Friday 6 April 2001

Written Answers to Questions

Mr John Taylor asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail (a) the address of the proposed office for the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels (b) when it is expected to be ready for occupation (c) when it will be available to Northern Ireland businesses to promote their products and to make a statement.

The First Minister and Deputy First Minister (Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon): The premises of the Executive Office are at 50 Rue Wiertz, immediately adjacent to the new European Parliament building, and in the vicinity of the offices of the main European Commission institutions, the United Kingdom Permanent Representation, and other regional offices. These will provide the main contacts for the staff of the Office.

The accommodation is expected to be ready for occupation as soon as the fitting out work is completed, estimated as late May.

The Office will be part of the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, though staff from the Industrial Development Board will also be based there. It will serve the interests of the Executive, ie. Northern Ireland Ministers and their departments.

The Office will benefit Northern Ireland generally. Its primary function is to liaise with EU and other relevant bodies to meet the policy needs of the Executive. It will also be used to assist the Industrial Development Board to market Northern Ireland to potential inward investors.

Mr David Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, pursuant to AQO 863/00, to detail the date or dates on which the 16 shortlisted applicants were interviewed for appointment to the Community Relations Council and to confirm if those interviewed have been informed yet of the outcome of the selection process.

Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: [holding answer 16 March 2001]: The shortlisted candidates were interviewed on 7 and 21 February 2000. They have not yet been advised of the outcome of the selection process.

In our answer to AQO 863 on 19 February, we indicated that appointments would be made shortly from the 16 shortlisted applicants who were interviewed.

However, in view of the lengthy delay in making appointments we subsequently decided to review the matter.

We are conscious of the fact that the regular triennial evaluation of the Community Relations Council is underway and is expected to report shortly. In addition, we will be initiating the strategic review of community relations policy signalled in the Programme for Government as a matter of priority.

In these circumstances, we consider that it would not be appropriate to make further appointments to the Community Relations Council.

Officials have written today to the chairman of the Community Relations Council and the shortlisted candidates to explain the position.

Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail any plans to assist the Lisburn Women's Centre or other community groups within the parliamentary constituency of Lagan Valley who are currently facing financial difficulties.

Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: There are a range of sources to which women’s voluntary organisations can apply for support for projects and services, including Health and Social Services Trusts, the Training and Employment Agency, the National Lotteries Board and charitable trusts.

The Community Relations Council under the Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation have funded the following community groups within the Lagan Valley Constituency:-

Lisburn Interchurch project - £128,042.50

Greater Twinbrook and Poleglass Community Forum - £28,000

Regarding European Funding, the Executive has agreed that Departments should be authorised to make advance payment to projects where they judge that there is a very strong likelihood that a project will be eligible for funding and successful in an application under the new round of EU Operational programmes. The allocation of funding under these proposals will not depend upon geographic area.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail the total cost of Ministerial Special Advisors in the last financial year.

Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The total cost of Ministerial Special Advisors across all Departments for the financial year 2000/01 amounted to £569,998.90.

Mr John Fee asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to outline what progress has been made on the Programme for Government commitments concerning the Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington.

Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: We are pleased to report that a number of steps have been undertaken to meet our commitments in respect of the Northern Ireland Bureau, in order that it may better serve the Executive and raise the profile and image of Northern Ireland.

The Bureau’s resources have been strengthened by engaging an additional member of staff at middle management level. The forthcoming relocation of the Bureau will provide the opportunity for a review of its functions, structure, and relationship with other bodies promoting Northern Ireland in the U.S.

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail what steps have been taken to improve community relations in the Larne area and to make a statement on current developments.

Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: With the support of the Community Relations Unit, Larne District Partnership Board has had meetings with Larne Borough Council officials, the Community Relations Council, and the Mediation Network.

As a result, a proposal has been put forward for an initial assessment process to be taken forward by the Mediation Network. Mediation Network is anxious to be sensitive to locally based individuals and agencies already engaged with the situation. It is understood that local MLAs were briefed on this in more detail on Friday last and put forward a number of helpful suggestions.

Ms Eileen Bell asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what consideration was given to the submission from the Civic Forum on the Draft Programme for Government prior to the publication of the final document.

Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The Civic Forum provided a detailed and very constructive response to the draft Programme for Government.

This was considered carefully as were all of the responses received, and a number of changes were made to the Programme for Government to reflect suggestions made by the Civic Forum and others.

The Civic Forum’s response also contained many suggestions that could not be adopted in time for this year’s Programme for Government. We are looking carefully at these as we take forward work to develop the Programme. Mr Nesbitt and Mr Haughey met with Dr Gibson on the 12^th March 2001 to discuss the Civic Forum input to the Programme.

Dr Esmond Birnie asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to make a statement on the work in progress of the British Irish Council.

Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: In the British-Irish Council the administrations are progressing work programmes on the topics which were agreed at the first summit meeting on 17 December 1999, namely, environment, transport, drugs, social inclusion and knowledge economy. Two Ministerial sectoral meetings have taken place, one on Environment in October 2000 and the other on Transport in December 2000. The British Government were in the lead at the Environment meeting and an initial programme of work was agreed which included waste management, climate change and radioactive waste from Sellafield.

The Northern Ireland Administration took the lead at the Transport meeting held in Belfast on 19 December 2000. At that meeting it was agreed that senior officials would examine options and prepare detailed recommendations for work in a number of priority areas.

Work at official level is continuing on social inclusion led by the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales and knowledge economy led by Jersey in preparation for Ministerial sectoral meetings on these topics.

The topic of drugs on which the Irish Government is in the lead will be the main item for discussion at the second plenary meeting of the British-Irish Council. This meeting was cancelled and attempts are now being made to reschedule this meeting.

Mr George Savage asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail any discussions with the Secretary of State regarding the role of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: We have not jointly discussed this matter with the Secretary of State. However, our respective parties have made representations on a number of occasions.

Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail plans to advance the work of the Disability Rights Task Force.

Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: We refer to our letter of 20 March in reply to your AQO 1130/00. The position remains unchanged.

Mr Ivan Davis asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to make a statement on the recent visit to Washington D.C.

Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The main objective of our visit to the US in March was to develop contacts with the new administration in the US.

Our visit was favourably received and provided an opportunity to brief President Bush, Secretary of State Colin Powell and members of Congress on the work of the Executive.

President Bush reaffirmed his interest in Northern Ireland and the development of a more stable future for the people of Northern Ireland. The administration also indicated its intention to continue co-operation and partnership between the US and the Northern Ireland Executive in areas of mutual interest.

Ms Michelle Gildernew asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to outline any plans to fund Rural Women's Networks.

Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: There is a range of sources to which women’s voluntary organisations, whether urban or rural, can apply for support for projects and services. These include Health and Social Services Trusts, the Training and Employment Agency, the National Lotteries Charities Board and charitable trusts.

We understand that the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is working with the Rural Women's Network on an Economic Appraisal (including a Needs Analysis), of the Rural Women's sector within the context of the new Rural Development Programme (2001-06). Appropriate future actions will be considered pending the outcome of this.

The Executive has agreed that departments should be authorised to make advance payments to projects where they judge that there is a very strong likelihood that a project will be eligible for funding and successful in an application under the new round of EU Operational Programmes.

Mr David Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to confirm that interviews for the candidates shortlisted for appointment to the Community Relations Council were held in January 2000 and that appointments have not yet been made.

Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The shortlisted candidates were interviewed on 7 and 21 February 2000. They have not yet been advised of the outcome of the selection process.

In our answer to AQO 863 on 19 February, we indicated that appointments would be made shortly from the 16 shortlisted applicants who were interviewed.

However, in view of the lengthy delay in making appointments we subsequently decided to review the matter.

We are conscious of the fact that the regular triennial evaluation of the Community Relations Council is underway and is expected to report shortly. In addition, we will be initiating the strategic review of community relations policy signalled in the Programme for Government as a matter of priority.

In these circumstances, we consider that it would not be appropriate to make further appointments to the Community Relations Council.

Officials have written today to the chairman of the Community Relations Council and the shortlisted candidates to explain the position.

Mr Meryvn Carrick asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to confirm the level of financial assistance provided for victim support within the parliamentary constituency of Upper Bann and to detail the unsuccessful applications.

Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The Victims Unit recently allocated £6,000 to the Southern Board Trauma Advisory Panel. To date, all other funding for victims organisations in Upper Bann has come from the core-funding scheme which is funded by the Northern Ireland Office and administered by the Northern Ireland Voluntary Trust. Details of funding allocations under that scheme should be sought from either of those bodies.

Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to consider the appointment of a Commissioner for senior citizens, similar to the setting up of a Commissioner for Children, as a result of the increasing number of attacks on these innocent victims.

Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: Attacks on vulnerable senior citizens are cowardly and must be deplored by all. The Executive and Assembly will wish to give every possible support to the criminal justice system in making those responsible for such attacks answerable to the law for their crimes.

Arising from the Belfast Agreement, a statutory equality duty was introduced under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 which requires public authorities, in carrying out their functions, to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity.

Under this new equality duty, persons of different age – which includes senior citizens, is one of the categories to be considered.

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to make a statement on the visit to Washington D.C. in March 2001.

Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The main objective of our visit to the US in March was to develop contacts with the new administration in the US.

Our visit was favourably received and provided an opportunity to brief President Bush, Secretary of State Colin Powell and members of Congress on the work of the Executive.

President Bush reaffirmed his interest in Northern Ireland and the development of a more stable future for the people of Northern Ireland. The administration also indicated its intention to continue co-operation and partnership between the US and the Northern Ireland Executive in areas of mutual interest.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to (a) confirm that, as a result of the Cod Recovery Plan, fishing boats involved in white fishing have to tie up for five/six weeks and (b) state what assistance is being given to these fishermen.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): It is not true that fishing vessels targeting whitefish are required to tie up as a result of the closures from the Cod Recovery Plans. Whilst the closures will curtail their traditional activities in the sea areas affected they are free to seek to fish elsewhere, or change gear to target nephrops in the derogated areas within the closures or outside the closed areas. These are of course subject to the normal quota restrictions. To assist the industry action is being taken on a number of fronts. These include seeking to retrieve the 10% nephrops Total Allowable Catch cut imposed at the December Fisheries Council; the bringing forward of a fishing vessel decommissioning scheme; possible additional training related to the needs of the industry; and seeking to obtain relief for the industry from the payment of light dues.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she intends to compensate farmers for slaughter charges at abattoirs as a direct result of Foot and Mouth Disease .

Ms Rodgers: I do not intend to compensate farmers for slaughter charges because the Diseases of Animals (Northern Ireland) Order 1981, limits the conditions under which I can pay compensation for Foot and Mouth.

Payment is for animals affected by the disease or for those which have been in contact with affected animals or have been exposed to the infection. It can also be paid for a limited range of other materials, such as carcases, fodder or feedingstuffs which have been directly implicated as a disease risk.

Slaughter charges, which are a normal part of the meat industry’s business, do not fall into any of these categories.

Ms Sue Ramsey asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) how much money is given to Moderate Learning Difficulty (MLD) special units in each education and library board area and (b) if this money is ring fenced.

The Minister of Education (Mr McGuinness): The financial allocations in respect of special education units for pupils with moderate learning difficulties attached to primary and secondary schools in each Education and Library Board area in the current financial year are as follows : -

The amounts allocated by each Board depend on the number of special education units and the number of pupils in each unit within their areas. The Belfast and Western Boards, each have one unit, with a correspondingly larger number of MLD special schools, while the North-Eastern, South-Eastern and Southern Boards have 16, 17 and 26 units respectively. All MLD provision in the Southern Board area takes the form of unit provision.

Teachers’ and classroom assistants’ salaries and special equipment for pupils in units are ring-fenced since these are held centrally by Boards.

I am not aware of any difficulties regarding expenditure on special units. I will, however, ask officials to make enquiries and, if it appears that there may be a problem with the funding of individual units, I will take action to address this.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) the number of announcements made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer concerning the provision of additional money for education since 1997 (b) the amounts allocated to Northern Ireland and (c) the amount actually allocated to education.

Mr McGuinness: I understand that seven announcements have been made in the period since May 1997. The amounts available to Northern Ireland and the amounts allocated to education here are set out below. Figures exclude the announced outcomes of the 1998 Comprehensive Spending Review and the 2000 Spending Review as the different Department of Education structures in Northern Ireland and England mean that figures are not readily available for services for which the Northern Ireland Department is responsible.

1. Sum notionally available for education under the Barnett formula.
2. New Deal for Schools.
3. Included in subsequent years’ education budget.
4. Chancellor’s Initiative applies to Northern Ireland only.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of (a) children with hearing difficulties that have a classroom assistant in each Education and Library Board and (b) children with hearing difficulties currently awaiting this service.

Mr McGuinness: The number of children with hearing difficulties who have an individual classroom assistant in each Education and Library Board area is as follows : -

Classroom assistance may also be provided on a class basis for those in special schools or special education units for the hearing impaired attached to primary and secondary schools. The number of such children in schools or units with a classroom assistant is as follows : -

The Boards have informed me they are not aware of any children with hearing difficulties currently awaiting classroom assistance.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education to outline his plans to ensure that the introduction of new policies, such as New Targeting Social Need, will not hinder those schools that have previously and consistently delivered high standards of educational achievement.

Mr McGuinness: Raising standards in all our schools is one of my Department’s key objectives. In developing and planning new policies we seek to ensure that there are no implications which would adversely affect the performance of any school.

New TSN has a significant contribution to make to the education service and schools in particular. It does not mean that entitlement to statutory education will be affected. It means changing the way we target the money we have so that more of it can be used to benefit those who are most disadvantaged.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) the level of funding for school transport in each Education and Library Board for the financial year 2001/02 and (b) how this compares with the Board's estimated cost to provide this service.

Mr McGuinness: No specific recurrent and capital funding is allocated to the Education and Library Boards for school transport. Within their overall budget allocations Boards are required to make provision for the estimated costs of their school transport service within their Resource Allocation Plan for 2001/02 which is submitted to the Department for approval.

Mr John Fee asked the Minister of Education to detail what provisions have been made by each Education and Library Board to education of children with Asperger's Syndrome.

I am advised by the Education and Library Boards that the special educational provision made by each Board for children with Asperger’s Syndrome is as follows : -

BELFAST - Most attend mainstream schools where they may have a differentiated curriculum and some may have classroom assistance. Others with an additional learning difficulty attend special schools or units. Additional support in school may be provided by a teacher from a special school.

WESTERN - Most are in mainstream schools and some have classroom assistance. Foyleview Special School provides additional support for those in the northern part of the Board’s area..

NORTH EASTERN - Most attend mainstream schools and some have classroom assistance. A field officer provides additional support for schools.

SOUTH EASTERN - Most attend mainstream schools and some have classroom assistance. Additional support in school is provided by the Board’s Peripatetic Teaching service.

SOUTHERN - Most attend mainstream schools and some receive classroom assistance. Some with additional learning difficulties attend special schools or units. Additional support in school is provided by a peripatetic teacher and an Assistant Advisory Officer. Training may be provided for the class teachers.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education whether the education and library boards have notified him of a shortage of teachers in the current financial year and what steps are being taken to address this situation.

Mr McGuinness: There has been no indication from the Education and Library Boards that they are experiencing problems in filling teacher vacancies.

Ms Sue Ramsey asked the Minister of Education whether he has plans to introduce the 'Michael Young campaign' into the school curriculum.

Mr McGuinness: There are no plans to introduce the ‘Michael Young campaign’ specifically into the school curriculum. However, it has always been recognised that schools have a major preventative role to play in addressing the problems of the misuse of drugs and other substances such as solvents, and for this reason the teaching of drugs education is a statutory requirement within the school curriculum. It is taught within the context of health education, and is one of the objectives of the Health Education cross-curricular theme which is compulsory for all pupils aged 4 - 16. At subject level, science, Religious Education and personal and social education programmes are the most common areas through which the topic is covered.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Education to give his assessment on the take-up rate of nursery school places in the last academic year.

Mr McGuinness: Comparing approved and actual enrolments in the nursery school sector in the 2000/01 school year, the take-up rate of places was 91%.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Education to outline his plans to raise standards in secondary schools.

Mr McGuinness: Raising standards in all schools is one of my key objectives and I am taking forward a range of initiatives with this aim firmly in sight. This includes:

• a massive capital investment in our schools;
• the abolition of the school performance tables;
• the School Improvement Programme which is designed to raise standards in all schools by addressing issues such as literacy and numeracy, discipline, target setting, school development planning and low and underachievement;
• a pilot initiative to provide flexibility for an increased focus on work related learning at Key Stage 4;
• our investment in Information and Communications Technology (ICT);
• ongoing work to maintain and enhance the quality of teaching; and the three major reviews of aspects of our education system:
• the post-primary review;
• the curriculum review; and
• the consultation on LMS commonality.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Education to detail the evidence he has collated on the effectiveness of his literacy and numeracy strategies.

Mr McGuinness: A range of information including school inspection findings, Key Stage Assessment outcomes and reports from Education and Library Boards is used to monitor the literacy and numeracy strategy. My officials, in consultation with the Boards and CCMS, are reviewing progress and how the strategy can be strengthened and developed further.

Mr Gerry Adams asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to identify the number of staff within his Department and its associated agencies currently receiving (a) the National Minimum wage and (b) less than £5.00 per hour.

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): [supplementary answer]: Pursuant to my original answer on Monday 9 October I would now confirm the following:

The number of staff within the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and its associated agencies currently receiving (a) the National minimum wage is NIL and (b) less than £5.00 per hour is 170.

Dr Dara O'Hagan asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the level of expenditure by the Industrial Development Board (IDB), Local Economic Development Unit (LEDU) and Industrial Research and Technology Unit (IRTU) by electoral ward and parliamentary constituency during each of the last three years.

Sir Reg Empey: [supplementary answer]: Pursuant to the answer given on Wednesday 24 January 2001 I would inform you that the table referring to Selective Financial Assistance Expenditure from the Industrial Development Board contained incorrect information.

Please find the correct information in the attached table.

NOTE: Payments of SFA are made to the NI headquarters of the company concerned and are therefore recorded against the constituency in which the HQ is located.

Where a company has a number of production units in different constituencies, this may not offer a true reflection of which constituencies actually benefited from the expenditure.

Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline what similar regional programmes are available in Northern Ireland, into which the new European Commission communications "GoDigital" initiative, aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SME's), can link as part of the wider e- Europe action plan.

Sir Reg Empey: The Information Age Initiative’s Strategic Framework and Action Plan, "Leapfrog to the Information Age", identified 25 actions aimed at supporting:

(i) the increased use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by all NI businesses;

the development of NI’s ICT sector ; and

(iii) the knowledge-based economy environment.

These actions are being progressed by the Information Age Initiative in close conjunction with DETI, its Agencies and the T&EA. These organisations manage a wide range of schemes aimed at stimulating companies to make greater use of the latest ICTs, and especially to exploit e-commerce and e-business opportunities. These programmes are consistent with the objectives of the GoDigital initiative which will be launched on 6 April 2001.

Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to give his assessment of (a) decreasing recruitment in the manufacturing sector and increasing recruitment in the service sector (b) the implications of this trend to the Northern Ireland economy with particular regard to those areas with a high manufacturing dependency and (c) the measures being taken to address the issue.

Sir Reg Empey: Manufacturing employment in Northern Ireland has been relatively stable over the last five years during which time the sector has enjoyed strong output and productivity growth. The overall stability of manufacturing employment has however resulted from strong growth in some sectors offsetting declines in others, mainly the more traditional sectors. Although the manufacturing sector has, as a whole, performed well, we must continue to encourage and facilitate the growing sectors while helping to minimise the adverse effects on those sectors which face restructuring.

Service sector employment in Northern Ireland has risen sharply over the last five years and this is to be welcomed. Many of these jobs, which have arisen through the activities of DETI and its agencies, are in areas such as software development and financial services. These are quality jobs that are making a significant contribution to growth in our economy.

Within the context of the Programme for Government, my Department will continue to promote the knowledge-based economy in order to realise our vision of securing for Northern Ireland an economy that is fast growing, competitive and innovative. This will involve supporting enterprise and innovation in all sectors as well as taking into account the need to manage the restructuring that has to take place in some of our traditional industries.

Mr David Ford asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the economic growth rate for each of the last ten years.

Sir Reg Empey: Northern Ireland’s real economic growth rates for the last ten years for which official estimates exist were:

1990: Zero

1991: 3.0%

1992: 2.5%

1993: 4.2%

1994: 6.1%

1995: 4.9%

1996: 1.0%

1997: 4.0%

1998: 0.9%

1999: 1.1%

Over the above ten year period, the Northern Ireland economy grew in real terms by 31%, yielding an average annual rate of increase of 2.7%. Over the same period, the UK economy expanded by 22.6% giving an annual average real growth rate of 2.1%.

Mr David Ford asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of jobs created in each of the last ten years.

Sir Reg Empey: Information on the number of jobs created is not available. However, figures from the Quarterly Employment Survey (QES) can be used to estimate the net change in employee job levels during the last ten years.

Latest figures from the QES show that in December 2000 there were 639,570 employee jobs in NI. This represents an increase of 92,810 (17%) from the December 1990 figure of 546,760. The net change in employee job levels in NI for each of the last ten years can be found in the attached table.

Mr David Ford asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the total amount of investment attracted in each of the last ten years.

Sir Reg Empey: I understand the member is referring to inward investment when he refers to investment attracted in the last ten years. Information on the levels of investment planned by new and existing externally-owned companies in relation to projects secured by the Industrial Development Board is set out in the attached table.

Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline the current unemployment figures for each district council area and to make a statement.

Sir Reg Empey: The information requested is available in the DETI monthly publication, Northern Ireland Labour Market Statistics (Section 3, Table 3.8), copies of which are placed in the Assembly Library.

Dr Esmond Birnie asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (a) the number of Republic of Ireland 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 Republic of Ireland market.

Sir Reg Empey: There were 360,000 visitors from the Irish Republic to Northern Ireland in 1998, 384,000 in 1999 and forecasts for 2000 indicate 357,000 visitors. Targets set for the Republic of Ireland market for 2001, 2002 and 2003 are 368,000, 379,000 and 390,000 respectively, representing an average annual growth of around 3%. The total promotional spend by NITB on the Republic of Ireland market in the last three years was £1,467,073.

Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to give his assessment of the impact created by the Industrial Development Board for Northern Ireland last year in (a) Strabane District Council area (b) Omagh District Council area and to detail what plans the Industrial Development Board for Northern Ireland has to attract investment to West Tyrone.

Sir Reg Empey: In providing this answer I have reviewed IDB’s activity in West Tyrone from January 2000 to date. I believe that the summary below indicates that IDB has been making an impact in the two council areas and that it is seeking to improve on that performance by actively engaging with appropriate representatives from the region.

IDB has been proactive in implementing initiatives to help boost the attractiveness of the West Tyrone area to inward investors. In March 2000, IDB held a regional event in Londonderry at which representatives from the Strabane, Derry, Limavady and Donegal council areas were given the opportunity to meet with the IDB Board and Senior Management to discuss issues affecting their areas. A similar event was held in Omagh in September 2000 which covered Omagh, Cookstown, Dungannon, Fermanagh and Magherafelt areas.

IDB continues to work closely with Strabane and Omagh Councils to market these areas, and the wider region in which they sit, to potential inward investors. In a regional context IDB and the IDA have agreed a marketing strategy - Invest North West- covering the council areas of Strabane, Derry, Limavady and Donegal; and have developed a joint marketing database and process for handling visits to the region. In addition, work is underway with the Into-The-West Council grouping, which includes Omagh, to identify a US location to be targeted for a regional marketing approach.

In December I had the pleasure of announcing a £1.3m investment by Fabplus Ltd who have decided to locate in IDB’s former advance factory in Strabane with the transfer and expansion of its ROI based sprinkler systems fabrication operation, which is expected to create 30 new jobs. Following on from this IDB is actively exploring ways to procure more accommodation in Strabane and is also working towards finding a suitable tenant for the advance unit at the Doogary West site in Omagh to which there have been 7 visits by potential investors since January 2000.

Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to give his assessment of the effects of raising the national minimum wage on the economy of Northern Ireland and to make a statement.

Sir Reg Empey: The national minimum wage is a reserved matter and is applied in the same way across the whole of the UK. In its third report (volume 1), the Low Pay Commission concluded that the national minimum wage had not adversely affected the economy, that gender and regional pay gaps had narrowed and that employment effects of the increase are likely to be small.

The increase in the national minimum wage to £ 4.10 from 1 October 2001 will be of direct benefit to around 50,000 workers in Northern Ireland, some seven per cent of the working population.

The increase from £3.70 to £4.10 is broadly consistent with the overall level of wages growth experienced across the UK economy since the initial introduction of the national minimum wage. As the introduction of the NMW was not associated with any significant adverse labour market impacts in Northern Ireland, and because the labour market has further tightened, it is unlikely that the proposed new rate will generate any significant adverse employment effects.

A copy of the Low Pay Commission’s report, which contains a thorough assessment of the impact across the UK of the national minimum wage so far and of the likely impact of the increase, has been placed in the Assembly Library.

Mr Joe Byrne asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to give his assessment of the growing role for District Councils in relation to promoting local economic development in response to Peace II delivery and other European Union developments.

Sir Reg Empey: With the assistance of EU Structural Funds, District Councils have played an important role in the delivery of local economic development over the past number of years. Their knowledge, growing expertise and commitment in this area is widely acknowledged and is being built upon with a view to taking forward further local economic development activities through the new Building Sustainable Prosperity and Peace II Programmes. The evolution of a local partnership approach through which these EU Programmes are to be delivered will also require the full participation of District Councils. Contact is currently being made with all 26 District Councils so that local workable delivery mechanisms can be agreed and proper complementarity achieved.

Mr Jim Wells asked the Minister of the Environment to detail when the draft Down/Ards Area Plan will be published.

The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): The Draft Ards and Down Area Plan is scheduled for publication during 2001/02. Preparation of the Draft Plan is on target as set out in the Planning Service’s current Corporate and Business Plan.

Dr Esmond Birnie asked the Minister of the Environment to give his assessment of the desirability and feasibility of an independent Environment Protection Agency for Northern Ireland.

Mr Foster: Operational responsibility for environmental issues currently rests with the Environment and Service, an Agency within my Department. As such, environmental regulation is carried on under the control and direction of a locally elected Minister directly accountable to this Assembly. These arrangements, therefore, have important advantages, which will need to be balanced alongside any advantages which might accrue from having an environmental regulator independent of the Executive. I will be considering these matters in conjunction with my Executive colleagues.

Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of the Environment to outline what plans he has to consult with District Councils and the public in the preparation of the Northern Area Plan.

Mr Foster: It is my Department’s intention that during the course (of preparing the Northern Area Plan, views, attitudes and aspirations of residents within the area, as reflected by Councillors, community groups and individual representation will be taken into account. Planning Service representatives have now completed a first round of meetings with the four Councils involved at which a format to facilitate Planning Service/Council Consultation over the Draft Plan preparation was discussed and agreed. Additionally the start to plan preparation has recently been advertised in the press, inviting representation. It is intended to offer the opportunity for wider and more effective public participation in the preparation of the Draft Plan by publishing an Issues Paper in place of the more traditional Preliminary Proposals Publication. A comprehensive and wide-ranging public and community consultation programme will be implemented at the Issues Papers stage.

The purpose of this Area Plan is to set out the broad planning framework for the physical development of the entire area including all the urban settlements and also the rural hinterland within the four Council Areas for the period up to the year 2016. The Plan will provide a planning policy framework to guide future development by public and private sectors and provide a basis for the control of this development. In preparing the Area Plan, my Department will take into account the overall policy framework, primarily set by the provisions of the Regional Development Strategy (once published in final form) together with Planning Policy Statements as existing and also programmed for preparation. The Plan must also embrace the principles established by a number of government objectives and initiatives such as those relating to Equality of Opportunity, New Targeting Social Need, Sustainability, Biodiversity and Transportation.

The programme for preparation of this Plan is to produce the Issues Paper by the end of 2001, a Draft Plan by the end of 2002 and to Adopt the Plan by Spring 2004.

Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of the Environment to outline the scope of the Northern Area Plan.

Mr Foster: It is my Department’s intention that during the course (of preparing the Northern Area Plan, views, attitudes and aspirations of residents within the area, as reflected by Councillors, community groups and individual representation will be taken into account. Planning Service representatives have now completed a first round of meetings with the four Councils involved at which a format to facilitate Planning Service/Council Consultation over the Draft Plan preparation was discussed and agreed. Additionally the start to plan preparation has recently been advertised in the press, inviting representation. It is intended to offer the opportunity for wider and more effective public participation in the preparation of the Draft Plan by publishing an Issues Paper in place of the more traditional Preliminary Proposals Publication. A comprehensive and wide-ranging public and community consultation programme will be implemented at the Issues Papers stage.

The purpose of this Area Plan is to set out the broad planning framework for the physical development of the entire area including all the urban settlements and also the rural hinterland within the four Council Areas for the period up to the year 2016. The Plan will provide a planning policy framework to guide future development by public and private sectors and provide a basis for the control of this development. In preparing the Area Plan, my Department will take into account the overall policy framework, primarily set by the provisions of the Regional Development Strategy (once published in final form) together with Planning Policy Statements as existing and also programmed for preparation. The Plan must also embrace the principles established by a number of government objectives and initiatives such as those relating to Equality of Opportunity, New Targeting Social Need, Sustainability, Biodiversity and Transportation.

The programme for preparation of this Plan is to produce the Issues Paper by the end of 2001, a Draft Plan by the end of 2002 and to Adopt the Plan by Spring 2004.

Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the proposed timetable for the publication of the Northern Area Plan.

Mr Foster: It is my Department’s intention that during the course (of preparing the Northern Area Plan, views, attitudes and aspirations of residents within the area, as reflected by Councillors, community groups and individual representation will be taken into account. Planning Service representatives have now completed a first round of meetings with the four Councils involved at which a format to facilitate Planning Service/Council Consultation over the Draft Plan preparation was discussed and agreed. Additionally the start to plan preparation has recently been advertised in the press, inviting representation. It is intended to offer the opportunity for wider and more effective public participation in the preparation of the Draft Plan by publishing an Issues Paper in place of the more traditional Preliminary Proposals Publication. A comprehensive and wide-ranging public and community consultation programme will be implemented at the Issues Papers stage.

The purpose of this Area Plan is to set out the broad planning framework for the physical development of the entire area including all the urban settlements and also the rural hinterland within the four Council Areas for the period up to the year 2016. The Plan will provide a planning policy framework to guide future development by public and private sectors and provide a basis for the control of this development. In preparing the Area Plan, my Department will take into account the overall policy framework, primarily set by the provisions of the Regional Development Strategy (once published in final form) together with Planning Policy Statements as existing and also programmed for preparation. The Plan must also embrace the principles established by a number of government objectives and initiatives such as those relating to Equality of Opportunity, New Targeting Social Need, Sustainability, Biodiversity and Transportation.

The programme for preparation of this Plan is to produce the Issues Paper by the end of 2001, a Draft Plan by the end of 2002 and to Adopt the Plan by Spring 2004.

Mr Alban Maginness asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the progress he has made to report on the review of the boundaries of the Somerton/Chichester Conservation Area in Belfast.

Mr Foster: The review of the boundaries of existing Conservation Areas within the Belfast Metropolitan Area is being undertaken as part of preparation of the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (BMAP).

Consultants are being recruited to advise on the appropriateness of existing Conservation Area boundaries within the Plan area.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to designate Aughnadarragh Lough, County Down a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) given that a survey of the Marsh Fritillary butterfly showed a higher population at that location as opposed to Montaighs Moss, County Antrim, which is a designated SAC.

Mr Foster: The Member will be aware from my letter of 6 February 2001 that I was not persuaded at that time that Aughnadarragh Lough was of such importance to justify its selection as a Special Area of Conservation. This remains my view.

Sites selected as SACs for Marsh Fritillary, both in Northern Ireland and elsewhere in the UK, are ones which support long established and well-documented colonies of this species. They tend to be much larger than Aughnadarragh Lough and include extensive areas of suitable breeding habitat, which are necessary to accommodate a sustainable population.

Montiaghs Moss was identified as being suitable for selection through a survey undertaken in 1999 which was commissioned by my Department. The area of breeding habitat and numbers of Marsh Fritillary together justified SAC designation.

Numbers were determined through larval web counts, rather than the less reliable method of counting flying adults. The survey revealed 48 larval webs at Aughnadarragh Lough, compared to 89 at Montiaghs Moss. Aughnadarragh Lough also has a limited area of suitable habitat.

It was concluded that Aughadarragh Lough did not qualify as an SAC on the grounds of its Marsh Fritillary population.

Mr William Hay asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the steps he is taking to address grant funding for historic buildings in the current financial year.

Mr Foster: My Department will continue to pay grant-aid to owners of listed buildings in the financial year just begun.

Some £2 million has been allocated for historic buildings grant-aid for 2001/2002.

This will be used to meet grant commitments on those eligible schemes for which applications were received prior to the introduction of the suspension on 29 October 1999.

New applications for grant-aid will be accepted from this month.

Any grant will be offered on the understanding that payment may not be made until the 2002/2003 financial year.

I was able to obtain a significant increase in resources in the financial year just ended which has eased the situation. I will continue to look for opportunities for additional resources to enable applications approved this year to be paid on completion of the work.

Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister of the Environment to undertake to introduce legislative amendments on the impact of discharges on water quality.

Mr Foster: My Department published two Consultation Papers on 21 November 2000 proposing amendments to the system of consents for discharges to waterways.

One paper dealt with the Department’s implementation of the pollution prevention powers in the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999. This included measures to update the consents system to take account of scientific advances and the requirements of various EC Directives, including the Water Framework Directive.

The second paper outlined the Department’s proposals for the introduction of a fees and charges scheme to recover the costs it incurs in operating the discharge consents system.

The consultation period has ended and the responses received, including those of the Assembly Environment Committee, are being considered. I expect to be in a position to lay the necessary regulations shortly, with a view to an operational date of June this year. Any changes to the original proposals will be notified to the Committee in advance of the draft regulations being laid.

Mr Gerry McHugh asked the Minister of the Environment if he will consider introducing legislation to make it compulsory for school transport to display flashing warning lights when children are alighting or boarding.

Mr Foster: Dedicated school buses are required when carrying school children to and from school to display special signs front and rear indicating that school children are on board. However, Education and Library Board vehicles which have a distinctive yellow and white colour scheme are exempt from this provision.

Regulations currently permit drivers of dedicated school buses to use hazard warning lights when the bus is stopped and children are boarding or alighting. There are no current plans to make this provision compulsory.

It has been accepted in the past that, on balance, drivers are best placed to take account of relevant traffic conditions and to judge when the use of hazard lights is likely to be most effective in alerting other road users to the presence of children without causing confusion.

However, the Assembly Environment Committee is currently undertaking a public inquiry into school transport. The Committee may bring forward recommendations relevant to this issue. I will wish to give any recommendations by the Committee on this and other matters very careful consideration.

Ms Eileen Bell asked the Minister of the Environment to confirm that he has no plans to abolish the Road Safety Council.

Mr Foster: The Road Safety Council of Northern Ireland is a voluntary organisation which I have no powers to abolish.

However, the Council does receive the bulk of its funding each year from my Department. In 2000/01 this amounted to almost £150,000.

As with all government funded programmes, the work of the Council is subject to regular review to ensure that its activities represent good value for money and that public resources are being used effectively and efficiently.

The work of the Road Safety Council will be reviewed during the course of this financial year. This will include an assessment of the appropriate level of funding for its work.

I believe it is important that Northern Ireland has an effective voluntary road safety movement. This provides a vital link between the statutory agencies and local road safety interests. I should like to express my appreciation of the efforts of volunteers in the area of road safety and would encourage more to participate.

Mr Mitchel McLaughlin asked the Minister of the Environment to confirm that the levels of nuclear residue found at the mouth of the River Foyle are due to the fact that British Nuclear Fuels at Sellafield has had it's discharge limit increased from ten terabequerals (TBg) per annum to two hundred TBg's in 1994 and to detail what representations he has made regarding this issue and to make a statement.

Mr Foster: A collaborative monitoring study was undertaken by my Department’s Environment and Heritage Service, the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland and University College, Dublin in 1992. This showed that the quantities of radioactivity detected in Lough Foyle could be attributed to past discharges from Sellafield but were of negligible radiological significance.

Following the authorised increase of the technetium 99 discharge limit from Sellafield in 1994, increased levels were found in fish, shellfish and seaweed throughout the Irish Sea.

The authorised limit was reduced to 90 terabecquerels in 1999 and a marked reduction in contamination levels followed. The dose implications to the Northern Ireland public as a result of increased technetium 99 discharges have been minimal.

The Environment Agency in Great Britain has just completed a consultation exercise on options for further reducing the limit.

Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of the Environment pursuant to the "Local Government (Payments to Councillors) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999" to introduce a change that will allow payment of travel allowance in respect of site visits.[R]

Mr Foster: The Local Government (Payments to Councillors) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 introduced a new system for payment of allowances to councillors. Regulation 4 provides for a council to pay attendance allowance to councillors in respect of the performance of any approved duty. However, in the interpretation of approved duty, site visits are excluded.

Travel allowances recompense councillors for expenditure necessarily incurred when performing an approved duty.

The "basic allowance" paid to councillors is intended to cover costs such as travel expenses related to site visits.

A review of councillors’ allowances is currently underway and, while I can not pre-empt the outcome of the review, I intend to examine this aspect of the present arrangement.

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of the Environment to outline his policy in relation to identifying brown field sites in rural areas.

Mr Foster: As regards rural towns, the Department for Regional Development is considering a target of 40% for accommodating new housing on brown field sites. This target, if it remains in the final Regional Development Strategy will be reflected by my Department in the provision of future housing and development plans. At that time, sites will have to be identified in these Plans.

Brownfield development has little relevance outside these towns, but where they are identified in smaller rural settlements, this can also be provided for through the development plan process.

In the rural countryside, my Department will not normally identify brown field sites, but will instead consider each application for development on its own merits, and against prevailing plans and policies.

In order to facilitate the proper consideration of this in forthcoming Development Plans, the Planning Service is currently undertaking an urban capacity database compilation project. This, in effect, is an inventory of sites that might be considered as having potential for housing development in association with this strategic regional target.

Mr Meryvn Carrick asked the Minister of the Environment to detail what new steps he proposes to take in the fight against environmental crime.

Mr Foster: Environmental law in Northern Ireland has created a number of criminal offences for actions that lead to pollution of the environment or damage to species and habitats. The penalties for these offences can range from various levels of fine to imprisonment for up to 2 years in the case of the most serious offences. My Department seeks to ensure that the Courts, in determining penalties, are aware of the seriousness of the offences.

I am also aware that the European Commission has recently published a proposal for a Directive relating to the protection of the environment through the criminal law. It is too early yet to assess the detail of the proposal and the extent to which any Directive may involve matters within the competence of this Assembly.

Member States now have the opportunity to form a view on the Commission’s proposal including the issue of any Community competence in the field of criminal law. I shall ensure that, as the UK response to the EC proposal is being developed and agreed, the implications for Northern Ireland are fully assessed and taken into account.

Mr John Fee asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the average private sector rents in each District Council Area for (a) a 3-bedroom house (b) a 2-bedroom house and (c) a 1-bedroom house in each of the last five years.

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): I regret that, given the limited number of private sector rental transactions that take place, the comprehensive information which you have requested for each of the last 5 years does not exist.

I am, therefore, unable to supply the information as requested, however, I can confirm that the Department of Finance and Personnel does hold comprehensive information on estimates of the rental values.

Mr John Fee asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the average private sector rents in each District Council area for (a) a 3-bedroom flat (b) a 2-bedroom flat and (c) a 1-bedroom flat in each of the last five years.

Mr Durkan: I regret that, given the limited number of private sector rental transactions that take place, the comprehensive information which you have requested for each of the last 5 years does not exist.

I am, therefore, unable to supply the information as requested, however, I can confirm that the Department of Finance and Personnel does hold comprehensive information on estimates of the rental values.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to (a) confirm that Peace II funding has been finalised and (b) state what funds have been allocated to each of the eighteen constituencies in Northern Ireland.

Mr Durkan: The funding to be allocated under the Peace II Programme has been agreed by the Executive and the respective allocations for each Priority and Measure are contained in the Operational Programme which was formally agreed with by the European Commission on 22 March 2001. Details of the eligibility criteria for projects under each Priority and Measure will be contained in the Programme Complement which is currently being drawn up by the Special EU Programmes Body for agreement by the Programme Monitoring Committee. The distribution of funding under this Programme will, therefore, be determined by the extent to which project promoters are able to demonstrate how their projects contribute to the Programme’s overall objectives as well as to the relevant Priority and Measure level objectives. Whilst it is anticipated that all parts of Northern Ireland will benefit from funding under Peace II no pre-determined allocations of funding have been made to any of the eighteen constituencies in Northern Ireland.

Mr Seamus Close asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the amount of revenue received in rates paid by HMP Maghaberry, HMP Maze and Thiepval Barracks in the last three financial years for which figures are available.

Mr Durkan: The amount of revenue received in rates paid in respect of HMP Maghaberry, HMP Maze and Thiepval Barracks in the last three financial years is as follows:-

1998/99 1999/00 2000/01

£ £ £

HMP Maghaberry 714,038.74 690,485.40 594,368.41

HMP Maze 534,859.00 511,691.40 345,106.80

Thiepval Barracks 541,155.79 571,262.63 739,279.32

Mr Alex Attwood asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what action he intends to take in relation to the judgement of the European Court of Human rights in the case of A v United Kingdom (Human Rights : Punishment of Child) [1998] 2 FLR 959 and the necessity of the jurisdictions of the United Kingdom reviewing the law in relation to the defence of parental reasonable chastisement.

Mr Durkan: In the case of A v United Kingdom (Human Rights : Punishment of Child) [1998] 2 FLR 959, the European Court of Human Rights found the United Kingdom to be in breach of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, in that the defence of parental reasonable chastisement did not adequately protect children from punishment which amounted to inhuman or degrading treatment. This judgement of the Court of Human Rights does not permit us to maintain the status quo, particularly now that the Human Rights Act 1998 has engrafted the European Convention into our domestic law. Reviews are therefore being carried out in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to see how matters may be remedied. In Northern Ireland, the lead is being taken by the Office of Law Reform within my Department. Subject to the approval of colleagues on the Executive Committee, I intend to carry out a wide public consultation exercise later this year, and look forward to an informed and evidence-based public debate.

Mr Alban Maginness asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail her plans to recruit, as a matter of urgency, a new Speech and Language teacher at Rosstulla Special School, Jordanstown.

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): I refer the Member to my answer to AQW 2055/00.

Luaim don Bhall an freagra a thug mé ar AQW 2055/00.

Mr Alban Maginness asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail her plans to increase the number of Speech and Language teachers at Rosstulla Special School, Jordanstown.

Ms de Brún: I refer the Member to my answer to AQW 2055/00.

Luaim don Bhall an freagra a thug mé ar AQW 2055/00.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will make it her policy to provide all services and medications free of charge to those suffering from Alzheimer's Disease in line with that available in Scotland.

Ms de Brún: I am aware that consideration is being given in Scotland to the possible extension of the provision of free care to many more older people, including those dementia sufferers with greatest need. However, no decisions have been taken on this yet. Similarly, the question of free care for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease here will be considered in the context of the Executive’s deliberations on how personal care for older people should be handled in the future.

Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil machnamh á dhéanamh in Albain ar leathnú soláthar cúraim saor in aisce do níos mó seandaoine, iad siúd a bhfuil an riachtanas is mó de dhíth orthu agus a fhulaingionn ó ghealtachas san áireamh. Ní dhearnadh cinneadh air seo go fóill áfach. Mar an gcéanna, déanfar machnamh ar cheist an chúraim saor in aisce anseo d'othair le Galar Alzheimer i gcómhthéacs machnamh an Fheidhmeannais ar an dóigh ar chóir cúram pearsanta do sheandaoine a láimhseáil sa todhchaí.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of people who have obtained the "morning after pill" since 1 January 2001.

Ms de Brún: The information requested is not available.

Níl an t-eolas a iarradh ar fáil.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to give her assessment of the number of additional nurses required to meet the needs of the Health Service.

Ms de Brún: At 20 March 2001 the number of vacancies in HSS trusts was reported as 477. This figure should reduce as a result of ongoing recruitment exercises, more qualified nursing staff returning to practice and around 400 newly qualified nurses available to enter the workforce in September.

I am aware that there are a number of nursing posts that remain unfilled for longer than 6 months and this situation is being dealt with by commissioning additional nurse training places and offering free training to those nurses who wish to return to practice. The number of nurse training places is currently being reviewed.

Ar 20 Márta 2001 tuairiscíodh go raibh 477 folúntas in iontaobhais SSS. Ba chóir go dtiocfadh laghdú ar an fhigiúr de bharr cleachtaí leanúnacha earcaíochta, tuilleadh foirne cáilithe banaltrachta ag filleadh ar an chleachtas agus tuairim is ar 400 banaltra nuacháilithe ar fáil le dul sa líon saothair i mí Mheán an Fhómhair.

Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil go fóill líon mór post banaltrachta atá gan líonadh le breis agus 6 mhí, agus táthar ag freastal ar an chás trí choimisiúnú áiteanna oiliúna banaltra breise agus trí thairiscint saoroiliúna do na banaltraí sin ar mhaith leo filleadh ar an chleachtas. Tá líon na n-áiteanna oiliúna banaltraí faoi athbhreithniú faoi láthair.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the steps she has taken to promote a strategy of health care for the elderly based on care within the community.

Ms de Brún: The community care programme operated by the HSS Boards and Trusts provides a range of care managed packages in the home and in other community settings designed to maintain the health and well being of the elderly within their own community.

My Department is also involved in a range of initiatives aimed at improving the health and well being of older people. This includes support for over fifty voluntary community and statutory organisations in the Ageing Well Network. The network has initiated projects such as the cross community project in Kilrea, which delivers weekly health information and health promotion activities to older people, and the recruitment of senior health volunteers in the Shankill area to bring health information to older people.

My Department, in association with the voluntary sector, provides support and grant aid to the Keep Warm Keep Well campaign, aimed at providing advice on health issues during the colder weather of winter. The Influenza and Pneumococcal Immunisation Programme was extended to include the 65 to 74 age group in its target population for immunisation. Moreover, each GP is required on a yearly basis to invite each person on his/her list of patients who is 75 or over to participate in a consultation either at the surgery or the service user’s own home to check on the state of their health.

Soláthraíonn an clár cúraim phobail a fheidhmíonn Boird agus Iontaobhais SSS réimse beart cúraim sa teach agus i suímh phobail eile a bhfuil cuspóir aige sláinte agus leas seandaoine istigh ina bpobal féin a chothú.

Tá an Roinn s’agamsa rannpháirteach i réimse tionscnamh fosta a bhfuil cuspóir acu sláinte agus leas seandaoine a fheabhsú. Ina measc tá tacaíocht ó níos mó ná caoga eagraíocht deonacha, pobail agus reachtúla san Ageing Well Network. Chuir an gréasán tús le scéimeanna amhail an scéim thrasphobail i gCill Ria, a thugann eolas agus gníomhaíochtaí tionscanta sláinte do sheandaoine agus a earcaíonn saorálaithe sinsearacha sláinte i gceantar na Seanchille le heolas sláinte a chur ar sheandaoine.

Tugann an Roinn s’agamsa, i gcomhar leis an earnáil dheonach tacaíocht agus deontas-i-gcabhair don fheachtas Keep Warm Keep Well, a bhfuil cuspóir aige comhairle a thabhairt ar cheisteanna sláinte le linn aimsir fhuar an gheimhridh. Leathnaíodh an Clár Imdhíonta Fliú agus Niúmacócaigh leis an aoisghrúpa 65 go 75 a chur san áireamh ina spriocdhaonra d’imdhíonadh. Ina theannta sin, éilítear ar gach gnáthdhochtúir cuireadh a thabhairt ar bhonn bliantúil do gach duine ar a liosta othar atá 75 bliain d’aois nó níos mó páirt a ghlacadh i gcomhairliú ag an lialann nó ag teach an úsáideora sheirbhíse é/í féin le seiceáil ar riocht a sláinte.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline her proposed timetable for establishing a new hospital in the South West.

Ms de Brún: The Acute Hospitals Review Group will report on the future development of hospital services. In advance of that report, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the future provision of acute hospital services in any area.

Tabharfaidh Grúpa Athbhreithnithe na nOspidéal Géarmhíochaine tuairisc ar fhorbairt sheirbhísí ospidéil amach anseo. Sula dtiocfaidh an tuairisc sin, níor chuí tagairt do  sholáthar seirbhísí géarmhíochaine ospidéil i gceantar ar bith.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to give her assessment of hospital waiting times.

Ms de Brún: I refer the Member to my response to AQW 2456/00.

Luaim don Bhall an freagra a thug mé ar AQW 2456/00.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline what progress is being made in improving services to reduce the incidence of cancer and improve cancer survival rates.

Ms de Brún: We are tackling cancer on three fronts, prevention, screening and improving treatment services. We have in place a melanoma strategy, a smoking strategy and an alcohol strategy to advise people of the dangers of over exposure to the sun, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption respectively and a food and nutrition strategy advising on the importance of a healthy diet. We have excellent screening programmes in place to reduce the risk of cervical cancer and to detect breast cancer. In addition cancer services are being improved in line with the Report "Cancer Services – Investing for the Future" and additional resources are being provided to support this. Full implementation of the Report is expected to increase the survival rates for people with cancer by around 10%.

Táimid ag dul i ngleic le hailse ar thrí dhóigh, ag cosc, ag scagadh agus ag feabhsú seirbhísí cóireála. Tá straitéis mheileanóma, chaitheamh tobac agus straitéis alcóil i bhfeidhm againn le comhairle a thabhairt do dhaoine ar na baoil ó ag róchur leis an ghrian, ag caitheamh tobac, agus ó ag ól barraíocht alcóil faoi seach chomh maith le straitéis bhia agus chothaithe ag tabhairt comhairle ar thábhacht aiste bia fholláin. Tá cláir scagtha ar fheabhas i bhfeidhm againn leis an bhaol ó ailse cheirbheacsach a laghdú agus le hailse chíche a fháil amach. Ina theannta sin, tá seirbhísí ailse á bhfeabhsú de réir na Tuairisce "Seirbhísí Ailse – Ag Infheistiú don Todhchaí" agus tá acmhainní breise á soláthar le tacú léi seo. Táthar ag súil go méadóidh cur i bhfeidhm iomlán na Tuairisce na rátaí marthanais do dhaoine le hailse thart faoi 10%.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to give her assessment of the recruitment and retention of consultants.

Ms de Brún: In general, there are no major problems over the recruitment and retention of consultants here. I am aware of difficulties in recruitment of consultants in some specialties and at some sites locally. I am also aware that there are some difficulties in retaining consultants at specific sites. My Department regularly re-assesses medical manpower requirements to address these and other problems.

Níl fadhbanna móra ar bith ann maidir le hearcú agus coinneáil lianna comhairleacha anseo i gcoitinne. Tá na deacrachtaí in earcaíocht lianna comhairleacha i roinnt speisialtachtaí agus ag roinnt láithreán áitiúil ar eolas agam. Tá a fhios agam fosta go bhfuil roinnt deacrachtaí ann ag coinneáil lianna comhairleacha ag láithreáin ar leith. Athmheasann an Roinn s'agamsa líon na n-oibrithe míochaine atá de dhíth go rialta le dul i gceann na bhfadhbanna seo agus fadhbanna eile.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline her plans for increasing the number of hospital beds in the South West region.

Ms de Brún: I refer the Member to the answer I gave on 4 April to Question Number AQW 2412/00.

Luaim don Bhall an freagra a thug mé ar Cheist AQW 2412/00 ar an 4 Aibreán.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail what progress is being made in improving services to reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease.

Ms de Brún: The major risk factors for coronary heart disease include smoking, raised blood pressure, high serum cholesterol levels caused by too much saturated fat in the diet and physical inactivity. Strategies on food and nutrition, physical activity, smoking and alcohol have been developed and are being implemented.

I measc na bpríomhfhachtóirí baoil do ghalar croí corónach tá ag caitheamh tobac, brú fola ard, leibhéil cholaistéaróil shéirim airde ar iad saill sháithithe ró-ard san aiste bia, agus neamhghníomhaíocht fhisiciúil is cúis leo. Forbraíodh straitéisí ar bhia, chothú, ghníomhaíocht fhisiciúil, chaitheamh tobac agus ar alcól agus táthar á gcur i bhfeidhm.

Ms Sue Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of people, by Trust Board area, who have suffered mental breakdowns in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Ms de Brún: The information requested is not available.

Níl an t-eolas a iarradh ar fáil.

Mr Boyd Douglas asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to give her assessment of the progress in establishing the new cardiac angiography service at Altnagelvin Hospital and when she expects this service to be operational.

Ms de Brún: The cardiac angiogram service planned for Altnagelvin Area Hospital should become operational by Autumn this year. Although there was a slight delay in commissioning the necessary equipment, significant progress has now been made in establishing this new service; the equipment has been selected, staff training arrangements are currently underway and suitable accommodation has been identified within the hospital. This development will provide a combined facility, offering both coronary angiography investigations undertaken by Consultant Cardiologists and peripheral angiography services undertaken by Consultant Radiologists. This will improve the angiography services for people in the Western Board area and have a positive effect on waiting times at the Royal Group of Hospitals, where service users from the North-West are currently seen.

Ba chóir don tseirbhís chairdiach angagraim pleanáilte d’Otharlann Ceantair Alt na nGealbhan bheith i bhfeidhm faoin Fhómhar seo. Cé go raibh moill bheag i gcoimisiúnú an trealaimh riachtanaigh, tá dul chun cinn tábhachtach déanta anois i mbunú na seirbhíse nua seo; roghnaíodh an trealamh, tá socruithe oiliúna don fhoireann ag dul ar aghaidh faoi láthair agus aithníodh cóiríocht fhóirsteanach istigh san otharlann. Soláthróidh an fhorbairt seo comháis a chuirfidh idir fhiosruithe corónacha angai-eolaíochta déanta ag cairdeolaithe comhairleacha agus sheirbhísí forimeallacha angai-eolaíochta déanta ag Raideolaithe Comhairleacha ar fáil. Feabhseoidh sí seo na seirbhísí angai-eolaíochta do dhaoine i limistéar Bhord an Iarthair agus beidh éifeacht dhearfach aici ar amanna feithimh ag Otharlanna an Ghrúpa Ríoga, áit a dtéann úsáideoirí seirbhísí ón Iarthuaisceart faoi láthair.

Mr David Ford asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail her bids to the Children's Fund in the current financial year.

Ms de Brún: My Department has lodged seven bids, amounting to £14.6 million, for allocations from the first tranche of the Children’s Fund money. The bids are as follows: