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FRIDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2001 Agriculture and Rural Development Agriculture and Rural Development Measurement of Fishing Vessels Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development under what authority does the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority act in boarding and measuring fishing vessels within the Northern Ireland fleet. (AQW 656/01) The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): The Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority advise that the Authority’s Bye-Laws permit the Authority to board and measure fishing vessels within the harbour limits for which the Authority is responsible, namely at Kilkeel, Portavogie and Ardglass. The number of recorded measurements of fishing vessels by the Authority in the last 3 years was one, in 2000. No records are available for earlier periods. Measurements are only carried out on the very rare occasion when there is a doubt about the size of the vessel for the purpose of determining Harbour Dues. Measurement of Fishing Vessels Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of fishing vessels that were measured by the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority in each of the past five years. (AQW 657/01) Ms Rodgers: The Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority advise that the Authority’s Bye-Laws permit the Authority to board and measure fishing vessels within the harbour limits for which the Authority is responsible, namely at Kilkeel, Portavogie and Ardglass. The number of recorded measurements of fishing vessels by the Authority in the last 3 years was one, in 2000. No records are available for earlier periods. Measurements are only carried out on the very rare occasion when there is a doubt about the size of the vessel for the purpose of determining Harbour Dues. Fishing Vessel Licences Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of fishing vessel licences which have been frozen and withdrawn in each of the past five years. (AQW 658/01) Ms Rodgers: A total of 29 licences have been frozen during each of the past five years as follows: 5 in 1996, 8 in 1997, 5 in 1998, 10 in 1999 and 1 in 2000. No licences were withdrawn in the same period. Illegal Fishing Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of court cases pending in respect of illegal fishing incidents and the time scale for the completion of these court proceedings. (AQW 697/01) Ms Rodgers: As you may be aware, the Loughs Agency of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (FCILC) is the body responsible for the conservation and protection of salmon stocks in the Foyle and Carlingford Areas. I understand that your question relates to the Loughs Agency’s areas of responsibility. The Loughs Agency currently has 31 cases pending, involving 36 people, as a result of the detection of illegal fishing during the 2001 season. These cases will come to Court over the next few months. The exact timing of Court appearances is dependent on the service of the summons and on the Courts. Salmon Fishing : Carlingford and Foyle Loughs Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline if there are any plans to restrict the bag limit for catching salmon in Carlingford and Foyle Loughs. (AQW 698/01) Ms Rodgers: As you may be aware, the Loughs Agency of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (FCILC) is the body responsible for the conservation and protection of salmon stocks in the Foyle and Carlingford Areas. As part of its conservation and protection policy, the Agency currently limits the number of salmonids retained by an angler in the Foyle and Carlingford Areas to four in any one day. This bag limit was first introduced in the Foyle Area in May 1999 by the Agency’s predecessor, the Foyle Fisheries Commission. The Loughs Agency then introduced the Foyle Area and Carlingford Area (Angling) Regulations 2001 in May 2001 to extend this restriction to cover the Carlingford Area. The Loughs Agency currently has no plans to review its bag limit for anglers. However should it consider it necessary to introduce further measures to protect salmon stocks in the Foyle and Carlingford Areas in the future, it may do so. I also wish to advise you that the Agency has no plans to introduce bag limits or quota for commercial salmon fishing in the Foyle and Carlingford Areas. Fishing Licences : Foyle and Carlingford Loughs The Lord Kilclooney asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the currency in which licence fees for fishing in the Foyle and Carlingford areas will be sold in (a) Northern Ireland and (b) the Republic of Ireland during the financial year 2002; and is there a provision for a variation in the licence fee during 2002 if the euro and sterling exchange rates change. (AQW 734/01) Ms Rodgers: As you may be aware, the Loughs Agency of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (FCILC) is the body responsible for the conservation and protection of salmon stocks in the Foyle and Carlingford Areas. It is the Loughs Agency’s intention that customers will be able purchase licences in the currency of their choice at the Agency’s Headquarters in Prehen and in its Carlingford Office. Licences sold by other distributors will be available in the currency of whichever jurisdiction the distributor is located. I would also confirm that should there be a substantial variation in the value of sterling against the euro then the Loughs Agency would introduce a further set of regulations to redress any imbalance created. The Loughs Agency is also committed to carrying out a licence review on an annual basis, and exchange rates will form part of that review. TOPCentre of Excellence for Sports Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail progress on the establishment of centres of excellence for sports. (AQW 648/01) The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): Centres of excellence for sports are being provided throughout the UK under the United Kingdom Sports Institute. One such centre is currently being established in Northern Ireland at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown. Key personnel have been appointed for the development of the centre and work is expected to commence on the capital elements in 2002. A centre of excellence for golf is also being developed at the Hilton Hotel, Templepatrick. Work is expected to start on this project next year. Expenditure on Sport & Leisure Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail expenditure on sport and leisure facilities by each local district council from 1998 to date. (AQW 649/01) Mr McGimpsey: My Department does not have a role in providing funding for District Councils and is not therefore in a position to indicate the expenditure that they have allocated to sport and leisure facility provision within their respective areas. However, my officials have contacted the Department of the Environment, who have responsibility for District Council matters, and they have provided the following figures indicating the District Council spend on sport and leisure facilities during the periods you have specified.
* Figures have not yet been certified by Local Government Office. Regional Centre of Excellence for Sports Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will make a statement on the provision of a regional centre of excellence for sports. (AQW 709/01) Mr McGimpsey: Centres of excellence for sports are being provided throughout the UK under the United Kingdom Sports Institute. One such centre is currently being established in Northern Ireland at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown. Key personnel have been appointed for the development of the centre and work is expected to commence on the capital elements in 2002. TOPResources for People with Learning Disabilities Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Education what resources were available for the education of people with learning disabilities in each year since 1995. (AQW 634/01) The Minister of Education (Mr McGuinness): Education and Library Boards do not identify spending on children with statements of special educational needs in nursery, primary, secondary and grammar schools separately in their accounts. Board expenditure on Special Schools and Home Tuition in the years requested was as follows :
Figures are not yet available for 2000/01. * unaudited figure Teacher Training : Special Educational Needs Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail training currently available for teachers in relation to teaching children with special educational needs. (AQW 637/01) Mr McGuinness: My Department is currently supporting a two year pilot project involving teachers undertaking the M Sc in the Teaching of Visually Impaired Learners course at Queen’s University, Belfast. It is also prepared to consider Education and Library Board support for teachers on other mandatory postgraduate courses for teaching the hearing and visually impaired. I understand that Boards run both centrally- and school-based courses in special education and that they are currently supporting teachers undertaking the Diploma in Professional Development for Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators at Queen’s University, Belfast. Re-Employment of Retired Teachers Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of retired teachers who have been employed to address teacher shortages, in the last twelve months, in (a) primary schools and (b) post-primary schools. (AQW 651/01) Mr McGuinness: Teachers are appointed and employed by employing authorities which, in the vast majority of cases, are the Education and Library Boards or the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools. The Department does not receive information from these authorities as to the reasons why retired teachers are employed and it is not possible, therefore, to state how many were employed in the last twelve months to address teacher shortages. Information about the number of occasions, in the 2000/2001 school year, on which retired teachers were employed in our schools, is shown in the table below
Enniskillen Nursery School Mr Tommy Gallagher asked the Minister of Education to detail the total number of children enrolled at Enniskillen Nursery School and, of these, the number who are in their final pre-school year. (AQW 652/01) Mr McGuinness: At 1 September 2001 there were 78 children enrolled at Enniskillen Nursery School of which 58 were in their final pre-school year. Former Castle Gardens Primary School Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail his plans for the former Castle Gardens Primary School building in Newtownards and to give a commitment that it will be retained for educational purposes. (AQW 655/01) Mr McGuinness: The future use of the former Castle Gardens Primary School building is a matter for consideration by the South-Eastern Education and Library Board. At present there is uncertainty regarding ownership of the site. The Board is now awaiting legal advice on the matter and cannot proceed further until the position is clarified. Torr Bank Special School : Renovation Work Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) the commencement date for renovation work at Torr Bank Special School in Dundonald and (b) the timescale for the completion of this work. (AQW 659/01) Mr McGuinness: The South-Eastern Education and Library Board has commenced planning of a new school for Tor Bank Special School on part of the Dundonald High School site. The school will be considered for a place in next year’s capital programme in the light of the resources available but I am unable to give any timescale for the project at this stage. Pupil Enrolment Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils enrolled in each sector of the education system. (AQW 693/01) Mr McGuinness: Figures for 2001/02 are not yet available. The information requested in respect of 2000/01 was as follows:
1 Includes nursery classes and reception classes/groups. 2 Includes reception classes/groups. 3 Includes one Irish Medium school, with an enrolment of 208 pupils. Career in Teaching Mr Sean Neeson asked the Minister of Education what steps he is taking to encourage graduates from business backgrounds to pursue a career in teaching by undertaking a Post Graduate Certificate in Education. (AQO 388/01) Mr McGuinness: It has not been necessary here to introduce financial incentives similar to those used in England and Wales to attract graduates into teaching, as our PGCE courses were again oversubscribed this year. Most graduates entering initial teacher education did so on completion of their first degree. Implementing Special Needs Statements Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister of Education what safeguards are in place to ensure the implementation of all aspects of a Statement of Special Needs. (AQO 376/01) Mr McGuinness: Under Special Education legislation Education and Library Boards have a duty to arrange that the special educational provision indicated in a statement of special educational needs is made for the child. Where a grant-aided school is specified in a statement, the Board of Governors must admit the child to the school Where the child attends an ordinary school the Board of Governors must use its best endeavours to ensure that the special educational provision he requires is made. Annual reviews of statements provide parents with an opportunity for expressing concerns about current provision. Holy Cross Primary School Mr Gerry Kelly asked the Minister of Education what measures have been put in place to deal with the trauma suffered by the pupils of Holy Cross Primary School. (AQO 406/01) Mr McGuinness: I have on many occasions expressed my deep concern about the situation surrounding Holy Cross Girls’ Primary School and the disruption and anxiety caused to teachers, pupils and parents in both Holy Cross and Wheatfield Primary Schools. Every pupil has the right to travel to school unhindered and to be educated in a safe and secure environment that is conducive to learning. Following extensive discussions between my Department, the Belfast Education and Library Board and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools I announced on 25 October a support programme for Holy Cross and the nearby Wheatfield Primary School. The funding, which totals £154,000, will be used to support the measures which the schools themselves have identified as necessary to meet the needs of pupils and staff. These include additional substitute teachers, classroom assistants, curriculum support for P7 pupils, including those taking the transfer test, and respite activities for pupils and staff. In addition the Belfast Board will continue to provide ongoing support services for Holy Cross and any other school in its area that requires assistance. My Department, along with the Belfast Board and CCMS, will continue to support the schools, but the protest at Holy Cross should end immediately. Once again I would urge local representatives to come together to resolve any community issues that exist, through dialogue. Asperger Syndrome Mr Conor Murphy asked the Minister of Education to outline (a) measures currently being taken to ascertain the incidences of Asperger Syndrome in the school population and (b) the nature and scope of resources currently available to meet the needs of children with Asperger Syndrome. (AQO 404/01) Mr McGuinness: In the October 2000 school census my Department sought information for the first time on the number of children affected by autism according to their statements of special educational needs. The 2001 census has asked schools to record separately those affected by Asperger Syndrome. Most children with Asperger Syndrome attend mainstream schools where some receive classroom assistance and additional teaching, as appropriate. Those with additional learning difficulties attend special schools or units. New Starts Programme Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of Education to detail his method for implementing the policies of rural proofing, social inclusion and equality in terms of capital allocations in the New Starts Programme; and to make a statement. (AQO 373/01) Mr McGuinness: Under the new starts programme available resources are directed to the highest priorities based on educational need. This encompasses the areas of social inclusion and equality and ensures that rural communities have access to a network of strong rural schools. My Department’s Equality Scheme provides for the school building programme to be the subject to an Equality Impact Assessment in the next financial year. New Viability Criteria for Post Primary Schools Mr David Ford asked the Minister of Education, following his announcement of the new viability criteria for post-primary schools, if he is aware of any schools or proposed schools that may already meet this new criteria. (AQO 387/01) Mr McGuinness: My Department is aware of only one proposed post-primary school that may already meet the new viability criteria of an initial intake of 50 pupils. School Transport : Cost Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Education to detail the cost of the current school transport system in each education and library board. (AQO 410/01) Mr McGuinness: Estimated expenditure by each education and library board on home to school transport in 2000/01 is as follows: £000’s Belfast 3,467 North Eastern 11,452 South Eastern 10,270 Southern 12,798 Western 9,629 TOTAL 47,616 Criteria for Irish Medium & Integrated Schools Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of Education to detail the likely impact that his recent decision to lower the viability criteria for Irish medium and integrated schools will have on these sectors. (AQO 393/01) Mr McGuinness: The reduction of the viability criteria for both and Irish-medium and integrated schools will enable both sectors to grow and to strengthen. Indeed, once viability has been established and approval granted, schools will be eligible to receive recurrent funding immediately. This will secure the long-term future of such schools in a shorter timescale than was previously possible. The arrangements are designed to operate within the context of the Good Friday Agreement and my Department’s statutory duties to encourage and facilitate Irish-medium and integrated education. School Transport : Southern Board Area Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Education if he will undertake to address the issues of inequity raised by the situation in the Southern Education Board area where some school children travelling from Waringstown to Banbridge have been issued with bus passes and others have not. (AQO 408/01) Mr McGuinness: The operation of the home to school transport arrangements is a matter for the appropriate education and library board. The Southern Board has advised that the following arrangements apply to pupils living in Waringstown and travelling to Banbridge -
In determining pupils’ eligibility the Board has regard to the current approved arrangements which enable transport to be provided where pupils have been unable to gain a place in all suitable schools within statutory walking distance of their home (3 miles for pupils in post-primary schools) measured by the nearest available route. For the purposes of the transport arrangements the term ‘suitable school’ has a precise definition. It relates solely to the established educational categories of controlled, Catholic maintained, integrated and Irish-medium and, in the grammar sector, denominational and non-denominational schools. Non-integrated Schools : Running Costs Ms Eileen Bell asked the Minister of Education to detail the proposed total running costs, in this financial year, of (i) non- integrated primary schools (ii) non-integrated secondary schools and (iii) non-integrated teacher training facilities; and to make a statement. (AQO 399/01) Mr McGuinness: The apportionment of running costs between the two categories requested will not be known until the end of the financial year. Funding allocations made under LMS Formulae to non-integrated primary and non-integrated secondary schools are recorded in the following table. The figures do not take account of any additional funding that schools may receive outside of the formula, for example, substitution costs met centrally, earmarked allocations linked to Board or Department initiatives etc.
