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Friday 7 December 2001 Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister Interdepartmental Working Group : Flags, Emblems and Graffiti Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to outline the progress the Executive has made on establishing an Interdepartmental Working Group to address the removal of paramilitary flags, emblems and graffiti from public property. (AQW 671/01) The First Minister and Deputy First Minister (Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan): We have not taken a decision on whether to establish such a group. In the draft Programme for Government, we have made clear our commitment to support local communities in dealing with matters of dispute and division, including the proliferation of sectarian graffiti, unauthorised flag flying, the erection of memorials and other issues that can lead to community tensions. We will bring forward proposals to address these issues as part of our cross-departmental strategy and framework for the promotion of community relations and to ensure an effective and co-ordinated response to sectarian and racial intimidation. TOPAgriculture and Rural Development Disposal of Building and Land Assets Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail any building or land assets that she intends to dispose of in counties Fermanagh, Tyrone and Londonderry. (AQW 826/01) The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): My Department intends to dispose of the following land:-
Buildings/Land Assets : Fermanagh, Tyrone, Londonderry Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the building and land assets that belong to her department within the counties of Fermanagh, Tyrone and Londonderry. (AQW 827/01) Ms Rodgers: The following list details the building or land assets owned by the Department within Counties Fermanagh, Tyrone and Londonderry:-
Building and Land Assets Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline (a) the methodology she follows to dispose of land and/or building assets and (b) if this includes competitive tendering or preferred bidders. (AQW 828/01) Ms Rodgers: [a] My Department follows the methodology for the disposal of publicly owned land and buildings as set out in the document "Disposal of Surplus Land and Buildings by Public Sector Bodies" issued by the Central Advisory Unit of the Valuation and Lands Agency, [b] The Department disposes of land and / or building assets by means of a competitive process which may take the form of public auction or open market tenders. Building and Land Assets Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline what land and building assets have been disposed of by her department since 1996. (AQW 829/01) Ms Rodgers: Information in the form requested for the 1996/1997 financial year is not readily available and could only be compiled at disproportionate cost. However, for the 1997-2001 period, the Department sold the following:-
Sheep Annual Premium Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to make a statement on the Director of Public Prosecutions directive that prosecutions should not proceed in respect of false claims for the Sheep Annual Premium scheme. (AQW 870/01) Ms Rodgers: Following the investigation of the shortfalls of sheep identified after the Foot and Mouth culls, 12 cases were referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions with a view to prosecution. Seven of these had been accepted by the DPP and dates had been set for hearings when the loss of an unrelated appeal case caused the DPP to review the evidence and the legislation. He decided that he would be unable to secure a conviction due to limitations within the legislation and therefore he directed that the prosecutions should not proceed. However, some of the farmers may still remain liable to legal action because they did not present their flock records when requested. The limitation identified is that the Regulations provide for an offence only where false or misleading information is furnished by the claimant, and this effectively means at the time of the submission of a claim. Consequently, where a shortfall of sheep occurs after the claim has been submitted, it would be necessary to prove that the claimant did not intend, at the time he claimed, to keep the specified number of sheep. An amending regulation came into operation on Tuesday 4 December when the 2002 scheme opened for applications. The amendment has created an additional offence where a farmer does not notify the Department of material changes to the particulars of his or her claim. Claimants are already required to do this under the Scheme rules and are subject to penalties if they do not. The new regulations will, in addition, make them liable to prosecution. Forest Service Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development whether she could confirm that the Forest Service achieved its target of 'paying visitors' for the 2000/01 season. (AQW 900/01) Ms Rodgers: As published in the Forest Service’s Annual Report and Accounts for 2000/01, the number of paying visitors achieved was 400,507, against a target of 440,000. The target was not achieved. Forest Service Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what assessment she has made in relation to the Forest Service's marketing strategy to promote forest recreation. (AQW 901/01) Ms Rodgers: The Forest Service markets forests mainly as a venue for those who wish to enjoy a sense of seclusion and quietness. I have been personally involved with two new developments – the Peace Maze at Castlewellan and the Millennium Wood in Favour Royal. Other marketing of forest recreation is carried out by means of local initiatives and targeted advertising. I am satisfied that local users of forests are well aware of the facilities on offer. The Forest Service is also building relationships with other bodies such as the Tourist Board to see what more can be done to promote forests as a venue. My assessment is that current practices are both appropriate and cost-effective, and that the Forest Service is taking steps to ensure that its marketing continues to be effective. TOPDe-Escalating Sectarianism in Sport Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what action will he take to de-escalate sectarian tensions following the actions of some supporters whereby they failed to recognise the one minute silence at the Linfield/Cliftonville football match on 10 November 2001. (AQW 798/01) The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): I regard sectarianism both as a problem for society and symptomatic of wider problems facing soccer. Action is being considered as part of the development of a soccer strategy and recommendations for dealing with sectarianism in soccer are contained in Part 10 of the Consultative Document ‘Creating a Soccer Strategy for Northern Ireland’. My Department hopes to have the Soccer Strategy published early in 2002. In addition it is already a condition of grant under the Safe Sports Grounds Scheme, administered by the Sports Council, that successful applicants will be required to formulate an Equity Statement for inclusion in the organisation’s Constitution highlighting practical measures of how family, disability and sectarianism issues will be addressed. You should also note that the IFA, the body responsible for football, is fully committed to an anti-sectarianism policy through its ‘Football for All’ Campaign which is supported by the Sports Council. Measures include:
Dromintee Primary School, Killeavy Mr Conor Murphy asked the Minister of Education to outline any progress for the proposed capital works scheme at Dromintee Primary School, Killeavy. (AQW 793/01) The Minister of Education (Mr McGuinness): An Economic Appraisal which addresses options for meeting Dromintee’s capital needs is nearing completion. The school’s Board of Governors is currently seeking an alternative site for the school and hopes to finalise this exercise shortly. The economic appraisal will then be completed which will clear the way for initial planning of the scheme to commence. Ulster-Scots Ethos Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail any progress by CCEA and the Education and Library Boards to produce materials which will enable teachers to reflect the Ulster-Scots ethos in the classroom. (AQW 805/01) Mr McGuinness: Responsibility for the promotion of Ulster-Scots lies with the Ulster-Scots Agency, set up as part of the North/South Language Implementation Body. I understand that proposals in the Agency’s Corporate Plan include the development of resources for use in the classroom and that discussions with CCEA are being arranged. Cost of Vandalism Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) the approximate cost of damage repair to school facilities following acts of vandalism over the past year and (b) any action he is taking to eradicate the problem of vandalism, notably at Glengormley High School and Templepatrick Primary in the South Antrim constituency. (AQW 825/01) Mr McGuinness: The approximate cost of repairs in the 2000/2001 financial year is estimated at £1 million of which approximately £870,000 was spent by Education and Library Boards on repairing damage in controlled and maintained schools. Action to prevent vandalism includes the installation of fencing, security lighting, window grills, burglar alarms, CCTV systems and door entry systems. At Glengormley High School the North-Eastern Board has installed CCTV, intruder alarms, security lighting and anti-climb measures and is planning to erect additional fencing. The Board has indicated that it is not aware of any major problems with vandalism at Templepatrick Primary School. Protecting the Identity of Children Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Education to give his assessment of the need to protect the identity of children connecting to the internet through school computer systems and what guidance he has issued on this matter. (AQW 832/01) Mr McGuinness: I fully recognise the importance of protecting the identity of children connecting to the Internet through school computer systems. The advice issued to schools includes:
'Citizenship' as a Curriculum Subject Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Education what preparations remain to be completed in respect of the introduction of 'citizenship' as a curriculum subject. (AQW 850/01) Mr McGuinness: It is intended to phase citizenship into the curriculum for pupils in post-primary schools as soon as possible, with the current pilot being extended to a number of other schools (on a voluntary basis) from September 2002. Course content is currently being developed, and a major inservice programme for teachers is in planning. Making Education More Attractive Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the steps he is taking to make education more attractive for school age members of the Unionist tradition in areas of multiple deprivation; and to make a statement. (AQW 897/01) Mr McGuinness: I fully recognise the need to make education attractive to young people, as this is key to improving attendance, motivation and results. I am aware of the concerns of principals about the appropriateness of the curriculum for some young people. In response my Department has co-funded a study of young people’s views on their post-primary education, and introduced a pilot scheme to provide more flexibility for schools to offer work-related courses in Key Stage 4. CCEA are conducting a full review of the curriculum, and have already revised some programmes of study to make them more practical and relevant. All of these measures relate to all schools and all pupils. In addition, my Department’s New TSN Action Plan is specifically aimed at tackling disaffection and social exclusion so that all young people can take full advantage of the educational opportunities on offer, and the School Support Programme, and specifically the Group One Schools initiative, are aimed at improving the quality of education in the most disadvantaged areas and where pupil achievement and motivation are lowest. These initiatives are focused where need is greatest and benefit both communities. TOPAccess to Higher Education Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline the criteria used by his department to measure the level of success in widening access to higher education. (AQW 779/01) The Minister for Employment and Learning (Dr Farren): My Department will measure the level of success in widening access to higher education by monitoring the impact of policies on the student profile. I have required the universities to produce three year Strategies and Action Plans which detail activities, targets and performance indicators associated with widening access. My Department will monitor progress towards the achievement of these targets, and, in particular, will complete an evaluation to measure the effectiveness of the additional support made available as a result of my recent review into student finance to assist with widening access. Ulster-Scots Cultural Ethos Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of courses funded in the last three years which reflect the Ulster-Scots cultural ethos. (AQW 803/01) Dr Farren: The Department for Employment and Learning does not fund individual courses but allocates funding to Higher and Further Education institutions which are responsible for the delivery of teaching and learning in Northern Ireland. As autonomous bodies, the institutions are responsible for their own policies, procedures and practices, which includes course provision. New Deal Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what is the impact of New Deal for the long-term unemployed in West Tyrone. (AQW 810/01) Dr Farren: Since the introduction of New Deal in April 1998, unemployment in the target groups for the New Deal for 18-24 year olds and New Deal for over 25 in West Tyrone has fallen by 55% and 53% respectively. In the same period total unemployment in West Tyrone fell by 30%. Post Graduate Certificate in Education Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if it is possible for students to obtain funding from local education authorities to complete a post graduate certificate in education in the Republic of Ireland. (AQW 837/01) Dr Farren: Students undertaking post graduate certificate in education courses at publicly funded institutions in the Republic of Ireland are eligible for support in respect of tuition fees, loans and supplementary grants from the Education and Library Boards in accordance with the Education (Student Support) Regulations (Northern Ireland). Quality of Teaching Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what assessment has he made of the quality of teaching in further education. (AQW 844/01) Dr Farren: The Education and Training Inspectorate reports regularly to me on the quality of teaching and learning in further education colleges. The reports indicate a quality of provision which is at least satisfactory, and often good or better. Adult Basic Education Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what progress is being made in raising levels of adult literacy. (AQW 858/01) Dr Farren: The Further Education funding formula provides additional weightings for Adult Basic Education. The Department has also introduced, through the Basic Skills Unit, Community and Workplace Innovation Funds which support innovative projects attracting new adult learners. In addition, my Department will publish shortly a consultation document containing a framework for improving the levels of adult literacy. University of Ulster : Temporary Contracts Mr Seán Neeson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning how many teaching staff at the University of Ulster are on temporary contracts. (AQO 461/01) Dr Farren: The University of Ulster, in common with all other UK universities, is an autonomous body entirely responsible for its own policies and procedures, including staff contractual matters. I am advised that, while the numbers of temporary contract teaching staff employed by the University fluctuates during the course of the academic year according to need, the number of such staff currently in post is 94. Taskforce for Employability and Long-Term Unemployment Mr David Ford asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to make a statement on the Taskforce for Employability and Long Term Unemployment. (AQO 464/01) Dr Farren: The Taskforce, which has met on six occasions, has circulated 2100 discussion documents. Sixty-five written responses have been returned. We have completed a series of thirty engagement meetings with a wide range of organisations as well as bi-laterals with Government Departments. The Taskforce is now considering the information gathered with a view to preparing an Action Plan by 31 March 2002. Individual Learning Accounts Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline the timescale for a review of the Individual Learning Accounts initiative and when does he expect to bring forward revised proposals. (AQO 483/01) Dr Farren: I will review the operation of the scheme and announce replacement arrangements as quickly as possible. Since my announcement of the review on 26 October, there has been a most serious development. On Friday 23 November, due to police investigations in England into serious allegations of fraud and theft concerning Individual Learning Accounts, the ILA Centre system, which administers the programme for England and Scotland as well as Northern Ireland, was shut down. This was essential to protect both the interests of individual ILA holders in Northern Ireland and public funds. The police investigations are continuing, and the system remains unavailable. In these circumstances it would be impossible to put in place essential additional safeguards before the 7 December closing date for new course bookings. I have therefore, regrettably, concluded that the ILA scheme for Northern Ireland in its present form is now effectively closed a few days ahead of the earlier announced end date. My Department will be writing immediately to all ILA holders and education and training providers affected by this development. All ILA holders who had valid course bookings made on the ILA Centre system before it was shut down will have that commitment honoured and will receive the appropriate ILA support. Anyone who had been contemplating using their ILA to enrol on a course before 7 December should call the learndirect free phone help-line for advice not only on courses, but also on what support may be available. While there have been difficulties with the programme, it has been successful in attracting many new learners. My review will build on that success while addressing the practical issues that have arisen in its present operation. Part-Time Workers Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if he has any plans to encourage the extension of the scope of the regulations in respect of part-time work to cover those part-time workers not included in the framework agreement on part-time work. (AQO 477/01) Dr Farren: The Part-Time Regulations were designed to give full effect to the EU Directive covering the Framework Agreement, and I have no plans to encourage the extension of the scope of the Regulations beyond this. European Programme for Building Sustainable Prosperity Mr Eamonn ONeill asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what groups are eligible for funding under the European Programme for Building Sustainable Prosperity. (AQO 458/01) Dr Farren: A wide range of organisations may apply for funding under Priority 2 of the Northern Ireland Programme for Building Sustainable Prosperity including voluntary, community and other educational and training organisations. Indeed the only exclusions under European Social Fund Regulations are individuals, sole traders, or organisations which are not legally constituted. TOPEnterprise, Trade and Investment Global Point Industrial Park Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what progress has been made by his agencies to attract tenants into the Global Point Industrial site at Newtownabbey. (AQW 804/01) The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): Global Point International Business Park has been included in the visit programmes of a number of potential investors from the telecommunications, engineering, electronics and food manufacturing sectors. The Park has also been the subject of recent interest by a number of property consultants. The proposed provision of a 40000 sq ft speculative build light industrial unit and an office style campus will enhance the attractiveness of Global Point as a prestigious high quality business location. Electricity Prices Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what steps he is taking to ensure electricity prices in Northern Ireland fall to a level comparable with other parts of the UK. (AQW 812/01) Sir Reg Empey: Action taken, or underway, to reduce the higher electricity prices in Northern Ireland includes: the opening up of 35% of the electricity market to competition, two years ahead of EU requirements; the consideration by my Department of responses to the consultation paper recently published by the Regulator on proposals for moving to a fully competitive electricity market with accompanying industry structure reforms; the proposed commissioning of the electricity interconnector with Scotland in January 2002, thereby providing a new source of competitively priced electricity; the Regulator’s continuing discussions with the generators on reducing generation costs; the Regulator’s ongoing review of NIE’s transmission & distribution price controls (revised controls to be introduced from April 2002); the allocation of the £60 million Government support package for electricity consumers; the accelerated roll-out of the natural gas programme in the Greater Belfast licence area; the agreement by the Executive on grant support for the construction of gas transmission pipelines from Gormanstown to Antrim and from Antrim to the North West of Northern Ireland; the promotion by my Department of the most cost effective and environmentally friendly combined heat and power technology and the continuing campaign to promote greater energy efficiency. In addition, I hope to publish an initial consultation paper on a new energy strategy for Northern Ireland and accompanying proposals requiring legislation to give effect to that strategy, in the near future. The achievement of significant electricity price reductions will be a main focus of those proposals. Finally, the planned progressive development of an all-island energy market will further increase choice and encourage downward pressure on electricity prices in both jurisdictions. Job Loses : East Antrim Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, pursuant to AQW 632/01, what plans he has to redress the 1218 jobs loss in the East Antrim area. (AQW 819/01) Sir Reg Empey: LEDU has been working with other Government agencies, LEDCOM and other bodies in liaison with employers to provide support and advice to employees who are to be made redundant. It will also continue to work with its enterprise partners to develop programmes and initiatives aimed at the development of export markets and job creation. IDB’s Trade International and Business Excellence Service offer a range of programmes and initiatives aimed at helping IDB and LEDU client companies increase their competitive advantage. Many companies are participating on these including several who operate in the East Antrim area. In addition IDB maintains contact with Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus and Larne Borough Councils to understand their priorities for economic development and to work with the CORE group of councils, of which they are part, to market the region to potential investors. Performance Standards : NIE Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, pursuant to AQW 631/01, if he has any plans to review the level of compensation to non-domestic customers; and to make a statement. (AQW 822/01) Sir Reg Empey: The performance standards which NIE is currently required to achieve in relation to repairs to the electricity network and the payments which it is required to make to customers for breaches of those standards are prescribed in Regulations made by the Regulator with the consent of the Department. The latest changes to the performance standards and payment levels were introduced, via the Electricity (Standards of Performance) (Amendment No 3) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 (Statutory Rule 1999 No 366), in October 1999. This followed a review by the Regulator of the earlier requirements which included a public consultation exercise. The current standards and payment levels for both domestic and non-domestic customers are constantly monitored by the Regulator, and there are no plans for a further review at this time. Investment in Larne Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (a) the level of investment and number of jobs created in Larne over the last three years by (i) IDB and (ii) LEDU and (b) the steps he will be taking to improve the current situation. (AQW 841/01) Sir Reg Empey: (a) (i) In the past 3 years IDB has offered some £4 million to projects which are investing almost £13 million in the Larne Borough Council area. These projects involved the promotion of 271 news jobs and the safeguarding of a further 62 jobs. (ii) Over the past 3 years LEDU has provided some £840,000 towards projects creating 130 jobs in the Larne Borough Council area. (b) IDB continues to work with companies to encourage them to become more internationally competitive. Several companies have been involved in Trade International and Business Excellence programmes and initiatives which are aimed at increasing their competitive advantage. In addition IDB maintains contact with Larne Borough Council to understand its priorities for economic development and with the CORE group of councils, of which Larne is part, to market the region to potential investors. LEDU works closely with LEDCOM and Larne Council and has been involved in a number of joint economic initiatives. Further joint projects are currently being discussed. Unemployment Figures : Larne Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (a) the unemployment figures for Larne over the last three years and (b) how he proposes to address this situation. (AQW 842/01) Sir Reg Empey: Unemployment statistics at District Council level are only available from the claimant count. Details of claimant count unemployment in Larne Borough Council and a comparison with Northern Ireland as a whole can be found in Table 1. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment continues to work, through IDB and LEDU, with companies in Larne to ensure they are able to compete in the global marketplace. IDB has six client companies in the Borough employing almost 1,800 people. Several companies have been involved in Trade International and Business Excellence programmes and initiatives which are aimed at increasing their competitive advantage. In addition IDB maintains contact with Larne Borough Council in order to understand its priorities for economic development and with the CORE group of councils, of which Larne is part, to market the region to potential investors. LEDU works closely with the LEDCOM enterprise agency and Larne Council and has been involved in a number of joint economic initiatives. Further joint projects are currently being discussed. Table 1 Number and rate of claimant count unemployed in Larne Borough Council and Northern Ireland.
TeleTech Call Centre Dr Esmond Birnie asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the percentage of employees in the TeleTech Call Centre who are residents of the Belfast BT15 area. (AQW 853/01) Sir Reg Empey: TeleTech has invested over £11m in a customer interaction centre at Northgate, North Belfast that will employ approximately 950 people by 2004. At present the company employs 130 people at the centre, with 8 employees (6%) resident in the BT15 area. The company employs a total of 26 people (21%) resident in any of the north Belfast and adjacent Newtownabbey postcode areas. TeleTech is very keen to employ as many people from the immediate locality as possible in the centre and is conscious of its role in the community. However as the project is still in its start-up phase the company’s immediate requirement is for persons with previous experience in call centre/customer service work. Unemployment Statistics : Coleraine Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the unemployment figures for Coleraine over the last three years and what assessment he has made in respect of these figures. (AQW 905/01) Sir Reg Empey: Unemployment statistics at District Council level are only available from the claimant count. Details of claimant count unemployment in Coleraine District Council and a comparison with Northern Ireland as a whole can be found in Table 1. The unemployment figure for Coleraine, whilst higher than for Northern Ireland as a whole, has fallen at a similar rate. My Department, through IDB and LEDU, and, when it is established, the new economic development agency Invest Northern Ireland, will continue to work with companies and with the District Council and local enterprise agencies to promote further economic activity and employment in the area. Table 1 Number and rate of claimant count unemployed in Coleraine District Council and Northern Ireland.
Invest Northern Ireland Mr Joe Byrne asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what implications will the new Single Economic Development Agency, Invest Northern Ireland, have for the regional LEDU offices. (AQO 452/01) Sir Reg Empey: When Invest Northern Ireland is established on 1 April 2002, it is likely that it will adopt the existing LEDU regional office network. Subsequent decisions on the location and responsibilities of INI regional offices will be guided by operational needs and will seek to maximise the effective and efficient operation of INI. Investment Projects Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what steps he has taken to ensure that job announcements translate into actual jobs. (AQO 478/01) Sir Reg Empey: Implementation of investment projects and the provision of associated jobs is the responsibility of the companies involved. When the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment offers financial assistance towards such projects, payments under the offers are dependent upon the companies fulfilling agreed conditions, including those related to satisfactory employment performance. TOPDesignation of Small Streams : Newtownabbey Area Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment what plans he has to designate small streams in the Newtownabbey area, which are threatened by building developments, in order to protect their unique environmental contribution and eco-systems. (AQW 769/01) The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): None of the small streams in the Newtownabbey area have been identified as requiring national or international designation for nature conservation purposes. Nevertheless, these streams are currently afforded the same degree of protection as all waterways throughout Northern Ireland through the planning process and through the regulation of discharges that may impact on water quality. My Department may, however, identify sections of some of these river corridors as Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance or Local Landscape Policy Areas in the proposed Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (BMAP). A BMAP Issues Paper will be published on 7 December 2001. Public meetings will be held following its publication, providing an opportunity for Newtownabbey Borough Council, Environmental and Amenity Groups and members of the public to suggest those rivers and streams which should be protected because of their nature conservation value and landscape importance. Where such sites are identified, the BMAP will set out specific planning policies which will apply to development proposals on these sites. Protection of Larne Lough Coastline Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment what plans he has to protect further Larne Lough and surrounding coastline from insensitive developments and ongoing pollution. (AQW 770/01) Mr Foster: The coastline around Larne Lough was designated as a Countryside Policy Area (CPA) in the Larne Area Plan 2010. The strategic objectives of a CPA are to protect areas of countryside under pressure from development; to protect the visual amenity of areas of landscape quality; and to maintain the rural character of the countryside. In recognition of the importance of this area, my Department also designated Larne Lough and Swan Island as Special Protection Areas under the EC Birds Directive. This Directive requires member states to take special measures to conserve the habitats of certain rare and migratory bird species. My Department has also designated Larne Lough as a Ramsar Site under the Ramsar Convention on the Conservation of Wetlands of International Importance. I am advised that the Department for Regional Development’s Water Service has a number of sewage systems which discharge into Larne Lough and the coastal side of the Islandmagee Peninsula. The level of treatment at each discharge point varies. There are 5 main outfalls, which discharge into Larne Lough (ie Glynn, Magheramorne, Ballycarry, Ballystrudder and Millbay). It is intended to divert the wastewater from Glynn and Magheramorne to the proposed new Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTWs) at Larne. The new Works is currently programmed to commence on site in June 2002 and will take 2 years to complete. The cost involved is £10 million. At the Coastal Side of Islandmagee Peninsula there are 4 main outfalls which discharge into coastal waters to the East of the Islandmagee Peninsula (ie Ferris Bay, Browns Bay, Mullaghbuoy and Whitehead). The total cost of upgrading wastewater treatment facilities in Islandmagee is £2.8 million. Work will be carried out on a phased basis starting in 2002. You may be interested to know that work has commenced on the preparation of an Area Plan covering the Antrim, Ballymena and Larne Districts. This will afford the opportunity to further consider issues concerned with the potential of Larne Lough and its surroundings. Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment if he has any plans to designate parts of Jordanstown as an area of townscape character, as previously identified by Newtownabbey Borough Council.[R] (AQW 771/01) Mr Foster: My Department is presently working on the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan BMAP, which will examine amongst other things, the issue of Built Heritage Protection. The Team preparing the Plan has already received a large number
of letters requesting the introduction of Planning Policies to protect the townscape
character of the Jordanstown area. The Draft BMAP is programmed to be published at the end of 2002. Any additional Areas of Townscape Character proposed for designation will be included in the Draft Plan. Following publication of the Draft Plan, 6 weeks will be allowed for the submission of objections. All unresolved objections submitted within the 6-week period will be considered at a Public Inquiry. Inclusion of Areas of Townscape Character in the BMAP will ensure that the areas designated enjoy full statutory protection. Ozone Depleting Substances Regulations Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment who will monitor the progress of local district councils towards achieving the targets set by Ozone Depleting Substances Regulations. (AQW 794/01) Mr Foster: EC Regulation 2037/2000 provides for new controls on ozone depleting substances and is directly applicable to all Member States. However, Member States have also to establish in national legislation penalties for non-compliance and provide relevant agencies with powers of enforcement. Article 16 of the Regulation deals with the recovery, recycling and reclamation and destruction of such substances. It does not set targets but requires that from 1 January 2002 such substances must be recovered for destruction using only approved technologies. District councils will be required to take account of the new requirement in carrying out their waste activities, particularly their current practices in relation to the collection and disposal of domestic fridges. It is expected that compliance with the EU requirement will be regulated through the waste management licensing system. Under proposed new Waste Management Licensing Regulations, currently in preparation, my Department will become the regulatory authority. Member States have also to establish enforcement procedures to deal with other aspects of the EC Regulation in relation to the importation, exportation, production, use and placing on the market of such substances. Importation is a reserved matter and will be enforced by HM Customs and Excise. Decisions have yet to be taken on the appropriate bodies and mechanisms to enforce the other aspects. It is therefore not possible to say at this stage the role which district councils might play. Ozone Depleting Substances Regulations Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail any financial assistance that local district councils will receive to assist with implementing the "Ozone Depleting Substances Regulations". (AQW 795/01)
Mr Foster: EC Regulation 2037/2000 provides for new controls on ozone depleting substances. Article 16 of the Regulation provides that with effect from 1 January 2002 the recovery, recycling and reclamation and destruction of such substances may be undertaken using only approved technologies. I know that a number of councils have concerns about how this requirement will affect their waste management activities, particularly their current practice in relation to the collection and disposal of domestic fridges. At the moment there are no facilities in the United Kingdom that are capable of removing such substances from the insulating foam of fridges. This means that district councils may be required to store such items for an indefinite period prior to disposal. Two councils have already written to my Department about the financial implications arising from the new requirement. My officials are looking urgently at the matter to gauge the extent of the additional costs. I will thereafter wish to consider what action might be appropriate. There are no additional resources currently earmarked for this purpose. Portstewart's Promenade Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of the Environment what action will be taken to preserve the unique character of Portstewart Promenade. (AQW 847/01) Mr Foster: The distinctive character of the Promenade derives more from a combination of the relationship of the street with the sea and the harbour and the orientation of the buildings on its eastern side, rather than any significant quality in the buildings. These are generally of limited quality, almost all having lost much of their detailing and character, especially during the 1960’s and 1970’s. As a result, the Promenade is not designated as a Conservation Area, nor does it have any listed buildings. The physical condition of some buildings is poor, and there is considerable obsolescence. Any residual character that remains in the terraces facing Portstewart Bay, is derived largely from the scale and rhythm created by individual buildings. In approving a number of planning applications for redevelopment of major buildings along the Promenade over recent years, my Department has sought to ensure that proposals for replacement buildings are consistent in terms of height, roofs and proportions, and successfully integrate with existing properties. While previous studies have concluded that the Promenade is unsuitable for Conservation Area protection, my Department will consider again what merit remains in the townscape of the Promenade under the forthcoming Northern Area Plan. Portstewart's Promenade Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of the Environment what assessment he has made in relation to the on going destruction of built fabric along Portstewart Promenade. (AQW 848/01) Mr Foster: The distinctive character of the Promenade derives more from a combination of the relationship of the street with the sea and the harbour and the orientation of the buildings on its eastern side, rather than any significant quality in the buildings. These are generally of limited quality, almost all having lost much of their detailing and character, especially during the 1960’s and 1970’s. As a result, the Promenade is not designated as a Conservation Area, nor does it have any listed buildings. The physical condition of some buildings is poor, and there is considerable obsolescence. Any residual character that remains in the terraces facing Portstewart Bay, is derived largely from the scale and rhythm created by individual buildings. In approving a number of planning applications for redevelopment of major buildings along the Promenade over recent years, my Department has sought to ensure that proposals for replacement buildings are consistent in terms of height, roofs and proportions, and successfully integrate with existing properties. While previous studies have concluded that the Promenade is unsuitable for Conservation Area protection, my Department will consider again what merit remains in the townscape of the Promenade under the forthcoming Northern Area Plan. Northern Area Plan Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of the Environment what progress has been made in the preparation of the Northern Area Plan. (AQW 851/01) Mr Foster: The preparation of the Northern Area Plan 2016 was announced in March of this year. Since that time work has been undertaken in relation to a number of key areas with the expectation that an "Issues Paper" will be published early in the new year, in line with the Development Plan Programme set out in the Planning Service’s 2001-02 Corporate and Business Plan. The work undertaken to date includes extensive consultation with statutory and other agencies. Retail surveys have also been conducted within Limavady, Coleraine, Ballymoney, Ballycastle, Portrush, Portstewart and Dungiven. My Department also held a series of meetings in August-October of this year with the Chief Executives and councillors of the four local councils - Limavady, Coleraine, Ballymoney and Moyle - to discuss the plan process, and to highlight issues that are of concern to councillors and the communities they represent. In relation to community consultation, my Department has contracted Community Technical Aid (CTA), an independent voluntary organisation, to carry out the Community and Public consultation for the "Issues Stage" of the plan. This process is undertaken in two parts. The first part of the process has been completed and involved establishing contact with 856 community, voluntary and sports groups in the Northern Plan area to advise them of the impending process, and to encourage them to become involved in the consultation process, and to offer their views on the new plan. Following this exercise a series of four community group briefing meetings were organised during October 2001, in Armoy, Garvagh, Limavady and Loughguile, to discuss matters to be addressed in the issues paper. CTA is to produce a report on this process, which is expected by mid December. The second part of the consultation will follow the publication of the Issues Paper early in the new year. CTA is also contracted to carry out consultation on the equality obligations under Section 75 of the N I Act 1998. Since the plan was announced earlier this year, Planning Service has received over 800 representations from the general public covering a wide range of subjects. These representations will form an important part of the consideration process. Northern Area Plan Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of the Environment to detail all public participation to date in the preparation of the Northern Area Plan issues paper. (AQW 852/01) Mr Foster: The preparation of the Northern Area Plan 2016 was announced in March of this year. Since that time work has been undertaken in relation to a number of key areas with the expectation that an "Issues Paper" will be published early in the new year, in line with the Development Plan Programme set out in the Planning Service’s 2001-02 Corporate and Business Plan. The work undertaken to date includes extensive consultation with statutory and other agencies. Retail surveys have also been conducted within Limavady, Coleraine, Ballymoney, Ballycastle, Portrush, Portstewart and Dungiven. My Department also held a series of meetings in August-October of this year with the Chief Executives and councillors of the four local councils - Limavady, Coleraine, Ballymoney and Moyle - to discuss the plan process, and to highlight issues that are of concern to councillors and the communities they represent. In relation to community consultation, my Department has contracted Community Technical Aid (CTA), an independent voluntary organisation, to carry out the Community and Public consultation for the "Issues Stage" of the plan. This process is undertaken in two parts. The first part of the process has been completed and involved establishing contact with 856 community, voluntary and sports groups in the Northern Plan area to advise them of the impending process, and to encourage them to become involved in the consultation process, and to offer their views on the new plan. Following this exercise a series of four community group briefing meetings were organised during October 2001, in Armoy, Garvagh, Limavady and Loughguile, to discuss matters to be addressed in the issues paper. CTA is to produce a report on this process, which is expected by mid December. The second part of the consultation will follow the publication of the Issues Paper early in the new year. CTA is also contracted to carry out consultation on the equality obligations under Section 75 of the N I Act 1998. Since the plan was announced earlier this year, Planning Service has received over 800 representations from the general public covering a wide range of subjects. These representations will form an important part of the consideration process. Recycling Measures Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of the Environment what action is being taken to increase and promote household recycling measures. (AQW 862/01) Mr Foster: My Department’s Waste Management Strategy sets demanding targets for the recycling of household waste by District Councils. The Waste Management Plans of District Councils will indicate how these targets will be met. Financial assistance is available from my Department towards preparing the Plans and further assistance will be provided for their implementation. The Plans will be subject to public consultation early in 2002 and, in order to promote an informed public debate, my Department is preparing public awareness and education campaigns, which will highlight, among other things, the need for recycling. At present, my Department is providing assistance, through European grant-aid, to a number of projects involving the recycling of household waste. The Belfast-based charity Bryson House is receiving £140,000 towards a kerbside-recycling scheme currently being trialled over 7,500 homes in the Ards, Belfast and Castlereagh council areas. Assistance is also being given to a company that collects and recycles plastic bottles and containers in a number of District Council areas. Two companies are receiving assistance in establishing materials recycling facilities, which will receive household waste, disposed of through skips. A key aim of our Waste Management Strategy is to shift waste management practices towards increased re-use, recycling and recovery for all waste streams, including household and industrial waste. Glass, paper and plastic products make up a significant proportion of these waste sources. Last August my Department published the findings of a Waste Arisings Survey for the year 1999 to 2000. The Survey found the household waste recovery rate (which includes composting) to be only 6.6%, equating to approx. 55,000 tonnes per annum. Of the materials collected paper/card accounted for 29% glass 9%, but the amount of plastics was negligible. The Survey produced a poor return rate from the industrial and commercial waste sectors and therefore reliable recycling data for paper, glass and plastic from these sources are unavailable. My Department is currently organising a further survey to obtain more reliable data. Recycling Measures Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of the Environment what assessment he has made in relation to (i) the actual, and (ii) the potential level of recycling of glass, paper and plastic products. (AQW 863/01) Mr Foster: My Department’s Waste Management Strategy sets demanding targets for the recycling of household waste by District Councils. The Waste Management Plans of District Councils will indicate how these targets will be met. Financial assistance is available from my Department towards preparing the Plans and further assistance will be provided for their implementation. The Plans will be subject to public consultation early in 2002 and, in order to promote an informed public debate, my Department is preparing public awareness and education campaigns, which will highlight, among other things, the need for recycling. At present, my Department is providing assistance, through European grant-aid, to a number of projects involving the recycling of household waste. The Belfast-based charity Bryson House is receiving £140,000 towards a kerbside-recycling scheme currently being trialled over 7,500 homes in the Ards, Belfast and Castlereagh council areas. Assistance is also being given to a company that collects and recycles plastic bottles and containers in a number of District Council areas. Two companies are receiving assistance in establishing materials recycling facilities, which will receive household waste, disposed of through skips. A key aim of our Waste Management Strategy is to shift waste management practices towards increased re-use, recycling and recovery for all waste streams, including household and industrial waste. Glass, paper and plastic products make up a significant proportion of these waste sources. Last August my Department published the findings of a Waste Arisings Survey for the year 1999 to 2000. The Survey found the household waste recovery rate (which includes composting) to be only 6.6%, equating to approx. 55,000 tonnes per annum. Of the materials collected paper/card accounted for 29% glass 9%, but the amount of plastics was negligible. The Survey produced a poor return rate from the industrial and commercial waste sectors and therefore reliable recycling data for paper, glass and plastic from these sources are unavailable. My Department is currently organising a further survey to obtain more reliable data. Nitrate Vulnerable Zones Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to AQW 667/01, to detail (a) the geographical area of the three Nitrate Vulnerable Zones in Northern Ireland, and (b) data from the groundwater and surface water monitoring network over the last 2 years. (AQW 879/01) Mr Foster: Two Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ), 11.5 km2 and 0.5 km2 respectively, are located between Comber and Newtownards, Co Down. A third NVZ, 3.8 km2, lies to the west of Cloughmills in Co Antrim. The NVZs are shown in Maps 1, 2 and 3, copies of which are available in the Assembly Library. Routine groundwater monitoring on a quarterly basis was established at a network of 78 points in 2000. Mean nitrate concentrations at these points are shown in Map 4. Surface freshwater monitoring for nitrate has been carried out at 262 river and lake sites since the early 1990s. Sampling frequency has varied over the years but is monthly at present. Some 49 of these sites are the most downstream freshwater sampling points for major river catchments and have been declared as 'the monitoring network' to the European Commission. Mean nitrate concentrations for the two-year period 1999/2000 for the 49 'major catchment' sites are shown in Map 5. Mean nitrate concentrations for 1999/2000 for all the surface water sampling points are shown in Map 6. Taxi Licensing Mr Mitchel McLaughlin asked the Minister of the Environment if he has any plans to initiate a review of taxi licensing; and to make a statement. (AQW 911/01) Mr Foster: I have currently no plans to initiate a review of taxi licensing in Northern Ireland which is governed by the Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1981. While I believe there would be value in beginning work to bring the regulatory arrangements for taxis up to date, this would have resource implications for my Department. I have bid for the additional resources necessary to carry out such a review but have not yet been successful. I have also considered whether the resources needed could be reallocated from other parts of my Department. I have had to conclude that this is not currently possible given other pressures and priorities, not least in pursuing PfG and PSA commitments and in meeting national and international, including EU, obligations. I will, of course, continue to keep this option under review. TOPSenior Civil Service Review Mr Séamus Close asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to give an update on the Senior Civil Service Review. (AQW 752/01) The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): The first meeting of the Review Team took place on Monday 5 March and since then the team has considered and analysed a wide range of issues. The Team has also undertaken a programme of consultation with key stakeholders and other interested parties.
Local Strategy Partnership Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what steps he is taking to increase the allocation per capita for the Carrickfergus Local Strategy Partnership under Priority 3 of the Peace II Programme given the current long term unemployment figures for the borough. (AQW 811/01) Mr Durkan: I have received proposals from the Special EU Programmes Body for the allocation of money to Local Strategy Partnerships for the purposes of Measures 1 and 2 of the PEACE II Programme. The proposed allocations are based on a formula consisting of 3 factors – the intensity of deprivation in each district council area, the scale of deprivation in the area, and the population of the area. This formula has been applied consistently across the 26 district council areas to produce proposed financial allocations to each Local Strategy Partnership. These proposals are the subject of consultation at present. Final proposals will be put to the Executive for a final decision on the matter. Peace II Programme Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what steps he will take to ensure the under developed community groups in parts of East Antrim do not become further marginalised by established groups seeking funding under the current Peace II Programme.[R] (AQW 813/01) Mr Durkan: Under the PEACE II Programme all areas, groups and sectors will be afforded equal access to PEACE II funding. The fact that a project in itself was funded under the PEACE I Programme is no guarantee that it will be funded under PEACE II. Instead all projects seeking funding under the PEACE II Programme will be required to submit full applications and be considered in competition with other project applicants. A number of agreed horizontal principles will govern the way in which the PEACE II Programme will be implemented and these principles address equality of opportunity and balanced interventions. Furthermore, in accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, the Special EU Programmes Body, which is the Managing Authority for PEACE II, has a statutory responsibility to promote equality of opportunity. Local Strategy Partnership Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what steps he is taking to increase the level of funding for the Larne Local Strategy Partnership under Priority 3 of the Peace II Programme, in light of the recent community relations problems suffered by the town.[R] (AQW 814/01) Mr Durkan: I have received proposals from the Special EU Programmes Body for the allocation of money to Local Strategy Partnerships for the purposes of Measures 1 and 2 of the PEACE II Programme. The proposed allocations are based on a formula consisting of 3 factors – the intensity of deprivation in each district council area, the scale of deprivation in the area, and the population of the area. This formula has been applied consistently across the 26 district council areas to produce proposed financial allocations to each Local Strategy Partnership. These proposals are the subject of consultation at present. Final proposals will be put to the Executive for a final decision on the matter. Review of Civil Service Accommodation Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if the current review of accommodation and location of civil service staff will enhance the low numbers of civil servants working in the boroughs of Larne, Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus.[R] (AQW 823/01) Mr Durkan: The strategic review of civil service office accommodation, which will examine the scope for decentralisation of civil service jobs, is scheduled for completion in April 2002. An interim report was submitted by the consultants last week and is currently being considered at official level. Until the review is concluded, it would be wrong for me to prejudge the outcome or to speculate as to the precise locations which might be involved in any subsequent dispersal of civil service jobs. Local Strategy Partnership Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to outline the implications, if any, for the Larne Local Strategy Partnerships, as a result of the Peace II capita allocation for Larne being reduced from that provided under Peace I funding. (AQW 840/01) Mr Durkan: I have received proposals from the Special EU Programmes Body for the allocation of money to Local Strategy Partnerships for the purposes of Measures 1 and 2 of the PEACE II Programme. The proposed allocations are based on a formula consisting of 3 factors – the intensity of deprivation in each district council area, the scale of deprivation in the area, and the population of the area. This formula has been applied consistently across the 26 district council areas to produce proposed financial allocations to each Local Strategy Partnership. These proposals are the subject of consultation at present. Final proposals will be put to the Executive for a final decision on the matter. TOPHealth, Social Services and Public Safety Homefirst Community Trust Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline her plans to redress the current under funding of Homefirst Community Trust. (AQW 565/01) The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): I acknowledge that Homefirst Community Trust, like all other HSS Trusts, does not have sufficient resources to respond to all the demands that are being placed on it. However, our ability to address this issue is heavily constrained by the overall level of funding available. I have secured additional resources in the September Monitoring round and this will enable some additional funding to be made available to Homefirst Trust, to help address some of their current pressures. Admhaím nach bhfuil go leor áiseanna ag Iontaobhas Phobal Homefirst, mar aon le gach Iontaobhas eile SSS, le freastal ar na héilimh uile atá á gcur orthu. Is mór an -iallach atá ar ár n-ábaltacht le dul i ngleic leis an cheist seo, ámh, mar gheall ar an leibhéal foriomlán maoinithe atá ar fáil. Tá tuilleadh áiseanna faighte agam i mbabhta Monatóireachta Mheán Fómhair agus, mar gheall air sin beifear in ann maoiniú breise a chur ar fáil d’Iontaobhas Homefirst, le cuidiú a thabhairt dóibh chun dul i ngleic le cuid dá mbrúnna láithreacha. Financial Assistance for Nursing and Personal Care for the Elderly Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to make a statement in relation to financial assistance for nursing and personal care costs for the long term care of the elderly and how this compares to the rest of the United Kingdom. (AQW 773/01) Ms de Brún: Free nursing care was introduced in England from 1 October 2001 and in Wales the NHS will pay for the nursing care needed in a nursing home from Monday 3 December 2001. At present there are no plans to introduce free personal care in England and Wales. In Scotland, free nursing and personal care in all settings will be introduced from April 2002. In May, the Executive agreed in principle to the introduction of free nursing care in nursing homes from April 2002, subject to the availability of sufficient resources. As announced earlier today, the allocation of additional resources to my Department in the Executive’s budget will allow for the introduction of free nursing care from 1 October 2002. I intend to bring forward the necessary legislation shortly, through the proposed Health and Personal Social Services (No1) Bill, so that this decision may be put into effect. The Executive also agreed in May that an interdepartmental group should be set up to examine the costs and implications of introducing free personal care, taking account of the recent work commissioned by the Scottish Executive. The inter-departmental Group, which is being led by officials from my Department, will ensure that a detailed and considered examination of this issue is undertaken, before fully informed decisions can be made. Tugadh cúram saor altranais isteach i Sasana ó 1 Deireadh Fómhair 2001 agus sa Bhreatain Bheag, íocfaidh an SNS as an chúram altranais atá de dhíth i dteach altranais ón Luan 3 Nollaig 2001. Níl sé beartaithe i láthair na huaire cúram saor pearsanta a thabhairt isteach i Sasana agus sa Bhreatain Bheag. In Albain, tabharfar cúram saor altrachta agus pearsanta isteach i ngach suíomh ó Aibreán 2002. I mí na Bealtaine, chomhaontaigh an Feidhmeannas i bprionsabal go dtabharfaí cúram saor altranais isteach i dtithe altranais ón Aibreán 2002 ag brath ar infaighteacht leoracmhainní . Mar a fógraíodh ní ba luaithe inniu, ligfidh an dáileadh breise do mo Roinnse i mBúiséad an Fheidhmeannais de theacht cúram saor altranais a thabhairt isteach ó Dheireadh Fómhair 2002. Tá sé mar rún agam an reachtaíocht riachtanach a thabhairt chun tosaigh gan mhoill, tríd an Bhille (Uimh.1) Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta Pearsanta molta, sa dóigh go gcuirfí an cinneadh seo i bhfeidhm. Chomhaontaigh an Feidhmeanas i Mí na Bealtaine go mbunófaí grúpa idir-rannach le costais agus le himpleachtaí thabhairt isteach chúraim shaoir phearsanta a scrúdú, ag glacadh na hoibre is déanaí coimisiúnaithe ag Feidhmeannas na hAlban san áireamh. Cinnteoidh an Grúpa idir-rannach a bhfuil oifigigh mo Roinne i gceannas air go ndéanfar mionscrúdú tuisceanach ar an cheist seo sular féidir bearta iomlána cuimsitheacha a dhéanamh. Professional Development : Nurses and Midwives Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans she has to facilitate qualified nurses and midwives to take time off for continuous professional development. (AQW 776/01) Ms de Brún: In order for nurses and midwives to meet their professional development requirements for UKCC they must have 5 days study in 3 years to maintain registration. HPSS employers are aware of their responsibilities to ensure the competency of qualified nurses and midwives and support this in a number of ways, including in-house training, mentorship and "shadowing" other trained staff. Continuous professional development does not necessarily require time off. Lena riachtanais ghairmiúla fhorbartha a chomhall don UKCC ní mór d’altraí agus do mhná cabhrach 5 lá bheith caite acu ag staidéar laistigh de thrí bliana lena gclárú a choinneáil. Cuirtear freagrachtaí na bhfostóirí SSSP le cumas altraí agus ban cáilithe cabhrach a chinntiú in iúl dóibh agus le tacú leis seo ar roinnt dhóigheanna, oiliúint inmheánach, comhairle agus maoirseacht na foirne eile oilte san áireamh. Ní gá am saor a bheith agat le forbairt ghairmiúil leanúnach a dhéanamh. Resources Available for Continuous Professional Development Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans she has to increase the resources available for continuous professional development for qualified nurses and midwives. (AQW 777/01) Ms de Brún: My Department currently provides in excess of £9 million annually to resource commissioning of post registration education and development for nurses and midwives. New commissioning arrangements for supporting identified post registration training needs of nurses and midwives are being developed and the resources required are kept under review. There are no indications that current resources are inadequate to meet identified training needs. Tugann an Roinn s’agamsa breis agus £9 milliún sa bhliain i láthair na huaire chun coimisiúnú oideachais iarchláraithe agus forbairt altraí agus bhan cabhrach a mhaoiniú. Tá socruithe nua coimisiúnaithe le tacú le riachtanais aitheanta oiliúna iarchláraithe altraí agus bhan cabhrach á bhforbairt agus coinnítear na hacmhainní atá de dhíth faoi athbhreithniú. Níl cosúlacht ar bith ann nach leor na hacmhainní atá ann faoi láthair le riar ar riachtanais aitheanta oiliúna. Occupied Beds Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the percentage of beds in the health service that were occupied by people over the age of (a) 65 and (b) 75 in each of the last five years. (AQW 778/01) Ms de Brún: Information is available on the percentage of occupied bed days in local hospitals accounted for by people aged 65 and over and 75 and over, and is detailed in the table below.
Tá eolas ar fáil ar chéatadán laethanta leapa sealbhaithe in otharlanna áitiúla ar chúis le daoine 65 agus níos sine agus 75 agus níos sine an sealbhaithe, agus mionsonraithe sa tábla thíos.
Children Aged 0-4 : Ulster Community & Hospitals HSS Trust Area Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of children aged 0-4 years within the Ulster Community & Hospitals HSS Trust area. (AQW 780/01) Ms de Brún: The latest available information indicates that there are 7,030 children aged 0-4 years in the Ulster Community & Hospitals Trust catchment area. Léiríonn an t-eolas is déanai atá ar fáil go bhfuil 7,030 páiste idir 0-4 bliain d’aois ann i limistéar Iontaobhas Pobail Uladh agus Otharlann. New Cancer Centre : Belfast City Hospital Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is the proposed completion date for the new cancer centre at Belfast City Hospital. (AQW 781/01) Ms de Brún: The completion date cannot be specified at this time. The business case for the Regional Cancer Centre is currently being considered as a matter of urgency by DFP. It is hoped that it will be cleared shortly which will allow the PFI process to be concluded and decisions taken on the funding and timetable of the project. Ní féidir an dáta críche a shonrú ag an am seo. Tá machnamh á dhéanamh ar chás gnó don Ionad Ailse Réigiúnach faoi láthair mar ábhar práinne ag RAP. Táthar ag súil go socrófar é gan mhoill agus go gcuirfidh seo deireadh le próiseas TFP agus le cinní déanta ar mhaoiniú agus ar chlár ama an tionscadail. Live Births : Ulster Community & Hospitals HSS Trust Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of live births within the Ulster Community & Hospitals HSS Trust in each of the last three years. (AQW 782/01) Ms de Brún: This information is detailed in the table below.
Tá an t-eolas seo léirithe sa tábla thíos.
Break-Even Criteria Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps she is taking to remove the break-even criteria that has been set for the Ulster Community & Hospitals HSS Trust. (AQW 796/01) Ms de Brún: The Ulster Community and Hospitals HSS Trust, in line with other HSS Trusts, has a statutory duty to break-even and ensure that it lives within its available resources. Furthermore, all Trusts must break even in year since all expenditure incurred by the HPSS now comes within the Department’s public expenditure limits. Accordingly, the statutory duty to break-even must remain in place, for the Ulster and all other Trusts, so that our public expenditure limits are not breached. Tá dualgas reachtúil ar Iontaobhas SSS Pobail Uladh agus Otharlann de réir Iontaobhas SSS eile bheith gan gnóthú gan cailleadh agus le cinntiú nach bhfuil a mhála níos mó ná a sholáthar. Chomh maith leis sin, ní mór do na hIontaobhais go léir bheith gan gnóthú gan cailleadh sa bhliain mar go gcuimsítear an caiteachas iomlán tarraingthe ar na SSSP i gcailceanna poiblí caiteachais na Roinne anois. Mar sin de, ní mór d’Iontaobhas Uladh agus do na hIontaobhais eile go léir an dualgas reachtúil atá orthu le bheith gan gnóthú gan cailleadh bheith i bhfeidhm go fóill sa dóigh nach sárófar cailceanna poiblí caiteachais s’againn. Nursing and Residential Care Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of elderly people in hospital or at home, who having been assessed for nursing or residential care, died before securing a placement, in each year from 1996-00. (AQW 797/01) Ms de Brún: This information is not collected centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. Ní bhailítear an t-eolas seo go lárnach agus ní féidir é a fháil ach ar chostas díréireach. Response Times for Emergency Ambulances Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the response times for emergency ambulances serving Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus and Larne taking patients to (a) Antrim Area Hospital and (b) Belfast Hospitals. (AQW 799/01) Ms de Brún: For the month of October 2001, the average times for an ambulance in the Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus and Larne area, to take a patient to the following receiving hospitals in Antrim and Belfast, in response to an emergency call were as follows: Hospital Time Antrim 20min 47sec Belfast City 18min 51sec Mater 13min 07sec Royal Maternity 17min 04sec Royal Sick Children 20min 40sec Royal Victoria 20min 31sec I mí na Samhna 2001, is iad a leanas na gnáthamanna a bhain sé as otharcharr i mBaile na Mainistreach , Carraig Fhearghais agus ceantar Latharna, le hothar a thabhairt chuig na hotharlanna a bhí ag glacadh isteach in Aontroim agus i mBéal Feirste mar fhreagairt ar ghlaoch éigeandála: Otharlann Am Aontroim 20 bom 47 soic Cathair Bhéal Feirste 18 bom 51 soic Otharlann Mater 13 bom 07 soic Otharlann Ríoga Máithreachais 17 bom 04 soic Otharlann Ríoga do Pháistí Tinne 20 bom 40 soic Otharlann Ríoga Victeoiria 20 bom 31 soic Fire Authority : Response Times Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the average response times for Fire Authority vehicles to attend emergency call outs to (a) Newtownabbey (b) Carrickfergus and (c) Larne and to assess if these times can be maintained given the traffic congestion in East Antrim. (AQW 802/01) Ms de Brún: The Fire Brigade here use Department of Transport, Local Government and Regions (DTLR) standards in relation to response times, which apply to all Brigades. For the period 01 April – 30 September 2001, the following average response times have been recorded: Glengormley Fire Station (Newtownabbey) - 5.31 minutes Carrickfergus Fire Station - 6.20 minutes Larne Fire Station - 6.50 minutes
There is no indication that the response times of these Fire Stations have been affected by the amount of traffic on the roads in East Antrim.
Úsáideann an Bhriogáid Dóiteáin abhus anseo caighdeáin na Roinne Iompair, Rialaithe Áitiúil agus Réigiún (RIRR) a bhaineann leis na Briogáidí go léir i dtaca le hamanna freagartha.
Seo a leanas na meánamanna freagartha a cláraíodh le linn na tréimhse 1 Aibreán – 30 Meán Fómhair 2001: Stáisiún Dóiteáin Ghleann Ghormlaithe (Baile na Mainstreach) 5.31 nóiméad Stáisiún Dóiteáin Charraig Fhearghais - 6.20 nóiméad Stáisiún Dóiteáin Latharna - 6.50 nóiméad
Níl aon chosúlacht ann go raibh tionchar ag an mhéid tráchta ar na bóithre in Aontroim Thoir ar amanna freagartha na Stáisiún Dóiteáin seo. Radiotherapy : Waiting Times Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the recommended optimum waiting time for radiotherapy and (b) the current average waiting time. (AQW 806/01) Ms de Brún: The recommended optimum waiting time for urgent cases requiring palliative treatment is 1-2 days. This target is being achieved by Belvoir Park Hospital. In the case of curative and post-operative radiotherapy, the recommended waiting time, from the Consultant’s decision to treat a patient, is 2 weeks. The current average waiting time at Belvoir Park Hospital is 4 - 6 weeks. As much of the radiotherapy equipment at Belvoir Park is nearing the end of its useful life, funding has been secured for two new linear accelerators, the provision of which should improve waiting time significantly. Is é an t-uas-am feithimh molta do chásanna práinneacha a mbíonn cóireáil mhaolaitheach de dhíth orthu ná 1-2 lá. Tá an sprioc sin á bhaint amach ag Otharlann Pháirc Belvoir. I gcás raiditeiripe iarobráide agus íocshláinte is é an tréímhse feithimh, ó thráth chinneadh an tSainchomhairleora cóireáil a chur ar othar, ná 2 sheachtain. Is é an meán am feithimh faoi láthair ag Otharlann Pháirc Belvoir ná 4-6 seachtain. De bharr go bhfuil go leor den trealamh raiditeiripe in Otharlann Pháirc Belvoir ag teacht chuig deireadh ré oibre tá maoiniú aimsithe do dhá luasghéaraitheoir, soláthar a chuideoidh go mór le feabhas a chur ar an liosta feithimh. Anti-Smoking Initiatives Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail those anti-smoking initiatives that have been introduced and any future initiatives she plans to launch. (AQW 808/01) Ms de Brún: Current anti-smoking initiatives include a public information campaign aimed at increasing public awareness about the dangers of smoking and the development of comprehensive smoking cessation services in each Health Board area. The public information campaign has, to date, included television advertisements, a website and a magazine aimed at discouraging smoking among young people. Two advertisements, aimed at second and third year pupils, have already been broadcast and the next phase of the campaign, beginning in early January, will include a hard-hitting television advertisement, supported by a telephone helpline service, aimed mainly at disadvantaged adult smokers. Earlier this year I established an inter-sectoral Working Group on Tobacco to develop and oversee the implementation of a comprehensive action plan to tackle smoking. The plan is still being developed and will be issued for consultation early in the New Year. It will address issues such as changing the public’s perception of tobacco use, helping smokers to quit and protecting the public from tobacco smoke. In addition a regional training framework for the delivery of smoking cessation services is being prepared and will be available in the New Year. I measc na dtionscnamh frithchaithe tobac atá ann tá feachtas eolais phoiblí a bhfuil sé mar aidhm aige níos mó daoine a chur ar an eolas faoi chontúirtí caitheamh tobac agus faoi fhorbairt sheirbhísí cuimsitheacha le stop a chur le caitheamh tobac i ngach ceantar Bord Sláinte. Cuireadh san áireamh san fheachtas eolais phoiblí, rinneadh úsáid as fógraí teilifíse, líonláithreán agus as iris go dtí seo chun daoine óga a athchomhairliú ar chaitheamh tobac. Craoladh dhá fhógra cheana féin, dírithe ar dhaltaí scoile sa dara agus sa tríú bliain, agus sa chéad chéim eile den fheachtas, a thosóidh i mí Eanáir, craolfar fógra tromchúiseach teilifíse, tacaithe ag seirbhís líne cabhrach, dírithe ar chaiteoirí fásta tobac atá ar an anás den mhórchuid. Ní ba luaithe sa bhliain, bhunaigh mé Grúpa idir-rannógach Oibre ar Thobac le cur i bhfeidhm gníomhaíochta chuimsitheach le tabhairt faoi chaitheamh tobac a fhorbairt agus a stiúradh. Tá an plean á fhorbairt go fóill agus eiseofar é le haghaidh comhairlithe go luath san Athbhliain. Rachaidh sé i ngleic le ceisteanna amhail barúil an phobail ar úsáid tobac a athrú, ag cuidiú le caiteoirí tobac éirí as agus an pobal a chosaint ar an tobac. Ina theannta seo táthar ag ullmhú creatlach reigiúnach treanála chun seirbhísí le héirí as tobac agus beidh sé ar fáil san Athbhliain. Law Relating to the Placement of Children Mrs Annie Courtney asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail any plans she has to change the rules governing children in need of care being placed with a relative. (AQW 815/01) Ms de Brún: I have no plans at present to change the law relating to the placement of children looked after by Health and Social Services Trusts. Níl pleananna agam faoi láthair an dlí a bhaineann le socrúchán páistí a bhíonn faoi chúram Iontaobhais Sheirbhísí Sláinte agus Sóisialta a athrú. Cost of Hearing Aids Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 506/01, to detail the number, type and cost of each type of analogue hearing aid provided by the health service in each of the last three years. (AQW 816/01) Ms de Brún: This information is not collected centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. Ní bhailítear an t-eolas seo go lárnach agus ní féidir é a fháil ach ar chostas díréireach. Tyrone County Hospital : Staffing Levels & Financial Situation Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQO 411/01 and AQO 375/01, to detail (a) the distribution of allocations made in monitoring rounds in order to make good some of the pressures manifested as a result of previous decisions in relation to the South Tyrone Hospital and (b) those pressures still to be addres | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||