(AQW 2529/01)

Reply: We have not jointly made representations to the UK Government about the introduction of an amnesty for those on the run.

(AQW 2861/01)

Reply: As a result of the Scottish case Starrs and Chalmers –v- Ruxton, in which it was held that the use of part-time temporary sheriffs did not comply with the independence requirements of Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights, new arrangements have been put in place to safeguard the independence of part-time tribunal members whose appointment is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland departments.

The new arrangements have been drawn up by this department, the Northern Ireland Court Service, the Department for Social Development, the Department of Employment and Learning, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, and the Department of Education.

The relevant tribunals are the Rent Assessment Panel, the Fair Employment Tribunal, the Industrial Tribunals, the Health Service Tribunal, the Registered Homes Tribunal, the National Appeal Panel and the Special Educational Needs Tribunal.

A copy of the specific frameworks in respect of each tribunal, which are effective from today, has been placed in the Assembly Library.

(AQO 1136/01)

Reply: We have not discussed this matter jointly with the Secretary of State.

(AQO 1121/01)

Reply: Work on the development of the Executive’s strategic response to the Promoting Social Inclusion Working Group Report on Travellers is at an advanced stage.

We look forward to publishing our response shortly.

Any resources required for the implementation of actions falling out of this strategic response are a matter for individual Departments.

(AQO 1133/01)

Reply: Members will be aware that the proposed terms of reference for the Review of Public Administration have been the subject of a pre-consultation process over the past number of weeks. They were debated in this Assembly on 25 February and since then officials have been engaged in a series of meetings with umbrella organisations representing a broad spectrum of stakeholder interests.

The pre-consultation has now concluded, and we have received a significant number of responses. All these responses have been carefully analysed, and work is in progress to produce revised terms of reference as quickly as possible.

Separately, work has been progressing on the appointment the high level independent experts and the establishment of the multi-disciplinary Review team.

(AQO 1137/01)

Reply: Ministers have been examining their legislative programmes for the remainder of this Assembly’s mandate, taking account of the need for all Bills to have received Royal Assent before dissolution on 21 March 2003. The Executive will shortly consider the outcome of this review, but the indications at this stage are that Ministers will be trying to ensure that over two dozen Bills are introduced by this September. Ministers are aware that it would be preferable if as many of these Bills as possible are introduced before the summer recess.

(AQO 1115/01)

Reply: There are no plans to publish the minutes of Executive meetings.

(AQO 1131/01)

Reply: We currently have no plans jointly to meet the Taoiseach outside our commitment to British Irish Council and North South Ministerial Council.

(AQO 1135/01)

Reply: The last BIC meeting, which was held on 30 November 2001, set in motion programmes of work on tourism and telemedicine. This was in addition to work already underway on drugs, the environment and social inclusion , which is proceeding.

A Conference for decision makers on ‘Bridging the Digital Divide’ is scheduled to take place in Jersey on 24 to 26 April. This Conference provides an opportunity for representatives from a number of Northern Ireland Departments to hear at first hand the models of good practice and experience of dealing with this issue. Similarly, a number of conferences under the Drugs sector are planned for the Autumn, these will help to advance co-operation in this field. All of this illustrates how member administrations are working positively to improving East-West links.

(AQO 1097/01)

Reply: The next meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council is scheduled for today, Monday 15 April, in Dublin.

The meetings scheduled for Monday 15 April will be on Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission followed by an Agriculture meeting. Both meetings will be held in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Dublin.

(AQO 1117/01)

Reply: The last Executive meeting was held on 28 March 2002. Business transacted at Executive meetings is confidential and is only made public as and when agreed by the Executive.

(AQW 2802/01)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): Arrangements for the purchase by public tender of BSE/TSE test kits have yet to be finalised. However my Department intends to tender for the supply of such kits during the first half of this Financial Year. Until the tendering process is completed it is necessary to maintain existing arrangements for supply of test kits in order to ensure continuity of testing and meet EU legislative requirements.

(AQW 2803/01)

Ms Rodgers: Since the introduction of the EU TSE surveillance programme last July, the Department has incurred £651,330 expenditure on TSE test kits.

(AQW 2919/01)

Ms Rodgers: The purchaser of Gosford Castle has not yet been identified;

The purchase price has not been agreed; and

The purpose for which the Castle will be used has not yet been agreed upon.

Forest Service is considering proposals from a number of potential purchasers and has requested more detailed information from each by 24 May. A final decision on the future of Gosford Castle will not be taken until the further information sought has been fully evaluated.

It is the Department’s policy not to divulge the details of commercial contracts.

(AQW 2679/01)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure makes funding available through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for the support of theatres and arts organisations in Northern Ireland. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland recently announced its funding allocations for 2002/03 and I will arrange to send you a copy of this announcement and the Arts Council’s five year arts plan which sets out the strategic context for their funding decisions.

(AQW 2681/01)

Mr McGimpsey: My proposed soccer strategy will aim to encourage both professional and amateur soccer in Northern Ireland. I enclose a copy of the Advisory Panel report, which has been published for consultation. Chapter 2: League Structure, Chapter 4: Youth Development, and Chapter 13: Playing Facilities will provide particular encouragement to amateur football. I have also placed a copy in the Assembly Library. Following a detailed assessment of the comments received from the consultation exercise, I aim to publish a draft strategy by the summer.

(AQW 2682/01)

Mr McGimpsey: Statutory responsibility for the development of sport in West Tyrone rests with the District Councils covering that area. Each District Council will have a Leisure Division, manned by a Sports Development Officer, who should be able to provide specific advice on plans to assist the development of sport at community level in their area.

On a broader level, the Sports Council for Northern Ireland, which is funded by my Department, already supports a range of sports development schemes from which local communities throughout Northern Ireland can benefit. These include a number of community development and club development programmes. In addition, the Sports Council recently launched a new "Strategy on Sport for Young People" which was drawn up in conjunction with representatives from DCAL, schools, local authorities etc. This Strategy outlines future plans for the development of youth sport across Northern Ireland and points to a move from school to community provision, with posts of community development officers and community co-ordinators at grass roots level, leading the way.

(AQW 2735/01)

Mr McGimpsey: The Sports Council for Northern Ireland are acutely aware of the need to disburse Lottery funding for capital projects which provide for the needs of people with disabilities and are cognizant of the requirements of existing disability legislation.

The Sports Council for Northern Ireland provide comprehensive guidelines to all applicants regarding the distribution of capital Lottery funds, which stress the need to ensure that full access to any proposed development is in line with disability legislation. In addition, the Sports Council for Northern Ireland also employ a technical officer who is fully conversant with disability access legislation and who can offer advice to governing bodies and sports clubs on the specific design and minimum technical requirements of sports facility development.

(AQW 2764/01)

Mr McGimpsey: As Minister with responsibility for sport in Northern Ireland, my first priority is the Northern Ireland team, and it would not therefore be appropriate for me to offer formal congratulations and best wishes to England. You are aware that my proposed soccer strategy aims to raise the standard of the local game, and I hope that this will help the Northern Ireland team towards future World Cup competitions. I plan to publish a draft soccer strategy by the summer.

(AQW 2776/01)

Mr McGimpsey: (a) The full list of Capital Programmes is attached – Appendix A.

All Lottery Fund Capital programmes are assessed against a set of criteria as outlined in the information and guidance booklet supplied for each programme.

Each Lottery Capital programme features the following equality of opportunity and social inclusion key assessment criteria:

"The Sports Council for Northern Ireland (SCNI) is committed to providing equality of opportunity for people who may suffer social disadvantage because of their:

• Gender

• Disability

• Ethnic origin

• Religious belief

• Political opinion

• Marital status

• Having or not having dependants

• Age

• Sexual orientation

No Lottery award will unjustifiably discriminate against any of the above broad range of social groups.

In particular SCNI recognises that women, young people and people with disabilities are frequently underrepresented in terms of access to and/or participation in sporting activities.

Where an application demonstrates an innovative and imaginative programme of activities, which significantly increases participation for women, young people and people with disabilities, then those applications will accord a higher priority."

Information and guidance booklets further advise applicants that all new provision and extension/upgrading should provide adequate access provision for people with disabilities.

Special cases are identified in the Club Sport and Community Sport Programmes where SCNI offers higher percentage awards, 90% as opposed to 70%, for projects promoting social inclusion and projects targeting social need.

Scoring Matrices for each of the Capital programmes are similar. Each criterion receives a weighting, ranging from 1-3. This weighting acts as a multiplier to reflect priorities. In each Capital programme the maximum weighting of 3 is given to each criteria relating to disability and social inclusion issues.

The Sports Council has distributed £45m between 1995 and 2001 to Capital projects. It is a condition of award that every project provides access for people with disabilities. Details of awards to groups in respect of disability specific projects is attached – Appendix B.

(AQW 2778/01)

Mr McGimpsey: I am afraid it is not possible to detail the "range of disabilities covered by the term ‘talented athletes with disabilities’", as what is a disabling factor in one sport may not be a disabling factor in another. The Governing Body for each sport determines if an athlete is disabled for that particular sport and each application for funding is assessed on its own merits.

The term ‘talented’ generally applies to athletes, whether able bodied or disabled, who demonstrate potential to prepare for and compete in identified international Games/Championships.

(AQW 2786/01)

Mr McGimpsey: Tha Boord o Ulstér-Scotch is currently preparing a business plan and it hopes to have a draft ready by the end of April for presentation to the Board. The draft Business Plan also requires the approval of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) and it will be considered at a meeting of NSMC in due course.

(AQW 2787/01)

Mr McGimpsey: My Department, along with the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (DAHGI) funds the North/South Language Implementation Body which incorporates Tha Boord o Ulstèr-Scotch. Tha Boord is responsible for promoting greater awareness and use of Ullans and Ulster-Scots cultural issues. I understand that Tha Boord has not received any applications for assistance from Ulster-Scots ‘CURNS’. I am, however, sure that Tha Boord would welcome contact from ‘CURNS’.

I will make sure that Mr George Holmes of Tha Boord o Ulstèr Scotch is aware of your interest in this matter.

(AQW 2687/01)

The Minister of Education (Mr M McGuinness): The 8% figure refers to the proportion of children enrolled at grammar schools who are entitled to free school meals.

(AQW 2688/01)

Mr M McGuinness: As the information requested is extensive, I will arrange to have it placed in the Assembly Library. I enclose a copy for your personal use.

(AQW 2711/01)

Mr M McGuinness: As the information requested is extensive, I will arrange to have it placed in the Assembly Library. I enclose a copy for your personal use. This relates to parts (a) – (c) of the question.

Since information on the number of pupils from each primary school who went on to grammar school is not held centrally, figures are not available for part (d) in respect of the pupils in parts (a) – (c) of the answer.

(AQW 2712/01)

Mr M McGuinness: (a) The information requested is not available by grade for males and females separately.

The numbers of boys and girls who entered grammar schools in each of the last five years expressed as a percentage of those who sat the test, are as follows:

(b) In other academically selective areas the Transfer Procedure is operated in a different way and direct comparison with our situation is not possible.

(AQW 2713/01)

Mr M McGuinness: I am advised by the South-Eastern Education and Library Board that the Management of Schools Sub-committee considered the current composition of Board Representatives, the expressed interest of SEELB members, application forms for Governorship from members of the public and the need to improve gender balance. They decided to recommend the appointment of a newly elected local Councillor, who had expressed an interest, as the SEELB representative for Andrews Memorial Primary School. The Committee for the Management of Schools agreed the recommendation of the Sub-committee.

(AQW 2800/01)

Mr M McGuinness: [holding answer 11 April 2002]: The number of children who are waiting for an Educational Psychologist consultation (Stage 3 referral) is as follows:

The level of resources for educational psychology for primary school children cannot be identified separately. The overall figures for the cost of the psychology service, for the last 3 years, are as follows:

(AQW 2806/01)

Mr M McGuinness: There are no proposals to introduce sign language into the present statutory school curriculum. It is a matter for individual schools to decide what options they wish to make available to pupils as part of the broader curriculum, taking account of factors such as the level of demand from pupils and parents.

The curriculum is currently under review by the Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment who will consider any proposals put to them about the inclusion of particular subjects.

(AQW 2841/01)

Mr M McGuinness: Both Departments co-operate and work closely on areas of joint concern. My first meeting to take forward these issues has been arranged for 30 April.

(AQW 2945/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The funding announced on 27th March extended the assistance provided under the education element of the Executive Support Package for North Belfast, announced on 17th December 2001, to the remaining primary schools in the area. This package provided financial support to primary schools suffering from the effects of widespread disturbances in North Belfast and the backwash from the protest at Holy Cross Girl’s Primary School. Rathcoole, Abbot’s Cross and Whitehouse Primary Schools fall outside the defined geographical area and are not eligible for funding under this initiative.

(AQW 2942/01)

The Minister for Employment and Learning (Ms Hanna): This is a dreadful disease and I do not think it would be right if employees, former employees or their dependants were left without recourse to some level of compensation as a result of this judgement. As an interim measure therefore I am extending the compensation scheme administered by my Department under the Pneumoconiosis etc (Workers Compensation) Order 1979 to cover the making of payments to qualifying sufferers from mesothelioma who are affected by the judgement in the Fairchild case.

(AQW 2714/01)

(AQW 2716/01)

Sir Reg Empey: This is a mixed use private sector development proposal put forward by TBI plc, the company which owns Belfast International Airport. The development will not receive public funding but Invest NI will be prepared to assist with the marketing of any business space which would be suitable for inward investment or other projects supported by Invest NI.

(AQW 2746/01)

Sir Reg Empey: In November 2001, I stated that the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) supports walking, cycling and angling promotions for the area and markets the Sperrins banner on its web-site and in its Northern Ireland regional guide.

With NITB support a public/private sector partnership covering the Council areas of Strabane, Omagh, Magherafelt and Cookstown was set up. This body will play a major role in the future development and promotion of tourism in the area and is also working with the neighbouring Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau producing a regional angling guide for the whole Foyle System.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is in receipt of bids to support these activities under the EU Peace and Reconciliation Programme. Sperrins Tourism Limited has recently been approved as an intermediary funding body for the Natural Rural Resource Tourism Initiative (NRRTI – a joint initiative between NITB/ DARD/EHS) in the Sperrins region. The group is currently preparing a Sustainable Tourism Strategy for this Initiative which will be completed by mid June.

(AQW 2747/01)

Sir Reg Empey: Invest NI provides an attractive range of financial and non-financial support services to companies wishing to locate in, and throughout Northern Ireland providing they are or have the potential to trade externally. There are no specific incentives for the Strangford area.

This support ranges from financial grants, equity, business development, product development and company development programmes. Invest NI Executives are also able to provide advisory, information and appraisal services to firms.

In addition to this direct support, within the Strangford constituency Invest NI, in partnership with Ards, Castlereagh and Down Councils, provides indirect support to local start up businesses through the Business Start Up Programme. This partnership also provides funding for a number of programmes delivered through the Ards Business Centre, Castlereagh Enterprise and the Down Business Centre which also focus on local businesses.

(AQW 2748/01)

Sir Reg Empey: Neither the Department nor its Agencies maintain records on firms interested in particular areas or relocating to areas – as this is often a decision of the company alone.

I can confirm however that, prior to the establishment of Invest Northern Ireland, 94 LEDU-sponsored local businesses established in the Strangford constituency in the last 2 years. In the same period the constituency has benefited from IDB-backed investments by Koreanowned firm Humax which employs 150 people in the manufacture of digital set top boxes and ICS Computing which will eventually employ around 144 people. Due to how the information is collated, it is not possible to provide figures for a three year period.

Over the same period 2,610 LEDU-sponsored businesses were established throughout Northern Ireland, whilst there were 49 announcements by IDB client companies to locate/expand within Northern Ireland. Companies will decide where to locate based on a number of factors such as skilled labour availability, proximity to universities, airports, suppliers etc.

(AQW 2782/01)

Sir Reg Empey: The Finance Director was responsible for the total LEDU budget, which in the last financial year, 2001/02, amounted to £32.65 millions including, European Peace and Recollection funds.

(AQW 2783/01)

Sir Reg Empey: On 1 April 2002 all LEDU staff were transferred to Invest NI under the provisions of the Industrial Development Act (Northern Ireland) 2002. Those provisions align with the requirements of the Transfer of Undertakings and Protection of Employment legislation and guarantee staff no lesser terms and conditions of service. The LEDU Corporate Services Director (who for a period was acting Chief Executive), on transfer, was placed in the Finance Director post in Invest NI. The Finance Director is responsible for the total Invest NI’s budget of £181.4 million in the current financial year, 2002/03.

(AQW 2785/01)

Sir Reg Empey: In both cases Atwell and Gribben were dismissed, successfully prosecuted and jailed. In both cases control weaknesses were the major factor. The immediate supervisor in the Gribben case took early retirement in April 1999.

(AQW 2788/01)

Sir Reg Empey: Mr Roy Bailie was appointed to the Board of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board on the 1 September 1994, in November 1995 he was appointed Deputy Chairman and on 1 July 1996 he was appointed Chairman. The total value of contracts awarded for the financial years 1992-93 to 2001-01 to W&G Baird Limited and associated companies, were as noted in the table below.

(AQW 2718/01)

This is a UK-wide infraction case due to the failure by the UK to transpose Article 3 of the Directive which requires promotion of waste oil regeneration. Northern Ireland is developing a response in parallel with the rest of the UK but as yet no date has been agreed for transposition.

Directive 75/442/EEC - Waste Framework Directive

Anticipated transposition date – September 2003

Directive 99/31/EC - Landfill of Waste

Anticipated transposition date – November 2003

Anticipated transposition date – late 2003

In addition, the Commission is pursuing infraction proceedings against the United Kingdom as a whole in respect of incorrect transposition of the following 2 Directives relating to the disposal of waste:

Anticipated transposition date – September 2003

Anticipated transposition date – late 2003

(AQW 2842/01)

Mr Nesbitt: Because of the cross-cutting nature of issues effecting the coast, my predecessor, Sam Foster sought views on the merits of a coastal forum from the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Minister for Regional Development. While both saw potential benefit in bringing together those with an interest in the coastline, they indicated that they would need more detail on the remit of any such body before coming to any conclusion on whether they could support the setting up of a forum.

There was also the question of funding for such a body, covering both its running costs and the cost of any work it might wish to undertake.

In response to these issues, my Department commissioned a scoping study to examine the remit of a possible Coastal Forum and to make recommendations on matters including the responsibilities, structure and management of such a body, its relationships with statutory and other bodies, issues which it might address, means of commissioning research and possible review mechanisms. A full report is expected shortly. On the issue of funding, I am pleased that my Department was successful in securing £100,000 in the 2002/2003 budget round, to allow a Forum to be set up and serviced. However, a bid on the Executive Programme Funds for resources to cover the work programme which the Forum is likely to generate, including items such as research, contract staff and publications was unsuccessful.

As I have said, the establishment of a Forum would have implications for a number of other Departments. It will therefore be necessary to have the support of other Ministers before any Forum can be established. When the report of the scoping study is available, I will wish to consider it and the funding issues with the other Ministers involved.

(AQW 2849/01)

Mr Nesbitt: An Urban Capacity Study is being carried out by the Department in the context of the preparation of the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan. This study is being conducted to assess the potential of existing Urban areas within the Belfast Metropolitan Area to accommodate new development. It will form part of the Draft Plan.

(a) The survey work associated with the study is now nearing completion and the specialist consultants who have been appointed by the Department are currently devising a methodology which will be used to assess the likely housing output.

(b) The survey part of the study is being carried out by three qualified planners who are being assisted by staff with specialist mapping skills and personnel from a variety of Government Departments. The specialist consultancy team includes staff with a variety of expertise which includes knowledge of the local housing market, urban design, architecture and planning.

(c) The expertise has been drawn from within my Department and from other Departments and the private sector. The consultation exercise being carried out by the appointed consultants aims to draw upon local knowledge from the 6 Councils, the construction industry, the carried out by the appointed consultants aims to draw upon local knowledge from the 6 Councils, the construction industry, the community sector and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

(d) The methodology being used is based upon Best Practice from elsewhere adjusted to suit local circumstances.

(e) The study is dynamic in that it looks at past trends, makes allowance for output from windfall sites (sites which become available for development but which cannot be identified, such as surplus institutional land and vacant buildings) and is informed by specialist local knowledge of the housing market.

(AQW 2850/01)

Mr Nesbitt: There are no specific European Directives on Coastal Zone Management. There is however a proposed European Community Recommendation on implementing Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM).

The Recommendation asks Member States to undertake a national stocktaking of legislation, institutions and stakeholders involved in the management of the coastal zone and, based on this, to develop a national strategy or strategies to implement ICZM.

It is likely that the Recommendation will be adopted in the near future. The UK Government is in the lead in negotiating the Recommendation. However my officials are in contact with UK officials on the implications of the Recommendation for Northern Ireland to ensure that any Northern Ireland interests are taken into account in developing the UK negotiating line.

(AQW 2856/01)

Mr Nesbitt: Prior to the implementation of the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 and the subsequent Producer Responsibility (Packaging Waste) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999, consultation documents were issued for comment to industry, district councils, industrial representatives, Government Departments and other interested parties. Over 1000 copies of each document issued.

Each consultation document included a full regulatory impact assessment of the effects and financial implications of the proposed Regulations.

As part of the process of making businesses aware of the implications of the Packaging Waste Regulations, a series of awareness seminars were also held throughout Northern Ireland before the Regulations were implemented in 1999. These seminars were conducted by my Department’s Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) and by the Industrial Research and Technology Unit of the then Department of Economic Development.

EHS staff regularly meet with businesses to discuss their recovery and recycling obligations and potential compliance costs.

(AQW 2881/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The Department has no plans at present to require the provision of composting units under all planning approvals for new residential developments as a matter of policy.

However, Waste Management Plans prepared by local councils in their waste planning role under the Waste Management Strategy for Northern Ireland, will be key material planning considerations in Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 11- Planning and Waste Management, which is due to be published before the summer. The Department will seek advice from relevant councils on any waste management requirements in relation to appropriate planning applications, through the normal consultation process on development proposals. The PPS will also contain guidance not only on residential but on all new development in terms of the early consideration of waste issues in the design process, and effective management of waste in development proposals.

I believe that the Waste Management Plans, which are currently out for public consultation, will provide the best mechanism for ensuring that all waste is properly managed. Therefore, it would be inappropriate for me to pre-empt the outcome of this process by implementing the measure you suggest at present.

(AQO 1144/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The Regional Development Strategy recognises the role of the Region’s main towns as hubs of economic activity and services. It identifies the need for towns to achieve the ‘critical mass’ required to support growth.

The Strategy sets an indicator for future housing growth for each District Council area up to 2015. Development plans prepared by the Department have a key role in the allocation of housing growth in specific locations. The future development of Downpatrick will be considered within the context of the draft Ards and Down Area Plan 2015, which is programmed for publication this year.

The new Ards and Down Plan will allocate growth to the District towns, other settlements and the countryside in the Districts over the Plan period. In making provision for growth, due weight will be given to the need to reinforce the leading role of Downpatrick as a major centre of administration, employment and services.

(AQO 1145/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The number of mobile phone masts that have been approved in the Fermanagh District Council area since 1994, when relevant records began to be kept, is 95.

The Member may also wish to know that I recently published a Planning Policy Statement on Telecommunications and will shortly be bringing forward legislation to introduce full planning control on all new telecommunication development, including mobile phone masts.

I expect the legislation to be laid before the Assembly within the next few weeks and that, subject to the scrutiny by the Assembly, it should come into operation by the end of May 2002.

(AQO 1102/01)

Mr Nesbitt: My Department does not keep records of mast sharing arrangements between telecommunications operating companies.

However, my Department recognises the importance of keeping the numbers of radio and telecommunications masts, and the sites for such installations to a minimum, consistent with the efficient operation of the network.

The sharing of masts is therefore a strong feature in my Department’s new Planning Policy Statement, PPS 10 -Telecommunications. 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.

PPS 10 has now been published and the new legislation requiring full planning permission for all telecommunications development will be laid in the Assembly within the next few weeks.

(AQO 1101/01)

Mr Nesbitt: I have no plans to designate a specific day as suggested by the Member, although I would like to see our towns and countryside clean and tidy every day.

District Councils are responsible, under the Litter (NI) Order 1994, for clearing litter and cleaning roads in both the towns and countryside of Northern Ireland.

My Department’s Environment and Heritage Service funds the efforts of the UK voluntary sector charity Environmental Campaigns, ENCAMS, which operates as ‘Tidy Northern Ireland’ here. The work of Tidy Northern Ireland includes organising programmes and events aimed at tackling litter problems.

I am aware that Tidy Northern Ireland has worked very successfully with the Councils in co-ordinating litter campaigns, including last year’s ‘Spring Clean-up’ campaign, and more recently, the ‘Just Bin It’ campaign.

Good waste management practices will also help to deal with the litter problem. My Department’s Waste Management Strategy aims to reduce the amount of waste produced and to re-use and recycle more of what is produced. District Councils have now published for consultation draft Waste Management Plans which will give effect to the Strategy at local level.

(AQW 3008/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The Ards and Down Area Plan 2015 is the first to be prepared in the context of the Regional Development Strategy, which was formulated in September 2001. The Regional Development Strategy sets out the strategic planning framework that will shape development over the next 25 years and will help guide the preparation of all development plans.

The Strategic Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 requires the Plan to be "consistent with" the Regional Development Strategy. The requirement of consistency has necessitated extensive discussions and additional work to ensure that the Plan will be consistent with all the approaches to sustainable development required by the Strategy.

For your information, DRD is currently consulting on changes to the Strategic Planning Order to amend the obligation of consistency to one in which plans are required to be "in general conformity" with the RDS.

It is proposed to introduce a formal procedure whereby DRD will issue a ‘statement of conformity’, to clarify that a development plan conforms with the RDS at draft plan, and at final adoption stage.

Preparation of the Draft Plan Written Statement and supporting technical documentation for the Ards and Down Area Plan is well advanced. Prior to publication clearance on ‘consistency’ will require consultations with the Department of Regional Development (DRD) on the completed draft. As a result I anticipate that the draft plan will be published during August 2002.

(AQW 2677/01)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Dr Farren): The table below shows the number of cases in the Ards Borough Council area, in each of the last 3 years for which statistics are available, where an alcohol induced illness was recorded as the main cause of death. Coding of deaths registered in 2001 will not be finalised until May 2002.

(AQW 2678/01)

Dr Farren: The table below shows the number of cases in the Ards Borough Council area, in each of the last 3 years for which statistics are available, where an alcohol induced illness was recorded as the main cause of death. Coding of deaths registered in 2001 will not be finalised until May 2002.

(AQW 2690/01)

Dr Farren: The Review Team has concluded their review and I have only recently received the report from Lord Hermon Ouseley. As previously stated, I will be considering the report and will bring my recommendations to the Executive in the near future. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the conclusions contained in the report in advance of discussion at Executive.

(AQW 2720/01)

Dr Farren: There is no published estimate available for aggregate tax revenues generated within Northern Ireland, and thus it is not possible to provide the information requested.

(AQW 2721/01)

Dr Farren: The arrangements for Gap Funding for the PEACE II Programme came into effect from 1 April 2001. The Special EU Programmes Body, as Managing Authority for the Programme, has advised that, based on the latest available information, the total amount of Gap Funding awarded to projects to date is approximately £11.5m covering 626 projects. This is in addition to the £9m made available by the Executive in the previous financial year. The arrangements for Gap Funding are due to be phased out by the end of April 2002 at which time information on the total amount for Gap Funding will be available.

The detail of information requested is of such a volume that it is not possible to provide the answer in the standard format. However, tables setting out the information requested have been placed in the Assembly Library.

(AQW 2723/01)

Dr Farren: A copy of the information has been placed in the Assembly Library.

(AQW 2738/01)

Dr Farren: The arrangements for Gap Funding for the PEACE II Programme came into effect from 1 April 2001. The Special EU Programmes Body, as Managing Authority for the Programme, has advised that, based on latest available information, the total amount of Gap Funding allocated to prisoners and ex-prisoner organisations to date is approximately £900,000 covering a total of 32 organisations. The arrangements for Gap Funding are due to be phased out by the end of April 2002 at which time information on the total amount for Gap Funding will be available.

(AQW 2739/01)

Dr Farren: There is no central criteria for deciding what constitutes an ‘unacceptably high’ absence record. Each case is considered on the individual circumstances of the officer. It is for the employing Department to be satisfied that any decision to exclude a candidate from an internal promotion competition is fair and defensible.

(AQW 2762/01)

Dr Farren: It is planned that the first census based outputs will inform the 2001 mid year estimates of population due for release in late summer 2002. These will be followed in late 2002 by a Key Statistics report which will provide frequency counts on each of the Census questions. In early 2003 more detailed Census outputs will be released and it will also be possible to request specially commissioned analyses. The Census collects information on individuals’ current address and, where different, their address one year prior to the Census. Aggregate data on those who have moved can be analysed by different variables including religion. Information will also be available to allow comparisons between the 2001 Census and the 1991 Census for different geographical areas on a range of variables including religion.

(AQO 1125/01)

Dr Farren: Throughout the UK, virgin aggregate has been subject to the tax of £1.60 per tonne from 1 April 2002. The Finance Act 2001 (clause 17) defines aggregate, for the purposes of the tax, as rock, gravel or sand together with any other substances incorporated in or naturally occurring with it. Several exempt categories are listed and include:

• Aggregate that has been previously used for construction purposes.

• Rock that has not been crushed.

• Aggregate that has necessarily arisen from the excavation of a building site.

• Aggregate that has necessarily arisen from the dredging of navigation channels.

• Aggregate that has necessarily arisen during the course of highway construction.

• Aggregate consisting of coal, lignite, slate or shale.

Importing of virgin aggregate is treated in exactly the same way as virgin aggregate originating in the UK – the tax is due when it is commercially exploited. Imported processed products containing aggregate from outside the UK are not subject to the tax. Aggregate exported from the UK is exempt from the tax providing there is valid documentary evidence that the aggregate has left the UK.

In Northern Ireland, the Treasury is proposing to phase in the tax on aggregate used in the production of processed products. Processed products are defined as concrete, mortar, asphalt, coated roadstone and coated chippings or surface dressing. Aggregate used in the production of any of these materials will be exempt from the tax in 2002/03, with a stepped increase of 20 per cent annually until full implementation is reached in 2007/08. This proposal remains subject to EU State Aid approval.

(AQW 2941/01)

Dr Farren: The specific purpose for which community background monitoring information is collected is to address the extent to which the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) offers and provides equality of opportunity and fair participation to both sections of the community. The compositional profile of staff working in a particular office or branch is not relevant in informing the development of policies and practices that promote equality of opportunity and fair participation across the NICS. This means that community background information is not maintained at the level requested.

(AQW 2425/01)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): No consultation documents have been jointly published. However, Boards, Trusts and Agencies have been involved in the preparation of some 21 documents initiated by the Department since the establishment of the Executive in December 1999.

Níor comhfhoilsíodh doiciméad comhairlithe ar bith. Bíodh sin mar atá, bhí Boird, Iontaobhais agus Gníomhaireachtaí páirteach in ullmhú 21 doiciméad ar chuir an Roinn tús leo ó bunaíodh Coiste an Fheidhmeannais i Mí na Nollag 1999.

(AQW 2465/01)

Ms de Brún: (a) I am advised that there was one occasion during the last twelve months when the Tyrone County Hospital cardiac ambulance was withdrawn due to the unavailability of a cardiac care nurse.

(b) A full review of the nursing requirement for all acute hospital services was undertaken by the Trust and the Western Health and Social Services Board during 2001. This review identified a need for an increase in the nursing establishment in a range of clinical areas including the medical/coronary care wards. The Board and the Trust have implemented measures to address this need within the resources available.

(a) Cuireadh in iúl dom go raibh teagmhas amháin ann le linn an dá mhí déag anuas nuair a tarraingíodh siar otharcharr cairdiach de dheasca nach raibh altra cúraim chairdiach ar fáil.

(b) Rinne an tIontaobhas agus Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Iarthair athbhreithniú iomlán ar na riachtanais altrachta do na seirbhísí géarotharlainne go léir le linn 2001. D’aimsigh an t-athbhreithniú seo an gá le níos mó altraí a fhostú i réimse ábhar cliniciúil, sna bardaí míochaine/cúraim chorónaigh chomh maith. Chuir an Bord agus an tIontaobhas bearta i bhfeidhm le tabhairt faoin ghá seo ó laistigh de na hacmhainní ar fáil.

(AQO 1026/01)

Ms de Brún: My Department has considered the report. Its findings will be used to inform future policy and service development for people with a learning disability.

Rinne mo Roinn machnamh ar an tuairisc. Bainfear úsáid as a torthaí le dul i bhfeidhm ar pholasaí agus ar fhorbairt seirbhíse sa todhchaí do dhaoine le míchumas foghlama.

(AQW 2541/01)

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