Written Answers to Questions

Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of cattle killed in meat plants in Northern Ireland in the period 5-10 February 2001 and, of these, how many were (a) Northern Ireland produced, giving farms of origin in each case (b) produced outside Northern Ireland, stating each country and (c) farm quality assured.

(AQW 1966/00)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): [holding answer 6 March 2001]: The number of under thirty month cattle killed for human consumption over this period was 9236 of which 8240 were of Northern Ireland origin. The remaining 996 were imported for slaughter and originated as follows: 931 from ROI, 61 from Germany and 4 from GB. Of the total number of 9236 cattle, 7106 were farm quality assured.

I regret that at this time it has been impractical to individually identify the large number of farms of origin of the 8240 Northern Ireland reared cattle.

Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline (a) the membership of the review panel established to assess her Department's links with agricultural colleges and the School of Agriculture and Food Science at The Queen's University, Belfast and (b) the timetable for the review.

(AQW 2461/00)

Ms Rodgers: (a) I have not yet decided on either the chairmanship or membership of the panel.

(b) The original timetable for the review, which I announced on 8 February, was that the panel would commence its work during March 2001 and report by 31 December 2001.

The timetable has been disrupted because of the current outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease, which has prevented me from further consideration of the panel membership. However, I hope to announce the panel membership within a few weeks and to have the report completed around the end of the year.

Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the precautionary measures she has taken along the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in light of Foot and Mouth Disease and to make a statement.

(AQW 2465/00)

Ms Rodgers: Precautionary measures along the border were introduced consistent with the level of disease risk coupled with the need to keep disruption to a minimum.

Disinfectant arrangements involving mats and/or pressure spraying are currently in place on all roads on the Armagh/Louth border. This is to reflect the disease risk arising from the outbreak in Co. Louth.

The RUC has had notable success in intercepting consignments of animals transporting illegally, although it would be inappropriate to comment on operational police matters. The Department's staff are also undertaking surveillance work in the border area. In addition, authorities in the North and the South are co-operating closely on all the precautionary measures in place and these will be kept under review as the disease situation progresses.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to confirm that she has sufficient staff to ensure that adequate control procedures are in place along the border due to the Foot and Mouth outbreak in Co Louth.

(AQW 2487/00)

Ms Rodgers: Control of the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in Co Louth is a matter for the authorities in the ROI. However, I have taken additional precautionary measures along the border, consistent with the level of disease risk, coupled with the need to keep disruption to a minimum. I review the priorities for disease control frequently to make best use of the staff available.

Mr Gerry McHugh asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail what progress has been made by the Steering Group on Cross Boarder Rural Development set up under the North/South Ministerial Council.

(AQW 2511/00)

Ms Rodgers: The Steering Committee for Cross Border Rural Development will be presenting a Progress Report on its Work Programme for the next meeting of NSMC on 8 June 2001.

The Committee has initiated tender action on two Cross Border studies:

1. Education Training and Research Study

2. Co-operation between Cross Border Rural Communities

Advertisements were placed in the local daily newspapers in Northern Ireland and Ireland on 2 March 2001 inviting tenders for two studies. It is anticipated that consultants will be appointed in early May 2001 to undertake these studies.

The studies will be administered and funded jointly by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Northern Ireland and Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Ireland.

Mr Gerry McHugh asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail what progress has been made by the implementation body, Aquaculture and Marine Matters, set up under the North/South Ministerial Council.

(AQW 2512/00)

Ms Rodgers: The Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission has made good progress to date in taking forward its work in the Foyle and Carlingford Areas.

The Loughs Agency of the FCILC continues to develop its operations in the Carlingford Area and has recently opened a public office in Carlingford and recruited a number of field staff to enable it to carry out its fisheries protection role in the Area. The Agency has also recruited a Marine Tourism Officer who will be responsible for developing a marine tourism strategy in the Foyle and Carlingford Areas.

The Agency is currently bringing forward regulations to provide for the introduction of a salmon carcass tagging scheme as a means of conserving and protecting fish stocks in the Foyle and Carlingford Area. It is hoped that it will be in a position to introduce the scheme as soon as possible following the making of the regulations.

The Agency is currently working with independent consultants to establish formal consultation arrangements with interested parties in the Foyle and Carlingford Areas. These arrangements will include the establishment of an advisory forum and focus groups to represent the various interests in the Loughs.

The Agency also continues to take forward work on the Interpretative Centre at its headquarters in Prehen. On completion, this facility will provide the public with an opportunity to learn about the work of the Agency in the Foyle and Carlingford Areas.

My Department and the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources in Dublin, as joint sponsors of the FCILC, continue to progress the legislation that will enhance the functions of the Loughs Agency in line with the North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) (NI) Order 1999 ie in respect of aquaculture licensing. Meantime the Agency is working with interested parties to lay solid foundations to enable it to undertake this role as soon as the relevant powers are obtained.

The functions of the Commissioners of Irish Lights have not yet been transferred to the Lights Agency. The legislative amendments to the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 necessary to effect this transfer have to be made by the UK and Irish Governments.

Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, pursuant to the "Financial Summary to 25 May 2000" presented to the Castlederg Area Based Strategy Group, to detail (a) a breakdown of the miscellaneous expenditure figure of £20,000 (b) the criteria adopted relating to the distribution of this amount and (c) whether appropriate accounting procedures were adopted in this case.

(AQW 2522/00)

Ms Rodgers: (a)The expenditure figure of £20,000 comprises of two awards of funding as follows:-

£10,000 towards fixtures and fittings and environmental works at Garvagh Community Hall, promoted by Garvagh and District Community Association.

£10,000 towards the purchase of computer equipment for an IT suite, promoted by MourneDerg Partnership.

(b) Both of these projects were subjected to the normal application process for funding through the Rural Development Programme. Formal applications are in place for each project, and funding has been awarded subject to the terms and conditions applicable to all projects supported through the Area Based Strategy. Drawdown of funding was contingent on the meeting of usual programme requirements and the provision of appropriate supporting documentation. Additionally, the Strategy has been subjected to the Department's internal financial review procedures. In due course, these projects will be subject to evaluation against pre-determined criteria to assess effectiveness both in their own right and as contributors to the performance of the Area Based Strategy as a whole.

(c)The Department made these funding commitments as part of the Castlederg Area Based Strategy initiative, one of nine developed by the Department and aimed at targeting resources at the needs of the most disadvantaged areas in Northern Ireland.

The funding commitments outlined above were made at the outset of the Castlederg Area Based Strategy and were aimed at providing a visible example of the type of project, which could be supported by the initiative. The objectives of these projects were entirely consistent with those of the overall Strategy, were delivered within the procedures agreed for area based strategies and the projects themselves have proved to be successful.

Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her policy on the payment of compensation to those businesses which are "countryside dependant" and therefore suffering because of current Foot-and-Mouth restrictions.

(AQW 2547/00)

Ms Rodgers: The payment of compensation resulting from the foot-and-mouth outbreak is limited to those who have had livestock slaughtered or feedingstuffs seized because they have been, or are suspected as having been, exposed to the FMD virus. The Government's current position is that there is no provision or precedent for consequential compensation.

The Executive is closely monitoring developments in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, including the handling of financial issues. An inter-Departmental group has been established to examine the economic impact of FMD in Northern Ireland. It is considering what practical measures might be feasible and appropriate to support those sectors affected by the crisis, taking local circumstances into account.

Mr Gerry McHugh asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to confirm the scientific basis for the use of exclusion zones as an effective means of containing foot-and-mouth disease given the rapid spread of the disease across Great Britain and to identify what lessons can be learnt from this and applied locally.

(AQW 2561/00)

Ms Rodgers: Foot and Mouth Disease is very contagious and is spread by animal contact and windborne spread. Exclusion zones act in a similar manner to a firebreak when fighting forest fires and spread is effectively halted as there is then no further means of transmission.

It has proved unnecessary to consider exclusion zones in Northern Ireland at this time as the weight of infection is low. The recent cull of almost 10,000 sheep in south Armagh took place as the animals may have been exposed to the Foot and Mouth Disease virus.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) all discussions she has had with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food relating to the fishing vessels 'tie-up' scheme (b) the dates and times of the discussions and (c) what action is to be taken as a result of these discussions.

(AQW 2568/00)

Ms Rodgers: I have not met with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food specifically to discuss 'tie-up' schemes. I did however have a meeting on 14 June 2000 with Mr Morley to share positions on a range of sea fisheries policy issues including plans to support the industry through the Structural Funds. I also met with Mr Morley in the run up to and during the Fisheries Council in December 2000. My officials have also met with their GB counterparts on several occasions to discuss such issues as tie-up schemes, decommissioning of fishing vessels, and means of restoring the 10% cut in this year's nephrops TAC quotas. I am kept fully briefed by my officials on these discussions.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to specify (a) who will be eligible for financial assistance in view of the foot-and-mouth outbreak (b) which businesses will qualify as being directly dependent on agriculture and (c) if livestock markets will be counted as such.

(AQW 2579/00)

Ms Rodgers: Financial assistance resulting from the foot and Mouth outbreak is limited to those who have had livestock slaughtered or feedingstuffs seized because they have been, or are suspected as having been, exposed to the FMD virus. The Government's current position is that there is no provision or precedent for financial assistance or consequential compensation.

The Executive is closely monitoring developments in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, including the handling of financial issues. An inter-Departmental group has been established to examine the economic impact of FMD in Northern Ireland. It is considering what practical measures might be feasible and appropriate to support those sectors affected by the crisis, taking local circumstances into account.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to confirm when the controls will be lifted on the disposal of rumen contents which are presently confined to disposal at landfill sites at considerable cost to the industry.

(AQW 2592/00)

Ms Rodgers: Following the recent outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in Northern Ireland, for disease control purposes, Northern Ireland was declared a "controlled area" on 1st March 2001. At that time controls on disposal of rumen contents, and other refuse from slaughterhouses, were introduced and these are likely to remain in place until the continuing threat of Foot and Mouth Disease has dissipated.

Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail his plans to promote Ulster Scots culture overseas.

(AQW 2468/00)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): The Boord O Ulster Scots is charged with promoting greater awareness and use of Ullans and of Ulster-Scots cultural issues. In January 2001 Tha Boord produced its Corporate Plan which outlines its strategy for promoting the Ulster-Scots language and culture over the period 2001/2 - 2003/4.

On 3 January 2001 an Institute of Ulster-Scots Studies was set up at the Magee campus of the University of Ulster, funded jointly by the Tha Boord o Ulster Scotch and the University. One of the objectives of the new Institute is to promote understanding and awareness of the Ulster-Scots identity within and beyond Northern Ireland.

On 5 April 2001 I attended a reception in Washington DC to celebrate the launch of the Institute of Ulster-Scots Studies Worldwide Academic Network. The network was established to connect international researchers working on issues relevant to understanding the historical, political, and cultural impact of the Ulster Scots people within various regions worldwide. The Institute has established working arrangements with universities in Scotland, Canada, USA and Australia. The launch event was organised by Tha Boord o Ulster Scots and hosted by Congressman Rick Boucher.

Officials from my Department have established links with related centres of expertise in Scotland and elsewhere and will continue to build on those as appropriate.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the steps he is taking to encourage groups for the disabled to apply for funding in respect of sporting activities.

(AQW 2485/00)

Mr McGimpsey: Responsibility for the distribution of funding for sport lies with the Sports Council for Northern Ireland. With respect to Exchequer funding, the Sports Council, earlier this year, developed an equality programme in their governing body programme which will only fund bids which specifically target under-represented groups. People with a disability are the most obvious groups who will benefit from this fund as all Council Exchequer programmes would have the needs of people with a disability as a core theme.

Furthermore, at its last Council meeting the Sports Council agreed a new procedure regarding the solicitation of applications in line with amendments to the Lottery Directives. Under the new procedure the Sports Council encourages applications from disadvantaged sectors, such as the disabled. The Council Lottery Fund also goes to considerable lengths to ensure that applications to its Capital programmes from under-represented groups attract a higher score and have the opportunity to achieve an enhanced percentage of funding.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the amount of lottery funding allocated by his Department in respect of each constituency in each of the following financial years 1998/1999, 1999/2000 and 2000/2001 to date.

(AQW 2486/00)

Mr McGimpsey: At the outset, I should explain that my Department does not allocate lottery funding. The National Lottery etc Act 1993, as amended by the National Lottery Act 1998, provides that the net proceeds of the lottery shall be distributed by the Arts and Sports Councils across the UK, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Community Fund (previously known as the National Lottery Charities Board), the Millennium Commission and the New Opportunities Fund.

This Department has responsibility for the Arts and Sports Councils in Northern Ireland. The Distributing Bodies are not required to collect data by Constituency although some do. It should be noted however that the Constituencies are derived from the applicants postcodes and therefore could present a misleading picture of the actual beneficiaries of lottery awards.

The information which you requested is available for the Arts Council and is as follows, but again I must emphasise that the constituency is derived from the applicant's postal code.

				1998/99		1999/00	2000/01
				£		£	£
East Antrim				0		51,197	0
North Antrim				224,809		30,860	0
South Antrim				22,050		5,735	14,062
East Belfast				18,132		240,902	0
North Belfast				96,666		161,860	110,584
South Belfast				634,205		494,336	396,475
West Belfast				495,151		119,753	223,684
North Down				54,049		8,328	9,981
South Down				23,825		2,962	15,300
Fermanagh/South Tyrone				361,462		58,248	0
Foyle					101,462	227,392	5,625
Lagan Valley				1,306,477		0	0
Londonderry East				123,413		35,064	630
Newry & Armagh				12,528		58,470	15,266
Strangford					22,890	44,661	0
West Tyrone				4,033,180		42,450	0
Ulster Mid					13,504	59,169	0
Upper Bann					199,371	3,964	0

In relation to the Sports Council, the information requested is not available in the form requested and I would refer you to my answer to written Assembly Question No 2198.

You may wish to contact the other distributing bodies in Northern Ireland, ie the New

Opportunities Fund, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Community Fund and the Millennium Commission to obtain the required information.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the steps he is taking to (a) reduce sectarianism in Gaelic sports and (b) lobby the Gaelic Athletic Association to repeal Rule 21.

(AQW 2501/00)

Mr McGimpsey: My views on sectarianism in sport are widely known. As recently as 20 March, in response to an Oral question by Patricia Lewsley I pointed out that sectarianism is an obscenity throughout all society and not simply a matter for sport. Unfortunately sport reflects the society in which it is played. I am acutely aware of the problems of sectarianism in sport in Northern Ireland and am committed to seeing this problem eradicated so that people from all traditions can enjoy a diverse range of sporting activity. However, the ultimate responsibility for its elimination rests with the community as a whole and the Governing Bodies of sport.

