(AQW 895/01)

Reply: [holding answer 15 January 2002]: We recognise that there is tension and the potential for violence at a number of interface areas in Northern Ireland. North Belfast demonstrates the importance of dialogue initiated at a local level between and within the communities. We will do all that we can to support efforts by local communities to resolve their differences. We believe that the measures we have already taken in North Belfast will potentially benefit the neighbouring constituencies.

The draft Programme for Government includes a commitment to support the capacity of local communities to deal 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 intend to bring forward proposals to deal with these matters following completion of the current review of community relations policy, upon which we will be consulting.

(AQW 1180/01)

Reply: The Review of Public Administration is due to be launched in the Spring 2002 and an examination of local government will be an integral part of that Review.

(AQW 1592/01)

Reply: The composition of the UK delegation to the Summit is a matter for the Prime Minister, as Head of the Delegation, and the matter is currently under consideration. We have no plans to seek inclusion in the UK delegation.

(AQW 1608/01)

Reply: The development of relations and co-operation on an east-west basis is one of the Executive’s priorities under the Programme for Government. A Memorandum of Understanding, supplementary agreements between the UK Government, Northern Ireland Executive, Scottish Executive and Welsh Assembly, and a Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC), which comprises representatives of the above administrations, have been established. The committee’s role is to consider non-devolved matters that impinge on devolved responsibilities and vice-versa. This forum can also consider devolved matters where all parties agree that there is mutual benefit in discussing their respective treatment in the different parts of the UK.

In the coming year, we intend to take forward work in the Joint Ministerial Committee on issues including health, poverty, the knowledge economy and Europe.

A number of Northern Ireland Departments have extensive east-west links at all working levels with their counterparts in Whitehall, Scotland and Wales across a wide range of topics which include agriculture, animal health, veterinary matters, trade, industrial research and technology, energy issues, information age initiative, water issues and cultural and linguistic ties.

The British-Irish Council will also improve linkages between the devolved administrations of the United Kingdom

The British-Irish Council Summit meeting held on 30 November 2001 heard updates on the BIC work programme that is being taken forward on important issues such as Drugs, Social Inclusion, Transport, Environment and Knowledge Economy. Significant elements of further work in these sectors have been set in train by the summit. It is intended that Ministerial meetings on Environment and Drugs will be held before the next Summit meeting, which is arranged for 19 April, when the main topic of discussion will be Knowledge Economy.

As part of the work in this area the summit meeting will be followed by a major Conference on ‘Bridging the Digital Divide.’ in Jersey from 24 – 26 April

The Council has also agreed two further areas of work to be taken forward under the British-Irish Council – Tourism which is to be taken forward by Guernsey and Health (Tele-medicine) by the Isle of Man. Meetings of senior officials from each administration will be held in the near future to discuss proposals for taking forward work in these areas.

(AQW 1637/01)

Reply: Individuals appointed to Non-Departmental Public Bodies for which our department is responsible are expected to adhere to the standards set out in 'Guidance on Codes of Best Practice for Board Members of Public Bodies'.

Copies of the 'Guidance on Codes of Best Practice for Board Members of Public Bodies' have been placed in the Assembly library and it is also available from http://cabinet-office.gov.uk/quangos/index/stand.htm

(AQW 1784/01)

Reply: It was announced on 22 June 2001 that Her Majesty The Queen will be including Northern Ireland as part of her Golden Jubilee Tour during this year.

The matter and substance of Her Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee is being organised by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in conjunction with the Depertment of Culture, Arts and Leisure DCAL.

As yet the details of the programme have not been finalised.

(AQW 1791/01)

Reply: We currently have no plans to jointly visit the constituency of East Antrim.

(AQW 1845/01)

Reply: The full details of the various costs associated with our most recent visit to the USA are not yet available. We will write to you again when these have been identified.

(AQW 1895/01)

Reply: The work of the Disability Rights Task Force came to an end in December 1999 following the publication of its report entitled "From Exclusion to Inclusion" which contained many recommendations for comprehensive civil rights for disabled people. The Northern Ireland Executive detailed response to the Task Force, entitled "Improving Civil Rights for Disabled People", was issued for consultation in September 2001.

Responses to the consultation are currently under consideration. We have asked the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, as part of its role to monitor and review the Disability Discrimination Act, to consider further some other issues raised by the Task Force.

A strategy to implement the Executive’s proposals will be developed by an interdepartmental working group to be established this year under the Promoting Social Inclusion element of New TSN. Legislation will be brought forward to implement many of the Executive’s proposals for improving disability rights.

We are committed to the elimination of discrimination against disabled people and in view of the ongoing work to improve disability rights we are firmly on track to achieve this important goal.

(AQW 1902/01)

Reply: The Planning Service is an executive agency within the Department of the Environment and, as such, it is within the jurisdiction of the Assembly Ombudsman under the Ombudsman (NI) Order 1996. There are no plans to duplicate the functions of the Assembly Ombudsman by establishing a separate Office to deal specifically with complaints arising from the work of the Planning Service.

(AQW 1916/01)

Reply: On 5th February 2002, the Home Secretary announced his intention to publish a consultation paper in the spring or early summer on the introduction of a universal entitlement card. In order to ensure that the paper will be balanced and comprehensive and present to the public as full a picture as possible, the Government has said that it wishes to discuss its emerging ideas with interested parties prior to publication. We have been given assurances that we will be consulted as part of this process, and will consider at that point what representations should be made on behalf of the local administration.

(AQW 2051/01)

Reply: The Executive yesterday endorsed a proposal from the Minister for Social Development to issue a consultation document on the draft Belfast Regeneration Office Strategy.

(AQW 2113/01)

Reply: The Assistant Director post in the Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington is a Grade 7 post within the Northern Ireland Civil Service. It is normal practice to fill posts at this grade by level transfer of an existing Grade 7 or from a pool of candidates eligible to compete for vacancies in the grade. Furthermore, it is recognised that it is helpful for the Assistant Director in Washington to have a working knowledge of the Northern Ireland government system.

The Director post in the Washington Bureau will be publicly advertised in the near future to fill a vacancy which will arise later in the year.

(AQO 824/01)

Reply: We recognise and pay tribute to the valuable work carried out by community groups in resolving local issues.

Recent experience, in North Belfast and Larne, has shown the importance of dialogue to promote mutual understanding and trust where there is tension between local communities. Community organisations have a vital role to play in this, and we are determined to do all that we can to support their efforts.

We have been, and will be, available to meet with community groups.

(AQO 836/01)

Reply: The Executive are determined that this Review will be conducted in an open, transparent and inclusive manner. The Assembly will have a key role in the process, not least because the Review will address the relationship between the local and regional tiers of government.

We have made available to all Assembly Members the proposed terms of reference for the Review. We are keen to hear the views of Members and relevant committees. To that end we have tabled a motion to debate the proposed terms of reference in this Assembly on 25 February.

The Executive will provide the Assembly with every opportunity to be actively engaged in this process from the start. We hope the Assembly will play an active and constructive role in the process. Last month we wrote to the Speaker seeking his advice on how the Assembly wants to oversee the Review. We understand the Business Committee is considering the issue.

(AQO 839/01)

Reply: The Working Group was established in September 2001 to fulfil our Programme for Government commitment to review the opportunities for the use of private finance in all major service provisions/ infrastructure projects, to increase investment and provide innovative and value for money solutions through Public Private Partnerships/Private Finance Initiative (PPP/PFI).

The Working Group includes representatives from the public, private and voluntary sectors and also the trade unions. The deliberations of the Working Group are now well advanced and it is intended that a draft report will be submitted to us and the Minister of Finance and Personnel by Easter. We plan to publish the report, which will incorporate an Equality Impact Assessment, in May for consultation.

(AQO 844/01)

Reply: We have currently no plans to make a joint visit to North Down in the near future.

(AQO 838/01)

Reply: We currently have no plans to jointly visit the Newry and Armagh constituency.

(AQO 832/01)

Reply: Following a very successful consultation, which closed on 8 November 2001, over 300 responses have been analysed and decisions are being taken on the way forward. We intend to introduce legislation to the Assembly in the near future, with a view to appointing the children’s commissioner in the Autumn.

We are at an advanced stage of drafting the Bill and we are also bringing forward the necessary preparatory work for the appointment.

We recognise that progress in taking this initiative forward has not been as quick as we had hoped. However, we firmly believe that it is better to take a little more time now, to make sure that the office we establish can properly discharge its important role. We believe that by doing this, Northern Ireland can be a world-leader in improving life for children and young people.

(AQO 837/01)

Reply: Following a very successful consultation, which closed on 8 November 2001, over 300 responses have been analysed and decisions are being taken on the way forward. We intend to introduce legislation to the Assembly in the near future, with a view to appointing the children’s commissioner in the Autumn.

We are at an advanced stage of drafting the Bill and we are also bringing forward the necessary preparatory work for the appointment.

We recognise that progress in taking this initiative forward has not been as quick as we had hoped. However, we firmly believe that it is better to take a little more time now, to make sure that the office we establish can properly discharge its important role. We believe that by doing this, Northern Ireland can be a world-leader in improving life for children and young people.

(AQO 842/01)

Reply: Pursuant to AQO 625/01 answered on 25th January 2002.

Work on the development of the race strategy is ongoing and will be brought forward during 2002, with subsequent implementation.

There will be a full and open consultation on the document before it is finally agreed by the Executive Committee.

(AQO 835/01)

Reply: We are determined to tackle age discrimination. We will be issuing our proposals to tackle age discrimination for consultation early next year. We will ensure that legislation is in operation before the deadline of 2006 imposed by the European Directive.

In our consultation on the general content and scope of a Single Equality Bill, we asked some general questions about age discrimination. There are many complex issues to be addressed and we want to ensure that we take account of expert advice and comments in taking forward this work.

(AQW 1867/01)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): £500 will be made available.

(AQW 1875/01)

Ms Rodgers: The Review of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is a legal requirement under Article 14 of Regulation (EEC) No 3760/92.

In March 2001 the European Commission produced a Green Paper on the future of the CFP and sought responses from Member States by September 2001. Based on the outcome of its consultations the Commission is due to table proposals for reform early in 2002 with final decisions on reform by end of 2002.

The Green Paper provided an analysis of the current state of play in European fisheries including the following aspects:

• the state of the main fish stocks

• the environmental dimension

• fleet policy

• decision making processes and stakeholder involvement

• monitoring and control

• aquaculture

• the processing sector

In tandem with other UK Fisheries Departments, DARD conducted its local consultation on the Green Paper in Spring 2001 with a wide range of industry, environmental and statutory bodies. Responses were taken into account in the preparation for the major debate on the Green Paper at the June 2001 Fisheries Council.

I participated in discussions with UK Fisheries Ministers and emphasised the need to strengthen the social and economic dimension of the CFP as well as the need for greater stakeholder involvement at regional level. I attended the June 2001 debate.

I was at pains during those discussions to ensure that local needs and priorities were factored into the UK position and trust that they will be reflected in the Commission proposals.

(AQW 1880/01)

Ms Rodgers: The use of all Lindane-based products is currently being phased out. Since 20 June 2001, such products may not be sold or supplied in the United Kingdom and remaining stocks of such products in the possession of farmers and intended for agricultural use must be used up or disposed of by 20 June 2002.

The approval for the use of Lindane wood preservatives has also been revoked and stock must be disposed of by November 2002. Some insecticides remain approved for storage and use until January 2003 but must then be disposed of by January 2004.

(AQW 1883/01)

Ms Rodgers: The Foyle and Carlingford Fisheries Bill is being brought forward to extend the functions of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (FCILC) in line with the North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) (NI) Order 1999 and to amend a number of provisions of the Foyle Fisheries Act (NI) 1952 relating to inland fisheries and will include provision to enable the FCILC to licence and develop aquaculture in the Foyle and Carlingford Areas. An equivalent Bill is being brought forward in parallel in the South.

Officials from my Department and the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources in Dublin continue to work together with a view to producing a final draft of the Bill as soon as possible. While it had been my intention to introduce the Bill to the Assembly earlier, there were a number of policy matters on which it was more difficult to obtain the agreement of legal advisors in both jurisdictions than had been anticipated. However the majority of these issues have now been resolved and it is hoped that any outstanding issues will be resolved in the coming weeks, subject to clearance of the proposed policy being received from legal advisors in both jurisdictions. However progress on the Bill is subject to parallel progress being made in the South. Unfortunately progress in the South has been delayed recently due to competing priorities, which has resulted in a further delay in producing a final draft. However my officials continue to press their colleagues in the South on this matter.

I can assure you that it is my intention to have the Bill introduced to the Assembly as soon as possible to ensure that the Loughs Agency is provided with the necessary powers to licence and develop aquaculture in the Loughs without further unnecessary delay.

In relation to the work needed to assist people on the waters of both Loughs, the Loughs Agency is currently undertaking work on both Loughs for the benefit of its stakeholders. It has recently put in place a number of monitoring programmes in both Loughs including the installation of automatic temperature loggers and the carrying out of regular sampling for the purpose of obtaining information fundamental to the development and management of the shellfish industry. It is also currently developing a strategy for the development of marine tourism and as part of this process intends, in the very near future, to commission a marine tourism audit to ascertain the level of facilities currently available in the Loughs. The Agency also maintains a patrol vessel on Carlingford Lough where aquaculture licensing is currently carried out by this Department and the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources in Dublin, and continues to undertake its conservation and protection work on Lough Foyle in relation to salmon fisheries.

(AQW 1885/01)

Ms Rodgers: At this stage it is not possible to give a precise commencement date. While the project has satisfied an economic appraisal it has to compete with other projects on a priority basis, and it appears that this project will not commence until 2004/05.

(AQW 1894/01)

Ms Rodgers: At the outset of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), in February 2001 the Department adopted the policy with respect to trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland similar to that which the EU requested between Great Britain and any other Member State in that all imports of cattle and FMD susceptible animals were banned.

However, as a result of the Office International des Epizooties OIE decision on 21 January 2002 to recognise UK FMD freedom and the improving situation, an amendment has been made to Commission Decision 2001/740/EC which will relax trade control measures between Great Britain and the rest of the European Union.

Department officials are currently reviewing the full range of FMD controls, which were put in place in Northern Ireland. Consequently live cattle imports into Northern Ireland are likely to recommence in the near future. I will announce any decision on these matters as soon as the deliberations and consultations with the relevant stakeholders are completed.

(AQW 1911/01)

Ms Rodgers: In the period since devolution (21/12/99), DARD expenditure on external consultancy and consultancy reports was as follows:

(AQO 857/01)

Ms Rodgers: To date Joe Walsh and I have agreed a paper, which sets out the position in relation to each of the most significant animal diseases in both parts of the island. That paper establishes the baseline and the position in relation to each disease and will inform a decision on whether there is scope for increased cross-border co-operation in order to effect an improvement. The results of that exercise will form the strategy to which the Member refers. I expect the strategy to be ready by the end of the year and to set parameters for dealing with animal health on the island of Ireland for the next 5 – 10 years.

The new all-island animal health strategy will:

While both administrations have been pursuing those objectives largely separately for many years, the difference now is that we will be attempting to capitalise on the benefits that a joint approach can bring.

Dealing strategically with these diseases will bring economic benefits on both sides of the border and enhance public confidence in the industry.

(AQO 854/01)

Ms Rodgers: I am conscious of the distress caused in the areas affected by the flooding on 1 February which arose from exceptionally high tides accompanied by high winds. I can confirm that Rivers Agency provided an emergency response to some 100 flood calls by deploying staff at a number of locations including Newry, Newcastle, East Belfast, Killough and the Ards Peninsula. The Agency staff were involved in sandbagging and pumping operations and remained on call throughout the evening of Friday 1 February and on Saturday 2 February.

In Newry, where there was substantial flooding, some 50 Rivers Agency personnel, assisted by Water Service and District Council staff, distributed approximately 3,000 sandbags to 110 businesses and 53 domestic premises. Emergency action saved 41 businesses and 36 premises from flooding and reduced flooding in another 86 cases.

The completed sections of a flood alleviation scheme underway in Newry prevented direct inundation from the river.

(AQO 847/01)

Ms Rodgers: The agrifood industry in Northern Ireland as a whole currently faces many challenges. The vision Steering Group’s task was to identify these, come forward with a Vision for the future development of the industry and make recommendations for the achievement of this vision. This I believe it has done.

The Vision Steering Group did not attempt any area by area analysis but I believe that, if we get things right at the Northern Ireland level, this will be to the benefit of farmers in all parts of the North including West Tyrone.

(AQO 861/01)

Ms Rodgers: My Department intends to make a temporary, acting, appointment to the post of Director of the Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland. This temporary replacement will be made pending the outcome of the public review of my Department’s provision of undergraduate and postgraduate education and research and development in agriculture and food science. The Department would wish to consider any recommendations made by the review panel and the implications, if any, for this post before a substantive appointment is made. My senior officials have had discussions with the Board of Trustees of the Institute who have also made representations on this matter.

(AQW 1780/01)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure is currently awarding grants of between £500 and £5,000, primarily to groups that cannot accept lottery money, because of ethical or religious reasons. Applications are also being considered from groups that are ineligible for Awards for All lottery funding, for technical reasons, eg a group that currently holds a grant(s) totalling £5,000 in a 12-month period. Funding from the Department will complement lottery funding available through the Awards for All scheme. In this way all groups in Northern Ireland can become involved in organising Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Applications were invited for two rounds of funding. Round 1 closed on 30 November 2001. Out of 11 applications received, 10 will be awarded funding. Round 2 closed on 1 February, by which stage over 600 grant applications had issued from the Golden Jubilee Unit. 268 completed applications have been received and are currently being processed. We hope to issue letters of notification to applicants by the end of March.

(AQW 1848/01)

Mr McGimpsey: My Department is committed to working with District Councils to develop integrated local plans for culture, arts and leisure. Through the Cultural Forum my Department is encouraging and assisting district councils in the development of Local Cultural Strategic Plans, which will also assist in accessing funding such as that available under the Peace II Programme. This includes the preparation of guidance for councils, hosting a workshop and a series of training days.

My Department will also be arranging for the production of an advocacy document, which would be of assistance in attracting funding and support for culture, arts and leisure projects. It is hoped that this document will be available for consideration at a conference event provisionally planned for May 2002.

(AQW 1850/01)

Mr McGimpsey: The training programme is being provided by Mr Tommy Ryan and Mr Paul Gleeson.

The contract for managing, evaluating and reporting on the pilot training project was awarded to Iontaobhas Ultach on a single tender basis. This was because:

• this project represented a unique and complex undertaking where there was clearly a need for detailed specialist knowledge and language expertise;

• the project had to be delivered to an acceptable timescale;

• the project was to provide the benchmark for future training programmes and had to be of high quality and represent value for money;

• it was not possible to draw up a comprehensive Statement of Requirement because of the largely unexplored nature of the project;

• expert guidance was sought and this confirmed that Iontaobhas Ultach is uniquely placed in Northern Ireland to meet delivery of the initial pilot training programme.

An informal advisory committee will evaluate the project and make recommendations to the Department for future developments. The appointment of any future management agents will be by way of an open tendering process.

(AQW 1882/01)

Mr McGimpsey: On devolution, ownership of the public Shooting Rights on Lough Erne transferred to my Department from the former Department of Agriculture (DANI). With this transfer my Department inherited a three-year licence arrangement effective from 1 September 1998 drawn up between DANI Rivers Agency, Lough Erne Wildfowlers’ Council (LEWC) in partnership with the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC). This Licence arrangement has introduced to the Lough Erne Estate for the first time sustainable local management, wardening and conservation.

Under the Licence arrangements annual permits have been made available to anyone with valid insurance cover willing to comply with the Code of Conduct and Management Plan implemented and regulated by LEWC. My Department has had no other regulating control over the wildfowling clubs involved. The annual permit fee of £10 (BASC members) and £25 (non-BASC members) has been regarded by the Department as both reasonable and equitable given the significant management and conservation expertise provided by BASC.

My Department agreed to extend this Licence arrangement for the 2001/2 shooting season which finished on 31 January on the understanding that we will be undertaking a comprehensive review of future management arrangements. You have my assurance that consultation will form an integral part of this review.

(AQW 1940/01)

Mr McGimpsey: The information you require is set out below.

The growth in consultancy reflects the particular stage of the Department’s strategic development. The figures include a wide range of exercises including the development of new strategies across all of the Department’s main programmes, as well as supporting the essential development of the Department’s infrastructure eg ICT, finance and human resources.

(AQW 1947/01)

Mr McGimpsey: The Irish Football Association awarded funding of £5,000 in each of the past 5 years for the Milk Cup tournament. The Northern Ireland Events Company awarded funding of £90,000 towards the 2001 Milk Cup tournament, and is considering funding the 2002 tournament.

(AQW 2004/01)

Mr McGimpsey: I am aware that the cost of insurance is increasing for all sporting clubs, governing bodies and sporting events. However, this is an issue which belongs to the realm of the commercial sector and is not one in which I can become involved. I recognise insurance is an essential element for those participating in sporting activities and it is a matter for the clubs to shop around for the best deals.

(AQO 830/01)

Mr McGimpsey: The Sports Council for Northern Ireland has overall responsibility for the promotion and development of sport in Northern Ireland. The Sports Council has recently been working closely with the governing body for off-road sport, namely the Motorcycle Racing Association, and those other governing bodies within the family of motorsports disciplines, on a strategic plan for 2 and 4 wheeled motorsports.

It is anticipated that this strategic plan, which will shortly be subjected to public consultation, will map out the governing bodies’ vision for the sport’s future, and include facility provision for the promotion, development and future sustainability of the sport. I would not want to comment in advance of the completion of the strategic plan.

There are currently ten venues in the province that regularly cater for off-road motorcycle sport. These are:

(AQO 655/01)

Mr McGimpsey: Responsibility for the provision of library services in Newtownards rests with the South Eastern Education and Library Board. The board will carry out an economic appraisal early next financial year which will look at all viable options for library provision in Newtownards.

My aim is to improve public library services and infrastructure throughout Northern Ireland. With that in mind my Department is currently carrying out a comprehensive review of the services, but improvements are likely to require additional resources. However, we have already taken a very significant step to improve services through the Electronic Libraries project which will be implemented over the next 18 months and will expand considerably the services available in Newtownards library.

I have recently been able to make additional resources available to the Public Library Service. This has allowed the South Eastern Board to release £500,000 for expenditure on bookstock this year and should help improve stock in all libraries including Newtownards.

(AQO 846/01)

Mr McGimpsey: My Department’s vision is of a confident, creative, informed and prosperous community. Our goals are supportive of the wider government objectives to promote economic and social development in Northern Ireland and should therefore win the confidence of the entire community.

My Department has a specific target in the Programme for Government of working with District Councils to develop integrated local plans for culture, arts and leisure. Through the Cultural Forum, we are assisting District Councils in the development of Local Cultural Strategic Plans which will assist access to funding sources, including that available under the Peace II programme. In West Tyrone, both Omagh and Strabane district councils have already identified culture, arts and leisure as key themes in the development of action plans for Peace II derived from their Local Strategy Partnerships.

(AQW 1819/01)

The Minister of Education (Mr McGuinness): It is a statutory responsibility of the education and library boards to secure for their areas the provision of adequate facilities for youth service activities. I have not made any specific assessment of provision in the South Eastern area.

However, I can say that I have been very impressed by the standard and range of youth service activity offered by both the statutory and voluntary sectors in all board areas.

(AQW 1904/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The recommended site area for a new primary school is determined by the school’s enrolment and is set out in the Department’s Building Handbook. However, the areas in the handbook are intended as a guide because the shape and topography of the site can influence its suitability for school development. The recommended site area for a new primary school in the 400-500 pupil range is between 3.7 and 4 acres. The answer to part (b) of the question is set out in the table below.

(AQW 1925/01)

Mr M McGuinness: Since my appointment as Minister for Education I have visited the following schools in the Controlled Sector:

• Vere Foster Primary School, Belfast

• Rathfriland Hill School

• Belmont House School, Derry

• Kilronan Special School, Magherafelt

• Galliagh Nursery School, Derry

I remain willing to respond positively to all invitations which I receive from schools to visit them and to attend events at which I can meet pupils and teachers from all school sectors.

(AQW 1945/01)

Mr M McGuinness: Funding within the Youth Service is allocated as follows:

• each education and library board receives an allocation based largely on youth population, free school meals and youth unemployment;

• the Youth Council for Northern Ireland receives funding mainly to support headquarter voluntary organisations and curriculum development;

• bids for specific projects or initiatives in either the controlled or voluntary youth sector can be made to sources such as the Youth Education Social Inclusion Partnership, Executive Programme Funds, Belfast Regeneration Office and the Londonderry Regeneration Initiative.

Each of these bodies or programmes allocates funding to individual clubs or organisations in accordance with their specific criteria.

(AQW 1998/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The percentage of 15-year-old pupils in 1999/2000 who achieved 5 or more GCSEs at Grades A* - A, including the GNVQ Intermediate Part 1 equivalent, is given below:

The percentage of 15 year old pupils in 1999/2000 who achieved 5 or more GCSEs at Grades A* - B, including the GNVQ Intermediate Part 1 equivalent, is given below:

(AQW 2001/01)

Mr M McGuinness: Any receipts realised from the sale of the former Scrabo High School will be used to offset expenditure on capital development in the South-Eastern Board area.

(AQW 1657/01)

The Minister for Employment and Learning (Ms Hanna): I refer the Member to my answer to AQW 1195/01.

(AQW 1805/01)

Ms Hanna: Research on student income and expenditure informed the Department’s review of student support in 2001. The impact of the changes emerging from the review will be evaluated in due course.

(AQW 1838/01)

Ms Hanna: Students are advised of their statutory maximum loan entitlement determined in accordance with the Education (Student Support) Regulations (Northern Ireland). It is a matter of personal choice for students to decide how much they need to borrow. It would not be appropriate for my Department to seek to influence them.

(AQW 1839/01)

Ms Hanna: (a) My Department’s underspend against its Departmental Expenditure Limit budget in 2000-01 was £17.8m. This excludes New Deal funding which until 1 April 2001 was ring fenced and managed separately outside the Departmental Limit control. Any unneeded New Deal funding was not available for reallocation to other purposes in this or other departments; it was carried forward to the subsequent year or surrendered to Treasury.

(b) Of the £17.8m, the largest element of £7.9m was due to the gap between the end of the old and the start of new European programmes and £2·4m was in respect of capital expenditure which was allocated back to the Department for the current year under end-year flexibility arrangements. The Building Sustainable Prosperity European Programme has commenced. Other relevant budgets have been reduced for future years and will be revisited as part of the Spending Review. These circumstances should prevent a recurrence.

(AQW 1851/01)

Ms Hanna: There is no Centre for Molecular Bio-science at Queen’s University, Belfast. However, work has commenced on a new Centre for Molecular Biosciences (CMB) at the University of Ulster’s Coleraine campus. The CMB is being taken forward under the Support Programme for University Research (SPUR), a public-private partnership designed to enhance the level of research of international standing in Northern Ireland.

The CMB received the largest award, £14.5 million. DEL will contribute 50% of the costs, matching pound for pound contributions raised privately by the University.

(AQW 1866/01)

Ms Hanna: The most recent data available to the Department covers the academic year 2000/01. The following table details the number of students enrolled on catering and hospitality related courses at each campus:

Enrolments on catering and institutional management courses at the university of ulster, 2000/01

(AQW 1919/01)

Ms Hanna: The Jobcentres provide a range of personal advice and employment services to unemployed jobseekers including job brokerage, careers guidance and opportunities in programmes such as New Deal. In the context of the Government’s welfare reforms agenda, the Department’s priority has shifted to helping unemployed people in receipt of welfare benefits.

(AQW 1922/01)

Ms Hanna: A review of the New Deal for 18 to 24-year-olds is currently underway. The review, which will take into account employers needs, follows recently published evaluation studies on New Deal and a wide ranging consultation exercise. Proposals will be finalised by March 2002 and implemented during 2002/03.

(AQW 1923/01)

Ms Hanna: My Department has a specialist Disablement Advisory Service which assists people with disabilities to gain employment. Assistance includes employment advice, access to appropriate training, help with job placements and financial assistance. New Deal for Disabled People is available to people on health related benefits. The Department’s Careers Service provides career guidance to people with disabilities who are in education, training or unemployment.

(AQW 1929/01)

Ms Hanna: Since the introduction in 1998 of the self-employment route within New Deal 766 unemployed people have availed of this facility. Of these 343 registered a fresh claim to benefit within 13 weeks of completion.

(AQW 1930/01)

Ms Hanna: The New Deal for Lone Parents, introduced by the Department for Social Development in October 1998, provides advice and assistance to lone parents seeking work or training. As part of this initiative my Department’s Jobcentre network provides participants with a job placement service and/or offers them relevant training courses. Additionally lone parents can have early entry facility to the New Deal for 18 to 24-year-olds and New Deal 25+.

(AQW 1933/01)

Ms Hanna: My Department has a specialist Disablement Advisory Service which assists people with mental health difficulties to gain employment. The assistance includes employment advice, access to appropriate training, help with job placements and financial assistance. My Department also funds a number of training providers which specialise in supporting people with mental health difficulties.

(AQW 1934/01)

Ms Hanna: Expenditure by my Department on external consultants and consultancy reports is as follows:

The 2001/02 figure represents cash spending for the year to January 2002.

(AQW 1614/01)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): [holding answer 8 February 2002]:

(a) The total amount paid to W & G Baird for printing over the last 5 years i.e. 1997/98, 1998/99, 1999/ 2000, 2001/02 (01.04.01 – 31.12.01) was £681,401.

(b) The vast majority of the work awarded to W & G Baird was tendered. IDB awarded, through the Government Purchasing Agency (GPA), work worth £40,903. This contract was tendered and the bids assessed against the GPA's standard 5 criteria of, quality of service; technical and professional ability; price; ability to meet timescales; and compliance with mandatory requirements. The contract was not awarded to the lowest tender but was awarded on a value for money basis.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) tendered work totalling £559,546. An additional £40,952 was awarded for work that was not tendered. This work related to pre-press activity on existing contracts held by W & G Baird. Of the £559,456, £266,468 was awarded in instances where W & G Baird entered the lowest tender. Contracts worth £373,078 were awarded in instances where W & G Baird did not submit the lowest tender. NITB uses a scoring methodology which ranks tenders by a number of criteria including, understanding of the brief; previous experience; key personnel; methodology; and cost.

(c) The final bill for the work commissioned by IDB was £1300 less than the amount quoted. NITB requested additional pre-press work on contracts already awarded to W & G Baird. The amount of this additional work was £10,000. Also NITB paid £90,000 over the 5 year period for additional copies ie brochures to be published (over and above the volume tendered) .

(AQW 1656/01)

Sir Reg Empey: [holding answer 8 February 2002]: The operation of the Critical Care Register is a matter for NIE plc. I am informed by the company that detailed information on (a) the number of occasions on which the demand for portable generators exceeded the number available to NIE and (b) the number of complaints received about the provision of portable generators to customers on the Critical Care Register during the past 5 years is not available. No complaints have been made to the Department during the same period.

(AQW 1809/01)

Sir Reg Empey: Unemployment statistics at District Council level are only available from the claimant count.

Details of claimant count unemployment in North Down Borough Council, Ards District Council and a comparison with Northern Ireland as a whole can be found in Table 1.

(AQW 1835/01)

Sir Reg Empey: Over the year to 12 February 2002, there were 1,429 redundancies confirmed to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in the following four Jobcentre Areas: Newtownabbey (928), Carrickfergus (339), Larne (141) and Islandmagee (21), which are within the East Antrim Parliamentary Constituency Area (PCA). The Department does not produce projections of job losses. However, there have been a further 371 redundancies proposed by companies in these Jobcentre Areas, which have yet to take place.

(AQW 1843/01)

Sir Reg Empey: [holding answer 20 February 2002]: Financial Assistance Agreements between IDB and its client companies are confidential and therefore it would be inappropriate for me to disclose detailed terms and conditions. However, Financial Assistance Agreements issued by IDB typically link grant assistance to a range of conditions including employment.

(AQW 1844/01)

Sir Reg Empey: The level of financial guarantees required is difficult to quantify as it relates to complex financial arrangements involving various parties underwriting or guaranteeing different airlines and aircraft types. Clearly however, given the market value of the new aircraft concerned, the sums involved are likely to be significant.

(AQW 1846/01)

Sir Reg Empey: [holding answer 20 February 2002]: I have sought and received assurances from Bombardier that it is totally committed to maintaining an integrated design and engineering capability in Belfast which will enable it to compete effectively for new aircraft opportunities. These assurances are not in the form of guarantees or contractual requirements. Given the current difficult market conditions it would be unreasonable for any company, not least a publicly quoted company like Bombardier, to give legal or contractual guarantees in relation to its business. Such matters are however taken into account when negotiating with the company and offering selective financial assistance.

(AQW 1873/01)

Sir Reg Empey: Since 1989 Bombardier Shorts has received Launch Aid from the Department of Trade and Industry of £16.4m in 1995/96 and £1.3m in 1996/97.

(AQW 1874/01)

Sir Reg Empey: Direct government assistance to Bombardier from 1989/90 to 2000/01 is detailed below:

It is not clear what is meant by indirect financial assistance, but I am not aware of any other assistance provided by my Department to Bombardier since 1989.

(AQW 1877/01)

Sir Reg Empey: LEDU operates a wide range of programmes of support for businesses at various stages of development. Please note, however, that LEDU does not measure cost per job on an annual basis – since jobs in client businesses are created over a time period, in most cases different to that relating to grant expenditure, it is not considered meaningful to measure cost per job on an annual basis. Cost per job is calculated as part of programme evaluation. The last major evaluation of Growth Business Support, for example, assessed the job creation of assisted businesses over a five-year period. The grant expenditure made to these businesses was also measured to arrive at a cost per job created of £8,000. The same method would be applied to other programmes of support. The following provides average cost per job figures for some of the major schemes of assistance.

(AQW 1878/01)

Sir Reg Empey: The information requested is provided in the table below:

* As projects typically take four to five years to maximise their employment, IDB practice is to commence job creation analysis in the second year after they are secured. It would not be meaningful to measure actual job creation figures relating to projects secured in 2000/01 at this early stage. The actual figure will be made available during 2002/03.

(AQW 1881/01)

Sir Reg Empey: Monthly employment figures for the manufacturing sector are not available. However, estimates of manufacturing jobs are available on a quarterly basis and details for the period March 1998 to September 2001 can be found in Table 1.

(R) = Revised (P) = Provisional

Source: Quarterly Employment Survey, DETI

(AQW 1913/01)

Sir Reg Empey: On 12 February 2002 the Director General of Gas for Northern Ireland issued a gas conveyance licence to Bord Gáis Éireann for the North West and the South/North gas pipelines.

It is primarily a matter for Bord Gáis Éireann to determine the rate of progress of the gas project and I understand the company intends to complete the gas transmission pipeline to the North West by 2004. This gas transmission pipeline will facilitate the supply of gas to towns along the route. In due course the Director General will seek applications for licences for the development of gas distribution networks in those towns.

(AQW 1946/01)

Sir Reg Empey: The NI Tourist Board has issued a total of 957 Capital Letters of Offer in the 10-years for the period ended 31st December 2001. The total assistance offered under these Letters of Offer is £109,567,082 and as of 31st December 2001, grant payments made against these offers totalled £80,932,956.

A breakdown of these offers by constituency is attached at Annex A.

In addition to capital assistance paid for the provision of tourist accommodation, the NI Tourist Board has, since January 1994, offered assistance towards the cost of marketing tourist accommodation and amenities. As at 31st December 2001 marketing assistance totalling £6,267,949 has been offered.

A breakdown of these offers by Council area is attached at Annex B.

* This category incorporates financial assistance offered to projects which are cross border, across Northern Ireland etc and not possible to link to one constituency alone

(AQW 1952/01)

Sir Reg Empey: The amount spent on external consultancy including resulting reports by my Department in each of the last 3 years is as follows:

(AQW 1991/01)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has four non-departmental public bodies; the Local Enterprise Development Unit, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland and the General Consumer Council for Northern Ireland.

All the Department’s non-departmental public bodies are currently following guidance on reporting fraud to the Comptroller and Auditor General in line with Government accounting procedures.

(AQW 1992/01)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has responsibility for promoting energy efficiency in the industrial and commercial sectors. The Industrial Research and Technology Unit currently operates an energy efficiency programme, and this role will transfer to Invest Northern Ireland on 1 April 2002. The Government has set up a new company, The Carbon Trust Ltd, to lead on non-domestic energy efficiency across the UK. The Carbon Trust’s operations will be based around an energy efficiency best practice programme and an interest free loan scheme. These services will help businesses, including those in Northern Ireland, to: identify their potential to save energy; follow good practice for their sector; and gain financial support to take action. In addition a low carbon innovation programme will encourage and support research and development into technologies that will help to build and sustain a low carbon economy. Under the direction and guidance of Invest NI staff the Carbon Trust’s programme in Northern Ireland will pay particular attention to the needs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

My Department also continues to promote the production of energy from renewable sources and has recently conducted a consultation exercise with a view to setting a revised target for the proportion of electricity to be produced from such sources by 2010.

I am about to embark on a consultation process leading to a new energy strategy for Northern Ireland. In the course of this, I will be emphasising again that our consumption of energy must be the minimum consistent with the needs of a modern economy and society.

(AQW 2060/01)

Sir Reg Empey: It is not possible to provide information on redundancies or employee jobs for borough council areas. However, over the last two years, there were 227, 469 and 928 redundancies confirmed to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Larne, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey Jobcentre Areas respectively.

Information on the number of jobs created is not available. However, figures from the NI Census of Employment can be used to estimate the net change in employee jobs between censuses. Latest figures show that between the 1997 and 1999 censuses the number of employee jobs in the Larne, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey District Council Areas increased by 14, 227 and 2906 respectively.

(AQW 2071/01)

Sir Reg Empey: Unemployment statistics at ward level are only available from the claimant count.

The information has been placed in the Assembly Library.

(AQW 2085/01)

Sir Reg Empey: A major strategic review culminating in the production of a strategic action plan for the future of the textiles and apparel industry involving internationally recognised consultants Kurt Salmon Associates, sector experts and senior company managers was completed during the latter half of year 2000. Its recommendations were presented to the industry in January 2001when it received widespread support.

The recommendations of the plan are as relevant today as they were this time last year.

(AQW 2112/01)

Sir Reg Empey: It would be inappropriate for me to comment on confidential and on going discussions between IDB and the company. However I can say that while ultimately the sourcing of raw materials is a commercial decision for the company IDB will certainly be encouraging the company to source as much as possible of it’s raw material requirement including milk products from Northern Ireland suppliers.

(AQW 1857/01)

The Minister of the Environment (Mr Nesbitt): I would refer the Member to the written responses to Assembly Questions 1277/01 (answered on 18 January 2002); 1744/01 (answered on 15 February 2002) and 1769/01 (answered on 15 February 2002) which set out the current position on financial assistance to district councils for disposal of fridges and freezers.

(AQW 1905/01)

Mr Nesbitt: There are 11 permanent professional planning officers, two casual professional planning officers and one administrative officer employed in this unit.

It is currently dealing with approximately 230 planning applications and 130 enforcement cases.

(AQW 1798/01)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Dr Farren): The first census-based outputs – detailed population counts by age and sex – will inform the 2001 mid-year estimates of population. It is planned that these will be released in late summer 2002 in parallel with results for England, Wales and Scotland. These will be followed in late 2002 by a Key Statistics report which will provide frequency counts on each of the census questions. In early 2003, more detailed census outputs will be released which will provide cross tabulations of all the census results. Results will be provided for a range of geographic area levels such as district council, ward and sub ward level. Census results will be made available in a range of formats including a series of printed reports, electronic supplements on CD and via the Internet.

(AQW 1812/01)

Dr Farren: Both the range of properties that are eligible for relief and exemption and the criteria for determining them are wide-ranging and usually concerned with establishing dedication to a particular purpose such as agricultural, industrial or charitable.

The Review of Rating Policy will examine these reliefs and exemptions including the legislation that entitles many Orange Halls to partial exemption. It would not be appropriate at present to introduce changes since the review is underway.

(AQW 1859/01)

Dr Farren: The Rate Collection Agency is responsible for the collection of rates in Northern Ireland. The Agency records vacant properties by ward within district council areas.

The town centre of Carrickfergus falls largely into the Killycrot Ward and the Agency’s records at 8 February 2002 show that:

• in the commercial and retail sector 92 properties were vacant representing 22.7% of the total properties in that sector; and

• in the residential sector 93 properties were vacant representing 6.6% of the total properties in that sector.

The Agency regularly inspects vacant properties to ensure that property that becomes occupied is identified and that a rate bill is issued. The most recent round of vacancy inspections for Carrickfergus Borough Council area took place in January 2002.

(AQW 1860/01)

Dr Farren: No non-charity shops or post offices currently qualify for rate reductions. There is legislation in place to enable a scheme to provide rate relief to such premises in small rural settlements. Progress on implementing this scheme is subject to the outcome of Equality Impact and New Targeting Social Need assessments.

(AQW 1861/01)

Dr Farren: The information on the number of NICS jobs in the 11 Departments in these areas at January 2001 is as follows:

The current Strategic Review of Civil Service Office Accommodation includes an examination of the scope for decentralisation of Civil Service jobs. The factors which will be taken into account in deciding the destination of any relocated jobs which might flow from the Review include the total number of Civil Service jobs in an area in relation to the total workforce; New TSN indicators including unemployment levels; the regional development strategy; the effects on equality of opportunity and, not least, service delivery, business efficiency and cost.

(AQW 1862/01)

Dr Farren: The information on the number of NICS jobs in the 11 Departments in these areas as at January 2001, expressed as a percentage of the Northern Ireland total for those Departments, is as follows:

(AQW 1891/01)

Dr Farren: Much of the effort of the census operation is being directed towards processing the returned census forms. The Northern Ireland census is being scanned, captured and coded using highly automated state of the art computer technology. Once the initial processing is complete the emphasis will switch to data validation and a series of systematic checks on the quality of the data.

The first census based outputs – detailed population counts by age and sex – will inform the 2001 mid year estimates of population. It is planned that these will be released in late summer 2002 in parallel with results for England, Wales and Scotland. These will be followed in late 2002 by a Key Statistics report which will provide frequency counts on each of the census questions. In early 2003 more detailed census outputs will be released which will provide crosstabulations of all the census results. Results will be provided for a range of geographic area levels such as district council, ward and at sub ward level. Census results will be made available in a range of formats including a series of printed reports, electronic supplements on CD and via the Internet.

(AQW 1897/01)

Dr Farren: The information requested is set out in the attached tables. The figurework is based on pressures declared within Departmental Expenditure Limits (DEL) for each Department during the June, September and December monitoring rounds.

Note: Due to roundings, the figures may not add to the totals shown.

(AQW 1939/01)

Dr Farren: The amounts spent on external consultants and consultancy reports in each of the last 3 years are as follows:

(AQW 1949/01)

Dr Farren: I understand that it is the intention of Lord Herman Ouseley, Chairman of the independent team undertaking the review of appointment and promotion procedures to the Senior Civil Service, to present his report to me at the end of February. I will then consider the report and bring it to the Executive for final decisions.

(AQW 1481/01)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): During the last 10-year period, the net book value of equipment donated to Health and Social Services Trusts amounted to £5.5m. Donated assets include those bought with legacies and donations from individuals in addition to those provided by charitable organisations.

Le 10 bliain anuas, is é luach glan trealaimh de réir an leabhair a bronnadh ar Iontaobhais Shláinte agus Sheirbhísí Sóisialta ná £5.5m. San áireamh leis na sócmhainní bronnta tá iad siúd a ceannaíodh le leagáidí agus le hairgead bronnta ó dhaoine aonair chomh maith leo siúd a sholáthair eagraíochtaí carthanachta.

(AQW 1623/01)

Ms de Brún: The Strategic Review of the Ambulance Service, which was published in February 2000 made over 70 recommendations to improve ambulance services.

Since then the Ambulance Service has made steady progress in taking forward the rolling programme of change envisaged by the Strategic Review Group. For example, proposals for the replacement of its existing mobile radio structure with digital trunk radio are already well advanced, as are plans for the introduction of a Medical Priority Dispatch System. Over the past three years an additional £6million has been made available to enable the Ambulance Service to modernise its fleet. This money has contributed to the purchase of over 80 new A&E and patient care vehicles bringing to over 100 the total number of new vehicles brought into service since 1999. Progress has also been made on a range of management and personnel issues.

Further work was needed to fully cost and provide a more detailed analysis of a number of the key recommendations to facilitate implementation. This work has now been completed and the document "Implementation of the Strategic Review of the Ambulance Service" brings forward fully costed proposals for implementing the major changes needed to modernise ambulance services. This period of consultation provides an opportunity to inform the public and interested parties about the outcome of the earlier consultation process and to invite their views on the new proposals.

Rinne an tAthbhreithniú Straitéiseach ar an tSeirbhís Otharchairr a bhí foilsithe i mí Feabhra 2000 breis agus 70 moladh leis na seirbhísí otharchairr a fheabhsú.Ó shin i leith bhí an tSeirbhís Otharcharr ag dul chun cinn go seasmhach leis an chlár leanúnach athruithe a thabhairt chun tosaigh mar a chonacthas don Ghrúpa Athbhreithnithe Straitéisigh. Mar shampla, tá moltaí ann chun bonneagar láithreach raidió a athsholáthar le trunc-raidió digiteach i bhfad chun cinn cheana féin mar aon leis na pleananna don Chóras Seolta de réir Tosaíochta Míochaine a thabhairt isteach. Le trí bliana anuas cuireadh £6 milliún breise ar fáil sa dóigh go mbeadh an tSeirbhís Otharchairr in ann a cabhlach a nuachóiriú. Chuidigh an t-airgead le breis agus 80 feithicil nua T&É agus Cúram Othar a cheannach a chiallaíonn go bhfuil breis agus 100 feithicil nua tugtha isteach le haghaidh úsáidte ó bhí 1999 ann. Rinneadh dul chun cinn ar réimse ceisteanna bainisteoireachta agus pearsanra.

Bíodh sin mar atá, bhí obair bhreise de dhíth chomh maith chun costais roinnt de na príomh-mholtaí a obair amach agus anailís níos mine chun cur i bhfeidhm a éascú. Tá an obair seo críochnaithe agus tugann an doiciméad "An tAthbhreithniú Straitéiseach ar an tSeirbhís Otharchairr a Chur i bhFeidhm" moltaí chun tosaigh a bhfuil an costais oibrithe amach chun mórathruithe a chur i bhfeidhm atá de dhíth leis na seirbhísí otharchairr a nuachóiriú. Tugann an tréimhse comhairlithe deis chun an pobal agus páirtithe leasmhara a chur ar an eolas faoi thoradh an phróisis comhairlithe a tharla níba luaithe agus fáilte a chur roimh na barúlacha s’acu ar na moltaí nua.

(AQW 1793/01)

Ms de Brún: I am very much aware of the pressures facing nursing and residential homes. I am at present looking, in the context of my budget for 2002-03, at the scope for allocating some extra money to the sector.

Is maith a thuigim na brúnna ar altraí i dtithe altranais agus i dtithe cónaithe. Faoi láthair tá mé ag scrudú, i gcomhthéacs an bhuiséid s’agam do 2002 – 03, na bhféidearthachtaí chun tuilleadh airgid a dháileadh ar an earnáil.

(AQW 1795/01)

Ms de Brún: I am informed that the Ambulance Service Trust has no plans at present to recognise the Ambulance Service Union.

Tugadh le fios dom nach bhfuil pleananna ag an Iontaobhas Seirbhís Otharchairr faoi láthair leis an Cheardchumann Seirbhís Otharchairr a aithint.

(AQW 1803/01)

Ms de Brún: This information is not collected centrally.

Ní bhailítear an t-eolas seo go lárnach.

(AQW 1804/01)

Ms de Brún: This information is not collected centrally.

Ní bhailítear an t-eolas seo go lárnach.

(AQW 1807/01)

Ms de Brún: Information is only routinely collected on occurrences of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) bacteraemia which are isolated in hospital laboratories. Figures for the last three calendar years for each hospital laboratory are detailed in the table below.

Ní bhailítear eolas ach go rialta ar theagmhais de bhaictéireacht Staphylococcus Aureus Methicillin Frithbheartach (SAMF) atá ar leithlis i saotharlanna otharlainne. Léirítear go mion na figiúirí do na trí bliana deireanacha sa tábla thíos de réir gach saotharlann otharlainne.

(AQW 1813/01)

Ms de Brún: Information is available on numbers of children aged two years or under who were resident in each Board on 31 March in each year and who had not had MMR immunisation before their second birthday. These figures are detailed in the table below.

Tá eolas ar fáil ar líon na bpáistí 2 bliain d’aois nó níos óige a chónaigh i ngach Bord ar 31 Márta i ngach bliain agus nach bhfuair imdhíonadh MMR roimh a ndara breithlá. Léirítear go mion na figiúirí seo sa tábla thíos.

(AQW 1814/01)

Ms de Brún: Total resources made available for the Learning Disability programme of care in the last two financial years was as follows:

Seo a leanas na hacmhainní iomlána curtha ar fáil don chlár cúraim Mhíchumais Fhoghlama sa dá bhliain deireanacha airgeadais: