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Written Answers to Questions Friday 22 June 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 Fernhill House Museum : Funding Mr Jim Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to give a breakdown of the funding provided by the Community Relations Council to the Fernhill House Museum in the years 1999-00 and 2000-01. (AQW 3101/00) The First Minister and Deputy First Minister (Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon): It is understood from the Community Relations Council that no funding was provided to the Fernhill House Museum during these years. Children's Forum : Anticipated Budget Mrs Joan Carson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail the anticipated budget of the Children's Forum and what the breakdown of that budget will be. (AQW 3159/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The Forum does not have a budget, although we have agreed to provide modest grant aid of £15,000 to one of the member organisations to cover the cost of providing a secretariat. In addition the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister may commission specific pieces of work from the Forum over the coming months to help with the development of proposals for a Commissioner for Children and the Children’s Strategy. Any such pieces of work may be supported by further grants, dependent upon the size and nature of the project. Children's Forum Mrs Joan Carson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if an assurance can be given that the Children's Forum will not be a quango; and to make a statement. (AQW 3160/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The Forum is not a quango. It is an informal working group, brought together at our request for the specific purpose of providing input to proposals for a Commissioner for Children and a Children’s strategy. The purpose of the forum is to draw on the experience and expertise of children’s organisations. This is something that many members have encouraged us to do. Quangos : Appointments Mrs Joan Carson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister whether it has any plans to reduce the number of appointments to quangos which any individual can hold at any one time. (AQW 3161/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The code of practice of the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Public Appointments does not place a numerical limit on the number of appointments which any individual may hold. However, before offering an appointment to an individual who already holds a public appointment, departments must be satisfied that the person will be able to devote sufficient time and commitment to the new appointment. Consideration is currently being given to a review of the arrangements for making appointment to public bodies. TOPAGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT Sheep Industry : Control Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her plans to regulate, control and police the sheep industry to ensure that there is no illegal movement of, or trade in, these animals; and to make a statement. (AQW 3262/00) The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): The recent outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease has shown that the current sheep identification system is inadequate to trace sheep movements accurately and quickly for disease purposes. To help prevent and contain any further outbreak or illegal movement of sheep it will be necessary to tighten controls but this will be for the overall good of the industry. I announced my intention to move to individual sheep identification in a press release on 1 May 2001. My officials are currently working on this issue and I will be consulting widely on any new proposals in due course. Re-opening Livestock Marts Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) the proposed timescale for re-opening livestock marts (b) what compensation will be given to livestock marts and (c) what representations she has made to the Minister of Finance and Personnel to ensure rate relief is obtained for livestock marts. (AQW 3308/00) Ms Rodgers: The answers to the points raised in your question are:- (a) It is still too early to say when livestock markets might be allowed to re-open. This is an issue which is under continuous assessment and any decision on re-opening is conditional on veterinary advice that re-opening would not present unacceptable risk. (b) The only compensation provision under Foot and Mouth disease legislation is for animals or materials destroyed as part of the Department’s campaign to control and eradicate the disease. There is no provision for "consequential losses" such as those incurred through the closure of livestock marts. (c) I have made representations to Minister Durkan and a "Help for Business Scheme" as detailed in the attached leaflet is now available to those businesses which can demonstrate that they are suffering financial hardship as a result of the FMD crisis. Information and Communication Technology Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will make a statement on the use of information technology to support rural communities. (AQW 3311/00) Ms Rodgers: I am aware of the exciting opportunities, which the effective use of ICT provides for businesses and communities everywhere. Information and Communication Technology has been shown to have the potential to increase the competitiveness of small firms in the broader economy and so can if effectively utilised make a significant contribution to the agri-food sector and rural economy. My Department has already recognised the potential and has been working to achieve improved uptake and application through a number of initiatives. These have a strong emphasis on education and training which forms the basis for the future exploitation of the opportunities, which this new technology presents. I obtained additional funding in the 2000/2001 financial year specifically targeted at improving the resources for ICT training and support for farmers in the west of the country. Progress has been somewhat curtailed by the foot and mouth restrictions but we hope by the end of the summer to be able to launch farmer access computers and training suites as well as the first stage of the Rural Portal being funded under the Programme for Government. Within the PEACE II programme measures are being finalised to enhance existing provision by facilitating unique programmes targeted at the development of the basic skills and effective application of ICT in farm businesses and rural communities. Foot-and-Mouth : Compensation Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail what compensation will be given to those farmers who were unable to move cattle due to foot-and-mouth restrictions resulting in them now exceeding the over 30 month scheme (OTMS). (AQW 3314/00) Ms Rodgers: You may be aware that the only compensation provision under Foot and Mouth disease legislation is for animals or materials destroyed by the Department as part of the campaign to control and eradicate the disease. I am aware that movement restrictions have in some cases unfortunately prevented cattle being moved to slaughter prior to reaching the 30 month age point and that this has involved loss with the animals then going to the Over Thirty Months Scheme (OTMS). This is a problem that has arisen in FMD - affected areas throughout the UK. It is presently under consideration and it may be that it would be regarded as consequential loss for which the Government does not provide compensation. I am not yet in a position to comment on how this issue might eventually be resolved. TOPCULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE MAGNI : Abolition of Admission Charges Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to give his assessment of the impact of the abolition of admission charges for pensioners and children visiting national museums and galleries; and