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FRIDAY 19 OCTOBER 2001 Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister Agriculture and Rural Development Enterprise, Trade and Investment Health, Social Services and Public Safety TOPOFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER Trans European Network Mr Roy Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail what proportion of the £40m allocated by the Executive Funds to improve the Trans European Network is estimated to be spent on (a) dualling the Newry section of the Newry to Dundalk road (b) completing the existing dualling scheme for the A8 Larne to Belfast road and (c) upgrading the Westlink. (AQW 218/01) Sir Reg Empey and Mr Seamus Mallon MP: The Executive has set aside £40 million over a number of years to ensure that the strategically important Trans European Network route from Larne to the border south of Newry is developed coherently. The Executive agreed to use the £40 m to provide specific and sufficient allocation for the existing A8 scheme, and specific and sufficient allocation for completion of the Newry/Border section, subject to the necessary procedures. A contribution would also be provided to upgrade the Westlink. The Executive did not determine specific amounts for each of the schemes. The details, including how the relevant projects could be pursued, their phasing and procurement, will need to be explored further. E-Government Mr Roy Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail the level of funding allocated to encourage and co-ordinate e-government at a local government level in the financial year 2001-02. (AQW 255/01) Sir Reg Empey and Mr Seamus Mallon MP: The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister has a role in promoting e-government across the whole public sector in Northern Ireland. The Department of the Environment is responsible, however, for providing most of the central funding for local government. It is a matter for each council to determine the priority of providing services electronically and allocating existing resources accordingly. TOPAGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT Leader + Programme Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, pursuant to the European Commission's approval of the Leader and Initiative Programme in Northern Ireland, to detail her plans for the implementation of the programme during the 2001-06 period. (AQW 327/01) The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): Following negotiations with the Commission on the draft NI LEADER + Programme, which have been ongoing since November 2000, the Commission adopted the Programme which was formally approved on 21 September 2001. The LEADER + Programme will be delivered by locally based partnerships known as Local Action Groups. The Local Action Groups will develop strategies to address the needs and opportunities in their own rural areas. The Northern Ireland LEADER + Programme anticipates around 12 Local Action Groups. The first stage of the competitive selection process for the Local Action Groups is currently underway. The closing date for applications was 28 September and I hope to be in a position to announce the results of the selection process by the end of November 2001. Successful Groups will then be advised of the funding allocation awarded to them for supporting projects under Action 1 of the Programme. They will be asked to prepare and submit a business plan within no more than 3 months. The business plans will detail precisely how the Groups propose to implement their strategies. In the interim, successful Groups will be advanced a percentage of their administration budget to allow them to operate as a LEADER + Local Action Group. The Groups will be required to provide the Department with specific information before this funding is advanced. When Local Action Groups are awarded funding from Action 1, they will become eligible to obtain a further allocation of funding from Action 2 for inter-territorial co-operation. Groups will be invited to submit inter-territorial co-operation strategies for the use of Action 2 funding to the Department within 6 months of the award of Action 1. Following receipt, consideration and approval of the business plans by the LEADER + Monitoring Committee the Local Action Groups will be in a position to proceed with the implementation of their approved strategies and call for project applications. All Co-operation Strategies submitted will be considered and an allocation of Action 2 Funding awarded as appropriate. Target timetable:
Local Action Groups will have the autonomy to award grant aid to promoters of rural development projects within their respective areas under the terms of the LEADER + Programme and their approved strategies over the 2001-2006 period. Applicants wishing to obtain funding under the Programme will make application to the appropriate Local Action Group for the area. Responsibilities of the Local Action Group will include such activities as; promotion of the programme; development work ie to issue standardised application forms and guidance notes and to assist potential project promoters in the development of suitable projects; project selection; appeals/complaints procedures; project output, result, impact and financial monitoring; programme co-ordination and management information. The Department in consultation with the LEADER+ Monitoring Committee will be responsible for the overall management and implementation of the Programme. The Department will seek to ensure that over the period 2001-2006 the necessary management and monitoring arrangements are in place to guarantee effective implementation of the LEADER + Programme in Northern Ireland. Foot-and-Mouth Disease Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) the number of sheep and cattle culled as a result of foot-and-mouth disease and (b) how were the carcasses disposed of in each case. (AQW 352/01) Ms Rodgers: The information requested is as follows:- There were a total of 41,911 sheep and 4,331 cattle culled in Northern Ireland as a result of foot-and mouth disease. Initially all carcases were burnt on site. As numbers increased the carcases of infected premises continued to be burnt and the carcases from precautionary cull sites were rendered. GDP in 2000 Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what is the contribution of agriculture to the GDP for the year 2000-01 (or nearest year available) and what is the average for the previous five years. (AQW 354/01) Ms Rodgers: Agriculture’s contribution to GDP in Northern Ireland in 2000 was, provisionally, £464 million, or 2.6 per cent of the total. The average for the five years 1995-1999 was £547 million, or 3.5 per cent. Cull of Lambs in South Armagh, Ardboe & Cushendall Mr Paul Berry asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of store and fattening wether lambs which were included in the cull in South Armagh, Ardboe and Cushendall. (AQW 397/01) Ms Rodgers: The Department does not have the information requested on the number of store and fattening lambs culled. However the total number of sheep culled as a result of FMD was 41,911. TOPCULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE Clay Pigeon Shooting Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to name the recognised governing body for clay pigeon shooting in Northern Ireland. (AQW 326/01) The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): The Sports Council recognises both the Ulster Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (UCPSA) and the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC). The UCPSA retains the franchise for selecting competitors to represent Northern Ireland in the Commonwealth Games and other International competitions and the BASC promotes the activity of Clay Pigeon Shooting. TOPEDUCATION Transport for Educational Purposes in Rural Areas Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister of Education if he has taken any steps to liaise with his colleague, the Minister for Employment and Learning, over the provision of transport for educational purposes for both school children and adults in rural areas. (AQW 323/01) The Minister of Education (Mr McGuinness): My Department will shortly be reviewing transport policy and will liaise with the Department for Employment and Learning in relation to the transport of pupils in further education. Draft Programme for Government Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education what steps has he taken to secure additional funding to deliver his objectives outlined in the Draft Programme for Government. (AQW 356/01) Mr McGuinness: As part of its collective decisions on the Draft Budget for 2002/03, the Executive is proposing that an extra £20.5m be allocated to the Education budget compared to previous plans, giving an overall increase of 4.8% over the current year. New Capital Build Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to the Draft Public Expenditure Plans 2002-03 announced on 25 September 2001, to detail how much will be invested in new capital build. (AQO 254/01) Mr McGuinness: The Draft Public Expenditure Plans for 2002-03 announced on 25 September provide £106 million for schools’ capital works. This amount is to cover new capital build, on-going capital works and other areas of capital expenditure. The new capital build programme will be determined early next year in light of the funds likely to be available in 2002-03 and subsequent financial years. Joined-Up Government Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister of Education what steps he has taken to further the aim of "joined-up government" as set out in the Programme for Government. (AQO 289/01) Mr McGuinness: My Department’s responsibility for the education of children and young people has always required us to identify and develop those connections with the work of other Departments and agencies which will lead to real improvement in our services. The wide range of collaborative activity in which we are currently involved will enable us to play a full part in realising the Executive’s aim. School Transport Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of Education what discussions he has held with the education and library boards concerning the provision of school transport; and to make a statement. (AQO 266/01) Mr McGuinness: My Department is in regular contact with the education and library boards concerning the provision of home to school transport. Most recently my Department has sought the views of the boards on the Environment Committee’s report on ‘Transport Used for Children Travelling To and From School’, and will take account of these views in its response to the Committee. Pupil Teacher Ratios Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister of Education to make a statement on pupil/teacher ratios in primary and post primary schools. (AQO 272/01) Mr McGuinness: The 2000/01 pupil:teacher ratio in primary schools was 20.2 and in post-primary schools was 14.5. Under Local Management of School (LMS) arrangements, decisions on the number of teachers to be employed in any school are a matter for the school’s Board of Governors, taking account of curricular and other requirements and the level of resources available. Conference on Human Rights in Education Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister of Education if there has been any feedback from the conference on Human Rights in Education; and to make a statement. (AQO 282/01) Mr McGuinness: Feedback received so far from the conference on Human Rights in Education held on 26 September 2001 has been very positive. As I said in my address to the Conference, my Department intends to produce a post-conference report which will focus on the issues raised by those who attended and took part in the Conference Workshops. In light of this, I will be considering what further needs to be done to raise the profile of human rights issues in education. Review of Post Primary Education Mr Gerry McHugh asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) when he intends to publish the Review of Post Primary Education and (b) the timescale for implementing the Review's recommendations. (AQO 292/01) Mr McGuinness: I expect shortly to receive the report of the independent review body and I will want to undertake the widest possible consultations on the issues it raises before bringing any proposals for change. Education for Mutual Understanding Mr John Kelly asked the Minister of Education what is being done in schools to raise awareness of issues such as unequal development, poverty and conflict within and between countries. (AQO 288/01) Mr McGuinness: The Curriculum here includes a number of compulsory cross-curricular themes. One such theme: Education for Mutual Understanding (EMU), is about fostering self-respect, respect for others, and the improvement of relationships between people of differing cultural traditions. One of the key objectives of EMU is Understanding Conflict, where pupils learn about and understand the nature of conflict within and between societies, the reactions to conflict and the reduction of conflict. Pupils will learn about, in particular, the nature of conflict here, and will compare possible reasons for this with possible reasons for conflict in other parts of the world. Through the cross-curricular theme of Economic Awareness pupils will also learn about imbalances between nations, in trade and living standards, and the effect of economic development on the living standards in different countries. The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) are currently undertaking a review of the curriculum here and they will be considering how these issues will be incorporated into the new curriculum in the context of local and global citizenship. Education for Mutual Understanding Ms Pauline Armitage asked the Minister of Education to outline his plans to encourage school visits to museums and cultural exhibitions to promote mutual understanding and community relations at a young age. (AQO 253/01) Mr McGuinness: Schools have for years visited museums and cultural exhibitions to promote mutual understanding and community relations at a young age. This is currently facilitated under the Schools’ Community Relations Programme. I will continue to encourage these visits. Sex Education Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education to explain why board representatives, local churches and MLA's were not consulted in the formulation of the curriculum on sex education. (AQO 250/01) Mr McGuinness: Sex education is a particularly sensitive issue and as such a wide range of groups were consulted prior to the production of the Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) guidance for both primary and post primary schools. Copies of the draft proposals were sent out to Education and Health Boards, Churches, schools, CCMS, teachers unions and many other organisations and individuals. While the guidance has only been issued recently, the consultation process took place prior to the devolution of powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly on 2 December 1998. The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) did, however, place a public notice in a local newspaper on 17 November 1998 inviting comments from interested individuals, groups and organisations. Education for Mutual Understanding Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Education to outline his plans to develop further a community relations programme through Education for Mutual Understanding (EMU) at both primary and secondary level; and to make a statement. (AQO 260/01) Mr McGuinness: The Schools’ Community Relations Programme is designed to promote community relations in schools at primary and secondary level and to provide a valuable dimension to EMU in the curriculum. The Programme has now been in place for some fifteen years and, while during that time it has made a valuable contribution to enhancing relationships between different types of school, my Department has commissioned a Review, to ensure that it is continuing to meet its objectives in full. When the Review’s final report is to hand, I will wish to consider the best way forward. TOPEMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING University of Ulster Access to Library Facilities Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if he will ensure that students who have to travel from the Magee Campus to Jordanstown for books, could be facilitated at the local campus. (AQW 313/01) The Minister for Employment and Learning (Dr Farren): The University of Ulster, like all universities in the UK, is an autonomous body responsible for its own policies and procedures. As such, I cannot intervene in its internal operations. My officials have consulted Library staff in the University who have stated that the Library provides a comprehensive range of services to facilitate off campus access. Staff there will be more than happy to provide details of what is available and to investigate the cause of your concern if you would care to provide them with more information. Foundation Degree Pilot Programmes Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if he will (a) give details of the pilot project to replace HNDs, (b) which colleges are running the pilot and (c) how many students have enrolled. (AQW 314/01) Dr Farren: (a) I assume that the Member is referring to the Foundation Degree pilot programmes which are being delivered by university led consortia involving FE colleges and employers and are in leading edge industries such as Information Technology disciplines. (b) Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education East Antrim Institute of Further and Higher Education Newry & Kilkeel Institute of Further and Higher Education North Down & Ards Institute of Further and Higher Education North East Institute of Further and Higher Education North West Institute of Further and Higher Education Omagh Further Education College (c) Seventy full-time and sixty part-time students have enrolled for the 2001/02 Foundation Degrees courses. Foundation Degrees are not viewed as replacing HNDs; they are different from HND/HNC(s) because of the "Core" elements they contain which include specific skills training underpinned by rigorous academic learning; employer involvement in delivering work relevant skills; and that the degrees should be transferable and must provide a route for students to progress to honours degree level. Composition of FE Governing Bodies Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if he has any plans to extend the composition of FE governing bodies to include the community voluntary sector and trade unions. (AQW 315/01) Dr Farren: The term of the present Governing Bodies of further education colleges expires on 31 March 2002. My Department is presently considering the arrangements for their reconstitution which will be taken forward in accordance with the Further Education (NI) Order 1997. Schedule 3 of the Order sets out the composition of a Governing Body. Fifty percent or more are persons engaged or employed in business, industry or any profession. Other members are the Principal; one or two staff members elected by the staff; one student elected by the students, two persons nominated by the ELB for the area in which the college is situated; and not more than 2 persons co-opted by the other members. My Department intends to review governance of FE colleges during the next term of the governing bodies. Travelling Community Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister for Employment and Learning how many members of the Travelling Community are enrolled at FE colleges and Institutes of Higher Education and what steps have been taken to encourage members of the Travelling Community to access third level education. (AQW 316/01) Dr Farren: In 2000/01 no students declared themselves as being from the Travelling Community at the FE colleges and the University of Ulster. Queens’ University, St Mary’s University College and Stranmillis University College will collect this information from 2002/03. My student support proposals, especially the introduction of means-tested bursaries and my support for a range of actions by the universities are designed to enhance the opportunities of those from disadvantaged backgrounds to access higher education on an equal basis. A number of activities are in place across the further education sector related directly to the needs of the Travelling community using funding under the Access Initiative Fund as well as the Basic Skills Unit’s Innovation Fund. NVQ Level 2 Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to advise of the percentage of students who gained NVQ level II and were subsequently successful in gaining full time employment with their original training providers. (AQW 325/01) Dr Farren: My Department does not collate data in respect of trainees who progress to employment with their original work placement provider. The latest figures, as at July 2001, indicate that of those young people who started training during the period April 1999 to March 2000 and had gained a NVQ Level 2, 68% have subsequently been successful in gaining full-time employment. That figure includes 52% who progressed to employment in a Modern Apprenticeship. TOPENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT Aerospace Sub-Contract Work Mr Jim Wilson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he intends to put in place any contingency plans to extend support to companies which depend largely on sub-contracted work from the aerospace sector. (AQW 332/01) The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): LEDU and IDB, in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Aerospace Consortium, are liasing closely with those client companies which may be affected by the recent events in the United States and will consider how best their support programmes may be used to maintain their competitiveness at this difficult time. LEDU is currently monitoring events and is in close contact with all key subcontractors to both Bombardier and the global aerospace industry to ascertain the current and future impacts of the developments, post September 11. LEDU is actively liaising and working with the Northern Ireland Aerospace Consortium to develop a way forward for the industry. IDB has written to the Prime Minister urging him to introduce measures which would mitigate against some of the job losses recently announced by Bombardier Shorts, and which in turn would ease the pressures on the local sub-contract network. Any business issues being raised are being actioned. TOPENVIRONMENT Display of Election Posters : West Tyrone Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to AQW 117/01, what monitoring has been carried out by his officials in the Derg Electoral area, West Tyrone and to detail the outcome of the correspondence with individuals, party or parties who were in breach of the relevant regulations. (AQW 306/01) The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): As I previously explained, my Department wrote to political parties on 22 June 2001 and 2 July 2001 reminding them of the statutory regulations for the display of election posters, including the requirement that they must be removed within 14 days of the close of the relevant poll. Monitoring of breaches of the regulations is largely based on specific complaints and requests for the removal of the posters. I am not aware of any complaints regarding a breach of the relevant regulations in the Derg Electoral area. However, if the Member is aware of posters still being displayed in the Derg Electoral area, and wishes to provide my Department with details, I will be happy to ensure my officials follow the matter up. Landfill Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of the Environment what action is he taking to reduce the proportion of waste that is put into landfill; and to make a statement. (AQW 351/01) Mr Foster: My Department published a comprehensive Waste Management Strategy for Northern Ireland in March 2000. The Strategy sets challenging targets which are necessary to achieve sustainable waste management through the controlled reduction of landfill, waste minimisation and a significant increase in recycling and recovery. It also restricts landfill capacity to essential interim needs while District Councils prepare, and then agree with my Department, Waste Management Plans for an integrated network of recycling and recovery facilities. The Plans will determine how Councils propose to meet the Strategy’s targets for reductions in the quantity of industrial, commercial and biodegradable municipal waste going to landfill. Increased recycling is a key alternative to landfill. My Department is working to address the main barriers to recycling which are a shortage of local markets for recycled products and a lack of reprocessing infrastructure. The Waste Management Advisory Board, recently set up by my Department, will oversee the introduction of a Market Development Programme to stimulate demand for recycled materials and products. A Northern Ireland Waste Arisings Report published last month by my Department’s Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) concluded that that the most commonly used waste management option for waste produced by industry and commerce is still landfill. To help companies to reduce the amount of waste which goes to landfill, guidelines have been produced by the EHS, entitled ‘Guidelines for Company Reporting on Waste’; they describe the steps a business can take to measure, manage and report on the environmental impact of its waste. Council Meetings The Lord Kilclooney asked the Minister of the Environment what guidelines he has given about the conduct of district council monthly public meetings, is he aware that members of the NUJ are concerned that they cannot report these public meetings in full, due to the increasing tendency of the minutes of council meetings being classified as "confidential". (AQW 360/01) Mr Foster: Sections 23, 27 and Schedule 2 of the Local Government Act (NI) 1972 provide for admission of the public to council meetings. District Councils may determine, by resolution, whether meetings should be open or otherwise. There may be times when openness might not be in the best interest of the council or the public, due to the confidential or sensitive nature of the business or proceedings. No guidelines have issued from my Department on this subject. It is entirely a matter for individual councils to determine the most appropriate format. Landfill Sites & Dangerous Waste Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of the Environment to make a statement in respect of the regulation of landfill sites and to outline his policy on the disposal of dangerous waste. (AQW 364/01) Mr Foster: In Northern Ireland there are three necessary approvals required to operate a landfill site. These are planning permission under the Planning Order (Northern Ireland) 1991, a discharge consent under the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 and a disposal licence under the Pollution Control and Local Government (Northern Ireland) Order 1978. Any conditions attached to the above approvals are monitored and enforced by the Planning Service, the Environment and Heritage Service and District Councils respectively. With regard to the disposal of dangerous waste, the 1978 Order makes it an offence to deposit controlled waste anywhere but on a licenced site and in accordance with any conditions applying to that particular site. The district councils operate the licencing controls and it is their duty to ensure adequate arrangements are made for the disposal of all controlled waste in their districts. In addition, controls are in place under the Special Waste Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998 requiring the keeping of records in connection with the safe management of special waste and also on restricting the mixing of different categories of special waste with waste which is not special. General Exchequer Grant Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to his Department's letter, Ref LGD 3/4/01, to local district councils, to detail (a) the effect of his proposal to relocate £2m from the resources element of the General Exchequer Grant across all 26 district councils, in terms of the local penny rate using 2001-02 data and (b) if he would reconsider this proposal. (AQW 368/01) Mr Foster: (a) The likely effect of the proposal to relocate £2m, on individual district councils which qualify for the resources element of the General Exchequer Grant, is detailed in the table below in terms of local penny rates for 2001-2002 (b) The draft budget for 2002-2003 is currently out for consultation. All comments received will be considered and the position will be reviewed as necessary.
Planning Stop Notices Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of the Environment how many prosecutions have been brought for failure to comply with planning stop notices in each of the last three years. (AQW 374/01) Mr Foster: This information is set out below: 1999 – 2 2000 – 0 2001 - 0 (to date) Planning Enforcement Notices Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of the Environment how many prosecutions have been brought for breaches of planning enforcement notices in each of the last three years. (AQW 375/01) Mr Foster: This information is set out below: 1999 – 11 2000 – 9 2001 - 10 (to date) Redevelopment : Glassmullin, Belfast Ms Sue Ramsey asked the Minister of the Environment if he is aware of any plans for the redevelopment of the football pitches at Glassmullin, Andersonstown, Belfast. (AQW 377/01) Mr Foster: My Department is not aware of any plans for redevelopment of the site. General Exchequer Grant Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to outline his plans for the General Exchequer Grant for local councils and will he confirm his commitment to the same level of funding as provided in the last financial year. (AQW 381/01) Mr Foster: The Department has a commitment in the Programme for Government to review the statutory formula for calculation of the resources element of the General Exchequer Grant to district councils, to take account of relative socio-economic disadvantage. A consultation paper setting out proposals for a new methodology issued on 21 September 2001. Primary legislation will be required to introduce any change in the existing arrangement, therefore, a new formula could not be operational before 2003/2004. General Exchequer Grant provision in the current financial year amounts to £44.7m - £19m for the resources element of the grant; and £25.7m for the derating element. As the Executive was faced with difficult choices in relation to the allocation of funds to accommodate other priorities, its draft budget for 2002/03 reduces the previous indicative allocation of £19.5m to £17.5m for the resources element and provides £27.7m to compensate councils in full for the costs of derating. General Exchequer Grant for 2002/03 is therefore, set at £45.2m compared to the total grant of £44.7m in the current financial year. The Executive’s draft budget for 2002/03 is currently out for consultation. General Exchequer Grant Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of the Environment what the proposed £2m cut in the Resources Grant payable to district councils, coupled with the revised Local Government Funding Formula, will mean in monetary terms to each one of the twenty-six local authorities. (AQW 386/01) Mr Foster: The impact of the reduction of £2 million in the previous indicative allocation for 2002/2003, using those district councils which qualify for the resources element of General Exchequer Grant this year, is illustrated in the table below. This is reflected in the Executive’s draft budget, which is currently out for consultation. On 21 September 2001 a consultation paper issued, containing proposals for a new methodology to distribute the resource element of the General Exchequer Grant. It has no significance for allocations next year. Any new formula will require primary legislation and could not be operational before 2003/2004.
Planning Applications Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment if he will make it his policy to introduce planning regulations, similar to the Republic of Ireland, whereby planning applications are automatically approved if they are not processed within two months. (AQW 387/01) Mr Foster: I have no current plans to introduce new planning regulations as the Member suggests. This proposal would represent a major change in Departmental policy and practices which, in Northern Ireland, differ significantly from those in operation in the Republic of Ireland. Programme for Government : Green Issues Mr Edwin Poots asked the Minister of the Environment what steps he is taking to ensure all departments include "green" procurement policies in the Programme for Government. (AQW 393/01) Mr Foster: Prior to devolution the then Northern Ireland Departments and their Agencies were committed to greening their operations as part of the UK Greening Government Initiative. This Initiative encouraged Departments to improve their environmental performance in housekeeping a range of activities, including their procurement arrangements. In keeping with this, the Green Guide to Suppliers of Goods and Services to Northern Ireland was issued to all departments and suppliers to provide guidelines on the integration of environmental objectives into the procurement process. As part of the Initiative a Model Policy Statement was developed for use by departments in setting their environmental commitments. A Northern Ireland Model Policy Statement for Greening Government Operations was also developed and circulated for discussion to the then NI Departments in April 1999. This Initiative was however overtaken by devolution. In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government "to develop proposals for implementing improvements in public procurement" the Department of Finance and Personnel, as lead Department for public procurement policy, initiated a review of procurement policy in November 2000. The Review report is currently out for public consultation, ending on 30 November. Among the recommendations is a proposal that the current Northern Ireland Model Policy Statement should be reissued with the support of the Executive and encouragement to put it into operation in each Department. The report also recommends the establishment of a new Procurement Board, responsible for the development of public procurement policy. The Board would be tasked with keeping under review the procurement element of the Model Policy Statement. World Heritage Site Mrs Annie Courtney asked the Minister of the Environment what plans he has to ensure that the City Walls within Derry City Council area are recognised as a world heritage site. (AQO 331/01) Mr Foster: World Heritage Sites in Northern Ireland are a matter for my Department. However, lead policy responsibility within the UK for the operation of UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention, and therefore for World Heritage Site nominations, lies with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The current United Kingdom 'Tentative List' of World Heritage Site nominations was published by DCMS in June 1999. It contained twenty-five nominations, of which one, Mount Stewart Gardens, is in Northern Ireland. The Tentative List is expected to remain current for some years. There are therefore no plans to seek recognition of the City Walls within the Derry City Council area as a World Heritage Site. TOPFINANCE AND PERSONNEL Civil Service Absenteeism Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel, pursuant to AQW 3658/00, to estimate the additional funds that would be available for public expenditure in Northern Ireland if absenteeism levels in the Northern Ireland Civil Service followed British employee averages. (AQW 276/01) The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): I would refer to my answer to Assembly Question 277 / 01, in relation to the comparability of absenteeism figures. I would also point out that reduced absenteeism levels would mainly contribute to better performance rather than directly saving funds. Civil Service Absenteeism Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel, pursuant to AQW 3658/00, how civil service rates of absenteeism compare to CBI's surveys on absenteeism in the private sector. (AQW 277/01) Mr Durkan: The overall absence rate for the NICS was 6.8% during 2000/2001 against the comparable figure of 6.9% for 1999/2000. NICS figures are calculated in terms of the percentage of available working days lost per staff year (224 days). The figures available from the CBI’s postal survey on absenteeism do not provide for meaningful comparison. First they represent absenteeism across the UK in a range of private sector organisations of varying sizes. They are calculated on a different basis from the NICS and do not allow for factors such as the gender/ age profile of an organisation and volume of part-time working to be taken into account. These have been shown to have an impact on absenteeism rates. The CBI’s Survey also identifies that company size is a key determinant of absence rates with the smallest firms having an absence rate some 40% less than the largest. Scrutiny of Departmental Budgets Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what steps are being taken to enable the Assembly and its Committees to be in a position to undertake an effective scrutiny of Departmental budgets to ensure that the actions funded meet the priorities set out in the Draft Programme for Government and constitute value for money. (AQO 279/01) Mr Durkan: The earlier start to this year’s PFG and Budget processes, as compared to last year, has facilitated greater scrutiny of the draft PFG and Budget and will enable the Assembly to examine the links between the priorities of the Executive, departmental aims and the funds allocated to each department to achieve agreed objectives and targets. Scrutiny of these processes and related documents, viewed alongside the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General, will enable the Assembly and its Committees to be in a better position to ensure the actions funded meet PFG priorities and constitute value for money. Senior Civil Service Review Mr Pat McNamee asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to outline the terms of reference for the Senior Civil Service Review. (AQO 262/01) Mr Durkan: The Review Team has been asked "to review the effectiveness of current policies, practices and procedures concerning appointment to and promotion within the NI Senior Civil Service to ensure that they:
And to examine the roles of officials and Ministers in each stage of the selection process and to consider the appropriate element of independent involvement, taking account of the statutory role of the Civil Service Commissioners, in recruitment and selection processes; and to make recommendations." Draft Budget Allocation Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what discussions he has held with the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety about the proposed budgetary allocation for the provision of health and social services; and to make a statement. (AQO 265/01) Mr Durkan: I met with the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety as part of a series of bilateral discussions with Ministerial colleagues prior to the Executive finalising the draft budget allocations. The draft budget presented to the Assembly on 25 September is the outcome of thorough discussions between Ministers and represents the collective decisions taken by the Executive on 20 September. TOPHEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY A&E Services : Tyrone County Hospital Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans she has to improve Accident and Emergency Services at Tyrone County Hospital. (AQW 249/01) The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): I refer the member to the answer I gave on 11 October to Question Number AQW 243. Tarraingím aird an chomhalta ar an fhreagra a thug mé ar Cheist AQW 243 ar an 11 Deireadh Fómhair. Orthopaedic Patients Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of patients treated by orthopaedic surgery for the years (a) 1997 (b) 1998 (c) 1999 (d) 2000 and (e) 2001 to date. (AQW 261/01) Ms de Brún: Information on numbers of inpatients in the specialty of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery is available and is detailed in the table below.
Tá eolas ar líon na n-othar cónaitheach i speisialtacht Tráma agus na Máinliachta Ortaipéidí ar fáil agus miondealaítear sa tábla thíos é.
Equitable Life AVC Scheme Ms Monica McWilliams asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what she intends to do by way of compensation for individuals who have sustained financial loss by investing in the NHS promoted Equitable Life AVC. (AQW 262/01) Ms de Brún: Money Purchase Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) arrangements were introduced to Public Sector Pension Schemes in 1991 in order to widen members' options. Equitable Life was appointed as in-house AVC provider for NHS staff from February 1991. Following a further competitive European Commission procurement exercise Equitable was re-appointed for a further 5 years in 1998. I sympathise with the predicament these staff find themselves in, however I cannot offer compensation from the Department. HPSS Superannuation Scheme and Equitable Life literature has always made it clear that returns for these types of investment could not be guaranteed, and members were made aware of the alternatives of buying main scheme added years with guaranteed benefits, or the option of making payments to a free-standing AVC. HPSS Superannuation Scheme management have written to members as the situation has changed to update them on the position and the options available, including stopping their AVC contributions, and have advised those uncertain of what to do to seek financial advice. The Equitable Life has also kept members informed of the situation. Tugadh socruithe Síntiúis Dheonaigh Bhreise Cheannach le hAirgead (SDB) isteach i Scéimeanna Pinsin na hEarnála Poiblí i 1991 le roghanna ball a fhairsingiú. Ceapadh Equitable Life mar sholáthraí inmheánach SDB d’fhoireann na SNS ó Fheabhra 1991. I ndiaidh iarrachta iomaíche rathúla eile le hairgead a fháil ón Choimisiún Eorpach, athcheapadh Equitable do théarma 5 bliain eile i 1998. Tuigim do sháinn na foirne seo, ach ní thig liom cúiteamh airgid ón Roinn a thairiscint dóibh. Chuir leabhráin eolais Scéim Phinsin na SSSP agus Equitable Life in iúl go soiléir i gcónaí nach bhféadfaí sochar do a leithéid d’infheistíocht seo a ráthú, agus cuireadh na roghanna eile le tuilleadh blianta príomhscéime le sochair ráthaithe a cheannach, nó an rogha le híocaíochtaí a dhéanamh le SDBanna neamhspleácha in iúl do bhaill. Scríobh lucht bainistíochta Scéim Phinsin na SSSP chuig baill mar gur tháinig athrú ar an staid agus chun iad a choinneáil ar an eolas fúithi agus faoi na roghanna ar fáil, stad a chur lena síntiúis SDB san áireamh, agus mhol siad dóibh siúd nach raibh cinnte faoin rud atá le déanamh le hiarraidh ar chomhairle airgeadais. Choinnigh Equitable Life na baill ar an eolas faoin staid fosta. Equitable Life AVC Scheme Ms Monica McWilliams asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what monitoring of the Equitable Life AVC scheme took place before the collapse for NHS employees who had invested funds as part of their pension provision. (AQW 263/01) Ms de Brún: The Equitable Life AVC Scheme was subject to an annual performance review by the Government Actuary's Department. This was based on an annual AVC survey carried out by Bacon & Woodrow, Pension Consultants and Actuaries. Scheme managers from HPSS Superannuation, the NHS Pensions Agency and the Scottish Public Pensions Agency also held an annual review with representatives of Equitable Life. Since late December 1998, when HPSS Superannuation Branch became aware there was a problem with Guaranteed Annuity Rate With-Profit policies, Scheme managers have sought professional legal and actuarial advice on an ongoing basis. This initially indicated it would not be in members' best interests to part company with the Equitable. After receiving further advice from Bacon & Woodrow in August this year Scheme managers wrote to members advising that any member still contributing to Equitable with profits AVC funds should be recommended to cease payments, unless they had independent advice to the contrary. Bhí Scéim SDB Equitable Life faoi réir athbhreithnithe bhliantúil ar a fheidhmiú ag Roinn Achtúire an Rialtais. Bhí seo bunaithe ar shuirbhé bhliantúil SDB déanta ag Bacon & Woodrow, Comhairleoirí ar Phinsin agus Achtúirí. Bhí athbhreithniú bliantúil ag bainisteoirí scéime ó Phinsin na SSSP, ó Ghníomhaireacht Phinsin na SNS agus ó Ghníomhaireacht Phinsin Phoiblí na hAlban le hionadaithe ó Equitable Life fosta. Ó dheireadh na Nollag 1998, nuair a bhí a fhios ag Brainse Pinsin na SSSP go raibh fadhb le polasaithe Ráta Ráthaithe Bliantachta-le Brabús, d’iarr bainisteoirí scéime ar chomhairle ghairmiúil, dhlíthiúil agus achtúireach ar bhonn rialta. Chuir sí seo in iúl ar dtús nach mbeadh sé ar mhaithe le baill briseadh le Equitable. I ndiaidh tuilleadh comhairle a fháil ó Bacon & Woodrow i mí Lúnasa na bliana seo, scríobh bainisteoirí scéime chuig baill ag moladh do bhall ar bith ag cur airgid i gcistí SDB-le brabúis Equitable go fóill gur chóir dóibh stad a chur le híocaíochtaí munar tugadh comhairle neamhspleách dóibh ar a mhalairt. Endometriosis Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will make it her policy to recognise endometriosis as a long term clinical condition. (AQW 264/01) Ms de Brún: Endometriosis is a disease where normal endometrial tissue exists in abnormal locations. The nature and duration of the disease will vary depending on the extent of disease, severity of symptoms and response to treatment. Typically it resolves after the menopause. Determining whether endometriosis is a long-term condition in any patient will be a clinical, not a policy decision. Is galar í inmheatróis ina bhfuil gnáthfhíochán inmheatróiseach suite in áiteanna mínormálta. Athróidh nádúr agus fad an ghalair de réir mhéad an ghalair, ghéire na n-airíonna agus de réir na freagartha do chóireáil. Maolaíonn sí i ndiaidh an tsosa mhíostraithe de ghnáth. Cinneadh cliniciúil agus ní cinneadh polasaí a bheidh i gcinneadh ar bith a dhéanfar ar cé acu an riocht fadtéarmach í inmheatróis nó nach í. Hip Joint Operations Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans she has to reduce the number on the waiting list for hip joints to 3000. (AQW 265/01) Ms de Brún: Currently, there are 953 people waiting for hip joint operations here and the average waiting time is 12 to 18 months. I am concerned that this is too long. There remains a shortage of orthopaedic surgeons both here and in the NHS. Steps have been taken to increase the number of trainees in this specialty, but this will clearly take time. I have put extra money into the health and social services to tackle waiting lists and a framework for action on waiting lists is currently being implemented. The service needs more investment if it is to meet the demands being placed upon it and I will continue to make the case for additional resources. Faoi láthair, tá 953 duine ag fanacht ar obráidí alt an chromáin anseo agus is é 12 go 18 mí an meánam feithimh é. Tá mé buartha go bhfuil sé seo rófhada. Tá easpa máinlianna ortaipéideacha anseo agus sa SNS go fóill. Rinneadh bearta le líon na bprintíseach sa speisialtacht seo a mhéadú, ach is léir go nglacfaidh seo am. Thug mé airgead breise do na seirbhísí sláinte agus sóisialta le tabhairt faoi liostaí feithimh agus tá creatlach le haghaidh gnímh ar liostaí feithimh á cur i bhfeidhm i láthair na huaire. Tá níos mó infheistíochta sa tseirbhís de dhíth má tá sí le riar ar na héilimh atá á n-iarraidh uirthi agus leanfaidh mé ar aghaidh le hiarraidh ar acmhainní breise. Ulidia Housing Association Mr Seamus Close asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 3224/00, when the Craigavon and Banbridge Community NHS Trust agreed "in principle" a support agreement with Ulidia Housing Association. (AQW 268/01) Ms de Brún: The Craigavon and Banbridge Community NHS Trust agreed "in principle" a support agreement with Ulidia Housing Association on 10 July 2001. D’aontaigh Iontaobhas SNS Phobal Chreag na hAbhann agus Dhroichead na Banna comhaontú tacaíochta ‘i bprionsabal’ le Cumann Tithíochta Ulidia ar 10 Iúil 2001. Budget Allocations Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) budget allocations for the financial years 2000-01, 2001-02 and 2002-03 for local trusts and (b) the current population numbers within each trust. (AQW 269/01) Ms de Brún: The Department allocates the bulk of its budget, on an equitable basis, to the four Health and Social Services Boards, which in turn fund the Trusts for the services they provide. My Department does not, therefore, agree detailed budgets for individual Trusts. In 2000-01 the operating expenditure of each Trust was as follows:
As to Trust population numbers, there is no statutorily-recognised basis for such figures. The Department has, however, made an internal estimate of the population served by each community Trust, as shown in the table below:
Acute Trusts provide services to people from different catchment areas, or drawn from the region as a whole. No meaningful attribution of population can be made for those Trusts. Dáileann an Roinn an méid is mó dá buiséad, ar bhonn cothrom, do na ceithre Bhord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta, a thugann, maoiniú dá réir do na hIontaobhais ar mhaithe leis na seirbhísí a sholáthraíonn siad. Ní aontaíonn an Roinn s’agam, mar sin de, buiséid mhionsonraithe d’Iontaobhais aonaracha. Is mar a leanas atá caiteachas feidhmiúcháin gach Iontaobhais i 2000-01:
Maidir le líon daonra, níl bonn a aithnítear go reachtúil a leithéid d’fhigiúirí. Tá meastúchán inmheanach ar líon daonra ar a fhreastlaíonn gach Iontaobhas pobail, ag an Roinn, mar atá léirithe sa tábla thíos:
Soláthraíonn géar-Iontaobhais seirbhísí do dhaoine ó cheantair dhifiriúla, nó ón reigiún iomlán. Ní féidir líon daonra ciallmhar a léiriú dá leithéid d’Iontaobhais. Staffing and Service Provision : HSS Trusts Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she could confirm that staffing levels and service provision will not be affected if a trust is unable to live within its allocated budget. (AQW 271/01) Ms de Brún: All Trusts must achieve financial stability and live within the resources available so that my Department, like others, does not spend more than its Departmental expenditure limit. To achieve this aim, several Trusts have been involved in the preparation of Financial Contingency Plans and the identification of efficiency savings, whilst minimising any impact on care services (including staffing levels and service provision). My Department is currently evaluating these plans and, since they have not yet been approved, it would be inappropriate of me to comment further at this time. Caithfidh gach iontaobhas cobhsaíocht airgeadais a bhaint amach agus gan dul thar na hacmhainní atá ar fáil le nach gcaitheann mo Roinn níos mó ná a teorainn chaiteachais Roinne, cosúil leis na Ranna eile. Leis an chuspóir seo a bhaint amach, tá roinnt Ranna páirteach ag ullmhú pleananna teagmhasacha airgeadais agus ag aithint coigiltí éifeachtachta; ach ag an am chéanna ag laghdú na hiarmhairte ar sheirbhísí cúraim (lena n-áirítear leibhéil foirne agus soláthar seirbhísí). Tá mo Roinn ag measúnú na bpleananna seo faoi láthair, agus ós rud é nár faomhadh go fóill iad bheadh sé mícheart agam tuilleadh tráchta a dhéanamh orthu ag an am seo. Budgetary Pressures Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the conditions under which she will provide "bail out" monies in the event of overspend by local trusts. (AQW 272/01) Ms de Brún: Increases in demand have outstripped the available resources and have played a major part in current financial problems. I am endeavouring to secure additional resources for the HPSS and any such resources would not be used to "bail out" Trusts but to address the specific cost pressures faced by Trusts in coping with the unprecedented demand on our health and social services. Sháraigh na méaduithe sa ráchairt orthu na hacmhainní atá ar fáil agus is mór a chuir siad leis na fadhbanna airgeadais atá ann faoi láthair. Tá mé ag iarraidh acmhainní breise a chinntiú do na SSSP agus ní úsáidfí a leithéid d’acmhainn ar bith le hIontaobhais "a tharrtháil" ach le dul i gceann na mbrúnna áirithe costais atá ag Iontaobhais agus iad ag déileáil leis an ráchairt gan réamhshampla ar ár seirbhísí sláinte agus sóisialta. Bowens Close Mr Seamus Close asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety when the document "Draft Staffing Proposals - Bowens Close Supported Living Scheme" was issued. (AQW 273/01) Ms de Brún: The internal management paper, ‘Draft Staffing Proposals - Bowens Close’, was shared with the SHSSB Registration & Inspection Unit, SHSSB Programme Commission Group for Learning Disability, relatives of the Bowens Close tenants and staff-side organisations in July 2000. Cuireadh an páipéar inmheánach bainistíochta ‘Dréachtmholtaí Foirne – Clós Bowen’, amach chuig Ionad Cláraithe agus Cigireachta an BSSSD, chuig Grúpa Choimisiúnú Cláir BSSSD do Mhíchumas Foghlama, chuig gaolta thionóntaí Chlós Bowen agus chuig eagraíochtaí foirne i mí Iúil 2000. Bowens Close Mr Seamus Close asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 3224/00, what advice was given by the Craigavon and Banbridge Community NHS Trust to the tenants of Nos 2 and 3 Bowens Close, Banbridge Road, Lurgan in respect of "licences to occupy" given that a review was pending on the properties. (AQW 274/01) Ms de Brún: The Craigavon and Banbridge Community NHS Trust gave no advice in respect of the "licences to occupy", as it is an arrangement between the tenant and the Housing Association. Níor thug Iontaobhas SNS Phobal Chreag na hAbhann agus Dhroichead na Banna comhairle ar bith maidir le "ceadúnais le háitiú" mar gur socrú idir an tionónta agus an Cumann Tithíochta é. MMR Vaccination Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, in respect of the MMR vaccination, to detail the number of children in each board area that have developed complications or reacted to the vaccination in each of the last five years. (AQW 288/01) Ms de Brún: Between 3 October 1996 and 3 October 2001, the Medicines Control Agency received a total of 25 reports originating from clinicians here, of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in association with MMR vaccines. The table below lists numbers of ADRs received from each Health and Social Services Board.
Idir 3 Deireadh Fómhair 1996 agus 3 Deireadh Fómhair 2001, fuair an Ghníomhaireacht um Stiúradh Cógas 25 tuairisc san iomlán ó dhochtúirí anseo faoi fhrithghníomhartha dochracha ar dhrugaí (FDDa) bainteach le vacsaíní MMR. Liostálann an tábla thíos líon na FDDa faighte ó gach Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta.
MMR Immunisation Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is the cost for MMR immunisation in each Health Board area for each of the last five years. (AQW 289/01) Ms de Brún: This information is detailed in the table below.
(1) Relates only to the period April to December 2000. Tá an t-eolas seo léirithe sa tábla thíos.
(1) Ní bhaineann sé ach leis an tréimhse ó Aibreán go Nollaig 2000. United Hospitals Group : Delayed Discharge Patients Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number and percentage of beds that are currently blocked at United Hospitals Group HSS Trust. (AQW 294/01) Ms de Brún: At 31 August 2001 (the latest date for which figures are available) the United Hospitals Group HSS Trust had 820 available beds. Provisional figures show that 96 (12%) of these beds were occupied by delayed discharge patients. Ar 31 Lúnasa 2001 (an dáta is déanaí dá bhfuil figiúirí ar fáil), bhí 820 leaba ar fáil ag Iontaobhas SSS Ghrúpa na nOtharlann Aontaithe. Léiríonn figiúirí sealadacha go raibh 96 (12%) de na leapacha seo in úsáid ag othair ar moillíodh a scaoileadh amach. Residential and Nursing Home Care Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of patients in the Homefirst Community Trust area who have been assessed as requiring (a) a nursing care package and (b) a residential care package and are currently awaiting funding. (AQW 295/01) Ms de Brún: Provisional figures provided by Homefirst Trust for the quarter ending June 2001 indicate that there were 22 persons waiting in the community for residential care and 7 persons waiting for nursing home care, for whom no funding was available. Provisional information obtained from Departmental returns indicates that in the Homefirst Trust area at 31 August 2001, there were 23 people waiting in hospital for a nursing home care package because no funding was available, and 8 people waiting for a residential home care package because no funding was available. Léiríonn figiúirí sealadacha soláthraithe ag Iontaobhas Homefirst don ráithe a chríochnaigh Meitheamh 2001 go raibh 22 duine sa phobal ag fanacht ar chúram cónaithe agus 7 duine ag fanacht ar chúram altrachta baile nach raibh maoiniú ar fáil dóibh. Léiríonn eolas sealadach faighte ó thuairisceáin Rannacha go raibh 23 duine i gceantar Iontaobhas Homefirst ag fanacht san otharlann ar phacáiste cúraim altrachta bhaile ar 31 Lúnasa 2001 mar nach raibh maoiniú ar bith ar fáil agus go raibh 8 duine ag fanacht ar phacáiste cúraim chónaithe bhaile mar nach raibh maoiniú ar bith ar fáil. Care Packages Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of (a) nursing care packages and (b) residential care packages that have been awarded per 1000 of the population in each Health Trust area. (AQW 296/01) Ms de Brún: Information is available on the number of new nursing care and new residential care packages delivered per 1,000 of the population in the financial year 2000/01, and is detailed in the table below.
Tá eolas ar fáil ar líon na bpacáistí nua cúram altranais agus cúraim chónaithe de réir gach 1,000 den daonra sa bhliain airgeadais 2000/01, agus miondealaítear sa tábla thíos é.
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