| Membership | What's Happening | Committees | Publications | Assembly Commission | General Info | Job Opportunities | Help |
|
WRITTEN ANSWERS Friday 04 May 2001 Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister Agriculture and Rural Development Enterprise, Trade and Investment Health, Social Services and Public Safety Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment TOPOFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER North/South Ministerial Council : Transportation Working Group Mr Pat McNamee asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail what progress has been made by the Transportation working Group set up under the North/South Ministerial Council. (AQW 2519/00) The First Minister and Deputy First Minister (Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon): Officials met at the beginning of April to take forward work on the programme approved by the Council for enhancing North/South co-operation on Road Safety. Meetings of officials to prepare work programmes on Strategic Transport Planning and Rail Safety have yet to be arranged. Terms of Reference for Working Group on Children's Commissioner Ms Sue Ramsey asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail the terms of reference of the Inter-Departmental Working Group on The Children's Commissioner. (AQW 2589/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The terms of reference for the interdepartmental group are as follows: to consider:
Nominations for Working Group on Children's Commission Ms Sue Ramsey asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail (a) who has been nominated to sit on the Inter-Departmental Working Group on the Children's Commissioner and (b) when is the Group due to meet. (AQW 2590/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The interdepartmental steering group is jointly-chaired by Minister Haughey and Minister Nesbitt and the group members are:
The first meeting of the group was held on 10 April 2001. Timescale for Children's Commissioner Mr Jim Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to give a timescale for the establishment of a Children's Commissioner. (AQW 2596/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: We are committed to taking action on this issue as quickly as possible; however, we are equally committed to getting it right. Our aim is to complete a formal consultation on the role and remit of the Commissioner by the autumn. Following consideration of consultation responses and finalisation of proposals, it will then be necessary to take legislation through the Assembly. This will mean that a Commissioner for Children should be appointed by Spring 2002. Working Group on Travellers Mr Gerry Adams asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to identify the steps taken by their office to ensure culturally appropriate consultation with the Travelling Community on the "Final Report of the Promoting Social Inclusion Working Group on Travellers." (AQW 2607/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: In order to ensure culturally appropriate consultation with the Travelling community, Equality Unit officials consulted with Traveller representative organisations on how best to carry out a consultation process with Travellers. An independent organisation will undertake this consultation on behalf of the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister and will work closely with Traveller representatives. Travellers representatives have been invited onto the steering group which will oversee the consultation process. Cultural Traditions : Unionist/Loyalist Community Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail the steps it is taking to ensure the Unionist and Loyalist community have full human rights and equality of opportunity to enjoy the traditions of their culture. (AQO 1317/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights prohibits discrimination in the application of other Convention Rights, including the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion contained in Article 9 of the Convention, the right to freedom of expression in Article 10, and the right to freedom of association in Article 11. The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister is working to ensure compliance with the convention rights in all Departments. Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 requires public authorities, in carrying out their functions, to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity between, among others, persons of different religious beliefs and political opinions. The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister has put in place an equality scheme setting out the arrangements for fulfilling the duties imposed by section 75. It also advises and challenges, where appropriate, other Departments regarding their duties under section 75. The Programme for Government contains a range of specific actions to support cultural and linguistic diversity including:
Independent International Commission on Decommissioning Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail any reports received from the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning. (AQO 1311/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The most recent report of the Independent International Commission for Decommissioning to the British and Irish Governments was that dated 22 March 2001. Children's Forum Ms Eileen Bell asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail the proposed timetable for the setting up of the Non Governmental Organisation's Children's Forum and to make a statement. (AQO 1330/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: Following the announcement on 3 April of the establishment of the Non Governmental Organisations' Forum, letters of invitation to join the Forum have been issued and it is expected that the first meeting of the Forum will take place shortly. We have been encouraged by the positive response to the announcement of the Non Governmental Organisations' Forum and we look forward to working in partnership with it. It is through this process of ongoing dialogue with those directly involved with children, young people and their parents that we can best develop proposals which will achieve our aim of placing Northern Ireland at the leading edge of best practice. Executive Office in Brussels : Appointments Dr Esmond Birnie asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail the current position on appointments to the Executive Office in Brussels. (AQO 1347/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The Head of Office took up his post in Brussels on 26 March and is already providing a service to departments. He is operating initially out of the UK Permanent Representation until the Office premises are completed in May. A deputy head of Office is currently being sought by internal trawl and the selection will take place in May. Advertisements have been placed in the Belgian press for two locally engaged staff to provide support in the running of the Office. They should be in place in June. Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington DC Mr Sean Neeson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail progress in upgrading the representative role of the Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington D.C. (AQO 1320/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The resources of the Northern Ireland Bureau have been strengthened by engaging locally an additional member of staff at middle management level. A relocation of the Bureau to offices in downtown Washington shall allow it to present a more focused image of Northern Ireland. In addition, we will be reviewing the functions of the Bureau, including its relationship with other bodies promoting Northern Ireland in the U.S. Executive Programme Funds : Consultation Mr Fred Cobain asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to give an assessment on consultation by the Executive Committee with the Departmental Committees on the Executive Programme Funds and to make a statement. (AQO 1345/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The Executive agreed that the Departmental Committees should be consulted on departmental proposals for the Executive Programme Funds. Departments forwarded their Executive Programme Fund proposals to their respective Committees for consideration and views received were taken into account. Unfortunately, only a limited amount of time was available to Committees to consider the detail. The experience with the first tranche of Fund allocations will be used to improve the procedures for future rounds with the aim of ensuring that proposals are made available to the Departmental Committees at an earlier stage. North/South Ministerial Council : Mobility Study Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to outline what progress has been made on the Mobility Study approved at the last North/South Ministerial Council Meeting. (AQO 1357/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The Mobility Study was initially included in the Executive’s Agenda for Government in June 2000. The Agenda identified actions to support North/South development, including the need to take action to "remove barriers to living/working North and South" in the island of Ireland. At the second plenary meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC), held in Dublin on 26 September, 2000, the Irish Government side on NSMC agreed to co-operate with the Executive in taking forward the study through a steering group of officials, North and South, which would report to the Council. In follow-up discussions, terms of reference were agreed and a copy is attached. It was further agreed that the report for the Council should be informed by a study to be undertaken on a consultancy basis under the guidance of the North/South Steering Group of officials. Following a public tendering process the consortium of PricewaterhouseCoopers and Indecon Economic Consultants was awarded the contract to carry out this study. The consultants are currently undertaking a comprehensive research programme. This includes:
In addition to the above activities, public consultation conferences were planned for 1 May in the North and 16 May in the South. The 1 May conference has been postponed because of the latest Foot and Mouth outbreak. It is however hoped that the 16 May conference will take place, subject of course to any further developments in relation to Foot and Mouth Disease. The consultants will present their report to the Steering Group on 31 May 2001. The Steering Group will report to the next plenary meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council. Community Relations : Review of Policy Mr Alban Maginness asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to review its policy on community relations. (AQO 1364/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The Programme for Government includes a commitment to review and put in place a cross-departmental strategy for community relations leading to measurable improvements in community relations. It is our intention to begin the review of existing policy before the summer. Children's Fund Mrs Annie Courtney asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to give an assessment on the operation of the Executive "Children's Fund". (AQO 1354/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The first round of allocations from the Children’s Fund, totalling £10.5m, was announced by the Minister for Finance and Personnel on 2 April. The 12 successful projects will make a real contribution to protecting children in need or at risk. The Children’s Fund has already generated a great deal of interest and attracted a number of high quality bids. It is now our intention to ensure that the voluntary and community sector are able to access the next round of the Children’s Fund. Victim's Commission Mr James Leslie asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, pursuant to AQO 1136/00, to detail any further discussions with the Minister of State regarding the proposal for a Victim's Commission. (AQO 1349/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: Further discussions have not yet taken place. The Junior Ministers, Denis Haughey MLA and Dermot Nesbitt MLA, the Ministers dealing with victims issues, will be meeting with their Northern Ireland Office counterpart, Adam Ingram , in the near future to discuss a range of relevant matters, including the question of a Victims Commission. AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT Flooding Problems : Strabane District Council Area Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her response to the consultant's report to The Rivers Agency on flooding problems in the Strabane District Council area. (AQW 2500/00) The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): Rivers Agency has in fact commissioned reports on flooding problems at Lisdivin, Burndennet, Sion Mills and Newtownstewart in the Strabane Council area. I am pleased to confirm that the findings of the studies at Sion Mills and Newtownstewart have proved positive and it is the intention of Rivers Agency to proceed with flood defence improvements at these locations as resources permit. I am very conscious of concerns about flooding from the Burndennet River and I have fully considered the findings of the recent Consultant’s Report on that problem. While the study examined a number of scheme options, I very much regret that none of these was financially viable and it is clear that the costs of providing enhanced flood protection at Lisdivin greatly exceed the benefits accruing. This being the case none of the options meets the conditions for proceeding to the prioritisation stage for flood protection schemes. In such circumstances it is not possible for Rivers Agency to proceed with a flood alleviation scheme. I would emphasise that the study concluded that the risk to life from any embankment breach is low. The Rivers Agency will remain vigilant in regard to the necessary inspections of the existing embankment along the Burndennet River and continue to maintain it as required. The Agency’s call-out arrangements and warning regime for adjacent properties at times of high flow will remain in place. Foot-and-Mouth Outbreak : RUC and Army Support Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she has requested assistance from the Royal Ulster Constabulary or the Army to patrol the border following the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in County Louth. (AQW 2503/00) Ms Rodgers: From the start of the current crisis I have, and continue to have, essential support from the RUC and Army. In relation to the Co Louth outbreak, the police and army have assisted with the checking of vehicle movements, road closures, etc under DARD direction. Foot-and-Mouth Outbreak Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, pursuant to her response to questions on her statement of 2 April 2001, to list the names of those on the 'ad hoc committee' who met with her concerning Foot and Mouth Disease and who sought an amnesty for those involved in the crisis. (AQW 2573/00) Ms Rodgers: The meeting I had with representatives of the farming unions and of the south Armagh farmers involved in the cull of sheep was a private meeting. The representatives attended the meeting on that basis and had no expectation of their names being put in the public domain. Under Article 8 of the Human Rights Directive, relating to privacy of the individual, it would be an infringement to release the names of the individuals without their consent. For that reason I am not in a position to release their names. In relation to the second part of your question, there was never any question of my granting amnesty to these farmers or any farmers in Northern Ireland. I have made that clear on a number of occasions and I re-iterate it now. Pig Outgoers Scheme Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) how much money was paid out to pig farmers under the Pig Outgoers Scheme, (b) how many sow places were achieved as a result, and (c) how many applicants were unsuccessful in their bid and the number of sows this represented. (AQW 2656/00) Ms Rodgers: The answers to your questions are as follows : (a) The cost of the first Outgoers Scheme was £10,624,480. About £851,000 will be paid to Northern Ireland applicants. (b) Successful bids represented 95,838 sow places UK-wide, including 7,911 in Northern Ireland. (c) A total of 805 applicants were unsuccessful in their bid, 423 of these were from Northern Ireland. Unsuccessful bids represented 109,489 sow places in the UK, 32,756 of which were in Northern Ireland. Under the terms of the EU State Aid approval, the UK is required to reduce its production capacity by 16% (i.e. 120,000 sow places). The second Outgoers scheme, which closed to applications on 20 April, should account for the balance. Foot-and-Mouth Disease : Epidemilogical Investigation Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to give her assessment of the effect of European Union community law on the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. (AQW 2688/00) Ms Rodgers: A detailed epidemiological investigation is being conducted into every confirmed outbreak of foot and mouth disease. An assessment will be made of the lessons to be learnt from the original cause of the outbreak in Northern Ireland and the factors that have contributed towards the spread of the disease. Foot-and-Mouth Disease : Compensation Claims Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, following the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, to detail (a) the number of compensation claims found to be incorrect and (b) her policy to ensure the verification of all claims. (AQW 2694/00) Ms Rodgers: Technically, there are no claims as such for compensation in respect of foot-and-mouth disease. All animals slaughtered by DARD are valued, prior to slaughter, by a DARD valuation officer or independent valuer, if the Department's valuation is not accepted by the producer. Producers are paid the agreed valuation. On receipt at Headquarters, an arithmetical check on all valuation forms is undertaken to ensure accuracy prior to payment. Agrimonetary Aid Package Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to give her assessment of the impact, for Northern Ireland's dairy, cattle and sheep farmers, of the European Commission UK agrimonetary aid package of £153,843,057 to offset the adverse effects of fluctuating sterling/Euro exchange rates on prices and on premiums paid under the common agricultural policy. (AQW 2716/00) Ms Rodgers: The compensation package announced at the end of February will be worth approximately £21½ million to Northern Ireland farmers, with approximately £10 million each accruing to the dairy and beef sectors and the remaining £1½ million to the sheep sector. Foot-and-Mouth Outbreak : Consequential Compensation Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to consider the payment of compensation to farmers affected by foot-and-mouth disease for (a) loss of earnings and (b) stress. (AQW 2731/00) Ms Rodgers: Compensation for loss of earnings is, in effect, consequential compensation. The Government's position on this is that there is no provision or precedent for such payments. The issue is for consideration at UK level and any decisions taken will equally apply here. The Executive is aware of financial pressures faced by some rural businesses and is considering a package of economic measures. Neither is compensation available for stress suffered as a result of the foot-and-mouth disease situation in Northern Ireland. To assist in this respect a Rural Support Line has been set up whereby trained advisors will listen to. And provide guidance to, the farming and rural community experiencing problems. The Support Line is funded under the DARD Rural Stress Fund and supported by the Armagh and Dungannon Health Action Zone, Ulster Farmers' Union, NIAPA, Farm Crisis Network and Family Farm Development. Foot-and-Mouth Disease : Exit Strategy Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her forward planning of an exit strategy when the current foot and mouth emergency is over that will assist the farming industry in particular and the rural economy in general towards achieving greater stability. (AQO 1313/00) Ms Rodgers: I have established a new sub-group of the Vision Steering Group to report to me as a matter of urgency on any issues which the group regards as relevant to the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease. I have asked the sub-group to look at the regulations which govern the movement and trading in the sheep sector. The outcome of the work of this group will be included in the main report of the Vision Group but any issues which require urgent action will be brought forward for immediate decision. I have asked the group to take account in its deliberations of the views of all interested parties in Northern Ireland. It will be important also that the group reflects on measures being introduced in the Republic of Ireland. Use of Local Produce Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to give her assessment in relation to the level of local produce being used in hospitals, schools and public sector canteens and to make a statement. (AQO 1335/00) Ms Rodgers: My Department has no information, or indeed responsibility, for purchases made by these establishments. In general public service catering is contracted to the private sector which makes the relevant purchases. To include a specific requirement that contractors must prefer local produce would be in contravention of EU law on public procurement. I am advised that the Government Purchasing Agency which is responsible for managing Civil Service contracts does ask contractors to consider using local produce, where possible. I cannot emphasise too strongly the high quality of Northern Ireland produce and the benefits to the Northern Ireland economy, particularly producers and processors, of sourcing products from Northern Ireland. Foot-and-Mouth Disease : Main Contributing Factor Mr Gerry McHugh asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to give her assessment of the main contributing factor that resulted in the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in Northern Ireland and outline what steps can be taken to prevent a recurrence.[R] (AQO 1329/00) Ms Rodgers: The main factor in the original spread of this disease to Northern Ireland was clearly the illegal importation of sheep from GB. The reasons for the subsequent wider spread of the disease within Northern Ireland are still under investigation by my Department and it is too early to say with any certainty what they might be. However, I would say that undoubtedly the most significant factor in the spread of the disease is animal movements and that is why I imposed extremely strict movement controls on all susceptible animals and on horses. If people flout these controls they will risk bringing ruin on the whole industry and I would appeal to anyone with information about illegal movements to come forward with that information to my Department. Agricultural Industry : Equality of Opportunity Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the steps she is taking to ensure equality of opportunity in all branches of the Agricultural Industry in West Tyrone. (AQO 1318/00) Ms Rodgers: The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Equality Scheme, submitted to the Equality Commission on 30 June 2000 and recently approved by the Commission, sets out in considerable detail our approach to the equality agenda, and records my personal commitment to promoting equality of opportunity for everyone in Northern Ireland. The promotion of equality of opportunity within the agricultural industry is, of course, a matter for the industry itself, but I can assure the Member that my Department will continue to provide all its services to all its customers in the full knowledge of its responsibilities under section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. Computerised Geographical Information System Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to indicate when she will utilise the computerised mapping system cited in the recent report by the Public Accounts Committee on National Agriculture support : (Fraud) and to make a statement. (AQO 1337/00) Ms Rodgers: My Department is currently piloting a fully computerised Geographical Information System for recording and checking land declarations for agricultural subsidy purposes. It expects to start full implementation of the system later this year and to complete the work within 2 years, which is well in advance of the European Commission requirement of 1st January 2005. Tie-up Scheme Rev Dr Ian Paisley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, pursuant to the resolution of the Assembly of 27 March 2001 (Hansard P 179), to detail when she intends to implement a 'tie-up' scheme for local fishermen. (AQO 1310/00) Ms Rodgers: Whilst I have taken note of the resolution of the Assembly it has not been policy to provide compensation, including tie up schemes because of reductions in fish quotas. I have however subsequent to the debate in the Assembly been able to announce £5m for a decommissioning scheme, a draft of which the Member will have seen. I would hope to be in a position in the very near future to introduce such a scheme. Foot-and-Mouth Disease : Consequential Compensation Mr Edwin Poots asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline what representation she has made to the Prime Minister on the issue of consequential compensation as a result of Foot and Mouth Disease. (AQO 1332/00) Ms Rodgers: I have raised this issue with the Prime Minister to ensure that I am kept fully informed of the Government’s considerations in relation to wider compensation. In addition the Executive is represented on the Government’s Task Force chaired by Michael Meacher and part of that Group’s remit is to consider the wider economic impact of the disease. That Group is considering options on how to alleviate some of the impact to the overall rural economy. Protecting Animal Health Mrs Annie Courtney asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail what strategies she, in consultation with her Ministerial counterpart in the Republic of Ireland, can put in place to protect animal health in the wake of the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy and Foot and Mouth outbreaks. (AQO 1351/00) Ms Rodgers: Within the framework of the North/South Ministerial Council I have agreed with Joe Walsh a more formal and structured liaison between our two administrations on general animal health matters, which obviously includes BSE and Foot and Mouth Disease as priority areas. We established structures to consider policy issues on animal health which apply to the whole island. These issues include Foot and Mouth Disease, BSE, Bovine TB, Brucellosis, Veterinary Medicines and Animal Welfare to name but a few areas. These new formal arrangements will augment the close informal liaison there has been between the 2 Departments for many years. Role of Women in the Rural Community Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her plan for the recognition of women and their contribution to farming life and the rural community. (AQO 1342/00) Ms Rodgers: I am acutely aware of the importance of the role of women within farm families and in the wider rural community. For a number of years my Department has recognised the specific role that women play within the rural community and will continue to do so. We will be seeking to encourage the full participation of women in the Rural Development Programme 2001-2006. Women are one of the specific target groups identified in the LEADER+ Programme. The Rural Development Programme will also offer opportunities to develop sectoral programmes specifically targeted at women. Rural Development Division are currently working with the Women’s Resource Development Agency and six Rural Women’s Networks to carry out an Economic Appraisal, including a Needs Analysis, on the Rural Women’s Sector to address identified and prioritised needs for rural women. My Department is funding the Economic Appraisal. My Department is also involved in a Partnership, which has commissioned research on the impact of CAP reform on women in rural communities and in farm families. The Agri-food Development Service, as well as offering training courses tailored to the needs of women’s groups, provide a full range of short courses open to both women and men. It will also be responsible for Measures under the PEACE II Operational Programme aimed at farmers, their spouses and members of the farming family engaged on the farm thereby recognising the contribution of the whole family to the farming business. CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE Odyssey Project Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail how the Board of the Odyssey Project is constituted and what process is involved. (AQO 1339/00) The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): Odyssey Trust Company Limited is a private charitable company limited by guarantee. Constitution of the Board is governed by the Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, and as such, is a matter for the Board. Appointment of Trustees is by ordinary resolution and the Board may appoint a person who is willing to be a Trustee, either to fill a vacancy or as an additional Trustee. The Chairman of Odyssey Trust Company is currently in the process of restructuring the Board to ensure that it has the necessary skills to reflect it’s role post opening. The Chairman has employed PriceWaterhouseCoopers to assist in this exercise which is expected to be completed by 1st September 2001. EDUCATION Home Tutors : Terms and Conditions of Employment Mr John Tierney asked the Minister of Education if conditions of employment for Home Tutors are consistent with European Union regulations in relation to holiday pay and sick pay. (AQW 2540/00) The Minister of Education (Mr McGuinness): As employers, Education and Library Boards are responsible for ensuring that the terms and conditions of employment for home tutors comply with the Part-time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000, which relate to holiday pay and sick pay. My Department will be consulting Boards about these and other related matters in connection with the employment of home tutors in the near future. Official School Visits Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of official school visits he has undertaken to, (a) the Irish Medium Sector, (b) the Integrated Sector, (c) the Maintained Sector and (d) the Controlled sector. (AQW 2651/00) Mr McGuinness: As a result of invitations received, I have undertaken official visits to the following numbers of schools: a. The Irish-Medium Sector = 9 b. The Integrated Sector = 4 c. The Maintained Sector = 38 d. The Controlled Sector = 8
Common Funding Formula : Ulster Scots Translation Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister of Education to confirm if the consultation document on a Common Funding Formula for Granted-Aided Schools is available in Ulster Scots and if so, (a) how much did it cost to produce in Ulster Scots, and (b) was the contract for translating it into Ulster Scots put out for tender and if so, who was the successful bidder or if not, what process was used to award the contract. (AQW 2667/00) Mr McGuinness: There are currently no Ulster Scots Schools here and hence it was not considered necessary to produce the Consultation Document on a Common Funding Formula for Grant-Aided Schools in the Ulster Scots language. Initial Teacher Training Courses Mr Alex Maskey asked the Minister of Education to outline his plans to bring initial teacher training into line with current curriculum changes and the changes in education which may result from increased early years provision and post primary restructuring. (AQO 1405/00) Mr McGuinness: Initial teacher training courses are designed by the Higher Education Institutions to meet the requirements of our Curriculum, including the needs of teachers wishing to specialise in early years or in post-primary subjects. The courses are kept under review by the training providers and adapted to meet changing requirements on which they are consulted by my Department. ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT Attracting Investment : Rathfriland Area Mr Jim Wells asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail what plans the Industrial Development Board for Northern Ireland has to attract investment to the Rathfriland area. (AQW 2575/00) The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): IDB seeks to encourage new employment opportunities within existing companies and from new investors. Recent success has come particularly from the knowledge-based sectors such as telecommunications, software development and call centre operations. While companies operating in these knowledge-based sectors have concentrated on areas of large population, IDB has been seeking to achieve a wider spread of investment across Northern Ireland. In doing so, IDB has been working with local councils both to support the councils’ own efforts and to encourage and agree a joint approach to the marketing of their areas to potential investors. A seminar for Economic Development Officers from all councils was organised by IDB in September 2000 and attended by representatives of both Banbridge and Newry and Mourne District Councils. The objective of the seminar was to share experiences in marketing Northern Ireland and agree how IDB and councils can work together. Following the seminar, a template for an inward investment information database was developed by IDB and issued to all councils in November 2000. Follow-up by IDB will take place over the next few months. The Council Forum which I convened on 12 April addressed this very important issue of how IDB and LEDU, and the new agency, will work closely with the councils to take forward economic development. Development of Renewable Energy Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the steps he is taking to increase energy production from renewable resources. (AQW 2582/00) Sir Reg Empey: I fully support the development of sustainable and renewable energy. The harnessing of renewable energy sources assists the diversification of Northern Ireland’s energy supplies and has an important role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Government has established an initial target of 45MW of renewables plant in Northern Ireland by the year 2005. The then Department of Economic Development, in pursuit of this objective, made two Non-Fossil Fuel Orders (NFFO) in 1994 and 1996 under which Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) is required to purchase some 32MW of renewable energy. In addition, a number of innovative renewable energy projects have been assisted under the EU funded Energy Demonstration Scheme and the EU INTERREG cross-border energy sub-programme. Furthermore, over 1,000 customers currently receive all or part of their electricity from renewable sources under Northern Ireland Electricity’s Eco Energy tariff scheme. The first large industrial customer, Interface Europe Ltd, Craigavon, has recently signed up to Eco Energy. Recent assessments of the potential for renewables in Northern Ireland have indicated that, based on certain assumptions, some 7% of electricity consumption could be met by offshore wind energy by 2005 and that a further 7.6% could be met by other renewables by 2010. My Department intends to consult interested parties in May 2001 on the future development of renewable energy sources in Northern Ireland. We will wish, in particular, to seek views on how Northern Ireland might best make a proportionate contribution to the revised UK target of 10% of electricity from renewables by 2010 and also on the possible replication of the recent Great Britain legislation on a renewables obligation which will place an obligation on suppliers to obtain a specified percentage of their supplies from renewable sources. Promoting Renewable Energy Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline the action he is taking to promote renewable energy. (AQW 2588/00) Sir Reg Empey: I would refer to my written answer to AQW No: 2582/00. Reducing Energy Costs Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the steps he is taking to reduce energy costs. (AQW 2643/00) Sir Reg Empey: Responsibility for ensuring that prices paid by electricity and natural gas customers reflect the cost of production and distribution, rests with the independent Regulator. Similar regulatory arrangements do not apply in the already competitive oil and coal sectors where market forces determine the prices charged to customers. My Department’s objective which is fully in line with wider UK and EU energy policy is to achieve a secure, diverse, competitive and efficient energy market, with maximum choice for consumers and, as I said in my statement to the Assembly on 5 March, achieving significant price reductions is a key element in meeting this objective. Action taken or underway to reduce energy costs includes: the opening up of the electricity market two years ahead of EU requirements; the Regulator’s continuing discussions with the generators on reducing costs; the Regulator’s review of NIE’s Transmission & Distribution price controls; the allocation of the £60 million Government support package for electricity consumers; the commissioning of the electricity interconnector with Scotland in January 2002 thereby providing a new source of competitively priced electricity; the accelerated roll out of the natural gas programme in the Belfast licence area; the appraisal of applications for licences to take gas beyond the current licence area; the promotion by my Department of the more cost effective and environmentally friendly Combined Heat and Power technology and the continuing campaign to promote greater energy efficiency. The planned progressive development of an all island energy market within a European Context will further increase choice and encourage downward pressure on prices. ENVIRONMENT Coastal Zone : Development and Sustainability Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of the Environment to give his assessment of the potential environmental conflict between social and economic development needs and sustainability of the coastal zone. (AQW 2664/00) The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): Several Departments have responsibilities which can affect the coastal zone. These include the Department for Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department for Regional Development, as well as the Department of the Environment. As regards my own responsibilities for coastal matters, my Department will, over the course of this financial year, be engaged in the preparation of development plans which will include almost all of our coastline. These plans provide the opportunity to address environmental considerations alongside the social and economic development needs in local areas. The plan process will provide for the involvement of elected representatives in consideration and resolution of the issues involved. My Department will also take account of the Regional Development Strategy, being prepared by the Department for Regional Development, which will include planning policy guidance designed to protect the undeveloped coastline, especially from intense recreational and tourism pressures. The guidance will recognise the need to reconcile development and management pressures arising from commercial and leisure use with conservation of distinctive coastal habitats. My Department will also have regard to a Regional Planning Policy Statement on The Coast which, I understand, the Department for Regional Development intends to prepare. I further understand that work on the RPPS is planned to start during 2002/2003. Coastal Zone Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of the Environment to detail what assessment he has made in relation to the current condition of Northern Ireland's coastal zone. (AQW 2665/00) Mr Foster: I have not made any overall assessment of the current condition of Northern Ireland’s coastal zone. The term "coastal zone" is usually interpreted as including coastal waters, intertidal areas and maritime land. Within that broad definition, several Departments have responsibilities that can impact on the zone. These include the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department for Regional Development, as well as the Department of the Environment. My own responsibilities include coastal habitats, geological features and monuments. My Department has commissioned several surveys in recent years to identify areas of coastline that warrant designation for nature conservation and landscape purposes. These include surveys of intertidal and subtidal habitats. A major project to map the sea bed habitats of Strangford Lough Marine Nature Reserve has just commenced. Approximately three-quarters of the coastline is now covered by one or more of the statutory nature conservation or landscape designations. These include Areas of Special Scientific Interest and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty under domestic legislation and Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas under EC Directives. In addition the Northern Ireland Landscape Character Assessment, which I launched recently, provides a detailed record of all of Northern Ireland’s landscapes, including coastal areas. The assessments are based on local patterns of geology, land form, land use, cultural and ecological features. During this financial year, my Department will be engaged in the preparation of development plans which will include almost all of our coastline. This will provide a further opportunity to assess the current condition of the coastal zone. Northern Ireland Coastal Forum Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of the Environment to detail his plans to establish a Northern Ireland Coastal Forum. (AQW 2666/00) Mr Foster: I refer the Member to my reply to Oral Question 527/00, as set out in the Official Report for 18 December 2000. It remains my intention to keep the benefits of a Coastal Forum in mind for future budget rounds, subject to the agreement of other Ministers with responsibilities relevant to the coastal area. FINANCE AND PERSONNEL NICS : Abolition of Compulsory Retirement Ages Mr John Fee asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will consider abolishing compulsory retirement ages in the Northern Ireland Civil Service. (AQW 2563/00) The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): The policy on age of retirement is currently under review and consideration of a range of business and equality issues is ongoing. The independent team reviewing appointment and promotion procedures to the Senior Civil Service will consider, within their terms of reference, the age of retirement as it affects the Senior Civil Service. The way forward will be considered in the light both of the Review Team’s findings and the on-going review. SSA/T&EA : Strabane Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail progress on his consultation with the Social Security Agency and the Training and Employment Agency in Strabane, since November 2000, with a view to providing accommodation for joint delivery of their services. (AQW 2585/00) Mr Durkan: The Social Security and Training and Employment Agencies (SSA/T & EA) are in the process of implementing a joint working initiative for jobseekers, which will enable them to deliver a joined-up job brokering and benefit service, from a single location, in the major towns across the province. A rollout programme of work has been drawn up and it is intended that the new joint working arrangements will be implemented in the first offices in February 2002 and that the roll-out will continue at the rate of one office per month until 2004. The role of the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) is to provide office accommodation to meet the business needs of Departments. In the SSA/T & EA Joint Working partnership the Strabane office is number 23 in the rollout programme of new offices, with a proposed start date of January 2002. Office Accommodation Branch in DFP has not to date received a business case or an accommodation brief from SSA/T & EA. NICS : Early Retirement of Staff Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail his policy and possible costs for the early retirement of Civil Servants. (AQW 2612/00) Mr Durkan: The policy for the early retirement of staff before minimum retirement age is set out in the NICS Staff Handbook, Leaving the Service Part Chapters 3 and 4, a copy of which is available in the Library. In relation to the possible costs, each individual case would depend on a number of variables, e.g., age, current salary and length of service. The calculation would be based on the formulae detailed in the Civil Service Compensation Scheme, a copy of which has been laid in the Library. Further background information can be found in the attached Annex. Annex A Early retirement applies to staff aged 50-59. The categories of early retirement are: (a) compulsory early retirement and redundancy; (b) flexible early retirement; (c) approved early retirement; and (d) actuarially reduced retirement
The grounds on which early retirement in categories a to c above may be considered are: (a) Compulsory early retirement - on grounds of limited efficiency, structure, redundancy; (b) Flexible early retirement - on grounds of limited efficiency, limited postability and structure; (c) Voluntary - to stimulate improvements in the effectiveness and efficiency of departments and to assist their manpower planning by enabling staff to retire early provided that management is absolutely satisfied in each case that the retirement will enhance departmental efficiency. There are two elements under this category. Under element (a) staff may apply if they are aged 50 or over with 5 years or more qualifying service. Under element (b) staff may apply if they are aged 55 and over with at least 25 years qualifying service. Category (d), actuarially reduced retirement, is the only category under which staff have a right to retire. Such retirements are at no additional cost to the public purse. All other categories are subject to management invitation or veto and must be supported by a value for money business case. The cost of the early pension is met by the relevant Department. Staff leaving under the categories Flexible Early Retirement, Approved Early Retirement and Actuarially Reduced Retirement do so willingly, and no element of compulsion is attached to these schemes. In addition staff may be retired on medical grounds where the Occupational Health Service advises that the individual is unable to undertake the duties of his/her grade until retirement age. Departmental Underspends Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel, in respect of the 2000/01 financial year, to outline (a) the level of underspend in each Department's budget and (b) what programmes this money has been allocated to. (AQW 2614/00) Mr Durkan: Provisional Outturn information for the financial year 2000-01 is not yet available and therefore details of Departmental underspends cannot be provided at this time. Provisional Outturn information from Departments is due with DFP in the coming weeks and I will subsequently be reporting the position to the Executive. Details of the Provisional Outturn position are normally published in July. Decisions on how underspends carried forward into 2001-02 are allocated is a matter for the Executive. Normally such decisions are taken in the first Monitoring round, due in June. Review of Rating Policy : Village and Rural Houses Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail whether he plans to extend rate relief to village and rural houses on the same basis as village Post Offices. (AQW 2625/00) Mr Durkan: Existing legislation would not permit this and I have no plans to extend relief in this way. The Review of Rating Policy, which is currently underway, however will consider all current rate relief schemes. The extension to Domestic property in rural areas would be part of that consideration. Rates on Commercial Premises : Representation Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to outline what recent representations he has received from industry and business representatives concerning rates on commercial premises. (AQW 2627/00) Mr Durkan: I have received eleven representations from industry and business since 1 January 2001. These covered questions on the level of the Regional Rates and the availability of relief from rates. Peace II Programme : Funding Matters Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail his plans to increase the proportion of Peace II funding, allocated to the constituency of East Antrim in comparison to that awarded under Peace I. (AQO 1363/00) 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. HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY Retention of Children's Organs : RVH Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail progress being made on investigations into the unauthorised retention of children's organs at the Royal Victoria Hospital and will she consider a public inquiry into this matter. (AQW 2572/00) The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): On 22 March I announced the establishment of the Human Organs Inquiry chaired by John O’Hara QC. The Inquiry will cover all aspects of past and current post mortem policy and practice and will draw on whatever medical and other professional support it requires to discharge its duties. The Chief Medical Officer’s investigation of organ retention practice here, including the Royal Victoria Hospital, initiated in January, has been completed and all of the information obtained will be passed to the Human Organs Inquiry and published. Ar an 22 Márta d’fhógair mé bunú an Fhiosrúcháin Orgáin Dhaonna le John O’Hara QC sa chathaoir air. Cumhdóidh an Fiosrúchán gach uile gné de pholasaí agus chleachtadh fiosrúcháin bháis reatha agus san am atá thart agus meallfaidh sé cibé tacaíocht mhíochaine agus ghairmiúil eile atá de dhíth air lena dhualgais a chomhlíonadh. Críochnaíodh fiosrúchán an Phríomh-Oifigigh ar chleachtadh choinneáil orgán anseo, Otharlann Ríoga Victeoiria san áireamh, a tosaíodh i Mí Eanáir, agus tabharfar an t-eolas uile a fuarthas don Fhiosrúchán Orgáin Dhaonna agus foilseofar é. Waiting Times : Downe Hospital Mr Jim Wells asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline her plans to reduce the average waiting time for admissions to Downe Hospital. (AQW 2574/00) Ms de Brún: I am concerned about reducing waiting times and waiting lists for treatment at all acute hospitals. In Priorities For Action, which I issued on 8 March, I set a target of reducing by 50% during the next year the number of those waiting more than 18 months, and the complete elimination of such long waits by March 2003. I also set a target for overall waiting lists to be reduced to 48,000 by March 2002, as a first step towards bringing the numbers down to 39,000 by March 2004. These reductions will have a direct impact on the length of time that people wait for treatment. Tá mé buartha faoin laghdú in amanna agus i liostaí feithimh do chóireáil ag gach uile géarotharlann. In Tosaíochtaí Do Ghníomhú a d’eisigh mé ar an 8 Márta, leag mé sprioc síos le líon na ndaoine sin ag fanacht níos mó ná 18 mí a laghdú faoi 50% le linn na bliana seo chugainn, agus le deireadh iomlán a chur lena leithéid d'fheitheamh fada sin faoi Mhárta 2003. Leag mé sprioc eile síos fosta le liostaí feithimh san iomlán a laghdú go 48,000 faoi Mhárta 2002, mar an chéad chéim chuig laghdú na líonta go 39,000 faoi Mhárta 2004. Beidh éifeacht dhíreach ag na laghduithe seo ar an mhéid ama a fhanfaidh daoine ar chóireáil. Fairer Charging Policies for Home Care and Other Non-Residential Social Services Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail any response she has made to the Government's consultation paper "Fairer Charging Policies for Home Care and Other Non-Residential Social Services". (AQW 2583/00) Ms de Brún: This consultation paper has been issued by the Department of Health in England and does not apply here. However, I will wish to consider the implications of any guidance issued by the Department of Health and its relevance for services here. D’eisigh An Roinn Sláinte i Sasana an páipéar comhairleach seo ach ní bhaineann sé leis an limistéar seo. Is mian liom machnamh a dhéanamh áfach ar impleachtaí treorach ar bith tugtha ag An Roinn Sláinte agus ar na himpleachtaí atá aici do sheirbhísí anseo. Residential Homes : Funding Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to give her assessment of the current level of funding to residential homes to cover the cost of care of residents. (AQW 2584/00) Ms de Brún: The rates paid to residential homes here are comparable to those paid in similar areas in England, Scotland and Wales. As I have previously indicated, a working group examined the funding structure for independent sector homes last year and made a number of recommendations that are currently being implemented by Boards and Trusts. This report recognised the increasing financial pressure on the sector and the Boards and Trusts will take this into account in seeking to agree increases in rates for places in residential and nursing homes for 2001-2002. Is féidir comparáid a dhéanamh idir rátaí a íoctar do thithe cónaithe anseo agus na rátaí sin a íoctar i gceantair eile cosúil léi i Sasana, in Albain agus sa Bhreatain Bheag. Mar a chuir mé in iúl roimhe sin, rinne grúpa oibre scrúdú ar an struchtúr maoinithe do thithe na hearnála neamhspleáiche anuraidh agus rinne sé roinnt moltaí atá á gcur i bhfeidhm ag Boird agus ag Iontaobhais faoi láthair. D'aithin an tuairisc seo an brú airgeadais, atá ag dul i méid, ar an earnáil agus cuirfidh Boird agus Iontaobhais é seo san áireamh agus iad ag iarraidh méaduithe i rátaí d'áiteanna i dtithe cónaithe agus banaltrachta sa bhliain 2001-2002 a chomhaontú. Paediatric Intensive Care Beds Mr John Tierney asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of paediatric intensive care beds with attendant nursing staff that are available in Northern Ireland. (AQW 2597/00) Ms de Brún: Currently there are six paediatric intensive care beds open here (7 when staffing levels permit). There are a total of 38.95 whole-time equivalent paediatric intensive care nurses with 2 whole-time equivalent support nursing auxiliaries. Faoi láthair, tá sé leaba péidiatraiceacha dianchúraim ar fáil anseo (7 leaba ag brath ar líon na foirne). Tá 38.95 banaltra péidiatraiceacha dianchúraim coibhéise ama iomláin mar aon le 2 banaltra tacaíochta cúnta coibhéise ama iomláin ann san iomlán. Children in Intensive Care : Average Cost Mr John Tierney asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the average cost per day for the care of a child in an intensive care bed. (AQW 2598/00) Ms de Brún: The average cost per day for the financial year 1999/00 was £1,685. £1,685 ba ea an meánchostas in aghaidh an lae don bhliain airgeadais 1999/00. Paediatric Intensive Care Beds Mr John Tierney asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of paediatric intensive care beds being occupied by children awaiting transfer to home ventilation and what is the average waiting time for transfer to home ventilation. (AQW 2600/00) Ms de Brún: At 24 April 2001 there were two children awaiting home ventilation, one of whom had been waiting for approximately six months, the other eight months. Ag an 24 Aibreán 2001 bhí beirt pháistí ag fanacht le haeráil bhaile, bhí páiste amháin ag fanacht le thart faoi sé mhí, agus an páiste eile ag fanacht le hocht mí. Intensive Care Beds Mr John Tierney asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of intensive care beds in place but unavailable due to the lack of nursing staff. (AQW 2601/00) Ms de Brún: It is not possible to give a figure for the number of intensive care beds not available at any one time as this changes from day to day and from hour to hour. At 9.00 am on 30 March 2001 (the last day of winter pressures monitoring) there were 2 intensive care/high dependency beds closed in hospitals here. The reasons why these beds were closed are not available. Ní féidir figiúr a thabhairt ar mhéid na leapacha dianchúraim nach bhfuil ar fáil ag am ar leith mar go n-athraíonn sé seo ó lá go lá agus ó uair go huair. Ar 9.00i.n. ar an 30 Márta 2001 (lá deireanach na monatóireachta ar bhrúnna geimhridh), bhí 2 leaba dianchúraim/ardspleáchais druidte in otharlanna anseo. Níl na fáthanna ar druideadh na leapacha seo ar fáil. General Practitioner Referral Times Mr Jim Wells asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the average waiting time between General Practitioner referral and hospital consultant appointment for Downe Hospital and (b) the average waiting time between a consultant referral and hospital admission at Downe Hospital for the period January 2000 to February 2001. (AQW 2603/00) Ms de Brún: Details of waiting times for inpatient admissions and outpatient appointments are collected in time bands. It is therefore not possible to compute an average waiting time. Numbers of completed waits for inpatient admission and first outpatient appointment for Downe Hospital for the quarter ending 31 December 2000 (the latest date for which information is available) are detailed in the tables below. Completed waits for inpatient admission to Downe Hospital, 31 December 2000
Completed waits for first outpatient appointment at Downe Hospital, 31 December 2000
Cruinnítear sonraí ar amanna feithimh do ghlacadh isteach othar cónaitheach agus do choinní éisothar i mbandaí ama. Mar sin de, ní féidir meánam feithimh a áireamh. Mionléirítear sna táblaí thíos méid an fheithimh le glacadh isteach othar cónaitheach, agus le céad choinne éisothar déanta in Otharlann An Dúin, sa ráithe ag críochnú an 31 Nollaig 2000 (an dáta is deireanaí atá eolas ar fáil). Feitheamh le glacadh isteach othar cónaitheach déanta in Otharlann An Dúin, 31 Nollaig 2000.
Feitheamh le céad choinne éisothar déanta ag Otharlann An Dúin, 31 Nollaig 2000.
Recombinant Factor 8 Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline her policy on the provision of "recombinant Factor 8" for haemophiliacs and to state what guarantees there are for under 16's and adults not affected by hepatitis/HIV in receiving "recombinant Factor 8". (AQW 2604/00) Ms de Brún: My Department has been working with Health Boards to bring about as quickly as possible the phased introduction of recombinant products for all patients. Currently recombinant products are provided for children under 16 and any patients previously untreated with plasma products. Since recombinant Factor VIII is not derived from human blood this ensures that the possibility of contamination by HIV, hepatitis viruses or any other blood borne virus is virtually eliminated. Bhí an Roinn s’agamsa ag obair le Boird Sláinte chun táirgí athchuingreacha a thabhairt isteach céim ar céim do gach uile othar a ghasta is féidir. Faoi láthair, soláthraítear táirgí athchuingreacha do pháistí faoi 16 agus d’othair ar bith nár cóireáladh roimhe sin le táirgí plasma. Mar nach dtagann Fachtóir athchuingreach VIII ó fhuil dhaonna, cinntíonn seo go ndíbrítear chóir a bheith féidearthacht an tsalaithe ó SEIF, víris heipitítis agus ó víreas fola ar bith eile. Spending Review Bids Mr Alex Maskey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the extra funding required to fulfil the bids submitted by her Department and to make a statement. (AQW 2605/00) Ms de Brún: The table below shows the extra amounts that would be needed to meet in full my Department’s Spending Review bids for the 2001-02 financial year:
The outcome of the Spending Review fell short of what is required to transform the HPSS so that it fully meets our needs. I will, of course, work to see that we continue to make the best use of the money we have, and to obtain additional resources. In fact, since the Spending Review was completed, the HPSS has been awarded a further £7.5m for the current financial year from the Executive Programme Funds. All told, the first tranche of the Funds will be allocating to my Department an extra £42m across the three years to 2003-04. This money will enable us to take forward a range of developments that will go some way towards modernising the HPSS and making it more accessible to service users. Léiríonn an tábla thíos na suimeanna a bheadh de dhíth le tairiscintí Athbhreithniú na Roinne ar Chaiteachas don bhliain airgeadais 2001-02 a sheasamh:
Theip ar thoradh an Athbhreithnithe ar Chaiteachas, a bhí de dhíth leis na SSSP a athrú sa dóigh go riarfadh sé go hiomlán ar ár riachtanais, a bhaint amach. Ar ndóigh, leanfaidh mé ar aghaidh le cinntiú go leanaimid ar aghaidh ag baint na húsáide is fearr as an airgead atá againn, agus le hacmhainní breise a fháil. Ó críochnaíodh an tAthbhreithniú ar Chaiteachas, is amhlaidh a tugadh £7.5m breise do na SSSP don bhliain airgeadais reatha ó Chistí Chlár an Fheidheannais. Agus sin uile ráite, sa chéad bhabhta de na Cistí, dáilfear £42m breise ar an Roinn s’agamsa ar feadh na dtrí bliana go 2003-04. Cuirfidh an t-airgead seo ar ár gcumas réimse forbairtí a chur chun cinn a chuideoidh na SSSP a chur in oiriúint don lá atá inniu agus a chuirfidh ar fáil níos mó d’úsáideoirí seirbhísí iad. Tuberculosis Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the number of people suffering from tuberculosis and (b) what steps she is taking to combat this disease. (AQW 2623/00) Ms de Brún: (a) In 2000 (the latest date for which information is available) there were 51 cases of tuberculosis notified here. (b) There has been enhanced surveillance for TB here since 1991/2. InMarch 1997, the Department issued guidelines on TB control and prevention to HSS Boards and Trusts here. In June 2000, guidelines on drug-resistant TB were issued. The Schools BCG Immunisation Programme, which was suspended in September 1999 due to a severe shortage of vaccine here and in England, Scotland and Wales, will restart in the very near future. (a) Sa bhliain 2000 (an dáta is deireanaí atá eolas ar fáil) bhí 51 cás eitinne curtha in iúl anseo. (b) Bhí méadú san airdeall ar eitinn anseo ó 1991/2. I Márta 1997, thug an Roinn treoirlínte ar smachtú agus ar chosc eitinne do Bhoird agus d'Iontaobhais SSS anseo. I Meitheamh 2000, tugadh treoirlínte ar eitinn dhruga-fhrithbheartach. Atosóidh an Clár Imdhíonta BCG i Scoileanna, a cuireadh ar ceal i Mí Mheán Fómhair 1999 mar gheall ar ghéarghanntanas vacsaíne anseo, i Sasana, in Albain agus sa Bhreatain Bheag, ar ball. Tuberculosis Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm that tuberculosis is on the increase in Northern Ireland and can she explain how this disease has re-emerged. (AQW 2624/00) Ms de Brún: In 1995 there were 84 identified cases of Tuberculosis here. Every year since, there has been a reduction in this number down to a figure of 51 in 2000. There is a very effective TB control programme in place here and as the figures show there is no question of a re-emergence of the disease. Sa bhliain 1995, bhí 84 cás eitinne aitheanta anseo. Gach bliain ó shin, bhí laghdú sa mhéid seo síos go 51 i 2000. Tá clár smachtaithe eitinne iontach éifeachtach i bhfeidhm anseo agus mar a léiríonn na figiúirí, níl baol ar bith ann go nochtfar an galar arís. Paediatric Intensive Care : Admission Rates Mr John Tierney asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail what steps are being taken to improve the ability of paediatric intensive care units to improve admission rates. (AQW 2635/00) Ms de Brún: Paediatric Intensive Care Services are provided at one location, in the Royal Group’s Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). To cope with increased demand, the steps taken over the past year include an extensive recruitment drive, the development of a tailored internal training programme and increased career development opportunities for all nursing staff. Soláthraítear Seirbhísí Péidiatraiceacha Dianchúraim ag láithreán amháin, in Ionad Péidiatraiceach Dianchúraim an Ghrúpa Ríoga (IPDC). Le déileáil leis an mhéadú san éileamh orthu, i measc na mbeart a rinneadh le linn na bliana seo a chuaigh thart, bhí feachtas leathan earcaíochta, forbairt cláir oiliúna inmheánaigh rí-fheiliúnaigh agus deiseanna níos mó lena saol oibre a fhorbairt don fhoireann banaltrachta uile. Paediatric Intensive Care Beds : Non Availability Mr John Tierney asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of operations that have been cancelled since January 2000 due to the non-availability of paediatric intensive care beds. (AQW 2636/00) Ms de Brún: Over the last 15 months since January 2000, a total of 6 operations affecting a total of 3 people have been cancelled due to non-availability of paediatric intensive care beds. Le linn na 15 mí deireanacha ó Eanáir 2000, cuireadh sé obráid ar ceal mar gheall ar an easpa leapacha péidiatraiceacha dianchúraim. Chuaigh seo i bhfeidhm ar thrí dhuine. Paediatric Intensive Care Services : Refusals of Admission Mr John Tierney asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of patients who have been refused admission to paediatric intensive care services since January 2000. (AQW 2637/00) Ms de Brún: Over the last 15 months since January 2000, there have been 34 refusals of admission to paediatric intensive care services. Le linn na 15 mí deireanacha ó Eanáir 2000, diúltaíodh seirbhísí péidiatraiceacha dianchúraim a chur ar fáil do 34 duine. Provision of Suitable Residential Care for Young People Ms Eileen Bell asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline any discussions she has had with the NIO concerning the protection of vulnerable young people in care and juvenile detention centres; and to make a statement. (AQW 2638/00) Ms de Brún: Discussions are ongoing between officials of my Department and the NIO about the provision of suitable residential care for young people who have been accused, or have been convicted, of a criminal offence, but for whom custody in a juvenile justice centre is not considered appropriate. The discussions have also covered the implications which the NIO’s decision to concentrate its entire juvenile justice provision in one centre at Rathgael, Bangor will have for the regional care centres in Belfast and Bangor, and these matters are being addressed by the Children Matter Task Force. Part of the Social Services Inspectorate concentrate on Criminal Justice Services and work in liaison with the Northern Ireland Office. In the last 12 months there have been a total of 7 unannounced inspection visits made to Juvenile Justice Centres. These visits focus on the treatment, care and protection of young people. Should the need arise for intervention at Ministerial level, then I would deal with that as appropriate. Tá caibidilí ar siúl idir feidhmeannaigh mo Roinne agus OTÉ faoi chúram cónaithe cuí do dhaoine óga a cúisíodh nó a ciontaíodh i gcoir, ach nach meastar príosúntacht in ionad cirt d’aosánaigh a bheith fóirsteanach. Ar na hábhair a pléadh bhí na himpleachtaí a bheadh ar chinneadh OTÉ iomlán a soláthair don cheart d’aosánaigh a shocrú i mBeannchar ar ionaid chúraim réigiúnacha i mBéal Feirste agus i mBeannchar. Tá an tascfhórsa Tá Tábhacht le Páistí ag tabhairt aghaidhe ar na hábhair seo. Díríonn cuid de Fhoireann Chigireachta na Seirbhísí Sóisialta ar Sheirbhísí Cirt Choiriúil agus oibríonn sí i gcomhar le hOifig Thuaisceart Éireann. Sa 12 mhí dhéag dheireannacha rinneadh seacht gcuairt chigearachta gan choinne ar ionaid de chuid an chórais dlí agus cirt d’aosánaigh. Díríonn na cuairteanna seo ar chúram agus chosaint na ndaoine óga. Má bhíonn gá le hidirghabháil aireachta, pléifidh mé féin leis mar is cuí. Deaths Related to Zyban Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of people in Northern Ireland who have died as a result of taking the anti-smoking drug 'Zyban'. (AQW 2699/00) Ms de Brún: There have been no reported deaths here. Níor tuairiscíodh bás ar bith anseo. HIGHER AND FURTHER EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT Hearing Impairment : Assistance to Obtain Employment Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment to detail the steps he is taking to assist those with partial or total hearing impairment to gain employment. (AQW 2593/00) The Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment (Dr Farren): My Department offers a range of practical and financial help to assist people with hearing impairments to gain employment. Information on the Department’s assistance is available in Sign Language (BSL and ISL) and sub-titled Video format, and Sign Language Interpreters can be requested for interviews with JobCentre staff. Under the Access to Work (NI) scheme, a wide range of specific assistance can be offered including Communication Support at job interviews, a Support Worker in the workplace, Specialist Equipment and work-based Sign Language training for immediate work colleagues. In addition to this specific help for hearing impairment, the Department offers job capability assessment, New Deal for Disabled People, Job Introduction Scheme, Employment Support and access to all other Departmental programmes. Regional Development Free Travel for Pensioners Mr Alban Maginness asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the procedure to be used to assess the number of pensioners who will be entitled to free rail and bus fares following the introduction of the free travel scheme for pensioners on 1 October 2001. (AQW 2373/00) The Minister for Regional Development (Mr Campbell): The detailed procedures relating to the introduction of free travel for older people will be the subject of new agreements to be drawn up between my Department and passenger transport undertakings and approved by the Department of Finance and Personnel. Discussions between my officials and those undertakings and the Department of Finance and Personnel will begin shortly. Rural Buses : Additional Funding Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline any representation he has made to the Minister of Finance and Personnel to bid for additional funding consequential to the Deputy Prime Minister's announcement, on 19 February 2001, of an extra £62m for rural buses and to make a statement. (AQW 2377/00) Mr Campbell: The £62 million of investment, announced by the Deputy Prime Minister, to improve rural bus services in England is an allocation out of the resources already provided in the 2000 Spending Review. The Northern Ireland Block, therefore, has already received its Barnett share. In the December Budget, the Assembly approved the allocation of extra resources to the Rural Transport Fund. In addition, I have bid for a further £1.2 million in each of the next five years, from the Infrastructure Fund, to assist Translink to purchase new low floor buses for use on rural services. Free Travel for Pensioners Mr John Fee asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his plans to introduce free transport for pensioners stating (a) the planned timetable for the introduction of the scheme and (b) any restrictions that will apply to journeys undertaken under the scheme. (AQW 2398/00) Mr Campbell: The scheme will commence on 1st October 2001. It will provide people, who are resident in Northern Ireland, aged 65 and over with unlimited free travel, at any time, on scheduled bus and rail services within Northern Ireland. Road Condition : Ballymacarn Road, Ballynahinch Mr Jim Wells asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his plans to reinstate and improve the Ballymacarn Road near Ballynahinch. (AQW 2578/00) Mr Campbell: My Department's Roads Service has advised me that the condition of the Ballymacarn Road near Ballynahinch has deteriorated largely as a result of its extensive use by construction traffic. The Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993 provides that, where roads are damaged by extraordinary traffic, my Department may recover the unusual expense of maintaining the roads from the persons concerned. In the case of Ballymacarn Road, Roads Service is currently in consultation with the contractor involved in the above-mentioned project regarding the necessary remedial works. Roads Service is hopeful that an agreement will be reached in the near future and, pending the implementation of more extensive repairs, will continue to maintain the road in keeping with normal maintenance guidelines to ensure the safety of road users. Upgrading Wastewater Treatment Works : Rathfriland Mr Jim Wells asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline his plans to update sewage disposal facilities in Rathfriland. (AQW 2602/00) Mr Campbell: The Wastewater Treatment Works at Rathfriland is operating marginally in excess of its design capacity and requires to be upgraded. A detailed technical appraisal has been initiated to establish the extent and cost of the improvement work. A study of the Rathfriland sewerage system has recently been completed and a range of minor improvements, estimated to cost £100,000, has been identified. These are not considered to be urgent. Given current levels of funding and more pressing priorities in the Capital Investment Programme it is unlikely that the improvements to the Wastewater Treatment Works and the sewerage network will commence before 2005. Blocked Sewer : Beverley Road, Newtownards Mr John Taylor asked the Minister for Regional Development to explain, (a) why the foul sewer was blocked, on Sunday 11 March 2001, at the main road opposite Nos. 16 and 18 Beverley Road, Newtownards, (b) why the Water Service Helpline was not responding to telephone calls that afternoon, and (c) what proposals are there to address this problem. (AQW 2620/00) Mr Campbell: Water Service was informed about a blocked sewer at Beverley Road, Newtownards at approximately 2.00 pm on Sunday 11 March 2001. A maintenance contractor carried out investigations and established that the blockage was caused by an accumulation of building debris and other material in a section of the sewer downstream from Beverley Road. This was cleared by the contractor and free flow was restored at approximately 5.20 pm. This response time was well within Water Service’s Customer Charter standards. The aim is to have inspection staff on site within 6 working hours and to clear blocked sewers within 1 working day. A subsequent camera survey of the sewer identified further building debris. Although this is not currently inhibiting the operation of the sewer, arrangements have been made to have this material removed. Water Service’s Customer Service Units, which answer calls on the Waterline, are staffed 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. In view of forecasts of heavy rainfall over the weekend of 10/11 March additional call handlers were deployed to deal with an anticipated increase in the number of calls from customers about flooding and blocked sewers. On Sunday 11 March 84 separate incidents were reported to Eastern Division’s Customer Service Unit and 61 calls were answered between 2.00 and 3.00 pm. It is accepted that during this peak period, some calls were not answered as quickly as normal. This may account for the mistaken perception, by some customers, that the Waterline was not operating. Water Service has procedures in place for responding to an increased volume of customer calls. These procedures include mobilising additional call handlers to support the affected Divisional Customer Service Unit, diverting calls to other Divisional Units unaffected by an incident, and diverting calls to a call handling centre in England capable of bringing large numbers of call handlers on line at short notice. These procedures are kept under regular review. Creation of Cycle Lanes : West Tyrone Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the steps he is taking to encourage the creation of cycle lanes in West Tyrone. (AQW 2628/00) Mr Campbell: My Department’s Roads Service recognises the important role that cycling has to play in creating a sustainable transportation strategy for the future and is committed to playing its part in encouraging a pro-cycle culture throughout Northern Ireland. In the West Tyrone area, Roads Service has constructed over 6 km of purpose-built cycle paths and has signed approximately 134 km of existing lightly-trafficked minor roads as part of the National Cycle Network (NCN). I understand that Omagh District Council has also contributed to the development of the NCN by creating a further 3 km of off-road cycle paths. Roads Service plans to construct a further 1.25 km of cycle path along Gortin Road in Omagh within the coming months. This will complete the NCN in the West Tyrone area. In addition to the NCN, where practical, Roads Service constructs new footways, such as that at Dromore Road, Omagh, to a standard suitable for use by both pedestrians and cyclists. The needs of cyclists are also being given careful consideration in the design of new road schemes such as the Strabane Bypass and the Omagh Throughpass Stage III. Access to Public Transport for the Disabled Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his plans to increase access to public transport for people with disabilities. (AQW 2629/00) Mr Campbell: Consultation has just ended on draft Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations. A number of points made by consultees are now being considered by officials. These draft regulations lay down standards for the accessibility of trains by people with disabilities and standards that should enable them to travel in safety and comfort. The Regulations will apply to all new trains entering service, including the trains that Translink are currently in the preliminary stages of ordering. Translink have advised that, where practical, they will bring older trains undergoing major refurbishment into line with the legislation. Bus accessibility regulations are a matter for the Minister of the Environment, but in advance of such legislation being introduced, Translink have already started to replace old buses with new low floor buses which people with disabilities find easier to use. Translink are also making railway and bus stations more accessible for people with disabilities when upgrading work takes place. In the current year improved facilities will come into use at Bangor, Coleraine and Belfast Central. My Department has recently launched a site on the Internet called Getting Out and About. This service provides information on the transport services and related facilities that are available to people with disabilities. Under the Rural Transport Fund Programme an additional 5 new fully accessible minibuses will be made available to Rural Community Transport Partnerships, bringing the total fleet up to 25. My Department also continues to fund Dial-a-Ride and Easibus services, which improve access to transport for people with disabilities. Maintenance Programme : Rural Roads South Down Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his plans to carry out a maintenance programme on rural roads in the constituency of South Down as a result of deterioration caused by severe weather in February 2001. (AQW 2640/00) Mr Campbell: Within my Department’s Roads Service, the Divisional Roads Managers are currently preparing proposed road maintenance programmes for 2001/02 for the district council areas within their respective Divisions. The Southern Divisional Roads Manager will be presenting his proposals to each district council within the constituency of South Down over the coming weeks. In general terms, the programmes in rural areas will focus on the structural maintenance of the road network through carriageway resurfacing and surface dressing, along with the repair and augmentation of the road drainage system. These measures will help to address the deterioration of roads which occurred during last winter. Rail Transport : Funding Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his plans to increase the level of funding for rail transport. (AQW 2641/00) Mr Campbell: The Budget which the Assembly approved on 18 December 2000 provided for an increase in funding for railways of £19.6m in 2001/02 and indicative increases of £48m and £34.5m in 2002/03 and 2003/04. The resources available should enable the consolidation option in the Railways Task Force’s Interim Report to be taken forward. This involves upgrading those parts of the core network which have not been improved recently and the acquisition of 23 new trains. Although these increases are most welcome, the resources available for railways are less than those which my predecessor and I sought. I will, therefore, be reviewing the position and may seek further increases in this year’s Spending Review. Environmental Impact Assessment for a Road Scheme Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the environmental criteria against which new motorway and bypass projects are considered; and to make a statement. (AQW 2644/00) Mr Campbell: Where my Department’s Roads Service is required to carry out an environmental impact assessment for a road scheme, it must do so in accordance with the European Community’s Council Directive No. 85/337/EEC, as amended by Council Directive No. 97/11/EC. That Directive requires that the Environmental Statement must contain the information referred to in Annex IV of the Directive. A copy of Annex IV is attached. ANNEX IV INFORMATION REFERRED TO IN AN ARTICLE 5(1)
- a description of the physical characteristics of the whole project and the land-use requirements during the construction and operational phases; - a description of the main characteristics of the production processes, for instance, nature and quantity of the materials used; - an estimate, by type and quantity, of expected residues and emissions (water, air and soil pollution, noise, vibration, light, heat, radiator, etc) resulting from the operation of the proposed project. - the existence of the project; - the use of natural resources; - the emission of pollutants, the creation of nuisances and the elimination of waste, and the description by the developer of the forecasting methods used to assess the effects on the environment. Congestion Charges Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline his policy on the introduction of a congestion charge for motorists travelling during peak times to Belfast. (AQW 2645/00) Mr Campbell: There are presently no plans to introduce congestion charges in Northern Ireland. Road Maintenance Programme : Ards Borough Council Area Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his plans to undertake an urgent maintenance programme for the road network in the Ards Borough council area. (AQW 2648/00) Mr Campbell: You will be aware that the funds available for road maintenance are not sufficient to enable my Department’s Roads Service to maintain adequately the country’s road network. The budget for 2001/02 is about half of that which is required. In this context Divisional Roads Managers within Roads Service are currently preparing proposed road maintenance programmes for 2001/02 for the district council areas within their respective Divisions. The Southern Divisional Roads Manager, will be presenting his proposals for the Ards Borough Council area to the Council on 25 June 2001. In general terms, the programme will focus on the structural maintenance of the road network through carriageway resurfacing and surface dressing, along with the repair and augmentation of the road drainage system. Public Liability Claims : Damage to Vehicles Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (a) the number of public liability claims for damage to vehicles caused by poor road surfaces in the years 1999-00 and 2000-01 and (b) what steps he is taking to address the problem. (AQW 2649/00) Mr Campbell: The number of public liability claims lodged against the Department for Regional Development during the last two financial years in respect of damage to vehicles was – 1999/00 : 1702 2000/01 : 2094 The structural integrity of the road network is the top priority of my Department’s Roads Service. In support of this objective, Roads Service undertakes a programme of structural maintenance which comprises good value planned activities, such as resurfacing and surface dressing, as well as reactive patching, which is essential to protect my Department against public liability claims. During 2000/01, as part of the Roads Service Continuous Improvement Programme, new road maintenance standards were introduced. These standards, which take into account varying circumstances (eg the severity of defect and pedestrian and traffic volumes), resulted in quicker response times for repairing road defects. In addition, I will of course continue to press for additional funds for road maintenance to further reduce the potential for public liability claims. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||