to make a statement. (AQW 3260/00) The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): The abolition of admission charges would be welcomed by MAGNI, however, any such initiative would carry a cost in terms of lost revenue by MAGNI which would need to be sourced elsewhere. The differing histories and development of individual MAGNI sites means that the implications of any such initiative would vary according to the prevailing situation on each site. The Ulster Museum and Armagh County Museum do not currently charge for admission. Consequently it is not envisaged any proposal relating to admission charges would alter the situation. The UFTM already grants concessions to adults age 60 and over and to children under 5 years. The total expected income from admission charges to children and pensioners is £195,100 in 2000/01 rising to £215,000 in 2002/03. The UAFP also has concessions for children and senior citizens. To have granted free admission to these groups during 2000 would have reduced income by £76,750. Competitive Cycling Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to give his assessment of competition cycling in Northern Ireland. (AQW 3264/00) Mr McGimpsey: Responsibility for the development of sport in the province rests with the Sports Council for Northern Ireland (SCNI). The Sports Council currently recognise the Ulster Cycling Federation (UCF) as the governing body of the sport, though the Council has also provided Lottery funding support for the other governing body for cycling in the province, the Northern Ireland Cycling Federation (NICF). Both federations, supported by the Sports Council, are currently making efforts to develop agreed plans for the sport and a more co-ordinated approach to local management issues. Progress in this direction will enhance the development of the sport in Northern Ireland. Foot-and-Mouth Disease : Relaxation of Restrictions Mr Jim Wilson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will indicate when access will be permitted to (a) areas adjacent to agricultural land and (b) to agricultural land along river banks and lift the restrictions imposed as a result of the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. (AQW 3297/00) Mr McGimpsey: The Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development announced on Friday 15 June 2001, with Executive Committee approval, a relaxation of the foot and mouth restrictions that will allow greater access to agricultural land and along river banks. The new guidelines recommend that controlled access to fields and farmland where there are no livestock, and to hills, mountains and moorland where there is little likelihood of contact with livestock may be permitted. Anglers may once again fish rivers, lakes and reservoirs which can be reached without the risk of encountering farm animals. This relaxation of access to the countryside should, with farmers agreement enable anglers to access most fisheries providing a common sense approach is adopted and care is taken to avoid contact with livestock. Following the DARD announcement my Department issued a press release announcing the reopening of those waters in the Public Angling Estate which comply with the new guidelines. The remaining waters will be urgently assessed and where appropriate farmers or landowners agreement sought for their reopening. TOPENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT Improving Tourist Facilities Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the steps he is taking to improve facilities for tourists visiting Northern Ireland. (AQW 3246/00) The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has available, in the current year, £4.714m to spend on the development of tourism facilities. In relation to visitor attractions it’s current policy is to provide capital support towards the upgrading, re-theming or improved interpretation at those centres that attract non-domestic tourists. In addition, the NITB can provide financial assistance for marketing activity. NITB/BTA : Milestones Agreement Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline what arrangements exist between the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and the British Tourist Authority to promote Northern Ireland in Great Britain and overseas. (AQW 3249/00) Sir Reg Empey: Though the British Tourist Authority does not have a statutory obligation to promote tourism to Northern Ireland, good co-operation exists in all markets. A "Milestones Agreement" exists between NITB and BTA which provides for enquiry handling in markets where NITB does not have its own office. Northern Ireland is covered in many BTA publications and has an option to buy into workshops, fairs and Trade Shows. Foot-and-Mouth Disease : Impact on Tourism Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to give his assessment of the impact of foot-and-mouth disease on the number of tourists visiting Northern Ireland in the last six months. (AQW 3250/00) Sir Reg Empey: It is not possible to provide an official estimate of tourism performance for the last 6 months. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board has monitored the impact of Foot ad Mouth Disease closely since March. An initial estimate of the decline in visitors for the months of March and April is calculated at approximately 60,000 visitors. Strategic Business Links with the US Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of strategic business links forged with the United States of America in each of the last three years. (AQW 3252/00) Sir Reg Empey: My Department and its agencies have helped support and facilitate strategic business links with the US in a variety of ways. Since 1999 IDB, LEDU and IRTU have helped 420 NI companies initiate contact with US companies with the aim of establishing a business relationship either through direct sales, distribution agreements, alliance or partnership or technology transfer and development. This figure breaks down over the last three years as follows: 1999 141 2000 147 2001 (to date) 132 At agency level many important links have been forged with influential US organisations and agencies, these include: - The US Department of Commerce who have organised trade missions into Northern Ireland and facilitated NI company contacts in the USA. - The US/NI Joint Board on Scientific and Technological Co-operation, established through a Memorandum of Understanding between the Technology Administration of the US Department of Commerce and IRTU. - Joint Memorandum of Understanding between IDB and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts which has resulted in reciprocal trade missions and a trade and investment conference in Boston. - Trade and Investment Conference with the New York Economic Development Corporation with US/NI companies. Many of these contacts at company and agency level build on the strong linkages already established through the valuable work undertaken by Councils throughout Northern Ireland and the mutually beneficial research linkages between US and Northern Ireland university departments. Telecommunications Industry Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to give his assessment of the telecommunications industry in Northern Ireland. (AQW 3254/00) Sir Reg Empey: In this international and competitive telecommunications sector, the longer-term outlook for the markets serviced by companies in Northern Ireland is positive. Whilst it is accepted that current market conditions are difficult, and this is impacting on local firms, an upturn is anticipated in 2002. Fishing Ports : Level of Investment Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (a) the level of investment in each of the fishing ports in Northern Ireland by the IDB for each of the last 10 years (b) the level of unemployment in each of the ports in comparison to the (i) district average and (ii) Northern Ireland average. (AQW 3258/00) Sir Reg Empey: ( a) Responsibility for support to fishing ports lies with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and not IDB. (b) Small area unemployment rates are unavailable for Northern Ireland below District Council area and so there are no measures of the level of unemployment for individual fishing ports. In order to make the comparisons requested unemployment rates are required and the smallest areas for which these are available are District Councils. These figures, plus Northern Ireland averages, are available in the DETI monthly publication, Northern Ireland Labour Market Statistics (Section 3, Table 3.8), copies of which are placed in the Assembly Library. Job Creation Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of jobs created as a result of work undertaken by his Department and its agencies in each parliamentary constituency in each of the last three years. (AQW 3266/00) Sir Reg Empey: Information in the tables provided relates to employment in the client companies of the Industrial Development Board (IDB), the Local Enterprise Development Unit (LEDU) and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB). Activity by other parts of DETI, such as the Industrial Research and Technology Unit (IRTU), will also contribute to employment growth in these companies. Table 1 provides information on employment creations within IDB client companies, for each Parliamentary Constituency, over the past 3 years. Table 2 provides job creations in LEDU client companies. It is presented for the past two years by District Council area, as information is not currently available at Parliamentary Constituency level or for years earlier than 1999/2000. Figures in Table 3, supplied in respect of jobs created as a result of work undertaken by the NITB, relate to jobs anticipated to be created upon completion/opening of capital projects in each of the 18 Parliamentary Constituencies. Figures are detailed on the basis of year of issue of Letter of Offer awarding financial assistance. INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD (IDB) Table 1 : IDB Client Company Employment Creations by Parliamentary Constituency.
LOCAL ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT UNIT (LEDU) Table 2 : LEDU Client Company by District Council Area
NORTHERN IRELAND TOURIST BOARD (NITB) Table 3 : Jobs Anticipated to be Created as a Result of Selective Financial Assistance Awarded by NITB in the years 1998/99, 1999/2000 and 2000/01
Injured at Work Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of people injured while at work in each of the last five years. (AQW 3272/00) Sir Reg Empey: The number of people injured while at work in each of the last five years are as follows:-
(p) provisional Fatalities at Work Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of fatalities due to accidents at work in each of the last five years. (AQW 3273/00) Sir Reg Empey: The number of fatalities due to accidents at work in each of the last five years are as follows:-
ENVIRONMENT Telecommunication Mast : Killinchy Street, Comber Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment, in respect of the siting of a telecommunication mast at the rear of the police station in Comber, to detail (a) whether a planning application has been received (b) if any objections to this application have been received and (c) what steps he is taking to alleviate local concerns. (AQW 3136/00) The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): [holding answer 8 June 2001]: A prior approval application for the erection of a telecommunications mast and ancillary equipment on land at BT Exchange, Killinchy Street, Comber for BT Cellnet, was received on 13 February 2001. A total of 73 objections were received to the proposal, the vast majority of which related to health concerns. This application was not processed within the statutory 42 day time limit set down under prior approval regulations, in this case, 27 March 2001. This resulted in a deemed approval being granted for the proposal even though the opinion of the Planning Service was to refuse. The Divisional Planning Manager wrote to BT Cellnet’s agents on 3 April 2001 setting out this position. I understand that the mast has not been erected. Officials met with the operators and their agents on 19 June 2001 to seek a resolution to this matter. At that meeting, officials explained the strength of public opposition to the mast, and confirmed that the opinion of the Department was that prior approval should have been refused in this instance. The operators were sympathetic to the points being made. They in turn stressed the need for providing a service for their customers in the area, but agreed to look at alternative means for providing this service. They promised to revert to officials when they had considered the matter further. I will of course keep you updated on progress in this matter. Clearly, mistakes have been made in this case, and I have passed on my concerns to officials. Urgent action has been taken to ensure that these deadlines are not missed in future. New procedures have been introduced which include earlier decision making, and more use of fax and recorded delivery. You will be aware of the Executive Committee’s decision on 14 June 2001 to abolish the prior approval system for telecommunication masts and to subject them to full planning control. I would hope to introduce the necessary amending legislation in the Assembly in the autumn. Removal of Election Posters Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (a) his plans to ensure that all election posters are removed after the election and (b) what penalties are in place for those who fail to comply with such directions. (AQW 3215/00) Mr Foster: My Department has recently written to all political parties advising of the statutory regulations for the display of election posters, including the requirement that they must be removed within 14 days of the close of the relevant poll. Following the effective date, which on this occasion is 21 June 2001, political parties will be reminded about their responsibilities in relation to election posters and the position will be monitored to ensure that all posters are removed. Election candidates normally co-operate fully with my Department in this matter. Failure to comply with the legislation governing the removal of election posters may result in enforcement action against the party or parties concerned, which could result in Court action and the imposition of a fine of up to £1,000. Planning Applications : Close Proximity to Power Lines Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment what provision does the Planning Service make when considering planning applications for new housing developments that are adjacent or in close proximity to main power lines and pylons, particularly at Cross Green, Carrickfergus. (AQW 3256/00) Mr Foster: Although it does not have a statutory duty to do so, where appropriate, the Planning Service consults with the Environmental Health Office of the relevant district council in relation to the public safety and health implications of proposed residential development close to main power lines and pylons. The Planning Service takes any comments received into account in its determination of such planning applications. The Planning Service consulted Carrickfergus Borough Council’s Environmental Health Office in relation to the Cross Green development at Woodburn Road, Carrickfergus. No objections were raised to the proposed development. Planning permission subsequently issued on 30 September 1997. Planning Applications : Ards Borough Council Area Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of planning applications in the Ards Borough Council area in the years 1999-00 and 2000-01 and the average timescale for processing the application. (AQW 3279/00) Mr Foster: Details of the number of planning applications received for the Ards Borough Council area in the years 1999-2000 and 2000-2001, and the average timescale for processing these applications are set out below.
