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Written Answers to Questions Friday 06 July 2001 Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister 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 Continuous Improvement of Public Services Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail its proposals to ensure the continuous improvement of public services; and to make a statement. (AQW 3173/00) The First Minister and Deputy First Minister (Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon): The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister places a high priority on the continuous improvement of public services and we have given responsibility for implementing this priority to the Public Service Improvement Unit (PSIU). The approach which the Unit brings to the task is centred upon promoting and supporting the use of a range of Quality schemes which are aimed at ensuring better delivery of services:- The European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model has been adopted as the primary vehicle for focusing improvement effort. It is expected that use of the Model will be enhanced by the introduction in November 2000 of the ‘Steps to Excellence’ scheme, which is an award scheme for public sector organisations achieving specific standards against the criteria of the Model. To date 14 public sector organisations have elected to submit for the STEPS scheme. The development of this scheme in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Quality Centre is unique to Northern Ireland and is raising interest in other administrations. Charter Mark focuses on results in terms of the service which customers receive and Northern Ireland has been particularly successful within the Scheme. The award which is firmly part of the public service culture will continue to be promoted. Virtually all of the Northern Ireland Civil Service has now achieved IIP accreditation and the current focus of PSIU attention is on giving support and advice to those organisations which are seeking re-accreditation within recently revised guidelines. The Balanced Scorecard is finding increased public sector use as a business planning tool which helps organisations achieve a sharpened focus on key objectives and measures. The approach of the PSIU to promoting and supporting these schemes includes providing advice, running seminars and a range of awareness events, facilitating workshops and giving continued support to those within public sector organisations who are driving improvement efforts. In addition to these Quality approaches, our Department, in conjunction with the Department of Finance and Personnel, will take the lead in the Executive’s quest to continuously improve the quality and accountability of public services and maximise the output from the public sector. We are specifically seeking to:
We will continue to review these arrangements for continuous improvement to ensure that they remain effective in bringing about changes which will result in constantly improving services for all our citizens. The Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to give an assessment of the Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey and to detail what steps are being taken to ensure men are not portrayed in a negative way in the media and that the equality agenda eliminates any bias against men. (AQW 3243/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey (NILT), launched in 1998, is an independent social survey carried out annually by a team of academics from Queen’s Univeristy Belfast and Univeristy of Ulster. The survey aims to monitor the attitudes and behaviours of people living in private households in Northern Ireland. The survey provides a time-series of how attitudes and behaviours develop, and change, on a wide range of social policy issues. The Statutory Equality Obligation under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act requires Departments, in carrying out their functions in Northern Ireland, to promote equality of opportunity between, among other categories, men and women. The Sex Discrimination Order (1976), makes it unlawful to discriminate against an individual on the grounds of his or her sex in the fields of employment, training and related matters, the provision of goods, facilities and services or the disposal and management of premises. The protrayal of men in the media is a matter for newspapers and broadcasting organisations to determine. Children's Fund : Steering Group Mrs Joan Carson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister for an assurance that the steering group for the Children's Fund will not be a Quango. (AQW 3322/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: At present no formal structures have been established for the Children’s Fund. An inter-departmental group led at official level by the Department of Finance and Personnel and the Economic Policy Unit has been tasked with bringing forward proposals on the criteria for future allocations from the Children’s Fund and the structures that might be put in place to manage the allocation process and ensure that appropriate accountability mechanisms exist. These proposals will be considered shortly by the Executive and will then be subject to full consultation over the coming months. As part of this process, Assembly Committees and individual MLAs will have an opportunity to make known their views. In reaching final decisions on arrangements, our priority will be to ensure that the funding available from the Children’s Fund goes directly to projects that support children in need and young people at risk. Children's Fund Mrs Joan Carson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail what input elected representatives will have into the Children's Fund. (AQW 3323/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The amount of funding available from the Children’s Fund is decided as part of the overall budgetary process which is subject to Assembly approval. As we said in our answer to AQW3322, the Executive will shortly consider proposals on the criteria for future allocations from the Children’s Fund and the structures that might be put in place to manage the allocation process. These proposals will then be subject to widespread consultation over the coming months. As part of the consultation process, we will be writing to all MLAs to seek their views. We will also be writing to the Chairpersons of the relevant Assembly Committees to ask them to consider the proposals and how they might impact on the elements of the work of their department that relate to children. IFI : Programmes of Funding Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail what recent discussions have been held with the International Fund for Ireland concerning their programmes of funding; and to make a statement. (AQO 1607/00) Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: We have not formally met the International Fund for Ireland, however our officials maintain regular contact with the Board of the Fund through the Advisory Committee meetings. At the most recent meeting of the Advisory Committee, held on 12 June 2001, a range of matters relating to the Fund were discussed. The Committee advises the Board of the Fund on all matters, including its Programmes of funding. Senior officials from those Departments which help to administer, and in some cases jointly support, the various IFI Programmes attend the Advisory Committee meetings. The next meeting of the Advisory Committee is due to be held on 4 September 2001. The Fund’s most recent Annual Report was published earlier this year and we understand a copy was issued to all Assembly Members. This Report provides a very useful insight into the range of activities undertaken by the Fund as well as recording the important contribution which the Fund has made to developments including providing assistance of over £3.8m to some 4,600 projects involving a total investment of over £1 billion. TOPCULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE Ulster Scots Language Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail what key information is available in the Ulster Scots language as stated in the Programme for Government. (AQW 3397/00) The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): In the Programme for Government my Department has made the commitment to make key information available in languages other than English. The Department currently has available in the Ulster-Scots language copies of the DCAL Corporate Strategy, the DCAL Equality Scheme and a summary of the New TSN report. It is intended that the DCAL revised Action Plan will also be made available in the Ulster-Scots language. My Department takes a view on a case by case basis, regarding what information should be provided in languages other than English. We consider making available specific documents which may be of particular relevance to a certain section of the community. Marching Season Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline how his policy takes account of the marching season in promoting a positive image at home and abroad. (AQW 3401/00) Mr McGimpsey: It is my firm belief that the marching season has the potential to contribute positively to the image of Northern Ireland. It is clear that the vast majority of marches represent colourful celebrations of culture and heritage which bring an immense amount of enjoyment to local communities across the Province. They have a valuable place to play in a society which recognises and respects cultural diversity. However, I appreciate that a minority of marches have been associated with an image of conflict, division, and disputes over competing rights. It does not have to be that way. The efforts of, for example, the Apprentice Boys of Derry have shown how an imaginative approach in partnership with the local community can help to defuse potential conflict by placing marches within their wider cultural context. The Maiden City Festival has broken new ground in shifting the focus beyond marches alone to incorporate a week of celebrations which include several events with cross-community appeal. Last year I attended the pageant at Guildhall Square and was impressed by the widespread community representation and the reception the event received. The Maiden City Festival has helped to show the entire city in a good light and is just one example of the potential for promoting a positive image through high quality cultural events. I intend to support this year’s festival and hope that others can learn from the positive lessons of this experience. Programme for Government : Audit Targets Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (a) what progress has been made in his target of auditing 40 culture, arts and leisure venues by May 2001 and (b) his assessment of these audits. (AQW 3413/00) Mr McGimpsey: Audits have been carried out on 40 venues. These covered a variety of large and small, old and new, indoor and outdoor amenities, each with a cultural programme and included theatres, community centres, hotels, recreational and fishing outlets. It was found that a large majority of the premises audited needed considerable improvements to meet the requirements of current legislation. These included a number of new buildings that were disappointing in the level of universal accessibility provided. Leisure Facilities : Twinbrook, Poleglass and Lagmore Ms Sue Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure whether he has any plans for a leisureplex, including a swimming facility, for the Twinbrook, Poleglass and Lagmore areas of Belfast. (AQW 3417/00) Mr McGimpsey: Statutory responsibility for leisure and recreational provision at local level rests, not with me, but with the relevant district council. I would therefore encourage you to take these matters up with Lisburn Borough Council in the first instance. You may also find it useful to contact Belfast City Council to see what facilities they may be planning to provide close by the Twinbrook, Poleglass and Lagmore estates. Leisure Facilities : Twinbrook, Poleglass and Lagmore Ms Sue Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail his plans to meet the play needs of children within the Twinbrook, Poleglass and Lagmore areas of Belfast. (AQW 3420/00) Mr McGimpsey: I refer you to the answer I gave to your Assembly Question AQW 3417/00. Fisheries Conservancy Board : Grant Aid Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail grant-aid schemes to the Fisheries Conservancy Board for the conservation and protection of fish stocks. (AQW 3424/00) Mr McGimpsey: The total grant-aid available to the Fisheries Conservancy Board in 2001/02 is £150,000. This allocation is intended to cover a number of initiatives to be taken forward by the Board. Those concerned with the conservation and protection of fish stocks are the introduction of a salmon carcass tagging scheme, the appointment of technical staff to implement the Salmon Management Plan and to fulfil new obligations related to the control of the removal of material from river beds, and the recruitment of additional staff to monitor fishery protection measures at water abstraction sites. Diversity 21 Initiative Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail whether the Diversity 21 initiative has been extended, as stated in the Programme for Government, and to give his assessment as to whether it has achieved its aims. (AQW 3429/00) Mr McGimpsey: Diversity 21 was a programme originally devised and implemented by the Northern Ireland Millennium Company. It was included within the Agenda for Government and launched in October last year. Fourteen separate programmes were included within the initiative which aims to promote and celebrate all cultures in Northern Ireland; the seven criteria or ‘keys’ to Diversity 21 are: location, inclusion, participation, variety, opportunity, visible diversity and sustainable legacy. I was delighted with the progress made during the initial start up phase, which resulted in Diversity 21 continuing to be funded through the Programme for Government and is now being supported directly by my Department. A progress report on each of the programmes developed during the initial phase of Diversity 21 is attached for your information and a copy will be placed in the Assembly Library. I am also enclosing copies of some of the material produced through the Keynotes competition, Intercom, and of course, what was undoubtedly the highlight of the initial phase, the Northern Odyssey Gala, which I was delighted to see televised recently and I hope will be broadcast shortly through the Public Service Network in the USA. As Diversity 21 has been in operation for less than a year, it would be unrealistic to claim that it has achieved all its aims; I am confident however, that it has made an excellent start, and the number of people who have participated, in the region of 120,000, has greatly exceeded our expectations. I am particularly pleased that the exhibitions and workshops have attracted so many people, throughout Northern Ireland and that we are now receiving requests from the Republic of Ireland. The Department will continue to support and develop the Diversity 21 programme through the Programme for Government, using the main themes of language, history, music, sport, storytelling, faith, film and consider initiatives in other areas not previously covered such as drama and dance. Guidance given to Voluntary and Community Sector Ms Jane Morrice asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the guidance his Departments and its NDPBs give to voluntary and community bodies, on accessing, using and accounting for grants from public monies. (AQW 3484/00) Mr McGimpsey: I undertook in the official response to write separately to you providing more details on the various forms of advice provided by my Department and its NDPBs to voluntary and community bodies, on accessing, using and accounting for grants and public monies. CORE DEPARTMENT Finance and Accountability Branch does not normally provide guidance and advice directly to voluntary and community groups. It does however provide all of DCAL’s Heads of Divisions, Agencies and NDPBs with up to date guidance and advice. This is usually in the form of DAO (DFP) letters and other directives received from DFP but on some occasions it is in the form of internal guidelines or advice. They are advised that they may copy any of these, where appropriate to any of the bodies that they fund. SPORTS & SPORTS LOTTERY "As far as Exchequer Funding is concerned, applicants are issued with a "Heads of Agreement" which details the terms and conditions under which grants are applied." Advice and guidance offered to potential and actual applicants from the Sports Council Lottery Fund is as follows: Newsletter 2001 – detailing all programmes and eligibility. Information and guidance booklets for all programmes. Guide to preparing a business plan. Technical Guidance Notes. Site Visits. "What Happens Next" guidance note. Meetings with applicants to assist in completing claims and monitoring returns. Roadshows to answer customer’s queries and give information on funding programmes. MUSEUMS "The Northern Ireland Museums Council occasionally gives grants to voluntary and community bodies for the production of feasibility studies." A copy of the Council’s guidance on accessing, using and accounting for grants and public monies is attached for information. ARTS The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is the statutory body through which public funding for arts in Northern Ireland is channelled. It is the Council’s statutory duty to advise the Department and other government departments, district councils and other bodies on matters relating to the arts. Accessing of Council grants is via an application process. Guidance given to applicants is detailed in the guidance notes attached to each programme sent out with each application form. These notes detail what applicants will be expected to give the Council in terms of accounting for the funds, ie invoices, receipts, mid-term report and how they will be monitored. The letter of offer for Lottery grants, for example, also details what, how and when payments should be made. The Department does not as a rule directly fund voluntary or community bodies as part of its Arts Programme. However, on those few occasions where there is a direct funding relationship, guidance on the use of resources and accounting procedures is contained in a letter of offer, which is effectively a contract that the body must agree to be bound by before any monies are paid over. OTHERS A pilot scheme to assist Cultural Diversity projects or events has just been established and a copy of the Application Form and Guidance Notes which accompany the form are attached, together with a specimen of the formal letter of offer, the acceptance form and Standard Conditions of Grant attached to the offer. With awards exceeding £10,000, the process of agreeing an application form will include a meeting with the applicant to agree dates for staged payments. The Northern Ireland Events Company follow a similar procedure, and a copy of their application form, and Guidance notes are attached. Northern Ireland Events Company staff would normally have meetings with applicants at various stages of the grant process. I hope you find this information helpful. This letter and the attachments has been copied to the Business Office and to the Assembly Library. Grants to Voluntary and Community Sector Ms Jane Morrice asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail all grants of £100,000 or more made by his Department and its NDPBs to voluntary and community bodies in the financial year 2000-01. (AQW 3516/00) Mr McGimpsey: My Department and its NDPBs have made two grants in excess of £100, 000 to voluntary and community bodies in the financial year 2000-01, they are:- Holy Family Boxing Club £100, 000 Dungannon Rifle and Pistol Club £110, 000 TOPEDUCATION Ballymena Academy : TSN Funding Mr James Leslie asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 3209/00, to detail the amounts due to Ballymena Academy under the proposals for TSN funding in the consultation document "A Common Funding Formula for Grant Aided Schools". (AQW 3426/00) The Minister of Education (Mr McGuinness): The amounts due to Ballymena Academy under the proposals for TSN funding contained in the consultation document "A Common Funding Formula for Grant Aided Schools" are as follows:- Social Deprivation : £8,845 Special Educational Need : £NIL I must however stress that these figures are subject to the constraints set out in Section 18.2 of the Consultation Document and could change should the various assumptions made in the model require revision. Proposed Common Funding Formula : Ballymena Academy Mr James Leslie asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to "A Common Funding Formula for Grant-Aided Schools", to detail the figures used in the formula to calculate the impact of high and low ASB for Ballymena Academy. (AQW 3427/00) Mr McGuinness: The table below details the figures used in the proposed common funding formula for Ballymena Academy :
I must however stress that these figures are subject to the constraints set out in Section 18.2 of the Consultation Document and could change should the various assumptions made in the model require revision. TOPENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT Tourism Ireland Limited : Promoting Country Sports Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment whether Tourism Ireland Limited will promote country-sports on a pro-active basis given that the Irish Tourist Board has stated that it will not promote shooting sports. (AQW 3361/00) The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): While Tourism Ireland Limited has yet to submit its marketing strategy for consideration by the North South Ministerial Council, it will be the Company’s responsibility to market the island of Ireland as a holiday destination. It will also undertake regional and special interest product marketing on behalf of both tourist boards. There are a small number of providers in Northern Ireland who offer packages for field sports enthusiasts. NITB has always facilitated distribution of their packages and would be expected to continue to do this through the new arrangements. Government Buildings : Crown Immunity Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment whether he has any plans to remove crown immunity that extends to Government Buildings insofar as health and safety legislation is concerned. (AQW 3408/00) Sir Reg Empey: At present all the relevant provisions of Northern Ireland health and safety legislation apply to the Crown with the sole exception of those which enable prosecution and other statutory enforcement proceedings to be taken. The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland is to examine these issues as part of its association with the Great Britain "Revitalising Health and Safety" strategic initiative. Programme for Government : Inward Investment Targets Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail what progress he has made in achieving inward investment and the associated marketing initiatives as set out in the Programme for Government. (AQW 3410/00) Sir Reg Empey: The year to 31 March 2001 was a record year for new inward investment. 16 new projects were secured and these are expected to create 3,085 new jobs, almost all in the knowledge based sectors, and generate an investment of £48 million. In addition, 14 of the 16 new projects, involving 2,715 (88% of total) new jobs promoted were in areas designated by Government as being disadvantaged. IDB has developed new branding for inward investment, following extensive research in the target markets of North America, Great Britain, Republic of Ireland, Germany and Asia/Pacific regions. The branding more effectively communicates Northern Ireland’s unique proposition of a ready supply of creative and innovative talent to companies in the knowledge-based sectors. This refreshed presentation of Northern Ireland as an investment location was introduced across promotional vehicles such as literature, advertising and website. The website – www.investni.com - has been significantly improved in terms of design and functionality to enhance its capabilities as a powerful marketing tool. The new branding was launched in IDB’s main market, the US, in mid-June and will be rolled out in other key markets over the coming months. Textile and Clothing Sector Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (a) his assessment of the current state of the textile and clothing sector (b) what visits or meetings he has had with B H McCleery & Co Ltd over the past 12 months and whether he plans to visit in the near future and (c) what further financial help can be given to the company. (AQW 3430/00) Sir Reg Empey: The Northern Ireland Textiles and Clothing Industry has experienced several years of competitive pressure from manufacturers in low cost economies. The recent re-structuring within the UK retail sector has added to these pressures. Significant job losses have resulted. The recently prepared Kurt Salmon Associates (KSA) Action Plan for the Industry identifies 5 key themes to take the industry forward. These are to develop unique and desirable products, to introduce a balanced sourcing policy, to create strategic alliances, to take full advantage of the new economy and to grow brands. There are many good companies in the industry which are already addressing a number of these themes. The Industrial Development Board has several initiatives in place to develop these themes further and is working closely with the appropriate industry bodies. The future lies in these added value areas. The outcome could see further job losses but an increase in the quality of remaining and new jobs. I am assuming that the company referred to in the question is McCleery Yarns located in Killinchy. B H McCleery & Co Ltd which had two manufacturing locations, Ballygowan and Killinchy ceased to trade with the closure of the Ballygowan premises in June 2000. The Killinchy factory was acquired in a Management Buy Out from the parent company Lamont Holdings plc and the new company renamed McCleery Yarns. I have not had the opportunity to visit the factory or had any meetings with the management of the company. In December 2000, LEDU provided a package of assistance to McCleery Yarns and would be happy to discuss any future development plans with the company. Teleworkers Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, pursuant to AQW 2976/00, to detail the minimum required threshold level for accuracy. (AQW 3434/00) Sir Reg Empey: The minimum required accuracy threshold level for the Northern Ireland quarterly Labour Force Survey (LFS) (from which the information given in answer to AQW 2976 was taken) is 8,000 cases. The criterion used in determining this level is the same as that adopted by the Office for National Statistics for the UK LFS, namely that the maximum relative standard error (the standard error as a percentage of the estimate) should be 20%. As a consequence the requested data on the number of teleworkers could not be released at Parliamentary Constituency level. Power Disruptions : NIE's Response Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he could outline when he expects to announce the results of the review into NIE's response to the widespread power disruptions in late February 2001. (AQW 3575/00) Sir Reg Empey: I have now completed my review of NIE’s response to the late February power disruptions. The review was in two parts. Firstly I visited the NIE Incident Centre in Craigavon on 28 March where I met the Duty Incident Team, call handlers and repair engineers involved in the restoration of supplies to customers during very difficult weather conditions. Secondly I met NIE senior management, the electricity regulator and the Chairman of the Northern Ireland Consumer Committee for Electricity on 26 June to consider the conclusions and recommendations contained both in the NIE report on its response to the February disruptions and the separate report commissioned by the regulator. Our consideration of the NIE response covered a number of aspects, including customer communications and public relations; network performance and damage; special arrangements for critical care customers; goodwill payments; NIE resources for dealing with future emergency situations; and arrangements for NIE obtaining external assistance in such situations. The consensus of the meeting on 26 June was that the additional measures put in place by NIE following the last major weather related power disruptions in December 1998 had resulted in a marked improvement in the company’s performance in restoring supplies in February. However there were a number of areas – particularly in the provision of accurate and timely information to customers – where the company has identified the need for further improvements. All parties agreed to give further collective thought to the issue of ensuring supplies to critical care customers during emergency situations. This is not simply a matter for NIE to deliver but will require the active involvement and support of Departments and Agencies and the voluntary and community sector. NIE has drawn up, on the basis of its experiences in February, a detailed Action Plan with the aim of improving further its arrangements for dealing with future weather related disruptions. The regulator plans to monitor the implementation of the NIE Action Plan. I have asked him to keep me informed of progress. Harland and Wolff Mr Sean Neeson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail his plans to assist Harland and Wolf in view of the protracted legal considerations in the company's dispute with Global Marine. (AQO 1663/00) Sir Reg Empey: Following the recent decision of the Court of Appeal Harland and Wolff has now received the money associated with the final delivery instalment for the Global Marine drillship. Payment of the money will strengthen Harland’s position and help re-establish customer confidence as they seek out new orders. TOPENVIRONMENT District Councils : Waste Management Plans Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to AQW 1120/00, to detail which district councils have a strategy to reduce industrial and commercial wastes placed in landfill to 85% of its 1998 level by 2005. (AQW 3376/00) The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): The target to reduce industrial and commercial wastes placed in landfill sites is contained in the Northern Ireland Waste Management Strategy published by my Department in March 2000. District Councils are required to prepare Waste Management Plans to show how they propose to meet this target. The Plans are being prepared by three sub-regional groups covering all 26 District Councils. All three groups submitted blueprints of their Plans to my Department on Friday 29 June. My officials will be examining the proposals in these blueprints against the 85% target and the other requirements of the Waste Management Strategy. Market Development Plan : Recycled Products Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to AQW 1120/00, to detail how advanced is the market development programme in stimulating demand for recycled products. (AQW 3377/00) Mr Foster: The response to AQW 1120/00 on 18 January 2001 indicated that the independent Advisory Board, being set up at that time, would play a key role in promoting the Market Development Programme. Since then the new Board has been appointed. The Board comprises 16 members including a Chairperson and represents the interests of all key stakeholder groups throughout Northern Ireland. The Board includes members from the waste management industry, District Councils and the Department of Environment (see attached details of members). Its inaugural meeting was held on 6 June. The next step is for the Board to establish a Reduction, Recycling and Recovery Group, which will assess opportunities for the marketing of recyclates. This matter will be discussed at the Board’s next meeting in August. Glenavy Sewage Works Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister of the Environment, given that the expected start date on Glenavy sewage works is March 2002, to make it his policy to introduce a moratorium on planning applications until the sewage issue has been addressed. (AQW 3386/00) Mr Foster: I cannot place a moratorium on planning applications in the Glenavy area until the sewage issue has been addressed, as my Department has a statutory duty to process and determine any valid planning application which it receives. However, each planning application is considered on its individual merits. In processing applications in the Glenavy area, my Department consults with the Water Service, the Environment and Heritage Service and the Environmental Health Department of Lisburn Borough Council, with regard to sewage disposal and the discharge of water. Applications are determined after full consideration of these and other consultation responses, plus any other representations received. Glenavy : New Incinerator Mr Ivan Davis asked the Minister of the Environment to explain why, despite significant opposition from residents and local borough councils, Planning Service granted planning approval to construct an incinerator in Glenavy without holding further consultation or a public inquiry; and to make a statement. (AQW 3422/00) Mr Foster: My Department granted planning approval for an incinerator, with an energy recovery plant, to dispose of meat, bonemeal and tallow at 29 Ballyvannon Road, Glenavy on 7 June 2001. The approval was subject to a number of conditions designed to protect the environment and mitigate any impact caused by the operation of the plant. During the course of processing the application opposition to the proposal was articulated in the form of letters and petitions. Antrim, Craigavon and Lisburn Borough Councils made a request for the proposed development to be the subject of a public inquiry. At an early stage in the processing of the application my Department determined that it should be designated as ‘major’ under Article 31 of the Planning Order (NI) 1991, on the grounds that it would, if permitted, affect the whole of a neighbourhood. In processing the application, my Department undertook an extensive round of consultation, and took full account of the concerns expressed by the public. This resulted in the submission, by the applicant, of an addendum to the environmental statement, which provided additional information. My Department decided that it was appropriate to determine the application by way of a notice of opinion to approve. In arriving at this decision, my Department was satisfied that the consultation process already undertaken had provided sufficient basis for the full consideration of all material issues, including relevant policies, without the need for a public inquiry. Road Safety Strategy Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment whether a new road safety strategy will be published by summer 2001. (AQW 3423/00) Mr Foster: On 2 May 2001 I published a new road safety strategy for consultation. A copy of the consultation document was issued to all members and further copies are available in the Assembly Library. The document invites constructive views and comments on long term casualty reduction targets and the measures and activities required to achieve further significant reductions in deaths and serious injuries on Northern Ireland’s roads. The closing date for responses is 27 July 2001 following which careful consideration will be given to the views and comments received in consultation with other departments and agencies involved in road safety. Thereafter, I intend to publish a new Strategic Road Safety Plan for Northern Ireland by the end of March 2002. General Exchequer Grant to District Councils Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment, in relation to Objective 4 in the Programme for Government (page 123) to detail (a) the current formula for the calculation of the resources element of the General Exchequer grant to district councils (b) what recommendations were made following his review and (c) which councils will benefit having taken account of relative socio-economic disadvantage. (AQW 3437/00) Mr Foster: The Department has a commitment, included in the Programme for Government, to review the formula for the calculation of the resources element of the General Exchequer Grant to district councils to take account of relative socio-economic disadvantage. The review is not yet complete. The current formula for calculation of grant payable to individual district councils is contained in the Local Government &c (NI) Order 1972, Articles 3, 4, 5 and Schedule 1. It is a complex methodology which incorporates valuation, population and expenditure data relating to district councils. Based on these figures, and taking account of the funds available, (£19m 2001/2002), a standard is struck by the Department. Any council whose position lies below that standard qualifies for a share of the grant. No recommendations have been made to date. Initial consultation with district councils and other interested parties has taken place, as a result of which some adjustment has been made to the proposed formula. A second consultation paper, which will include the outcome of an Equality Impact Assessment, is due to issue shortly. Since further consultation is required, the impact of the new formula cannot be defined at this stage. An indication of the distribution of the grant will, however, be included in the consultation paper. Cellular Base Stations : Database Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister of the Environment to undertake to establish a public database, as recommended in the Stewart Report, giving the location of all operating cellular base stations and detailing the strength of their emissions. (AQW 3453/00) Mr Foster: A number of the recommendations of the Report by the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones, chaired by Sir William Stewart ("the Stewart Report") related to reserved matters whereas others, such as planning, related to matters which are the responsibility of the devolved administrations. Responsibility for Telecommunications is a reserved matter. In response to the recommendations of the Stewart Report, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has tasked the Radio Communications Agency (an Executive Agency of the Department of Trade and Industry) to develop and maintain a public database giving details on all operating cellular base stations in the UK and their emissions. The Radiocommunications Agency (RA) has been making steady progress in implementing this recommendation. It is developing an Internet based solution known as "Sitefinder". Sitefinder will employ a map-based facility indicating the location of cellular phone base stations. More information on a particular base station will be available by simply clicking on the position indicator for the base station in question. The mobile phone companies have been consulted during the development of this resource and have voluntarily agreed to disclose information on their respective base stations. The RA has been formatting the data received from the cellular operators to make it compatible with the database software. "Sitefinder" is currently undergoing strenuous system and user acceptance testing. It is hoped that "Sitefinder" should be made publicly available via the RA’s website later this summer. The initial launch may not include Northern Ireland but I am advised that access to the Northern Ireland part of the database will be available later this year. Planning Applications : Variation in Fees Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of the Environment to explain the variation in costs to statutory bodies of making planning applications. (AQW 3510/00) Mr Foster: The level of Planning Fees is prescribed in the Planning (Fees) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 as amended by the Planning Fees (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001. Under those Regulations the scale of fees does not apply to certain statutory bodies. Instead they pay a flat rate fee, currently £35 designed to cover only the cost of advertising the application. The bodies to which the scale of fees does not apply are – District councils; the Northern Ireland Housing Executive; Education and Library Boards; the Fire Authority for Northern Ireland; and the Police Authority for Northern Ireland. The reason for this is historical. When Planning Fees were introduced in 1981, the scale of fees paralleled that in Great Britain. In GB local authorities were the planning authorities, and they could not charge themselves. It was decided therefore that the principle of not applying scale fees to local authorities should also apply in NI and also be extended to cover the bodies described above, whose functions would be carried out by the local authority in GB. It was decided that a concession for the bodies listed was appropriate and would not cause any net loss in revenue, since, if planning fees were imposed for these services, the authorities would seek to recover the additional expenditure through grants from Government funds. "Ribbon Development" Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister of the Environment to detail a (a) any fixed criteria used in determining what amounts to 'Ribbon Development' within the policy paper "A Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland Policy DES 7" (b) where such criteria can be found and (c) in the event that the Department do not apply fixed criteria, how does it maintain a consistent and uniform approach to the application of this policy. (AQW 3513/00) Mr Foster: Ribbon development is defined in policy DES 7 of "A Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland" which was published by my Department in 1993. It is defined as a line of buildings, served by individual accesses, extending along a road, without accompanying development of the land to the rear. A ribbon does not necessarily have a continuous or uniform building line. Buildings sited from the road, staggered or at angles to the road and with gaps between them can represent ribbon development, if they have a common frontage to the road and are visually linked when viewed from the road. This criteria is applied across all planning divisions. "Common Frontage" Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister of the Environment to define the term 'common frontage' as used in paragraph 1 line 5 in the policy document "Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland policy DES 7" and (b) where is this definition published. (AQW 3514/00) Mr Foster: My Department has never published a precise definition of the term ‘common frontage’. However, the term applies to circumstances where buildings front a road whether in a continuous building line or a broken staggered building line. "Visually Linked" Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister of the Environment to define the term 'visually linked' as used paragraph1 line 5 in the policy document "Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland policy DES 7" and (b) where is this definition published. (AQW 3515/00) Mr Foster: My Department has never published a precise definition of the term ‘visually linked’. However this refers to situations where a row of buildings, whether in a continuous line or in a broken staggered line, are visible all or in part when viewed from the road. Road Fatalities and Injury Statistics Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (a) the number of road fatalities and injuries in 2001 to date (b) how this compares with the same period for each of the last five years and (c) what assessments have been carried out on the impact of advertising on reducing road traffic accidents. (AQW 3536/00) Mr Foster: The number of road fatalities for the period from 1 January to 30 June and of road injuries for the period from 1 January to 30 April (the latest available for 2001) for this year and each of the previous five years are as follows:
More detailed information on road casualty statistics is published annually in the RUC Chief Constable’s Annual Report. I understand that copies have been sent to Assembly Members. It is not possible to measure directly the impact of advertising on reducing road traffic collisions. However research is conducted before and after each campaign to establish to what extent attitudes have changed. For example research carried out after the launch in 2000 of the anti-speeding campaign ‘Slowdownboys’ showed nearly half of all drivers and over 40% of 17-24 year olds surveyed indicated they had changed their driving behaviour as a direct result of the commercial; 50% of 17-24 year old male drivers (up from 45%) said that speeding is never a risk worth taking; and 32% of 17-24 year old male drivers (up from 23%) claimed that they personally could not exceed the speed limit at all on country roads while driving safely. Research has shown that since 1995, my Department’s anti-drink drive campaigns have contributed to a decrease in the percentage of drinking-drivers who believe that they can drink one or more units of alcohol without affecting their driving, from 60% to 33%. Malone Conservation Area : Demolition of 29 Windsor Park Ms Carmel Hanna asked the Minister of the Environment to outline the reasons behind the decision by the Planning Service to agree to the demolition of 29 Windsor Park within the Malone Conservation Area. (AQW 3561/00) Mr Foster: The decision to give Conservation Area Consent for the demolition of 29 Windsor Park was taken in light of the previous history existing on the site and on the basis of legal opinion from the Departmental Solicitors at that time. The planning history was that a permission already existed for the site prior to designation of the Malone Conservation Area on 3 August 2000. Planning Permission for the erection of 5 no. apartments and involving the demolition of 29 Windsor Park was granted on 30 May 2000. A new planning application (ref: Z/2000/2831/F) for the demolition of 29 Windsor Park and replacement with 5 no. apartments was submitted on 30 November 2000 and granted planning permission on 29 May 2001. This application was a revised scheme which was considered to be of better design, and more sympathetic than the project originally approved. An application for Conservation Area Consent to demolish ( ref: Z/2001/0318/DCA) was also granted permission on 29 May 2001. In both cases the Council agreed with the Department’s opinion to approve. A material consideration was the fact that an extant planning approval existed for the site, and the legal opinion received was that there was nothing preventing the applicant from implementing that approval. The fact that the new scheme was considered to be more in keeping with the Conservation Area was also a contributing factor in determining these applications. TOPFINANCE AND PERSONNEL Index of Deprivation Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail what progress has been made on publishing a new Index of Deprivation for Northern Ireland electoral wards. (AQW 3398/00) The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): The final report on the Measures of Deprivation in Northern Ireland will be released on 5 July. Initially the report will be available from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency website (www.nisra.gov.uk). Hard copy reports are expected to be available by the end of July. Grants to Voluntary and Community Sector Mr Seamus Close asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail all current schemes under which grants are paid by his Department and its NDPBs to the voluntary and community sector. (AQW 3447/00) Mr Durkan: The Department of Finance and Personnel does not operate any schemes under which grants are paid directly by it to the voluntary and community sector. However, the Department has a responsibility for overseeing implementation of EU Programmes, which fund grants to the voluntary and community sector. Grants Paid to Voluntary and Community Sector Mr Seamus Close asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail all grants of £100,000 or more made by his Department and its NDPBs to voluntary and community bodies in 2000/01. (AQW 3448/00) Mr Durkan: The Department of Finance and Personnel did not operate any schemes under which grants were paid directly by it to the voluntary and community sector in 2000/01. Guidance given to Voluntary and Community Sector Mr Seamus Close asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the guidance his Department and its NDPBs give to voluntary and community bodies, on accessing, using and accounting for grants from public monies. (AQW 3450/00) Mr Durkan: The Department of Finance and Personnel does not operate any schemes under which grants are paid directly by it to the voluntary and community sector. However, the Department assumed responsibility on 12/4/2001 for overseeing disbursement of EU Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation monies under partnership arrangements. Guidance on the disbursement of these funds is provided by the Northern Ireland Partnership Board. Accounting for the use of these funds is subject to audit by the Departmental Internal Audit, the Northern Ireland Audit Office and the European Commission. Grants Paid to Voluntary and Community Sector Mr Seamus Close asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail all grants paid to voluntary and community bodies by his Department and its NDPBs in the 2000-01 financial year. (AQW 3451/00) Mr Durkan: The Department of Finance and Personnel does not operate any schemes under which grants are paid directly by it to the voluntary and community sector. No grants were therefore made to voluntary and community bodies in 2000/01. Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency : Performance Targets 2001-02 Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail what performance targets have been set for the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency in 2001-02. (AQW 3594/00) Mr Durkan: For 2001- 2002 the following key performance targets have been set for the Agency. 95-100% of surveyed key public service users of the Agency rating the service they received as satisfactory or better, with 55-60% rating it as very satisfactory. 95-100% of surveyed users of the Agency outside the public service rating the service they received as satisfactory or better, with 55-60% rating it as very satisfactory. To produce no fewer than 68 statistical publications and 21 ad hoc research publications during 2001/02. 95-100% of NISRA readers rating key publications as satisfactory or better, with 50-55% rating them as very satisfactory. To process 98% of postal and personal applications for General Register Office certificates within 8 and 3 working days respectively. To carry out the 2001 Census of Population on 29 April 2001. To achieve Census enumeration for 2001/02 within the financial target. To achieve a minimum 3% efficiency saving. To maintain expenditure within cash limits and approved budgetary plans. Full details are set out in the Agency’s Corporate and Business Plans, copies of which will be placed in the Assembly library. Government Purchasing Agency : Performance Targets 2001-02 Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail what performance targets have been set for the Government Purchasing Agency in 2001-02 and what arrangements have been made for publication of this year's plans. (AQW 3595/00) Mr Durkan: As an Executive Agency within the Department of Finance and Personnel, the Government Purchasing Agency provides a professional procurement service to all the Northern Ireland Departments and an increasing number of other public sector bodies. The following key performance targets were set for the Agency in 2001-2002. Maintain expenditure within cash limits. Secure sufficient funding from customer Departments to meet the costs of the Agency. Increase the total value of contracts awarded by 5% on the 2000-2001 outturn. Have 90% of the Agency’s call-off contracts available to customers on an e-commerce platform by March 2002. Reduce the unit cost per £ of value of contracts awarded by 3% on the 2000-2001 outturn. Achieve purchasing savings equivalent to 3% of the value of contracts awarded. Achieve a 92% level of satisfaction amongst customer organisation. Achieve a 92% level of satisfaction amongst suppliers. Background information is given in the Agency’s Corporate and Business Plans, copies of which will be placed in the Assembly Library. Construction Service : Performance Targets 2001-02 Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail what performance targets have been set for Construction Service in 2001-02. (AQW 3596/00) Mr Durkan: For 2001/2002, the following performance targets have been set for Construction Service. Quality of Service To achieve a 92% compliance in customer assessments of Agency performance against Service Level Agreements. To obtain a 95% satisfaction rate in customer assessments of project work. To place 85% of orders in response to requests for reactive maintenance work within 7 days and to place 95% within 14 days. To place 85% of orders in response to requests for supplies work within 7 days and to place 95% within 14 days. To respond to 90% of customer advisory enquiries within 6 weeks and to respond to 97% within 10 weeks. Efficiency To ensure that actual costs as a percentage of agreed target costs on project work do not exceed the agreed percentage. To ensure that staff costs as a percentage of construction spend for maintenance work do not exceed the agreed percentage. To ensure that staff costs as a percentage of construction spend for supplies work do not exceed the agreed percentage. Financial Performance To maintain expenditure within cash limits and to approved budgetary plans. To recover the full cost of Agency Operations from customers with a tolerance of 100%+/-2%. Valuation and Lands Agency : Performance Targets 2001-02 Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail what performance targets have been set for the Valuation and Lands Agency in 2001-02. (AQW 3598/00) Mr Durkan: For 2001/2002 the following key targets have been set for the Valuation and Lands Agency. Revaluation To have, by March 2002, achieved all 2001/2002 Non Domestic Revaluation Project milestones. Rating Revision Casework To complete 89% of rating revision casework within 3 months of receipt. Rating Unit Cost To achieve a Rating Unit Cost of £245 which represents no increase in real terms on projected outturn of £239 for 2000/2001. Rating Valuation Standards To achieve a standard in all rating valuations such that 90% of those determined on appeal are within plus or minus 10% of the initial assessment. Rating Backdated Certificates To issue 93% of certificates for continuous revision cases which are subject to retrospective backdating, within 12 months of the revision event. Rating Appeal Timeliness To achieve a turnaround of 13 weeks on average for all rating appeals. Client Service Level Agreement To achieve at least 80% satisfaction rating from respondents to a Client Satisfaction Survey. Financial Performance To maintain expenditure within cash limits and budgetary plans. To demonstrate the ability to achieve full cost recovery in respect of Client Services. Full details are given in the Agency's Corporate and Business Plan, copies of which have been made available to the Printed Paper Office. Business Development Service : Performance Targets 2001-02 Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail what performance targets have been set for the Business Development Service in 2001-02. (AQW 3617/00) Mr Durkan: To ensure at least 95% of customers are satisfied with the services they receive. To ensure at least 95% of customers are satisfied with the way in which services are provided to them. To maintain a level of people development which is consistent with the principles of Investors In People. To secure, on a notional basis and within the context of Service Level Agreements (where they apply), 90% recovery of the cost of its operation from its customers. To demonstrate an efficiency saving of 3%. Full details are set out in the Agency’s Strategic and Business Plans, copies of which have been placed in the Assembly Library. TOPHEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY Special Eductional Needs : Joint Working Group Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 2893/00, to detail what progress has been made by the joint working group. (AQW 3359/00) The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): Progress on the key issues identified by the joint working group is as follows: Needs assessment My Department is preparing a questionnaire, designed to identify any individual unmet therapy need, for issue to Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts prior to the start of the incoming school year. Information provided will be collated to produce a regional picture. Annual School Census This is being taken forward by the Department of Education. Reviewing the future role and remit of the Health and Social Services/Education and Library Boards Regional Review Group (RRG) Proposals are being developed by the joint working group and will be put to the RRG when it next meets in September. Joint working Existing models of joint working in schools are being examined with a view to initiating one or two local pilot projects. Parents’ survey This is being taken forward by the Department of Education. Guidance to schools on dealing with medical needs This is being taken forward by the Department of Education. Seo a leanas an dul chun cinn atá déanta ar na heochaircheisteanna aitheanta ag an chomhghrúpa oibre: Measúnú Riachtanas Tá an Roinn s’agamsa ag ullmhú ceistiúcháin, leagtha amach le riachtanas ar bith do theiripe nár riaradh air a aithint, le heisiúint chuig Boird agus Iontaobhais Shláinte agus Sheirbhísí Sóisialta roimh thús na scoilbhliana úire. Baileofar eolas tugtha le léargas réigiúnach a thabhairt. Daonáireamh Bliantúil Scoileanna Tá seo á dhéanamh ag an Roinn Oideachais. Ag athbhreithniú róil agus freagrachtaí na Seirbhísí Sláinte agus Sóisialta/Ghrúpa Réigiúnach Athbhreithnithe na mBord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne (GRA) sa todhchaí. Tá moltaí á bhforbairt ag an chomhghrúpa oibre agus cuirfear faoi bhráid an GRA iad ag a chéad chruinniú eile i mí Mheán Fómhair. Comhoibriú Tá na creatlacha comhoibrithe atá ann faoi láthair i scoileanna á scrúdú de gheall ar thoiseacht tionscadail phíolótaigh áitiúil nó dhó. Suirbhé Tuismitheoirí Tá seo á dhéanamh ag an Roinn Oideachais. Treoir do scoileanna ar dhéileáil le riachtanais leighis Tá seo á déanamh ag an Roinn Oideachais. Special Educational Needs : Joint Working Group Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 2893/00, to detail the number of key issues identified by the joint working group. (AQW 3360/00) Ms de Brún: I refer the Member to my answer to Question AQW 3359/00. Luaim don Bhall an freagra a thug mé ar Cheist AQW 3359/00. Social Workers : Family and Childcare Programmes Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail her plans to address the high turnover of staff resultant from the stressful nature of the work in which social work staff in family and childcare programmes are engaged and as identified by the Western Area Child Protection Committee. (AQW 3371/00) Ms de Brún: In October 2000, the Foyle HSS Trust employed additional social workers and support staff to help deal with the pressures of work in relation to family and childcare programmes. In addition, the Western HSS Board commissioned an Independent Review in December 2000 to examine the Foyle Trust Family and Child Care Programme’s ability to meet its statutory functions. As a result of this Review, the Trust in conjunction with Sperrin Lakeland HSS Trust and the Board are now at the stage of devising a rigorous prioritisation package for Family and Child Care, coupled with the development of a caseload weighting formula. It is expected that these developments will help address the pressures within the programme. My Department will be monitoring the outcome of this exercise. I mí Dheireadh Fómhair 2000, d’fhostaigh Iontaobhas SSS an Fheabhail oibrithe breise sóisialta agus foireann bhreise tacaíochta chun cuidiú le déileáil le brúnna oibre ag baint le cláir teaghlaigh agus chúram leanaí. Ina theannta sin, choimisiúnaigh Bord SSS an Iarthair Athbhreithniú Neamhspleách i Nollaig 2000 le cumas Chlár Teaghlaigh agus Cúram Leanaí Iontaobhas an Fheabhail a fheidhmeanna reachtúla a chomhlíonadh a scrúdú. Mar thoradh ar an Athbhreithniú seo, tá an tIontaobhas i gcomhar le hIontaobhas Shliabh Speirín agus Thír na Lochanna ag cumadh pacáiste dhéin tosaíochta anois don Chlár Teaghlaigh agus Cúram Leanaí chomh maith le forbairt foirmle tomhas oibre. Táthar ag súil go rachaidh na forbairtí seo i gceann na mbrúnna laistigh den chlár. Beidh an Roinn s’agamsa ag déanamh monatóireachta ar thoradh an chleachtaidh seo. Resourcing Training Initiatives Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail her plans to resource training initiatives in light of a rapidly changing agenda as new issues arise in relation to the personal social services training strategy, the establishment of a social care council and the whole equality and human rights agenda in the Northern Ireland context. (AQW 3372/00) Ms de Brún: Resourcing training initiatives is an ongoing process within my Department. The Social Services Inspectorate engages in an annual process with both statutory and voluntary sectors to agree plans for social services training and the associated resourcing to implement these. The Personal Social Services Training Strategy, which has recently been revised, has taken account of the advent of the Social Care Council and the need for improvements in the qualifications and competence of the whole social care workforce. The new Social Care Council includes within its responsibilities the duty of developing and promoting appropriate training. There will, therefore, be close links between the requirements of the Social Care Council in its function of registering and regulating the workforce and its functions of developing and promoting appropriate training. My Department and its associated bodies have undertaken to ensure that the necessary resources are made available to meet our human rights and equality obligations. Training programmes are under way and we will report annually to the Equality Commission on the training completed. Is próiseas atá ag dul ar aghaidh go fóill laistigh den Roinn s’agamsa é maoiniú tionscnamh oiliúna. Bíonn Foireann Chigireachta na Seirbhísí Sóisialta i mbun próisis bhliantúil leis na hearnálacha reachtúla agus deonacha chun pleananna d’oiliúint sheirbhísí sóisialta agus don mhaoiniú bainteach leo seo a chur i bhfeidhm a chomhaontú. Ghlac Straitéis Oiliúna na Seirbhísí Sóisialta Pearsanta, a athbhreithníodh ar na mallaibh, toiseacht na Comhairle Cúraim Shóisialta, agus an gá le feabhsuithe i gcáilíochtaí agus i gcumas na meithle iomláine oibre sóisialta, san áireamh. I measc cúraimí na Comhairle nua Cúraim Shóisialta tá forbairt agus cur chun cinn oiliúna cirte. Mar sin de, beidh dlúthnaisc ann idir riachtanais na Comhairle Cúraim Shóisialta ina cúram leis an mheitheal oibre a chlárú agus a rialú, agus a cúraimí i bhforbairt agus i gcur chun cinn oiliúna cirte. Chuaigh an Roinn s’agamsa agus a comhfhorais i mbun oibre le cinntiú go gcuirfí na hacmhainní atá riachtanach le riar ar ár gcearta daonna agus lenár ndualgais chomhionannais a chomhlíonadh a chur ar fáil. Tá cláir oiliúna ar siúl agus tabharfaimid tuairisc go bliantúil don Choimisiún Comhionannais ar an oiliúint déanta. Western Health Board Area : Training Overload Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail her plans to deal with "training overload" where it has become increasingly difficult to release staff for training in view of operational demands in the Western Health Board area. (AQW 3373/00) Ms de Brún: The Western Health and Social Services Board in common with other Health and Social Services Boards and relevant voluntary organisations began a substantial programme of training in the late 1990s following the introduction of the Children (Northern Ireland) Order and the substantive policies, procedures and guidance which flowed from this. This particular training programme was in addition to the existing training programmes to meet identified training needs across the full range of service provision in the Personal Social Services. While it is clearly essential to ensure that staff are fully and properly trained, it is acknowledged that this has at times created the phenomenon of "training overload". The Board are aware of this and are taking a number of measures to alleviate it, including prioritising training needs, offering staff greater flexibility in choosing where and when to have their training and ensuring that the training courses are properly focused on the key training issues. Thosaigh Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Iarthair, mar aon le Boird Shláinte agus Sheirbhísí Sóisialta agus eagraíochtaí deonacha cuí eile, clár substaintiúil oiliúna sna 1990í déanacha i ndiaidh tabhairt isteach an Oird Páistí (Tuaisceart Éireann) agus na bpolasaithe, treorach substaintiúla agus na ngnáthamh substaintiúil a tháinig as. Bhí an clár oiliúna áirithe seo mar bharr ar na cláir oiliúna atá ann faoi láthair le riar ar riachtanais aitheanta oiliúna ar fud an réimse iomláin soláthair sheirbhísí sna Seirbhísí Sóisialta Pearsanta. Cé gur léir go bhfuil sé riachtanach le cinntiú go n-oiltear an fhoireann go hiomlán agus go ceart, glactar gurb í seo is cúis le "barraíocht oiliúna" uaireanta. Tá a fhios ag an Bhord uirthi seo agus tá siad ag déanamh roinnt beart léi seo a mhaolú, mar shampla, tosaíocht a thabhairt do riachtanais oiliúna, bheith níos solúbtha leis an fhoireann agus iad ag roghnú na háite agus na huaire ar mhain leo a n-oiliúint a dhéanamh agus ag cinntiú go ndíríonn na cúrsaí oiliúna ar na heochaircheisteanna oiliúna, mar is ceart. Improving Social Work Training Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to insure that qualifying/awarding bodies include children's services planning issues and child protection matters specifically, in their curriculum for all caring professionals working in this area. (AQW 3374/00) Ms de Brún: I am committed to improving social work training. The Northern Ireland Social Care Council, which will assume responsibility for regulating professional social work training, will be established in October. In addition my Department issued a consultation paper ‘Reforming Professional Social Work Training’ in October 2000. The paper makes a number of proposals, one of which deals with the need for better curriculum specification. Social work with children, including protection of children, would be regarded as an essential part of the curriculum. My Department is also proposing improvements to post qualifying education and training to build on recent developments such as the post-qualifying award in child care. While assessment and planning in all aspects will be covered in the core curriculum, it is likely that children’s services planning with be dealt with in greater depth at post-qualifying level. Tá mé geallta d'fheabhsú oiliúna oibre sóisialta. Bunófar Comhairle Chúraim Shóisialta Thuaisceart Éireann, a ghlacfaidh le freagracht as rialú oiliúna oibre gairmiúla sóisialta, i mí Dheireadh Fómhair. Ina theannta sin, chuir an Roinn s'agamsa páipéar comhairlithe 'Ag Leasú Oiliúna Oibre Gairmiúla Sóisialta' amach i nDeireadh Fómhair 2000. Molann an páipéar roinnt moltaí, ina measc ceann a dhéileálann leis an ghá le sonrú curaclaim níos fearr. Mheasfaí obair shóisialta le páistí, cosaint páistí san áireamh, mar chuid riachtanach den churaclam. Tá an Roinn s'agamsa ag moladh feabhsuithe in oideachas agus in oiliúint iarcháilíochta le cur leis na forbairtí déanacha amhail an duais iarcháilíochta i gcúram leanaí. Cé go gcumhdófar measúnú agus pleanáil i ngach uile ghné sa phríomhchuraclam, is dócha go ndéileáilfear le pleanáil seirbhísí páistí níos mine ag leibhéal iarcháilithe. Childcare Services in Northern Ireland Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to give her assessment of the "child care services in Northern Ireland in 2000 - a four board perspective" paper, specifically the argument that there have been significant funding deficits alongside increased areas of responsibility arising from the implementation of the Children Order. (AQW 3375/00) Ms de Brún: I accept the general point put forward in the Four Board Perspective Paper on Family and Child Care Services that expenditure on these services here in recent years has not compared favourably with that in England and Wales. I have made it clear to the Assembly Committee for Health Social Services and Public Safety on a number of occasions that I shall be doing all that I can to raise the present level of funding for family and child care services. A good start in redressing the balance was made in 2000/01 during which my Department was able to make an extra £10 million available to the Health and Social Services Boards to continue with the development of children's services. So far in 2001/02, a further £5.3 million has been secured. This includes £0.5 million to finance the cost of an additional 40 foster care places and £3.8 million extra for Sure Start, two aspects of children's services which are addressed in the recommendations of the Four Board Paper. My Department has also been successful with a number of bids to the Executive Programme and has secured a total of £15.5 million from various Programme Funds over the three years 2001/02 to 2003.04. Included in this sum is £9.3 million for improving residential child care services. Finally, the issue of parity of resource allocations with England and Wales is being addressed at present through the Needs and Effectiveness Evaluation work commissioned by the Executive. Glacaim leis an tuiscint ghinearálta i bPáipéar Peirspictíochta na gCeithre Bhord ar Sheirbhísí Cúram Teaghlaigh agus Leanaí nach raibh an caiteachas ar na seirbhísí seo sna blianta deireanacha ar chomhchéim leis an chaiteachas i Sasana agus sa Bhreatain Bheag. Chuir mé in iúl go soiléir don Choiste Sláinte, seirbhísí agus Sábháilteachta Poiblí an Tionóil go minic go ndéanfainn arbh fhéidir liom a dhéanamh leis an leibhéal maoinithe atá ann faoi láthair do sheirbhísí cúram teaghlaigh agus leanaí a ardú. Cuireadh tús maith le cúrsaí a cheartú i 2000/01 nuair a bhí an Roinn s'agamsa ábalta £10 milliún breise a chur ar fáil do na Boird Shláinte agus Sheirbhísí Sóisialta le seirbhísí páistí a fhorbairt ar aghaidh. Fuarthas £5.3 milliún breise go dtí seo i 2001/02. Cuimsíonn seo £0.5 milliún le costas 40 áit bhreise chúram altrama a mhaoiniú agus £3.8 milliún breise do Sure Start, dhá ghné de sheirbhísí páistí a dtugtar fúthu i moltaí Pháipéar na gCeithre Bhord. D'éirigh leis an roinnt tairiscintí a rinne an Roinn s'agamsa do Chlár an Fheidhmeannais agus fuair sí £15.5 milliún san iomlán ó Chistí éagsúla Cláir do na trí bliana 2001/02 go 2003/04. Cuimsítear £9.3 milliún d'fheabhsú seirbhísí cónaithe cúram leanaí sa tsuim seo. Ar deireadh, táthar ag tabhairt faoi cheist dháileadh acmhainní ar chomhchéim le Sasana agus leis an Bhreatain Bheag faoi láthair trí obair an Mheasúnaithe Riachtanas agus Éifeachta coimisiúnaithe an Fheidhmeannais. Programme for Government : Objective 1 Targets Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) which targets, as set out under objective 1 in the Programme for Government, have been achieved and (b) which targets are on line for achievement. (AQW 3383/00) Ms de Brún: The Programme for Government shows seven targets under Objective 1 for my Department. Of these, one target on fulfilling the Department's statutory equality obligations, has already been achieved. The remaining six targets have either been partly achieved or are on course to be achieved. These cover the financial arrangements for HPSS expenditure; strengthening performance management for the HPSS; putting in place a framework to raise quality of service; the development of New TSN Action Plans by HSS Boards, Trusts and Councils; agreement for a new strategy for the use of Information and Communication Technologies in the HPSS and implementation of the recommendations of the Capitation Formula Review Group Léiríonn Clár um Rialtais seacht sprioc faoi Chuspóir 1 don Roinn s’agamsa. Díobh seo, cuireadh sprioc amháin ar chomhlíonadh dualgas reachtúil comhionannais na Roinne i gcrích cheana féin. Cuireadh cuid de na sé sprioc eile i gcrích nó ar bhealach a gcur i gcrích. Cumhdaíonn siad seo na socruithe airgeadais do chaiteachas na SSSP; neartú bainistíochta cleachtaidh do na SSSP; cur i bhfeidhm creatlaí le cáilíocht na seirbhíse a ardú; forbairt Gníomhphleananna Nua RSA ag Boird, Iontaobhais agus ag Comhairlí SSS; comhaontú do straitéis nua d’úsáid Teicneolaíochtaí Eolais agus Cumarsáide sna SSSP agus cur i bhfeidhm moltaí an Ghrúpa Athbhreithnithe ar Fhoirmle Cheannsraithe. Report of the enquiry into Residential and Secure Accommodtion for Children Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) which of the 36 recommendations made by the Health Committee Report "Enquiry into Residential and Secure Accommodation for Children in Northern Ireland" have been accepted and implemented and (b) the funding arrangement for their implementation. (AQW 3384/00) Ms de Brún: I wrote to the Chair of the Assembly's Committee for Health, Social Services and Public Safety on 17 May 2001 with detailed comments on the 36 recommendations in the Report of the Enquiry into Residential and Secure Accommodation for Children. A number of the recommendations have been addressed in the Report by the Children Matter Task Force on Phase 1 of its Regional Plan for the Development of Residential Child Care. A copy of this report was also sent to the Committee Chair in May. The report sets out proposals for the development of 22 new facilities which will provide 77 additional child care residential places and 70 places which will replace some of the present accommodation which is regarded as unsuitable or sub-standard. These are seen as the first steps towards an expansion of 155 places by the end of 2004/05. Capital costs for the projects in the Phase 1 report will be met fully from a combination of my own Department’s resources and the funds obtained for the development of residential child care places from the Executive Programme’s Infrastructure Fund. This year's additional revenue costs, about £300,000 will be met from the additional resources available for children's services. I am hopeful that the revenue costs for the extensive development programme scheduled for 2002/03, estimated at about £2.8 million, can be secured. The Task Force will ensure that resources earmarked for residential services are appropriately applied. A human resources sub-group of the Children Matter Task Force is addressing a number of the Committee’s recommendations in relation to staffing issues. A preliminary examination of the use of secure accommodation including human rights issues was undertaken by the Social Services Inspectorate in January and a fuller inspection is planned for the autumn. The Task Force will be monitoring the use of secure accommodation and seeking to promote alternatives; one such facility opened in April. My Department has also been consulting on proposals for new legislation to strengthen leaving and aftercare services. Further recommendations in the Enquiry's Report will be addressed as part of the Task Force’s work in developing Phase 2 of the Regional Plan. A number of the Committee’s recommendations, such as those relating to child and adolescent psychiatry, where funding has been secured for the provision of 10 extra beds, and the development of a strategic plan for children’s services, are being taken forward in the context of wider work in my Department. Scríobh mé chuig Cathaoir Choiste Sláinte, Seirbhísí Sóisialta agus Sábháilteachta Poiblí an Tionóil ar an 17 Bealtaine 2001, ag miontrácht ar na 36 moladh i dTuairisc an Fhiosrúcháin ar Chóiríocht Chónaithe agus Dhaingean do Pháistí. Thug an Tascfhórsa Children Matter faoi roinnt de na moltaí sa Tuairisc ar Chéim 1 dá Phlean Réigiúnach d’Fhorbairt Chúram Cónaithe Páistí. Cuireadh cóip den tuairisc seo chuig Cathaoir an Choiste i mí na Bealtaine. Leagann an tuairisc moltaí amach do thógáil 22 áis nua a sholáthróidh 77 áit chúram cónaithe breise do pháistí agus 70 áit a ghlacfaidh ionad na roinnte cóiríochta atá ann faoi láthair a mheastar mífhóirsteanach nó fóchaighdeánach. Meastar iad seo mar an chéad chéim chuig méadú go 155 áit faoi dheireadh 2004/05. Seasfar costais chaipitil do na tionscadail i gCéim 1 den Tuairisc go hiomlán ó acmhainní mo Roinne féin agus ó mhaoinithe faighte ó Chiste Bonneagair Chlár an Fheidhmeannais le haghaidh forbairt áiteanna cúram cónaithe páistí. Seasfar costais bhreise ioncaim na bliana seo, thart faoi £300,000, ó na hacmhainní breise ar fáil do sheirbhísí páistí. Tá súil agam gur féidir linn na costais ioncaim don chlár leathan forbartha socraithe do 2002/03, agus measta ar thart faoi £2.8 milliún, a fháil. Déanfaidh an Tascfhórsa cinnte go n-úsáidfear mar is ceart na hacmhainní curtha i leataobh do sheirbhísí cónaithe. Tá fo-ghrúpa acmhainní daonna den Tascfhórsa Children Matter ag tabhairt faoi roinnt de mholtaí an Choiste maidir le ceisteanna foirne. Rinne Foireann Chigireachta na Seirbhísí Sóisialta réamhscrúdú ar úsáid cóiríochta daingne móide ar cheisteanna cearta daonna i mí Eanáir, agus tá cigireacht níos iomláine socraithe don Fhómhar. Beidh an Tascfhórsa ag déanamh monatóireachta ar úsáid cóiríochta daingne agus ag iarraidh áiseanna eile a chur chun cinn; d’oscail a leithéid d’áis seo in Aibreán. Bhí an Roinn s’agamsa ag dul i gcomhairle fosta ar mholtaí le haghaidh reachtaíochta nua chun seirbhísí imeachta agus iarchúraim a neartú. Rachfar i gceann tuilleadh moltaí i dTuairisc an Fhiosrúcháin mar chuid d’obair an Tascfhórsa i bhforbairt Céime 2 den Phlean Réigiúnach. Tá roinnt de mholtaí an Choiste amhail iad siúd a bhaineann le síciatracht pháistí agus ógánach a bhfuarthas maoiniú le haghaidh soláthar 10 leaba breise di, agus a bhaineann le forbairt plean straitéise do sheirbhísí páistí, á gcur i bhfeidhm i gcomhthéacs oibre níos fairsinge sa Roinn s’agamsa. Fertility Treatments Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) what fertility treatments are available on the National Health Service in each Health Board in Northern Ireland (b) the waiting time for an initial fertility clinic consultation in each Health Service Board in Northern Ireland and (c) the waiting time for each type of fertility treatment in each Health Service Board in Northern Ireland. (AQW 3385/00) Ms de Brún: All four Health and Social Services Boards commission oral ovulation induction and ovulation induction by injection services; artificial insemination by husband/partner; and tubal surgery. In addition, the Eastern, Southern and Western Boards commission intra-uterine insemination and the Eastern, Northern and Southern Boards also provide reversal of female sterilisation services. (b) The waiting time for initial consultations varies between approximately 2-4 months, depending on the consultant. (c) This information is not routinely collected. Coimisiúnaíonn na ceithre Bhord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta uile ionduchtú béil ubhsceite agus ionduchtú ubhsceite déanta ag seirbhísí insteallta, ionsíolrú saorga déanta ag fear céile nó ag ceile; agus máinliacht fheadánach. Ina theannta sin, coimisiúnaíonn Boird an Oirthir, an Deiscirt agus an Iarthair ionsíolrú iontra-bhroinne agus soláthraíonn Boird an Oirthir, an Tuaiscirt agus an Deiscirt seirbhísí le haimridiú ban a mhalartú. (b) Athraíonn an t-am feithimh do chéad chomhairlithe ó 2 go 4 mí, ag brath ar an lia comhairleach.
(c) Ní bhailítear an t-eolas seo go rialta. Kidney Dialysis Treatment : Foyle Constituency Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the steps she is taking to avoid the need for people in the Foyle constituency having to travel to Omagh for kidney dialysis; and to make a statement. (AQW 3416/00) Ms de Brún: I refer the Member to my answer to AQW2990/00 Treoraím an Ball do mo fhreagra ar AQW2990/00 IVF Treatment Ms Sue Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) when patients in the Eastern Health and Social Services Board will no longer have to pay for IVF medication and (b) an update on the new criteria for free IVF treatment. (AQW 3418/00) Ms de Brún: (a) I announced on 24 April that sub-fertility services, including in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment, would be the subject of a consultation exercise later this year. In the meantime, an interim sub-fertility service is being developed and I hope that it will become operational later this year. It will provide a limited IVF service and patients eligible for it will have their fertility drugs prescribed by clinicians at the Regional Fertility Centre. (b) I have announced today that the eligibility criteria for access to the interim service will be those recommended in the Advisory Report "Improving Sub-fertility Services in Northern Ireland" prepared by a Steering Group of the Regional Medical Services Consortium. Copies of the report have been placed in the Library. (a) D’fhógair mé ar an 24 Aibreán go mbeadh seirbhísí fothorthúlachta, cóireáil toirchiú invítrea (TIV) san áireamh, faoi réir cleachtaidh chomhairlithe níos moille i mbliana. Idir an dá linn, tá seirbhís eatramhach fhothorthúlachta á forbairt agus tá súil agam go mbeidh sí i bhfeidhm níos moille i mbliana. Soláthróidh sí seirbhís theoranta TIV agus ordóidh dochtúirí san Ionad Réigiúnach Torthúlachta drugaí torthúlachta othar atá i dteideal na seirbhíse. (b) D’fhógair mé inniu gurb iad na critéir theidil leis an tseirbhís eatramhach a fháil a mholfar sa Tuairisc Chomhairleach "Ag Feabhsú Seirbhísí Fothorthúlachta i dTuaisceart Éireann" ullmhaithe ag Grúpa Stiúrtha an Chuibhreannais Sheirbhísí Réigiúnacha Leighis. Cuireadh cóipeanna den tuairisc sa Leabharlann. Patients Sent Outside NI for treatment Ms Sue Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the number of patients that have been sent to hospitals outside Northern Ireland for operations (b) for what reasons and (c) at what cost. (AQW 3419/00) Ms de Brún: Information is not readily available in the form requested and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. Níl eolas ar fáil go réidh san fhoirm iarrtha agus ní fhéadfaí é a fháil ach ar chostas díréireach. Mobile Chiropody Service : Greyabbey Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 3211/00, to detail (a) whether the mobile chiropody service has resumed following the vehicle test which was to be carried out on 21 June and (b) what steps she will take to ensure that a mobile chiropody service is provided for the people of Greyabbey in the event that the vehicle is not roadworthy. (AQW 3431/00) Ms de Brún: The vehicle used to provide the mobile chiropody service passed the vehicle test on 21 June 2001. Since that date it has not been used to provide a mobile chiropody service as all patients requiring chiropody service have availed of the appointments offered in a range of clinical settings. These patients will not require intervention from the Chiropody service until September 2001. In the hope of improving Chiropody services to patients in the Greyabbey area, the Ulster Community and Hospitals HSS Trust is entering into negotiations with the Eastern Health & Social Services Board to relocate the service to a GP practice in the Greyabbey area. D'éirigh leis an fheithicil, a úsáidtear leis an tseirbhís ghluaisteach chosliachta a sholáthar, sa scrúdú feithicle ar an 21 Meitheamh 2001. Níor úsáideadh í le seirbhís ghluaisteach chosliachta a sholáthar ón dáta sin mar go ndeachaigh gach uile othar a bhfuil seirbhís chosliachta de dhíth orthu chuig na coinní a socraíodh dóibh i réimse suíomh cliniciúil éagsúil. Ní bheidh seirbhís Chosliachta de dhíth ar na hothair seo go dtí Meán Fómhair 2001. Agus an dóchas ann go dtiocfaidh feabhas ar sheirbhísí Cosliachta ar fáil d'othair i gceantar na Mainistreach Léithe, tá Iontaobhas SSS Phobal Uladh agus Otharlann i mbun idirbheartaíochta le Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Oirthir leis an tseirbhís a athlonnú go clinic Gnáthdhochtúirí i gceantar na Mainistreach Léithe. Acute Hospital Development in the South West Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail DOE Planning Service's imput, including its recommendations, to the Hayes Commission in regard to a location for an Acute Hospital in the South West. (AQW 3433/00) Ms de Brún: I understand that the Acute Hospitals Review Group had one meeting with the Planning Service of the Department of the Environment, about the general planning implications of a new hospital development in the South West. The Planning Service did not make any recommendations about the location of a new hospital. Tuigim go raibh cruinniú amháin ag an Ghrúpa Athbhreithnithe ar Ghéarotharlanna le Seirbhís Pleanála na Roinne Comhshaoil faoi impleachtaí ginearálta pleanála tógáil otharlainne nua san Iardheisceart. Níor mhol an tSeirbhís Pleanála moltaí ar bith faoi láthair otharlainne nua. Central Register for Diabetes Sufferers Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 3150/00, to make it her policy to establish a central register of diabetes sufferers. (AQW 3436/00) Ms de Brún: Diabetes care is provided in primary care, in secondary care or both. However, current information and communication technology (ICT) arrangements do not facilitate the easy transfer and collation of this information to create a diabetic register. Work is underway on an ICT strategy for the Health and Social Services, which will improve communication systems between primary and secondary care and will provide an infrastructure to enable a composite view of patient care to be developed. Any further consideration of a central register of diabetes sufferers will have to await these developments. Soláthraítear cúram diaibéitis i bpríomhchúram, i gcúram tánaisteach nó iontu araon. Ní réitíonn na socruithe reatha teicneolaíochta eolais agus cumarsáide (TEC) d'aistriú agus do bhailiú réidh eolais seo áfach chun clár diaibéiteach a chruthú. Tá obair ar siúl ar straitéis TEC do na Seirbhísí Sláinte agus Sóisialta, a fheabhseoidh córais chumarsáide idir príomhchúram agus cúram tánaisteach, agus a sholáthróidh bonneagar chun cur ar a gcumas léargas cumaisc de chúram othar a fhorbairt. Déanfar tuilleadh machnaimh ar bith eile ar lárchlár fulangaithe diaibéitis i ndiaidh na bhforbairtí seo. Tyrone County Hospital : Ward Closures Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the reasons for the closure of two wards at Tyrone County Hospital; and to make a statement. (AQW 3562/00) Ms de Brún: I am informed by Sperrin Lakeland Health and Social Care Trust that eight medical beds were closed at Tyrone County Hospital with effect from 30 June 2001. These beds opened during the winter of 2000 to cope with the additional demand for hospital services. I am also informed that there will be a reduction of surgical beds, from 38 to 26, at Tyrone County Hospital. It is the responsibility of Boards and Trusts to keep their services under constant review in light of demand. The demands are generally lower during the summer months, allowing services to be reduced and resources to be re-allocated later in the year, when demand for services tends to be higher. Chuir Iontaobhas Cúram Sláinte agus Sóisialta Shliabh Speirín agus Thír na Lochanna in iúl dom gur druideadh ocht leaba leighis in Otharlann Chontae Thír Eoghain ar an 30 Meitheamh agus as sin amach. Cuireadh na leapacha seo ar fáil le linn an gheimhridh 2000 le déileáil leis an éileamh breise ar sheirbhísí otharlainne. Cuireadh in iúl dom fosta go mbeadh laghdú sna leapacha máinliachta, ó 38 go 26, in Otharlann Chontae Thír Eoghain. Boird agus Iontaobhais atá freagrach as athbhreithniú rialta ar a gcuid seirbhísí de réir éilimh. Bíonn na héilimh níos lú le linn míonna an tsamhraidh de ghnáth, ag feiliúint do laghdú i seirbhísí agus d’athdháileadh acmhainní níos moille sa bhliain, nuair a bhíonn an t-éileamh níos airde de ghnáth. Criteria for IVF Treatment Mr David Ford asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) if she has recently agreed criteria with the four Boards in respect of the provision of IVF treatment in Northern Ireland (b) whether such criteria were discussed with the Human Rights Commission; and to make a statement. (AQW 3588/00) Ms de Brún: (a) I have announced today that the eligibility criteria for access to the interim service will be those recommended in the Advisory Report "Improving Sub-fertility Services in Northern Ireland" prepared by a Steering Group of the Regional Medical Services Consortium, which commissions services on behalf of the four Boards. (b) No discussions have taken place with the Human Rights Commission. The criteria for access to sub-fertility services will be the subject of public consultation later this year. (a) D’fhógair mé inniu gurb iad na critéir theidil leis an tseirbhís eatramhach a fháil a mholfar sa Tuairisc Chomhairleach "Ag Feabhsú Seirbhísí Fothorthúlachta i dTuaisceart Éireann" ullmhaithe ag Grúpa Stiúrtha an Chuibhreannais Sheirbhísí Réigiúnacha Leighis a choimisiúnaíonn seirbhísí thar ceann na gCeithre Bhord. (b) Ní raibh caibidlí ar bith ann leis an Choimisiún Cearta Daonna. Beidh na critéir le seirbhísí fothorthúlachta a fháil faoi réir comhairlithe phoiblí níos moille i mbliana. TOPHIGHER AND FURTHER EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT Union Learning Representatives Ms Monica McWilliams asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment to introduce proposals which will give Union Learning Representatives official recognition that would afford them paid time off to perform their union duties as envisaged in the white paper "Opportunity for All in a World of Change". (AQW 3454/00) The Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment (Dr Farren): I have asked my officials to keep close contact with officials in GB dealing with the ongoing public consultation there, and in light of the responses, to consider and bring forward appropriate proposals for Northern Ireland. "Opportunity For All in a World of Change" Ms Monica McWilliams asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment to detail how he intends to implement the recommendations in the white paper "Opportunity for All in a World of Change". (AQW 3455/00) Dr Farren: This White Paper is a wide-ranging and comprehensive review of the steps needed to secure economic success for the United Kingdom as a whole over the next decade. In Northern Ireland the key themes and actions are being taken forward under the Programme for Government and my Department’s new Strategic Plan. Union Learning Fund for Northern Ireland Ms Monica McWilliams asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment to establish a Union Learning Fund for Northern Ireland and whether the increase in funding available in England will be reflected in the Northern Ireland budget. (AQW 3456/00) Dr Farren: Encouraging more workplace learning is an important part of the strategy for lifelong learning. I wish to consider an inclusive approach that draws upon the experience gained from the Union Learning Fund, but also engages other relevant organisations as well as the trade union movement. The resources that can be directed to such an initiative will depend on all other priorities. Needs Assessment Ms Eileen Bell asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment to detail the current position in regard to the needs and effectiveness evaluation for training and vocational education needs; and to make a statement. (AQO 1666/00) Dr Farren: The Needs and Effectiveness Evaluation of Training and Vocational Education is still in the early stages. My Department has agreed terms of reference and a project plan with DFP and EPU. One part of the exercise is the preparation of a Needs Assessment by September that compares needs and provision locally with that in England. The other part is a series of programme evaluations over the next 12 to 18 months. TOPREGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Traffic Congestion | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||