My views on Rule 21, which bans members of the security forces from the Gaelic Athletic Association, are also widely known. A decision to amend Rule 21 is a matter entirely for the GAA and I know that the Association has been reviewing its policy in recent times. I would regard the deletion of Rule 21 as a welcome step forward as there can be no justification for excluding any section of the population from any sport. The GAA is well aware of my views on this matter. You will recall that on 20 March in response to your supplementary question on this matter, I pointed out that I find Rule 21 offensive and as the process we are in develops I expect that Rule 21 will be dealt with to the satisfaction of everybody in the House.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the steps he is taking to secure an increase in lottery funding for sport in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 2502/00)

Mr McGimpsey: The National Lottery etc Act 1993 as amended provides for 2.6% of the 16.6% overall allocation for sport to be distributed in Northern Ireland. The basis of the allocation is home population adjusted by the Northern Ireland contribution to the UK Sports Council. The Sports Council of Northern Ireland receives about £6.5m annually.

The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in conjunction with the Scottish and Welsh Offices are currently working on proposals, which could lead to a review of percentage Lottery shares for Arts and Sports.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the steps he is taking to source lottery funding for city and rural areas similar to that distributed in Great Britain.

(AQW 2504/00)

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). Northern Ireland receives a share of the net proceeds of the Lottery which are distributed by the Arts and Sports Councils, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Community Fund, the Millennium Commission and the New Opportunities Fund, in accordance with Policy Directions issued to each body. The Directions define how the distributing bodies will distribute lottery proceeds. Government does not interfere with individual lottery applications and it is a matter for the distributing bodies to take account of the needs of city and rural areas in reaching decisions.

You may be aware that the New Opportunities Fund is about to launch a new initiative under the heading of Transforming Communities which aims to enhance the quality of life of local communities by improving the appearance and amenities of specific local environments in urban and rural areas.

Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail what progress has been made by the Implementation Body on Language set up under the North/South Ministerial Council.

(AQW 2513/00)

Mr McGimpsey: Considerable progress has been made by the North/South Language Body since its inception. The North/South Ministerial Council approved Tha Boord o Ulster Scotch draft corporate plan for 2001/2 to 2003/4. The plan supported four major themes: supporting Ulster-Scots as a living language and promoting its use and development; acting as a key contribution to the development of Ulster Scots culture; establishing partnerships with the education and community sectors to promote the study of the Ulster-Scots language, culture and history; and developing the public's understanding of the Ulster-Scots language and culture. Specific areas of work included an Ulster-Scots dictionary. In January this year the first Institute of Ulster-Scots Studies was launched by Tha Boord in conjunction with the University of Ulster based at Magee College campus. In April the Institute announced in Washington its plan for a worldwide academic network to foster awareness and promote knowledge of the Ulster Scots contribution to the development of specific communities and nations. There are plans for a regional office in Donegal.

The draft Corporate Plan for Foras na Gaeilge will be considered at the next meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council in language sectoral format. The plans of the two agencies will together form part of the plan for the Body as a whole.

Under its approved programme of activities for 2001 Foras na Gaeilge has made provision to allocate more than IR£7million to Irish language organisations and projects. These include funding of an estimated IR£750,000 for a new pre-school organisation and an estimated £400,000 for Irish language newspapers and journals, projects and partnerships run by the Foras, including book publishing and distribution; and administration and personnel. This will also include an increase in staff numbers from 40 to 65 and the establishment of an office in Belfast.

Foras na Gaeilge is undertaking the production of a new English/Irish dictionary which would supersede that edited by Tomás De Bhaldraithe in 1959. It has also drawn up a three-year action plan to ensure that there is an adequate provision of Irish language textbooks and resources for primary and post-primary and colleges. The material will be made available in printed and electronic formats.

Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail what progress has been made by the Implementation body, Waterways Ireland, set up under the North/South Ministerial Council.

(AQW 2514/00)

Mr McGimpsey: I made a detailed report to the Assembly on 12 February 2001, following the last meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council in Inland Waterways Sectoral Format which took place in Scarriff, Co Clare on 29 January 2001.

The next meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council is scheduled to take place before the Summer although no date has yet been confirmed. A further statement will be made to the Assembly following that meeting.

You may also wish to note that the annual reports and accounts for the Cross-border Implementation Bodies require to be laid before the Assembly before the Summer recess.

These will provide further information on the work of the bodies.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail what representations he has received regarding the cancellation of sporting events due to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.

(AQW 2587/00)

Mr McGimpsey: Most sporting organisations have responded extremely positively over the past few weeks to the Foot and Mouth outbreak by voluntarily cancelling or postponing matches and competitions etc in line with the Northern Ireland Executive guidelines. Restrictions on sport due to Foot and Mouth have recently been relaxed in Northern Ireland and soccer, rugby and other activities are now beginning to get back to normal. Consequently, I have received very little by way of formal representations regarding the cancellation of sporting events because of Foot and Mouth disease.

The only representation to date that I have personally received was from the Irish Football Association (IFA). This was in relation to the impact of the Foot and Mouth restrictions on the IFA's junior soccer programme and I am presently responding to a request from them to encourage local councils to facilitate the completion of fixtures that had been postponed in response to the outbreak.

I can also confirm that my officials and I held discussions with the organisers of this year's Northwest 200, they also met with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, about the position of that event. As you are no doubt already aware, the organisers of the Northwest 200 have since decided to cancel this year's competition.

Apart from these, my Department has been receiving informal inquiries from various sports groups and enthusiasts mainly concerning access to the countryside and to country and forest parks for sporting and leisure purposes. Amongst those who have been in contact with the Department are the Northern Ireland Sports Forum and some commercial organisers of outdoor pursuit activities. In all cases the Department has referred inquirers to the latest guidelines on Foot and Mouth disease issued by the Northern Ireland Executive.

Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline (a) his plans for the future development of the Events Company and (b) his policy for events organised on an all Ireland basis.

(AQW 2609/00)

Mr McGimpsey: Following an independent evaluation of the first three years work of the Northern Ireland Events Company, and having considered proposals put to me by the Board of the Company, I have agreed that it should continue beyond the initial five years for which it was originally established. The Company is accordingly in the process of being re-constituted, appointing staff, and refining its future strategy by consulting with other interested bodies such as the Arts Council, Sports Council and Tourist Board.

Each application for funding to the Company is assessed on its merit and on the measurable benefits that it creates for Northern Ireland. To date, only one application has been received for an event organised on an all Ireland basis and the Events Company have offered to provide funding for the stages of the event that are to be held in Northern Ireland. The event organisers are seeking a similar commitment from the relevant organisations in Dublin.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail, in relation to alleged bullying at Down Academy, Downpatrick, (a) the number of incidents reported (b) any recommendations of the Educational Welfare Officer for the South Eastern Education and Library Board and (c) the subsequent action taken by Down Academy.

(AQW 2460/00)

The Minister of Education (Mr McGuinness): The information requested is not available. As I indicated in the Written Answers Booklet for Tuesday 6 February 2001, data on incidents of alleged bullying are not collected by my Department, nor by the Education and Library Boards, nor is information collected about recommendations made to individual schools about specific incidents or action taken as a result. Advice provided to schools by Board officers about countering bullying will be in line with current guidance from the Department and from the Board itself and it is a matter for schools to determine whether and how they will act on this advice. It is, however, my intention to take an early legislative opportunity to provide that all schools must have a whole-school anti-bullying policy and act upon it.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Education to list those vocational subjects taught at General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) level.

(AQW 2469/00)

Mr McGuinness: Vocational subjects are not separately classified, but the following subjects of a vocational nature are available at GCSE level:-

• Accounting
• Agriculture and Horticulture
• Business Studies
• Catering
• Electronics
• Law
• Office Applications

In addition the following GNVQ Part 1 courses ( equivalent to 2 GCSEs) are also approved for pupils at Key Stage 4:-

• Art and Design
• Business
• Engineering
• Health and Social Care
• Information Technology
• Leisure and Tourism
• Manufacturing

Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Education to detail, in respect of schools in the constituency of West Tyrone, (a) those schools awaiting high priority maintenance work and (b) dates for commencement of such works.

(AQW 2494/00)

Mr McGuinness: Responsibility for maintenance work in controlled and maintained schools in the constituency rests with the Western Education and Library Board. I understand from the Board that it plans to commence the high priority work at the following schools this summer:

Ms Eileen Bell asked the Minister of Education to give his assessment of the current literacy and numeracy projects and to outline his policy in relation to their future expansion.

(AQW 2505/00)

Mr McGuinness: The wide range of initiatives in the Strategy for the Promotion of Literacy and Numeracy are contributing to improved standards, especially in primary schools. More needs to be done, particularly in post-primary schools, and my officials, in consultation with the Boards and CCMS, are currently reviewing how the strategy can be strengthened and further developed. The Executive Programme Fund is providing an additional £6.3m over the next three years to support Reading Recovery in primary schools.

Mr Billy Hutchinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the arrangements for consultation in relation to the Review of local management of schools and to make a statement.

(AQW 2531/00)

Mr McGuinness: The Consultation Document was published on 5 April 2001 and copies distributed to all schools and to a range of other organisations with an interest in education. Copies will also be provided to any individual or organisation on request. The document is available on the Department's website and copies of the full document will be available in Irish and also in large print and audio cassette on request.

A standard response form has issued with each document. Two Briefing conferences have been arranged in each Board area for school Principals and Chairs of Boards of Governors in order to explain the common formula and provide clarification on the proposals in the consultation document.

The consultation period will last for 3 months until 29^th June.

Mr Billy Hutchinson asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) the amount of money he has accessed from the anti-drug strategy and (b) how this money was spent.

(AQW 2532/00)

Mr McGuinness: Under the Northern Ireland Drug Strategy, approximately £800,000 was allocated to the education sector in March 2000 to enable provision in schools and the Youth Service to be strengthened. Each of the 5 Education and Library Boards has appointed two full-time officers to address the development of drug education programmes. Training will be provided for teachers, youth leaders, parents and governors in the preparation of drugs policies in the different settings, to enable them to deliver drug education programmes effectively and to deal with drug related issues as they arise. The North Eastern Board is also offering an education and support awareness programme aimed specifically at parents of teenagers.

Mr John Tierney asked the Minister of Education if there is parity of salary between teachers working as Home Tutors in Northern Ireland and their counterparts in England and Wales.

(AQW 2539/00)

Mr McGuinness: There is no nationally agreed system for payment of home tutors in England and Wales, each Local Education Authority being free to decide its own method. Traditionally home tutors here have been paid the same fixed hourly rates of salary as part-time teachers. This continues to be the case since most home tutors are employed on a casual basis when Education and Library Boards become aware of children unable to attend school because of illness etc. In view of the greater flexibility now allowed with the payment of part-time teachers, I will ask my Department to consult Boards about similar flexibility for home tutors.

Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister of Education to detail his policy in relation to the introduction of Performance Related Pay for teachers in grant-aided schools.

(AQW 2551/00)

Mr McGuinness: The introduction of performance management arrangements for teachers is not performance related pay. Performance management facilitates continuing professional development and school improvement through regular feedback between teachers and their senior managers. The focus of performance management is therefore the professional development of all teachers throughout their careers and school improvement.

Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister of Education to detail the annual funding over the next three years to meet the costs of (a) the Regional Manager and Deputy Regional Manager posts (b) proposed employment of external threshold assessors and external advisers and (c) training and administrative arrangements associated with this process.

(AQW 2552/00)

Mr McGuinness: The costs in the first year will be the salaries of the Regional and Deputy Regional Manager posts, which will be in the range £42,902-£56,282 and £37,272-£39,783 per annum respectively. The posts have been advertised on the basis of a 2-year contract with the possibility of extension for a further year. The number of external assessors will depend on the total number of applications, which is not available at this point. However, assuming a high application rate it is estimated that this work will take about 1,950 days at £240 per day inclusive of travelling and subsistence, which is £468,000. Consideration is being given to the number and fee rates of the external advisers and to the grading of a small administrative support section of 2 staff. The costs of training the external assessors and all principals, including materials will be about £256,000.

In the second and third years, the number of teachers eligible for threshold assessment will fall to about 5% of the peak year with only some residual training required for new principals, so the costs will fall substantially. They will be the salaries of the Regional and Deputy Manager posts, the administrative support overheads, about £23,500 for the part-time external assessors' fees and the costs of external advisers.

Mrs Annie Courtney asked the Minister of Education to detail when approval will be given for the construction of the Community Nursery School in Eglinton in the Derry City Council area.

(AQW 2555/00)

Mr McGuinness: The Pre-school Education Advisory Group in the Western Education and Library Board has proposed, as part of its Development Plan, the provision of a pre-school facility in the Eglinton area, to be opened in September 2003. The Plan is subject to approval by my Department, and I envisage that approval in principle will be given shortly. The specific project is, however, subject to the statutory development proposal procedures. A development proposal has been published by the Western Education and Library Board for a new statutory nursery unit at Eglinton Primary School and this is currently under consideration by the Department.

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Education to list the number of school days lost, since 1 January 2001, at each of the Primary Schools in the Newry and Mourne and Banbridge District Council areas, due to impassable roads or electricity breakdowns.

(AQW 2571/00)

Mr McGuinness: The occasions on which exceptional closure has been granted by the Department for these reasons between 1 January and 13 April 2001 are as follows:

Cortamlet Primary School 1 day

Kilkeel Primary School 4 days

Annalong Primary School 3 days

Brackenagh West Primary School 4 days

Anamar Primary School 1 day

Killean Primary School 4 days

St Joseph's Primary School, Killeavy 2 days

St Joseph's Convent Primary School, Newry 2 days

Convent of Mercy Primary School, Rostrevor 2 days

St Colman's Abbey Primary School, Newry 1 day

Carrick Primary School 2 days

Holy Cross Primary School, Lisnacree 4 days

St Mary's Primary School, Jerrettspass 3 days

St Patrick's Primary School, Mayobridge 2 days

St Mary's Primary School, Annalong 2 days

St Joseph's Primary School, Bessbrook 3 days

St Malachy's Primary School, Carnagat 1 day

Dromore Central Primary School 1 day

Abercorn Primary School 1 day

Iveagh Primary School 4 days

Ballydown Primary School 2 days

Milltown Primary School 1 day

Loughbrickland Primary School 1 day

Scarva Primary School 1 day

Edenderry Primary School 1 day

Fairhill Primary School 4 days

Bronte Primary School 3 days

Drumadonnal Primary School 3 days

All Saint's Primary School 4 days

Bridge Integrated Primary School 1 day

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education to confirm if speech therapy is provided, on a full time basis, at the Mitchell House and Fleming Fulton Special Schools under Part II of the Education (NI) Order 1996.

(AQW 2639/00)

Mr McGuinness: The provision of speech therapy is a matter for the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister of Education to detail the steps (a) already taken and (b) to be taken, this year to make arrangements for ensuring, and assessing, public access to information and to services provided by the authority as required by Schedule 9 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

(AQW 2659/00)

Mr McGuinness: Section 8 of the Department's Equality Scheme sets out the commitment to the provision of information through effective communication within the public.

In addition my Department has given a further commitment to reassess its arrangements for providing information other than in standard form. This will be done during the first year following approval of the Scheme.

My Department will publicise widely the new revised arrangements.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education to outline his plans to introduce legislation to address the problem of bullying in schools.

(AQO 1273/00)

Mr McGuinness: Every school is required to have a written discipline policy which must promote self-discipline among pupils, good behaviour and respect for others. Bullying behaviour, as unacceptable behaviour, should be addressed by schools at the very least as part of their existing discipline policies. Many schools on a voluntary basis have developed a separate anti-bullying policy. I intend to strengthen this position by taking the next legislative opportunity to make it a mandatory requirement upon every school to have an anti-bullying policy in place and to implement it.

Ms Michelle Gildernew asked the Minister of Education to report on the work carried out by the North/South Pupil Attendance/Retention Joint Working Group and indicate how it might impact on his Department's New Targeting Social Need Target DE5.

(AQO 1285/00)

Mr McGuinness: I am unable to provide specific details of the work completed so far by the North/South Pupil Attendance/Retention Joint Working Group as I am bound by the procedures of the Assembly and of the Ministerial Code which require me first to report back progress to the Executive and then by way of a Statement to this Assembly after the next sectoral meeting takes place.

I would stress that I want to hold an education sectoral meeting as soon as possible to enable the Working Groups to report back formally to the sectoral Council and so that decisions can be taken to avoid any further delay in progressing the very important issues which they have been considering.

Until the Working Group reports, it is not possible to indicate the extent to which its recommendations may contribute to the New Targeting Social Need Target D5.

Mr Jim Wilson asked the Minister of Education to confirm that there is an established method of carrying out equality impact assessments within his Department and that staff have received guidance and training on this subject.

(AQO 1271/00)

Mr McGuinness: The procedure for conducting Equality Impact Assessments is set out in the Equality Commissions Guide to the Statutory Duties.

My Department, in its Equality Scheme has stated that it will conduct its Equality Impact Assessments in accordance with this guidance and any further guidance that may be developed by the Equality Commission.

All staff within my Department have received a copy of the Equality Scheme. Middle and senior managers within the Department have also received initial equality training. Officials are currently drawing up a detailed training plan which will include more focused training for those involved in the Equality Impact Assessment of policies.

Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister of Education to explain the cause of the delay in proceeding with the consultation process on a Common Local Management of Schools (LMS) funding formula and if he will extend the consultation period to ensure adequate time for responses to be made.

(AQO 1272/00)

Mr McGuinness: I do not consider that there was any undue delay in publishing the LMS consultation document. Sufficient time was needed to allow for prior consultation with the Assembly Education Committee in January and I am grateful for the suggestions made by members, many of which were incorporated into the final document.

The Consultation Document was published on 5 April 2001 and, as requested by the Education Committee, consultation will last for 3 months until 29^th June. This deadline is dictated by the school summer break and the need to take final decisions in the Autumn to ensure that the necessary operational arrangements can be put in place for implementation by April 2002.

Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of Education, in the light of the publication of the Department of Education's New Targeting Social Need Action Plan, to detail how the work of the North/South Educational Underachievement Working Group will be used to assist in implementing the Action Plan.

(AQO 1307/00)

Mr McGuinness: Until the Working Group reports formally back to the sectoral meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council, it is not possible to indicate the extent to which its recommendations may contribute to the New Targeting Social Need Target Action Plan.

The last education sectoral meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council took place on 3 July 2000. At that time none of the Working Groups, including the Special Education Working Group, had reported back to the Council. I reported this position when I made my Statement to the Assembly on 11 September 2000. A further education sectoral meeting of the Council was planned for late November last but this did not take place and thus no formal reports of the Working Group has yet been made.

I would stress that I want to hold an education sectoral meeting as soon as possible to enable the Working Groups can report back and so that decisions can be taken to avoid any further delay in progressing the very important issues which they have been considering.

Mr Pat McNamee asked the Minister of Education to report on the progress made in implementing the recommendations made by the North/South Educational Underachievement Groups.

(AQO 1282/00)

Mr McGuinness: The last education sectoral meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council took place on 3 July 2000. At that time none of the Working Groups, including the Educational Underachievement Working Group, had reported back to the Council. I reported this position when I made my Statement to the Assembly on 11 September 2000. A further education sectoral meeting of the Council was planned for late November last but this did not take place and thus no formal reports of the Working Group has yet been made. Therefore, no progress has been possible in this important area.

I would stress that I want to hold an education sectoral meeting of the Council as soon as possible to enable the Working Groups to report back formally and so that decisions can be taken to avoid any further delay in progressing the very important issues which they have been considering.

Mr Edwin Poots asked the Minister of Education if he intends to raise the funding for primary schools given the increase in the curricular programme in that sector.

(AQO 1300/00)

Mr McGuinness: There has been no increase to the curriculum requirements in the primary sector. Since its introduction in 1992, the statutory curriculum for the primary sector has been reviewed and reduced and there is the possibility of further reduction in the level of prescription as a result of the Curriculum Review.

The Consultation Document on the LMS Common Formula, which I launched earlier this month, discussed the balance of funding between the nursery, primary and post-primary school phases and contains proposals to give primary schools a fairer share of available resources.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education to confirm the amount allocated by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to education in Northern Ireland in each of the last four financial years.

(AQO 1270/00)

Mr McGuinness: The Chancellor of the Exchequer does not make allocations to education in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland share of increases on comparable GB or English programmes is not hypothecated and it is a matter for the Northern Ireland administration to decide on the allocation to particular Northern Ireland services. For details of such allocations to education following announcements by the Chancellor of the Exchequer I refer the Member to my answer of 2 April (AQW 2383/2000).

Mr John Kelly asked the Minister of Education if the North/South Special Education Co-ordination Group has discussed mutual accreditation of personnel for the purpose of assessing Special Educational Needs and to make a statement.

(AQO 1284/00)

Mr McGuinness: The mutual accreditation of personnel for the purpose of assessing Special Educational Needs is not included within the work programme of the North South Ministerial Council Special Education Working Group.

The requirements for appointment as an educational psychologist in Northern Ireland are as follows:- an honours degree in Psychology; a recognised teaching qualification; at least two years qualified teaching experience; and an approved postgraduate training qualification in Educational Psychology. The postgraduate training qualification must be obtained on a course validated by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Only one postgraduate training course exists in the South, and so far this course has not obtained BPS accreditation; holders of that qualification would not therefore be eligible to practice here. I understand, however, that many educational psychologists in the Republic do hold a BPS validated qualification and, provided that they met the other requirements, they would be eligible for employment locally. Educational Psychologists trained at Queen's University are qualified for appointment in the South.

Mr Kieran McCarthy asked the Minister of Education if he has any plans to introduce guidance for teachers on indemnity when dealing with children's health, similar to that provided in the rest of the United Kingdom.

(AQO 1264/00)

Mr McGuinness: During 2001/02 my Department intends to review the administrative arrangements relating to the medical needs of pupils in schools. This review will involve consideration of the issue of appropriate guidance to employing authorities and schools, similar to that produced by the Department for Education and Employment for use in England and Wales.

Ms Eileen Bell asked the Minister of Education to give his assessment on the effectiveness of the current statementing process for children with special educational needs.

(AQO 1256/00)

Mr McGuinness: The current system of assessment and statementing of children's special educational needs was first introduced in 1986 and was slightly modified in 1996 and 1998 with the introduction of new special education legislation and the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs. Based on the relatively low number of appeals to the Special Educational Needs Tribunal, I have no reason to believe that there are any problems with the statementing process.

However, although consultation exercises on the new legislation and Code were carried out at the time of their introduction, the views of parents on the assessment and statementing process have never been sought and I intend to rectify this. My Department will be commissioning a research project in the near future which will seek parents' views on the effectiveness of the process.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he intends to provide financial assistance to those in the tourist industry most affected by the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease similar to that introduced in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

(AQW 2484/00)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): The impact of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) on the tourism sector is widely acknowledged. Economic consequences are factored into risk analyses constantly reviewed by the Executive Group chaired by Brid Rodgers. I understand that OFMDFM are researching the position on proposed financial compensation for victims of the FMD outbreak in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. My Department will be co-operating fully in this research along with other Departments, with a view to contributing to further advice to the Executive Committee on this important issue.

Dr Dara O'Hagan asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail what progress has been made by the Tourism Working Group set up under the North/South Ministerial Council.

(AQW 2510/00)

Sir Reg Empey: The new tourism company has been registered as "Tourism Ireland Ltd". Its Board has been appointed by the North/South Ministerial Council and has met on three occasions to take forward the setting up of the company including the arrangements for offices in Dublin and Coleraine, staffing needs, the recruitment of a Chief Executive and future marketing initiatives.

Dr Dara O'Hagan asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail what progress has been made by the Implementation body, Intertrade Ireland, set up under the North/South Ministerial Council.

(AQW 2515/00)

Sir Reg Empey: As I reported to the Assembly on 26 February 2001 in my Statement and subsequent debate, InterTradeIreland is up and running with its headquarters in Newry. It has undertaken already a number of activities to promote cross-border trade and business development throughout the island of Ireland. Examples include a major e-commerce event `Building Your E-Business' held in June 2000 which has led to a number of projects being hosted and four Road Show events held in November 2000 attracting over 1500 business people.

Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of the Environment whether he will introduce guidelines for planning applications in order to reduce adverse development of small villages.

(AQW 2463/00)

The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): I have no plans to introduce such guidelines.

Supplementary guidance on the location of new development is provided by the relevant Area Plan. For small villages, Area Plans indicate a limit of development and local planning policies. Development limits for small villages in new plans will take account of the guidance provided by the emerging Regional Development Strategy.

In assessing development proposals Planning Service also takes account of operational planning policies for specific land uses as set out in Planning Policy Statements and 'The Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland'. Supplementary planning guidance provided by various Development Control Advice Notes, (DCANs) for specific land uses is also a relevant material consideration.

Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (a) the guidelines used when planning permission is sought for making alterations to licensed premises (b) what form of environmental impact assessment is carried out on the licensed premise (c) what guidance he takes from an approved Area Plan when granting planning permission for alterations to licensed premises; and whether the Planning Office take into account representation by the Local Council when processing a planning application.

(AQW 2464/00)

Mr Foster: Development Control Advice Note No 7 - Public Houses provides guidance on the planning criteria applied when applications for this type of development are being considered. A copy of this document is attached.

The Environmental Assessment Regulations are designed to indicate the impact of major developments. Alterations to Licensed Premises do not normally fall within the scope of these regulations. Planning Service assesses the effect of proposals on local amenity through the planning application process. Consultation is undertaken with relevant public bodies as required. In particular, such applications are usually referred to the Environmental Health Department of the District Council for advice and comments.

Area Plans do not specifically address detailed operational matters such as alterations to Licensed Premises which are more appropriately dealt with through the issue of specific planning guidance.

The Planning Service takes account of all representations made in relation to planning applications. Its procedures allow Councils to request deferral of consideration for site or office meetings in order to allow further representations on applications to be made. All matters raised are given very careful consideration before the Council is reconsulted. Further consultation with statutory consultees on specific matters raised is undertaken where necessary.

Development Control Advice Note 7
Public Houses

The purpose of this Advice Note is to give general guidance to intending developers, their professional advisors and agents. It is designed to provide advice on the planning criteria to be applied when an application for this form of development is being considered. It should be stressed that the note is not a specific statement of Departmental policy but rather one of advice and guidance. Each application or appeal is treated on its merits and the application of the guidance given to a particular case is always a matter calling for judgement. Any legal views stated in this note have no statutory force and should not be relied upon as an authoritative interpretation of the law. A list of other current notes in this series can be obtained from Divisional Planning Offices or from Planning Service Headquarters

Mr Mitchel McLaughlin asked the Minister of the Environment to detail what progress has been made by the Environment Working Group set up under the North/South Ministerial Council.

(AQW 2517/00)

Mr Foster: The Environment sectoral group of the Council has met on three occasions, the most recent being at Belle Isle in County Fermanagh on 23 February.

These meetings have been developing and implementing a work programme to address the seven environmental areas for enhanced co-operation mandated by the inaugural plenary meeting of the Council on 13 December 2000.

I am required by the Northern Ireland Act 1998 to make a statement to the Assembly following each meeting. I last reported on the work of the Environment sectoral group on 12 March 2001. The Assembly Official Report for that date contains a transcript of my statement. This remains the most up to date report of progress in taking forward the North/South Ministerial Council work programme of environmental co-operation.

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to a determination of the Planning Service issued on 21 February 2001 (P/2001/0056), to explain why a telecommunications mast is being constructed at Corgary, Newry.

(AQW 2546/00)

Mr Foster: This is a very complex case. The background to it is that the developers have implemented a prior approval issued by the Planning Service on 12 June 2000 for a telecommunications mast. A further application for prior approval for additional antenna on this mast was granted on 30 October 2000.

However, when development first started on this site in December 2000, it was brought to the attention of the Planning Service that both applications had been advertised with the wrong address. The approvals which issued also included the wrong address. In order to rectify the situation, the developers were asked to stop work on the site and to submit a fresh prior approval application.

All work on site ceased, and a fresh application was received on 11 January 2001, although the developers' stated position was that they considered the previous approvals to be valid. The fresh application was advertised with the correct address. There was significant opposition to this proposal. It was refused on 21 February 2001 on the grounds that "the proposal is detrimental to the visual amenity of the area, as the proposed site is prominent, open and exposed, and lacks any features which would allow this development to be satisfactorily integrated into the local landscape".

However, the developers recommenced work on the site on 26 March 2001, and a mast has now been erected. The developers' position is, as previously stated, that they have implemented the 12 June 2000 approval.

Legal advice was sought on this matter. The advice received is that the Department has no grounds for challenging the 12 June 2000 approval. However, I have asked officials to consider if other options might be available in this case, and to report back to me as a matter of urgency. I will consider what action may be taken when this further advice is received.

I have also asked for a comprehensive report on all aspects of this case to ensure that lessons are learned from it, and that weaknesses in procedures are identified and corrected.

Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of the Environment to detail his timetable to introduce legislation for mutual recognition in respect of driving penalties incurred by Northern Ireland licence holders in Great Britain.

(AQW 2554/00)

Mr Foster: I am not in a position to provide a definitive timetable for the introduction of legislation for mutual recognition in respect of penalties for driving offences incurred in Great Britain by holders of a Northern Ireland driver's licence.

My Department is currently undertaking public consultation, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions in London, on proposals for mutual recognition of these penalties between Northern Ireland and Great Britain and the closing date for receipt of comments is 4 May 2001.

Following this, and depending on progress on preparation of equivalent parallel legislation in Great Britain, I would expect to be able to publish legislative proposals for introduction to the Assembly by 31 March 2002.

Mr John Fee asked the Minister of the Environment to give his assessment of the contribution speed cameras have made to road safety.

(AQW 2564/00)

Mr Foster: Speed cameras have proven to be an extremely effective tool for reducing road casualties in high risk areas.

Excessive or inappropriate speed remains a major cause of road collisions and was the principal factor in more than 40 deaths and approximately 350 serious injuries on Northern Ireland's roads last year.

The RUC introduced of mobile speed cameras in 1997. Their presence on certain roads, together with associated road signs, and the application of penalty points for speeding offences have had a positive effect on reducing traffic speeds. I have no doubt that use of speed cameras will play an increasingly important part in reducing road casualties.

I have also noted the very positive early results from the pilot scheme which began in Great Britain last year. This allows the installation and operation of speed cameras and associated activities to be funded from speeding fines. My officials will liaise with the RUC and other departments on the application in Northern Ireland of the lessons learned in this pilot scheme.

Mr Jim Wells asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the steps he is taking to prevent further erosion of Newcastle beach.

(AQW 2577/00)

Mr Foster: I have no powers to prevent the erosion of Newcastle beach.

Coastal erosion in general can impact on the responsibilities of several Departments, in addition to my own, including the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department for Regional Development. It can also affect the interests of District Councils, in terms of protecting their promenades, marinas and other amenities.

I understand that studies commissioned by Down District Council have indicated that much of the erosion of sand from the beach at Newcastle has been caused by the progressive rock armouring of the seafront. Although these measures provide flood protection to the promenade and the Newcastle Centre, they are thought to have contributed to the problems of sand erosion.

I further understand that the Council is proposing to construct groynes at the beach in an effort to redress the problem of sand erosion. These structures are likely to require consents from my Department and may also require planning permission. Although I fully understand why such measures may be proposed, my Department will want to be satisfied that their construction will not have any adverse effects on sand movement elsewhere within the wider Dundrum Bay area.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of the Environment to outline his policy on the reform of local government finance.

(AQW 2626/00)

Mr Foster: My Department is currently reviewing the formula for distribution of the resources element of General Exchequer Grant, payable to district councils, to take account of relative socio-economic disadvantage. An equality impact assessment of a proposed new formula is nearing completion and a consultation paper should issue next month. The Department is also reviewing arrangements for the payment of allowances, pensions and gratuities to councillors. A comprehensive reform of local government finance would have to be associated with the wider review of public administration.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail his plans to give greater protection to areas of outstanding natural beauty.

(AQW 2653/00)

Mr Foster: My Department has powers under the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (NI) Order 1985 to designate Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). AONBs are landscape areas that are recognised as being of distinctive character and special scenic value. They are often popular for recreation and tourism. Designation enables my Department to make proposals for conserving the natural beauty of the area and for promoting its enjoyment by the public.

Since 1985, 4 such areas have been designated, namely: the Mournes; the Causeway Coast; the Antrim Coast and Glens, and the Ring of Gullion.

Other areas of countryside in Northern Ireland, some of them previously designated under earlier legislation that carried no management powers, would also warrant designation as AONBs under the 1985 legislation. However, progress on designating these areas has been slow, mainly because insufficient resources had been allocated to this area of work.

I acknowledge the increasing need to take active steps to manage and co-ordinate recreation, tourism and conservation matters in the areas concerned. This is important in ensuring their long-term sustainability.

I have therefore asked my officials to prepare a report on the issues surrounding the designation of the remaining AONBs. I expect to receive their report shortly. I will also wish to have the benefit of the views of the Assembly Environment Committee in considering the way forward.

I should emphasise that I will not be able to give any commitments on further designations until I am satisfied that sufficient resources will be available to enable those commitments to be met.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the steps he has taken to reduce the number of road accidents in the last three years.

(AQW 2658/00)

Mr Foster: I have held my current responsibilities for road safety since devolution occurred in December 1999. These responsibilities include road safety education publicity as well as strategic co-ordination of the activities of the local road safety agencies. Roads engineering is the responsibility of the Department for Regional Development, while enforcement is principally a matter for the RUC.

Since taking up my responsibilities, I have secured additional funding to allow me to increase the number of Road Safety Education Officers from 11 to 21. This increase will provide additional support for teachers in promoting road safety. The additional Road Safety Education Officers will also allow new initiatives to be introduced, including a pilot Driver Improvement Scheme (as an alternative to conviction for certain types of motoring offence), Practical Child Pedestrian Safety Training at the roadside and monitoring the safe fitting of child safety restraints.

I have also secured a 40% increase in the resources for road safety publicity. This will allow me to intensify my Department's campaigns targeted on the main causes of road fatalities and serious injuries. I have launched two new campaigns - "Slowdownboys" in January 2000 to address the problem of excessive speeding, particularly by young male drivers; and the award-winning "Shame" in November 2000 to reinforce the anti-drink driving message. Indications are that these campaigns are having a beneficial affect on the attitudes of road users.

On 2 May 2001, with the support of the Executive Committee, I published a consultation document seeking views on a new Road Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2010. This was prepared in collaboration with other Departments and the RUC. Consultation will be followed by preparation of a new Strategic Road Safety Plan for Northern Ireland to 2010 which will set out the long-term targets for reductions in road casualties and detail the measures to be taken to achieve them.

Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail what steps he is taking to sustain the activities and functions of community groups and rural community networks until such time as the new European Programmes and Community Initiatives are fully operational.

(AQW 2462/00)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): I announced in a statement to the Assembly on 12 February 2001 that the Executive had 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 round of Structural Funds support. An advertisement was placed in the local newspapers on Friday 16 March 2001 with a closing date for applications of 12 April 2001. Interim funding will be provided if the project sponsors undertake to submit a full application for funding to the appropriate EU Programme once the necessary implementation arrangements are in place. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) will also consider applications within the framework of the new round of the Rural Development Programme. Interim funding can be given where that Department is satisfied that there is a very strong likelihood that the project will be successful in an application under the new Programme.

Mr John Fee asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the average length of time taken to process applications for Housing Benefit to cover charges by the Rates collection Agency.

(AQW 2472/00)

Mr Durkan: The average length of time taken to process new claims, not requiring additional information to allow them to be assessed, in the year 1^st April 2000 to date is just under 28 working days (27.86). The Agency is currently meeting the performance target set for this aspect of its work.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to confirm (a) that civil servants are required to retire at the age of 60 (b) that job advertisements state that applications from all suitably qualified people are welcome irrespective of age (c) if both these positions are compatible and (d) whether the compulsory retirement age at 60 breaks section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

(AQW 2480/00)

Mr Durkan: All civil servants are currently required to retire at age 60 with the exception of those with preserved rights, namely those below the Executive Officer grade who were in post on 31 March 1996.

The NICS has established a normal age of retirement and this is stated in the job specifications which are provided to all applicants. Within that policy the NICS seeks to avoid age discrimination and therefore job advertisements state that applications are welcome irrespective of age.

It is not incompatible for an organisation to set a normal age of retirement within which applications for job advertisements are welcome irrespective of age.

Section 75 of the 1998 Act places obligations on Public Authorities, in carrying out their functions, to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity across a range of categories of which age is one. Having a compulsory retirement age is not inconsistent with these obligations.

Mr John Fee asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will introduce measures to ensure that an enforcement action is not initiated on a client by the Rate Collection Agency while their Housing Benefit application is still being processed.

(AQW 2497/00)

Mr Durkan: The policy of the Rate Collection Agency is not to take enforcement action when a claim for Housing Benefit has been submitted until the application has been assessed. It is therefore regrettable that seven cases out of a total of 15,000 were lodged with the Enforcement of Judgements Office since 1997 while a claim for Housing Benefit was being assessed. The Agency has put procedures in place to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail (a) the number of women's centres that were directly funded by the Peace and Reconciliation Programme (b) that these centres will continue to be funded and (c) if Peace II funding will be made available to these groups.

(AQW 2506/00)

Mr Durkan: (a) Thirteen organisations which identified themselves as women's centres were funded under the EU Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (PEACE I). In addition 218 other women's organisations, not describing themselves as women's centres, received funding for 560 projects under PEACE I.

(b) The Executive agreed to introduce interim funding arrangements with effect from 1 April 2001 which authorises Departments 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 round of Structural Funds support. An advertisement was placed in the local newspapers on 16 March and any organisation which meets the eligibility criteria may submit an application.

(c) The implementing bodies of PEACE II, ie Departments, Intermediary Funding Bodies and Local Strategy Partnerships will make decisions on funding for projects, including those for women's centres, within the selection criteria specified in the Programme complement and the distinctiveness criteria as set out in the programme document itself.

Mr Alex Maskey asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail what progress has been made by the Special European Union Programme Body set up under the North/South Ministerial Council.

(AQW 2518/00)

Mr Durkan: In accordance with its statutory responsibilities under the establishing legislation for North/South Implementation Bodies the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) has made the following progress:-

The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) has been involved in the negotiation of the PEACE II Operational Programme together with the Finance Departments and the European Commission, and has worked closely with the Finance Departments and the Commission to finalise the text of the Operational Programme. It has taken the lead in preparing the draft PEACE II Programme Complement to be submitted to the Programme Monitoring Committee for approval.

The Body has been holding workshops at sub-regional level to develop guidelines for the implementation of the Priority 3 of the PEACE II Programme by the new Local Strategy Partnerships.

A tendering process is currently being overseen by the SEUPB to appoint Intermediary Funding Bodies (IFBs) to distribute and administer grants for particular activities with set objectives under the Programme. The responses to the call to tender are currently being evaluated by the Body and the selection process is scheduled to be completed in May 2001.

The Programme Monitoring Committee, which is chaired by the Chief Executive of the SEUPB, met in interim format on 20 December 2000. The first meeting of the formally constituted Monitoring Committee will take place on 30 April.

The SEUPB will be the Managing Authority for the PEACE II Programme.

The SEUPB prepared detailed draft Programme proposals on 15 November for the INTERREG IIIA Programme. These draft proposals were approved by NSMC for submission to the European Commission as a basis for negotiation. The Commission confirmed the admissibility of the proposed Programme on 1 February. The Commission's comments on the Programme proposals are expected soon and the formal negotiation process will begin shortly thereafter. The SEUPB will be directly involved in the negotiation of the Programme proposals with the Finance Departments and the European Commission.

The Body will carry out the functions of both the Paying Authority and Managing Authority for the INTERREG IIIA Programme.

The SEUPB has also been working with the relevant Lead Departments North and South regarding the draft proposals for EQUAL, LEADER+ and URBAN II Community Initiatives which were approved by NSMC in November 2000 and submitted to the European Commission as a basis for negotiation.

The Body has been proactive in monitoring the progress of PEACE I and INTERREG II Programmes to ensure that the legal deadline to achieve full spend ie 31 December 2001 is achieved.

The Body has reviewed all of the EU Programmes contained in the respective Community Support Frameworks North and South to identify areas of North/South activity within the Common Chapter. This exercise will form the base information for the Common Chapter database which will allow the Body to monitor and report on the level of increased co-operation across a wide range of sectors.

In accordance with the requirements of Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, the SEUPB has recently completed the consultation process and a final draft version of the Body's Equality Scheme was approved by NSMC on 9 April for submission to the Equality Commission for formal approval. The SEUPB has also been developing a New Targeting Social Need Action Plan which was approved by NSMC at its meeting on 9 April.

The Special EU Programmes Body has established 3 offices located in Belfast, Omagh and Monaghan.

The Body has produced a Corporate and Business Plan for the period 2000-2003 which was approved by NSMC at the sectoral meeting on EU Programmes on 15 November 2000. The Body has completed the first set of accounts for the period December 1999 to December 2000 which were submitted for joint audit to the respective Comptroller and Auditor General Offices North and South on 1 April 2001.

An initial staffing structure and complement of 25 staff was approved for the Body by NSMC in June 2000. This staffing structure is currently under review.

The permanent Chief Executive of the Body, Mr John McKinney, was appointed on 1 February 2001.

Mr Alex Maskey asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail (a) the budget in (i) sterling and (ii) euro's allocated to Local Economic Development Initiatives in the objective 1 transitional programme and (b) the priority and measures under which funding allocations are considered.

(AQW 2529/00)

Mr Durkan: (a) The financial allocation for Local Economic Development under the Northern Ireland Programme for Building Sustainable Prosperity (formerly known as the Transitional Objective 1 Programme) is 40 million euros (c£25.8m) excluding matching funding.

(b) This funding will be allocated under Priority 1 (Sub-Priority 1(a)) Measure 1.4.

Mr Billy Hutchinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to confirm that allocations from Executive Programme Funds are equality proofed to avoid discrimination against marginalised groups.

(AQW 2534/00)

Mr Durkan: The Executive Programme Fund allocations which were announced earlier this month were carefully scrutinised to ensure that they were consistent with statutory equality obligations and the principles of New Targeting Social Need.

Ms Carmel Hanna asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to give an update on the review of accommodation.

(AQO 1280/00)

Mr Durkan: Tenders for the accommodation review assignment have been invited from suitably qualified firms and I expect consultants to be appointed by the end of April. In the matter of timing, and as I explained in the answer I provided on 12 February, I anticipate it will be October, possibly November, before final recommendations regarding accommodation and associated dispersal implications can be brought to the Assembly.

Mr Arthur Doherty asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail what progress has been made on the needs and effectiveness reviews.

(AQO 1278/00)

Mr Durkan: The Executive has agreed terms of reference for five reviews of expenditure covering the areas of health, education, training, housing, and industrial development. These reviews are in their initial stages and my officials are working in conjunction with colleagues in the Economic Policy Unit and the relevant departments to take the exercise forward.

Mr Alex Attwood asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to outline what arrangements have been made for the processing of the 2001 Census and when will the first results become available.

(AQW 2738/00)

Mr Durkan: