) F.E.A.R. (Fear Encouraged Abandoning Roots) Survivors of Trauma Stepping Stone Craigavon The Cost of the Troubles Study Ltd Victim Support Northern Ireland The Shankill Stress & Trauma Group Treetops - A Children’s Bereavement Group CRUSE Bereavement Care (Foyle) Institute for Counselling and Personal Development Barnardos - Victims of Violence Bogside and Brandywell Initiative Disabled Police Officers Association Northern Ireland Intermediate Treatment Association 1997-98 Columba Victim Support Service (formerly Columba Victim Services) Lifeline St James’ Community Forum Barnardos - Victims of Violence Disabled Police Officers Association The Shankill Stress & Trauma Group WAVE CRUSE Bereavement Care (NI) Coleraine/Ballymoney Branch of the Regimental Assoc. UDR Stepping Stone Craigavon Survivors of Trauma 1998-99 Victim Support Northern Ireland The Cost of the Troubles Study Ltd Ballymurphy Womens Support Group Institute for Counselling and Personal Development Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Centre Relatives for Justice Stepping Stone Craigavon Survivors of Trauma The Bloody Sunday Trust CRUSE Bereavement Care (Foyle) FAIR (Families Acting for Innocent Relatives) Victims and Survivors Trust WAVE Ballymoney District Partnership CUNAMH H.U.R.T. (Homes United by Ruthless Terror) VOICE (Victims of Injustice Campaigning for Equality) Wider Circle Drumcree Community Trust 1999-2000 Columba Victim Support Service (formerly Columba Victim Services) Counselling Network (N. Ireland) Omagh Support & Self Help Group Survivors of Trauma The Cost of the Troubles Study Ltd WAVE CUNAMH C.A.L.M.S. (Community Action for Locally Managed Stress) CRUSE Bereavement Care (Belfast) Coleraine/Ballymoney Branch of the Regimental Assoc. UDR Corpus Christi Services Disabled Police Officers Association FAIR (Families Acting for Innocent Relatives) Families Against Crime by Terrorism - F.A.C.T. Fermanagh District Partnership Greater Ballymurphy Women’s Community Support Group H.U.R.T. (Homes United by Ruthless Terror) Lifeways Psychotherapy & Counselling Centre Loughgall Truth and Justice Campaign Nexus Institute N.I. North East Antrim Cluster of District Partnership Northern Ireland Music Therapy Trust (NIMTT) Police Rehabilitation and Retraining Trust Relatives for Justice Stepping Stone Craigavon Strabane Befriending and Counselling Association South Down Action for Healing Wounds (S.D.A.H.W.) Survivors of Trauma The Bloody Sunday Trust The Mount Help Centre The Shankill Stress Group The Shankill Stress & Trauma Group VOICE (Victims of Injustice Campaigning for Equality) Victims and Survivors Trust West Tyrone Voice 2000-2001 NIL Gap Funding Mr John Fee asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to outline what provision has been made to bridge the gap between Peace I and Peace II funding. (AQW 2124/00) Mr Durkan: I would refer the member to the statement which I made to the Assembly on Monday 12 February which addresses the funding gap problem. In brief, I have proposed dealing with this issue by allowing Departments to consider requests from project sponsors for gap funding in the context of the new Structural Funds Regulations and the funding criteria specified in the PEACE II Operational Programme. Departments have been authorised to make advance payments to projects where they judge there is a very strong likelihood that the project will be eligible for funding and successful in an application under the new round. These will, in effect be advance payments against PEACE II allocations. I would, however, emphasise that PEACE II is a separate and different Programme from PEACE I. Departments will therefore be called upon to make considered judgements about applications for project funding against the selection criteria for PEACE II agreed with the European Commission and it is possible that a range of existing projects may not qualify for assistance under the new Programme. To ensure that the issue is dealt with fully, the £2 million which was set aside under the Executive Programme Fund for social inclusion and community regeneration will act as a safety net against the risk that there might be some cases where Departments in good faith assist a project in the short-term, but which does not in the end succeed in an application for funding under the new PEACE II Programme. NICS Recruitment Service : Job Applications Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the number of job applications received by the Northern Ireland Civil Service Recruitment Service during 2000 and how many of these were in (a) the English Language and (b) the Irish Language. (AQW 2138/00) Mr Durkan: 24,649 applications were received, all in English. NICS Recruitment Service : Job Advertisements Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail (a) how many job advertisements were placed in newspapers by the Northern Ireland Civil Service Recruitment Service during 2000 (b) how many of these were in the English language and how many in the Irish language (c) the total cost of advertisements placed in the English language and (d) the total cost of advertisements placed in the Irish language. (AQW 2139/00) Mr Durkan: (a) 428 (b) All in English (c) £355,579 (d) Nil Job Advertising in Newspapers Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to list the newspapers and other publications in which job advertisements were placed by the Northern Ireland Civil Service Recruitment Service during 2000. (AQW 2140/00) Mr Durkan: Newspapers Other Journals
New Social Security Office in Newry Mr John Fee asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what progress has been made in identifying a site for the new Social Security Office in Newry. (AQW 2169/00) Mr Durkan: The replacement of the office will be by way of a design and build contract. We have recently sought expressions of interest from developers based on three options (a) site and building, (b) construction on the Bridge Street site and (c) refurbishment of an existing building in Newry. The question of identifying a site therefore does not arise as this will be determined by the proposal which most successfully meets our requirements. Rate Collection Agency : Enforcement Action Mr John Fee asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the number of occasions, in each of the last five years, when an enforcement action has been initiated on a client by the Rates Collection Agency while a Housing Benefit application from the client was still being processed. (AQW 2177/00) Mr Durkan: The Rate Collection Agency has identified seven cases in the last five years where the case has been lodged with the Enforcement of Judgements Office when the client had already submitted a claim for Housing Benefit. Peace II Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail when Peace II programme funding will be made available. (AQW 2187/00) Mr Durkan: From 1 April 2001 the Executive has authorised Departments to make advance payments to existing projects from PEACE II allocations where they judge that there is a very strong likelihood that the project will be eligible for funding and succe | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||