(AQO 724/01)

Reply: The Review of Public Administration will be a comprehensive and strategic examination of all aspects of public administration in Northern Ireland. The Review will focus on the way in which services are delivered to the public, and the most appropriate structure and accountability for those services.

(AQW 1811/01)

Reply [holding answer 22 February 2002]: The information requested in respect of the six North/South Bodies is set out in the Table below.

(AQW 2267/01)

² Employers with more than 10 employees working wholly or mainly in NI are required to monitor the community background of their employees.
Employees do not include secondees, temporary staff provided by employment agencies, and consultants.

Reply: We have not jointly made any representations to UK Government on the introduction of community notification laws. This is a matter for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

However, we understand that the Northern Ireland Office has introduced multi-agency procedures for the assessment and management of risk for sex offenders in Northern Ireland. These procedures are based on the recommendations of a multi-agency working group comprising representatives from the police, the Probation Board for Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Prison Service, the voluntary sector, Health & Social Services Boards, Education, the Housing Executive, the Social Services Inspectorate and the Northern Ireland Office.

(AQW 2269/01)

Reply: Ministers Nesbitt and Haughey have so far had separate meetings with two of Northern Ireland’s MEPs.

On 20 February 2001, Mr Nesbitt and Mr Haughey brought together a group of people with an interest in European affairs. Mr Hume MP, MEP attended and discussions related to how the Executive’s office in Brussels could be best used to promote Northern Ireland’s interests in Europe.

On 23 July 2001, Mr Nesbitt and Mr Haughey met Mr Nicholson MEP. On that occasion the discussions covered the development of a strategy on European issues; identifying the key policy issues for Northern Ireland in Europe; the links with the UK Government; provision of briefings to the NI MEPs, and the setting up of the Executive’s office in Brussels and the role it should play.

Ministers Nesbitt and Haughey have attempted to meet Rev Dr Paisley MP, MEP, MLA but have not yet been able to identify a mutually convenient opportunity.

(AQW 2270/01)

Reply: The European Union Policy Group, an inter- departmental group chaired by the Junior Ministers, held its first meeting in April 2001. Since then it has met at regular intervals to continue to work towards identifying the most effective strategy for Northern Ireland in the European Union, and co-ordinating its implementation across departments. There are a number of activities associated with this aim, and on all of them some progress has been made by the Group.

At present the Executive is considering a paper which provides the framework for a strategy towards the European Union. This paper was developed under the auspices of the European Union Policy Group. Further work will be necessary to identify and take forward key detailed policy priorities within this framework. Our plan is to bring the Strategy document, when ready, before the Executive and the Assembly.

(AQW 2306/01)

Reply: We would refer the Member to our response to AQW 1592/01.

(AQW 2398/01)

Reply: We have not jointly made any representations to the UK Government about increasing the length of sentences for paedophiles. This is a matter for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

(AQW 2402/01)

Reply: We have not jointly made any representations to the UK Government about to extend electronic tagging to paedophiles. This is a matter for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

(AQW 2485/01)

Reply: Responsibility for core funding of victims’ organizations is currently with the Northern Ireland Office. On 11 December 2001 the Northern Ireland Office announced, among other things, the allocation of £3 million to be spent over the next two years to extend the Core Funding Scheme for victims groups. Pending the evaluation of the current Core Funding Scheme, no decisions have yet been taken as to how the new scheme might be administered or what the eligibility criteria for the scheme might be.

Following a wide ranging consultation exercise, our department has developed a cross-departmental strategy to deliver practical help and services for victims which will be published in the very near future. The strategy will, among other matters, address the issues of funding and sustainability.

(AQW 2644/01)

Reply: The aims of the Community Relations Unit are to increase cross-community contact and co-operation and to encourage mutual respect, understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity. Its main functions are to provide funding to promote better community relations purposes, to formulate community relations policy, and to provide advice to Ministers on community relations matters.

During the past year, its main work has been:

• the provision of funding to the Community Relations Council and associated monitoring of expenditure;

• the provision of funding and advisory support to the District Councils;

• participating in the District Council Community Relations Programme and associated monitoring of expenditure;

• arrangements for the closure of two community relations measures under the EU Structural Funds and Peace I Programmes 1994-99;

• arrangements for the opening of a new community relations measure under the EU Peace II Programme 2000-2004;

• the provision of interim (‘gap’) funding to more than 30 projects pending the opening of the Peace II Programme and associated monitoring of expenditure;

• direct funding of a number of capital projects and other community relations initiatives, including the TARA Counselling Centre at Omagh and Co-operation Ireland, and associated monitoring of expenditure;

• review of existing community relations strategy in accordance with Programme for Government action 2.4.1 including preparation of a working paper, the holding of seminars and meetings with stakeholders, participating in relevant conferences and interim reports to Ministers and the Committee of the Centre;

• liaison with the Department’s Research Branch on community relations research projects and evaluations of community relations initiatives;

• liaison with the International Fund for Ireland and other groups outside Government which provide support for community relations initiatives;

• involvement in community relations initiatives on the ground in North Belfast and Larne;

• responding to Assembly questions and providing briefing for Ministers and the Committee of the Centre on community relations matters.

(AQO 1080/01)

Reply: Work on the development of the Executives strategic response to the Promoting Social Inclusion Report on Travellers is at an advanced stage.

We have consulted on the recommendations in the PSI Working Group report on Travellers. These recommendations cover a number of issues including Traveller health, education and accommodation.

Our officials consulted with Traveller representative organisations on how best to carry out a consultation process with Travellers and ensured that Travellers were consulted in a culturally appropriate manner.

(AQW 2722/01)

Reply: The overall aim of the Victims Unit is to raise awareness of, and co-ordinate activity on, issues affecting victims across the devolved administration. This includes the development of a cross-departmental victims’ strategy. The Unit also has responsibility for delivering on the commitments given in relation to victims of the conflict by the Executive in its Programme for Government.

The Unit, which was established in June 2000, currently comprises 5 staff with annual running costs of approximately £135,000.

(AQW 2547/01)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): The incidence of BSE in each of the years 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 is detailed in the table below:

*includes 54 cases identified as a result of TSE surveillance programme
**includes 40 cases identified as a result of TSE surveillance programmes

(AQW 2548/01)

Ms Rodgers: The Scottish Executive have introduced legislation to close part of the Firth of Clyde for the period 14 February to 30 April to assist the recovery of cod stocks. This closure applies to all UK fishery vessels, including those from Northern Ireland. Whilst the compatibility of this closure legislation with EU Directives is a matter for the Scottish Executive, I understand they are not aware of any such Directives.

(AQW 2567/01)

Ms Rodgers: My Department currently funds a research programme in agri-food that is conducted in house by DARD Science Service and underpins one of my Department’s objectives of sustaining the future of the agriculture industry. The research conducted is of high national and international standing as evidenced by the fact that the outputs of such research are regularly published in the international, refereed, scientific literature and by the fact that a significant proportion of it is conducted in collaboration with other national and international scientific institutions.

I recently commissioned a review of the arrangements for agricultural R&D in Northern Ireland and the outcome of this is due at the end of April.

(AQW 2568/01)

Ms Rodgers: The three NVZs in Northern Ireland were designated in 1999 following a detailed scientific survey of nitrate levels in both ground and surface waters throughout Northern Ireland, in accordance with the provisions of the EU Drinking Water Directive.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment’s Environment and Heritage Service, provided farmers in the designated NVZs the opportunity to receive an information pack and a farm visit to help them understand what was required of them in practical terms.

Advisory booklets and recording sheets were issued to 83 farmers, 21 of whom requested and received on-farm advisory visits.

(AQW 2583/01)

Ms Rodgers: (a) Under the Brucellosis control programme in Northern Ireland herds in the highest incidence areas of Enniskillen, Newry and Armagh are tested every year while herds in all other areas are tested every 2 years.

Following identification of Brucellosis infection all reactors are removed for slaughter and movement restrictions are immediately placed on the infected premises prohibiting cattle movements onto or off the premises except directly to slaughter. The Department then carries out an epidemiological risk assessment of the entire herd and where this assessment indicates a risk of infection the Department will remove and slaughter the remaining breeding animals in the herd.

An intensified testing regime is then applied around the infected premises through herds contiguous to the infected herd (inner ring herds) being restricted and tested immediately and subsequently at 4 monthly intervals. Herds in the outer ring, that is, herds contiguous to the inner ring, are tested immediately and at 4-monthly intervals. Movement restrictions will continue to apply for a specified period of time depending on the individual circumstances and until the Department is satisfied that the risk of disease is removed.

Concerns at the level of Brucellosis have led us to take a number of additional measures. Within the last year my Department has introduced a blood sampling programme for cows being slaughtered under the Over Thirty Month Scheme and a bulk milk sampling programme.

In relation to Tuberculosis there is an extensive programme of identification and removal of infected animals combined with control on movements. All herds are tested annually and all animals that show a positive result to the test are slaughtered. In-contact cattle considered at serious risk of being infected are also slaughtered. Movement restrictions are placed on infected herds and herds are investigated for the source of infection including the testing of herds contiguous to a breakdown and deemed to be at risk plus forward and backward tracing of suspect animals.

My Department has recently taken steps to help reduce the time taken for removal of reactors from farms. The Department has appointed three new valuation officers and an additional slaughter plant for OTMS reactor cattle has been brought on board. In addition policy reviews of both Tuberculosis and Brucellosis are currently underway and we are looking at all aspects of the control measures for both diseases and considering whether or not further or different measures might be introduced.

(b) The number of herds currently restricted due to Brucellosis infection in the Armagh DVO area is 66 and in the Newry DVO area is 99 and the number of herds currently restricted due to Tuberculosis infection in the Armagh DVO area is 314 and in the Newry DVO area is 370.

(c) In relation to the location of these current cases, the release of this information is governed by the Data Protection Act and I cannot therefore provide specific information on individual disease outbreaks without the written consent of the herdowners concerned.

(AQW 2594/01)

Ms Rodgers: One case of BSE has been found an animal born after 1998. The case was identified earlier this year as a result of the TSE surveillance testing programme of casualty animals. The animal concerned was over 30 months of age and would not therefore have entered the food chain.

(AQW 2610/01)

Ms Rodgers: These premises are rented monthly and while the landlord has advised that he has other plans for the property, he has not asked the Department to vacate them on a specific date. I have initiated consideration of the options of either relocation to other premises or closure with the service being provided by other offices in the area. Before taking a decision on this, I want to reflect on the cost and staffing considerations on the one hand and the needs and alternatives for the local community on the other. I will wish to consult widely with interested parties.

I do not anticipate taking any final decisions on this matter just yet, as I need to allow sufficient time for a full assessment.

(AQW 2612/01)

Ms Rodgers: Responsibility for implementing the 1991 EC Nitrates Directive in Northern Ireland lies with the Department of the Environment. The designation of areas of land as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs), which is a consequence of the Directive, is the joint responsibility of the Department of the Environment and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The Minister for the Environment announced on 8 March 2002 that DOE officials will be reviewing the results of monitoring networks to assess the impacts of nitrate losses on diffuse pollution. It is intended that this review should be concluded later this year.

No further NVZ designations can be announced until this review is completed, and consequently no consultation has taken place with landowners.

(AQW 2625/01)

Ms Rodgers: The Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority was established under the Harbours Act (Northern Ireland) 1970 and the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority Order (Northern Ireland) 1973. Whilst this latter legislation was initially made by the then Ministry of Commerce for Northern Ireland the functions were transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture for Northern Ireland in 1973. This latter has now become the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. As a Non Departmental Public Body, the Authority is subject to agreeing with the Department such areas as its future expenditure plans, the setting of operational targets and performance indicators. In addition it is required to produce an Annual Report and Accounts and is subject of a periodic review of its role, functions and performance.

(AQW 2635/01)

Ms Rodgers: I have no plans to modify the Fishing Vessel (Decommissioning) Scheme (Northern Ireland) 2001, which was introduced primarily to reduce fishing effort on fragile whitefish stocks in the Irish Sea, whilst improving the economic viability of the remaining Northern Ireland fleet.

(AQW 2640/01)

Ms Rodgers: Inspections of imported meat from Third Countries are carried out at the Border Inspection Posts in accordance with EU regulations. Where discrepancies are discovered in the accompanying documentation a detention notice is issued under the Products of Animal Origin (Import and Export) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998. Consignments not in compliance with the requirements for entry into the EU may be ordered to be destroyed, re-exported or referred for processing for animal feed.

EC Beef Labelling Rules require all beef and veal marketed within and between Member States to bear a traceability code, provide details relating to country of birth, rearing, slaughter and cutting together with the licence number of the slaughter and cutting premises. Enforcement of beef labelling is carried out in abattoirs, cutting plants and other DARD supervised premises by inspectors from the Department’s Quality Assurance Division and in other premises by Environmental Health Officers of local District Councils using powers provided by The Beef Labelling (Enforcement) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001 (the "Enforcement Regulations").

The Enforcement Regulations create offences and penalties for non-compliance and provide powers requiring the removal from sale of such beef and veal. Where labelling information is found to be absent or misleading, immediate corrective action is required by the operator.

(AQW 2641/01)

Ms Rodgers: The loss of the ‘Tullaghmurray Lass’ was a terrible tragedy and I would wish again to extend my sympathies to Mrs Greene, her family and all who were affected by the loss. Following the report that the ‘Tullaghmurray Lass’ was missing there was an extensive search carried out involving local fishery vessels, the Royal Navy and Irish Navy and the Department’s Fishery Protection Vessel, the ‘Ken Vickers’. It was not until recently that the vessel was found by the ‘Ken Vickers’. The Marine Accident Investigation Board are continuing their investigation into the cause of the loss.