Notes: (1) Includes Controlled Schools, Maintained Schools and schools with Nursery Classes and excludes Controlled Integrated and Grant Maintained Integrated Schools, (2) Includes Controlled Schools, Maintained Schools and Voluntary Grammar Schools and excludes Controlled Integrated and Grant Maintained Integrated Schools, Teacher training facilities are not financed by my Department. Responsibility for their funding falls within the remit of my colleague, Mr Sean Farren, Minister for Employment and Learning. TOPCross Border FEC Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if he will undertake to set up a cross border Institute of Further and Higher Education which would serve the three District Council areas of Strabane, Letterkenny and Derry. (AQW 613/01) The Minister for Employment and Learning (Dr Farren): I have no plans to set up a cross border initiative. My Department will continue to work in partnership with the North West Institute of Further and Higher Education and to facilitate co-operation between it and other colleges in the wider region including on a cross border basis. NI Hotel & Catering College & University of Ulster Merge Mr Sean Neeson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning, pursuant to AQO 1383/00, to give an update on plans to merge the Northern Ireland Hotel and Catering College with the University of Ulster. (AQW 650/01) Dr Farren: The Governing Body of the Northern Ireland Hotel and Catering College and the Council of the University of Ulster have formally agreed to the merger of the college and the University. My Department is preparing a draft administrative order to facilitate the merger and will be initiating a consultation process shortly. Duplication of Student Course Work Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister for Employment and Learning why the Training and Employment Agency requires Further Education College Lecturers to duplicate student course work that has already been provided to examination bodies. (AQW 663/01) Dr Farren: Further Education Colleges are contracted by my Department to deliver training under the Training and Employment Agency’s Jobskills programme. The Agency, normally requires providers, including Colleges, to achieve National Vocational Qualifications outcomes. The process of evidence gathering and acceptability is a matter for the appropriate Awarding Body, overseen by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority and is not a matter for the Agency. I will draw the attention of QCA and/or appropriate Awarding Bodies to any examples of unnecessary paperwork which are reported to the Department. Individual Learning Accounts Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail (a) the number of people who have been defrauded out of Individual Learning Accounts and (b) any action being taken to bring those engaged in this fraud to justice. (AQW 684/01) Dr Farren: In announcing the suspension of the scheme I said that while there is currently no evidence of fraud in the scheme in Northern Ireland, as had been reported in England, it is something that my Department takes very seriously. My Department investigates all complaints and, if there is evidence of fraud, will not hesitate to take appropriate action. Individual Learning Accounts Mr Billy Hutchinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if applications are still being processed for the Individual Learning Account Grant Scheme and can applicants still apply. (AQW 725/01) Dr Farren: No new applications for Individual Learning Accounts are being accepted after 26 October 2001, the date on which the scheme was suspended. Existing Account holders can still use their Account to enrol on eligible courses provided the course is booked on the Individual Learning Account Centre system by 7 December 2001. Enterprise, Trade and Investment Job Losses & Jobs Created : Strabane District Council Area Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of jobs lost and the number of jobs created in Strabane District Council area in the last year. (AQW 587/01) The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): During the period September 2000 to October 2001 there were 112 confirmed redundancies in the Strabane Job Centre Area. Detailed information on the precise number of jobs created is not available. However, figures from the NI Census of Employment can be used to estimate the net change in employee jobs between Censuses. Latest figures from the September 1999 Census of Employment showed that there were 9,092 employee jobs in Strabane District Council area. This represented an increase of 90 (1%) from the previous Census figure (September 1997). Cross Border Business Park Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he will undertake to set up a cross border Business Park in the Strabane/Lifford area. (AQW 616/01) Sir Reg Empey: IDB and IDA officials are co-operating in a number of ventures under the Invest North West Initiative aimed at attracting further investment to Strabane, Derry, Limavady and Donegal Council areas. There are no plans currently for a cross border business park at Strabane/Lifford. However IDB is currently evaluating proposals from developers for the provision of 30,000 sq ft of new business space at Orchard Road. There is also some private sector interest in a possible mixed use development at Lifford Road but this is at an early stage. TOPGolden Jubilee Celebrations Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail those District Councils who are planning events for the Golden Jubilee Celebrations and to itemise their plans. (AQW 628/01) The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): The planning of events for the Golden Jubilee Celebrations is entirely a matter for individual district councils. The Department of the Environment would not necessarily be involved in such plans. Golden Jubilee Celebrations Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to outline any funding available for district councils in relation to the 2002 Golden Jubilee Celebrations. (AQW 642/01) Mr Foster: No funding has been made available for district councils, in relation to the Golden Jubilee Celebrations. Councils would have to provide for any expenditure on the event in their 2002/2003 budgets. Water Pollution : Nitrates Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (a) his plans to reduce water pollution caused by nitrates from agriculture sources and (b) the steps he has taken to comply with the EU nitrates directive - 91/676/EEC. (AQW 667/01) Mr Foster: In March 1999 the former Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland designated three Nitrate Vulnerable Zones under The Protection of Water Against Agricultural Nitrate Pollution Regulations (NI) 1996. These Regulations transposed into Northern Ireland legislation the requirements of the EU Nitrates Directive. The former DOE (NI) also implemented Action Programmes in respect of the designated Nitrate Vulnerable Zones in June 1999. These Programmes specified limits to the amount of nitrates to be applied within the Nitrate Vulnerable Zones. Farmers with land inside the Zones received copies of an advisory booklet prepared by DOE (NI) and the former Department of Agriculture. They also received copies of the Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the protection of water from pollution by nitrates. Adherence to t his Code is compulsory within Nitrate Vulnerable Zones. My Department also operates a groundwater and surface water monitoring network. Monitoring data from this network is analysed on a regular basis to assess the impact of agriculturally derived nitrate on all waters. It is my Department’s view that, as a result of the identification and designation of the three Nitrate Vulnerable Zones and the implementation of the Action Programmes, Northern Ireland is in compliance with the requirements of the Nitrates Directive. Shooting Permits : Strangford Lough Area Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of shooting permits issued for the Strangford Lough area in each of the last 10 years. (AQW 685/01) Mr Foster: No shooting permits were issued in the last 10 years for those parts of the Strangford Lough area owned by my Department. Shooting rights for most of the foreshore of the Lough are owned or leased by the National Trust, and administered under its Strangford Lough Wildlife Scheme. The revenue from the issue of shooting permits goes towards the costs of operating the scheme. Because of its conservation benefits, the scheme is also supported by grant aid from the Environment and Heritage Service of my Department. Shooting Permits Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to outline (a) where the monies collected for shooting permits are spent and (b) which departments benefit from these monies. (AQW 686/01) Mr Foster: No shooting permits were issued in the last 10 years for those parts of the Strangford Lough area owned by my Department. Shooting rights for most of the foreshore of the Lough are owned or leased by the National Trust, and administered under its Strangford Lough Wildlife Scheme. The revenue from the issue of shooting permits goes towards the costs of operating the scheme. Because of its conservation benefits, the scheme is also supported by grant aid from the Environment and Heritage Service of my Department. TOPDecentralisation of Civil Service Jobs Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel whether equality impact assessments and new targeting social need will be taken into consideration in the decentralisation of civil service jobs and will he undertake to keep the needs of West Tyrone and Strabane to the fore in respect of this restructuring. (AQW 614/01) The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): I can confirm that the examination of the scope for the decentralisation of civil service jobs, which forms part of the Strategic Review of Civil Service Office Accommodation, will take account of a range of relevant factors and policies, including New Targeting Social Need and the impact on equality of opportunity as well as the number of jobs already in an area in relation to the local workforce, the Regional Development Strategy, business efficiency, service delivery and cost. My department is currently undertaking an Equality Impact Assessment on Developing Policy on the Location of Civil Service Jobs which will inform the conclusions of the strategic review. With regard to the needs of West Tyrone and Strabane, it would be wrong for me to prejudge the outcome of the accommodation review or to speculate as to the precise locations which might be involved in any subsequent dispersal of civil service jobs but I will convey the Member’s view to the consultants undertaking the review so that it too can be taken into account in the development of conclusions and recommendations. Public Private Partnerships : Review Ms Carmel Hanna asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to make a statement in respect of the review of Public Private Partnerships and to assure that their use will be driven by practical reasons and by need only. (AQO 379/01) Mr Durkan: The Infrastructure Investment Deficit in our public services, estimated to be at least £4 Billion over the next 10 years, makes it important for the Executive to explore new ways of financing and providing much needed public services, such as the use of Public Private Partnerships. We have therefore established the PPP Working Group to carry out a review of the use of PPP taking into account in its deliberations evidence on the benefits and constraints from a wide range of perspectives. All options will be carefully and objectively examined by the Working Group in preparing its final report and recommendations by March 2002. This will enable the Executive to determine a clear Policy Framework in this area by September 2002 following public consultation. Whatever options are determined, it is essential that the use of PPPs, where appropriate, to deliver public services infrastructure must be affordable, deliver value for money and provide effective solutions to meet the needs of our public services in the public interest. In that sense, the use of PPPs is not ideologically driven. Their use is only one means of helping us deal with real needs of our public services. PAC & Comptroller and Auditor General Mr Jim Wilson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what procedures are in place within his department to ensure that issues raised by the Public Accounts Committee and the Comptroller and Auditor General are adequately and fully dealt with. (AQO 390/01) Mr Durkan: Primarily it is duty of subject Departments to consider reports issued by both the Comptroller and Auditor General and Public Accounts Committee. However, in relation to the latter, my Department has a formal role to ensure that issues raised in these reports are responded to in the form of a memorandum of reply. Following the laying of memoranda, my Officials then monitor commitments given to ensure that they have been addressed as appropriate. TOPHealth, Social Services and Public Safety Treatment Programmes Available to Drug Users Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of treatment programmes available to drug users. (AQW 596/01) The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): There are five statutory and two non-statutory in-patient treatment programmes available to drug users. Eight Community Addiction Teams cover the four Board areas and offer community based treatment services. In addition, a number of voluntary and community sector organisations offer specialist counselling and support services to drug misusers. At its last meeting the Drug and Alcohol Ministerial Strategic Steering Group approved the allocation of an additional £1.59million over three years to the Community Addiction Teams for the provision of counselling services for young drug users. This initiative is a partnership between the Community Addiction Teams and specialist voluntary sector agencies. Tá cúig chlár reachtúla agus dhá chlár neamhreachtúla i gcóireáil othar cónaitheach ar fáil do lucht mí-úsáide drugaí. Clúdaíonn na hocht bhFoireann Andúile Pobail limistéir na gceithre Bhord agus tairgíonn siad seirbhísí pobalbhunaithe cóireála. Ina theannta sin, tairgíonn roinnt eagras ón earnáil dheonach agus phobail sainsheirbhísí comhairle agus tacaíochta do lucht mí-úsáide drugaí. Ag an chruinniú dheireanach, d’fhormheas an Grúpa Straitéiseach Aireachta ar Stiúradh Drugaí agus Alcóil dáileadh £1.59 milliún breise thar na trí bliana seo chugainn ar Fhoirne Andúile Pobail le seirbhísí comhairle a sholáthar do lucht óg mí-úsáide drugaí. Is páirtíocht idir na Foirne Andúile Pobail agus na sainghníomhaireachtaí ón earnáil dheonach í an scéim seo. Waiting List for Drug Treatment Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the total number of addicts who are currently appearing on a waiting list for drug treatment. (AQW 598/01) Ms de Brún: I have been advised that a total of 52 people with drug misuse problems are currently on waiting lists for assessment or treatment. Cuireadh in iúl dom go bhfuil 52 duine a bhfuil fadhbanna mí-úsáid drugaí acu ar liostaí feithimh faoi láthair le haghaidh measúnaithe nó cóireála. Criteria for Interim Sub-fertility Service Mr David Ford asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, following her announcement of interim arrangements for the funding of infertility treatments, what steps have been taken to screen the criteria under section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. (AQW 599/01) Ms de Brún: The eligibility criteria for the interim sub-fertility service, which begins on 17 December, were not subjected to an equality impact assessment under the 1998 legislation, as this service is an intermediate measure pending a public consultation on the future of sub-fertility services. Any long-term proposals for the future of sub-fertility services will be subject to an equality impact assessment. Ní raibh na critéir bhailíochta don tseirbhís eatramhach fhothorthúlachta, a thosóidh ar 17 Nollaig, faoi réir measúnú tionchair chomhionannais de réir reachtaíocht na bliana 1998, mar gur beart eatramhach í an tseirbhís seo atá ag fanacht le comhairliú poiblí ar thodhchaí sheirbhísí fothorthúlachta. Beidh moladh fadtéarmach ar bith do thodhchaí sheirbhísí fothorthúlachta faoi réir measúnú tionchair chomhionannais. Criteria for IVF Treatment Mr David Ford asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety why the criteria under the new interim arrangements for IVF treatment exclude those who already have children living with them, and if this criteria has been screened under section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. (AQW 600/01) Ms de Brún: I refer the Member to my answer to AQW 599/01. The criteria for the interim sub-fertility service are those recommended in an Advisory Report of a Steering Group established by the Regional Services Medical Consortium. The criteria for access to longer-term sub-fertility services will be the subject of public consultation. Any long-term proposals for the future of sub-fertility services will be subject to an equality impact assessment. Luaim don Bhall an freagra a thug mé ar AQW 599/01. Is iad na critéir don tseirbhís eatramhach fhothorthúlachta na critéir sin molta i dTuairisc Chomhairleach Ghrúpa Stiúrtha bunaithe ag an Chuibhreannas Míochaine um Sheirbhísí Réigiúnacha. Beidh na critéir úsáidte le seirbhísí fadtéarmacha fothorthúlachta a fháil faoi réir comhairlithe phoiblí. Beidh moladh fadtéarmach ar bith do thodhchaí sheirbhísí fothorthúlachta faoi réir measúnú tionchair chomhionannais. IVF Treatment : Consultation Mr David Ford asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what consultation has taken place with consumers regarding the new interim funding arrangements and criteria for IVF treatment. (AQW 602/01) Ms de Brún: The criteria for the interim sub-fertility service are those recommended in an Advisory Report of a Steering Group, established by the Regional Services Medical Consortium. The Steering Group, which included a representative of Health and Social Services Councils, met representatives of patient groups during the course of its work. The criteria for access to longer-term sub-fertility services will be the subject of public consultation. Any long-term proposals for the future of sub-fertility services will be subject to an equality impact assessment. Is iad na critéir don tseirbhís eatramhach fhothorthúlachta na critéir sin molta i dTuairisc Chomhairleach Ghrúpa Stiúrtha bunaithe ag an Chuibhreannas Míochaine um Sheirbhísí Réigiúnacha. Bhuail an Grúpa Stiúrtha a bhfuil ionadaí ó na Comhairlí Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta air, bhuail siad le hionadaithe ghrúpaí othar le linn a chuid saothair. Beidh na critéir úsáidte le seirbhísí fadtéarmacha fothorthúlachta a fháil faoi réir comhairlithe phoiblí. Beidh moladh fadtéarmach ar bith do thodhchaí sheirbhísí fothorthúlachta faoi réir measúnú tionchair chomhionannais. Class A Prescription Drugs Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what safeguards are in place to ensure that class 'A' prescription drugs cannot be obtained illegally. (AQW 635/01) Ms de Brún: Control of the supply, possession, manufacture and administration of Class A drugs ie those listed in Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971(the Act), is subject to misuse of drugs legislation. It is the responsibility of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (the Department), through its Misuse of Drugs Inspector, to monitor this legislation. Regulations made under the Act include safeguards to ensure proper storage, record keeping and documentation and these aspects apply to all those involved in handling these controlled substances whether by automatic right under the Regulations or by licence of the Department. In this regard I announced last week a funding package to assist community pharmacists to upgrade the current security arrangements in respect of drugs liable to abuse. Companies and individuals including practitioners and community pharmacists are subject to announced and unannounced inspection visits which may require production of all stocks, documents and records on demand. Practitioners and community pharmacists also have specific legal obligations regarding the writing of prescriptions and the supply and administration of these preparations. Tá stiúradh, seilbh, déanamh agus tabhairt drugaí Rang A, is é sin na drugaí sin liostáilte i gCuid 1 de Sceideal 2 d’Acht Mí-úsáid Drugaí (An tAcht), tá siad go léir faoi réir reachtaíochta ar mhí-úsáid drugaí. An Roinn Sláinte, Seirbhísí Sóisialta agus Sábháilteachta Poiblí (An Roinn) atá freagrach as monatóireacht a dhéanamh ar an reachtaíocht seo trína Cigire ar Mhí-úsáid Drugaí. Ar na rialacháin déanta de réir an Achta tá cinnteacht le stóras ceart a chosaint, taifid agus cáipéisí a choinneáil agus baineann na gnéithe seo leo go léir a raibh páirt acu i láimhseáil na substaintí stiúrtha seo, bíodh sin go huathoibríoch mar is ceart de réir na Rialachán nó trí chead na Roinne, nó ná bíodh. Maidir leis seo, d’fhógair mé an tseachtain seo a chuaigh thart go gcuirfí pacáiste maoinithe ar fáil chun cuidiú le cógaiseoirí pobail na socruithe slándála atá acu faoi láthair a athchóiriú i dtaca leis na drugaí a mbeadh baol ann go mbainfí mí-úsáid astu. Tá comhlachtaí chomh maith le daoine aonair, dochtúirí agus cógaiseoirí pobail san áireamh, faoi réir cuairteanna cigireachta fógartha agus neamhfhógartha a mbeadh taispeáint na stoc, na gcáipéisí, agus na dtaifead go léir atá acu i gceist dá n-éileofaí orthu. Tá dualgais ar leith ar dhochtúirí agus ar chógaiseoirí pobail maidir le hordú scríofa cógas chomh maith lena soláthar agus lena dtabhairt amach. Meals on Wheels Service Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline (a) how she ensures equality of distribution for the meals on wheels service across the Health & Social Services Community Trusts and (b) her method of monitoring. (AQW 640/01) Ms de Brún: Meals on wheels is only one of a range of community services which Trusts can arrange to provide care and support for clients in their area. Each community based Health and Social Services Trust is responsible for decisions on the extent to which meals in the community are provided and on their delivery to service users in its area. Trusts must have regard to their duties under section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. My Department is committed to carry out an Equality Impact Assessment of its Community Care policy this year. It will use routinely collected information on receipt of meals on wheels for each programme of care to inform the Equality Impact Assessment process. Níl sa tseirbhís béilí ar rothaí ach ceann den réimse seirbhísí pobail is féidir le hIontaobhais a shocrú le cúram agus le tacaíocht a sholáthar do chliaint ina limistéar féin. Tá gach Iontaobhas pobalbhunaithe Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta freagrach as a fhairsinge agus a sholáthraítear béilí don phobal agus as a soláthar d’úsáideoirí na seirbhíse ina limistéar féin. Ní mór d’Iontaobhais tábhacht a thabhairt do chomhlíonadh a ndualgas de réir Mhír 75 d’Acht Thuaisceart Éireann 1998. Tá an Roinn s’agamsa geallta do Mheasúnú Tionchair Chomhionannais a dhéanamh ar a polasaí Cúraim Phobail i mbliana. Bainfidh sí úsáid as eolas bailithe go rialta ar fháil béilí ar rothaí do gach clár cúraim le heolas a thabhairt le linn an phróiseas Mheasúnú Tionchair Chomhionannais. Tyrone County Hospital : Staffing Levels & Financial Situation Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the current staffing levels and financial situation at Tyrone County Hospital in Omagh. (AQO 411/01) Ms de Brún: The number of staff employed in Tyrone County Hospital at 8 November 2001 is as follows: Administrative & Clerical 83 As regards the financial situation, Sperrin Lakeland Health and Social Care Trust has reported an overall deficit of some £528k for the period up to 30 September 2001. The Trust has advised that Tyrone County Hospital accounts for some £212k of this deficit. The Trust is however forecasting a breakeven position at the year-end, through a combination of measures including in year savings and additional non-recurring assistance from the Western Health and Social Services Board. Is mar seo a leanas atá an líon foirne atá ar fostú ag Ospidéal Chontae Thír Eoghain an 8 Samhain 2001: Riarachán & Cléireach 83 Maidir leis an staid airgeadais, thuairisc Iontaobhas Cúraim Shóisialaigh agus Sláinte Speirín, Tír na Lochanna easnamh foriomlán de £528 míle don tréimhse go dtí 30 Meán Fómhair 2001. Chuir an tIontaobhas in iúl go bhfuil Ospidéal Chontae Thír Eoghain freagrach as £212 míle den easnamh sin. Tá an tIontaobhas ag tuar, áfach, go mbeidh sé meá ar mheá ag deireadh na bliana trí bhearta éagsúla, lena n-áirítear coigiltí bliana agus cabhair bhreise neamhinfhillte ó Bhord Seirbhísí Sláinte agus Sóisialacha an Iarthair. NI Fire Authority : Funding Mr Alan McFarland asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail her financial bid for the administration of the Northern Ireland Fire Authority in the financial year 2002-03. (AQO 407/01) Ms de Brún: The existing baseline provides for £57million and no additional funds were sought outside of normal inflation uplifts. I am mindful of the need for the Fire Authority to continue to be adequately staffed, trained and equipped to deal with an ever changing and developing role, and I consider that this allocation will enable the Authority to continue to provide an efficient level of service. A bid has also been made for Executive Programme Funding, amounting to £2 million, in respect of a new Digital Trunk Radio Communications System. Forálann an bhunlíne atá ann cheana do £57 milliún agus níor lorgadh aon chistí breise lasmuigh de na gnátharduithe boilscithe. Is léir domh an gá atá ann go leanann an tÚdarás Dóiteáin de go leor foirne, oiliúna agus trealaimh a fháil le déileáil le ról a bhíonn go síoraí ag athrú agus ag forbairt, agus measaim go gcuirfidh an leithdháileadh seo ar chumas an Údaráis leanúint de sheirbhís ag leibhéal éifeachtach a sholáthar. Rinneadh tairiscint chomh maith do Mhaoiniú an Chláir Feidhmiúcháin, a rinne suas £2 mhilliún, i leith Chóras Digiteach Cumarsáide Raidió Trunca. Breast Feeding Mr Jim Wilson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline (a) the method for collating information for the 2000 Infant Breast Feeding Survey (b) her proposals to increase breast feeding rates in Northern Ireland in line with the UK average (c) if she has set targets for breast feeding and (d) if they are being achieved. (AQO 372/01) Ms de Brún: The information is as follows a) Questionnaires were sent out to mothers of 2600 babies born between August and October 2000 and designed to arrive when they were 6-10 weeks old. Further questionnaires were issued at 4-5 months and again at 8-9 months. b) We have in place a Breastfeeding Strategy which identifies co-ordination of breastfeeding activities, commissioning support for breastfeeding mothers, raising public awareness of the importance of breastfeeding and improving training for health professionals as key areas for action. In addition we are in the process of appointing a Regional Breastfeeding Co-ordinator to promote breastfeeding here. c) We have two targets for breastfeeding rates:
d) Preliminary findings from the 2000 Infant Feeding Survey suggest that the first target has been achieved. Between 1995 and 2000 there was a significant increase in breastfeeding here, the rates have increased from 45% in 1995 to 54 % in 2000. Data to monitor progress towards the second target will not be available until early in the new year when the full Survey results will be published. Seo a leanas an t-eolas: a) Cuireadh ceistiúcháin amach chuig máithreacha 2600 naíonán a rugadh idir Lúnasa agus Deireadh Fómhair 2000 agus dearadh iad le teacht nuair a bheadh na naíonáin 6-10 seachtaine d’aois. Eisíodh tuilleadh ceistiúchán nuair a bhí na naíonáin 4-5 mí d’aois agus arís nuair a bhí siad 8-9 mí d’aois. b) Tá Straitéis Beathaithe Cíche againn a shainaithníonn comhordú ghníomhaíochtaí beathaithe cíche, a dhéanamm coimisiúnú ar thacaíocht do mháithreacha atá ag tabhairt na cíche dá naíonáin, a ardaíonn feasacht an phobail ar an tábhacht a bhaineann le beathú cíche agus a fheabhsaíonn oiliúint do ghairmigh sláinte mar eochair-réimsí gníomhaíochta. Chomh maith leis sin táimid i mbun Comhordaitheoir Réigiúnach Beathaithe Cíche a cheapadh le beathú cíche a chur chun cinn anseo. c) Tá dhá sprioc againn do na rátaí beathaithe cíche:
d) Tugann réamhthorthaí ón Suirbhé um Beathú Naíonán 2000 le tuiscint go bhfuil an chéad sprioc bainte amach. Idir 1995 agus 2000 bhí méadú suntasach ar bheathú cíche anseo, mhéadaigh na rátaí ó 45% i 1995 go dtí 54% i 2000. Ní bheidh fáil ar shonraí le monatóireacht a dhéanamh ar an dul chun cinn i dtreo an dara sprioc go dtí luath san athbhliain nuair a fhoilseofar torthaí iomlána an tsuirbhé. Budget Increases Mr Sammy Wilson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the increases in the budget for her department in each of the last two years and (b) the increase requested for the next financial year. (AQO 395/01) Ms de Brún: I inherited a baseline for the 2000-01 financial year of £2,031 million. As a result of allocations in successive Monitoring rounds, through the Agenda for Government, and from the Chancellor’s March 2000 Budget, my Department’s baseline eventually totalled £2,157 million. The initial baseline for the current financial year was set, on the new resource basis, at £2,294 million. As a result of the June and September Monitoring decisions and allocations from the Executive Programme Funds, my Department has received an additional £61 million, bringing the 2001-02 baseline up to £2,355 million. My Department’s indicative baseline for 2002-03 was £2,456 million. The Draft Budget proposes to increase that to £2,487 million. An uplift of £31 million contrasts sharply, however, with the bid for an additional £128 million which I put forward for 2002-03. Tháinig bunlíne de £2,031 milliún anuas chugam don bhliain airgeadais 2000-01. Mar thoradh ar leithdháiltí i mbabhtaí Monatóireachta i ndiaidh a chéile, tríd an Chlár Oibre do Rialtas agus ó Bhuiséad an tSeansailéara i Márta 200, bhí bunlíne de £2,157 milliún san iomlán ag mo Roinnse faoi dheireadh. Socraíodh an bhunlíne thosaigh don bhliain airgeadais reatha ag £2,294 mhilliún. Mar thoradh ar chinní Monatóireachta i Meitheamh agus i nDeireadh Fómhair, fuair mo Roinnse £61 milliún breise, ag tabhairt bunlíne 2001-02 suas go dtí £2,355 mhilliún. Is £2,456 mhilliún a bhí i mbunlíne tháscach mo Roinnse do 2002-03. Molann an Dréachtbhuiséad é sin a mhéadú chuig £2,487 milliún. Tá ardú de £31 milliún i gcodarsnacht mhór, áfach, leis an tairiscint de £128 milliún breise a chuir mé féin chun cinn do 2002-03. Winter Pressures : Funding Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she has adequate funding to deal with winter pressures. (AQO 378/01) Ms de Brún: Demand for health and social services during winter is difficult to predict accurately, since it depends on a number of variables, including weather conditions and the prevalence of influenza and other illnesses in the general population. Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts have developed comprehensive plans for this winter on the basis of past experience. Significant additional financial provision has been made for this. At the start of the financial year, I allocated an additional £5 million for winter pressures and community care services. A further £5.8 million was allocated in August: this will help to strengthen community infrastructure and services, facilitate early discharge from hospital, help to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions and address winter pressures and waiting lists. Is doiligh an t-éileamh ar sheirbhísí sláinte agus sóisialacha i rith an gheimhridh a thuar go cruinn, mar go mbraitheann sé ar roinnt athróg, lena n-áirítear coinníollacha aimsire agus forleithneacht fliú agus breoiteachtaí eile sa daonra tríd is tríd. Tá pleananna cuimsitheacha forbartha ag Boird agus ag Iontaobhais Seirbhísí Sláinte agus Sóisialacha don gheimhreadh seo ar bhonn taithí ón am a chuaigh thart. Rinneadh soláthar suntasach breise airgeadais dó seo. Ag tús na bliana airgeadais, leithdháil mé £5 mhilliún breise do bhrú an gheimhridh agus do sheirbhísí Cúraim Phobail. Leithdháileadh £5·8 milliún breise i Lúnasa: cuideoidh sé sin le hinfrastruchtúr agus seirbhísí pobail a neartú, éascóidh sé scaoileadh luath ón ospidéal agus cuideoidh le ligean isteach neamhriachtanach chuig ospidéil a sheachaint agus tabharfar aghaidh ar bhrú an gheimhridh agus ar liostaí feithimh. Travel Expenses for Board Members Mr Billy Bell asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 410/01, what action she proposes to take over the non availability of travelling expenses claims for board members in respect of those bodies within her responsibility. (AQO 397/01) Ms de Brún: HPSS Boards, Trusts and Agencies and Non Departmental Public Bodies provide information on board members remuneration in a note to their accounts. The information disclosed is in accordance with the requirements of the Companies (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 . The disclosure requirements of the Companies ( Northern Ireland) Order 1986 with regard to directors remuneration do not extend to travel and subsistence expenses and therefore HSS bodies and Non Departmental Public Bodies are not required to disclose the travel and expenses of board members separately. We will consult with HPSS Bodies and Non Departmental Public Bodies on the current system for recording this information and will address the potential for establishing a system to record and disclose this information separately for 2002/03. The Department will consider the potential for maintaining separate records in respect of this information. Soláthraíonn Boird, Iontaobhais agus Gníomhaireachtaí SSSP agus Comhlachtaí Poiblí Neamhrannacha eolas ar luach saothair chomhaltaí bord i nóta lena gcuntais. Nochtar t-eolas faoi réir fhorálacha Ordú na gCuideachtaí (Tuaisceart Éireann) 1986. Ní chumhdaíonn forálacha nochta Ordú na gCuideachtaí (Tuaisceart Éireann) 1986 maidir le luach saothair stiúrthóirí costais taistil agus cothabhála, agus dá bhrí sin níl sé riachtanach ag comhlachtaí SSS agus ag Comhlachtaí Poiblí Neamhrannacha costais taistil chomhaltaí bord a nochtadh ar leithligh. Rachaimid i gcomhar le Comhlachtaí SSSP agus le Comhlachtaí Poiblí Neamhrannacha ar an chóras reatha le taifead a choinneáil ar an eolas seo agus tabharfaimid aghaidh ar an fhéidearthacht córas a bhunú le taifead a dhéanamh ar an eolas sin, agus an t-eolas sin a nochtadh, ar leithligh do 2003-03. Breithneoidh an Roinn an fhéidearthacht le taifid ar leithligh a choinneáil maidir leis an eolas seo. TOPAir Services : Belfast International Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail what discussions have taken place with Belfast International Airport regarding the provision of alternative services following the decision by British Airways to withdraw its Belfast International/London Heathrow services. (AQW 479/01) The Minister for Regional Development (Mr Robinson): Responsibility for air services is a ‘reserved’ matter, however, my officials have been in close touch with the management of Belfast International Airport and are closely monitoring developments. My predecessor, Gregory Campbell wrote to the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions to urge that he intervenes and uses his influence to encourage British Airways to review its decision, or, at least, to secure the existing Heathrow slots for an alternative Northern Ireland service. I understand that the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions is constrained in the actions that it can take over slot allocations at Heathrow. However, I have since written further to the Secretary of State to ask him to consider how he might assist in the acquisition of slots at Gatwick for services to Northern Ireland. Road Services Expenditure Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail Roads Service expenditure on (i) roads maintenance; (ii) minor work schemes; and (iii) salaries for the Ards Borough Council area in each of the last 5 years. (AQW 580/01) Mr Robinson: The table below shows the expenditure incurred by my Department’s Roads Service in the Ards Borough Council area on road maintenance and minor road works in each of the last 5 years: EXPENDITURE ON ROADS (ACTUAL CASH PRICES)
Whilst the salaries of Roads Service staff in the Ards Section Office would be wholly attributed to the Ards Borough Council area, there are a large number of other staff (for example, those involved in client, consultant and industrial activities) who provide services in a number of Council areas. It would be very difficult and time consuming to apportion their salaries across Council areas. In the circumstances, the information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. Road Improvement : Jordanstown/Monkstown Junction Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will undertake to improve the Jordanstown/Monkstown Road junction; and to make a statement. (AQW 582/01) Mr Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service has carried out a number of surveys of vehicular and pedestrian movements at the Jordanstown Road/Monkstown Road junction. Following an analysis of the surveys, preliminary design for a scheme to provide traffic signals, incorporating full pedestrian facilities, at this location has been prepared. The scheme will be included in a list with other potential schemes to be considered for possible inclusion in the Roads Service 2002/2003 programme of works. As the funds for the roads programme are limited, the scheme will have to compete for priority against other worthwhile proposed schemes. Road Adoption : Strabane Estates Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Minister for Regional Development to list those roads within Strabane Estates that have yet to be adopted. (AQW 623/01) Mr Robinson: There are currently about one hundred private streets in housing developments within the Strabane District Council area that have been determined through the planning process but have not yet been adopted by my Department. A list of those streets, all at various pre-adoption stages and some of which have been partially adopted, has been placed in the Assembly Library. Free Transport for Senior Citizens Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister for Regional Development why senior citizens utilising free transport are not being given return tickets on request. (AQW 639/01) Mr Robinson: Return tickets are vulnerable to loss, may never be used for the return journey or could be open to misuse by someone other than the concession holder. The Department for Regional Development pays for free travel by senior citizens on the basis of journeys actually incurred by them. The Department must ensure that public money is used wisely and, therefore, requires that tickets for free travel are issued on a single fare basis only. Journey Times : A29 Through Moy Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail journey times on the A29 through Moy, in comparison with other towns and villages on this route. (AQW 646/01) Mr Robinson: The most recent information my Department’s Roads Service has about journey times on the A29 was compiled in 1998. The information, which relates to Moneymore, Cookstown, Dungannon and Moy, is detailed in the table below: A29 JOURNEY TIMES
The surveys were carried out in May and June during the morning peak between 7:30 – 9:30. TOP Invalid Care Allowance Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister for Social Development to detail (a) the number of people claiming Invalid Care Allowance in each constituency and (b) any plans to review benefits available to carers. (AQW 665/01) The Minister for Social Development (Mr Dodds): (a) The total number of Invalid Care Allowance recipients by constituency in Northern Ireland is as set out in the table below.
* A number of records have missing or incomplete postcodes and therefore cannot be allocated to a geographical area. (b) Last Autumn a package of measures to enhance social security provision for carers was announced. Two of these measures were implemented in April this year. The Invalid Care Allowance earnings limit was increased to £72 per week and the Carer Premium paid with income-related benefits was increased to £24.40 per week. Further measures to extend entitlement to Invalid Care Allowance for up to 8 weeks after the death of the severely disabled person and to allow carers over the age of 65 to claim the allowance will be introduced as soon as the legislative timetable permits. Community Care Grant Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister for Social Development, in respect of the Social Fund Community Care Grant, to detail (a) the number of applications for the Grant, (b) the number of successful applications, (c) the appeal process to be followed in respect of unsuccessful applications and (d) the current budget allocation for this grant. (AQW 666/01) Mr Dodds: In the current financial year: (a) 33,050 Community Care Grant applications have been received; (b) 20,605 were successful; (c) customers who are unhappy with a decision should in the first instance contact their local Social Security Office for a review, within 28 days of the date on their decision letter. If necessary, customers can request a further review by the Social Fund Inspector, who is independent of the Social Security Agency; (d) the Community Care Grant budget for 2001/2002 is £10,260,000. Minimum Income Guarantee Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister for Social Development to give his assessment of the expected impact of the Minimum Income Guarantee on unemployment figures in South Antrim. (AQW 670/01) Mr Dodds: The Minimum Income Guarantee will have no impact on unemployment figures as this benefit is intended for people over 60. Unemployment figures reported are based on the number of people under 60 who receive Jobseekers Allowance. Game Licences Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail (a) the number of game licences that have been sold in each of the last three years and (b) the amount of revenue that has been received in each of the last three years. (AQW 687/01) Mr Dodds: According to statistics supplied by the Post Office, the number of game licences sold and the revenue received during each of the last 3 years are as follows:
Motability Task Force Report Mr Mervyn Carrick asked the Minister for Social Development when he expects the final report of the joint DSD Motability Task Force to be published; and to make a statement. (AQW 764/01) Mr Dodds: The Final Report of the Task Force is published today, and I will place copies in the Library. The report makes a number of recommendations to help reduce the level of fraud and abuse in the scheme, these include:
Although the Task Force completes its terms of reference with the production of this report, officials in my Department will continue to work closely with Motability and the other agencies involved to ensure that the recommendations are implemented. TOPAddressing Graffiti in Parliament Buildings Mr David Hilditch asked the Assembly Commission when will the letters 'IRA' be removed from one of the lifts on the east wing of Parliament Buildings. (AQW 592/01) The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Rev Robert Coulter): The Assembly Commission only became aware of this particular problem on receipt of your written question and asked the Office of the Keeper to inspect all of the lifts in Parliament Buildings. This investigation revealed two instances of graffiti, the one in the lift on the East wing of the building which you identified and a second in the lift on the South side of the building. The Office of the Keeper has been advised that the vandalised panels will need to be rubbed down, lightly abraded and restained and that the work has already been commissioned. A weekly inspection of the lifts has now been introduced which will at least provide early identification of any further acts of vandalism. Environmentally Friendly Policy Mr Derek Hussey asked the Assembly Commission to detail progress on the implementation of a 'green policy' in relation to the re-use and recycling of materials used in Parliament Buildings. (AQW 647/01) The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Mrs Eileen Bell): The Assembly Commission is committed to the implementation of environmentally friendly policies. To date, the Commission, through the Office of the Keeper, has implemented the following actions:
The Assembly Commission is also in the process of exploring the potential, where possible, for the recycling of food organic waste for compost usage within the Stormont Estate and the sourcing from suppliers of recycled materials such as paper. A programme of awareness raising & training within the Assembly on this important issue is ongoing and will remain a priority for the future. TOP |
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