Friday 14 December 2001

Written Answers to Questions

Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister
Agriculture and Rural Development
Culture, Arts and Leisure
Education
Employment and Learning
Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Environment
Finance and Personnel
Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Regional Development
Social Development

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail the amount of funding for Victims Groups emanating from (a) EU sources and (b) all other sources in the past two years by (i) local district council area and (ii) constituency area.

(AQW 755/01)

(a) Approximately £4.2 m was allocated to victims groups by the Northern Ireland Voluntary Trust from the European Peace I Programme. Some groups also received Peace I funding from other Measures and Local District Partnerships. Details of this are not held centrally.

EU funding of approximately £370,000 from the Victims Measure of Peace II has been awarded to victims groups by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister under the Interim Funding Arrangements and some groups have received Interim Funding from Measures managed by other departments. Information on the breakdown of EU funding by District Council and Constituency areas is not available and could only be compiled at disproportionate cost.

(b) In the 2001/02 financial year the Victims Unit had funding of £420,000 to assist victims which was allocated as follows:

Northern Ireland Memorial Fund £340,710

Derry City Council £13,000

Ulster Community & Hospitals Trust £20,000

WAVE Trauma Conference £3,000

EHSSB Trauma Advisory Panel £20,000

WHSSB Trauma Advisory Panel £17,290

SHSSB Trauma Advisory Panel £6,000

The Community Relations Council administered a Victims Support Grant Scheme funded by the Northern Ireland Office with a total budget of £225,000 to cover the period July 2000 to July 2001. In the 2000/01 financial year it gave other grants to victims groups in the following local district council areas:

Belfast City Council £46,577

Craigavon Borough Council £1,500

Derry City Council £4,462

Dungannon District Council £1,351

Multiple areas £5,700

In the current financial year it has also awarded grants in the following local district council areas:

Belfast City Council £3,400

Craigavon Borough Council £8,856

Newry & Mourne District Council £4,166

Multiple areas £2,500

Information on the breakdown of funding by Constituency areas is not available and could only be compiled at disproportionate cost.

The Northern Ireland Office has to date had responsibility for providing core funding for victims groups under the Core Funding Grant Scheme which is administered by Northern Ireland Voluntary Trust. Specific questions on funding should be referred to that department.

The Victims Unit of the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister has been allocated £650,000 in the current financial year to assist victims. Decisions on the allocation of this funding have not yet been made.

Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if it was consulted regarding the government's intention to initiate a review of the Parades Commission.

(AQW 824/01)

Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: We have not jointly been consulted about the intention to initiate a review of the Parades Commission.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to make a statement on its plans for co-ordinating a civil response in respect of a major terrorist attack.

(AQW 846/01)

Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: The initial response to any serious incident is led by the Department whose responsibilities are affected. Where there is a widespread or major emergency, arrangements for a co-ordinated response on behalf of the Executive, and the public service more widely would be initiated. This co-ordinated response would involve an inter-Departmental Crisis Management Group whose role would be to take a strategic view of events and the response to them, and to agree priorities, actions, roles and responsibilities, mutual aid arrangements and a long-term recovery strategy.

Departments have established plans, covering a range of threats, for responding to major incidents and ensure that these plans are up to date and tested for all functions within their areas of responsibility. The Central Emergency Planning Unit of our department facilitates the co-ordination of the emergency planning activities of departments and the emergency services. All departments have renewed and updated their plans since 11 September.

Rev Robert Coulter asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to make a statement on the recent meeting of the British/Irish Council.

(AQO 532/01)

Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: Earlier today I made a report to the Assembly on behalf of all the Ministers who attended the second summit meeting of the British Irish Council meeting that was held on 30 November. A copy of the communique issued following the meeting has been placed in the Assembly Library.

Mr Alban Maginness asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what further progress will be made following their welcome initiative in North Belfast and what steps are envisaged in the weeks and months ahead.

(AQO 529/01)

Our key objective remains the promotion of dialogue between the local communities, and the Senior Liaison Officer is continuing to facilitate and support efforts to establish a Joint Community Forum.

We are also determined to move forward as quickly as possible on the measures that we announced on 23 November. The necessary statutory procedures to bring forward a traffic calming scheme on the Ardoyne Road are underway. We have commissioned the preparation of a detailed design for the regeneration and improvement of the Alliance Avenue intersection and related community safety measures which fall to this administration, including possible road realignment at the intersection. This work will be progressed urgently in full consultation with local communities and other interests. The target date for completion of the design is mid-January.

Last week we visited North Belfast to launch, with the Minister for Social Development, the North Belfast Community Action Project. This Project aims to put in place a plan of short, medium, and long-term actions to address social and community issues in North Belfast. It will focus in particular on building community capacity in those areas in which this is weak, and maintaining community activity where there is working well. An outreach advisory service will be provided to help ensure that all areas can take full advantage of existing programmes including Peace II.

Its aim is to help the people of North Belfst to address their own needs by engaging more effectively with the devolved administration and the statutory agencies. It is also about enabling them to work with other communities in a positive and co-operative manner.

The Project will be led by the Very Rev Dr John Dunlop and each of the six North Belfast MLAs will be invited to nominate community representatives to work with the Project team.

While we hope the Project will bring forward early action, we recognise that there is no "quick fix" to the problems of North Belfast. We are fully committed to the medium and long-term work which will be needed to heal the divisions in this area.

Mr David McClarty asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if any correspondence has been received from the Secretary of State regarding his proposals to deal with sectarianism.

(AQO 536/01)

Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: The previous Secretary of State wrote to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister in September 2000 about proposals to strengthen the law on hate crime, including crimes motivated by sectarianism. Subsequently, Ministers Haughey and Nesbitt received correspondence from the then Northern Ireland Office Minister, Adam Ingram in May 2001, and his successor Des Browne in September 2001. Ministers Haughey and Nesbitt have also met Adam Ingram and Des Browne to discuss the matter.

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if Community Relations specialists within the Office were consulted in deciding the funding allocations under Peace II for the Local Strategy Partnerships.

(AQO 530/01)

Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: This matter is the responsibility of the Department of Finance and Personnel and the Special European Union Programmes Body, which is the managing authority for the Peace II Programme. The Minister for Finance intends to put proposals from the SEUPB to the Executive in the near future. We will give careful consideration to these proposals in relation to all of the policy areas for which we are responsible, including community relations.

Ms Eileen Bell asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what progress has been made towards the reform of local government; and to make a statement.

(AQO 503/01)

Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: The good governance of Northern Ireland requires systems of regional and local government which complement each other.

The organisation of local government services will be considered in the context of the review of public administration, which will cover all aspects of the public sector.

The Executive gave a commitment in the draft Programme for Government for 2002-03 to launch the review of public administration by spring of 2002. We have made good progress towards finalising the details of the review and are on target to launch it in the spring of next year.

Mr Tommy Gallagher asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to make a statement on future priorities for promoting social inclusion.

(AQO 528/01)

Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: In line with a commitment we made in the Programme for Government published last year, we have consulted widely on future cross-departmental issues to be tackled under the Promoting Social Inclusion element of New TSN.

As a result of the consultation, our new Programme for Government announces 2 new priority areas: disability and older people.

Some other issues arising from the consultation are still under consideration and we look forward to announcing further priorities in the near future.

Work on these new priorities will begin during 2002.

Mr Barry McElduff asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail those projects that have received financial assistance from the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) in the past two years; and to make a statement.

Mr David McClarty asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail (a) the proposed intake of students to PGCE courses for the forthcoming academic year 2002-03 at (i) Queen's University, Belfast and (ii) University of Ulster and (b) the comparative figures for the last five years.

(AQW 855/01)

Dr Farren: (a) Information on the proposed intake of students in the 2002/03 academic year is not the responsibility of this Department. PGCE student numbers are determined by the Department of Education.

(b) Information on the actual intake of students in the 2001/02 academic year is not yet available. The following table sets out the actual number of full time new entrants to PGCE courses in each given academic year from in the 1997/98 - 2000/01 academic years.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the steps he is taking to make education more attractive to young people of the Unionist tradition in the north of the city of Belfast and areas of multiple deprivation across Northern Ireland.

(AQW 896/01)

Dr Farren: My Department assists young people of all traditions in these areas to perceive the value and attractions of education and training through the work of the Careers Service in Schools and through our sympathetic investments in further, higher education and training. The development of the education village at Springvale will assist young people, particularly in North and West Belfast.

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to list the location of current Learning Direct Centres by (a) local district council area and (b) constituency area.

(AQW 920/01)

Dr Farren: learndirect is the brand name of the University for Industry (UfI). Its strategy is that there will be at least one learndirect Learning Centre serving each District Council area. I have arranged for details of current centres to be placed in the Assembly library for your information. I understand Ufi is in the process of evaluating proposals for centres to serve remaining areas and the outcome will be known early in the New Year.

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what is his current and future strategy in combating drug abuse in tertiary education and is there potential to increase co-operation with student organisations in promoting drug education programmes.

(AQW 921/01)

Dr Farren: As part of the implementation process of the Drug and Alcohol Strategy for Northern Ireland, an inter-departmental Education and Prevention Working Group has been established, and includes DEL representation. It is tasked to develop, by April 2002, action plans to deliver the outcomes and targets of the strategy. These will apply to all sectors, including the further and higher education sector.

The Department has also issued guidance to further education colleges for the design and implementation of policies on drugs and substance abuse, to be in place by September 2002. In developing their policies, colleges are encouraged to liaise with all relevant external agencies.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail any investment he has made at both Stranmillis University and St Mary's University College in areas of (a) Art and Design; (b) Technology and Design; and (c) Physical Education; and to make a statement.

(AQW 931/01)

Dr Farren: Since assuming responsibility for the funding of the two University Colleges on foot of Devolution in December 1999, my Department has provided the Colleges with recurrent and capital funding which they have deployed according to their strategic priorities. The outturn figures for the 2000/01 Academic Year were:

Recurrent Capital

Stranmillis £3.919m £36,000

St Mary’s £3.948m £44,000

The allocations for the 2001/02 Academic Year are:

Recurrent Capital

Stranmillis £4.012 £44,000

St Mary’s £3.995 £44,000

Each College has been allocated £130,000 for disability works in the government financial year 2002/2003 which overlaps with the academic year 2001/2002. The capital figures given above for the latter may therefore be adjusted depending on the phasing of expenditure.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline his plans for capital and revenue expenditure at (a) Stranmillis University; and (b) St Mary's University College for the next 5 years; and to make a statement.

(AQW 932/01)

Dr Farren: Under Spending Review 2000, allocations were made to Departments to cover the three financial years 2001/02 to 2003/04. I have already confirmed the allocations for the 2001/02 Academic Year in answer to Question 931. Allocations, for the 2002/2004 government financial years, which may be subject to change are:

Recurrent Capital

£ £

2002/03 8.351m 348,000

2003/04 8.560m 88,000

These allocations cover both Colleges and relate to government financial years rather than academic years. The 2002/2003 capital figure includes £260,000, in respect of disability works, which has been apportioned equally between the two Colleges: otherwise no apportionment of monies has taken place.

Mr Mervyn Carrick asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline (a) how he is supporting the employment rights of students in the casual labour market; and (b) the impact that increased levels of student part-time work is having on the quality of tertiary education provision.

(AQW 937/01)

Dr Farren: (a) Casual workers enjoy protection from unlawful discrimination on the grounds of sex, race and fair employment legislation, and are covered by the provisions of the Part-time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 and the Working Time Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998.

(b) Recent research suggests that having a part-time job, per se, does not have an adverse effect upon the ability of students to perform well. However it is suggested that working long hours – more than 15 per week – will be detrimental. The revised £65 million Student Support package which I recently announced provides significant support which will help to tackle the issue of debt aversion, which in turn can impel some people to work longer part-time hours.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of people who have gained employment through New Deal since May 1997.

(AQW 938/01)

Dr Farren: Between May 1997 and August 2001 a total of 21,103 people have gained employment through New Deal for 18-24 and New deal for 25+ in NI. Some of these people will have participated in New Deal more than once; this figure will therefore not correlate with published statistics which relate to participants. In order to ensure that there is clarity about the definitions used for New Deal statistics I have attached a glossary of terms for future reference.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED FOR NEW DEAL STATISICAL PURPOSES

A participant is defined for statistical purposes as an individual on a single episode on New Deal. This the preferred way of counting individuals on New Deal. This is because one person may have more than one episode and so to count outcomes it is necessary to count each episode separately. For example, if an individual has been on two episodes of New Deal and gained employment as a result of only one, it is a more accurate reflection of the programme to record this as two participants of whom one has found work.

The start of a New Deal episode is defined as when an individual has either joined New Deal for the first time or re-joined after a gap of at least thirteen weeks since the end of their last New Deal activity.

The end of an episode of New Deal is counted as when an individual has left a New Deal activity and not entered another New Deal activity within 13 weeks. Where an individual re-joins New Deal after a gap of less than thirteen weeks they are considered to have re-joined the previous episode.

Moves into employment from New Deal are defined as either when a participant finishes an episode of New Deal and finds work within 13 weeks of leaving the programme or is currently on, or has been on, subsidised employment. Only one case of employment is counted for any New Deal episode.

Post New Deal employment is defined as where an individual finds employment within thirteen weeks of leaving an episode of New Deal.

Work is considered to have been sustained where a participant finds post New Deal employment within 13 weeks and sustains it for a minimum of 13 weeks.

Where an individual has had more than one spell of employment following a new deal episode only the latest one up to the thirteen week point will be counted. (i.e. no participant can have more than one ‘found work’ attached to a New Deal episode).

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what action will be taken to reduce skills deficiencies.

(AQW 945/01)

Dr Farren: The Northern Ireland Skills Task Force, a body established to advise Government on local skills shortages, published a summary report in October which contains a wide range of recommendations to tackle skills deficiencies at all levels. My Department will consider these recommendations when developing and implementing future policies and strategies. The Task Force has already completed a range of research work and based on that a number of initiatives have been taken including targeting increases in Higher and Further Education places on areas of skills needs, including skills conversions programmes, working with employers on the Bridge to Employment Programme, increasing Modern Apprenticeships and focusing mainstream provision such as Jobskills on specific skill areas.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail (a) those sectors that are experiencing a skills shortage; and (b) his plans to address this situation.

(AQW 969/01)

Dr Farren: It would not be possible to simultaneously carry out detailed research on skills needs for all sectors of the economy. My Department has therefore commissioned research into the priority skills areas identified by the NI Skills Taskforce as having potential for growth and for strengthening the economy. These are Electronics, ICT, Engineering, Tourism & Hospitality and Construction. Education and training resources are being targeted towards these areas, as well as addressing cross-sectoral areas of concern, such as literacy and numeracy skills.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what research he has undertaken to ascertain if skills development and training in the Higher and Further Education sectors are adequate in addressing the basic needs provision of businesses.

(AQW 970/01)

Dr Farren: Research commissioned by the NI Skills Taskforce has allowed my Department to target additional funding and places for Further and Higher Education in the priority skills areas. Details of the Department’s research are contained in the most recent Labour Market Bulletin which I have made available to Assembly Members. My Department has also encouraged educational establishments to ensure their programmes match current business needs by involving employers in the design, recognition and review of qualifications and in the delivery of work-place learning elements of their courses.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to ensure that incoming foreign direct investment will be attracted to Northern Ireland by putting in place innovative education and training programmes that are above the likely demands of existing employers.

(AQW 975/01)

Dr Farren: The quality of the Northern Ireland labour pool has traditionally been one of the major factors in attracting inward investment. My Department will continue to ensure that the Northern Ireland economy has the skills required to sustain and grow local industry. The Department works closely with the Industrial Development Board and others to ensure relevant high quality education and training provision, and, where specific skill needs are identified, ensures that appropriate initiatives are put in place.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what plans he has to provide an Enterprise Park for Comber.

(AQW 872/01)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): The Department does not have plans to create a specific Enterprise Park in Comber although locally we work with our partners, such as Ards Business Centre to review the economic needs of the area.

Ards Business Centre forms part of a network of 31 Enterprise Agencies throughout Northern Ireland, providing workspace and ongoing support to start-up companies. This service covers the Comber area.

In addition, I understand that a recent private sector application seeking planning approval to develop a light industrial park in the town has been supported by IDB.

My Department recognises that the lack of adequate suitable premises can sometimes be an obstacle to both the start up of new business and the expansion of existing businesses and wish to help overcome this. A number of schemes are currently administered through LEDU to help provide physical workspace for businesses. For example the Property Developers Scheme provides financial encouragement to private developers to provide buildings and I understand LEDU is currently in discussion with a number of interested parties in the area.

In situations where the private sector does not meet needs Community Economic Development Organisations can receive assistance through the Ulster Community Investment Trust. UCIT has received substantial funding from LEDU, DETI, DSD and IFI to help groups provide buildings.

IDB is continuing to work with DOE Planning Service to ensure adequate industrial land provision for the Ards Borough in the forthcoming draft Ards/Down Area Plan 2015. Publication of the draft plan is expected early 2002. It is understood that a 6.2 acre site at Ballygowan Road, Comber zoned under the current area plan still remains undeveloped.

Mr Wilson Clyde asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of new businesses that have been encouraged to locate in the South Antrim constituency; and to make a statement.

(AQW 889/01)

Sir Reg Empey: In the past three years LEDU has assisted 151 business start-ups in the South Antrim Constituency.

Over the same period IDB client companies in the constituency have brought forward projects involving investments of £97.6 million (towards which IDB offered Selective Financial Assistance of £11.1 million), 552 new jobs and the safeguarding of a further 374 jobs. There have also been 132 new and repeat visits by potential investors to the South Antrim Constituency during this time. In addition, Field Boxmore relocated its Belfast operation to a state of the art facility at Mallusk where it currently employs almost 200 people.

IDB and LEDU maintain contact with Newtownabbey and Antrim 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.

Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what progress has been made to attract new international investment to Coleraine and its hinterland in terms of the hospitality and tourism sectors .

(AQW 898/01)

Sir Reg Empey: Creating a positive profile for an area is the first stage in stimulating developers’ interest. When projects come forward, NITB will work with developers to provide advice, information and, if appropriate, financial support.

For assistance with capital product development, the NITB, under the 1992 Tourism (NI) Order, operates a Selective Financial Assistance Scheme, known as the Tourism Development Scheme (TDS). Annually, some £4.714m is available.

In relation to Coleraine Borough Council, the NITB provided advice and £20,000 to produce a 2001-2010 Development Strategy for tourism in the area. To deliver the Strategy, a small tourism task force has been established and the NITB is represented on it by Gareth Kirk, Director of Investment.

Since 1988, 86 projects located in the Coleraine Borough Council area have been offered £7.3m grant for capital development, including support to attract a hotel in Portrush with an international marketing brand (Comfort Hotel). At present, a further 16 applications for financial support of approximately £2.5m are under consideration.

Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail, by electoral ward, the unemployment rate for the parliamentary constituency of South Antrim.

(AQW 927/01)

Sir Reg Empey: Up-to-date unemployment statistics at ward level are only available from the claimant count. However, whilst the number of unemployed claimants at ward level may be obtained, unemployment rates at ward level are not available.

Details of the number of claimant count unemployed for each ward in South Antrim Parliamentary Constituency Area can be found in Table 1 overleaf. Also provided (Table 2) is an unemployment rate for South Antrim Parliamentary Constituency Area as a whole compared to Northern Ireland.

District Council	Ward	Male	Female	Total
Antrim	Toome	27	9	36
Antrim	Drumanaway	17	5	22
Antrim	Cranfield	23	13	36
Antrim	Randalstown	26	12	38
Antrim	Tardree	9	7	16
Antrim	Templepatrick	14	7	21
Antrim	Rathenraw	22	4	26
Antrim	Springfarm	36	17	53
Antrim	Massereene	32	10	42
Antrim	Balloo	16	7	23
Antrim	Fountain Hill	40	11	51
Antrim	Steeple	26	10	36
Antrim	Stiles	25	11	36
Antrim	Greystone	39	18	57
Antrim	NewPark	16	7	23
Antrim	Ballycraigy	29	10	39
Antrim	Clady	21	17	38
Antrim	Aldergrove	18	6	24
Antrim	Crumlin	44	18	62
Newtownabbey	Mallusk	35	14	49
Newtownabbey	Doagh	31	12	43
Newtownabbey	Ballyclare North	71	15	86
Newtownabbey	Ballyclare South	35	10	45
Newtownabbey	Ballynure	35	9	44
Newtownabbey	Hawthorne	36	10	46
Newtownabbey	Ballyduff	31	11	42
Newtownabbey	Carnmoney	40	17	57
Newtownabbey	Mossley	46	8	54
Newtownabbey	Burnthill	14	4	18
Newtownabbey	Ballyhenry	17	11	28
Newtownabbey	Glengormley	30	13	43
Newtownabbey	Glebe	25	3	28
Newtownabbey	Hightown	27	13	40
Newtownabbey	Collinbridge	26	14	40
Total - South Antrim PCA		979	363	1,342

Tourism Ireland : Marketing Strategy

Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what progress has been made by Tourism Ireland to produce a marketing strategy for Northern Ireland for 2002.

(AQW 946/01)

Sir Reg Empey: The Northern Ireland Tourist Board is currently working with Tourism Ireland to finalise those elements of TIL's international marketing programme which will deliver business for Northern Ireland in 2002. It will be Tourism Ireland's function from January 2002 to undertake the marketing of the island of Ireland in international markets while overall responsibility for the success of Northern Ireland tourism, and the role of securing business for NI and its product providers, will continue to reside with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

Tourism Ireland launched an outline marketing strategy and 2002 operations programme to tourism and travel industry representatives in Belfast, Dublin and London during the first two weeks of November. Consultation has also been ongoing between TIL and the new all-island Tourism Marketing Partnership which comprises representatives of the tourism industry from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland on an equal basis.

Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what assessment he has made in relation to the contribution of tourism to Northern Ireland's GDP in (i) 2000/01; (ii) 2001/02; and to make a statement.

(AQW 947/01)

Sir Reg Empey: Estimates of tourism’s contribution to Northern Ireland’s GDP in 2000/01 and 2001/02 are unavailable, as the required data for such estimation is as yet incomplete. In 1999, visitor and domestic tourism in Northern Ireland was estimated to have contributed 1.9% of total Northern Ireland GDP, an initial assessment would suggest a similar figure for 2000/01.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (a) the body responsible for monitoring the emissions from BNFL Sellafield (b) are their findings made public and (c) who is responsible for setting the emission standards.

(AQW 836/01)

The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): Emissions from BNFL, Sellafield are monitored by the Environment Agency in England and Wales and by the Food Standards Agency. In addition it is a condition of the Certificates of Authorisation issued by the Environment Agency that BNFL also monitor their emissions to the environment to demonstrate compliance with the limits placed on the Company.

The results are published in the following annual reports:-

• Radioactivity in Food and the Environment, published by the Food Standards Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency;
• Radioactivity in the Environment, published by the Environment Agency; and
• Environmental Health and Safety Report, published by BNFL.

The emission standards are set by the Environment Agency and these are designed to ensure that internationally recommended dose limits to members of the public are not exceeded. In addition, the Environment and Heritage Service, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland assess the impact of discharges from Sellafield on their local coastal environments. These organisations also publish their results.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to outline how the approved planning application X/2000/0266/RO can proceed when no work can be carried out due to a 'badger clearance zone'.

(AQW 866/01)

Mr Foster: There is no area on the approved plans for application X/2000/0226/RO described as a "badger clearance zone" or within which no development can be carried out. The plans do indicate an area at the access to the site, where the entrances to the badger sett are located, where no dwellings can be constructed. The planning approval, which was granted on appeal by the Planning Appeals Commission on 16 November 2001, provides for access to the proposed housing site across a portion of this area. The access road is specially designed to avoid damage to the existing badger sett and its underground tunnels, and to allow normal badger activity. In addition, the developer has agreed not to carry out any work within 25 metres of the entrance to each badger tunnel.

The housing development can therefore proceed subject to the protection of the badger sett. The method of this protection will be agreed between my Department’s Environment and Heritage Service and the developer. The agreed measures will be implemented outside the period 1 December 2001 to 30 June 2002, in order to protect the badgers during the breeding season. A similar arrangement will apply in succeeding years while construction work is in progress on the site.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the size and dimensions of the 'badger clearance zone' in respect of planning application X/2000/0266/RO for the construction of 39 dwellings at 41 Main Road, Cloughey and lands to the rear of 33-35 Main Road Cloughey.

(AQW 867/01)

Mr Foster: There is no area on the approved plans for application X/2000/0226/RO described as a "badger clearance zone" or within which no development can be carried out. The plans do indicate an area at the access to the site, where the entrances to the badger sett are located, where no dwellings can be constructed. The planning approval, which was granted on appeal by the Planning Appeals Commission on 16 November 2001, provides for access to the proposed housing site across a portion of this area. The access road is specially designed to avoid damage to the existing badger sett and its underground tunnels, and to allow normal badger activity. In addition, the developer has agreed not to carry out any work within 25 metres of the entrance to each badger tunnel.

The housing development can therefore proceed subject to the protection of the badger sett. The method of this protection will be agreed between my Department’s Environment and Heritage Service and the developer. The agreed measures will be implemented outside the period 1 December 2001 to 30 June 2002, in order to protect the badgers during the breeding season. A similar arrangement will apply in succeeding years while construction work is in progress on the site.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (a) the proportion of new housing being constructed on brownfield sites; and (b) any plans to increase this amount.

(AQW 882/01)

Mr Foster: My Department undertakes an annual monitor of housing land availability in cities and towns throughout Northern Ireland. To date this has focused largely on the monitoring of lands zoned for housing in development plans, which under the prevailing approach to meeting housing need, have largely been on green fields. The Housing Land Availability Study has not, to date, differentiated between development on brownfield and greenfield sites, therefore, it is not possible to provide the information requested at (a).

However, you may be aware that the recently published Regional Development Strategy, which is the responsibility of the Department for Regional Development, has set a regional target of 60% of new urban housing to be constructed within the existing urban footprint. Specific sites will be identified through the preparation of development plans. Clearly, however, the potential for ‘brownfield’ development will vary according to the circumstances of each location.

The emphasis on ‘brownfield’ development is a major change in providing for future housing growth. My Department is now putting a system in place to monitor progress towards the regional target. It will involve extending the scope of theannual Housing Monitor currently undertaken by the Planning Service.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of applications for CCTV funding that have been rejected in the last 2 years.

(AQW 884/01)

Mr Foster: In June 1999, the former Police Authority for Northern Ireland took the lead in promoting and administering a scheme called the "Town Centre CCTV Competition Challenge". District councils were encouraged to submit business cases, outlining how CCTV might benefit their area and compete for funding. The Department of the Environment had no direct involvement in the scheme and therefore, has no details of applications.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of the Environment what progress he is making to reform the planning system; and to make a statement.

(AQW 885/01)

Mr Foster: My Department keeps the planning process under ongoing review. On 1 November 2001, the Planning Service announced a number of new measures aimed at enhancing transparency, including accessibility, for the benefit of all interested parties, including applicants, third party interests and the general public.

The key new measures include:

• letting people know the reasons for a planning decision;
• making representations on planning applications, including objections, openly available;
• making available details of consultation with District Councils;
• enhanced access to the planning application file;
• new measures to highlight disputed facts; and
• letting people know about the planning procedure.

These new measures will significantly enhance the customer focus of the Planning Service, and meet a commitment given under the Programme for Government.

This will complement a further Programme for Government commitment to review the operational planning system. My Department proposes to publish a discussion paper during January 2002, which will put forward proposals and invite views on the Planning Service’s three business areas, namely, Development Control; Development Plans; and Policy. The consultation process will be inclusive and wide ranging, seeking views from all interested parties on the planning system.

In addition, a number of measures are proposed in a Planning (Amendment) Bill, which I hope to introduce to the Assembly before the Summer recess in 2002, aimed at strengthening my Department’s existing enforcement powers, and giving primacy to development plans in deciding planning applications. The opportunity is also being taken to introduce other provisions to strengthen and improve the planning system in Northern Ireland.

Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to AQW 649/01, to detail the spend on sport and leisure facilities in terms of the relevant penny rate for each district council from 1998 to date.

(AQW 902/01)

* Expenditure figures, on which these data have been calculated, have not yet been certified by Local Government Audit Office.

Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to outline (a) how the £2million cut in the General Exchequer Grant from the local district councils meets the equality agenda; (b) will this cut be for one year only; and to make a statement.

(AQW 903/01)

Mr Foster: Following consultation on the draft budget for 2002/2003, the Executive reconsidered their original proposal to reduce the resources element of the General Exchequer Grant by £2m. The revised budget announced on 3 December 2001 restored the indicative allocation of £19.5m. The budget was approved by the Northern Ireland Assembly on 11 December 2001.

Mr Mitchel McLaughlin asked the Minister of the Environment if he has made any representations to HM Government in relation to public concern about safety at Sellafield; and to make a statement.

(AQW 910/01)

Mr Foster: As you are aware my Department has no jurisdiction over the operation of the Sellafield plant. The decision to approve the MOX plant was taken jointly by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Secretary of State for Health.

However I acknowledge the concerns that have been expressed about a range of potential safety risks from the operation of the MOX Plant. As I said in last week’s Assembly debate, my officials had written to their counterparts in the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to seek confirmation that all relevant risks were fully taken into account in the MOX decision. DEFRA’s reply pointed to those parts of the decision document which dealt with the safety, security, environmental and health issues, and in particular to the advice from the Office for Civil Nuclear Security.

I have since written to Margaret Beckett, Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, copied to Patricia Hewitt at the Department of Trade and Industry. My purpose was to seek further information and assurance about the regulation of Sellafield and, in particular, about the security arrangements following the events of 11 September. I await their response.

I shall also ensure that the Northern Ireland considerations are fully taken into account when the Environment Sector of the British/Irish Council comes to discuss the paper on Sellafield being prepared jointly by the Irish and Manx Governments.

My objective is to be fully satisfied that Northern Ireland’s interests are sufficiently protected. To that end, I will convey to the Assembly as much of the information obtained in these exchanges as the constraints of national security will allow.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (a) the current cost per unit that local district councils incur through the disposal of fridges and freezers; and (b) the future cost per unit after 1 January 2002.

(AQW 928/01)

Mr Foster: The information sought at (a) is not held centrally by my Department.

In relation to (b), in line with the requirements of EC Regulation 2037/2000, after 1 January 2002 district councils will be unable to dispose of fridges and freezers until equipment employing fridge destruction technology which satisfies the Regulation is available. At this stage the cost of disposal is unknown.

My officials are urgently examining this matter, in liaison with their counterparts in the UK Government, in order to establish standards for both interim storage and subsequent disposal of waste refrigeration equipment.

My officials will also shortly be meeting representatives from local councils to discuss the issues surrounding fridge destruction and to consult on the production of guidance documentation. This will in turn inform consideration of the cost of disposal.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (a) the number of fridges and freezers which are disposed through local district councils each year; and (b) the breakdown of this figure in district council areas.

(AQW 929/01)

Mr Foster: The information sought at (a) and (b) is not held centrally by my Department.

However my officials are urgently examining issues surrounding the disposal of waste refrigeration equipment. This will include seeking to estimate the numbers of units involved.

In undertaking this work officials are liaising closely with their counterparts in the UK Government. They will also shortly be meeting representatives from local councils to consult on the production of guidance documentation. This will provide an opportunity to review estimates of the numbers of fridges and freezers involved.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (a) the relevant European legislation which pertains to the disposal of fridges and freezers after 1 January 2002; and (b) what assistance he will give local district councils to store these fridges and freezers until they are safely disposed of.

(AQW 930/01)

Mr Foster: The relevant legislation is EC Regulation 2037/2000 which 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.

This will have significant implications for district councils, particularly their current practice in relation to the collection and disposal of domestic fridges and freezers. At present there are no facilities in the United Kingdom capable of removing such substances from the insulating foam of fridges and freezers. 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 introduction of the new controls. My officials are looking urgently at the matter to gauge the extent of additional costs. Thereafter I shall wish to consider what action might be appropriate. At the moment there are no specific resources earmarked for this purpose.

Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment how many listed buildings were demolished in each of the last three years.

(AQW 944/01)

Mr Foster: One listed building was demolished in 1999, one in 2000 and three to date in 2001.

There was also partial demolition in 2001 of a building within the curtilage of a listed building.

In two of these cases prosecutions have successfully been taken. In one case Listed Building Consent was retrospectively issued for demolition. Enforcement action is being pursued in the three remaining cases.

Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of the Environment, in relation to the Programme for Government, to detail (a) his plans to implement a Sustainable Development Strategy; (b) when the consultation process will begin; (c) the proposed date for the implementation; and (d) who has been appointed to oversee the consultation process.

(AQW 998/01)

Mr Foster: (a) The Programme for Government 2001-2004 indicated that my Department planned to publish proposals for a Northern Ireland Sustainable Development Strategy in June 2001. A combination of delays in the recruitment of staff and other work load pressures, mainly mandatory EU compliance work, meant that it was not possible to meet that target date. However, a draft consultation paper has now been prepared and I plan to seek Executive Committee agreement shortly.

(b) Subject to Executive Committee agreement, I intend that the consultation process should begin early in the New Year.

(c) The Programme for Government 2002-2005 sets a target date for publishing a final Northern Ireland Sustainable Development Strategy of October 2002. This is a challenging target, the achievement of which will depend to a degree on the outcome of the consultation process.

(d) My Department will oversee the consultation process. However, the Sustainable Northern Ireland Programme, an organisation part-funded by the voluntary and local government sectors and my Department, has been asked to organise a number of seminars across Northern Ireland as part of the consultation. These are intended to provide an opportunity for a more participative approach to gathering views and comments. The outcome of these seminars will be fed into the consultation process.

Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of the Environment to detail, for each of the last 3 years within East Londonderry, (a) the current location of 'listed buildings'; (b) the number of buildings which have been given the designation of 'listed'; and (c) the number of 'listed buildings' which have been demolished.

(AQW 1000/01)

Mr Foster: There are currently 453 listed buildings in the East Londonderry constituency. The precise location of each of these listed buildings can be obtained through my Department’s Monuments and Buildings Record at the Environment and Heritage Service, 5-33 Hill Street, Belfast.

Two listed buildings in the area have been demolished within the last three years, one in 1999 and one in 2001. My Department’s Planning Service is currently pursuing enforcement action in both cases.

Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of the Environment to outline what arrangements are in place to assist learner drivers sitting the theory test who have literacy problems.

(AQO 531/01)

Mr Foster: Candidates who have difficulties with reading, learning or literacy are allowed up to twice the standard 40-minute time for the test.

The system also provides an audio version of each test that candidates can use if they wish.

By touching the appropriate area on the computer screen, the text is read to them automatically through headphones.

It is accepted that people with reading, learning or literacy problems may need to take longer to prepare for the test, and may need special support and assistance from those with expertise in the field. Appropriate training resources are widely available from commercial providers.

Mrs Annie Courtney asked the Minister of the Environment what regard do local planners have for the concerns of residents when considering development proposals.

(AQO 527/01)

Mr Foster: My Department recognises that individuals and groups have important contributions to make to the planning process, and aims to facilitate this by publicising planning applications through advertising and neighbour notification, and inviting representations.

The consideration process also includes consultation with local councils, who may request site meetings which objectors can be invited to attend.

All representations which raise relevant planning matters are given very careful consideration by my Department in determining planning applications. Additional measures were introduced on 19 November 2001 to improve accessibility to the planning process. These include; enhanced access to the planning application file; the public availability of all representations including objections and consultation responses; provision of additional information on disputed facts; public availability of Council planning application schedules; additional information on applications Deferred by Council; and the provision of reasons relating to planning application decision notices. These measures will help make the planning application process more easily accessible to all interested parties, including objectors. However, local opposition to a development proposal is not in itself sufficient reason for refusing planning permission. To make proper and lawful decisions, my Department must also take into account prevailing planning policies, including development plans and planning policy statements. Planning Policy Statement 1 provides guidance on this matter and advises that other material planning considerations, including size, layout, siting and design, and the proposed means of access, together with landscaping, impact on the neighbourhood and the availability of infrastructure must also be taken into account.

In addition, in cases where the special procedure laid down in Article 31 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 is applied, a public inquiry may be called.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment what discussions have taken place with reference to the EU Directive (2000/53/EC) on end-of life vehicles.

(AQO 494/01)

Mr Foster: The ELV Directive, which came into force on 21 October 2000, aims to reduce the amount of waste from end of life vehicles. It sets a deadline of 21 April 2002 for the requirements of the Directive to be transposed into national legislation.

A UK consultation document seeking comments on three implementation options for the End of Life Vehicles(ELV) Directive was issued in August 2001. Over 150 individuals and organisations in Northern Ireland were included in the consultation.

Three of those consulted in Northern Ireland responded to this consultation process. In light of the responses to the consultation paper, discussions are continuing within Whitehall, led by the Department of Trade and Industry, to determine the best legislative and implementation options for the UK as a whole. My officials have been and will continue to be involved in those discussions.

Mr David Ford asked the Minister of the Environment what discussions his officials have had with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on implementing Species Action Plans for the Irish Hare, Chough and Curlew.

(AQO 516/01)

Mr Foster: The Species Action Plans for the Irish Hare, Chough and Curlew were published in October 2000 by the Environment and Heritage Service of my Department. Most discussions between my Department and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on implementing the action plans take place in the context of meetings of the Steering Groups set up to oversee them. The Steering Groups comprise the relevant voluntary bodies and officials from the two Departments. A lead partner from each steering group convenes the meetings. The lead partner for Chough and Curlew is the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. The lead partner for the Irish Hare is the Ulster Wildlife Trust.

The two lead partners have convened several steering group meetings to discuss work programmes for each action plan. Examples of work involving the two Departments include a large-scale study of the effects of predation on breeding Curlew, monitoring of the habitats used by Irish Hares and land management for Chough.

Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel whether he will give any guidance on the introduction of the Euro in January 2002.

(AQW 923/01)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): The main impact of the introduction of the Euro in January 2002 will be its effect on businesses which will deal with the Euro currency. The NI Euro Preparations Forum, led by local business and financed and co-ordinated by the Minister of enterprise, trade and investment, has been engaged in an extensive marketing and Euro awareness campaign. This campaign will continue to be implemented over the next few weeks and into the early months of 2002. These activities include the issue of information leaflets, the organization of Euro seminars and press and media interviews.

Northern Ireland is likely to see higher levels of Euro cash use than most other parts of the UK. But there are no indications that levels of euro use will be any higher than levels of Irish pound use. Sterling and Irish pounds have also been used interchangeably in many border areas, and businesses that operate there tend to hold accounts in both currencies. Traders will simply have their Irish pound accounts converted into Euro accounts.

We are satisfied that the publicity arrangements we have made in advance of the effective date will ensure that business and their customers are well informed and aware of the issues which may affect them.

Dr Esmond Birnie asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel, pursuant to AQW 570/01, what is his assessment of the equity of exclusion for those groups who did not initially apply for Gap Funding and who are now subsequently excluded.

(AQW 926/01)

Mr Durkan: To ensure an early flow of funding from the new PEACE II Programme to groups on the ground, Departments were authorised by the Executive to make advance payments to projects which were judged very likely to be eligible under the new Programme. These arrangements were extended for those projects already in receipt of Gap Funding. The Gap Funding arrangements announced in February were available for all existing PEACE I projects and all groups were afforded equal access to this initial round of funding. All applications under the new PEACE II Programme will be open to any project/group whether in receipt of Gap Funding or not and all projects in receipt of Gap Funding will be required to make a full application under the Programme. There is no guarantee that any project which has been successful in a Gap Funding application will also be successful in a full application under either of the new Operational Programmes.

Mr Séamus Close asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail (a) the underspend by (i) Departments; (ii) their agencies; and (iii) Non-Departmental Public Bodies in the year 2000-01; and (b) the underspend as a percentage of their total allocation.

(AQW 936/01)

Mr Durkan: The outturn information requested is set out in the table below. The figurework is based on Departmental Expenditure Limits (DEL) for each Department as this is the main control for managing public expenditure. It has also been split between the Assigned DEL, where there is the discretion to reallocate to other areas, and the Non Assigned DEL, which covers "ring fenced" expenditure which is not available for reallocation to other areas.