On the subject of the entrance to Kilkeel Harbour, there are proposals which would remedy the current difficulties - essentially by the replacement of the existing harbour by a new outer harbour. The cost of such a project is put at around £25m-£30m and would need to be subject, amongst other things, to a full economic appraisal. Even if all goes well funding for the project will have to compete with other bids on the public purse. In addition, the Department have been working with the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority to agree their capital expenditure plans over the next few years. They envisage expenditure of some £7.9m, of which around £6.5m is in relation to projects at Kilkeel.

(AQW 2645/01)

Ms Rodgers: I can advise you that I have secured an allocation of £6.1 million from Executive Programme Funds for a targeted Farm Waste Management Scheme. The proposed Scheme is aimed at minimising farm source pollution, which is contributing to water quality problems. It will give capital assistance towards repair projects to slurry tanks which are considered as being able to deliver a beneficial reduction in the risk of effluent escaping into watercourses.

My Department is currently engaged with the Department of Environment’s Environment and Heritage Service in establishing those rivers, tributaries or headwater catchments that are most in need of remedial action, and where pollution from agricultural sources is considered to be the greatest contributory factor.

It is anticipated that some 1,500 farmers will benefit initially from this Scheme. It is hoped, subject to the Scheme receiving favourable uptake and achieving its objectives, that it could be extended to further catchments in subsequent years as funding provision permits.

You may wish to note that these figures, and those for each of the past 20 years, are available in the statistical data sheets on the Department’s website (www.dardni.gov.uk).

However, before the Scheme can be formally announced, my Department must obtain State Aids approval from the EU Commission, and whilst this work is at an advanced stage, I am not yet in a position to give a definitive date for the opening of the Scheme.

I will, of course, be advising the Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development in due course of the detail of the proposed scheme and seeking their agreement to the necessary legislation to enable the scheme to open.

The introduction of an environmental on farm capital grant scheme, inter alia, to help address point source pollution, was one of the recommendations in the Vision Report on the Future of the Agri-Food industry. I am currently considering the outcome of the consultation exercise on the report before developing an Action Plan. The question of further grants to improve farm waste management facilities will be considered in that context.

(AQW 2672/01)

Ms Rodgers: The number of BSE cases in each of the past 5 years, January and February 2002 is detailed in the tables below. The first table shows the number of cases identified through the normal reporting of BSE suspects (passive surveillance). The second table includes those cases identified through passive surveillance together with a breakdown of cases recorded after the introduction in 2000 of active surveillance testing for Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies.

With the introduction of the surveillance programme, the Department is actively testing for BSE in high risk categories and it is therefore not unexpected for an increase in the number of BSE cases detected.

(AQW 2683/01)

Ms Rodgers: The numbers of full-time farmers in Northern Ireland for each of the last 3 years, as estimated from the June Agricultural Census, are shown below.

The figures refer to farmers who work at least 30 hours per week on their farms.

You may wish to note that these figures, and those for each of the past 20 years, are available in the statistical data sheets on the Department’s website (www.dardni.gov.uk).

(AQW 2693/01)

Ms Rodgers: Yes, the meat has to meet full EU standards. Meat may only be imported into the EU from establishments and countries specifically approved by the EU through Food Veterinary Office inspections. The meat must comply with the import conditions of the EU and be certified as doing so. An import certificate must accompany all consignments and the meat marked with the country and establishment of origin.

Inspections of imported meat from Third Countries are carried out at the Border Inspection Posts in accordance with EU regulations. Where discrepancies are discovered in the accompanying documentation or physical problems with the consignment observed a detention notice is issued under the Products of Animal Origin (Import and Export) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998. Consignments not in compliance with the requirements for entry into the EU may be ordered to be destroyed, re-exported or referred for processing for animal feed.

EC Beef Labelling Rules require all beef and veal marketed within and between Member States to bear a traceability code, provide details relating to country of birth, rearing, slaughter and cutting together with the licence number of the slaughter and cutting premises.

For beef imported from a Third Country where all of the above information is not available the label must include the wording "Origin:Non-EC" and "Slaughtered in [name of third country]". Any additional claims made on the label relating to characteristics, production methods or regional origin etc must be approved in advance by DARD under the Beef Labelling Scheme. Such claims are subject to regular audit by an approved independent third party verifier.

(AQW 2744/01)

Ms Rodgers: I am very conscious of the increased levels of stress in the rural community especially due to the financial pressures in farming over recent years and last year’s outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease.

In November 2000 I announced the allocation of a sum of money to help alleviate stress in rural areas and the following has been achieved:

• A number of local groups have organised events to help people in rural families be more aware of stress and encourage them to adopt ways of increasing a sense of well-being and reducing stress.

• Over 150 people, who are in daily contact with farmers and agricultural students at our Colleges, have been trained in stress awareness and how to signpost those who need support to providers of help.

• The establishment of the Rural Stress Helpline and Website.

• The production of a video ‘Change for the better’ outlining ways of dealing with change.

• The production of a young rural persons drama.

• A rural stress conference held recently to publicly raise the issue and help determine the way forward.

I am now building on the work that has been done and have agreed the establishment of the ‘Rural Support’ network that should help to give a strategic framework to future developments. The initial funding is being provided jointly by my Department and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

(AQW 2745/01)

Ms Rodgers: Officials from my Department have been liaising closely with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in relation to deaths in cattle where it is suspected that the deaths may have been due to botulism. Only type C toxin has been identified in cattle deaths in Northern Ireland and since type C is not recognised as a threat to public health the risk to the public is considered to be very low. My Chief Veterinary Officer recently stated publicly that there was very little risk to public health from the type of toxin involved in bovine deaths.

However as a precautionary measure the Food Standards Agency has put in place measures to ensure that meat and milk from affected farms does not enter the food chain until at least 14 days have elapsed since the last case on farm.

(AQW 2430/01)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): Details are as follows:

(AQW 2530/01)

Mr McGimpsey: DCAL’s policy for film and television is guided by the Northern Ireland Film and Television Commission (NIFTC), a company limited by guarantee, with a Board of sixteen directors drawn from all sections of the community in Northern Ireland.

The NIFTC’s new ten year strategy has been drafted in the context of DCAL’s ongoing commitment to equality of opportunity and equal access for people from all sections of the community to the arts and culture. The strategy highlights the NIFTC’s commitment to supporting and mirroring the Government’s underpinning policies of cultural diversity and social inclusion.

All the NIFTC’s training and production schemes apply rigorous equal opportunities and fair employment criteria. I am satisfied that all projects submitted to the NIFTC for funding from public sources will have exactly the same assessment criteria applied to them.

(AQW 2558/01)

Mr McGimpsey: The National Lottery is a reserved matter and overall responsibility rests with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in London (DCMS). Therefore it is not appropriate for the Minister to issue direct guidance on this matter. The Community Fund can solicit applications to pursue strategic objectives and I am aware that women and women’s groups could potentially be grant beneficiaries under a number of strategic areas. In the last financial year April 2000 – March 2001 over 43% of all Community Fund grants were awarded to projects that defined their beneficiaries as ‘ families, lone parents and children or women or girls’. The value of these awards totalled £5.079m, which represented over 36% of last year’s budget.

(AQW 2621/01)

Mr McGimpsey: My Department chairs an Interdepartmental Charter Group to co-ordinate implementation of the Charter. This group includes representatives from all NICS Departments, the Northern Ireland Court Service, HM Customs and Excise, Departmental Solicitor’s Office and the Inland Revenue. Its remit is to provide Departments and the devolved administration with advice on implementing the Charter and preparing progress reports; monitor implementation of the Charter; advise on resource implications; and develop guidance for Departments. The group has met on four occasions.

The Charter Group is currently finalising central policy guidance on implementing the European Charter. The draft policy guidance will be submitted to the Executive meeting on 16 May 2002 for approval.

It is for individual Departments to decide how to implement the Charter within their areas of responsibility. All Departments will be asked to provide DCAL with information on how they are implementing the provisions of the Charter applicable to them. My officials will prepare an overall position paper for the Executive to inform the Foreign Secretary of how the Charter is being implemented by the devolved administration. The Foreign Secretary will inform the Council of Europe of the UK’s activities in line with its commitments, by 1 July 2002.

(AQW 2622/01)

Mr McGimpsey: My response to AQW 2621/01 explains the process and time scale for providing a paper to the Executive explaining the action which the devolved administration has in hand to meet UK commitments in relation to the European Charter.

The delay has been due to pressure on resources and the complex nature of the relevant issues which involve all Departments.

(AQW 2531/01)

The Minister of Education (Mr M McGuinness): In 1966-67, 21% of all Secondary (Grammar and Non-Grammar) School leavers achieved 5 or more GCE Ordinary Level Passes, or higher qualifications.

(AQW 2532/01)

Mr M McGuinness: In 1999-00, 14% of 15 year old pupils achieved 5 or more GCSEs at Grades A* to A, and 32% of 15 year old pupils achieved 5 or more GCSEs at Grades A* to B.

(AQW 2546/01)

Mr M McGuinness: In 1998-99 56% of year 12 pupils achieved 5 plus GCSEs Grades A* to C including GNVQ Intermediate Part I passes.

(AQW 2557/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The number of pupils who entered an integrated school at Year 8 in September 2001 but who had a grammar school as their first preference was 88.

(AQW 2569/01)

Mr M McGuinness: I have no plans to change the normal funding arrangements for the statutory and voluntary/private sectors.

(AQW 2570/01)

Mr M McGuinness: Information Technology (IT) is a Cross-Curricular Theme and as such is a compulsory element of the curriculum for all pupils. In addition, CCEA offers a Key Stage 3 IT Accreditation Scheme, which has been in place since 1997 and while the scheme is not mandatory it has attracted entries from almost 75% of all pupils in that age group. The scheme has now been extended to Key Stage 2.

Six key skills were introduced from September 2000 as part of the Curriculum 2000 reforms and IT is one of three which are assessed both internally (through the building of a portfolio of evidence) and externally (through testing) leading to a key skills qualification at levels 1 to 4 of the National Qualifications Framework.

As part of the current Curriculum Review, CCEA has identified ICT as a skill within each subject area, thus embedding it in the curriculum.

(AQW 2595/01)

Mr M McGuinness: Decisions on new arrangements must await the outcome of the current consultation. I want to achieve high standards for all pupils through a modern, fair education system and will seek to build consensus on the best way forward. Any necessary legislative changes will be subject to Assembly approval.

(AQW 2599/01)

Mr M McGuinness: There is a statutory requirement for school authorities to provide drugs education for all pupils throughout their compulsory schooling (age 4 – 16). This is delivered mainly though the cross-curricular theme of Health Education but also through programmes of study such as Science where, at key stages 3 and 4 pupils learn about the requirements to maintain healthy bodies and healthy babies during pregnancy, and the effects of alcohol, smoking and drugs. The topic has also been identified and explored in approximately half of the School Age Mothers Projects (SAMs) running this school year.

(AQW 2607/01)

(AQW 2608/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The number of passes at each grade is as follows:

#: denotes number less than 5

¹ Advanced Supplementary qualifications. Does not include Advanced Subsidiary qualifications.

(AQW 2609/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The number of passes at each grade is as follows:

(AQW 2614/01)

Mr M McGuinness: Youth organisations can seek financial assistance for capital works from the Executive Programme Capital/Infrastructure Renewal Fund and the Department’s major and minor works programmes. In certain areas, funding is available from the Belfast Regeneration Office and the Londonderry Regeneration Initiative.

Youth organisations in the Strangford constituency can make application to the Department’s Youth Service Branch.

(AQW 2615/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The Department does not specify the level of funding for youth organisations by Parliamentary constituency. It was a matter for the South- Eastern Education and Library Board to distribute the funding of £2.9 million which was allocated for the youth service in its area from its 2000/01 budget. A breakdown of the funding is not available in the format requested.

(AQW 2616/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The number of funded pre-school places in the Strangford constituency in each of the last 3 years is as follows:

(AQW 2626/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The number of private and voluntary settings in the Strangford constituency who applied for funded pre-school places under the Pre-School Education Expansion Programme in each of the last 3 years is as follows:

(AQW 2636/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The consultation document on the common funding formula included a proposal that schools should be allocated an additional £750 for each pupil designated as having English as an additional language. This proposal was made on the basis that the need for support for these pupils will arise within, and generally be provided by, the school. Education and Library Boards may continue to offer centralised support.

At present only one Board has a specific factor within its formula to take account of pupils for whom English is an additional language and the proposal to include a similar factor within the common formula will ensure that all schools with such pupils will receive additional funding in recognition of the additional costs incurred.

As with all factors within the formula the operation of this factor will be subject to ongoing review by the Department and our education partners.

(AQW 2646/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The costs incurred by Education and Library Boards on repairing vandalism on controlled and maintained school buildings and school buses are set out below. The cost of repairs in other schools is not available.

* Estimated costs to February 2002.

(AQW 2670/01)

Mr M McGuinness: Academy Primary School is a controlled school, which is the responsibility of the South-Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB). Any consideration about the future needs for extending the school’s premises is a matter in the first instance for the Board. The Board has been in contact with the Planning Service and the Roads Service to register its objection to the proposed development beside Academy Primary School and will be pursuing this further with those agencies.

(AQW 2671/01)

Mr M McGuinness: My Department has not made any representations to the Planning Service in respect of the proposals for the planned development beside the Academy School, Listooder Road in Saintfield. That would be a matter for South-Eastern Education and Library Board, which I understand has already been in contact with the Planning and Roads Services to lodge an objection to the proposed development.

(AQW 2710/01)

Mr M McGuinness: No specific guidance has been given to the Education and Library Boards. The Discipline Strategy published in 1998 contains the framework for service development in respect of pupils whose behaviour is a concern and this provides the basis for educational arrangements for pupils who have been expelled from school. New services have been developed since 1998 and further improvements will depend on the availability of resources.

