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FRIDAY 16 NOVEMBER 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 Civic Forum : Attendance Records Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail (a) the attendance record of members at meetings of the Civic Forum (b) the number of times it has met and (c) the achievements made to date. (AQW 523/01) The First Minister and Deputy First Minister (Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan): The attendance record of Civic Forum members at plenary meetings is detailed in the attached schedule. The Civic Forum has met in plenary session on seven occasions at locations throughout Northern Ireland. In July the Forum made a positive and constructive response to the Executive’s Position Report on developing a Programme for Government and the Budget for 2002/03. Dermot Nesbitt and Denis Haughey have now written to the Civic Forum to seek its views on the recently published draft Programme for Government and the Executive’s budget proposals. The Forum has responded to a number of consultation papers including the Department of Education’s Review of post- primary education arrangements, the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister’s Role of the Commissioner for Children, and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety’s Investing in Health. The Forum is currently considering three consultation documents. These are the Department for Employment and Learning’s consultation paper, Employability and Long-term Unemployment, the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister’s Review of Community Relations Policy and the draft Bill of Rights that was published recently by the Human Rights Commission. In addition to this work, the Forum has five other major projects at different stages of development. These are Life Long Learning, Combating Poverty, Towards a Plural Society, Entrepreneurship and Creativity, and Creating a Sustainable Northern Ireland.
(1) Pauline Buchanan resigned November 2000 (2) Hugh Frazer resigned June 2001 (3) Margaret Gregg appointed as a member of the Civic Forum August 2001 Civic Forum : Running Costs Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail the running costs of the Civic Forum to date. (AQW 524/01) Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: The running costs including one off capital costs for the Civic Forum to date have been as follows: October 2000 - March 2001 £145,000 April 2001 - October 2001 £178,000 Children's Fund Ms Eileen Bell asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to provide an update on the work currently being undertaken by the Children's Fund, including details of any grants awarded; and to make a statement. (AQO 369/01) Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: Work is continuing on the development of the twelve projects that received support in the first allocations from the Children’s Fund that were announced on 2 April. Following the Executive’s agreement that the voluntary and community sector should have direct access to support from the Children’s Fund, proposals for the management and operation of the Fund and the involvement of the sector have recently been published for consultation. The consultation period lasts until 11 January. We will then need to consider the responses so that we can put in place appropriate arrangements for the administration of the Fund with a view to making further allocations to departments and to projects from the voluntary and community sector as soon as possible. TOPAGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT Database for Distribution of CAP Support Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline the selection criteria for farms which will be used to create a database in relation to the distribution of CAP support. (AQW 575/01) The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): The Social Survey of farms which will, among other things, assist the Department with carrying out assessments of the distribution of CAP support in the context of Targeting Social Need and the Department’s Equality Scheme, has a sample of 3550 farms which was selected at random within farm size and type categories. This is normal statistical survey practice. After selection, the sample was checked to ensure that area analyses could be carried out. Drainage Infrastructure : Glenkeen Avenue/Jordanstown Rd Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what is the proposed timetable for the completion of the Rivers Agency scheme at the junction of Glenkeen Avenue/Jordanstown Road in Newtownabbey. (AQW 633/01) Ms Rodgers: I can confirm that the Rivers Agency Scheme to upgrade drainage infrastructure at the Glenkeen Avenue/Jordanstown Road junction is substantially complete except for the reinstatement of two private gardens. The timing of these works was affected by concurrent private development proposals, and adverse weather. With the agreement of the property owners concerned Rivers Agency will complete the reinstatement works in the Spring of 2002. TOPCULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE Sports Lottery Fund : Grants Awarded 2000-01 Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail any grants that have been awarded by the Sports Lottery fund from April 2000 to October 2001. (AQW 519/01) The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): During the period April 2000 to October 2001, 133 grants were awarded by the Sports Council for Northern Ireland’s Lottery Fund totalling £6,009,036. These are as follows:
Details of all Lottery Awards made by all National Lottery Distributing Bodies across the UK can be accessed through the Awards Search on the Web Site of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport: www.culture.gov.uk/lottery/index.html. Rugby Union : Ulster Branch Strategic Plan Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to give his assessment of the Ulster Branch Strategic Plan for Rugby Union, and to make a statement. (AQW 591/01) Mr McGimpsey: The Ulster Branch are to be congratulated for taking a bold and imaginative step within Irish Rugby by producing a Strategic Plan for their sport that is founded on a realistic and positive approach towards future development. The Ulster Branch have produced a plan which clearly links aims with objectives and actions and is designed to strengthen human, financial and physical resources within the game. Many of the proposed actions within the Plan mirror those identified in the Strategy for the Development of Sport in Northern Ireland, which I would roundly recommend as the appropriate template for all sporting bodies involved in managing change. I welcome the Ulster Branch’s Strategic Plan and would hope that its full implementation will lead to a prosperous and secure future for the sport. TOPEDUCATION Official Engagements : 7 November 2001 Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Education to list his official engagements for Wednesday 7 November 2001. (AQW 539/01) The Minister of Education (Mr McGuinness): On Wednesday 7 November 2001 I was on official business in the Republic of Ireland. Human Rights in Education Conference Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQO 291/01, to detail (a) the date and location of the conference on human rights in education; (b) the list of speakers at the conference; (c) the list of invitees; (d) the cost of the conference; and (e) if the Departmental Accounting Officer has approved the expenditure. (AQW 605/01) Mr McGuinness: The details requested are as follows:- (a) The Human Rights in Education Conference was held on Wednesday 26 September in the Stormont Hotel, Belfast. (b) The following were speakers at the Conference: Francesca Klug Dr Ursula Kilkelly (c) Those attending the Conference were a broad representative sample of those involved in education provision together with a range of voluntary/community organisations. All had either a working knowledge and/or interest in human rights in education issues. (d) Final costs are not yet available. However it is expected that the costs will be in the region of £12,000. (e) The Department was fully satisfied of the regularity and propriety of this expenditure. Human Rights in Education Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQO 291/01, whether the proposal to hold a conference on human rights in education had the support of the Executive Committee. (AQW 606/01) Mr McGuinness: This Conference specifically focused on human rights in education. The aim of the Conference was to raise the awareness of human rights in education and to identify key strategic actions from the education sector. These areas fall fully within my responsibility as Minister of Education. Advisory Teacher : Children's Law Centre Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQO 291/01, to detail (a) the process for the appointment of an advisory teacher who will be based in the Children's Law Centre; (b) the cost of this appointment; and (c) if the Departmental Accounting Officer approved this expenditure. (AQW 607/01) Mr McGuinness: The details are as follows: In line with agreed appointment procedures (a) The Belfast Education and Library Board in association with the other four Boards and in partnership with the Children’s Law Centre placed an advertisement in the local press on 11 September 2001 for applicants for this post. Interviews took place on 9 October 2001. Related recruitment processes are therefore ongoing. (b) The funding for this two year appointment is £60,000. (c) The Department was fully involved in the discussion leading to the decision to fund this post and is satisfied that it raised no issues in relation to the propriety and regularity of the expenditure. Appointment of Advisory Teacher Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQO 291/01, whether the proposal for the appointment of an advisory teacher had the support of the Executive Committee. (AQW 608/01) Mr McGuinness: This was a matter which fell entirely within my responsibility as Minister for Education. Advisory Teacher : Children's Law Centre Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQO 291/01, what use he intends to make of the human rights information and learning materials produced by the advisory teacher working in the Children's Law Centre. (AQW 609/01) Mr McGuinness: The main duties of the advisory teacher working in the Children’s Law Centre will be to develop human rights information and training materials. These will be used to provide training for adults in the education system in respect of education law, policy and practice. Appointment of Teachers : Human Rights Awareness Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQO 291/01, to identify the five teachers, including their normal place of employment, who are to assist in raising awareness of human rights issues in post-primary schools. (AQW 610/01) Mr McGuinness: As the recruitment process has just commenced - an advertisement was in the local press on 23 October, I am unable to provide the information requested. Appointment of Advisory Teachers Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQO 291/01, whether the appointment of five teachers to assist in raising awareness of human rights issues in post-primary schools had the support of the Executive Committee. (AQW 611/01) Mr McGuinness: The decision to support the appointment of these teachers was one which fell entirely within my responsibilities as Minister for Education. Conditions of Pay & Service for Teachers Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister of Education what progress has been made regarding an independent enquiry into pay levels, salary structure and conditions of service of teachers and Principals/Vice-Principals. (AQW 653/01) Mr McGuinness: Although agreement was reached between both Sides of the Negotiating Committee on a general 3.7% pay increase from 1 April, with higher increases for teachers beginning their careers, a settlement has not been reached on Teachers’ Side’s claim for an independent inquiry into pay and conditions of service. I agreed, therefore, to meet separately with both Sides of the Negotiating Committee to discuss Teachers’ Side claim and Management’s Side option of a joint review. Unfortunately, I have had to reschedule the meetings due to other unavoidable commitments. The meetings have been rearranged for 13 December. ICT Funding Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister of Education to detail the level of funding provided to schools to further his ICT strategy. (AQW 654/01) Mr McGuinness: Funding of £13.81 million has been made available for the ICT training of teachers, of which £10.81 million is from the New Opportunities Fund. Schools have also been provided with £20 million worth of laptop computers and digital projectors to support the training. A further £15.8 million has been made available to enhance the electrical and data cabling circuits in schools, and £16 million to implement the Classroom 2000 managed services in small primary schools over the next eight months. Further investments will be made over the next year on completion of the negotiations of the contracts for the remaining primary schools and for special and secondary schools. This significant investment is additional to the schools’ computer-based administration systems and the NINE Connect Internet services, which are already in place. This expenditure has been managed centrally in order to minimise the bureaucratic burden on schools so that they can concentrate on the educational use of ICT. TOPEMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING Official Engagements : 7 November 2001 Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to list his official engagements for Wednesday 7 November 2001. (AQW 536/01) The Minister for Employment and Learning (Dr Farren): On 7 November 2001, I undertook the following official engagements:
ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT Provision of ADSL : West Tyrone Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what action he has taken to encourage British Telecom to extend Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) to the west of the province and, in particular, to West Tyrone. (AQW 581/01) The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): The provision of ADSL is a commercial decision for all telecommunications providers, including BT. The Executive is committed to working with all telecommunication operators to encourage them to extend broadband services across Northern Ireland. My Department is currently working with a number of telecommunication providers to identify appropriate and affordable technology opportunities, in particular broadband satellite services, with emphasis on meeting the needs of rural areas. Financial Support for Businesses in Border Areas Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he has any plans to introduce financial support for businesses in border areas to assist with the necessary adjustments following the introduction of the Euro in the Republic of Ireland in January 2002. (AQW 585/01) Sir Reg Empey: My Department has no plans to introduce financial support for businesses in border areas to assist them with their preparations for the euro. However, DETI financially supports and services the NI Euro Preparations Forum whose remit is to help all local businesses, including those in border areas, prepare for the euro. Activities of the Forum include euro workshops, factsheets, seminars, case studies and newsletters, and information about the euro can be obtained through the Forum’s website (www.euroforum-ni.org.uk). Tax Free Industrial Zone : Strabane Area Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to consider setting up a tax free industrial zone to encourage investment in the Strabane area. (AQW 586/01) Sir Reg Empey: Responsibility for fiscal policy arrangements in Northern Ireland is a matter for the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Textile Industry : West Tyrone Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, following the report from Kurt Salmon on the textile industry in Northern Ireland, what plans he has to support the textile industry in West Tyrone and in particular, Strabane. (AQW 588/01) Sir Reg Empey: The Kurt Salmon Associates (KSA) Action Plan for the Textiles and Clothing Industry was commissioned by IDB to stimulate and grow the entire Northern Ireland Textiles and Clothing Sector. It was presented to senior industry managers, support organisations and academia on 26 January 2001. The launch of the action plan followed a series of workshops and consultation meetings with industry representatives. The action plan identifies 5 key themes to be addressed by companies and industry bodies, with support from Government agencies where appropriate. A team of industrialists and legal and banking representatives was brought together to oversee the formation of a new company to drive change in the industry. This company has been formed. An operating plan is presently being prepared. While the emphasis is on the recovery programme being industry led, IDB continues to work closely with textile and clothing companies and the industry bodies to implement the recommendations of the KSA report. IDB already has a number of initiatives in place to develop the 5 key themes outlined in the KSA report. The measures being taken are industry wide and not specific to any geographic area of Northern Ireland. Their ultimate aim is to ensure the sustainable growth of the sector. Additionally IDB continues to offer financial support to individual company activity. Companies in all parts of the province are being encouraged to bring forward investment projects that address the KSA action themes. Advance Factory in Strabane Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he has any plans to construct an advance factory in Strabane to attract further investment. (AQW 589/01) Sir Reg Empey: IDB is currently evaluating proposals received from developers in response to a development brief for the provision of 30000 sq ft of new business space at Orchard Road, Strabane Carbon Trust Mr Sean Neeson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he will make a statement on progress towards introducing the work and resources of the Carbon Trust to Northern Ireland. (AQW 601/01) Sir Reg Empey: The Carbon Trust, a UK wide body, was launched in April 2001 with the support and involvement of the Devolved Administrations. My Department represents Northern Ireland’s interests in this area and the Director of Scientific Services from the Industrial Research and Technology Unit sits as a non-executive director on the Carbon Trust Board. As a result of the establishment of the Carbon Trust and the introduction of the Climate Change Levy, Northern Ireland has access to financial resources of approximately £1.4million per annum. The work of the Carbon Trust in Northern Ireland is being taken forward in conjunction with the Industrial Research and Technology Unit. Officials in the Industrial Research and Technology Unit have prepared a strategic action plan, which was approved by the Board of the Carbon Trust in July 2001, for utilising this funding. Vehicle Hire Companies Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to list the names of Northern Ireland private vehicle hire companies which have gone out of business since January 2000. (AQW 603/01) Sir Reg Empey: The names of Northern Ireland private vehicle hire companies which have gone out of business since January 2000 are as follows:
Hiring of Private Vehicles Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to list the names of Northern Ireland companies whose business includes the hiring of private vehicles to members of the public. (AQW 604/01) Sir Reg Empey: It is not possible to provide the names of businesses involved in the hiring of private vehicles, as any information pertaining to individual undertakings collected by the Department under the Statistics of Trade and Employment (NI) Order must remain confidential. For information, the latest figures from the September 1999 Census of Employment showed that there were 108 businesses and 730 employee jobs involved in the hiring of private vehicles. In this answer the hire of private vehicles includes ‘Renting of automobiles’, ‘Renting of buses and coaches’ and ‘Renting of other land transport equipment’. Gas Pipeline : West Tyrone Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he has any plans to extend the gas-line from Derry City Council area to West Tyrone. (AQW 612/01) Sir Reg Empey: At present there are no plans to extend the gas pipeline to West Tyrone. Any further expansion of the gas network will be dependent on the private sector initiating projects. Promotion of Tourism : West Tyrone Area Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what plans he has for the promotion of tourism in West Tyrone, the Sperrins and the Strabane area. (AQW 615/01) Sir Reg Empey: NITB supports walking, cycling and angling promotions for the area and markets the Sperrins banner on its web-site and in its Northern Ireland regional guide. With NITB support a public / private sector partnership covering the Council areas of Strabane, Omagh, Magherafelt and Cookstown has been set up. This body will play a major role in the future development and promotion of tourism in the area and is also working with the neighbouring Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau producing a regional angling guide for the whole Foyle System. It is anticipated that funding bids to support these activities will be submitted to the relevant EU Peace and Reconciliation Programmes. Car Hire Firms Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how many car hire firms are operating in Northern Ireland in each of the last three years. (AQW 619/01) Sir Reg Empey: The latest available figures on the number of car hire firms operating in Northern Ireland comes from the September 1999 Census of Employment. At that date there were 41 businesses involved in car hire. It is not possible to extend this analysis to each of the last three years. Quality of Car Hire Services : County Down Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what steps are the Northern Ireland Tourist Board taking to ensure that a quality car hire service is available for tourists in the County Down area. (AQW 621/01) Sir Reg Empey: While NITB retains a list of car hire firms in Northern Ireland, it has no mandate to certify or regulate the car hire industry, nor does it have any influence on the commercial operations of individual companies or on the rates that they set for individual customers. It has however met with representatives of the sector to suggest the setting up of a representative body for the industry in Northern Ireland and will work with this body to ensure high standards of service and competitiveness within the industry. Petrol Retail Industry : Strabane Area Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline his plans to help alleviate the crisis faced by the Petrol Retail Industry in the North West and particularly the Strabane area. (AQW 622/01) Sir Reg Empey: Fuel excise duty is a reserved matter and therefore not the responsibility of my Department. However, I have made various representations to HM Treasury and HM Customs & Excise on that issue and also on the matter of illicit fuel, highlighting their impact on Petrol Retailers in Northern Ireland, particularly in border areas like Strabane. Customs & Excise officials point out that since September 2000 there has been a four fold increase in resources in Northern Ireland devoted to tackling oil frauds. Their initial analysis suggested that progress is being made with a doubling of fuel and tripling of vehicles seized in 2000/01 compared with the previous year. Payments Due to Repairs to the Electricity Network Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what compensation is available for the business community as a result of lost trade due to NIE repairs. (AQW 631/01) Sir Reg Empey: NIE is legally required to make the following payments to non-domestic customers for breaches of specified performance standards related to repairs to the electricity network:- (a) £50, on receipt of a claim, if it fails to give a customer at least 3 days notice of a planned interruption of supply for purposes of essential maintenance to the network; (b) £25 if it fails to replace, within 3 hours on any working day (or 4 hours on any other day), a main fuse which has operated so as to disconnect a customer’s supply; and (c) £125 if it fails to reconnect a customer’s supply within 24 hours following a failure or fault, and further payments of £25 for each 12 hour period thereafter. The company is exempted from making payment where failure to meet a performance standard is due to circumstances outside its control. Redundancies : East Antrim Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of job losses in the current financial year in the constituency of East Antrim. (AQW 632/01) Sir Reg Empey: It is not currently possible to provide information on redundancies for parliamentary constituencies. However, between 1 April 2001 to 9 November 2001, there were 3,279 redundancies in Northern Ireland confirmed to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment. Of these 1,218 were in the Carrickfergus, Islandmagee, Larne and Newtownabbey Job Centre Areas, which are within the East Antrim Parliamentary Constituency Area. Redundancies at Shorts Bombardier Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (a) the number of composite and fuselage employees at Shorts Bombardier in comparison to those employed at Bombardier Montreal and (b) the likely impact that recent redundancies will have on both workforces. (AQW 641/01) Sir Reg Empey: (a) It is not possible to make a proper comparison as the roles of the two facilities are different. Bombardier in Belfast is the centre of excellence within the group for the design and manufacture of airline fuselages, engine nacelles and composite structures. Bombardier’s Montreal facilities specialise in the final integration and completion of the Regional Jet family and the Challenger business aircraft (b) Bombardier has stated that 2005 employees in Montreal and 480 in Belfast will be laid off before the end of the year. A further 2700 in the aerospace division will be notified as market conditions dictate in the new fiscal year. It is expected that over half of the 2700 job losses would be in Belfast. Workforce at Shorts Bombardier Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the breakdown of the workforce at Shorts Bombardier in terms of (a) age and (b) experience. (AQW 643/01) Sir Reg Empey: This information is confidential to the company and it would be inappropriate for me to disclose it. Government Assistance : Shorts Bombardier Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the level of assistance given to Shorts Bombardier in each year from 1989-2001. (AQW 644/01) Sir Reg Empey: Direct government assistance to Bombardier from 1989/90 to 2000/01 is detailed below: Financial Year Assistance 1989/90 £5.7m 1990/91 £23.0m 1991/92 £21.8m 1992/93 £32.5m 1993/94 £24.3m 1994/95 £15.0m 1995/96 £11.7m 1996/97 £6.1m 1997/98 £6.2m 1998/99 £4.1m 1999/00 £7.5m 2000/01 £8.4m Total £166.3m Shorts Bombardier Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he has any agreement with Shorts Bombardier to retain the Composite and Fuselage Technical Section in Belfast. (AQW 645/01) Sir Reg Empey: The terms and conditions of assistance to Bombardier and any other client company are a matter of commercial confidentiality between the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and the company. Bombardier has, however, made it clear that it will continue to retain a strong design and manufacturing capability in Belfast. TOPENVIRONMENT British Midlands Move to Belfast City Airport Ms Eileen Bell asked the Minister of the Environment what assessment he has made of the consequences of British Midlands moving its flights from Belfast International to Belfast City in terms of noise levels and disturbance to local residents; and to make a statement. (AQO 367/01) The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): It will help to answer this question if I explained the background to development at the Belfast City Airport. Belfast City Airport was established at this location in 1938, but did not begin commercial transport operations until 1983. The extent of growth of the airport after 1983 and its implications for the environment formed part of the considerations during the preparation of the Belfast Harbour Local Plan 1990 – 2005 prepared under the auspices of the Belfast Urban Area Plan. The Public Inquiry into the objections to the Harbour Plan examined a number of concerns relating to the airport resulting in amendments to policies, a commitment to monitoring and proposed operational constraints to maintain the character of the airport as a regional facility. A Planning Agreement was attached to an approval for an extension to the arrivals lounge and arrivals waiting room (Ref: Z/96/0550) in 1997. It is this Agreement which still governs operations at Belfast City Airport. The main purpose of the Agreement was to ensure that the operations at the Airport would be controlled in line with the concerns addressed at the Harbour Plan Public Inquiry. Its main elements included limits on the number of Air Transport Movements in any twelve month period, limits on the number of seats on offer on scheduled flights, monitoring of noise, restrictions on the type of aircraft to be used, restrictions on night time scheduled flights and a bias in favour of approaches and take-offs over Belfast Lough Officials from my Department’s met with the Belfast City Airport Authorities and were provided with an assurance that the arrival of British Midland will be accommodated, and their operations conducted, within the terms of the Agreement. Planning Applications for Single Dwellings-Co Fermanagh Mr Gerry McHugh asked the Minister of the Environment, in respect of planning applications submitted for single dwellings in rural areas of Co Fermanagh between 1997 - to date, to detail the number of applications (a) refused after initial opinion (b) granted following site meetings (c) granted after Management Board referrals (d) granted after appeal and (e) that were withdrawn. (AQW 577/01) Mr Foster: The information requested is not readily available, and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost to my Department. Areas of Special Scientific Interest & Special Protection Areas - Outer Newtownards Area Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment what plans he has to consult local people, landowners, farmers and elected representatives regarding the designation of Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and Special Protection Areas (SPA) for the outer Newtownards area. (AQW 617/01) Mr Foster: My Department is currently consulting owners and occupiers about the designation of an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) on the Outer Ards coast. Officials in Environment and Heritage Service are trying to visit every landowner that will be affected by the ASSI in order to explain the implications of the designation. These landowners will also be informed about the proposal to classify the Outer Ards coast as a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the EC Birds Directive. It qualifies for this status on account of several overwintering bird species. My officials have also made contact with both Ards and North Down Borough Councils and have offered presentations to elected members in advance of the designations being made. A presentation was recently made to councillors from the Outer Ards area. I expect the ASSI to be declared within a few weeks. All owners, occupiers and other interested parties will be notified about the ASSI and the proposal to further designate the site as an SPA. A period of three months will be allowed for representations to be made on the scientific justifications. Depending on whether there are any substantial and valid objections, I hope to be in a position to announce the classification of the SPA before the end of March 2002, to coincide with the confirmation of the ASSI. Areas of Special Scientific Interest & Special Protection Areas - Outer Newtownards Area Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment when will decisions be made regarding the designation of Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and Special Protection Areas (SPA) for the Irish Sea side of Strangford Lough and outer Newtownards area. (AQW 625/01) Mr Foster: My Department is currently consulting owners and occupiers about the designation of an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) on the Outer Ards coast. Officials in Environment and Heritage Service are trying to visit every landowner that will be affected by the ASSI in order to explain the implications of the designation. These landowners will also be informed about the proposal to classify the Outer Ards coast as a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the EC Birds Directive. It qualifies for this status on account of several overwintering bird species. My officials have also made contact with both Ards and North Down Borough Councils and have offered presentations to elected members in advance of the designations being made. A presentation was recently made to councillors from the Outer Ards area. I expect the ASSI to be declared within a few weeks. All owners, occupiers and other interested parties will be notified about the ASSI and the proposal to further designate the site as an SPA. A period of three months will be allowed for representations to be made on the scientific justifications. Depending on whether there are any substantial and valid objections, I hope to be in a position to announce the classification of the SPA before the end of March 2002, to coincide with the confirmation of the ASSI. Planning Legislation Ms Eileen Bell asked the Minister of the Environment what steps are being taken to introduce legislation to empower individuals or businesses who object to planning applications; and to make a statement. (AQO 368/01) Mr Foster: I have no plans to change existing legislation in this particular respect. Procedures and arrangements are already in place within the planning system to assist third parties to make representations, lodge objections and challenge decisions. These include the neighbour notification scheme, public advertisement of applications, District Council consultation, Article 31 public inquiries for major applications, the availability of judicial review and the ability to refer matters to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration. There are also opportunities for third parties to contribute to the preparation of development plans and the development of planning policies. On 1 November 2001 my Department announced a number of administrative measures aimed at improving overall accessibility to the planning process and enhancing an open and transparent process. These include enhanced access to the planning application file; the public availability of all representations including objections and consultation responses; provision of additional information on disputed facts; public availability of Council planning application schedules; additional information on applications Deferred by Council; and the provision of reasons relating to planning application decision notices. I have examined the case for introducing third party appeals and considered carefully the benefits and costs of such a change in planning policy. The results of this examination suggest that the introduction of third party appeals would add delay and uncertainty to the planning process and would have significant resource implications for both the Planning Service and the Planning Appeals Commission. I will, however, be keeping policy on this matter under review. Mixed Oxide Plant at Sellafield Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of the Environment what discussions he has had with his ministerial counterparts in Great Britain concerning the commissioning of the Mixed Oxide Plant at Sellafield; and to make a statement. (AQO 353/01) Mr Foster: I have as yet had no discussions with my Ministerial counterparts in Great Britain on the commissioning of the Mixed Oxide Plant at Sellafield. I acknowledge the concerns that have been expressed about a range of potential safety risks from the operation of the MOX Plant. As I said in my 30 October letter to you, my officials had written to their counterparts in the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to seek confirmation that all relevant risks were fully taken into account in the MOX decision. DEFRA’s reply has just been received this morning and I have asked officials to consider its terms and to provide advice. I will of course wish to be fully satisfied that Northern Ireland’s interests are sufficiently protected. As you know, neither I nor my Department has any jurisdiction over the operation of the Sellafield Plant. The decision to approve the MOX Plant was taken jointly by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Secretary of State for Health. However, before BNFL can begin operations at the MOX Plant, it is required by the terms of the nuclear site licence for Sellafield to obtain the consent of the Health and Safety Executive’s Nuclear Installations Inspectorate to the introduction of plutonium into the plant. I will write to the Member when I have had an opportunity to consider the DEFRA reply and the advice of officials. Dumping in the Irish Sea The Lord Kilclooney asked the Minister of the Environment if he has received an application from Laganside Development Corporation to allow dumping in the Irish Sea and, if so, to detail the tonnage and description of material and to give his assessment of the likely impact it will have on navigation and the fishing industry; and to make a statement. (AQO 351/01) Mr Foster: My Department's Environment and Heritage Service has received an application from the Laganside Corporation for the sea disposal of 30,000 cubic metres of dredged material from the impounded tidal stretch of the River Lagan. This application is being determined under Part II of the Food and Environment Protection Act, 1985. In arriving at its determination of this application, EHS must be satisfied that sea disposal is the best practicable environmental option. I understand that the proposed disposal site for this material is at a designated disposal site in the North Channel, which was recently used by Belfast Harbour Commissioners for the disposal, under licence, of dredged material. As is the case for all applications under this Act, EHS has consulted several bodies including the Fisheries Division of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. My Department is currently considering the responses received to date. However, not all responses have yet been received. Accordingly. no decision has been taken as to whether a sea disposal licence will be granted. Best Value : District Council Services Mr David Ford asked the Minister of the Environment if he has any plans to change the proposed "Best Value" framework for improving transparency and accountability of district council services. (AQO 355/01) Mr Foster: As the Member recognises, this Bill is designed to promote transparency, accountability and consistency in the use of Council resources and in the provision of local services to Council residents and ratepayers. I have already amended my original legislative proposals in response to representations made during consultation. As a result, the Bill has been reduced from 19 clauses to 11. The truncated Bill has now passed to Committee Stage. My objectives throughout have been to create arrangements that will deliver transparency and accountability for Council residents and ratepayers and which are proportionate in not imposing excessive workload on District Councils. The Bill establishes a framework that would engage local people in consultation and would afford District Councils adequate flexibility of approach. Crucially, it makes provisions that would give ratepayers and residents assurance that the Best Value process is transparent and subject to independent audit. I believe that the Bill strikes the necessary balance. I would be disappointed if it were to be amended in ways that deprived Council residents and ratepayers of the information and independent assurance to which I believe they are entitled. Wind Farm : Limavady Mr Boyd Douglas asked the Minister of the Environment, with reference to planning application B/2000/0118/F, what assessment he has made of the environmental statement submitted in respect of the proposed "wind farm" at Altahullion Hill, Drum, Limavady. (AQO 371/01) Mr Foster: An Environmental Statement was received for an application for a wind farm development at Altahullion Hill, Drum, Limavady on 22 May 2000, and advertised on 6 June 2000. It was assessed against all prevailing planning policies and guidelines, including those laid down in the Planning Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations Northern Ireland 1999. My officials also consulted widely on the Statement. Following the initial round of consultations, my officials sought clarification on a number of points from the applicant, and re-consulted with the appropriate Agencies. Consultation responses indicated that the proposal could be approved with conditions and informatives. My Department’s consideration also took into account representations made by objectors. Both the planning application and the Environmental Statement were discussed by Limavady Borough Council on 2 November 2000. Comments received from the Council on 7 November were generally in support of the proposal. On 25 June 2001, an opinion to approve this application and an associated application for an overhead power line to connect the wind farm to the National Grid, was presented to the Council. I understand that at a special meeting of the Council’s Planning Committee on 13 August 2001, chaired by the Member, the Committee resolved by 9 votes to 2 to approve both applications. I am satisfied that this proposal and accompanying Environmental Statement have been very comprehensively assessed by my Department. They have also been the subject of extensive discussion and consultation with various bodies, including Limavady Borough Council. A decision notice to approve has issued, dated 5 November 2001. TOPFINANCE AND PERSONNEL Official Engagements : 7 November 2001 Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to list his official engagements for Wednesday 7 November 2001. (AQW 537/01) The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): I met with Departmental officials to discuss : Review of Office Accommodation and the policy on Dispersal of Civil Service Jobs Review of Rating Policy. Noble Indicators Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what assessment he has made of the Noble indicators, in terms of its level of accuracy and fairness, particularly towards disadvantaged rural groups, and if she has any plans to change the indicators. (AQW 568/01) Mr Durkan: The Multiple Deprivation Measures for Northern Ireland were developed by Mike Noble following an inclusive consultation process. The underlying indicators were chosen to provide a comprehensive and consistent assessment of deprivation across both urban and rural areas. They are considered to provide more direct and therefore more reliable measures of deprivation and are based on the most up-to-date information available at the time. The Measures are designed to respond flexibly to the range of need in both urban and rural areas. They are acknowledged widely as an improvement on previous approaches and there are no plans to change them. Ground Rents Act 2001 Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel when he intends to bring the Ground Rents Act 2001 into operation. (AQW 569/01) Mr Durkan: The Consultation process has now been completed and the Ground Rents Scheme should be operational by March 2002. GAP Funding re Peace II Dr Esmond Birnie asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if the recent arrangements to extend the "gap funding" allocated by the EU Special Support Programme for Peace & Reconciliation makes provision for those groups who did not apply for "Gap funding" when it first became available. (AQW 570/01) Mr Durkan: On 5 October I announced that the existing arrangements for funding provided to projects under the PEACE II Programme from last April to the end of October would be extended for a further 3 months to the end of January next year to assist projects in the community and voluntary sector which are already in receipt of Gap Funding. These arrangements were extended in recognition of the fact that it will be some weeks before applications are processed and funds are allocated to projects on the ground. These new arrangements do not make provision for those Groups who did not apply for the Gap Funding when it first became available. Full applications under the Programme will be open to any Project/Group whether in receipt of Gap Funding or not. Some Departments and Intermediary Funding Bodies have already issued calls for projects and others plan to do so over the coming weeks. Funds should be awarded to projects from December/January onwards. Aggregates Tax Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to outline (a) any discussions with Rt Hon Paul Boateng, Financial Secretary HM Treasury, in respect of the impact that Aggregates Tax could have on quarry producers in Northern Ireland and (b) what assessment he has made on the economic consequences on the introduction of this tax. (AQW 578/01) Mr Durkan: On the 23 October 2001, I met with the Rt Hon Paul Boateng, Financial Secretary (HM Treasury) to outline the adverse impact of the tax in Northern Ireland and discuss how the problem could be addressed. I am continuing to correspond with the Financial Secretary with the aim that some amelioration of the tax will be granted. I believe that the introduction of the tax will not achieve the desired environmental benefits and will result in local quarrying and related industries becoming less competitive relative to their RoI counterparts and this would result in substantial job losses. TOPHEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY Budget Allocations : Tyrone County and Erne Hospitals Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the internal budget allocations for each year from 1991-01 at (a) Tyrone County Hospital and (b) the Erne Hospital. (AQW 340/01) The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): The Department does not set budgets for individual hospitals or Trusts. Rather it allocates resources to Boards who in turn agree the level and quality of care to be delivered by local Trusts and the consequent resources required. The systematic production of budgets for individual hospitals is a matter for the Trusts concerned. Sperrin Lakeland Trust has advised me that the budgets for the Tyrone County and Erne Hospitals since the Trust’s establishment in 1996 were as follows:
Notes The budget allocations for the Tyrone County and Erne Hospitals are based on reported management information and uses the specialty % analysis for each of the hospital sites in the financial years concerned. The figures are inclusive of both recurring and non-recurring allocations, and include the budgets for the laboratory and other contracts which are attributable to both hospitals. Ní shocraíonn an Roinn buiséid d’otharlanna nó d’Iontaobhais aonair. Is é an rud a dhéanann sí go ndáileann sí acmhainní ar Bhoird a chomhaontaíonn leibhéal agus cáilíocht an chúraim a sholáthróidh Iontaobhais áitiúla agus na hacmhainní iarmhartacha a bheidh de dhíth. Is ceist do na hIontaobhais dá bhfuil i gceist í socrú córasach a dhéanamh ar bhuiséid d’otharlanna aonair. Chuir Iontaobhas Shliabh Speirín agus Thír na Lochanna in iúl dom gurbh iad seo a leanas buiséid Otharlann Chontae Thír Eoghain agus Otharlann na hÉirne ó bhunú an Iontaobhais i 1996:
Nótaí Bunaítear na buiséid dáilte ar Otharlann Chontae Thír Eoghain agus ar Otharlann na hÉirne ar eolas tuairiscithe bainistíochta agus úsáideann siad an anailís speisialtachta chéatadáin do gach suíomh otharlainne sna blianta airgeadais lena mbaineann siad. Cuireann na figiúirí dálaí timthriallacha agus neamhthimthriallacha araon san áireamh, agus cuimsíonn siad na buiséid don chonradh saotharlainne agus do chonarthaí eile atá ag an dá otharlann araon. Vacant Posts : Tyrone County and Erne Hospitals Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail all current staff shortages at (a) Tyrone County Hospital and (b) the Erne Hospital. (AQW 348/01) Ms de Brún: Details of the number of vacant posts in Tyrone County and Erne Hospitals at 12 October 2001 is set out below:
The Sperrin Lakeland HSS Trust has stated that they are actively seeking to fill the vacant posts, which are at various stages of the recruitment process. Tá mionsonraí fán líon folúntas postanna in Ospidéal Contae Thír Eoghain agus in Ospidéal na hÉirne amhail an 12 Deireadh Fómhair 2001 leagtha amach thíos:
Tá sé ráite ag Iontaobhas Speirín, Tír na Lochanna go bhfuil siad gníomhach ag iarraidh na postanna folamha a líonadh, táthar ag staideanna éagsúla den phróiseas earcaíochta. Official Engagements : 7 November 2001 Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to list her official engagements for Wednesday 7 November 2001. (AQW 538/01) Ms de Brún: On the morning of 7 November I opened "Having Your Say", a conference organised by Praxis held in the Balmoral Conference Centre, Belfast. In the afternoon I visited a Healthy Living Partnership. Ar mhaidin an 7 Samhain, d’oscail mé comhdháil "Ag Fáil Do Chead Cainte" a eagraíodh ag Praxis agus a tionóladh in Ionad Comhdhála Balmoral, Béal Feirste. Sa tráthnóna, thug mé cuairt ar Pháirtíocht Mhaireachtáil Shláintiúil. Fire Authority Appointments Mr Paul Berry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety was her equality impact assessment met when appointing the Chairman and vice Chairman of the Fire Authority. (AQW 541/01) Ms de Brún: Equality impact assessments are not carried out on specific public appointments, but I am satisfied that the public appointments process used by my Department both generally and in the specific case of the appointment of the Chair and Vice Chair of the Fire Authority complies fully with the guidance of the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Ní dhéantar measúnú tionchair ar chomhionannas ar cheapacháin phoiblí ar leith, ach tá mé sásta go ndéantar próiseas na gceapachán poiblí úsáidte ag an Roinn go ginearálta agus i gcás cheapadh Chathaoirleach agus Leas-Chathaoirleach an Údaráis Dóiteáin, go ndéantar go hiomlán de réir treoir Oifig an Choimisinéara um Cheapacháin Phoiblí é. Fire Authority Appointments Mr Paul Berry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if the procedure to appoint public representatives to the Fire Authority has changed to include an interview as part of the selection process. (AQW 542/01) Ms de Brún: The Fire Services (Amendment) Order 1998, which came in to force from 1 October 2001, provides all District Councils with an equal opportunity to nominate for membership of the Board. Accordingly, each District Council was asked for nominations resulting in 26 nominations for 8 places. The Commissioner for Public Appointments’ advice was that interviews of the 26 nominees would be the fairest and most appropriate way of assessing the suitability of these nominees for appointment. Interviews for the eight District Council Members have now concluded and I will make an announcement on who they will be as soon as possible. District Council Appointees by the previous sponsoring Department of the Fire Authority, the (then) Department of the Environment, were not interviewed as part of the selection process. Níor chuir an roinn roimh ré a rinne urraíocht ar an Údarás Dóiteáin (An iarRoinn Comhshaoil) iarrthóirí faoi agallamh do Bhord an Údaráis ceaptha ó Mheán Fómhair 1997. Is gnáthchleachtas sa Roinn Sláinte, Seirbhísí Sóisialta agus Sábháilteachta Poiblí é áfach iarrthóirí le ceapadh d’fhorais phoiblí a chur faoi agallamh. Úsáideadh an prionsabal seo, atá ar aon dul leis an Chód Cleachtais eisithe ag an Choimisinéir um Cheapacháin Phoiblí, i gceapadh na mball nua go léir do Bhord an Údaráis Dóiteáin ó 1 Deireadh Fómhair 2001. Maidir le hionadaithe na Comhairle Ceantair ar an Bhord, den 8 ionadaí roimhe sin, d’ainmnigh Comhairle Chathair Bhéal Feirste 4 ionadaí, agus d’ainmnigh Cumann na nÚdarás Áitiúil na 4 ionadaí eile. D’athraigh Ord (Leasú) na Seirbhísí Dóiteáin 1998, a thosaigh ag feidhmiú roimh na ceapacháin ó 1 Deireadh Fómhair, é seo chun comhdheis a thabhairt do na Comhairlí Ceantair uile ionadaithe a ainmniú do bhallraíocht an Bhoird. Mar sin de, iarradh ar gach Comhairle Ceantair ionadaithe a ainmniú agus tháinig 26 ainmniú do 8 áit as. Ba í comhairle an Choimisinéara um Cheapacháin Phoiblí go gcuirfí agallamh ar na 26 ionadaí ainmnithe mar gurbh í seo an dóigh ba chothroime agus ba chuí le hoiriúnacht na n-ainmnitheach seo do na ceapacháin a mheasúnú. Tá na hagallaimh do na 8 Comhairleoir críochnaithe anois agus déanfaidh mé fógairt, a luaithe agus is féidir, ar na hionadaithe ceaptha. Members of Fire Authority Mr Paul Berry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the membership of the current Fire Authority. (AQW 543/01) Ms de Brún: The Board of the Fire Authority comprises of a Chair, a Vice-Chair and 15 other members. Of the 15 other members, 8 are elected representatives (councillors) appointed from nominations made by District Councils. The remaining 7 members are appointed from those members of the general public who have expressed an interest in being considered for public appointment, who meet the person specification for the posts and who have undergone an interview in connection with appointment to the posts. The current membership of the Fire Authority is:- Miss Ann McLaughlin (Chair) - appointed 1 October 2001 for 4 years Mr Patrick Bradley (Vice Chair) - appointed 1 October 2001 for 4 years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||