Quality of Beaches Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to detail any plans he has to improve the quality of beaches around Northern Ireland. (AQW 3286/00) Mr Foster: My Department’s responsibility in relation to beaches is to identify and monitor bathing waters in Northern Ireland that come within the scope of the EC Bathing Water Directive. Northern Ireland already has an excellent record of compliance with the Directive. Compliance rates are higher than in any other region of the UK. In 2000 all 16 identified bathing waters in Northern Ireland met both the mandatory and the guideline standards of the Directive. Of these, 7 were awarded a European Blue Flag. In administering the Blue Flag Scheme, the Tidy Northern Ireland Group takes account of other criteria such as beach facilities, cleanliness and safety. However, there is no room for complacency and my Department will continue to work to minimise pollution from agricultural and sewage sources. The European Commission has recently issued a paper on possible revisions to the Bathing Water Directive. My Department is consulting District Councils and other interested groups in Northern Ireland about the Commission’s proposals. European Blue Flag Awards Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to give his assessment of the European Blue Flag Awards for beach cleanliness in Northern Ireland; and to make a statement. (AQW 3287/00) Mr Foster: I am delighted to confirm that seven beaches in Northern Ireland were awarded the coveted Blue Flag award this year. These sites were:
These beaches received awards last year but, unfortunately, Ballycastle, which also achieved the award last year, was not listed for 2001. Blue Flags are awarded only when a beach conforms to strict criteria based on the quality of the water, management of the beach, and provision of information. A full description of the criteria is available on the Tidy Britain Group web site, www.blueflag.org. The Blue Flag scheme recognises authorities for their good stewardship of beaches and I would encourage all local councils to participate in the scheme and build on our recent successes. Carrickfergus : Old Town Walls Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to detail any plans he has to upgrade the old town walls of Carrickfergus. (AQW 3300/00) Mr Foster: The part of the old town walls which is in the Department of Environment’s care stretches from St Bride’s carpark clockwise, ending at Joymount. Conservation work has been carried out on this section in the past and it is in good condition. There is some concern over the condition of some sections of the wall not in the care of my Department. These sections are scheduled for protection under Article 3 of the Historic Monuments and Archaeological Objects (N Ireland) Order 1995. Discussions have taken place with Carrickfergus Borough Council about the extent and implementation of repairs to the walls within its ownership. It is hoped that Council will carry out the work with guidance from EHS and in the terms specified by the conditions of a Scheduled Monuments Consent which, on application by the Council, would be issued by the Department under Articles 4 and 5 of the Historic Monuments and Archaeological Objects (NI) Order 1995. New site notices, explaining the history and features of the walls, will be provided later this year. Carrickfergus : Old Town Walls Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to AQW 3053/00, to detail the segments of the old town walls which are the property of Carrickfergus Borough Council. (AQW 3303/00) Mr Foster: The part of Carrickfergus old town walls which is the property of Carrickfergus Borough Council stretches from St Bride’s carpark gateway anticlockwise to the junction of Albert Road and Lancasterian Street, except for Northgate. The Northgate and excavated wall footings in Delaney Green are in the care of the Department of the Environment. The details of ownership are recorded on maps which can be inspected at the Monuments and Buildings Record, 5-33 Hill Street, Belfast. Areas of Townscape Character Ms Eileen Bell asked the Minister of the Environment to detail what action has been taken to ensure effective consultation in respect of the drawing up of areas of townscape character, in general, and North Down in particular; and to make a statement. (AQO 1627/00) Mr Foster: All future Areas of Townscape Character will, where appropriate, be designated within development plans. Consultation will take place at various stages of the plan process, and opportunities will be provided for local communities to participate in this process, through public meetings. In addition, following publication of a draft plan, there will be opportunity to make representations on it for consideration by the Planning Appeals Commission, an independent body, prior to final plan adoption. The North Down Borough Council Area will be covered by the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan, on which work commenced in January of this year. As part of the plan preparation process, work is underway to determine the appropriateness of existing Areas of Townscape Character boundaries. This will consider if new Areas of Townscape Character should be designated, and consider the need for appropriate local policies and guidance for such areas, for inclusion in the plan. These considerations will be made in accordance with my Department’s statutory consultation obligations and also the general approach to public participation which I have outlined. Telecommunications Mast : Jerrettspass Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of the Environment to detail when the telecommunications mast at Jerrettspass will be demolished; and to make a statement. (AQW 3407/00) Mr Foster: I understand that officials have written to you explaining that Crown Castle, the agents in this case, have written to us confirming their intention to replace the mast once they have secured alternative coverage provisions. It was also explained that there could be some delay in implementing this decision to allow them to complete a technical appraisal of their operations. They hope to minimise this. Given this position, I am unable to state exactly when the mast will be demolished. However, I would hope that there will not be an undue delay. My officials will of course continue to monitor the situation. Telecommunication Masts : Consultation Paper Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of the Environment to detail when he will publish his response to the consultation document on Mobile Telecommunications Masts and the Stewart Report; and to make a statement. (AQO 1609/00) Mr Foster: As I stated in my reply to the oral question from the Member for Upper Bann, my Department issued a consultation paper on 10 November 2000, seeking views on possible changes to planning legislation for the control of development by licensed telecommunications code system operators. As the Member may know, the original date for responses to the consultation paper was 16 January 2001. The Environment Committee requested an extension of time to consider the issue and the Committee provided its response on 5 April 2001. I brought the outcome of the consultation paper to the attention of the Executive Committee and after discussion on 14 June 2001, the Committee decided that the best way forward was for full planning permission procedures to be applied for telecommunications masts. I have asked my officials to consider what legislation is necessary to implement the Executive Committee’s decision, and I expect to be able to introduce this legislation in the autumn. TOPFINANCE AND PERSONNEL Rate Collection Agency : Performance Targets 2001-02 Mr Alex Attwood asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the performance targets which have been set for the Rate Collection Agency (RCA) in 2001-02. (AQW 3296/00) The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): For 2001- 2002 the following performance targets have been set for the RCA. (OUTPUT) To collect 98% (or the 2000-2001 outturn if higher) of a forecast £660M Gross Collectable Rate (excluding Late Assessments) by 31 March 2002. (EFFICIENCY) To achieve a forecast unit cost of £11.61 for collecting rates per hereditament, excluding development costs for the Rates in the Millennium (RIM) and ONE Projects, representing a 1% improvement in real terms on 2000-2001. To achieve a forecast unit cost of £30.52 for processing Housing Benefit cases, excluding development costs for the RIM and ONE Projects, representing a 1% improvement in real terms on 2000-2001. (QUALITY OF SERVICE)
(FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT)
HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY Fire Service Property : Cost of Vandalism Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the cost of vandalism to Fire Service property and machinery in each of the last five years. (AQW 3234/00) The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): The cost of repairing Fire Authority property damaged by acts of vandalism over the past five years is as set out below.
The cost of repairing vehicle damage is not available. Most damage to vehicles is caused by incidents of stone throwing and it is therefore not practical to access the cost of each incident. The frequency of these attacks in some areas does however mean that general vehicle refurbishment is required sooner than would normally be the case. Leagtar amach sa tábla thíos costas cóirithe sealúchas an Údaráis Dóiteáin a ndearnadh damáiste air le cúig bliana anuas de dheasca creachadóireachta.
Níl an costas ar dheisiú damáiste ar fheithiclí ar fáil. Rinneadh an chuid is mó den damáiste ar fheithiclí mar gheall ar eachtraí amhail caitheamh cloch agus mar sin de, níl sé praiticiúil costas gach eachtra a fháil. Ciallaíonn minicíocht na n-ionsaithe seo i roinnt ceantar áfach go mbíonn athdheisiú ginearálta feithiclí de dhíth níos luaithe ná mar a bheadh sé de dhíth de ghnáth. Full-Time Fire Cover : East Antrim Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail what steps she is taking to establish a full-time Fire Service for the constituency of East Antrim. (AQW 3235/00) Ms de Brún: The Northern Ireland Fire Brigade maintains a rolling review of Standards of Fire Cover and the associated provision of Fire Service fire fighting resources. The East Antrim area is one of the areas that the Fire Brigade keeps under particular review due to the large amount of development and infrastructure in some of the constituency towns. This particularly applies to the Retained (Part time) Fire Stations located in Carrickfergus and Larne. Both Stations are very busy having attended 887 and 577 calls respectively during 2000. Home Office Standards of Fire Cover are still being met in over 90% of occasions. However, the Fire Brigade considers that over 600 calls per year is excessive for Retained Stations and will present a report later this year giving a strategic overview of the developing fire cover needs for the next ten years. Coinníonn Briogáid Dóiteáin Thuaisceart Éireann athbhreithniú leanúnach ar Chaighdeáin a Trealaimh Dóiteáin agus ar sholáthar acmhainní múchta tinte na Seirbhíse Dóiteáin úsáidte leis. Is é ceantar Aontroma Thoir ceann de na ceantair a choinníonn an Bhriogáid Dóiteáin faoi athbhreithniú áirithe mar gheall ar an mhéid mhór forbartha agus bonneagair déanta i roinnt toghbhailte. Baineann seo go háirithe leis na Stáisiúin Dóiteáin (Páirtaimseartha) Choinneáilte suite i gCarraig Fhearghais agus i Latharna. Tá an dá stáisiún araon iontach gnóthach mar gur fhreagair siad ar 887 agus ar 577 scairt faoi seach le linn 2000. Tá Caighdeáin Trealaimh Dóiteáin na hOifige Baile á gcomhlíonadh go fóill i mbreis agus 90% de na huaireanta. Síleann an Bhriogáid Dóiteáin áfach go bhfuil 600 scairt in aghaidh na bliana iomarcach do Stáisiúin Choinneáilte agus tabharfaidh sí tuairisc níos moille i mbliana ag déanamh léirmheasa straitéisigh ar riachtanais fhorbartha threalamh dóiteáin do na deich mbliana seo chugainn. Attacks on Fire Service Personnel Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of attacks on Fire Service personnel in each of the last five years. (AQW 3236/00) Ms de Brún: The number of incidents which involved hostilities towards Fire service personnel, attended in each of the last three years is as follows.
Records for the previous 2 years are not available. Seo a leanas líon na n-eachtraí a ndeachthas chucu i ngach bliain de na trí bliana déanacha agus ar a ndearnadh ionsaithe naimhdeacha ar fhoireann na Seirbhíse Dóiteáin.
Níl cáipéisí don dá bhliain seo a chuaigh thart ar fáil. Protection For Service Personnel Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail what steps she is taking to protect Fire Service personnel from attack whilst on duty. (AQW 3237/00) Ms de Brún: The Northern Ireland Fire Brigade takes many steps
to protect Fire Service personnel from attack whilst on duty. Firefighters are
issued with personal protective equipment, including tunics and over trousers,
which are fire retardant, a helmet fitted with a visor, gloves and steel toe-capped
boots. Fire appliances are fitted with armoured glass and sliding protective screens for the windshields, in addition to internal door locks and locks on the external lockers. Every firefighter receives extensive training on how to react in a hostile situation and every Incident Commander receives training on dealing with incidents involving civil disturbance. Incident Commanders will also carry out Dynamic Risk Assessment of every incident attended and will not expose fire fighters to unnecessary danger in a hostile or civil disturbance incident. There are regular liaison meetings, at local level, between the Brigade and representatives of the community in an effort to reduce attacks of Fire Service personnel. Déanann Briogáid Dóiteáin Thuaisceart Éireann
cuid mhór beart lena foireann Seirbhíse Dóiteáin
a chosaint ó ionsaithe agus iad ar dualgas. Tugtar trealamh cosanta pearsanta
don lucht múchta tinte, ina measc tá tuineacha, forbhrístí
atá dófhriotaíoch, clogad le scáthlán air,
miotóga agus buataisí cruach-chaipíneacha. Tá fearais dóiteáin gléasta le gloiní armúrtha agus le scáileáin chosanta shleamhnáin do na gaothscáthanna, chomh maith le glais inmheánacha dorais agus glais ar na taisceadáin eachtracha. Faigheann gach duine múchta tinte oiliúint chuimsitheach ar an dóigh le freagairt ar staid naimhdeach agus faigheann gach Ceannasaí Eachtra oiliúint ar an dóigh le déileáil le heachtraí mar a bhfuil griolsa cathartha. Déanfaidh Ceannasaithe Eachtra Measúnú Bríomhar ar Bhaol gach eachtra a ndeachthas chucu agus ní chuirfidh sé an lucht múchta tinte i mbaol neamhriachtanach in eachtra naimhdeach nó griolsa chathartha. Bíonn cruinnithe rialta comhoibrithe ann, ag leibhéal áitiúil, idir an Bhriogáid agus ionadaithe an phobail chun iarracht a dhéanamh ionsaithe ar an fhoireann Seirbhíse Dóiteáin a laghdú. Nursing Home Beds Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to (a) give her assessment of the impact on the reduction of nursing home beds and (b) state if she plans to increase funding to address this situation. (AQW 3239/00) Ms de Brún: In my reply to AQW 574/00, I gave details of the numbers of private nursing home beds in each Board area in each of the last three years. This information demonstrates that whilst there has been a reduction in private nursing home beds in the Eastern and Northern Board areas in that period, there has been an increase in such beds in the Southern and Western Board areas. Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts have operational responsibility for the assessment of the need for nursing home care in their areas and are constantly reviewing the beds available against the assessment of need. I am aware that the private nursing home sector, like other providers, is under financial pressure and I have already indicated that I am sympathetic to the case made for increased funding. It was for this reason that with my Department’s approval Health and Social Services Boards explored the degree to which an above inflationary increase in fees was affordable for 2001-2002. The increase in fees between 3.5% - 5.0% for 2001–2002 will help the private sector, as will the further £2m made available for 230 additional community care places in my budget. I mo fhreagra ar AQW 574/00, thug mé sonraí ar líon na leapacha i dtithe príobháideacha altranais i ngach ceantar Boird in achan bhliain de na trí bliana anuas. Léiríonn an t-eolas seo go raibh méadú i leapacha den sórt sin i gceantair Bhoird an Deiscirt agus an Iarthair cé go raibh laghdú sna leapacha príobháideacha ar fáil i dtithe príobháideacha altranais i gceantair Bhoird an Oirthir agus an Tuaiscirt. Tá freagrachtaí feidhmithe ag Boird agus Iontaobhais Shláinte agus Sheirbhísí Sóisialta as measúnú an ghá do chúram i dtithe altranais ina gceantair féin agus tá siad ag athbhreithniú i gcónaí na leapacha ar fáil in aghaidh measúnú an ghá sin. Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil an earnáil thithe príobháideacha altranais faoi bhrú airgeadais, cosúil le soláthraithe eile, agus chuir mé in iúl cheana féin go bhfuil mé tuisceanach don chás a rinneadh do níos mó maoinithe. Sin an fáth, le cead ó mo Roinn, gur scrúdaigh Boird Shláinte agus Sheirbhísí Sóisialta an méid a bhí méadú níos mó ná boilsciú i dtáillí inacmhainneach do 2001-2002. Cuideoidh an méadú idir 3.5%-5.0% i dtáillí leis an earnáil phríobháideach, chomh maith leis an £2m breise curtha ar fáil do 230 áit breise cúram pobail i mo bhuiséad. Human Organs Inquiry Team Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the work undertaken to date by the relatives reference group and the Human Organs Inquiry Team (b) when the Inquiry Team is expected to report and (c) the approximate cost of this inquiry. (AQW 3244/00) Ms de Brún: I announced the membership and terms of reference of the Human Organs Inquiry Team and Relatives Reference Group on 22 March. Since then the Inquiry team and Relatives Reference Group have advertised widely in the local press inviting comments from the public, which has led to requests for over 90 questionnaires. The Inquiry team has held initial meetings with parents and the Royal Victoria Hospital and has also issued letters to all relevant Health and Social Services Trusts and other interested parties requesting information and views. Analysis of this written evidence has begun and will continue over the summer as more replies are received. The Relatives Reference Group has heard relatives’ concerns at meetings in Derry and Belfast and these concerns have been discussed with the relevant Trusts. Further regional meetings are planned this month and the Group continues to maintain frequent contact with the Inquiry to share progress. The Inquiry has cost approximately £52,000 to date; however, it is too soon to say what the overall cost will be. On 22 March I asked the Inquiry to report to me within twelve months. D’fhógair mé ballraíocht agus téarmaí tagartha Fhoireann an Fhiosrúcháin Orgán Daonna agus an Ghrúpa Tagartha Gaolta ar an 22 Márta. Ó shin, chuir foireann an Fhiosrúcháin agus an Grúpa Tagartha Gaolta fógraí go forleathan sa phreas áitiúil ag iarraidh tuairimí ón phobal, ar tháinig iarratais do bhreis agus 90 ceistiúchán astu. Bhí cruinnithe tosaigh ag Foireann an Fhiosrúcháin le tuismitheoirí agus chuir Otharlann Ríoga Victeoiria litreacha chuig na hIontaobhais chuí Shláinte agus Sheirbhísí Sóisialta uile agus chuig páirtithe leasmhara eile ag iarraidh eolais agus tuairimí. Thosaigh anailís ar an fhianaise scríofa seo agus leanfaidh seo ar aghaidh le linn an tsamhraidh agus níos mó freagraí á bhfáil. Chuala an Grúpa Tagartha Gaolta buarthaí gaolta ag cruinnithe i nDoire agus i mBéal Feirste agus pléadh na buarthaí seo leis na hIontaobhais chuí. Tá tuilleadh cruinnithe réigiúnacha eile le socrú an mhí seo agus leanann an Grúpa ar aghaidh a theagmháil rialta leis an Fhiosrúchán a choinneáil leis an dul chun cinn a phlé. Chosain an Fiosrúchán thart faoi £52,000 go dtí seo, ach tá sé róluath go fóill áfach an costas iomlán a mheas. Ar an 22 Márta d’iarr mé ar an Fhiosrúchán tuairisc a thabhairt dom laistigh de dhá mhí dhéag. Incidence of Cancer : 1995-97 Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the number of men and women diagnosed with cancer in each of the last three years (b) the number of men diagnosed with (i) prostate cancer and (ii) testicular cancer (c) what she is doing to promote awareness of men's health, especially of cancer; and (d) what funding has been allocated to this promotion compared to other campaigns. (AQW 3245/00) Ms de Brún: The most recent available information is as follows: (a) Number of incident cases of all cancers* diagnosed here in men and women between 1995 and 1997
* includes non melenoma skin cancers (b) (i) Number of incident cases of prostate cancers diagnosed here in men between 1995 and 1999
(b) (ii) Number of incident cases of cancer of the testis diagnosed here in men between 1995 and 1999
(c)Most of the major diseases in our community affect both men and women. Action to promote health continues through the implementation of food and nutrition, physical activity, smoking and alcohol strategies. In 1999 my Department issued a Men’s health booklet, which included a section on cancer. (d) As health promotion campaigns are directed at both sexes it is not possible to determine the proportion of funding specifically allocated to men. Figures provided by the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry. For all cancers the latest available figures are for 1997. Seo a leanas an t-eolas is déanaí atá ar fáil: (a) Líon na gcásanna de na hailsí uile* fáthmheasta i bhfir agus i mná anseo idir 1995 agus 1997.
* ailsí neamh-mheileanóma craicinn san áireamh. (b) (i) Líon na gcásanna d’ailsí próstatacha fáthmheasta i bhfir anseo idir 1995 agus 1999.
(b) (ii) Líon na gcásanna d’ailse uiríoch fáthmheasta i bhfir anseo idir 1995 agus 1999.
(c)Tá an chuid is mó de na príomhghalair inár bpobal ar fhir agus ar mhná araon. Leanann gníomhú ar aghaidh le sláinte a chur chun cinn trí chur i bhfeidhm straitéisí bia agus cothaithe, gníomhaíochta fisiciúla, caithimh tobac agus alcóil. I 1999, chuir an Roinn s’agamsa leabhrán ar Shláinte Fear amach, ina raibh mír ar ailse. (d) Mar go ndírítear feachtais chur chun cinn sláinte ar an dá inscne ní féidir coibhneas an mhaoinithe dáilte ar fhir go háirithe a fháil amach. Clárlann Ailsí Thuaisceart Éireann a sholáthraigh na figiúirí. Do na hailsí uile is iad na figiúirí do 1997 na figiúirí is déanaí atá ar fáil. Power Lines : Assessment of Health Risk Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to give her assessment of the risk to health from power lines and pylons. (AQW 3253/00) Ms de Brún: My Department relies on the advice of the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) and its scientific advisers in respect of electromagnetic fields. On 6 March the Advisory Group on Non-Ionising Radiation (AGNIR) published a report entitled "ELF* Electromagnetic Fields and the Risk of Cancer". The report took account of a wide range of studies both scientific and epidemiological. In the light of this report and others before it, the NRPB does not believe that there is a basis for quantitive restrictions in respect of exposure of the public to EMFs from overhead lines or other electricity supply apparatus. At the same time the NRPB recognises that the question whether exposure to electromagnetic fields can influence the development of cancer cannot be completely resolved and I fully support the view that the continuing research in relation to ELF exposure is important to our understanding of this issue. Braitheann an Roinn s'agamsa ar chomhairle an Bhoird Náisiúnta Chosanta Raideolaíoch (BNCR) agus a chomhairleoirí eolaíochta maidir le raonta leictreamhaighnéadacha. Ar an 6 Márta, d'fhoilsigh an Grúpa Comhairleach ar Radaíocht Neamhianaithe (GCRN) tuairisc dar teideal "RLM* Raonta Leictreamhaighnéadacha agus an Baol ó Ailse". Ghlac an tuairisc réimse leathan staidéar, idir eolaíoch agus eipidéimeolaíoch, san áireamh. Mar gheall ar an tuairisc seo agus ar na cinn eile roimhe sin, ní chreideann an BNCR go bhfuil cúis ar bith le srianta cainníochtaithe maidir le nochtadh an phobail do raonta leictreamhaighnéadacha ó oslínte nó ó ghléasanna soláthair leictreachais eile. Ag an am céanna, aithníonn an BNCR nach féidir an cheist gur féidir nochtadh do raonta leictreamhaighnéadacha tionchar a bheith aige ar fhorbairt ailse nó nach féidir a réiteach go hiomlán agus tacaím go hiomlán leis an tuairim go bhfuil taighde leanúnach ar nochtadh RLM tábhachtach dár dtuiscint ar an cheist seo. Area Children and Young People's Committee Mr David Ford asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, in respect of the Area Children's and Young Peoples Committee in each of the four Board Areas, to detail (a) the number of representatives from the Voluntary sector (b) the number of representatives from the community and (c) the number of representatives from statutory and government bodies. (AQW 3263/00) Ms de Brún: The numbers of representatives from the voluntary sector, the community and statutory bodies on the Area Children and Young People's Committees in each Health and Social Services Board are set out in the following table.
*The community sector is represented on the Northern Board's Area Children and Young People's Committee through the locality pilot steering groups. Leagtar amach sa tábla a leanas líon na n-iondaithe ón earnáil dheonach, ó fhorais an phobail agus reachtúla ar Choistí Páistí agus Ógánaigh an Cheantair ag gach Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta.
*Déantar ionadaí don earnáil phobail ar Choiste Páistí agus Ógánaigh an Cheantair Bhord an Tuaiscirt trí ghrúpaí stiúrtha píolótach áitiúil. Litigation Costs Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the amounts paid by each Board and Trust in litigation costs in each of the last three financial years for which figures are available. (AQW 3269/00) Ms de Brún: The amount paid by each Board and Trust in litigation costs from 1997/98 to 1999/2000 is shown in the table below (figures are not yet available for 2000/01): Cost of Legal Services by Board and Trust 1997/98 – 1999/2000
Léirítear an méid íochta ag gach Bord agus Iontaobhas ar chostas dlíthíochta ó 1997/98 go dtí 1999/2000 sa tábla thíos (níl figiúirí réidh go fóill do 2000/01): Costais Sheirbhísí Dlí de réir Boird agus Iontaobhais 1997/98 – 1999/2000
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