(AQW 2736/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The decision on whether to expel or suspend a pupil rests with a school and is made in line with its own discipline policy which will describe unacceptable behaviour. Any decision to suspend or expel a pupil must follow the procedures which are prescribed in legislation. My Department has issued guidance to schools on promoting positive behaviour and this contains approaches which schools can use in the management of poorly behaved pupils.

(AQW 2765/01)

Mr M McGuinness: Responsibility for the implementation of the Sure Start strategy falls within the remit of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

(AQW 2766/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The future use of the former Castle Gardens Primary School building is a matter for consideration by the South-Eastern Education and Library Board. The Board is awaiting legal advice concerning the site and cannot proceed further until the position is clarified.

(AQW 2153/01)

The Minister for Employment and Learning (Ms Hanna): The total expenditure for such visits is as follows:

(*covers the period up to February 2002).

These costs include all supporting officials.

(AQW 2412/01)

Ms Hanna: Accommodation and Construction Division (ACD) within the Department of Finance and Personnel hold the maintenance budget for office buildings and will respond in respect of these buildings.

The maintenance budget for specialised buildings held by my Department in each of the last 3 years is detailed below;

(AQW 2534/01)

Ms Hanna: In the off-season months students are likely to take up part-time work opportunities all over Northern Ireland and indeed beyond. My Department does not collect information on this aspect of student life.

(AQW 2535/01)

Ms Hanna: The location of provision within a university or a college of further education is a matter for the relevant institution to decide.

(AQW 2689/01)

Ms Hanna: Training providers were informed by a Jobskills Memo issued on 18 May 1998 that bonus payments in respect of qualification achievement, would "no longer be paid to young people who enter or re-enter the programme on or after 1 June 1998."

(AQW 2750/01)

Ms Hanna: Students suffering from dyslexia attract extra funding for Colleges and Universities under the Department’s funding mechanisms. FE Colleges receive further assistance through the Additional Support Fund which helps with the costs of providing technical support. Students in Higher Education are eligible for the Disabled Students’ Allowance which can be used to finance the purchase of equipment and the assistance of non-medical helpers to support their studies.

My Department is also providing funding towards the establishment of a Register of Support Workers for Students with Specific Learning Difficulties. The project will create a secure internet database of professional and non- professional support workers who can be accessed quickly to act as part-time non-medical helpers.

(AQW 2751/01)

Ms Hanna: The table below sets out information on the number of students recruited to the first year of teacher training courses at Northern Ireland Institutions since 1995/96 academic year.

Higher Education Institutions in Northern Ireland were not required in this year to identify the education sector of the teaching qualification sought.

(AQW 2752/01)

Ms Hanna: The increased rates for loans, grants and tuition fees for higher and further education students are detailed in tables which I have placed in the Assembly library.

(AQW 2753/01)

Ms Hanna: In the1998-99 academic year there were a total of 396 recorded ‘Link’ enrolments on A-level courses at NI Further Education Institutions. This figure increased to 438 in 1999-00, but then decreased to 294 in 2000-01. (Link students are defined as full-time school pupils attending an FE College during school hours to undertake a programme of study.)

(AQW 2755/01)

Ms Hanna: My Department and the Department for Social Development continue to provide New Deal for Disabled People (NDDP) to assist people who are on incapacity benefits to gain employment. NDDP was enhanced in July 2001 with the introduction of a Job Broking service. In addition to NDDP, my Department through the Disablement Advisory Service and Careers Service provides a comprehensive range of support to assist people with disabilities to gain employment.

(AQW 2767/01)

Ms Hanna: The new external quality assurance regime, announced recently by the Rt Hon Margaret Hodge, applies to England only. Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales had Observer status on the Task Group charged with developing the new method and the NI universities were included in each consultation exercise with the sector. It is now for each jurisdiction to develop its own quality assurance method taking account, in particular, of the need for a degree of consistency in quality assurance throughout the UK to enable benchmarking of provision. My Department will shortly be discussing the implications for Northern Ireland with the local universities.

(AQO 1085/01)

Ms Hanna: My Department is committed to the promotion of community relations, on a broad basis, in colleges. It has established the Cultural Diversity Working Group, which is tasked with addressing and advancing cultural diversity issues, including anti-racism, within the sector. The outcomes from the work of this group will inform provision in colleges. I am very aware of the need to include anti-racism within the consideration of this group given the number of ethnic communities and the need to set Northern Ireland issues in a wider international context.

(AQO 1090/01)

Ms Hanna: I will have an opportunity later this month to discuss the Report with Mr McGuinness. Meanwhile, my officials are liaising closely with Department of Education officials on progress with the consultation process.

(AQO 1088/01)

Ms Hanna: Bi-lateral meetings with other Government Departments are still underway and the body of the report is being drafted. The Taskforce will take a view as to when the report will be finalised at its next meeting on 11 April.

(AQO 1095/01)

Ms Hanna: The reports of the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Task Forces have made many wide-ranging recommendations which merit careful examination and which are relevant to the work of the Taskforce on Employability and Long-term Unemployment which I chair. I shall ensure that the matters relevant to the work of my Department are addressed and incorporated in the formal reply which the two sponsoring Departments, DETI and DSD, will issue to the Taskforces.

(AQW 2549/01)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): The Commission’s decision relates to the State aid clearance of any levy on electricity consumers that might be introduced to recover any costs arising from the long term contracts between Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) and the generators which became stranded as a result of the further opening of the electricity market in Northern Ireland to competition.

Stranded costs could arise in these circumstances since NIE’s payment obligations to the generators under the contracts would remain unchanged even if those customers who were eligible to purchase electricity in the competitive market no longer obtained their supplies from NIE. In the absence of the introduction of a levy, across all customers, these costs would have to be borne by NIE’s reduced customer base which would lead to an increase in prices for those customers. The Department is exploring ways in which the market opening might be expanded so as to avoid or minimise any stranded costs.

It is not possible to provide a more detailed assessment of the implications of the Commission’s decision for energy costs, at this stage. The size of any stranded cost levy would depend upon, for example, the extent of further market opening, the level of migration by eligible customers to the competitive market, and the effect of any measures aimed at the alleviation of stranded costs.

(AQW 2637/01)

Sir Reg Empey: [a] The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), one of the Department’s NDPB’s, is part sponsoring with the Health and Safety Executive in Great Britain (HSEGB) research into the effects of ionising radiations, entitled "Dose Constraints For Comforters and Carers". This research, which includes some aspects of the effects of ionising radiation on unborn children, is to be completed by July 2002.

[b] It is a statutory requirement under the Ionising Radiations Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 for an employer to give advice to female employees who work with ionising radiation of the possible risks to the foetus. Additional guidance is given in the Approved Code of Practice "Work with Ionising Radiation" which accompanies these regulations and also in two other guidance documents published by HSEGB, i.e. "Working safely with ionising radiation - Guidelines for expectant or breastfeeding mothers" and "New and expectant mothers at work - a guide for employers".

(AQO 1084/01)

Sir Reg Empey: A cross- border business park is one of the actions being considered under the Invest Northern Ireland / IDA pilot initiative, Invest Northwest, which is marketing the council areas of Derry City, Limavady, Strabane and Donegal as a single location for inward investment. Discussions are continuing about the feasibility of such a park and no decision has been taken on its location. However, Invest NI is also working with a private developer who is providing 30,000 sq ft of new business space at Orchard Road, Strabane to be ready by September this year.

In relation to incentives, some grants from Invest NI are already more tax beneficial than from the IDA eg capital grants.

(AQO 1081/01)

Sir Reg Empey: Although I have had no direct communication with the company my officials at Invest Northern Ireland continue to maintain contact with the management of the company.

(AQW 1906/01)

The Minister of the Environment (Mr Nesbitt): [holding answer 5 March 2002]: Planning Service does not know the average time taken to provide a substantive reply to correspondence from elected representatives, as we do not hold a central database to provide that information.

Correspondence received by the Special Studies Section relates mainly to specific planning applications or enforcement cases. This correspondence is handled through Planning Service’s 20/20 computer system in a similar manner to all letters of objection and representation received by the Service. This correspondence is acknowledged and attached to the relevant case file and dealt with on a case by case basis.

The existing system for dealing with correspondence triggers substantive responses at the appropriate time, on the issue of a formal planning decision or on the resolution of enforcement cases. However, our current systems focus on individual cases and do not include a monitoring capacity to provide aggregated information on specific individuals or groups.

(AQW 1968/01)

Mr Nesbitt: My department’s policy is to facilitate the use of townland addresses when it has been notified of them. It will also reply to correspondence using the address given including the townland name.

(AQW 2065/01)

Mr Nesbitt: [holding answer 5 March 2002]: The Department of the Environment does not monitor the activities of district councils, in relation to the use of townland names. The issue of the use of townland names by district councils is not the responsibility of my department.

(AQW 2254/01)

Mr Nesbitt: [holding answer 12 March 2002]: The ‘Wake up to Waste Roadshow’ was designed and directed by McCann Erickson (Belfast) Ltd, who have been awarded the advertising contract for the Department’s Public Awareness and Information Campaign.

The projected cost of the 11 Roadshows is around £33,000. They are elements of a £1.5 million project, over the next 3 years, to raise public awareness throughout Northern Ireland on waste management issues.

All key shopping centres are able to calculate accurately weekly visitor numbers from electronic monitoring devices which detect all visitors entering the building.

It would not be appropriate to disclose publicly visitor figures for the selected shopping centres, for reasons of commercial sensitivity.

Fourteen other locations were investigated, but not selected to host the Roadshows. Again, for reasons of commercial sensitivity, it would not be appropriate to disclose publicly visitor figures for these locations.

There are currently no plans to make a modular version of it available in this phase of the public awareness campaign. However, this may be considered for subsequent phases.

Following discussions with the consultants, the Department has now allocated a portion of the media budget to the provision of transportable stands, with ‘Wake Up to Waste’ graphic material, for each District Council to use. These have already been delivered to every Council and can be used in Council offices, shopping centres, libraries, schools and conference venues.

It is not possible to provide details of individual Roadshow costs. They are a combination of both fixed and variable costs of set design, hire charges, the Roadshow team and venue space.

(AQW 2255/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The ‘Wake up to Waste Roadshow’ was designed and directed by McCann Erickson (Belfast) Ltd, who have been awarded the advertising contract for the Department’s Public Awareness and Information Campaign.

The projected cost of the 11 Roadshows is around £33,000. They are elements of a £1.5 million project, over the next 3 years, to raise public awareness throughout Northern Ireland on waste management issues.

All key shopping centres are able to calculate accurately weekly visitor numbers from electronic monitoring devices which detect all visitors entering the building.

It would not be appropriate to disclose publicly visitor figures for the selected shopping centres, for reasons of commercial sensitivity.

Fourteen other locations were investigated, but not selected to host the Roadshows. Again, for reasons of commercial sensitivity, it would not be appropriate to disclose publicly visitor figures for these locations.

There are currently no plans to make a modular version of it available in this phase of the public awareness campaign. However, this may be considered for subsequent phases.

Following discussions with the consultants, the Department has now allocated a portion of the media budget to the provision of transportable stands, with ‘Wake Up to Waste’ graphic material, for each District Council to use. These have already been delivered to every Council and can be used in Council offices, shopping centres, libraries, schools and conference venues.

It is not possible to provide details of individual Roadshow costs. They are a combination of both fixed and variable costs of set design, hire charges, the Roadshow team and venue space.

(AQW 2274/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The ‘Wake up to Waste Roadshow’ was designed and directed by McCann Erickson (Belfast) Ltd, who have been awarded the advertising contract for the Department’s Public Awareness and Information Campaign.

The projected cost of the 11 Roadshows is around £33,000. They are elements of a £1.5 million project, over the next 3 years, to raise public awareness throughout Northern Ireland on waste management issues.

All key shopping centres are able to calculate accurately weekly visitor numbers from electronic monitoring devices which detect all visitors entering the building.

It would not be appropriate to disclose publicly visitor figures for the selected shopping centres, for reasons of commercial sensitivity.

Fourteen other locations were investigated, but not selected to host the Roadshows. Again, for reasons of commercial sensitivity, it would not be appropriate to disclose publicly visitor figures for these locations.

There are currently no plans to make a modular version of it available in this phase of the public awareness campaign. However, this may be considered for subsequent phases.

Following discussions with the consultants, the Department has now allocated a portion of the media budget to the provision of transportable stands, with ‘Wake Up to Waste’ graphic material, for each District Council to use. These have already been delivered to every Council and can be used in Council offices, shopping centres, libraries, schools and conference venues.

It is not possible to provide details of individual Roadshow costs. They are a combination of both fixed and variable costs of set design, hire charges, the Roadshow team and venue space.

(AQW 2275/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The ‘Wake up to Waste Roadshow’ was designed and directed by McCann Erickson (Belfast) Ltd, who have been awarded the advertising contract for the Department’s Public Awareness and Information Campaign.

The projected cost of the 11 Roadshows is around £33,000. They are elements of a £1.5 million project, over the next 3 years, to raise public awareness throughout Northern Ireland on waste management issues.

All key shopping centres are able to calculate accurately weekly visitor numbers from electronic monitoring devices which detect all visitors entering the building.

It would not be appropriate to disclose publicly visitor figures for the selected shopping centres, for reasons of commercial sensitivity.

Fourteen other locations were investigated, but not selected to host the Roadshows. Again, for reasons of commercial sensitivity, it would not be appropriate to disclose publicly visitor figures for these locations.

There are currently no plans to make a modular version of it available in this phase of the public awareness campaign. However, this may be considered for subsequent phases.

Following discussions with the consultants, the Department has now allocated a portion of the media budget to the provision of transportable stands, with ‘Wake Up to Waste’ graphic material, for each District Council to use. These have already been delivered to every Council and can be used in Council offices, shopping centres, libraries, schools and conference venues.

It is not possible to provide details of individual Roadshow costs. They are a combination of both fixed and variable costs of set design, hire charges, the Roadshow team and venue space.

(AQW 2276/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The ‘Wake up to Waste Roadshow’ was designed and directed by McCann Erickson (Belfast) Ltd, who have been awarded the advertising contract for the Department’s Public Awareness and Information Campaign.

The projected cost of the 11 Roadshows is around £33,000. They are elements of a £1.5 million project, over the next 3 years, to raise public awareness throughout Northern Ireland on waste management issues.

All key shopping centres are able to calculate accurately weekly visitor numbers from electronic monitoring devices which detect all visitors entering the building.

It would not be appropriate to disclose publicly visitor figures for the selected shopping centres, for reasons of commercial sensitivity.

Fourteen other locations were investigated, but not selected to host the Roadshows. Again, for reasons of commercial sensitivity, it would not be appropriate to disclose publicly visitor figures for these locations.

There are currently no plans to make a modular version of it available in this phase of the public awareness campaign. However, this may be considered for subsequent phases.

Following discussions with the consultants, the Department has now allocated a portion of the media budget to the provision of transportable stands, with ‘Wake Up to Waste’ graphic material, for each District Council to use. These have already been delivered to every Council and can be used in Council offices, shopping centres, libraries, schools and conference venues.

It is not possible to provide details of individual Roadshow costs. They are a combination of both fixed and variable costs of set design, hire charges, the Roadshow team and venue space.

(AQW 2476/01)

Mr Nesbitt: [holding answer 21 March 2002]: Disposal of dead animals is the responsibility of the owner. However, where irresponsible owners choose to avoid the effort or cost of safe disposal and dump carcasses in the countryside, this can lead to a public health nuisance. While the Department does not have the details of each District Council’s policy it is, normally the responsibility of District Councils to take action.

Fallen animals are an agricultural rather than a controlled waste and their disposal is likely to become more difficult with restrictions to on-farm burial under the proposed EU Animal By-Product Regulation. However, my Department and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will be working together to develop a strategy for agricultural waste to be incorporated into the overall Northern Ireland Waste Management Strategy, at its first review point in 2003.

(AQW 2477/01)

Mr Nesbitt: [holding answer 21 March 2002]: Disposal of dead animals is the responsibility of the owner. However, where irresponsible owners choose to avoid the effort or cost of safe disposal and dump carcasses in the countryside, this can lead to a public health nuisance. While the Department does not have the details of each District Council’s policy it is, normally the responsibility of District Councils to take action.

Fallen animals are an agricultural rather than a controlled waste and their disposal is likely to become more difficult with restrictions to on-farm burial under the proposed EU Animal By-Product Regulation. However, my Department and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will be working together to develop a strategy for agricultural waste to be incorporated into the overall Northern Ireland Waste Management Strategy, at its first review point in 2003.

(AQW 2479/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The Department of the Environment is not providing any funding for CCTV schemes, nor has it any plans to do so. However, the Northern Ireland Office is making provision for community safety in the forthcoming Justice (NI) Bill. This legislation will enable the Secretary of State to develop, in consultation with all relevant bodies, a strategy for community safety, which may provide for the establishment of Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) for each district council area. At present, the Department of the Environment is considering making legislation that would enable district councils to engage in community safety activities, including participation in CSPs. I understand that CSPs would be charged with developing community safety action plans for local areas. Such plans may include the provision of CCTV in areas where there is a proven need. Funding of CSPs is the responsibility of the NIO.

(AQW 2536/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The following funding has been provided to The National Trust over the last 5 years:

Figures relating to the period before 1997/98 could only be provided at disproportionate cost, because of changes to the computerised accounting system at that time.

Funding was allocated on the following basis:

Funding provided to The National Trust by the Department is subject to both Internal Audit and Northern Ireland Audit Office scrutiny.

In relation to land acquisition and conservation schemes grant aid, funding is released on transfer of title of the lands in the case of land acquisition and on receipt of audited annual accounts, annual reports and management plans in the case of grant aid for management of the sites.

In relation to historic buildings grant aid, funding is released on successful completion of eligible works.

(AQW 2584/01)

Mr Nesbitt: I understand that this Question is seeking information on the number of EU Directives on environmental issues which have not been transposed in Northern Ireland.

There are currently 16 Directives and 1 Regulation which have not been transposed or have been only partially transposed in Northern Ireland. These are:

• Directive 89/369/EEC – Prevention of air pollution from new Municipal Waste Incineration Plants.
  

• Directive 89/429/EEC - Prevention of air pollution from existing Municipal Waste Incineration Plants
  

• Directive 94/66/EC - Limitations of emissions of certain pollutants into the air from large combustion plants
  

• Directive 96/61/EC - Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control*
  

• Directive 96/62/EC - Ambient Air Quality Management and Assessment
  

• Directive 99/13/EC - Limitations of emissions of volatile organic compounds due to the use of organic solvents in certain activities and installations*
  

• Directive 99/30/EC - Limit values for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead in air*
  

• Regulation (EC) No 2037/2000 - Substances that deplete the ozone layer*

•  

• Directive 75/439/EEC – Disposal of Waste Oils*
  

• Directive 75/442/EEC - Waste Framework Directive*

•  

• Directive 99/30/EC - Limit values for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead in air*
  

• Directive 91/338/EEC - 10th amendment to Directive 76/769/EEC relating to restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations*
  

• Directive 94/60/EC - 14th amendment to 76/769/EEC
  

• Directive 98/101/EC - Batteries and Accumulators containing certain dangerous substances*
  

• Directive 99/31/EC - Landfill of Waste*
  

• Directive 99/51/EC - 5th amendment to Annex 1 to Directive 76/769/EEC*
  

• Directive 80/778/EEC - Quality of water intended for human consumption*
  

• Directive 97/11/EC - Assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment

(This Directive has been largely transposed through planning legislation. Non-transposition element relates to agricultural water management abstraction schemes)*

The Commission has commenced or is pursuing infraction proceedings in the 12 cases above marked with an asterisk.

• Directive 78/659/EEC – Quality of fresh waters needing protection or improvement in order to support fish life
  

• Directive 91/271/EEC - Urban Waste Water Treatment
  

• Directive 91/676/EEC - Protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources
  

• Directive 91/689/EEC - Hazardous Waste
  

• Directive 92/43/EEC - Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Flora and Fauna

To date no fines have been imposed by the European Court of Justice in respect of any transposition case.

(AQW 2596/01)

Mr Nesbitt: These Regulations, which incorporate the water quality requirements of the EC Drinking Water Directive, are implemented by the Drinking Water Inspectorate of Environment and Heritage Service (EHS).

In the case of the Water Quality Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1994, the Water Service of the Department for Regional Development, is responsible for the supply and distribution of public drinking water and for implementing the requirements of the Regulations. The Drinking Water Inspectorate of EHS has an independent responsibility to assess and regulate compliance against these standards. The Inspectorate publishes an annual report which provides an overview of drinking water quality in Northern Ireland.

Private water supplies are monitored by the Drinking Water Inspectorate in co-operation with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the District Councils.

Urban Waste Water Treatment (UWWT) Directive 91/271/EEC

The Urban Waste Water Treatment (UWWT) Directive aims to reduce pollution of waters by domestic sewage and industrial waste water, collectively known as "urban waste water". It is implemented here through the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations (NI) 1995, under which EHS sets standards for all discharges from Water Service Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTWs). The Directive itself sets minimum standards for the collection and treatment of urban waste water, and requires that appropriate treatment should be in place at all WWTWs by the end of 2005.

Annual compliance is assessed and reported, on an UK-wide basis, to the European Commission. Water Service is advised of instances of non - compliance here and is responsible for ensuring that compliance is achieved.

A report on compliance is currently being prepared by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). EHS will contribute.

EHS is also preparing a report to the Assembly Environment Committee on Water Service compliance, during 2001, with EHS standards including those set under the UWWT Directive.

Waters which are vulnerable to nutrient enrichment (eutrophication) may be designated as ‘sensitive’, under the terms of the UWWT Directive. Such designation requires nutrient reduction to be put in place at larger WWTWs. The catchments of the Erne and Lough Neagh were designated as ‘sensitive’ in 1994, and, following a further review by EHS, inner Belfast Lough, the Tidal Lagan and the Quoile Pondage area of Strangford Lough have also been designated as Sensitive Areas. EHS also recently reviewed the status of ‘Less Sensitive’ Areas, under the Directive and this resulted in the removal of this categorisation from 3 coastal areas: Portrush, Bangor and Kilkeel.

Council Directive 91/676/EEC; concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources (referred to as the Nitrates Directive)

This Directive is designed to protect surface waters and groundwaters against nitrate pollution from agriculture. It aims to reduce nitrate levels in areas where the water is polluted, and to prevent new pollution.

It is implemented here through the Protection of Water Against Agricultural Nitrate Pollution Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996 (as amended by S.R. 1997 No. 256 and S.R. 1999 No. 3) and the Action Programme for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999.

In line with this Directive, three Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs), were designated in March 1999: one at Clogh Mills, Co Antrim and two near Comber, Co Down. Action Programmes were implemented in June 1999, setting out the measures which must be followed by those farming within these NVZs.

EHS is reviewing its water quality monitoring data, which includes steps to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to meet the requirements of the Directive.

Robust sampling for nitrates will continue for both groundwaters and surface waters: recent results from the monitoring of our groundwaters indicated elevated nitrate levels in a small number of boreholes. Further investigations will take place in 2002 to determine whether these elevated results are indicative of general groundwater quality within the locality or are caused by local pollution (due to the possible contamination of the sample sites from the close proximity of farm areas/septic tanks).

Where the pollution of groundwaters is confirmed, candidate NVZs will be identified. EHS will also examine whether in 2002 eutrophic surface waters need to be included in designated NVZs.

Individual nitrate ‘budgets’ for the Lough Erne and Lough Neagh (excluding the Lower Bann) catchments, which have already been designated as ‘Sensitive Areas’ under the UWWT Directive, will be produced later this year. Where the agricultural contribution of nitrates to these catchments is greater than 20% of the total, the catchments will be identified as candidate NVZs.

Following this, a review of the eutrophication status of freshwaters, outside the current NVZ designations and the Sensitive Area designations, will be undertaken.

EHS recently completed a review of the eutrophic status of the five main sea loughs around our coast. The results show that the Quoile Pondage, near Downpatrick, may have to be identified as water affected by nitrate pollution, due to the contribution of agriculturally- derived nitrates.

EHS will consult interested parties (especially farmers) on proposals to designate any further NVZs.

The Shellfish Waters Directive (79/923/EEC)

Northern Ireland has nine designated shellfish waters, all of which are in sea loughs. They are given special protection under the Shellfish Waters Directive. All designated Shellfish Waters are monitored and action programmes have been developed for each site to ensure compliance with the Directive.

EHS is reviewing the number of designations with a view to designating more sites; the shellfish industry, government and the general public will be consulted.

(AQW 2600/01)

Mr Nesbitt: Planning Service consults Water Service of the Department for Regional Development and Water Management Unit of Environment and Heritage Service as necessary on proposals for housing development.

When consulted by Planning Service my Department’s Environment and Heritage Service seeks to identify the risk to the environment through assessment of the performance of the waste water treatment works (WWTW) and the sewerage system and also compliance with current and proposed Environment and Heritage Service and Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive standards.

In the locations referred to, all of the WWTWs are operating in excess of their capacity and Environment and Heritage Service has requested Planning Service that no further development be permitted until they have been upgraded.

Peter Robinson, Minister for Regional Development has advised that as part of the ongoing programme to upgrade wastewater treatment works to meet the requirements of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations (NI) 1995, Water Service plans to commence the upgrading of the works in Ballywalter, Ballyhalbert, Ballygowan and Lisbane in 2004/05. This is of course subject to completion of all the required procedures, including planning approval, and the availability of the necessary resources at that time.

In order to seek to facilitate development, I have asked Planning Service to seek further advice from Environment and Heritage Service and Water Service on alternative or interim arrangements which might be applied to specific applications. These might include phasing of development, use of negative conditions attached to a planning consent to prevent development commencing pending a solution being put in place, or requests to the developer to contribute funding to possible solutions. You will appreciate that each case will have to be dealt with on its own merits. Where no alternative can be found, a refusal of planning permission would normally follow.

My officials will continue to liaise with officials in the Department for Regional Development on these matters. I would be happy to liaise with Minister for Regional Development on these matters also.

(AQW 2620/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The Planning Service must consider planning applications within the existing legislation. Under Article 20 of the Planning (NI) Order 1991 and Article 15 of the Planning (General Development) Order (NI) 1993 the Department is required, before determining an application for planning permission, to consult with the district council for the area in which the land is situated. A veto could not be given to Councils without legislative change. I am not persuaded, however, that there is a case for such legislative change pending the outcome of the Review of Public Administration. It is not possible to anticipate what the outcome of this Review will be.

(AQW 2627/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The number of posts purely devoted to enforcement within the Planning Service is 20. This is made up of 6 Higher Professional and Technology Officers (HPTOs), 8 Professional and Technology Officers (PTOs) and 6 Administrative Officers (AOs). All Divisions except Omagh and Londonderry have 1HPTO, 1PTO and 1 AO. Omagh and Londonderry each has an additional PTO to enable them to cover the Divisional Sub –Offices. In addition, a proportion of senior management in each Division is devoted to enforcement work.

Details of the number of cases currently being processed and the number of cases cleared by enforcement officers over the past year are set out below:

(AQW 2628/01)

Mr Nesbitt: Under Article 30 of the Pollution Control and Local Government (NI) Order 1978, and subject to the other provisions of the Article, District Councils have a duty to remove abandoned vehicles. Article 31 of the Order empowers Councils to dispose of vehicles so removed, in such manner as they think fit.

It is not expected that implementation of the ELV Directive will impose any direct obligations on District Councils with regard to the removal or subsequent disposal of abandoned cars. However, following implementation of the ELV Directive, Councils exercising their powers to dispose of abandoned vehicles, whether through their own facilities or those provided by agreement with another person, will be required to do so in compliance with the requirements of the Directive. As acknowledged in the previous reply, this could lead to higher disposal costs.

However, because of the complexity of the issues involved and the need for further consultation in relation to systems and processes, the UK will not be in a position to implement the Directive by the implementation date of 21 April 2002. In the light of public consultation during 2001, discussions are continuing within Whitehall to determine the best legislative and implementation options. My officials are closely involved in those discussions. It is therefore unlikely that the Directive will be transposed into GB or NI law before mid-2003.

(AQW 2630/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The policy of this issue is reserved to the UK Government and as such the devolved administrations have been consulted in writing on the matter.

DEFRA has informed the Department that the Kyoto Protocol has been laid before Parliament for a sitting period of 21 days after which time the Foreign Secretary will authorise the Ratification process. This is due to take place on or after 19 April 2002.

(AQW 2631/01)

Mr Nesbitt: I met Mr Michael Meacher at the British- Irish Council (Environment Sectoral Group) meeting in Edinburgh on 25 February 2002, which he chaired. At that meeting, I emphasised that there was widespread concern in Northern Ireland about emissions from Sellafield, despite the fact that our extensive monitoring programme shows that such emissions are of negligible radiological significance to the Northern Ireland population.

I informed the meeting of the recent motion of the Northern Ireland Assembly on Sellafield and pointed out that the motion enjoyed cross-party support.

I also said that the British-Irish Council was the most appropriate forum for making such representations about Sellafield. Mr Meacher recognised the concerns which I had expressed and committed himself to bringing forward a UK Strategy on Radioactive Discharges within the next few months.

As you know, my predecessor, Sam Foster, wrote to Margaret Beckett seeking assurances that safety and security issues were assessed as part of the MOX decision- making process. In its reply of 23 January 2002, the Department of Trade and Industry (which is responsible for energy issues) gave assurances that:

1. The Office for Civil Nuclear Security had satisfied itself about security, not only of the MOX plant, but of the Sellafield site as a whole;

2. Following a review, security had been enhanced at nuclear sites since 11 September 2001; and

3. Safety arrangements for the transportation of nuclear material to and from Sellafield were adequate to protect public safety against any consequences of a terrorist attack or sabotage.

(AQW 2632/01)

Mr Nesbitt: Operational responsibility for environmental protection lies with the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) of my Department. I have no plans at present to establish an Environment Protection Agency.

(AQW 2633/01)

Mr Nesbitt: I have made no representations to the Administration in the United States of America with regard to the Kyoto Protocol.

Any decision to make representations to other parties to the Protcol would be for the United Kingdom Government.

However, in any future discussions on climate change with representatives of other administrations, I will emphasise the importance of industrialised countries doing all that they can to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.

(AQW 2647/01)

(a) Over the 5 year period, from 1996 to 2000, the Department’s Environment and Heritage Service has recorded 704 substantiated pollution incidents involving agricultural slurry. These figures include cattle slurry, pig slurry and poultry waste. Cattle slurry has been the most prominent pollution category of the three, over this 5 year period.

(b) 79 prosecutions have been taken by the Department in respect of incidents involving agricultural slurry that occurred during this period, resulting in fines imposed by the courts totalling £28, 595.

The breakdown of these figures is as follows:

The fines in any year will not necessarily relate to incidents occurring in that year. The relevant statistics are not yet available for the year 2001.

(AQW 2662/01)

Mr Nesbitt: I have no plans to introduce legislation to make mast sharing by Telecommunications companies compulsory. I will, however, be publishing very shortly a new Planning Policy Statement, PPS 10, on telecommunications to accompany the introduction of new legislation into the Assembly which will abolish the current telecommunications ‘Prior Approval’ system and require full planning permission for all telecommunications development.

The sharing of masts will be a strong feature in the Department’s new policy. For any new mast applicants will reasonably be expected to provide evidence that they have considered the possibility of erecting antennas on an existing building, mast or other structure and indicate why this approach has not been pursued. This planning policy approach is backed up by conditions in the licences granted by the Department of Trade and Industry which already require Code System Operators to explore the possibility of sharing an existing radio site.

In addition the Telecommunications (Interconnection) Regulations 1997 provide that, in any instance where there is a dispute regarding the sharing of an existing mast or site, either party may ask the Director General of Telecommunications to resolve the matter. If the Director General considers it appropriate, he may direct the relevant telecommunications operators to share. The powers available under the Regulations do not, however, cover the refusal by a third party, such as a landowner, to allow shared use of a mast.

(AQW 2666/01)

Mr Nesbitt: There are 19 European Commission Directives which impact on water quality throughout the European Union including Northern Ireland. The Directives are set out below using the Commission’s legislative citations:

1) 75/440/EEC of 16 June 1975 concerning the quality required of surface water intended for the abstraction of drinking water;

2) 76/160/EEC of 8 December 1976 concerning the quality of bathing water;

3) 76/464/EEC of 4 May 1976 on pollution caused by certain dangerous substances discharged into the aquatic environment. In addition to this ‘parent’ Directive there are five ‘daughter’ Directives which are listed below as Nos 4 – 8.

4) 82/176/EEC of 22 March 1982 on limit values and quality objectives for mercury discharges by the chlor- alkali electrolysis industry;

5) 83/513/EEC of 26 September 1983 on limit values and quality objectives for cadmium discharges;

6) 84/491/EEC of 9 October 1984 on limit values and quality objectives for discharges of hexachlorocyclohexane;

7) 86/280/EEC of 12 June 1986 on limit values and quality objectives for discharges of certain dangerous substances included in List 1 of the Annex to the Directive;

8) 88/347/EEC of 16 June 1988 amending Annex II to Directive 86/280/EEC on limit values and quality objectives for discharges of certain dangerous substances included in List 1 of the Annex to Directive 76/464/EEC;

9) 78/659/EEC of 18 July 1978 on the quality of fresh waters needing protection or improvement in order to support fish life;

10) 79/869/EEC of 9 October 1979 concerning the methods of measurement and frequencies of sampling and analysis of surface water intended for the abstraction of drinking water;

11) 79/923/EEC of 30 October 1979 on the quality required of shellfish waters;

12) 80/68/EEC of 17 December 1979 on the protection of groundwater against pollution caused by certain dangerous substances;

13) 80/778/EEC of 15 July 1980 relating to the quality of water intended for human consumption;

14) 87/217/EEC of 19 March 1987 on the prevention and reduction of environmental pollution by asbestos;

15) 91/271/EEC of 21 May 1991 concerning urban waste water treatment;

16) 91/676/EEC of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources;

17) 91/692/EEC of 23 December 1991 standardizing and rationalizing reports on the implementation of certain Directives relating to the environment;

18) 98/83/EEC of 3 November 1998 on the quality of water intended for human consumption; (This revises and will replace Directive 80//778/EEC – No.13 on this list - when implemented at end of 2003) and

19) 2000/60/EC of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy. This major Directive is commonly known as the Water Framework Directive and, when fully implemented, will subsume some of the older water quality Directives.

(AQW 2673/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency of my Department expects the new hazard perception test to be included in the driving theory test by December 2002.

(AQW 2674/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The Agency expects the telephone booking service to be available from August 2002.

(AQW 2695/01)

Mr Nesbitt: Monitoring of shellfish beds is carried out under two Directives - the Shellfish Waters Directive and the Shellfish Hygiene Directive. My Department’s Environment and Heritage Service, as the competent authority under the Shellfish Waters Directive, monitors water quality in Larne Lough as part of the requirements of the Shellfish Waters Directive (79/923/EEC). Monitoring is carried out quarterly as required by the Directive. Results to date indicate that water quality in the designated shellfish water meets the imperative standards set down in the Directive. The monitoring requirements under the Directive apply equally in Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

The Shellfish Hygiene Directive (91/492/EEC) deals with the quality of shellfish flesh for human consumption. Monitoring of the bacteriological quality of shellfish flesh under this Directive is the responsibility of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) of the Department of Health, Social Service and Public Safety. Monitoring of shellfish waters for the presence of toxin producing algae which may affect shellfish is a matter for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD).

A monitoring programme for contaminants such as heavy metals and organohalogens in shellfish flesh has been in place since 1993. Contaminant monitoring is carried out bi-annually to ensure that any seasonal variations are accounted for. The programme is jointly co-ordinated by DARD, the FSA and EHS and meets the monitoring requirements of both Directives.

(AQW 2696/01)

Mr Nesbitt: (a) There is no direct liaison between my officials and officials in either the Environmental Health Office of Larne Borough Council or the Food Standards Agency in relation to the monitoring of water quality in Larne Lough. Responsibility for carrying out this monitoring lies solely with the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) of my Department.

However, EHS is currently co-operating with officials from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in a joint programme monitoring contaminants in shellfish flesh. This monitoring programme fulfils part of the responsibilities of EHS under the Shellfish Waters Directive (79/923/EEC). Liaison also takes place directly between the FSA and officials in the Environmental Health Office of Larne Borough Council in the context of their respective roles and responsibilities for monitoring the bacteriological quality of shellfish flesh for the purposes of the Shellfish Hygiene Directive (91/492/EEC).

(b) The FSA is responsible for considering the public health implications of the monitoring carried out under the Shellfish Hygiene Directive and can impose bans on the harvesting of shellfish from affected areas.

(AQW 2697/01)

Mr Nesbitt: I have currently no plans to visit the area that includes Larne Lough and Islandmagee. I am aware that there have been a number of contacts in recent years between my officials in the Environment and Heritage Service and local groups including the Friends of Larne Lough, concerning a range of environmental issues.

I understand that my officials have found these meetings to be positive and helpful in fostering an awareness of the importance of the conservation interests relating to Larne Lough.

(AQW 2698/01)

Mr Nesbitt: I refer the Member to my reply to AQW 2101/01, to you, which was answered on 1 March 2002.

(AQW 2699/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The EC End of Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive (2000/53/EC) aims to reduce the amount of waste arising from scrapped vehicles.

In particular, the Directive sets targets for the reuse, recycling and recovery of materials and components; requires manufacturers to design vehicles with reuse and recyclability in mind; requires the setting up of collection and dismantling systems; and sets standards for dismantlers and scrap metal recyclers.

Article 7 of the Directive sets targets for economic operators to reuse, recover and recycle 85% of all ELVs by January 2006 and 95% by January 2015.

EU Member States are required to transpose the Directive into national legislation by 21 April 2002.

The UK will not be in a position to transpose the Directive by this date. Following public consultation in 2001, discussions are continuing between the UK Government and the devolved administrations on the possible legislative options. My officials are closely involved in these discussions. There will also be a need for further public consultation in relation to a number of issues relating to implementation. It is therefore unlikely that the Directive will be transposed into GB and NI law before mid 2003.

(AQW 2717/01)

Mr Nesbitt: Standards for sewage discharges into Larne Lough are set by the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) of my Department at levels to ensure that the water quality standards required by relevant EC Directives, and EHS targets for the quality of coastal waters, are met. It is the responsibility of the Water Service of the Department for Regional Development (DRD) to provide the treatment capacity necessary to achieve these standards.

Sewage from the town of Larne is currently discharged untreated through a sea outfall close to the mouth of Larne Lough. Under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations, which implement the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, the discharge was required to have secondary treatment from 31 December 2000. EHS has set standards for the discharge, based on the requirements of the Directive and the Regulations. I understand from DRD that the Water Service is seeking to implement a capital works scheme for Larne to provide treatment to comply with the EHS standards. It is planned to commence the capital works during 2002, subject to planning permission and finance being available. A final decision on how the discharge standards are to be achieved has not yet been made, and discussions are continuing between EHS and the Water Service on whether secondary or tertiary treatment will be required.

There are other Waste Water Treatment Works in the area at Ballycarry, which currently provides secondary treatment, and Ballystrudder, which currently provides primary treatment. I understand that Water Service is considering plans to pump the sewage from Ballystrudder to the Ballycarry Works for secondary treatment. This would bring the Ballystrudder discharges into line with the requirements of the Directive and Regulations.

There are smaller Works at Magheramorne and Glynn. I am advised that the Water Service proposes to pump sewage from these works to the new works at Larne for treatment.

A number of private homes in the Millbay area use septic tanks. The Water Service has commissioned a consultant’s report on the future provision of sewage treatment in this area.

(AQW 2719/01)

Mr Nesbitt: Sixty letters of objection to the application for planning permission for a housing development at Town Hill, Saintfield have been received.

The application was received on 14 January 2002 and it is not possible to indicate when a decision will be made as consultations with other statutory Agencies are not complete as yet.

My Department has not yet consulted Down District Council and will not be in a position to present an opinion to the Down District Council for discussion until all consultation responses have been received.

Finally I assure you that issues raised in all letters of objection received in relation to the planning application are carefully considered before an opinion on the application is reached.

(AQW 2749/01)

Mr Nesbitt: Northern Ireland has made significant progress towards implementing European Recycling Directives.

The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 came into operation on 1 June 1999 as a result of the first of the ‘producer responsibility’ Directives, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC). The Directive aims to decrease the amount of packaging waste going to landfill sites. Similar Regulations were introduced in Great Britain in 1997.

The Northern Ireland Packing Regulations impose on producers obligations to recover and recycle packaging waste in order to attain targets set in the Packaging Waste Directive. My Department issued a consultation document on 4 March 2002 seeking views on proposals to increase these targets for 2002.

The European Commission has carried out a review of the Directive and is proposing a substantial increase to recovery and recycling targets for Member States in 2006. A consultation paper will issue in Northern Ireland in due course seeking views on these proposals. The End of Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive (2000/53/EC) aims to reduce the amount of waste arising from scrap vehicles, and in particular, sets targets for reuse, recycling and recovery. Under Article 7 of the Directive, economic operators must meet reuse, recovery and recycling targets ("recycling targets") of 85% of all ELVs by January 2006 and 95% by January 2015.

Subject to consultation, legislation will be introduced in Northern Ireland to transpose the requirements of the Directive. The transposition date is likely to be mid 2003.

(AQW 2768/01)

Mr Nesbitt: Newtownards Priory is a monument in the ownership of the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) of my Department. I understand that some 40 feral pigeons roost there regularly. Although all wild birds have some legal protection throughout Northern Ireland, it is permissible to cull feral pigeons for public health purposes. This culling may be done under the terms, and subject to conditions of, a general licence issued annually by the EHS.

Ards Borough Council has the statutory responsibility for preserving public health, but I am content that, in this case, it is appropriate for the Department, in its capacity as the landowner, to incur the cost of culling the pigeons.

EHS has therefore offered to pay the Council to undertake this work.

(AQW 2795/01)

Mr Nesbitt: I have no plans to meet with the Norwegian Prime Minister to discuss this matter. I understand that very low levels of Technetium 99 of Sellafield origin can be detected in seaweed and seawater in Norwegian waters; and that the Norwegian Government has expressed its concerns to the UK Government. International relations on issues of this nature are a matter for the UK Government.

Sellafield discharges are an agenda item for meetings of the British-Irish Council (Environment Sectoral Group). I will continue to emphasise at these meetings the need to reduce Technetium 99 discharges to sea.

I understand that the Environment Agency intends to revise the authorisation to discharge radioactivity into the Irish Sea in the near future. This is thought likely to result in a very significant reduction in Technetium-99 discharges.

I appreciate that the current levels of discharge of Technetium-99 have led to some public disquiet. It is re-assuring therefore that my Department’s comprehensive programme for monitoring Sellafield discharges demonstrates that, even at prevailing levels, they are of negligible radiological significance.

(AQW 2796/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The Department of the Environment has had a very comprehensive monitoring programme in place since the 1970s to assess the impact on the Northern Ireland coastline of discharges from Sellafield into the Irish Sea.

The results of monitoring, including the current levels of Technetium-99 are published in the following reports:

Report of the Chief Alkali Inspector produced by the Environment and Heritage Service; Radioactivity in Food and the Environment (RIFE) published by the Food Standards Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency; and The Northern Ireland Abstract of Statistics.

Copies of these reports can be found in the Assembly Library and the Report of the Chief Alkali Inspector can also be found on the Environment and Heritage Service website, www.ehsni.gov.uk. The RIFE report is on the Food Standards Agency website www.foodstandards.gov. uk/multimedia/PDFS/Rife6.

Results to date indicate that levels of contamination are of negligible radiological significance to the Northern Ireland population. The Technetium-99 levels detected in nephrops, lobster and edible seaweed during 2000 were 60, 60 and 19 becquerals per kilogramme (wet) respectively. These are well below the European Commission’s intervention level for food stuffs of 1000 becquerals per kilogramme.

(AQW 2887/01)

Mr Nesbitt: A Report entitled "Implications for Climate Change for Northern Ireland: Informing Strategy Development" was published today.

This Report identifies the key stakeholders in Northern Ireland who will be most affected by climate change and outlines the implications of climate change impacts on the economy and the environment and the adaptation measures that may be necessary.

The Report represents a first step towards developing a Northern Ireland strategy for climate change impacts and will enable NI to play its full role in the policies for climate change currently being developed on a UK, European and world-wide basis.

Climate change is one of the areas identified for enhanced cross-border co-operation through the British Irish Council (Environment Sectoral Group). The Report will also inform work in this area.

This is a technical Report and a summary is being prepared for a wider distribution.

Copies of the Report are available from the Business Office, Parliament Buildings.

(AQW 2582/01)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Dr Farren): I am conscious of the contribution that public sector jobs can make to the economic and social development of local communities. However, until the conclusion of the strategic review of Civil Service office accommodation, which includes an examination of the scope for decentralisation of Civil Service jobs, it would be wrong to prejudge the outcome or to speculate as to the locations that might be involved in any subsequent dispersal of Civil Service jobs. On 11 March 2002, I announced the issue of an interim report on the accommodation review for public consultation and this was made available to all Members on that day.

(AQW 2585/01)

Dr Farren: The current legislation permits a measure of rate exemption on any hall where the wider community uses its facilities. Typically uses such as Sunday schools, community based youth clubs, OAP clubs, playgroups and church meetings are considered ‘charitable’ and apportioned out as exempt. The degree of exemption available is in direct proportion to the use of the facility for charitable and broad community purposes. There is no ceiling on the level of exemption available and a number of community halls already enjoy a substantial element of rate exemption on these grounds.

(AQW 2597/01)

Dr Farren: In accordance with the requirements of the PEACE II Operational Programme the Special EU Programmes Body as Managing Authority for the Programme was responsible for overseeing the establishment of the 26 Local Strategy Partnerships (LSPs) and for ensuring that the process for nomination to them was open and transparent and that there was agreement at local level. A total of 627 Members are currently serving on the Local Strategy Partnerships of which 154 are District Council representatives. These include: 37 UUP, 35 SDLP, 35 DUP, 25 SF, 10 ALL, 1 UUAP, 1 PUP, 9 IND, 1 UKUP. A detailed breakdown of the political affiliation of District Council representatives for each Local Strategy Partnership is set out in the table above.

(AQW 2598/01)

Dr Farren: In relation to those Ministers whose transportation requirements have been the responsibility of the Department of Finance & Personnel’s Centralised Transport Branch, the following arrangements have applied within the last 2 years:

Information on the cost of provision of this service for each Minister/Department, for the 2 year period requested, can only be provided at disproportionate cost.

(AQW 2657/01)

Dr Farren: There will be a number of phases of consultation in the preparation of both the Programme for Government and the Budget 2002 which will identify the Executive’s key policy priorities and associated strategic spending priorities for 2002-03 and beyond. In preparing its Position Report for publication in late May, the Executive will take account of initial comments from Assembly Committees in relation to departmental contributions. The Position Report will also seek views on the overarching priorities and key policy areas that might be addressed in the Programme for Government. Over the Summer the Position Report will be the subject of consultation with Committees and views will also be sought from other key local interests. The draft Programme for Government and draft Budget, which will be informed by feedback from the Position Report, will be presented to the Assembly on 23rd September and this will be followed by formal consultation (including on the equality aspects of both documents) with Assembly Committees and the wider public. The comments received will be taken into account in the preparation of the final Programme for Government and Budget 2002 in December.

(AQW 2691/01)

Dr Farren: The information is as follows:

The figures include casual and industrial staff: community background figures exclude staff whose community background is not determined.

(AQW 2707/01)

Dr Farren: Aggregates tax is an excepted matter and HM Treasury (Customs & Excise ) has responsibility for implementation. The Treasury remains committed to the timetable announced in the Pre-Budget Report (PBR November 2001) with the tax being implemented from 1 April 2002. Virgin aggregate will be subject to the tax at £1.60 per tonne, whereas aggregate used in processing in Northern Ireland will be exempt from the tax in the first year (2002/03) and thereafter will be phased in on a incremental basis, with full implementation envisaged by 2007/08. This is subject to State Aid approval by the European Commission and although not yet granted, HM Treasury have given assurances that the first-year exemption will be backdated to the introduction of the tax on 1 April 2002.

My officials are currently involved in negotiations with industry representatives to produce a draft strategy, which will outline an alternative to that proposed in the Pre Budget report. Once this draft strategy has been agreed with the industry I propose to correspond with HM Treasury outlining the proposals and seek agreement to take the case forward to the European Commission.

(AQW 1799/01)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): Whilst it is not a term which I personally use there is no restriction on civil servants in the department using it in official correspondence.

Cé nach téarma é a úsáidim go pearsanta níl bac ar státseirbhísí sa Roinn é a úsáid i gcomhfhreagrachas oifigiúil.

(AQW 1806/01)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): The expenditure by Board area for dental services in each of the last three years is shown in the table below. The figures include general dental services, hospital dental specialties and community dental services. However, the figures do not include some minor elements of provision such as oral surgery and dental work in plastic surgery as this information was not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Léirítear an caiteachas de réir ceantar Boird le seirbhísí déadacha i ngach bliain de na trí bliana anuas sa tábla thíos. Cuimsíonn na figiúirí gnáthsheirbhísí déadacha, speisialtachtaí déadacha otharlainne agus seirbhísí déadacha pobail. Ní chuimsíonn na figiúirí roinnt mionghnéithe de sholáthar áfach amhail máinliacht bhéil agus obair dhéadach i máinliacht phlaisteach mar nach raibh an t-eolas seo ar fáil go réidh agus ní fhéadfaí é a chur ar fáil ach ar chostas dhíréireach.

(AQW 2302/01)

(a) The current total bed complement for the Erne and Tyrone County hospitals, and their current configuration, are given in the table below. They are for the year 2000/2001, the latest year for which figures are available.

(b) The figures quoted for Acute Beds in the Acute Hospitals Review Group report were for 1999/2000 and are consistent with the information held by my Department.

(a) Tá cuóta iomlán leapacha d’Otharlanna na hÉirne agus Thír Eoghain, agus a socruithe faoi láthair, tugtha sa tábla thíos. Is do na blianta 2000/01 atá siad, an bhliain is déanaí a bhfuil figiúirí ar fáil di.

(b) Don bhliain 1999/2000 a bhí na figiúirí a tuairisiodh do Ghéarleabacha i dtuairisc an Ghrúpa Athbhreithithe ar Ghéarotharlanna agus tá siad comhsheasamhach ar fad leis an eolas ag mo Roinn.

(AQW 2320/01)

Ms de Brún: My Department has commenced a review of the HPSS financial systems including payroll. This will include the preparation of business cases which will explore not only a range of IT solutions, but also how the salaries and wages function can be delivered in the most cost-effective way.

Chuir mo Roinn tús le hathbhreithniú ar chórais airgeadais na SSSP, párollaí san áireamh. Cuimseoidh sé seo ullmhú cásanna gnó nach scrúdóidh réimse réiteach TE amháin ach dóigheanna ar féidir leis na pánna agus na tuarastail a dhéanamh níos costas-éifeachtaí chomh maith.

(AQW 2325/01)

Ms de Brún: There is currently open access to district nursing services here across all areas including rural areas. District nurses will take referrals from various sources including general practitioners, hospitals and self-referrals from clients.

My Department’s Nursing and Midwifery Advisory Group has established a Regional District Nursing Group to examine a range of issues. An objective of the Group is to set more systematic, standardised referral criteria for access to district nursing services that will be applied consistently.

Tá rochtain oscailte faoi láthair do sheirbhísí altranais dhúiche anseo agus fud fad gach ceantar, ceantair thuaithe san áireamh. Glacfaidh altraí atreoraithe ó fhoinse éagsúla dochtúirí ginearálta, otharlanna agus féin-atreorú ó chliaint san áireamh.

Bhunaigh Grúpa Comhairleach Altranais agus Mná Cabhrach na Roinne s’agam Grúpa Altranais Dhúiche Reigiúnaí le hamharc ar roinnt ceisteanna. Is é cuspóir amháin atá ag an grúpa ná critéir atreoraithe níos córasaí agus níos caighdeáinaí faoi choinne rochtain ar sheirbhísí altranais dhúiche a chuirfear i bhfeidhm go seasta.

(AQW 2353/01)

Ms de Brún: Central to my plans to improve primary health care is the removal of the last elements of the internal market and the establishment of new Local Health and Social Care Groups. These new Groups will create a framework which will support primary care professionals to work in partnership with each other and with other parts of the health and social services in order to improve primary care services for the populations they serve. In addition, they will create opportunities for primary care to link with other statutory, community and voluntary agencies that can contribute to improving health and well-being.

The new Groups will support primary care in making its contribution to the implementation of other policies being pursued by the Department, such as securing input from local communities to the planning and commissioning of services at local level; implementing the Investing for Health strategy; and implementing any proposals that emerge from the Best Practice – Best Care consultation paper. The new Groups will contribute to the development of Health and Social Services Boards’ Health and Well Being Investment plans and draw up their own plans to address local priorities to improve primary health and social care.

I plan for an orderly run down of the GP Fundholding scheme and for services currently supported by GP Fundholding monies to be maintained. My plans include arrangements for dealing with the human resource implications of ending the GP Fundholding Scheme. My plans also include the redistribution of some of the resources currently tied up in the GP Fundholding Scheme to front line primary care services.

I have plans to introduce measures to improve quality in primary care which include the introduction of clinical and social care governance, the promotion of life long learning and enhanced professional regulation. Negotiations on a new GP contract and appraisal system are ongoing. This values achievements as well as improving performance.

On the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) front, I am planning for Boards and GPs to work with my Department to make available to GPs a greater range of ICT facilities, such as, electronic patient registration, E-mail and internet access, electronic pathology results, radiology reports and items of service claims

I also plan to take forward the recommendations arising from the mid-term evaluation of the Oral Health Strategy. My plans will include targets to increase number of 2 - 5 year olds being registered with general dental practitioners and to ensure the adoption of a consistent programme of School Dental Screening.

I plan for Boards and Trusts to work with community pharmacies to ensure that the community pharmacy medicines management initiative is expanded to more community pharmacies.

More detailed information on my plans for primary care and the key targets against which their achievement will be measured will be published soon in my Department’s Priorities for Action 2002/03 document.

Is é atá mar chuid lárnach de mo phleananna chun príomhchúram a fheabhsú ná na gnéithe deireanacha den mhargadh inmheánach a bhaint ar shiúl agus Grúpaí Sláinte Áitiúla agus Cúraim Shóisialta nua a bhunú. Cruthóidh na Grúpaí nua seo creatlach a thacóidh le gairmithe príomhchúraim chun obair i gcomhar lena chéile agus le codanna eile de na seirbhísí sláinte agus sóisialta le haghaidh seirbhísí príomhchúraim a fheabhsú do na pobail a mbíonn siad ag freastal orthu. Ar a bharr, beidh siad ag soláthar deiseanna i leith príomhchúraim le ceangal a dhéanamh le gníomhaireachtaí eile reachtúla, pobail agus deonacha ar féidir leo cuidiú le sláinte agus folláine a fheabhsú.

Tacóidh na Grúpaí le príomhchúram trí chur leis an chur i bhfeidhm polasaithe eile ar mór ag an Roinn iad amhail ionchur a fháil ó phobail áitiúla le haghaidh pleanáil agus coimisiúnú ar bhonn áitiúil; straitéis Infheistíocht sa tSláinte a chur i bhfeidhm; agus moltaí ar bith a eascraíonn as páipéar comhairlithe Sárchleachtadh- Sárchúram a chur i bhfeidhm. Cuideoidh na Grúpaí nua le forbairt pleananna Infheistíochta Sláinte agus Folláine de chuid na mBord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta agus a gcuid pleananna féin a dhéanamh chun dul i ngleic le tosaíochtaí áitiúla chun príomhchúram sláinte agus sóisialta a fheabhsú.

Tá sé beartaithe agam breacadh síos ordúil ar airgead scéim Sealbhú Ciste GDanna a choinneáil. I measc na bpleananna tá socruithe chun deileáil le himpleachtaí acmhainní daonna a bheadh mar thoradh ar dheireadh a chur le Scéim Sealbhú Ciste GD. Is é a chuirtear san áireamh le mo phleananna ná athdháileadh cuid de na háiseanna atá tugtha don scéim Sealbhú Ciste GD ar sheirbhísí príomchúraim ar an líne tosaigh.

Tá pleananna agam bearta a thabhairt isteach chun caighdeán cáilíochta i bpríomhchúraim a fheabhsú ina n-áirítear riar cúraim chliniciúil agus shóisialta, foghlaim ar feadh an tsaoil agus rialú méadaithe gairimiúil. Tá Idirbheartaíocht ar chóras nua conartha agus meastóireachta DGanna á déanamh faoi láthair. Tréaslaíonn seo gnóthachtáil chomh maith le feidhmiúchán a fheabhsú.

I dtaca le Teicneolaíocht an Eolais agus na Cumarsáide (TEC) tá pleananna agam do Bhoird agus do DGanna le hobair leis an Roinn s’agam chun réimse níos mó áiseanna TEC a chur ar fáil amhail clárú leictreonach othair, R-phost agus rochtain idirlín, torthaí paiteolaíochta leictreonacha, tuairiscí raideolaíochta agus éilimh míreanna seirbhíse.

Tá plean agam chomh maith moltaí a d’éirigh as meastóireacht lárthéarma ar an Straitéis Sláinte Béil a thabhairt chun tosaigh. Áireofar sna pleananna s’agam spriocanna chun líon na bpáistí idir 2 agus 5 bliain d’aois atá cláraithe a mhéadú chun cinntiú go dtabharfar isteach clár comhsheasmhach Scagthástáil Fiaclóireachta Scoile.

Tá plean agam le Boird agus Iontaobhais chun obair le cógaslanna pobail chun cinntiú go leathnófar tionscnamh bainisteoireachta um chógais cógaslann pobail chuig níos mó cógaslann pobail.

Foilseofar eolas níos grinne ar phleananna le haghaidh príomhchúraim agus na heochairspriocanna lena dtomhaisfear a gcuid gnóthachtála gan mhoill i ndoiciméad mo Roinne Tosaíochtaí le hAghaidh Gnímh 2002/03.

(AQW 2385/01)

Ms de Brún: In order to relieve pressure on hospital services, particularly accident and emergency departments, Boards and Trusts are providing a range of additional services, including extra community care provision and minor injuries units, which help to reduce demand on hospital services. Additional support is also available in the primary care sector, where a successful flu vaccination programme has been in place for people over the age of 65 and those at risk.

At the Ulster Hospital, I recently endorsed a major re-development programme, which includes a proposal to extend the accident and emergency department to provide additional capacity and upgrade to meet statutory standards. In addition, a ten-bedded accident and emergency observation unit, including nursing and support staff, has been opened at Antrim Area Hospital.

Leis na brúnna ar sheirbhísí otharlainne a mhaolú, sna ranna timpistí agus éigeandálaí ach go háirithe, tá Boird agus Iontaobhais ag soláthar réimse seirbhísí breise, mar aon le soláthar breise cúraim phobail agus le hionaid mhionghortuithe a chuideoidh leis an ráchairt ar sheirbhísí otharlainne a laghdú. Tá tacaíocht bhreise ar fáil fosta san earnáil phríomhchúraim, áit a bhfuil clár rathúil vacsaíniú fliú i bhfeidhm do dhaoine thar 65 bliain d’aois agus dóibh siúd atá i mbaol.

In Otharlann Uladh, d’fhormheas mé mórchlár athchóirithe, ina bhfuil moladh leis an roinn timpistí agus éigeandálaí a leathnú chun níos mó toillte a sholáthar agus chun í a athchóiriú le caighdeáin reachtúla a chomhlíonadh. Ina theannta sin, osclaíodh ionad grinnithe timpistí agus éigeadálaí le deich leaba agus le foireann altrachta agus thacaíochta in Otharlann Cheantar Aontroma.

(AQW 2386/01)

Ms de Brún: No information is held centrally on numbers of children with autistic spectrum disorder. Some limited information is available from the Child Health System (CHS). This is detailed in the table below:

Ní choinnítear eolas ar bith go lárnach ar líon na bpáistí a bhfuil neamhord speictream uathach orthu. Tá eolas teoranta ar fáil ó Chóras Sláinte Páistí (CSP). Tá seo léirithe sa tábla thíos:

(AQW 2505/01)

Ms de Brún: The need for legislation will not be known until final decisions on the way forward on the Acute Hospitals Review have been taken. Following consideration of the outcome of the initial consultation and after discussion at the Executive, proposals on the way forward can be put out for full public consultation. It is hoped that final decisions can be taken in the course of 2002.

Ní bheidh a fhios faoin ghá le reachtaíocht go dtí go mbíonn cinní deireanacha ar an bhealach chun tosaigh ar an Athbhreithniú ar Ghéarotharlanna déanta. I ndiaidh machnamh a dhéanamh ar thorthaí an chomhairlithe tosaigh agus i ndiaidh caibidle a dhéanamh ag Coiste an Fheidhmeannais, is féidir moltaí ar an bhealach chun tosaigh a chur amach faoi choinne comhairlithe iomláin phoiblí. Táthar ag súil gur féidir cinní deireanacha a dhéanamh le linn 2002.

(AQW 2507/01)

Ms de Brún: It is a matter of some regret that I had to seek the resignation of the Chair of Causeway HSS Trust. Mrs Craig has given many years of distinguished public service but regrettably the Trust disregarded a letter from the Department asking them not to make any performance pay assessments until Departmental guidance was issued and they did not follow my requirement for moderation in the award of performance pay due in the 2001/02 pay year.

Is cúis bhróin domsa í gur iarr mé ar Chathaoirleach Iontaobhas SSS an Chlocháin éirí as a post. Tá cuid mhór blianta d’fhónamh poiblí oirirc déanta ag Bean Craig ach ar an drochuair, rinne an tIontaobhas neamhshuim de litir ón Roinn ag iarraidh orthu gan measúnuithe pá i gcoibhneas le feidhmiú a dhéanamh go raibh treoir na Roinne eisithe agus níor cloígh siad le mo choinníollacha le haghaidh féinstiúradh in íoc pá i gcoibhneas le feidhmiú a bhí le híoc sa phá-bhliain 2001/02.

(AQW 2508/01)

Ms de Brún: Twelve Trusts made awards to their senior executives in the 2001/02 pay year for performance carried out in the 2000/01 year. Details of the amounts paid to individuals are not available but information on the percentages awarded is set out in the table below.

Bhronn dhá Iontaobhas déag duaiseanna ar a gcuid feidhmeannach sinsearach sa bhliain pá 2001/02 le haghaidh feidhmithe a rinneadh sa bhliain 2000/01. Níl mionsonraí ar shuimeanna a íocadh do dhaoine aonair ach tá eolas ar na céatadáin a bronnadh leagtha amach sa tábla thíos.

(AQW 2509/01)

Ms de Brún: In an effort to constrain the award of performance pay to more reasonable amounts my Department wrote to all HPSS Chairs in March 2001 asking them not to make assessments for performance payments due in the 2001/02 pay year until further guidance was issued. The subsequent guidance issued in October 2001 asked Chairs to ensure that restraint was shown and that they kept awards to the minimum necessary to observe contractual commitments.

Chun iarracht a dhéanamh srian a chur ar phá feidhmiúcháin go dtí méid níos reasúnta scríobh an Roinn s’agam chuig gach Cathaoirleach SSPS i Mí Mhárta 2001 ag iarraidh orthu gan mheasúnaithe d’iocaíocht feidhmiúcháin a dhéanamh a bhí le teacht sa bhliain pá 2001/02 go dtí go dtabharfar tuilleadh treoruithe. D’iarr an treorú a eisíodh i Mí Mhéan an Fhómhair ar Chathaoirligh le cinntiú gur taispeánadh srian agus go gcoinníonn siad duaiseanna ar an íosmhéid chuí chun gealltanais chonarthacha a choimhéad.

(AQW 2521/01)

Ms de Brún: I have committed £1.8m of new money in 2002/03 towards primary care development. The prime purpose of this funding will be to maintain services put in place by fundholders and to help ensure that the population served by each Local Health and Social Care Group benefits from these on an equitable basis. The professionals currently providing these services will, consequently, continue to be employed.

Also, a Staff Redeployment Unit which has been in operation for some time within the HPSS, but to which GP-employed staff did not previously have access, has now been made available to fund management staff employed by GPs, and by the Eastern Multifund, whose jobs may be at risk when fundholding ends. The Unit will seek to match registered staff with notified vacancies arising in the wider HPSS and will inform the employer of those who have been identified as potentially suitable. The employer will then draw up a shortlist, hold interviews and hopefully make an appointment. Use of the Unit will, I hope, ensure that the skills and experience of such staff will not be lost to the service. Fund management staff cannot, however, be guaranteed employment on the same terms and conditions as before, since many have been paid at much higher salaries than is the norm for comparable jobs in the HPSS.

I expect few, if any, redundancies when fundholding ends. Staff will either be retained by their practices in other posts, will be found employment in the wider HPSS through the Redeployment Unit, or will fill posts in the new Local Health and Social Care Groups.

Gheall mé £1.8m d’airgead nua i 2002/03 d’fhorbairt príomhchúraim. Is é príomhaidhm an mhaoinithe seo ná seirbhísí a cuireadh in áit ag cisteshealbhóirí a chothabháil agus iarracht a dhéanamh le cinntiú go mbaineann an pobal, ar a bhfreastlaíonn an Grúpa Cúram Sóisialta agus Sláinte Áitiúil, tairbhe ar bhonn cothroim. Fanfaidh na gairmithe atá ag soláthar na seirbhísí faoi láthair, mar thoradh air, i bhfostaíocht.

Chomh maith leis sin, cuireadh Aonad Athfhostaithe Foirne ar fáil atá ag feidhmiú le tamall maith anuas laistigh de na SSSP, ach nach raibh rochtain ag foirne fostaithe ag DGanna air, chun foirne bainistíochta fostaithe ag DGanna agus ag Ilchiste an Oirthir a dtiocfadh lena bpoist bheith i mbaol, a mhaoiniú. Déanfaidh an tAonad iarracht foirne cláraithe a mheaitseáil le folúntais fhógraithe ag teacht aníos sna SSSP go forleathan agus cuirfidh siad in iúl don fhostóir fúthu siúd a aimsíodh is féidir bheith inchuí. Socróidh an fostóir gearrliosta, cuirfidh sé agallaimh agus táthar ag súil go ndéanfar ceapachán. Cinntóidh úsáid an Aonaid, tá súil agam, nach gcaillfidh an tseirbhís scileanna agus taithí na foirne. Leis sin féin, ní féidir fostaíocht foirne bainistíochta maoinithe a chinntiú ar na téarmaí agus coinníollacha céanna mar a bhí roimhe, mar fuair roinnt mhaith acu tuarastal i bhfad níos airde na an gnáthphá dá macasamhail de phoist sna SSPS.

Ní bheinn ag dúil le mórán laghduithe post, má tharlaíonn sé ar chor ar bith, nuair atá deireadh le cistesheilbh. Coinneoidh an cleachtadh sin foireann ag obair i bpoist eile, socróidh an tAonad Athfhostaithe poist sa SSSP go forleathan, nó líonfaidh siad poist sna Grúpaí Cúraim Shóisialta agus Sláinte Áitiúla.

(AQW 2537/01)

Ms de Brún: This information is not available in the form requested.

Níl an t-eolas ar fáil san fhoirm a iarradh é.

(AQW 2538/01)

Ms de Brún: The information requested is not available, as Ambulance Station operational areas do not align with parliamentary constituency boundaries.

Níl an t-eolas a iarradh ar fáil, mar ní ailíníonn ceantair oibríochtúla Staisiún Otharchairr le teorainneacha dáilcheantar parlaiminteach.

(AQW 2539/01)

Ms de Brún: This information is not available in the form requested.

Níl an t-eolas ar fáil san fhoirm a iarradh é.

(AQW 2540/01)

Ms de Brún: I refer the Member to my answer to AQW 2538/01.

Treoraím an Ball do mo fhreagra a thug mé ar AQW 2538/01.

(AQW 2542/01)

Ms de Brún: A number of steps are being taken to improve fracture services here, including increasing the number of trainees in orthopaedics, provision of additional fracture theatre sessions, and arrangements to ensure, so far as possible, the transfer of all those requiring fracture surgery to a Main Fracture Centre within 48 hours. Furthermore, a new regional spinal surgery service will be established at the Royal Victoria Hospital in September this of year.

I have asked Boards and Trusts to continue to collaborate to improve the service, and to consider what further action is necessary to ensure effective fracture services in the medium to longer term.

Tá roinnt beart á ndéanamh le seirbhísí briste anseo a fheabhsú, chomh maith le méadú i líon na bprintíseach in ortaipéide, soláthar seisiún breise in obrádlanna briste, agus le socruithe le cinntiú, a mhéad agus is féidir, go n-aistrítear na daoine sin go léir a bhfuil máinliacht bhriste de dhíth orthu go Príomhionad Briste laistigh de 48 uair. Chomh maith leis sin, cuirfear tús le seirbhís nua réigiúnach máinliachta dromlaigh in Otharlann Ríoga Victeoiria i Méan Fómhair na bliana seo.

D’iarr mé ar Bhoird agus ar Iontaobhais comhoibriú go fóill chun an tseirbhís a fheabhsú agus machnamh a dhéanamh ar na gníomhartha eile a bheadh riachtanach le seirbhísí éifeachtacha briste a chinntiú sa mheántéarma agus san fhadtéarma.

(AQW 2543/01)

Ms de Brún: Until longer-term decisions have been made on the way forward on the Acute Hospitals Review, I will expect Boards and Trusts to make every effort to maintain existing services. My officials are working closely with Boards and Trusts to assist them in sustaining services and the position in individual hospitals is being closely monitored.

Go dtí go ndéantar cinní fadtéarmacha faoin bhealach chun tosaigh ar an Athbhreithniú ar Ghéarotharlanna, beidh mé ag dúil go ndéanfaidh Boird agus Iontaobhais gach iarracht na seirbhísí faoi láthair a choinneáil. Tá m’oifigigh ag obair go dlúth le Boird agus le hIontaobhais le cuidiú leo seirbhísí a choinneáil agus tá an riocht i ngach otharlann aonair faoi ghéarmhonatóireacht.

(AQW 2551/01)

Ms de Brún: Not all Trusts have boundaries which are contiguous with District Council or Ward boundaries. The estimates of population for those which have contiguous boundaries have been constructed from the 1999 mid-year estimates of population at local government District and Ward level and are shown on the following page.

Ní ionann teorainneacha gach Iontaobhais agus teorainneacha Toghbharda nó Comhairle Ceantair. Rinneadh meastacháin dhaonra dóibh súid a bhfuil teorainneacha cóngaracha acu ó mheastacháin dhaonra lárbhliana 1999 ag leibhéal rialtais áitiúil, Ceantair agus Toghbharda agus léitá siad léirithe thíos.

(AQW 2555/01)

Ms de Brún: This information is detailed in the tables below.

Tá an t-eolas seo léirithe sna táblaí thíos.

(AQW 2571/01)

Ms de Brún: Information on people waiting for inpatient treatment is collected on the basis of specialty rather than the type of operation that they are waiting for.

Bailítear eolas ar dhaoine atá ag fanacht ar chóireál othar cónaitheach de réir speisialtachta seachas an cineál obráide lena bhfuil siad ag fanacht.

(AQW 2572/01)

Ms de Brún: All children who have been identified as being at risk are managed in accordance with the Child Protection Policy and Procedures which are produced by each of the four Board Area Child Protection Committees (ACPCs). An ACPC is a multi-agency, interdisciplinary committee which has responsibility for the protection of children who may be at risk of abuse, and for the promotion and safeguarding of their welfare.

Where a child or young person is identified as being at risk the course of action taken will depend on individual circumstances. Where the risk is significant, immediate emergency action will be taken and the child’s name will be placed on the Child Protection Register. Where this occurs, a multidisciplinary plan will be agreed and regularly reviewed and appropriate services will also be offered to family members.

In some cases, the child or young person may be monitored through case planning. A multi-disciplinary plan is agreed and the relevant agencies meet regularly to ensure that the plan is in operation. The level of risk to the child is continuously monitored. In other cases, there may be a need to place the child with other family members or relatives. Foster placements may be sought or a residential placement made.

Déileáiltear le páistí aitheanta go raibh siad i mbaol de réir Pholasaithe agus Ghnáthaimh Chosaint Páistí a chuirtear amach ag gach ceann de na ceithre Choiste Cheantar Boird ar Chosaint an Pháiste (CCBCPí). Is coiste ilghníomhaireachta, ildhisciplíneach é an CCBCP atá freagrach as cosaint páistí is féidir go mbeidh siad i mbaol ó dhrochíde, agus as cur chun cinn agus as cosaint a leasa.

Nuair a aithnítear go bhfuil páiste nó ógánach i mbaol braithfidh an gníomh a dhéanfar ar thosca an duine aonair. Nuair atá an baol mór, déanfar gníomh láithreach éigeandála agus cuirfear ainm an pháiste ar Chlár Chosaint an Pháiste. Nuair a tharlaíonn sé seo, comhaontófar plean ildhisciplíneach, déanfar athbhreithniú rialta air agus thairgeofar seirbhísí cearta do bhaill teaghlaigh.

I roinnt cásana, is féidir go ndéanfar monatóireacht ar dhuine óg trí phleanáil cháis. Comhaontaítear plean ildhisciplíneach agus buaileann na gníomhaireachtaí cuí le chéile go rialta le cinntiú go bhfuil an plean i bhfeidhm. Déantar monatóireacht leanúnach ar leibhéal an bhaoil don pháiste. I roinnt cásanna eile, is féidir go mbeidh gá ann an páiste a chur faoi chúram bhall teaghlaigh eile nó gaolta. Is féidir go gcuirfear an páiste faoi chúram altrama no i dteach cónaithe.

(AQW 2573/01)

Ms de Brún: The MMR vaccine has shown itself to be highly effective in preventing measles, since it was first introduced here in 1988. On the other hand, the single measles component vaccines currently being used by a few doctors and clinics are unlicensed products and there is no sound information available on batch testing results for either purity or potency. Without being subject to the rigorous trials and controls that MMR has, there are concerns that they may be less effective or less safe than MMR.

Léirigh an vacsaín MMR go mbíonn sí an-éifeachtach i gcosc bruitíní, ó túgadh isteach anseo i dtús baire i 1988 í. Ar an taobh eile de, is earraí gan cheadúnas iad na vacsaíní le haghaidh bruitíneach amháin atá in úsáid ag roinnt dóchtúirí agus clinicí faoi láthair agus níl eolas slán ar fáil ar thorthaí baisctheisteála ar íonacht nó ar láidreacht. Gan bheith ina ábhar scrúduithe faoi na trialacha agus rialacha dian atá ar MMR, tá imní ann go mbeadh níos lú éifeacht nó níos lú sábháilte ag baint leo na mar atá leis an MMR.

(AQW 2578/01)

Ms de Brún: I am assured that clinical psychological support is readily accessible to people with diabetes, in all Health and Social Services Board areas.

Deimhnítear dom go bhfuil rochtain éasca ag daoine le diaibéiteas ar thacaíocht shíceolaíoch chliniciúil i ngach limistéar de chuid an Bhoird Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta.

(AQW 2579/01)

Ms de Brún: The information requested is disclosed in the attached tables.

Management costs represent the salaries and wages costs of staff performing management duties. This includes apportionments for those staff whose post involves a degree of management although their post may be of a nursing, clinical or social work nature. It will also include the costs of management staff in the administrative and clerical grades whose costs are also included in Table 1.

Source: FR 25 return

Source: Annual Accounts

Tá an t-eolas iarrtha léirithe san táblaí faoi iamh.

Baineann costais bhainisteoireacht le tuarastail agus pánna na foirne a dhéanann dualgais bhainisteoireachta. Cuirtear san áireamh leis seo suimeanna don fhoireann úd a mbaineann an post s’acu le cineál bainisteoireachta cé gur féidir go mbaineann a bpost le post altranais, cliniciúil nó oibre sóisialta. Cuirfear san áireamh costais na foirne bainisteoireachta sna gráid cléireacha agus riaracháin a bhfuil na costais curtha san áireamh i dTábla1.

Foinse: FR 25 return

Foinse: Cuntais Bhliantúla

(AQW 2580/01)

Ms de Brún: HSS bodies carry third party insurance for vehicles, arranged centrally through the Government Purchasing Agency whereby they are insured along with the NI Civil Service fleet of vehicles and a charge is apportioned to them. Some other special areas may carry insurance, for example Community Appliances or fostering.

The cost of insurance premiums borne by Trusts in the Southern Board area is shown in the following table:

*CAH uses vehicles owned by Craigavon/Banbridge Community HSS Trust, for which the Trust pays a recharge at the year end.

The information on claims in respect of vehicle insurance in each Trust in the Southern Health Board area is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Health and Social Services Trusts do not generally purchase commercial insurance as the cost of premiums is likely to outweigh the compensation paid out and therefore it represents better value to self-insure. This applies to public liability and employer’s liability insurance.

Clinical negligence is funded through direct funding by the Department to a central fund administered by the Central Services Agency.

Losses which would normally be covered by insurance policies are usually written off by the Department and details of such losses are disclosed in the notes to the final accounts of HSS Trusts. The amounts written off under "Losses and Special Payments" are detailed in Table 2 below. These include losses such as cash losses, stores and inventory losses, compensation payments and bad debts written off.

Source: Losses and Special Payments note from the annual accounts.

CTá árachas tríú páirtí agcomhlachtaí SSS le haghaidh feithiclí, socraithe go lárnach trí Ghníomhaireacht Ceannaigh Rialtais a chinntíonn go bhfuil siad árachaithe mar aon le cabhlach feithiclí Státseirbhís TÉ agus gearrtar táille orthu. Is féidir go bhfuil árachas curtha ar achair speisialta eile, mar shampla, ar Fhearais Phobail nó ar altramas.

Tá costas préimheanna árachais íoctha ag Iontaobhais i mBordcheantar an Deiscirt léirithe sa tábla thíos:

*Úsáideann OCCA feithiclí ar le hIontaobhas Pobail Craigavon/ Dhroichead na Banna iad, a n-athíocann an tIontaobhas táille dóibh ag deireadh na bliana.

Níl an t-eolas ar éilimh maidir le hárachas feithicle aggach Iontaobhas i mBordcheantar Sláinte an Deiscirt ar fáil go éasca agus ní féidir é a fháil ach ar chostas díréireach.

Ní cheannaíonn Iontaobhais Shláinte agus Sheirbhísí Sóisialta árachas tráchtála de ghnáth mar gur dócha go bhfuil an cúiteamh íoctha níos mó ná costas na bpréimheanna agus mar sin de, luach níos fearr airgid a bheadh ann féinárachú a dhéanamh. Baineann sé seo le hárachas dliteanais phoiblí agus árachais dliteanais fhostóra chomh maith.

Maoiníonn an Roinn faillí chliniciúil agus cuirtear an maoiniú díreach i gciste lárnach riartha ag an Lár-Ghníomhaireacht Seirbhísí.

Tá caillteanais a chlúdódh polasaithe árachais de ghnáth díscríofa ag an Roinn de ghnáth agus tá sonraí ar a leithéid de chaillteanais léirithe sna nótaí i gcuntais dheireannacha na nIontaobhas SSS. Miondealaítear na suimeanna díscríofa de réir "Caillteanais agus Íocaíochtaí Speisialta" i dTábla 2 thíos. San áireamh tá caillteanais amhail caillteanais airgid, caillteanais stóras agus fhardail, íocaíochtaí cúitimh agus drochfhiacha díscríofa.

Foinse: Nóta Caillteanas agus Íocaíochtaí Speisialta ó na cuntais bhliantúla.

(AQW 2581/01)

Ms de Brún: All Trusts in the Southern Board area apply the same hourly rate of pay, holiday entitlement and mileage rates for care assistants. These rates are shown below:

(a) Hourly Rates of Pay

The current hourly rate of pay is £5.03.

(b) Holiday Entitlement

A care assistant, irrespective of length of service, is entitled to a holiday with a normal days pay on each of the 10 public holidays and in addition, 2 extra statutory days which is determined by the employer after consultation with employees.

The basic annual leave entitlement is 4 weeks, and 5 weeks after 5 years continuous service.

(c) Mileage Rates

The Regular User Allowances are:

Employees who are not classified as "Regular Car Users" but use their car in the course of their employment are entitled to the following Standard Mileage Rates:

The public transport rate is 23p per mile.

(d) Pay Increase 2002/03

This information is not available as agreement has not yet been reached for 2002/03.

Úsáideann gach Iontaobhas i gceantar Bhord an Deiscirt na rátaí pá céanna san uair, rátaí teidlíocht saoire agus rátaí míleáiste do chúntóirí cúraim. Tá na rátaí seo léirithe thíos:

(a) Ráta Pá san Uair

Is é £5.03 an ráta pá san uair.

(b) Teidlíocht Saoire

Tá cúntóir cúraim i dteideal, beag beann ar fhad seirbhíse, saoire le ráta normálta pá lae ar gach ceann de na 10 lá saoire poiblí agus ina theannta sin, 2 lá breise reachtúil a shocraíonn an fostóir i ndiaidh dul i gcomhairle lena fhostaithe.

Is é 4 seachtain teidlíocht na saoire bhunúsaí, agus 5 seachtain i ndiaidh 5 bliain de sheirbhís leanúnach.

(c) Rátaí Míleáiste

Is iad na Liúntais Úsáideora Rialta: