(AQW 2920/01)

Reply: New Targeting Social Need is the Executive’s main policy for addressing social deprivation and is a key element of the Programme for Government. New TSN is not a policy with its own budget rather it is a theme that runs through all relevant departmental spending programmes and operates by using more of our existing resources to benefit people in greatest objective social need.

The Executive adopted New TSN in June 2000 and Ministers took full responsibility for its effective implementation, through New TSN Action Plans. Action Plans cover a three-year period and commenced on 1 January 2000. This Department has been working hard to deliver its commitments.

A report on this Department’s progress is included in our revised Action Plan for 2001-02. In addition, the New TSN Annual Report 2001 provides specific examples of progress across the Administration over the period 1 January 2000 to 31 March 2001, and arrangements are already in place to publish the next progress report. Copies of both documents can be accessed at the New TSN website, www.newtsnni.gov.uk.

Within our Department a core team of 8 officials are dedicated solely to New TSN. All staff within OFMDFM have responsibility for ensuring that New TSN issues are considered within their policy areas.

Our Department has central policy and executive responsibility for New TSN and has built New TSN considerations into the Programme for Government, the Budget, and the Executive Programme Funds. Consequently, New TSN is given significant consideration, particularly in determining the funding of relevant policies, programmes and services.

Our main area of programme spend is focused on key New TSN relevant areas, as our actions are centred on reducing inequality and community differentials, within the areas of community relations, equality and victims.

Through our Promoting Social Inclusion Working group on ethnic minorities we have established a fund in support of minority ethnic groups and projects. In the first year of its operation 17 groups and projects benefited from the scheme. The fund has £444,000 available for the current financial year.

We have also established a two-year Victims Strategy Implementation Fund with £1.5m from the Social Inclusion Fund which has been matched by the same amount from the Northern Ireland Office. This Fund will be for Departments and Agencies to bid against to provide projects delivering practical help and services to victims.

New TSN is also concerned with redirecting efforts, which means changing the way Government deliver policies, programmes and services so that the poorest in our society benefit.

The New TSN policy involves long-term change and benefits therefore an explicit commitment to evaluate New TSN was built into the policy. Preparations for the evaluation are reaching their final stages and first outcomes planned for the end of 2002. The aim of this interim evaluation is to assess the effectiveness of its implementation and to examine its initial impact.

Our department is leading the evaluation, which involves all departments, and will draw on independent external experts. Ministers will consider the outcomes of the evaluation to help inform future thinking on New TSN. All final reports from the evaluation of New TSN will be made publicly accessible.

(AQW 2992/01)

Reply: "Reshape, Rebuild, Achieve" explains that it is not prudent at the present time to plan strategically beyond 2004. This is because of two major factors occurring within the next two years, namely the possible transfer of some of the functions currently carried out by the Northern Ireland Office to the devolved administration and the ending of some sources of funding, including Peace II, currently accessed by victims’ groups.

Both these factors are addressed by "Reshape, Rebuild, Achieve" which contains specific actions to ensure that the strategy is reviewed and rolled forward from 2004 and will be responsive to emerging needs and developments. The strategy also points out that a Task Force will be established to consider the long term sustainability of the voluntary and community sector, including the needs of victims.

(AQW 3768/01)

Reply: Our office has carried out 9 Equality Impact Assessments (EIA) to date. Details of the total cost of research, consultation, printing and dissemination of each EIA are set out in the attached table.

In three cases the EIA was carried out as part of a wider consultation exercise and it is not possible to separate the cost of the EIA from the total cost. Research and consultation costs relate to external costs such as consultants or consultation meetings. Costs for the circulation of documents for consultation purposes are included under printing and dissemination.

(AQO 1520/01)

Reply: We are working to establish the new Strategic Investment Body as soon as possible to help us take a more strategic approach to investment in our infrastructure. The Project Board, which we have established to advise us about this, met for the first time on 11 June.

An Executive sub-Committee is being established to oversee the work.

(AQO 1524/01)

Reply: On 17 May, we wrote to elected and community representatives seeking their agreement on a way ahead. We sought comments and views by 24 May. We received written responses from the Lower Ardoyne community interests, the Concerned Residents of Upper Ardoyne (CRUA) and the Board of Governors of Holy Cross Girls’ School (which took account of views expressed at a meeting of parents).

We carefully considered the responses we received and on Friday last (7 June) we wrote again to the interested parties setting out how we intend to move forward. A copy of our letter has been placed in the Assembly Library.

(AQO 1554/01)

Reply: The Seville summit closes the Spanish Presidency and will take place 21-22 June. The main issues it will cover are: policy to tackle illegal immigration, progress on the Future of Europe debate, further work on the economic reform agenda, and the EU’s sustainable development strategy.

The First Minister and Mr Haughey, representing the Deputy First Minister, attended a meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee on 11 June with the Foreign Secretary, other Whitehall Ministers and Ministers from the other devolved regions, where the Seville Summit was discussed.

(AQW 3869/01)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): Under the Landing of Carcases and Animal Products Order (Northern Ireland) 1985 [as amended] and the Diseases of Animals (Importation of Poultry) Order (Northern Ireland) 1965 [as amended], it is an offence to import an animal product into Northern Ireland except in accordance with a licence issued by the Department. Limited exceptions are permitted for small amounts intended for personal use only (i.e. by the individual or their family or friends – goods brought into Northern Ireland under these exceptions should not be sold or used commercially in any way).

A press release was issued on 7 June 2002 setting out the rules concerning personal imports of animal products and plants from Great Britain, the Channel Islands, other Member States and Third Countries. It informs the general public of the fact that general licences for personal imports of animal products have been reinstated due to the reduced risk from FMD. These controls are in line with those in Great Britain and are as follows:

Fresh (uncooked) meat may not be brought into Northern Ireland from a non-EU country for personal use under any circumstances.

Permitted personal imports are:

• 1.0 kg of meat cooked in a hermetically sealed container

• 1.0 kg of fish

• 1.0 kg of milk powder (from listed countries only)

• 2.0 kg of raw fruit or vegetables (not potatoes)

• 1 bouquet of cut flowers

• 5 retail packets of seeds (not potatoes) and from the Euro-Mediterranean area only

• 2.0 kg of bulbs, corms, tubers and rhizomes

• 5 other plants

Regular checks are made by DARD Portal staff at ports and airports to ensure that travellers are complying with these limits. Consignments identified during Customs checks will be checked to ensure that they comply with the limits. Travellers exceeding these limits should declare and surrender material in the Red Channel at Customs. Failure to do so may result in confiscation of the material and prosecution.

Airline and ship operators are already required to make announcements to passengers concerning controls on the import of animal products and the risk of bringing exotic diseases into Northern Ireland. A letter reminding these operators of the requirements will issue later this month. New posters are also currently being produced for the information of travellers as well as a Guide of Roles and Responsibilities. The Guide, which covers both animal products and plants, is essentially a summary of the controls and enforcement activity faced by an importer/traveller as they reach the point of entry into Northern Ireland. In addition, further steps are being considered in conjunction with DEFRA to minimise the risk to the Northern Ireland’s agricultural industry presented by animal products and plants.

(AQW 3915/01)

Ms Rodgers: The Department was involved with the Royal Show in 1997, 1998 and 2000. In 2001 the Royal Show was cancelled. This year due to a need to reprioritise resources within DARD I reluctantly suspended my Department’s arrangements for involvement at the Royal Show 2002. My officials provided advice on the reprioritisation of financial resources available to the Department for expenditure in the current financial year.

I will keep the position of my Department’s involvement at the Royal Show in future years under review.

(AQW 3922/01)

Ms Rodgers: The normal timescale for the removal of Tuberculosis infected and in-contact animals from is 20 days from the date of confirmation of infection.

(AQW 3923/01)

Ms Rodgers: My Department does not hold TB statistics on a "per County" basis but by Divisional Veterinary Office areas. The following table shows the number of TB incidents (herds with reactor animals) by DVO area for the years requested.

(AQW 3925/01)

Ms Rodgers: The incidence of Scrapie in sheep in each of the last 3 years is detailed in the table below.

(AQW 3959/01)

Ms Rodgers: The DARD colleges continue to have an important role in promoting and enhancing education and development within the agricultural industry.

The colleges provide a wide range of full-time, part-time and short courses from NVQ Level 2 up to degree level in agriculture, horticulture, food supply management, food technology and related disciplines. These cater both for people entering the industry and those already working in the industry wishing to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding.

The colleges develop their courses in association with industry to meet changing industry needs. New programmes introduced recently include Good Business Sense and Good Farming Practice. Another recent initiative recognises that some young people wish to combine off-farm employment with farming on a part-time basis. To meet this need the DARD colleges work with some Further Education Colleges to deliver a Multi-skilling Programme on a partnership basis.

Under the EU funded Programme for Building Sustainable Prosperity, the colleges also perform an important role in identifying, assessing and demonstrating new technologies, processes and systems and in supporting people in the industry to adopt those which offer benefits to their businesses.

The Vision for the Future of the Agri-food Industry report identified ‘Developing People’ as one of the ten Key Themes covering the Recommendations for Actions required to realise the vision of a dynamic, integrated, innovative and profitable agri-food industry. Competence development is also an essential pre-requisite for delivery of other Key Themes e.g. "Exploiting the Opportunities offered by Information and Communications Technology".

Given the critical importance of education and training in securing sustained industry development through the adoption of technological, management and environmental best practice in businesses, the colleges will have a vital role in the future. They are already working on the development and piloting of the first Challenge Programmes, which help farmers and others to learn while applying best practice in their businesses. I hope to achieve a rapid roll-out of these programmes. Colleges are also working on other initiatives such as the Rural Portal, which will enable farmers and others to obtain easier and more efficient access to services and information on the Internet.

The O’Hare Report, which made recommendations about Education and R&D in Agriculture and Food Science, is presently out to public consultation. During the summer I will be considering these recommendations and the views of stakeholders in the broader context of modernising the Department. An important issue will be whether changes in the organisation and management of the colleges might help them to satisfy the ever-changing needs of the agri-food industry and rural communities more effectively.

(AQW 3926/01)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): The Fisheries Conservancy Board (FCB) is responsible for the conservation and protection of the salmon and inland fisheries of Northern Ireland, except for the fisheries of the Londonderry and Newry areas which are the responsibility of the Loughs Agency of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission.

The Board’s officers carry out regular enforcement patrols of the waters within their area of responsibility, including the public angling estate, in order to detect offences including fishing without the relevant licence or permit.

The statistics requested in respect of bailiffing records in the FCB area are as follows:

(a) There were 92 prosecutions for illegal rod and line fishing in 2001 (23 Lough Neagh area, 19 Northern area, 47 South Eastern area and 3 South Western area).

(b) The overall prosecution rate on files submitted is 99.9%.

(c) 1059 checks were made for illegal line and rod fishing in 2001 (276 Lough Neagh area,

270 Northern area, 218 South Eastern area and 295 South Western area).

Bailiffing activities in 2001 were, of course, somewhat curtailed by the outbreak of foot-and- mouth disease.

(AQW 3988/01)

Mr McGimpsey: The five Education and Library Boards currently employ a total of 1,051 staff in the Public Library service. Of this figure, 219 are male which represents 20.8% of the total workforce.

(AQW 4095/01)

Mr McGimpsey: All the procurement procedures for the Odyssey project at Queen’s Quay, Belfast, were tendered strictly in accordance with European Union procurement regulations.

The disposal of capital assets by the Trust is tightly controlled by the funding agreement of 21 December 1998 between the Department of Education (now Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure) and Odyssey Trust Company. Any changes which would impact on the funding agreement require Departmental approval.

(AQW 4096/01)

Mr McGimpsey: The Odyssey Trust Company Limited (referred to in legal documents as The Charity) is a private company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital. As such I have no authority to address questions which are specific to this company.

(AQW 4134/01)

Mr McGimpsey: ‘Club Sport’ is a Sports Council Lottery Fund capital programme, which assists sports clubs and governing bodies with the development of locally-based sports facilities. Eligible costs include the upgrading of facilities for club use. The closing date for receipt of applications is 30 August 2002 and 70% grant, subject to a maximum of £100k, is payable.

(AQW 3886/01)

The Minister of Education (Mr M McGuinness): The current level of funded pre-school education in voluntary and private centres is as follows:

(AQW 3887/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The information requested is as follows:

(AQW 3888/01)

Mr M McGuinness: I am aware that concern has been expressed by a number of voluntary and private providers that the establishment of new statutory nursery provision close to them will threaten their viability.

In planning and implementing the Expansion Programme the Pre-School Education Advisory Groups (PEAGs) have adhered to a set of jointly agreed and adopted principles on "displacement" and PEAGs have actively sought to avoid displacing good quality pre-school provision. The existence of funded provision in existing voluntary and private settings has been taken into account when the locations of new statutory settings are being determined.

The ultimate aim of the Programme, as set out in the Executive’s Programme for Government, is a year’s funded pre-school education for every child whose parents wish it by March 2003.

(AQW 3889/01)

Mr M McGuinness: I visited a voluntary playgroup in the Western Education and Library Board area in January 2001 and had a meeting with representatives from 4 voluntary playgroups based in the Derry area in April 2001.

In planning and implementing the Expansion Programme the Pre-School Education Advisory Groups (PEAGs) have adhered to a set of jointly agreed and adopted principles on "displacement" and PEAGs have actively sought to avoid displacing good quality pre-school provision. The existence of funded provision in existing voluntary and private settings has been taken into account when the locations of new statutory settings are being determined. Under the Expansion Programme the voluntary and private playgroup sector is, for the first time, able to access funding for places which have in the past been funded largely from parental contributions or other sources.

(AQW 3900/01)

(a) Education and Library Boards are required to make such arrangements as they consider necessary in relation to getting children to and from school. The provision of transport in exceptional circumstances is also a matter for individual Boards, and, in the case of a pupil being injured, special provision can be made. Pupils will usually be provided with transport on the recommendation of a Clinical Medical Officer or on receipt of documented medical evidence. Boards would also have regard to the school attended by the pupil when deciding on the level of assistance to provide.

(b) Pupils normally qualify for transport assistance by either: living beyond two miles, in the case of Primary school pupils, or beyond three miles for Post-primary pupils, from their nearest suitable school; or, if they have been unable to secure a place in all suitable schools within the appropriate distance limit. A "suitable school" is defined solely as one in the categories of Maintained, Controlled, Integrated, or Irish Medium and, in the grammar sector, denominational and non-denominational schools.

(AQW 3916/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The information requested is as follows:

(AQW 3953/01)

Mr M McGuinness: In the 2000/2001 school year, a total of 152 schools entered approximately 12,335 pupils for Edexcel GCSE winter and summer examinations. A list of schools is attached at Appendix A. No compensation has been offered to schools as no contract has been broken by Edexcel’s decision not to offer their GCSE provision here.

(AQW 3955/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) and not my Department, took part in negotiations with Edexcel. I understand that CCEA did not make any payment of money to Edexcel following their decision not to offer GCSEs in Northern Ireland, and neither has Edexcel received any money from my Department since the completion of negotiations.

(AQW 3962/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The majority of reports issued by Educational Psychologists relate to the assessment of individual children with special educational needs, (SEN) and these are confidential. The Educational Psychology Service has also issued awareness raising and good practice guidance on aspects of SEN, such as Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism.

(AQW 3963/01)

Mr M McGuinness: My Department collects the information sought on a school year basis and for 2000-01 is:

(AQW 3964/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The number of examinations organised under Edexcel for the past 5 years is as follows :

Over recent years, there have been a number of well-documented instances in which pupils here have been affected by the administration of examinations by Edexcel. My Department has registered its concerns with the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority which regulates Edexcel, and continues to monitor the situation closely in conjunction with QCA and CCEA.

(AQW 3965/01)

Mr M McGuinness: Classroom assistants have played an important role in the school system for some time and evidence gathered through school inspections by the Education and Training Inspectorate indicates that benefits do arise from the provision and effective deployment of skilled classroom assistants.

(AQW 3966/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The number of pupils from each local primary school that have been granted a place in Year 8 (Form 1) at Saintfield High School for the year 2002/03 is set out below:

(AQW 3973/01)

(AQW 3975/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The actual admissions to Holy Cross Girls’ Primary School over the past 5 years were as follows:

The school has received 20 applications for admission in the 2002/03 school year.

(AQW 4036/01)

Mr M McGuinness: This is the largest consultation ever undertaken on an education issue and the household response form has been distributed to over 670,000 households. Distribution has taken longer than was originally anticipated due to the massive scale of this exercise. All residents in the BT34 area should have received their form by the end of week commencing 3^rd June.

The deadline for comments is 28 June 2002 and I believe this still allows sufficient time for everyone to respond.

(AQW 4059/01)

Mr M McGuinness: My Department has, in conjunction with education and library boards and CCMS, commenced an equality impact assessment on the Pre-School Education Expansion Programme which will take account of inter-sectoral provision.

(AQW 4060/01)

Mr M McGuinness: I would refer the Member to the reply I gave to AQO 1599/01 in so far as it refers to the planning and implementation of the Pre-school Education Expansion Programme by the Pre-school Education Advisory Groups.

(AQW 4061/01)

Mr M McGuinness: I refer the member to the answer given in AQW 3887/01.

(AQW 4062/01)

Mr M McGuinness: The information requested for 2001 is as follows:

(AQW 4063/01)

Mr M McGuinness: Under my Department’s Pre-School Education Expansion Programme, the voluntary and private playgroup sector has become a valued partner of the statutory sector in providing pre-school education and is, for the first time, able to access government funding. In planning and implementing the Expansion Programme the Pre-School Education Advisory Groups (PEAGs) have adhered to a set of jointly agreed and adopted principles on "displacement" and PEAGs have actively sought to avoid displacing good quality pre-school provision in the voluntary and private playgroup sector. The existence of funded provision in existing voluntary and private settings has therefore been taken into account when the locations of new statutory settings are being determined.

(AQW 4064/01)

Mr M McGuinness: I would refer the Member to my answer to AQW No 3889/01.

(AQW 4067/01)

Mr M McGuinness: My Department has, in conjunction with education and library boards and CCMS, commenced an equality impact assessment on the Pre-School Education Expansion Programme which will take account of the equality impact on community-based playgroups.

(AQW 4070/01)

Mr M McGuinness: Under my Department’s Pre-School Education Expansion Programme, the voluntary and private playgroup sector is, for the first time, able to access government funding. The current rate of funding for centres is £1,190 per place, increasing to £1,230 per place for the 2002/03 academic year. In planning and implementing the Expansion Programme the Pre-School Education Advisory Groups (PEAGs) have adhered to a set of jointly agreed and adopted principles on "displacement" and PEAGs have actively sought to avoid displacing good quality pre-school provision. The existence of funded provision in existing voluntary and private settings has therefore been taken into account when the locations of new statutory settings are being determined.

(AQO 1598/01)

Mr M McGuinness: My Department does not have the information sought. School children can access counselling support through their school, education and library board, health and social services and from a range of private and voluntary organisations. As the recently published DHSS&PS report ‘Counselling in Northern Ireland’ has highlighted it is difficult to establish the number of persons who are counsellors, the number who have appropriate qualifications and are adequately supervised without a statutory system of registration.

(AQO 1596/01)

Mr M McGuinness: I visited Finland because it is one of the countries which performed best in the PISA research into educational standards. I also visited the German education system and I intend to learn more about the French education system. The information gathered will be helpful in considering the way forward in the post-primary review.

(AQO 1606/01)

Mr M McGuinness: My Department, through the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI), continually monitors the provision of Physical Education, including sport, as part of the statutory curriculum in schools. An ETI report on Physical Education in Secondary Schools, published in 2000, has identified areas of good practice in teaching and learning, standards of performance and planning. A Survey of Good Practice in Primary Physical Education, published in 2001, provides a number of good practice case studies to help promote health related physical education in primary schools.

(AQO 1574/01)

Mr M McGuinness: There are 34 statutory nursery units on which building work has yet to be completed under my Department’s Pre-School Education Expansion Programme. This will involve estimated capital expenditure of £4.3 million spread over this financial year and the next. The recurrent resources required to support these places amount to £4.2 million over the next three years.

(AQO 1577/01)

Mr M McGuinness: Since the introduction of the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice in 1998, my Department has made available additional funding to enable the employment of more Educational Psychologists in each Education and Library Board. In the case of the Western Education and Library Board there are now 22 full time and 4 part time educational psychologists covering the whole area.

I am aware of the need for the earliest possible assessment, diagnosis and provision for children with autism. This was highlighted in the recently published report of the Task Group on Autism. I shall be bringing all interested parties together at a Conference in the autumn, to discuss how best we can take the recommendations forward.

(AQO 1586/01)

Mr M McGuinness: A recent NI Audit Office report recommended the publication of a range of statistical indicators, including on literacy and numeracy, in each Education and Library Board. This was discussed by the Public Accounts Committee and my Department will respond to the PAC’s report in due course. However, the Department has already indicated that it accepts this recommendation. It will be necessary to discuss with the Boards, and the Education Committee, what form this statistical compendium should take.

(AQO 1601/01)

Mr M McGuinness: You asked me to outline any progress which has been made on introducing e-Government methods and programmes within my Department over the last 3 years and any plans which are in place for further developments in the next 3 years. In my answer I advised you that I would write to you with the information.

I trust the following will give you an idea of the work undertaken to date, and of our outline plans for further work in this area.

During this period the Department of Education launched the Northern Ireland Network for Education (NINE) to provide teachers with information and an on-line discussion facility. Using NINEConnect, we linked 1280 schools in Northern Ireland to the National Grid for Learning (NGFL).

We also commenced the publication of all DE reports, including school inspection reports, on the DE website.

Circulars were provided to schools electronically.

We also contributed to the ‘Moving House’ Life Event for UKOn-Line by providing a simple schools portal which allowed members of the public to click on a post code on a map of Northern Ireland and access details of schools in that post code area.

An on-line consultation facility was provided for key initiatives, including the Review of Post Primary Education.

Electronic forms were piloted for a school survey on drugs for the Education and Training Inspectorate.

The DE website was redeveloped to reflect key customers’ information needs and was relaunched in February 2002.

The CLASSROOM 2000 project began providing additional computers to schools.

In relation to plans for e-government development in the next 3 years my department intends to agree and refine further targets for electronic services delivery with our partner bodies across the Education Service, including access to pupil services.

An e-business strategy has been commissioned in the Education and Library Boards and from this more specific key targets will be defined which will include aspects of cross-departmental working, for example, the provision of pupil information to the Schools Medical Programme (DHSSPS), and to the Department for Employment and Learning.

We will increase access to information and technology in schools by providing 40,000 internet ready PCs to 350,000 students and 20,000 teachers in NI schools in the CLASSROOM 2000 project.

The current departmental website is being enhanced to incorporate features which will afford greater access to the visually impaired, and will allow for provision of feedback from the general public.

The NI schools portal will be further developed to provide additional information about schools and services.

The capability for electronic information collection for example, school surveys on all aspects of education, will be increased, as will the capacity for electronic consultation relating to DE policy issues and key initiatives.

We will continue with preparations for the replacement of the Teachers’ Payroll and Pensions Systems which, in addition to paying teacher salaries and pensions, will provide an on-line facility to enable teachers to access general and personal information about salaries and pensions.

(AQO 1595/01)

Mr M McGuinness: Only grammar schools may select pupils on the basis of academic ability. I am not aware of any grammar schools which have moved away from the system of academic selection.

(AQW 3890/01)

(a) My reply assumes that the question concerns all people with disabilities not just staff within my Department. My Department funds a wide range of training provision available to people with disabilities. This includes provision in Jobskills, Further Education, New Deal for Disabled People (and other New Deals), and a range of specialist providers.

(b) The organisations funded by my Department, which provide training for people with disabilities include Further Education Colleges, Jobskills providers, New Deal consortia, and specialist providers. Other bodies providing funding for training of people with disabilities include Health and Social Services Trusts, the European Social Fund and other EU programmes.

(AQW 3893/01)

Ms Hanna: My Department has introduced a number of funding measures to encourage universities to widen participation, including funding premia and the funding of special projects to allow the universities to develop partnerships with schools with traditionally low levels of participation in HE. The universities have been required to produce new three year Strategies and Action Plans which detail activities, targets and performance indicators associated with widening participation.

(AQW 3901/01)

Ms Hanna: Schedule 2 of the NI Act 1998 lists ‘excepted matters’, and these include international relations and, specifically, observing and implementing international obligations. It is therefore a matter for the UK Government to ratify, observe and implement international agreements.

The UK Government has not ratified the UN Convention For the Suppression of Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others (1949).

I am advised that the UK Government has signed up to the UN Protocol To Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking In Persons, Especially Women And Children which supplements the UN Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime, and has negotiated a European Union Framework Decision on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings which will be adopted shortly.

Earlier this year the UK Government published a White Paper: Secure Borders, Safe Haven: Integration with Diversity in Modern Britain, setting out a strategy which focuses on strengthening the law; tackling criminals through intelligence and enforcement; international co-operation and prevention in source and transit countries, and dealing appropriately with the victims of trafficking.

There is at present no offence of trafficking, although most of the elements of the offence are already criminalised. For this reason the Government is introducing a new offence of trafficking for prostitution within the current Nationality Immigration and Asylum (NIA) Bill. This offence carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment.

The Home Office is currently developing new and more wide-ranging criminal offences, with the intention of presenting a Bill when parliamentary time permits. The Government is also strengthening the law against people smuggling in the NIA Bill by increasing the maximum penalty to 14 years imprisonment.

I would add that the issues raised by the trafficking of women for sexual exploitation are mainly matters of human rights, serious crime and immigration law and policy, rather than employment law or policy.

(AQW 3910/01)

Ms Hanna: I have no plans to purchase this property. The provision of accommodation for training is a matter for the FE sector or local private or community based training providers.

(AQW 3954/01)

Ms Hanna: Full-time tertiary level courses below degree and HND are deemed to be further education courses. Students undertaking such courses at institutions outside Northern Ireland can apply to the Education and Library Boards for means-tested discretionary awards. An award made under these arrangements provides for the payment of tuition fees; a means-tested grant towards living costs of up to £1,633 and supplementary grants. These grants do not have to be repaid, and I have no plans to replace them with student loans, under the Student Support Regulations, which would have to be repaid.

(AQW 4038/01)

Ms Hanna: Based on available research data, the Department has established a target to engage 25,000 learners by March 2005. The Department has asked CCEA to provide advice on how achievement of learners might be tracked and recorded. This advice is required to ensure providers are consistent in their approaches in collecting data and to determine the usefulness and validity of the information.

(AQW 4088/01)

Ms Hanna: A consultation exercise on the proposed merger concluded on 22nd March 2002. The responses received from consultees have been considered by officials within my Department as have other issues raised by various interested parties. This included the Assembly Committee for Employment and Learning whom I met with on 11th June. I am currently considering all pertinent issues and will advise in due course of my final decision on the proposed merger.

(AQW 3891/01)

(a) None. The use of pension funds and contributions is a reserved matter. The financial assistance that is offered by my Department to help secure inward investment for Northern Ireland is part of the Northern Ireland bloc. However, I understand that Northern Ireland venture capital funds have invested in a small number of inward investment cases. The NI Local Government Officers’ Superannuation Scheme (NILGOSS) has also invested in the new Viridian Growth Fund which became operational in January 2002.

(b) With regard to the investment of overseas funds in NI companies in the wider sense, it would not be possible for the Department to supply this information except at disproportionate cost to the Department.

(AQW 3927/01)

Sir Reg Empey: Although the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) was consulted in 1994 on one wind turbine farm planning application, it is not normal practice for Planning Service to ask NITB to comment on applications which fall outside its statutory remit. Applications for wind turbine farms would fall into this category.

(AQW 3947/01)

Sir Reg Empey: Sixty responses were received in response to the consultation document, including 7 nil returns.

Six supported the introduction of a legislative provision to enable refinancing of costs within the electricity and gas industries in Northern Ireland. Seven respondents objected to refinancing that would impose burdens on future customers.

(AQW 3948/01)

Sir Reg Empey: Except where a respondent requested confidentiality, responses have been published in full on my Department’s website, located at www.detini.gov.uk/energy/. A summary of these responses will also be published alongside the draft energy strategy later this year. An analysis of the responses relating to priority areas requiring legislation is included in the recently issued consultation paper on the draft Energy Bill.

(AQW 3949/01)

Sir Reg Empey: I am currently considering recommendations from consultants about options to reduce electricity prices in Northern Ireland. I am in the process of sharing these recommendations with the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee and engaging with the Regulator and key industry players. I expect to announce an action plan in due course.

(AQW 3950/01)

Sir Reg Empey: I refer to my answer to Question 3949/01. Since analysis of the issue is not complete, I have not included a provision for legislation backed financing in the initial Energy Bill proposals on which my Department is now consulting.

(AQW 3958/01)

Sir Reg Empey: DETI and Invest NI are broadly supportive of the concept of teleworking provided it is supported by a sound business case which demonstrates that employment issues have been addressed.

Teleworking relies heavily on the availability of affordable broadband and both the Department and Invest NI have initiated a range of pro-active promotion and support measures. These include, inter alia, establishment of the E-Solutions Centre; regional business demonstration events; funding of the SME Broadband Satellite programme; the provision of ICT advisors; funding pilot studies to demonstrate the commercial application of various broadband technologies. And, if they so wish, "e-workers" can locate in their nearest Enterprise Centre where high speed connections are available to all tenants.

(AQW 4019/01)

Sir Reg Empey: The development of renewable energy projects is a matter for the private sector. However it is known that planning permission is being sought for 2 wind farms (one in Co Tyrone and one in Co Fermanagh). A consultation exercise and environmental assessment are underway in respect of another proposed wind farm in Co Fermanagh.

In November last year, under the Building for Sustainable Prosperity Programme, my Department introduced an Energy Demonstration Scheme. This offers grant aid towards the capital cost of small scale renewable energy projects. To date, 3 projects have received grant aid to a total of almost £35,000. These projects involved wind turbines, solar panels and a heat pump.

(AQW 4094/01)

Sir Reg Empey: Prior to the announcement of the closure of the Warners factories in Keady and Dromore, the Company’s management met with staff in Invest NI. At this meeting the possibility of Invest NI intervention was discussed to save the NI operations and associated jobs. However, it was made very clear that a corporate decision had already been made and there was no possibility of it being reviewed.

As the decision is final, my Department, through Invest NI, is working in partnership with relevant interests, namely Armagh City & District Council, Banbridge District Council and the respective Enterprise Agencies. Through this partnership various initiatives will be offered to former Warners employees. These include:

1. Business clinics - where information and advice will be provided to allow employees to consider the option of self-employment.

2. Through the Building Sustainable Prosperity programme and other European Funding, the councils have planned various initiatives which have potential to impact on the employability of the workforce.

My colleague, Minister for Education and Learning, will also have a role to play in the reintegration of the workforce into employment.

(AQW 3850/01)

The Minister of the Environment (Mr Nesbitt): My Department protects the marine environment by means of a range of legislative, contingency planning and research measures.

The legislative measures are contained in European, UK and Northern Ireland legislation. Northern Ireland also contributes to meeting the UK’s obligations under international conventions.

A number of European Directives are targeted at bathing waters, coastal waters vulnerable to nutrient enrichment, waters which support shellfish, and marine natural habitats and wild birds. My Department’s Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) has comprehensive programmes of designations for Northern Ireland’s coastal waters under each of these Directives, together with action plans and monitoring systems.

The Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 is designed to control deposits of materials and substances in the sea, and thereby protect the marine environment, by means of a licensing system. This Act is administered in Northern Ireland by EHS.

In addition to the Northern Ireland regulations which implement the European Directives, the Water (NI) Order 1999 enables EHS to control discharges of effluent to waters within three nautical miles of the coastline.

Northern Ireland contributes to meeting the targets set for the UK by two international conventions - the London Convention on the Prevention of Global Marine Pollution, and the OSPAR (Oslo and Paris) Convention for the Protection of the North East Atlantic. In addition, a number of marine environment issues are addressed in the report Biodiversity in Northern Ireland: Recommendations to Government for a Biodiversity Strategy, published in October 2000 in compliance with the Convention on Biological Diversity.

EHS has in place a range of measures to provide an effective response to marine pollution incidents. These include comprehensive incident response procedures, and contingency plans covering the NI coastline and its ports and harbours. EHS also participates in the UK-wide National Contingency Plan for large-scale marine pollution incidents.

Finally, EHS has commissioned several major research projects on the marine environment. Details of these are available on the EHS website www.ehsni.gov.uk

(AQW 3936/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The information sought is not held centrally by my Department and therefore I am unable to provide the information requested.

(AQW 3957/01)

Mr Nesbitt: My Department does not have any responsibility for foxhunting. This activity is allowed under the terms of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 1972 which is administered by DARD.

(AQW 3978/01)

Mr Nesbitt: My Department’s plans for waste management, including recycling, are set out in the Waste Management Strategy for Northern Ireland published in March 2000. The Strategy sets targets to increase recycling to meet the requirements of the EU Landfill Directive.

Among the actions planned in the Strategy to increase recycling is the establishment of a Market Development Programme to stimulate local demand for recycled materials and products.

The Programme consists of a number of elements, including an Industry Fund and membership of the UK-wide Waste to Resources Action Programme (WRAP).

I was pleased to launch the Industry Fund on 6 June 2002. This will provide grant-aid to businesses to encourage sustainable markets for recovered and/or recycled materials. I am also pleased that taking membership of WRAP will allow Northern Ireland to benefit from a comprehensive UK approach to market development.

Under the auspices of the North/South Ministerial Council, work is underway to develop an all-island strategic approach to market development for recyclable material throughout the island, taking account of developments in Great Britain and making appropriate linkages between the Market Development Programme in the two jurisdictions.

Final draft Waste Management Plans are due to be submitted by District Councils to my Department by 28 June 2002. These will provide the basis for the establishment of an integrated network of facilities to meet the targets for recycling/recovery set out in the Strategy and in the Landfill Directive.

My Department has also set up the Waste Management Advisory Board to assist with the promotion and implementation of the Strategy and to oversee the Market Development Programme. The Board comprises a wide range of stakeholders with an interest in waste management. The Board has established a number of sub-groups, one of which focuses on Reduction, Recycling and Recovery.

I am confident that these measures will help to stimulate expansion of the market for products utilising recycled materials.

(AQW 3994/01)

Mr Nesbitt: There are currently 2 members of staff from the Ards Development Control Section on sick absence. One Officer has been out of the office since 6 May 2002 and the other since 10 June.

The staff complement in the Ards Section is based on current workload. Indeed the complement, which is kept under review, has recently been increased by one Higher Professional and Technical Officer post and it is expected that this new post will be filled from a promotion board held last month. While, therefore, there is no staff shortage in the Section, sick absences can cause short term difficulties.

(AQW 3995/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The current approved staff complement for dealing with planning applications for the Ards District Council Area is 10. It consists of one Senior Planning and Technology Officer (SPTO), 3 Higher Professional and Technology Officers (HPTO), 4 Planning and Technology Officers (PTO) and 2 Administrative staff.

The complement is based on current workload and is kept under regular review.

(AQW 4031/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The numbers of single dwellings in the countryside, including replacement dwellings, which were granted planning permission, are set out below.

(AQW 4112/01)

Mr Nesbitt: During the periods 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001 and 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002 a total of 68 and 65 appeals respectively, were submitted to the Planning Appeals Commission by property developers. Details of the progress of these appeals are set out below.

(AQW 3827/01)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Dr Farren): I attended the following engagements on the morning of 29 May 2002:

(AQW 3835/01)

Dr Farren: The table below shows the number of cases in each of the last 10 years where Epilepsy was recorded as the main cause of death.

Coding of deaths registered in 2001 is not yet finalized.

(AQW 3872/01)

Dr Farren: Under the direction of the Department of Finance and Personnel’s openness champion a departmental information manager has been appointed to progress corporate information matters, including the preparation of a departmental publication scheme. This is well-advanced in draft with contributions coming from information managers who have been appointed within each business area to help prepare for freedom of information requirements.

The Department’s NDPBs are also on track to complete their Schemes on time.

I expect to approve the draft DFP Scheme in early September, following which it will be submitted to the Information Commissioner for approval. A copy will also be forwarded to the Departmental Assembly Committee for information.

(AQW 3917/01)

Dr Farren: Senior Civil Service recruitment competitions are administered by Recruitment Service, Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP). The Permanent Secretary, DFP, is the Accounting Officer in respect of the generality of Recruitment Service expenditure.

In the conduct of competitions for specific senior posts, Recruitment Service acts as the agent of the employing Department, which retains direct responsibility for some aspects of the arrangements. These include responsibility for direct expenditure such as advertising costs, panel expenses etc. The Head of NICS is employed by the Office of the First Minister/Deputy First Minister, and the employing department is accountable for that expenditure.

(AQW 3921/01)

Dr Farren: The Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service was a member (not chairperson) of the selection panel for the current HOCS recruitment competition. The choice of panel members is a matter for the employing Department, but any such competition has to adhere to the Civil Service Commissioners for Northern Ireland Recruitment Code. This stipulates that all selection panels for posts at senior level in the Civil Service must be approved by Commissioners. The necessary approval was obtained for this competition.

(AQW 3931/01)

Dr Farren: I understand that the Department of Education, in conjunction with the education and library boards, plans to commence an equality assessment on the Pre-School Education Expansion Programme this year. There is, however, no specific requirement for Equality Impact Assessments to be forwarded to the Department of Finance and Personnel.

With regard to new TSN guarantees, the Pre-School Education Expansion Programme is an important element of both the interdepartmental childcare strategy and the Department of Education’s strategy for Targeting Social Need (TSN). The Department of Education are therefore using an appropriate method for targeting financial allocation based on social need.

(AQW 3946/01)

Dr Farren: In line with the requirements of the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Code, it is the responsibility of the selection panel to determine eligibility criteria which are justifiable against the requirements of the job. The criteria set for this competition reflect the skills and experience which the panel believes are necessary for this high level post, which includes a major leadership role in a large, diverse organisation. The present Comptroller and Auditor General has raised the same point and has been advised that a full response to his letter will be issued once the present process has been completed.

(AQW 3967/01)

Dr Farren: Until decisions have been taken in the autumn on the way forward it would be premature to speculate about the introduction of transitional relief. However, I can confirm that, for any change in the rating system, consideration will be given to carefully planned transitional arrangements to avoid hardship.

(AQO 1611/01)

Dr Farren: The public consultation exercise on the Interim Report was completed in May and I am currently awaiting advice from the consultants in relation to the responses received. The initial consultation period, until 19 April, was extended, by 2 weeks, primarily to allow sufficient time for individual Assembly Committees to respond.

(AQO 1608/01)

Dr Farren: The outcome of the national Spending Review is expected to be announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in July. We are continuing to press the Treasury for additional resources over and above the Barnett formula to make it possible for us to match the rate of increase on, for example, spending on health and educations services now being made available in England. Although, I stress again that it is for the Executive and the Assembly to set our own spending priorities as part of the budgetary process. The first stage of our own Budget 2002 process concluded recently with the presentation of the Executive’s Position Report to the Assembly on 5 June.

(AQO 1578/01)

Dr Farren: PEACE II funds will be targeted at areas, sectors, communities and or groups adversely affected by political unrest and which demonstrate that they will contribute to the Programme’s objectives. In targeting these groups project promoters must have due regard to equality of opportunity and balanced intervention which is one of a number of horizontal principles that govern the way the PEACE II Programme will be implemented. Compliance with horizontal principles and Section 75 requirements will be monitored by the Special EU Programmes Body.

(AQO 1607/01)

Dr Farren: Following the Executive’s recent Review of the Executive Programme Funds, a call for bids was issued under the Innovation and Modernisation Fund, the Social Inclusion/Community Regeneration Fund and the Children’s Fund (departmental allocations). These bids are in the process of being scrutinised and this process will involve discussions between DFP, OFMDFM and departments. We are also currently evaluating the bids which have been received under the Infrastructure EPF and the Reinvestment and Reform Initiative and DFP will again be liaising directly with departments on these bids, in conjunction with OFMDFM.

(AQO 1612/01)

Dr Farren: The Executive are undertaking a detailed consultation on the issues it faces in relation to investment in Public services in the future with a specific focus on the report published on 21 May on the "Review of Opportunities for Public Private Partnerships in Northern Ireland".

The locations for the public consultations are as follows:

(AQW 1794/01)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): My policy is to ensure an expansion of intensive care and high dependency provision in line with the review of those services by the Chief Medical Officer in February 2000.

Is é an polasaí atá agam ná leathnú soláthar dianchúraim agus ardspleáchais ag teacht le hathbhreithniú ar na seirbhísí sin ag an Phríomh-Oifigeach Míochaine i Mí Feabhra 2000.

(AQW 3528/01)

(a) The Report of the Scottish Council on Human Bioethics concerning the morning-after pill (MAP) has been considered by the appropriate professional advisers in my Department. The new progestogen only product (brand name Levonelle 2 containing levonorgestral 0.75mg) was authorised in November 1999 following advice from the independent expert scientific advisory body, the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) who were satisfied as to the quality, safety and efficacy of the product for the intended purpose. Substantial evidence reviewed by the CSM included 2 World Health Organisation (WHO) sponsored pivotal studies. One study involving approximately 2000 women in 14 countries has been published in the Lancet (1998). The other published in Human Reproduction (1993) involved 880 women. CSM has also considered evidence from a study of the effects of self-administering emergency contraception (New England Journal of Medicine, 1998). None of this important research is referred to in the report from the Scottish Council on Bioethics.

There is considerable experience of worldwide use of levonorgestral. It has been available here and in Great Britain in other contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy products for 30 years, although only recently for emergency hormonal contraception (EHC). It has been used for emergency contraception in other parts of the world since the 1980s and between 9 and 23 million women have taken it. No major safety issues have emerged to date. The Medicines Control Agency continues to monitor the safety of the MAP and will review any potential safety issues in the light of any new evidence which may emerge.

(b) As regards guidelines on the use of the MAP, every GP here has received copies of very detailed advice on the MAP from a unit at Queen’s University, Belfast, which is funded by my Department. In addition detailed advice is also available both to Health Professionals and patients, on the website of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Faculty of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care. Patients also receive detailed notes on the use of the MAP with each supply.

(a) Rinne na comhairleoirí gairmiúla cuí sa Roinn s’agam machnamh ar an Tuairisc de chuid Chomhairle na hAlban ar Bhitheitic Dhaonna maidir leis an phiolla an mhaidin dar gcionn (MAP). Ceadaíodh an tairge nua ina raibh prógaistigin amháin (Levonelle an t-ainm branda ina bhfuil 0.75mg de levonorgestral ann) i Samhain 1999 i ndiaidh comhairle ón shainchomhlacht neamhspleách comhairleach eolaíochta, an Coiste ar Shábháilteacht Chógas (CSM) a bhí sásta faoi cháilíocht, shábháilteacht agus faoi éifeachtúlacht an tairge úsáidte don chuspóir a bhfuiltear ag súil leis. I measc na fianaise suntasaí a d’athbhreithnigh an CSM bhí 2 staidéar lárnach urraithe ag an Eagraíocht Dhomhanda Sláinte (WHO). Foilsíodh staidéar amháin in The Lancet (1998) a raibh thart ar 2000 bean páirteach ann i 14 tír. Bhí 880 bean sa cheann eile foilsithe in Human Reproduction (1993). Rinne CSM machnamh ar fhianaise ó staidéar ar iarmhairtí frithghiniúna práinní a thug na mná dóibh féin (New England Journal of Medicine, 1998). Ní dhéantar tagairt do chuid ar bith den taighde tábhachtach seo sa tuairisc ó Chomhairle na hAlban ar Bhitheitic.

Tá taithí fhairsing ann ar úsáid dhomhanda levonorgestral. Tá sé ar fáil anseo agus sa Bhreatain Mhór i dtairgí frithghiniúna agus teiripe athsholáthar hormón le 30 bliain anuas, cé nár úsáideadh é d’fhrithghiniúint hórmóin phráinneach ach le gairid (EHC). Úsáideadh é le haghaidh frithghiniúna práinní in áiteanna eile sa domhan ó bhí na 1980í ann agus ghlac idir 9 agus 23 milliún bean é. Níor tháinig mórcheisteanna sábháilteachta chun solais go nuige seo. Leanann an Ghníomhaireacht Rialaithe Cógas léi ag monatóireacht sábháilteacht MAP agus déanfar athbhreithniú ar cheisteanna féideartha sábháilteachta ag brath ar fhianaise nua a thiocfadh chun solais.

(b) Maidir le treoirlínte ar úsáid MAP fuair gach DG anseo cóipeanna de chomhairle iontach mion ar an MAP ó aonad ag Ollscoil na Banríona, Béal Feirste, a mhaoiníonn an Roinn s’agam. Ar a bharr tá comhairle mhion ar fáil do Ghairmithe Sláinte agus othair araon, ar líonláithreán an Choláiste Ríoga Lianna Ban agus Cnáimhseoirí, Dámh Pleanáil Chlainne agus Cúram Sláinte Atairgí. Faigheann othair mion-nótaí ar úsáid an MAP le gach soláthar cógais.

(AQW 3633/01)

Ms de Brún: It would not be practical to attempt to amend the Mental Health legislation on this issue alone. My Department has initiated a Review of Mental Health Policy and Legislation, which will include a review of the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 in its entirety. All relevant issues, including access to patients’ records, will be considered during that review, and any proposals to amend the legislation will be subject to consultation.

Ní bheadh sé praiticiúil iarracht a dhéanamh an reachtaíocht ar Mheabhairshláinte a leasú faoin ábhar seo amháin. Tá tús curtha ag mo Roinn le hAthbhreithiú ar Pholasaí agus Reachtaíocht Mheabhairshláinte, a chuirfidh athbhreithniú ar an Ordú um Mheabhairshláinte (Tuaisceart Éireann)1986 ina iomláine san áireamh . Déanfar measúnú i rith an athbhreithnithe sin ar gach saincheist ábharthach, lena n-áirítear rochtain ar thaifid na n-othar, agus beidh aon mholadh maidir leis an reachtaíocht a leasú faoi réir ag comhchomhairle.

(AQW 3656/01)

Ms de Brún: It is not possible to specify the financial allocation for such programmes. Funding for services for people with acquired brain injury is provided within the Physical/Sensory Programme of Care, which in 2000/2001 amounted to £48.9m.

Ní féidir an dáileadh airgid a léiriú dá leithéid de chláir. Soláthraítear maoiniú do sheirbhísí daoine a bhfuil lot inchinne faighte acu laistigh den Chlár Cúraim Fhisicigh/Chéadfaigh a raibh £48.9m san iomlán ann sa bhliain 2000/2001.

(AQW 3736/01)

Ms de Brún: There is no set ratio for the number of bowel cancer consultants per head of population.

Níl cóimheas socruithe do lianna comhairleacha ailse inne de réir líon an daonra.

(AQW 3762/01)

Ms de Brún: "Priorities for Action 2002/03" issued in April this year, requires Boards and Trusts to ensure that 75% of people receive hospital treatment within three months and that 90% receive treatment within one year. I am advised that the Western Health and Social Services Boards’ targets relating to waiting lists for ear, nose and throat operations in West Tyrone are broadly in line with this requirement.

Éilíonn "Tosaíochtaí le hAghaidh Gnímh 2002/03" eisithe in Aibreán na bliana seo, ar Bhoird agus ar Iontaobhais le cinntiú go bhfaigheann 75% de dhaoine cóireáil otharlainne laistigh de thrí mhí agus go bhfaigheann 90% de dhaoine cóireáil laistigh de bhliain amháin. Cuireadh in iúl dom go bhfuil spriocanna Bhord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Iarthair, i dtaca le liostaí feithimh d’obráidí cluaise, sróine agus scornaí, leagtha amach go ginearálta de réir an choinníll seo.

(AQW 3784/01)

Ms de Brún: The information requested is not available.

Níl fáil ar an eolas a iarradh.

(AQW 3815/01)

Ms de Brún: In the twelve-month period to 31 March 2002 the fire stations at Newtownards, Comber and Donaghadee have been backed up due to staffing shortages

Sa tréimhse dhá mhí déag go dtí 31 Márta 2002 tugadh tacaíocht do na stáisiúin dóiteáin i mBaile Nua na hArda, sa Chomar agus i nDomhnach Daoi de dheasca na heaspa oibrithe.

(AQW 3828/01)

Ms de Brún: My Department’s New TSN Action Plan for the period April 2001-March 2003 sets out some sixty targets and actions designed to improve health and health care for the benefit of the most disadvantaged people, groups and areas. These include:

• the development of a public health strategy "Investing for Health";

• launching an "Investing for Healthier Communities" grants programme and taking forward actions which focus on tackling health inequalities in identified areas of need through the work of the four Health action Zones;

• maximising the use of New Opportunities Fund for out of school childcare in areas of social need;

• providing 17 additional residential care places for children in three new homes;

• addressing the health and social well-being needs of Travellers through a community led health care programme ;

• the implementation of 15 Sure Start first round projects aimed at families with young children in disadvantaged areas;

• making available an additional £1.8 million from April 2001 for the creation of a small number of projects for pre-school children in areas of high deprivation not covered by the first round Sure Start programme.

• implementing the Drug and Alcohol Regional and Local Action Plans which target marginalized groups such as young vulnerable people, those in prison or juvenile justice centres, and parents and families of problem drug and alcohol users.

A key action in improving health care services to those in need is the implementation of systems to ensure more equitable distribution of resources to HSS Boards and guidelines to assist HSS Boards in the allocation of resources to HSS Trusts in their area.

Leagann amach Plean Gníomhaíochta ARS Nua mo Roinne seasca sprioc agus gníomh don tréimhse Aibreán 2001- Márta 2003, leagtha amach le sláinte agus le cúram sláinte a fheabhsú ar mhaithe le daoine, grúpaí agus le ceantair is mó faoi mhíbhuntáistí. Ina measc tá:

• straitéis sláinte poiblí "Infheistíocht sa tSláinte" a fhorbairt;

• clár deontas "Infheistíocht le hAghaidh Phobail níos Sláintiúla" a lainseáil agus beart a chur chun cinn a thabharfaidh go príomha faoi éagothromaíochtaí sláinte i gceantair aitheanta faoi mhíbhuntáistí trí obair na gceithre Chrios Gnímh ar Shláinte;

• úsáid an Chiste Nuadheiseanna a íosmhéadú do chúram páistí taobh amuigh den scoil i gceantair faoi mhíbhuntáistí sóisialta;

• 17 áit bhreise cúraim chónaithe do pháistí a sholáthar i dtrí theach nua;

• tabhairt faoi riachtanais shláinte agus leasa shóisialta an Lucht Taistil trí chlár cúram sláinte pobalbhunaithe;

• 15 scéim chéad bhabhta Sure Start a chur i bhfeidhm dírithe ar theaghlaigh le páistí óga a chónaíonn i gceantair faoi mhíbhuntáistí;

• £1.8 milliún breise a chur ar fáil ó Aibreán 2001 le líon beag scéimeanna a chruthú do pháistí réamhscoile i gceantair a bhfuil anás ard ann nach bhfuil clúdaithe i gclár chéad bhabhta Sure Start.

• Pleananna Réigiúnacha agus Áitiúla Gníomhaíochta a chur i bhfeidhm ar Dhrugaí agus ar Alcól a dhíreoidh ar dhreamanna imeallaithe amhail daoine óga soghonta, iad siúd i bpriosún nó in ionaid cirt agus dlí do na haosánaigh, agus tuismitheoirí agus teaghlaigh úsáideoirí drugaí agus alcóil a bhfuil fadhbanna acu.

Eochairbheart i bhfeabhsú seirbhísí cúraim sláinte dóibh siúd ar an anás is ea cur i bhfeidhm córas le cinntiú go ndáilfear acmhainní ar bhonn níos cothroime ar Bhoird SSS agus go mbeidh treoirlínte ann chun cuidiú le Boird SSS na hacmhainní a dháileadh ar Iontaobhais SSS ina gceantar.

(AQW 3829/01)

Ms de Brún: Around 475 nurses should complete their training in August this year and most have attended a Job Fair held at Queen’s University on 1^st May at which 16 Trusts were represented. In addition, 71 nurses are currently engaged in Return to Professional Practice Training and further courses are being arranged later this year to deal with waiting lists for places.

Ba chóir go gcríochnódh 475 altra a n-oiliúnt i Mí Lúnasa na bliana seo agus d’fhreastal an chuid is mó acu ar Aonach Poist ag Ollscoil na Banríona ar 1 Bealtaine ar a raibh 16 Iontaobhas ionadaithe. Ina theannta sin, tá 71 altra ar Fhilleadh ar an Chleachtas Gairmiúil agus tá cúrsaí breise le socrú níos moille sa bhliain seo le dul i ngleic le liostaí feithimh d’áiteanna.

(AQW 3830/01)

Ms de Brún: Epilepsy is a condition stemming from a variety of causes, which is treated within a number of different hospital specialties and in primary care by a range of health professionals. It is therefore not possible to specify the amount of funding used to deal with this condition, nor would it be possible to ring-fence resources for it.

Níl an t-eolas a iarradh ar fail. Is amhlaidh seo go príomha toisc gur riocht é an titimeas, a eascraíonn ó roinnt fáthanna, a gcuirtear cóir leighis air laistigh de speisialtachtaí in otharlanna éagsúla agus i bpríomhchúram ag réimse gairmithe sláinte. Toisc gur amhlaidh sin, d’fheicfinn deacrachtaí móra, gan aon bhuntáiste sóiléir, le hiarrachtaí a dhéanamh chun airgead a chur ar leataobh ar a shon sin.

(AQW 3831/01)

Ms de Brún: The information requested is not available.

Níl fáil ar an eolas a iarradh.

(AQW 3840/01)

Ms de Brún: For the year ended 31 March 2002, crews at the Fire Stations in Newtownards, Comber, Donaghadee, Ballywalter and Portaferry failed to turn out to incidents due to staff shortages and turned out with crewing levels below those specified by the Fire Authority as shown in the following table:

(AQW 3841/01)

Ms de Brún: During week commencing 27 May 2002 a countrywide advertising campaign began to attract potential recruits into the retained fire-fighter ranks. This recruitment drive will continue until adequate staffing levels are attained. The areas being particularly targeted include Newtownards, Comber, Donaghadee and Ballywalter.

Portaferry is not being targeted, as the current staffing levels there are satisfactory.

Le linn na seachtaine a thosaigh ar 27 Bealtaine 2002, thosaigh feachtas fógraíochta fud fad na tíre ag mealladh earcach ionchasach mar ghnáthchomhraiceoirí dóiteáin coinneáilte. Leanfaidh an feachtas earcaíochta seo go mbainfear amach an líon sásúil oibrithe. I measc na gceantar áirithe ar ar dhírigh sé bhí Baile Nua na hArda, An Comar, Domhnach Daoi agus Baile Bháltair.

Níltear ag díriú ar Phort an Phéire, mar go bhfuil líon na n-oibrithe ansin sásúil faoi láthair.

(AQW 3842/01)

Ms de Brún: The required staffing levels (establishment) and current availability for the fire stations listed is as follows: -

Seo a leanas líon na n-oibrithe atá de dhíth (gnáthoibrithe) agus an líon atá ar fáil faoi láthair sna stáisiúin dóiteáin: -

(AQW 3852/01)

Ms de Brún: Since April 2001 my Department has put in place a number of measures to enable us to determine the rates of hospital acquired infection here. These include the establishment of the Healthcare Infection Surveillance Centre (HISC) in November 2001 and making surveillance of MRSA bacteraemias a mandatory requirement for Trusts. Data from both these surveillance schemes will be available later this year which will establish baseline levels for hospital acquired infections against which the effectiveness of any interventions aimed at lowering the rates of these infections can be monitored. Reducing the rates of hospital acquired infections is one of the priority areas identified in my Department’s Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan (AMRAP). Board and Trusts are already taking action as recommended in the report to reduce hospital acquired infections.

My Department also initiated a hospital environmental cleanliness exercise last year, following which I have allocated £300,000 this year to a special exercise in this field. Priorities for Action 2002/03 also make reference to environmental cleanliness in hospitals and a workshop in April involving the key players from Trusts further highlighted its importance.

Ó Aibreán 2001 chuir mo Roinn roinnt beart i bhfeidhm le cur ar ár gcumas rátaí ionfhabhtaithe a tógtar san otharlann a chinntiú. Ina measc seo tá bunú Ionad Faire ar Ionfhabhtú i gCúram Sláinte(HISC) i Samhain 2001 agus faire ar MRSA bacteraemias sainriachtanach do na hIontaobhais. Beidh an dáta ón dá scéim faire ar fáil níos moille anonn sa bhliain a gheobhaidh amach bonnleibhéil d’ionfhabhtuithe a thógtar san otharlann, agus uaidh sin inar féidir monatóireacht a dhéanamh ar éifeacht idirghabhálacha ar bith a bhfuil sé mar aidhm acu rátaí na n-ionfhabhtuithe seo a ísliú. Is é ceann de na tosaíochtaí atá aimsithe i bPlean Gníomhaíochta Frithmhiocróbach mo Roinne. Tá an Bord agus na hIontaobhais i mbun gnímh cheana de réir mar a mhol an tuairisc le hionfhabhtuithe a thógtar san otharlann a laghdú.

Thionscnaigh mo Roinn cleachtadh glaineacht timpeallachta otharlann anuraidh agus ina dhiaidh chuir mé £300,000 ar leataobh maidir le cleachtadh speisialta sa réimse seo. Déanann Tosaíochtaí le haghaidh Gnímh 2002/03 tagairt do ghlaineacht timpeallachta in otharlanna agus do cheardlann in Aibreán a bhfuil na heochairpháirtithe ó Iontaobhais ann lena thábhacht a thabhairt chun solais.

(AQW 3853/01)

Ms de Brún: As already indicated in my response to AQW 1453/01 there are no reported difficulties in filling university places with students who wish to study for the medical profession.

Notwithstanding this, the specialist medical workforce is reviewed annually and the numbers in training are adjusted, resources permitting, to take account of the changing situation. In recognition of the current staffing position for the medical profession the intake of medical students was increased in 2001 from 166 to 180.

Mar a chuir mé in iúl cheana féin i mo fhreagra ar AQW 1453/01 ní raibh deacrachtaí ar bith ann i líonadh áiteanna ollscoile le mic léinn ar mian leo staidéar a dhéanamh i ngairm na míochaine.

Ina ainneoin seo, déantar athbhreithniú ar an tsainmheitheal mhíochaine go bliantúil agus coigeartaítear an líon daoine in oiliúint, de réir na n-acmhainní ar fáil, leis an riocht athraitheach a chur san áireamh. Mar aitheantas ar riocht reatha na n-oibrithe i ngairm na míochaine, méadaíodh an glacadh isteach de mhic léinn míochaine ó 166 go 180 sa bhliain 2001.

(AQW 3854/01)

Ms de Brún: The Fire Brigade applies three forms of risk assessment when fire appliances are mobilised with crewing levels of less than four per appliance.

The first aspect of risk assessment is the weekly monitoring of likely availability of personnel to crew fire appliances. This determines the need for mobilisation of a fire appliance from an adjacent Station.

The second measure is the Incident Command System, which proactively assesses the risks at incidents, for example, by maintaining up-to-date information on premises with particular risks.

The third form is a Dynamic Risk assessment undertaken by the Incident Commander when the fire appliance arrives at the incident, which determines the extent to which mobilised appliances and their crew can effectively cope.

All risk assessments take into account the safety of personnel and the operational needs at incidents.

Úsáideann an Bhriogáid Dóiteáin trí chineál measúnaithe baoil nuair a úsáidtear gléasanna dóiteáin ina bhfuil líon na foirne níos lú ná ceathrar an gléas.

Is í an chéad ghné den mheasúnú baoil monatóireacht sheachtainiúil a dhéanamh ar infhaighteacht dhochúil na foirne le dul i bhfeighil na ngléasanna dóiteáin. Cinníonn seo an gá le gléas dóiteáin a úsáid ó Stáisiún cóngarach dó.

Is í an dara gné an Córas Ordaithe Teagmhas a dhéanann measúnú proghníomhach ar na baoil ag teagmhais, mar shampla, trí eolas a choinneáil suas chun dáta ar áitribh le baoil ar leith.

Is í an tríú gné Mearmheasúnú Baoil déanta ag an Cheannasaí Teagmhais nuair a shroicheann an gléas dóiteáin an teagmhas, a chinníonn a mhéad agus is féidir leis na gléasanna in úsáid agus lena bhfoireann é a láimhseáil go héifeachtach.

Cuireann na measúnuithe baoil go léir sábháilteacht na foirne agus na riachtanais fheidhmiúla ag teagmhais san áireamh.

(AQW 3856/01)

Ms de Brún: When responding to accidents on the Belfast to Bangor Road, the Fire Brigade has potentially 18 fire appliances available to attend to incidents there. These fire appliances are drawn from 3 Belfast fire stations, as well as Holywood, Bangor and Newtownards fire stations.

All of these fire appliances are available to mobilise to the wide variety of incidents on the Belfast to Bangor Road.

Although the fire appliances at Bangor fire station are used to support the fire stations in North Down and Ards, the Fire Brigade considers that it has adequate resources to respond to incidents on the Belfast to Bangor Road.

Nuair a fhreagraíonn sí ar thimpistí ar Bhóthar Bhéal Feirste go Beannchar, tá an cumas ar an Bhriogáid Dóiteáin 18 gléas dóiteáin a bheith ar fáil acu le riar ar theagmhais ansin. Faightear na gléasanna dóiteáin seo ó 3 stáisiúin dóiteáin i mBéal Feirste, agus ó stáisiúin dóiteáin in Ard Mhic Nasca, i mBeannchar agus i mBaile Nua na hArda chomh maith.

Tá na gléasanna dóiteáin go léir ar fáil le húsáid ag réimse leathan teagmhas eagsúil ar Bhóthar Bhéal Feirste go Beannchar.

Cé go n-úsáidtear na gléasanna dóiteáin i stáisiún dóiteain Bheannchar le tacú leis na stáisiúin dóiteáin i nDún Thuaidh, agus in Aird, síleann an Bhriogáid Dóiteáin go bhfuil acmhainní go leor acu le freagairt ar theagmhais ar Bhóthar Bhéal Feirste go Beannchar.

(AQW 3859/01)

Ms de Brún: My Department has issued guidance to the HPSS on the potential dangers posed by latex allergies. An increasing number of latex free products are already in use and others being introduced to use where available.

D’eisigh mo Roinn treoir chuig na SSSP ar na contúirtí féideartha le hailléirgí laitéise. Tá líon méadaithe tairgí saor ó laitéis in úsáid agus tá tairgí eile á dtabhairt isteach nuair atá siad ar fáil.

(AQW 3861/01)

Ms de Brún: In order to claim compensation for problems arising from hospital acquired infection, patients would have to be able to establish that the hospital in question was legally liable for the patient acquiring the infection. In other words the patient would have to prove that the hospital was negligent in some way or was in breach of some statutory duty placed upon it.

Chun gur féidir cúiteamh a éileamh mar gheall ar fhadhbanna a eascraíonn ó ionfhabhtú a tógadh san otharlann, níor mhór don othar bheith ábalta a chruthú go raibh an otharlann i gceist faoi dhliteanas ar son an othair a thóg an t-ionfhabhtú. Lena chur ar dhóigh eile, bheadh ar an othar a chrúthú go ndearna an otharlann neamart ar dhóigh nó a sháraigh dualgas reachtúil éigin a cuireadh uirthi.

(AQW 3862/01)

Ms de Brún: The total cost of methadone items dispensed on Health Service prescriptions here, by Board area, in each of the last three financial years is as follows:

Seo a leanas costas iomlán na n-ábhar methadone ullmhaithe mar oidis na Seirbhíse Sláinte anseo, de réir Bordcheantair, i ngach bliain de na trí bliana deireanacha airgeadais:

(AQW 3863/01)

Ms de Brún: All hospitals are required to have an infection control policy. Earlier this year all Trusts were asked to benchmark their infection control standards against new standards developed by the Regional Advisory Committee on Communicable Disease Control. In addition my Department recently ran a regional workshop to facilitate Trusts in developing their approach in this area. Approaches to address any deficiencies are agreed jointly between Trusts, Boards and the Department. Some funding is available to assist any Trusts having difficulties in meeting the standards.

Ní mór do gach otharlann polasaí rialaithe ionfhabhtaithe a bheith acu. Iarradh ar gach Iontaobhas pointe cóimheasa a fháil dá gcaighdeáin i dtaca le caighdeáin nua a d’fhorbair an Coiste Coimhairleach Réigiúnach ar Rialú Galar Teagmhálach. Ar a bharr reáchtáil mo Roinn ceardlann Réigiúnach leis na hIontaobhais a éascú chun a gcur chuige a fhorbairt sa réimse seo. Tá cur chuige le tabhairt faoi easpaí ar bith comhaontaithe idir Iontaobhais, Boird, agus an Roinn. Tá roinnt maoinithe ar fáil chun cuidiú le hIontaobhais a bhfuil deacrachtaí acu caighdeáin a bhaint amach.

(AQW 3864/01)

Ms de Brún: At the end of 2001 my Department undertook a regional survey of infection control procedures in all Trusts here. This covered all aspects of infection control, including the existence of infection control policies and their implementation and evaluation within the Trust. Preliminary data from this survey indicates that there is a structured infection control programme in each hospital.

Ag deireadh 2001 thug mo Roinn faoi shuirbhé réigiúnach ar nósanna imeachta ar rialú ionfhabhtaithe i ngach Iontaobhas anseo. Chlúdaigh seo gach gné de rialú ionfhabhtaithe, go raibh polasaithe ann ar rialú ionfhabhtaithe, a gcur i bhfeidhm agus a meastóireacht laistigh den Iontaobhas. Tugtar le fios ón chéad dáta go bhfuil clár struchtúrtha ar rialú ionfabhtaithe i ngach otharlann.

(AQW 3873/01)

Ms de Brún: The higher employer’s national insurance contribution will increase the costs for HPSS and other employers from April 2003. I would hope that the Executive’s Budget settlement for 2003-04 will reflect that situation. In deciding how to deploy my Department’s resources for that year I will take account of the financial pressures facing all services funded from my budget.

Méadóidh ranníocaíocht árachas náisiúnta is airde an fhostóra na costais do na SSSP agus d’fhostóirí eile ó Aibreán 2003. Bheinn ag súil go léireoidh socrú Buiséid an Fheidhmiúcháin do 2003-04 an riocht seo. Nuair a bheidh mé ag déanamh cinnidh ar an dóigh le hacmhainní mo Roinne a dháileadh don bhliain sin cuirfidh mé san áireamh na brúnna airgeadais atá ar na seirbhísí go léir maoinithe ó mo bhuiséad.

(AQW 3874/01)

Ms de Brún: The numbers of paramedics employed as at 28 May 2002 in each Ambulance Service Division and the optimum numbers required are shown in the table below. The variance in the figures has arisen primarily as a result of a shortfall in the training budget. However, additional resources provided for staff training will enable the Ambulance Service to substantially address this skill mix imbalance in the current year by training 36 Emergency Medical Technicians [EMTs] as paramedics.

Tá líon na bparaimhíochaineoirí fostaithe faoi 28 Bealtaine 2002 i ngach Rannóg na Seirbhíse Otharcharr agus an líon is fearr atá de dhíth léirithe sa tábla thíos. D’eascair an difear sna figiúirí go príomha ón easnamh sa bhuiséad oiliúna. Cuirfidh na hacmhainní breise soláthraithe don fhoireann ar chumas na Seirbhíse Otharcharr áfach le tabhairt faoin éagothromaíocht seo i leibhéal na scileanna sa bhliain reatha trí 36 Teicneoir Éigeandála Míochaine [TÉManna] a oiliúint mar pharaimhíochaineoirí.

(AQW 3875/01)

Ms de Brún: Data on ambulance call outs is collected at station level. The information provided below relates to activity and performance from 1 January 2002 to 30 April 2002 at the two stations, which primarily cover the South Belfast area, Templemore Avenue and Knockbracken. The target response times for the Ambulance Service in the Eastern Health and Social Services Board area are to respond to 50% of emergency calls within 8 minutes and to respond to 95% of emergency calls within 18 minutes.

Tá dáta ar scairteanna amach otharchairr bailithe ag an staisiún. Baineann an t-eolas a soláthraíodh le gníomhaíocht agus feidhmiúchán ó 1 Eanáir 2002 go 30 Aibreán 2002 ag an dá stáisiún a chlúdaíonn ceantar Bhéal Feirste Theas, Ascaill an Teampaill Mhóir agus Knockbracken go príomha. Is é an spriocaga freagartha don tSeirbhís Otharchairr i mBordcheantar Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Oirthir ná go bhfreagrófar ar 50% de scairteanna éigeandála laistigh de 8 bomaite agus go bhfreagrófar ar 95% de scairteanna éigeandála laistigh de 18 bomaite.

(AQW 3876/01)

Ms de Brún: My Department will seek to ensure that it complies fully with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. To this end, an Information Manager has been appointed to oversee corporate Freedom of Information and Data Protection matters. This includes preparation of the Publication Scheme in time to meet the November 2002 deadline.

Féachfaidh mo Roinn chuige le cinntiú go gcomhlíonfaidh sí forálacha an Achta um Shaoirse Eolais ina n-iomlán. Leis seo a dhéanamh, ceapadh Bainisteoir Eolais le cúrsaí a bhaineann le Saoirse chorparáideach Eolais agus le Cosaint Sonraí a stiúradh. Ina measc tá ullmhú tráthúil Scéime Foilsitheoireachta roimh an spriocdháta i Samhain 2002.

(AQW 3877/01)

Ms de Brún: There are no plans currently to commission research into ADHD. The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety funds research largely through the HPSS Research & Development (R&D) fund which is managed by the Research and Development Office for the HPSS to implement the HPSS R&D strategy. In common with other NHS R&D Strategies it is neither disease specific nor disease driven.

The Research and Development Office has established a Child Health and Welfare Recognised Research Group (RRG) which has committed almost £1.8 million for research into child health and welfare. At present there are no specific research projects directly related to the question.

Níl sé beartaithe taighde ar NEAH a choimisiúnú. Maoiníonn an Roinn Sláinte, Seirbhísí Sóisialta agus Sábháilteachta Poiblí taighde den chuid is mó trí chiste Taighde agus Forbartha (T&F) na SSSP atá stiúrtha ag Oifig Taighde agus Forbartha na SSSP le straitéis T&F na SSSP a chur i bhfeidhm. Cosúil le Straitéisí T&F eile na SNS níl sí socruithe de réir sainghalair nó galair ar leith.

Bhunaigh an Oifig Taighde agus Forbartha Grúpa Aitheanta Taighde ar Shláinte agus ar Leas Páistí (GAT) a gheall £1.8 miliún do thaighde ar shláinte agus ar leas páistí. Faoi láthair, níl tionscadail taighde ar leith bainteach go díreach leis an cheist.

(AQW 3883/01)

Ms de Brún: The stability and effectiveness of placements are fundamental to the long term well being of children in care and the Programme for Government gives priority to the development, by March 2003, of a strategy to promote stability and security for looked after children through permanency planning and adoption.

Children’s Services Plans, which establish the framework for the delivery of services within each HSS Board, should include objectives and targets for securing the permanent placement of looked-after children. In addition, I plan to strengthen the range of placement options available through implementation of the Children Matter Task Force’s plans for residential care, improved recruitment and retention of foster carers and increased emphasis on adoption as a means of securing permanency.

I am committed to increasing, by March 2003, the number of residential care places by 52 above the level at July 2001 in order to reduce the short-fall in existing provision. HSS Boards and Trusts are required to consolidate and improve fostering services by meeting the Foster Care Standards relating to care planning, support for carers and management structures. With a view to having at least 4% of looked after children adopted, HSS Boards and Trusts are also required to implement the recommendations of the recent Social Services Inspectorate Reports.

Tá seasmhacht agus éifeachtacht na socruithe ríthábhachtach do leas fadtéarmach páistí i gcúram agus tugann an Clár um Rialtas tosaíocht d’fhorbairt straitéise, faoi Mhárta 2003, le seasmhacht agus sábháilteacht a chur chun cinn do pháistí faoi chúram trí phleanáil bhuan agus trí uchtú.

Ba chóir cuspóirí agus spriocanna le socrú buan a chinntiú do pháistí i gcúram bheith sna Pleananna Seirbhísí Páistí, a chumann an chreatlach do sholáthar seirbhísí laistigh de gach Bord SSS. Ina theannta sin, tá sé ar intinn agam réimse na roghanna socraithe ar fáil a neartú trí phleananna an Tascfhórsa Ní Cuma Faoi Pháistí do chúram cónaithe a chur i bhfeidhm, trí fheabhsú in earcaíocht agus i gcoinneáil feighlithe altrama agus trí níos mó béime a chur ar uchtú mar mheán le socrú buan a chinntiú.

Tá me geallta do mhéadú i líon na n-áiteanna cúraim chónaithe faoi Mhárta 2003, sin 52 áit níos mó ná an leibhéal in Iúil 2001, chun an t-easnamh sa soláthar faoi láthair a laghdú. Tá ar Bhoird agus ar Iontaobhais SSS seirbhísí altrama a neartú agus a fheabhsú trí Chaighdeáin Chúraim Altrama i dtaca le pleanáil cúraim, tacaíocht d’fheighlithe agus le struchtúir bhainistíochta a chomhlíonadh. Agus an toil ann le 4% ar a laghad de pháistí faoi chúram a uchtú, tá ar Bhoird agus ar Iontaobhais SSS moltaí Thuairiscí déanacha Fhoireann Chigireachta na Seirbhísí Sóisialta a chur i bhfeidhm chomh maith.

(AQW 3884/01)

Ms de Brún: Research is on-going to revise the funding formulae for the allocation of revenue resources to the four Health and Social Services Boards. Two of the current five projects being undertaken are scheduled for completion by end July but it will be at least the end of the year before the other projects are finished. Following completion of the research, there will be a quality assurance process, which is expected to include peer review, an Equality Impact Assessment and public consultation, before implementation can be made.

Tá taighde ag dul ar aghaidh leis na foirmlí maoinithe úsáidte le hacmhainní a dháileadh ar na ceithre Bhord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta a leasú. Tá dhá cheann de na ceithre thionscadal a bhfuiltear ag tabhairt fúthu le bheith críochnaithe faoi dheireadh mhí Iúil ach ag deireadh na bliana ar a laghad a chríochnófar na tionscadail eile. I ndiaidh chríochnú an taighde, beidh próiseas dearbhú cáilíochta ann ina mbeidh athbhreithniú ar na comhghleacaithe, Measúnú Tionchair ar Chomhionannas agus comhairliú poiblí, atáthar ag súil, sular féidir é a chur i bhfeidhm.

(AQW 3905/01)

Ms de Brún: I am aware of the difficulties with the paediatric pathology service at the Royal Victoria Hospital. I am advised that measures for providing a service across all Board areas are currently being urgently considered.

Tá na deacrachtaí leis an tseirbhís phéidiatraiceach phaiteolaíochta in Otharlann Ríoga Victeoiria ar eolas agam. Cuireadh in iúl dom go bhfuil machnamh práinneach á dhéanamh i láthair na huaire ar na bearta le seirbhís a sholáthar ar fud na mBordcheantar go léir.

(AQW 3906/01)

Ms de Brún: The business case for the provision of an Integrated Primary Health and Social Care Centre in Kilkeel was subjected to a detailed scrutiny by my Department and found to be satisfactory. As the cost of the project is above the delegated limit for DHSSPS approval, the business case was referred to the Department of Finance and Personnel, which approved it on 29 January 2002.

Rinne mo Roinn mionscrúdú ar an chás gnó do sholáthar Ionad Imeasctha Príomhchúraim agus Cúraim Shóisialta i gCill Chaoil agus chinn sí go raibh sé sásúil go leor. Mar go bhfuil costas na scéime níos mó ná an chailc thiomnaithe d’fhormheas na RSSSSP, cuireadh an cás gnó faoi bhráid na Roinne Airgeadais agus Pearsanra, a bhí a fhormheas ar 29 Eanáir 2002.

(AQW 3911/01)

Ms de Brún: My Department has had no consultation with nor received any advice directly from the University of York relating to hospital provision.

Ní raibh an Roinn s’agam i gcomhairle le, nó níl comhairle dhíreach faighte aici ó Ollscoil Eabhraic bainteach le soláthar otharlainne.

(AQW 3912/01)

Ms de Brún: This information requested is not available.

Níl fáil ar an eolas a iarradh.

(AQW 3913/01)

Ms de Brún: The number of operating theatres by hospital is provided in the table below.

Source: KH02 return

Information on the number of hours theatres are in use is not collected centrally.

Tugtar líon na n-obrádlann de réir otharlainne sa tábla thíos.

Foinse: KH02 tuairisceán

Ní bhailítear eolas go lárnach ar líon na n-uaireanta ina bhfuil obrádlanna in úsáid.

(AQW 3914/01)

Ms de Brún: Information on patients waiting for inpatient admission to the surgical specialities for quarter ending March 2002 (the latest date for which information is available) is detailed in Table 1 below.

Tá eolas ar othair ag fanacht le dul isteach sna speisialtachtaí máinliachta mar othair chónaitheacha don ráithe dar chríoch Márta 2002 (an dáta is déanaí dá bhfuil eolas ar fáil) léirithe i dTábla 1 thíos.

(AQW 3918/01)

Ms de Brún: I have considered carefully the responses received from all sources, including the professional and other bodies which responded to the pre-consultation on the Acute Hospitals Review Group report. My Department’s professional advisory groups have also provided information and advice.

Tá dianmhachnamh déanta agam ar gach freagra a fuarthas ó gach foinse, na comhlachtaí gairmiúla agus comhlachtaí eile a thug freagra ar an tuairisc réamhchomhairliúcháin an Ghrúpa Athbhreithnithe ar Ghéarotharlanna. Thug grúpaí gairmiúla comhairleacha na Roinne s’agam eolas agus comhairle chomh maith.

(AQW 3919/01)

Ms de Brún: The information requested is given in the table below:

Tugtar an t-eolas iarrtha sa tábla thíos:

(AQW 3929/01)

Ms de Brún: The information requested is not available.

Níl fáil ar an eolas a iarradh.

(AQW 3932/01)

Ms de Brún: Information is not readily available in the form requested and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Níl eolas ar fáil go réidh san fhoirm iarrtha agus ní fhéadfaí é a fháil ach ar chostas díréireach.

(AQW 3934/01)

Ms de Brún: Health Board expenditure on combating tobacco use cannot be separately identified from overall expenditure on promoting healthy lifestyles. However, the resources made available by my Department in each of the last three years to facilitate the development of comprehensive smoking cessation services in each Health Board area are as follows:

Ní féidir an t-airgead caite le tabhairt faoi thobac a scaradh ón airgead iomlán caite le stíleanna sláintiúla beatha a chur chun cinn. Seo a leanas áfach na hacmhainní curtha ar fáil ag mo Roinn i ngach bliain de na trí bliana deireanacha chun forbairt seirbhísí cuimsitheacha staonadh ó chaitheamh tobac a éascú i ngach ceantar Boird Sláinte.

(AQW 3937/01)

Ms de Brún: Information is not readily available in the form requested and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Níl eolas ar fáil go réidh san fhoirm iarrtha agus ní fhéadfaí é a fháil ach ar chostas díréireach.

(AQW 3938/01)

Ms de Brún: Whilst the incidence of delayed discharges usually peaks over a winter period it is increasingly a sign of the year round pressure on both the acute and community sector. The provisional figures for the end of March 2002 show there were 353 care managed patients remaining in hospitals after the date that they were deemed medically fit for discharge, representing a decrease of 3% from 364 at the end of February 2002. The provisional figures for March show that in the seven months from September 2001 to March 2002 the number of patients classified as delayed discharges had dropped by 104 (23%).

I have allocated additional funding of £19.1m for community care services this year. Part of that money will be invested in utilising the appropriate range of HPSS skills to support an additional 1000 people in settings in the community, which facilitate a return to independence and reduce the need for long-term residential and nursing home care. Priority is to be given to minimising delayed discharge, reducing waiting lists in the community and to the restoration of domiciliary care as a realistic alternative to institutional care.

The First Report of the Community Care Review was published on 22 April. This Report identified a range of innovative and good practice schemes in place in Trusts, designed to reduce admissions to hospital, to facilitate faster, safe discharges and to provide hospital at home services. My Department is now preparing a database of good practices accessible by Board and Trust staff to help replicate the principles of such practices across Trusts.

Cé go mbíonn líon na ndaoine scaoilte amach go mall ar a mhéad i rith tréimhse an Gheimhridh de ghnáth, is mór an comhartha é ar an bhrú ar an earnáil ghéarotharlainne agus phobail araon an bhliain ar fad. Léiríonn na figiúirí sealadacha do dheireadh mhí an Mhárta 2002 go raibh 353 othar cúramstiúrtha ag fanacht go fóill in otharlanna i ndiaidh an dáta ar fáthmheasadh iad mar folláin go leor le scaoileadh amach, is ionann sin agus laghdú 3% ó 364 othar ag deireadh mhí Feabhra 2002. Léiríonn na figiúirí sealadacha do mhí an Mhárta gur tháinig laghdú 104 (23%) i líon na n-othar rangaithe mar scaoilte amach go mall sna seacht mí ó Mheán Fómhair 2001 go Márta 2002.

Dháil mé maoiniú breise de £19.1m ar sheirbhísí cúraim phobail i mbliana. Infheisteofar cuid den airgead sin in úsáid an réimse chuí de scileanna na SSSP chun tacú le 1000 duine breise i suímh sa phobal, a éascaíonn an filleadh ar ais go neamhspleáchas agus a laghdaíonn an gá le cúram fadtéarmach cónaithe agus tí altranais. Tá tosaíocht le tabhairt d’íosmhéadú i scaoileadh amach mall, do laghdú i liostaí feithimh sa phobal agus d’aiseag cúraim baile mar rogha réadúil eile in áit cúraim institiúide.

Foilsíodh an Chéad Tuairisc den Athbhreithniú ar Chúram Pobail ar 22 Aibreán. D’aimsigh an Tuairisc seo réimse scéimeanna nuála agus dea-chleachtas i bhfeidhm in Iontaobhais, leagtha amach le glacadh isteach daoine in otharlanna a laghdú, le héascú níos gasta a dhéanamh, le daoine a scaoileadh amach go slán sábháilte agus le níos mó seirbhísí otharlann sa bhaile a sholáthar. Tá mo Roinn ag ullmhú bunachar sonraí dea-chleachtas anois is féidir le hoibrithe Boird agus Iontaobhais a úsáid chun cuidiú le prionsabail a leithéid de dhea-chleachtais a athdhéanamh ar fud na nIontaobhas.

(AQW 3969/01)

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

Níl an t-eolas ar fáil ar an dóigh iarrtha.

(AQW 3984/01)

Ms de Brún: Neither my Department nor Dr Tony Hindle has been in contact with York Health Economics Consortium about the Consortium’s Review of the Acute Hospital Review Group Report. Dr Hindle was asked to undertake a review of the material produced by the Consortium and also the material produced by Colin Stutt consulting in relation to the report " A New Acute Hospital for the South West of Northern Ireland: Report to Fermanagh District Council" in order to provide advice to the Department on the different conclusions made in these reports.

Ní raibh mo Roinn nó an Dr. Tony Hindle i dteagmhaíl le Cuibhreannas Eabhraic um Eacnamaíocht na Sláinte faoi Athbhreithniú an Chuibhreannais ar Thuairisc an Ghrúpa Athbhreithnithe ar Ghéarotharlanna. Iarradh ar an Dr. Hindle athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar na hábhair a sholáthair an Cuibhreannas agus na hábhair a sholáthair Colin Stutt a bhí i gcomhairle maidir leis an tuairisc "A New Acute Hospital for the South West of Northern Ireland: Report to Fermanagh District Council" chun comhairle a chur ar fáil don Roinn ar na tátail dheireanacha a rinneadh sna tuairiscí seo.

(AQW 4020/01)

Ms de Brún: I refer the Member to my answer to AQW 3727/01. The Eastern Health and Social Services Board receives an equitable share of the total resource available here for health and social care. It is a matter for the Board to ensure that this is distributed as equitably as possible across their population. The recent exercise makes a valuable contribution to the assessment of the current situation. As indicated previously the Board intends to bring forward proposals, in the autumn, for public consultation as to how the issue is to be addressed within its area.

Treoraím aird an Bhaill do mo fhreagra ar AQW 3727/01. Faigheann an Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta sciar cothrom de na hacmhainní ina n-iomlán atá ar fáil do shláinte agus cúram sóisialta. Is ceist í seo don Bhord le cinntiú go ndáiltear seo chomh cothrom is féidir ar fud a bpobail. Cuireann an cleachtadh ar na mallaibh go mór le measúnú na staide reatha. Mar a cuireadh in iúl roimhe tá sé mar rún ag an Bhord moltaí a thabhairt chun tosaigh, san Fhómhar, le haghaidh comhairliúcháin phoiblí le fáil amach cad é mar a thabharfar faoin cheist laistigh dá limistéar.

(AQO 1615/01)

Ms de Brún: My Department and the Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts are working with the wider statutory and voluntary sector to support people with a learning disability in accessing the services and activities they wish to use and enjoy.

I recently launched the report ‘A Fair Chance’, which records the views expressed by people with a learning disability about the services they use and how these might better address the equality of opportunity issues they face. The report has been distributed widely to health and social services and to other Departments and their agencies. This will help to inform future service development.

Tá mo Roinn agus na Boird Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta agus na hIontaobhais ag obair leis an earnáil reachtúil agus leis an earnáil dheonach le tacaíocht a thabhairt do dhaoine faoi mhíchumas le gur féidir leo teacht a bheith acu ar na seirbhísí agus ar na gníomhaíochtaí is mian leo a úsáid agus a mbaineann siad taitneamh astu.

Sheol mé an tuairisc ‘Deis Chothrom’ le déanaí a dhéanann taifead ar thuairimí daoine faoi mhíchumas faoi na seirbhísí a mbaineann siad úsáid astu agus caidé mar a d’fhéadfadh siad seo aghaidh níos fearr a thabhairt ar na ceisteanna comhdheise a mbíonn orthu déileáil leo. Cuireadh an tuairisc chuig mórán seirbhísí sláinte agus sóisialta agus chuig Ranna eile agus a ngníomhaireachtaí. Cuideoidh sé seo le heolas a chur ar fáil d’fhorbairt na seirbhíse sa todhchaí.

(AQO 1573/01)

Ms de Brún: At the end of last year a bid was made on Executive Programme Funds to allow the Kilkeel project to begin but this was unsuccessful. I have put the Kilkeel project forward again as a bid on the additional funding recently announced by the Chancellor Gordon Brown. If this is successful the development will of course be able to proceed immediately.

Ag deireadh na bliana seo caite, rinneadh tairiscint ar Chistí Chlár an Choiste Feidhmiúcháin le tús a chur le tionscadal Chill Chaoil; ach níor éirigh léi. Chuir mé tionscadal Chill Chaoil chun tosaigh arís mar thaisircint ar an mhaoiniú breise a d’fhógair Seansailéir Gordon Brown le déanaí. Má éiríonn leis, rachaidh an fhorbairt ar aghaidh láithreach, ar ndóigh.

(AQO 1587/01)

Ms de Brún: My Department, in conjunction with Boards, has taken a number of steps to reduce financial loss. These include:

• the use of pharmaceutical advisors to promote cost effective prescribing by GP’s.

• the promotion of the adoption of prescribing formularies by practices.

• the promotion of the use of less expensive generic rather than branded drugs.

• reviews of repeat prescriptions.

• the introduction of the "Managing Your Medicines" initiative in which pharmacists help to ensure individual compliance with treatment regimes.

The four Boards, together with the Central Services Agency, are also currently reviewing the prescribing payments system to reduce the potential for miscoding of items dispensed by pharmacists.

Reducing financial loss through tackling fraud is also a priority for my Department whether this is due to members of the public wrongly claiming exemption from charges or practitioners making erroneous or fraudulent claims for payment.

Steps taken to address this issue include:

• the introduction of Point of Dispensing checks by which community pharmacists indicate whether proof of eligibility for exemption from charges has been shown by individuals.

• the introduction of Fixed Penalty Charges to further deter illegitimate claims for exemption, and ultimately a criminal offence for persistent offenders.

• the establishment of a Counter Fraud Unit within the Central Services Agency to pursue cases of illegitimate claims for exemption and carry out investigation of potential fraud by practitioners.

Ghlac mo Roinn, in éineacht le Boird, roinnt céimeanna le caillteanas airgeadais a laghdú, lena n-áirítear:

• comhairleoirí cógaisíochta a úsáid le eisiúint oideas chostas-éifeachtach a chur chun cinn

• úsáid foirmlí ordaithe oideas ag cleachtais a chur chun cinn

• úsáid a bhaint as drugaí cineálacha atá níos saoire thar drugaí mairc.

• athbhreithnithe ar athoidis

• tionscnamh "Ag Bainistiú do Mhíochainí" a thabhairt isteach trína gcuidíonn poitigéirí a chinntiú go gcloítear le réimeanna cóireála.

Tá na ceithre Bord in éineacht leis an LárGhníomhaireacht Seirbhísí ag déanamh athbhreithniú faoi láthair ar an chóras íocaíochtaí dáilte leis an deis do míchódú míreanna a dháileann poitigéirí a laghdú.

Is tosaíocht i mo Roinn é laghdú a dhéanamh ar chaillteanas airgeadais tríd dhul i ngleic le calaois cé acu a thig seo ó dhaoine a bheith ag éileamh díolúintí ó mhuirir go mícheart nó lucht cleachtais a bheith ag déanamh éilimh earráideacha nó calaoiseacha maidir le híocaíochtaí.

Ar na bearta a rinneadh le haghaidh a thabhairt ar an tsaincheist seo tá:

• seiceálacha ag Pointí Dáilte trína dtaispeanánn poitigéirí pobail cé acu a thaispeáin duine go raibh cruthú aige go bhfuil sé saor ó dhíolúine.

• Muirir Phionós Socraithe a thabhairt isteach le héilimh neamhdhlisteanacha ar dhíolúintí a chosc a thuilleadh, agus sa deireadh coir coiriúil do shíorchiontóirí.

• Aonad Frith-Chalaoise a bhunú sa LárGhníomhaireacht Seirbhísí le dul sa tóir ar chásanna d’éilimh neamhdhlisteanacha ar dhíolúine agus le imscrúdú a dhéanamh ar chalaois a d’fhéadfadh a bheith ar bun ag lucht cleachtais.

(AQO 1576/01)

Ms de Brún: Having reviewed the changes announced in England, I have indicated to Executive colleagues my intention to move ahead with the existing proposals to transfer the external audit function from my Department’s Health Service Audit to the NIAO. The Department of Finance and Personnel will bring forward, in September, legislation to give effect to this change.

These new arrangements, with the audit function undertaken by a body independent of my Department, are in line with the thrust of the proposals announced by Alan Milburn.

I ndiaidh athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar na hathruithe a fógraíodh i Sasana, chuir mé in iúl do mo Chomhghleacaithe sa Choiste Fheidhmiúcháin go bhfuil sé ar intinn agam leanúint ar aghaidh le moltaí iniúchadh seachtrach a aistriú ó Iniúchóireacht Seirbhíse Sláinte mo Roinne go dtí an Oifig Iniúchóireachta. Tabharfaidh an Roinn Airgeadais agus Pearsanra reachtaíocht isteach i mí Mheán Fómhair leis an athrú seo a chur i bhfeidhm.

Tá na socruithe nua sin ar chomhchéim leis na moltaí a d’fhógair Alan Milburn; rachaidh comhlacht atá neamhspleách ar mo Roinn i mbun cúrsaí iniúchta.

(AQO 1622/01)

Ms de Brún: A preliminary assessment of the equality implications of the proposals has been carried out and deprivation indices have been reviewed in relation to the location of a new acute hospital in Fermanagh/Tyrone. Details of the equality assessment are contained in the consultation paper, Developing Better Services: Modernising Hospitals and Reforming Structures, a copy of which has been sent to all MLAs.

Rinneadh réamh-mheasúnú ar impleachtaí comhionannais na moltaí agus rinneadh athbhreithniú ar na hinnéacsanna easnaimh maidir le suíomh ospidéil ghéarmhíochaine nua i bhFear Manach/Tír Eoghain. Tá sonraí an measúnaithe chomhionannais sa pháipeár comhairliúcháin, Ag Forbairt Seirbhísí Níos Fearr: Ag Nuachóiriú Otharlann agus ag Athchóiriú Struchtúr; cuireadh cóip de seo chuig gach Comhalta Tionóil.

(AQO 1621/01)

Ms de Brún: Following discussions at the Executive, I have published a consultation paper on the way forward on the Acute Hospital Review. The consultation paper was issued on Wednesday, 12 June 2002, and the consultation period will run until 30 September. Allowing an appropriate period for an analysis of responses, it is hoped that final decisions can be reached during the course of 2002. The proposals in the consultation paper are designed to be implemented over a 10 year period.

I ndiaidh plé a dhéanamh ag an Choiste Feidhmiúcháin, d’fhoilsigh mé páipéar comhairliúcháin ar an bhealach chun tosaigh ar Athbhreithniú na nOspidéal Géarmhíochaine. Eisíodh an páipéar comhairliúcháin Dé Céadaoine 12ú Meitheamh 2002, agus leanfaidh an tréimhse chomhairliúcháin ar aghaidh go dtí an 30ú Meán Fómhair. Ag cur tréimhse chuí le haghaidh anailíse ar fhreagraí san áireamh, táthar ag súil go dtiocfar ar chinní deiridh le linn na bliana 2002. Ceapadh na moltaí sa pháipéar comhairliúcháin le go gcuirfí i bhfeidhm iad thar thréimhse 10 mbliana.

(AQO 1571/01)

Ms de Brún: Newry and Mourne Trust advises that as a result of negotiations with the owner of Wyncroft, the facility will remain open until the end of August 2002. In the meantime, the Trust has written to all families affected by the proposed closure advising them that it is actively working to secure alternative places for those who use the facility.

Tugann Iontaobhas an Iúir agus Mhúirne le fios, mar thoradh ar idirbheartaíochtaí le húinéir Wyncroft go bhfanfaidh an áisíneacht ar oscailt go dtí deireadh mhí Lúnasa 2002. Idir an dá linn, scríobh an t-Iontaobhas chuig gach teaghlach a gcuirfeadh an dúnadh beartaithe isteach orthu ag rá leo go bhfuil sé ag obair go gníomhach le áiteanna eile a fháil dóibh siúd a bhainann úsáid as an áisíneacht.

(AQO 1614/01)

Ms de Brún: The ‘Adopting Best Care’ report contains a number of recommendations to my Department, Boards and Trusts aimed at improving adoption services. In launching the report I gave a commitment that adoption services would remain high on my Department’s agenda and my officials are presently working to address how the recommendations directed at the Department might best be taken forward. The Social Services Inspectorate will be following up the inspection findings with each Board and Trust and will require Boards and Trusts to submit by 1 November 2002, a formal report to the Department outlining their progress in implementing the report’s recommendations.

Tugann an tuarascáil ‘Ag Glacadh Togha an Chúraim’ moltaí do mo Roinn, do Bhoird agus d’Iontaobhais a bhfuil sé mar aidhm acu seirbhísí ucthtaithe a fheabhsú. Agus mé ag seoladh na tuarascála, gheall mé go mbeadh tús áite ag seirbhísí uchtaithe ar chlár oibre mo Roinne; tá mo chuid feidhmeannach ag obair ar conas is fearr na moltaí a díríodh ar an Roinn a chur i bhfeidhm. Beidh Foireann Cigireachta na Seirbhísí Sóisialta ag obair ar thorthaí na cigireachta i gcomhar le gach Bord agus Iontaobhas, agus beidh sí ag iarraidh ar Bhoird agus Iontaobhais tuarascáil fhoirmiúil a chur faoi bhráid na Roinne faoin 1ú Mí na Samhna 2002, ag cur síos ar an dul chun a rinne siad maidir le moltaí na tuarsacála a chur i bhfeidhm.

(AQO 1583/01)

Ms de Brún: The comprehensive assessment by care management of an individual’s care needs should include an assessment of the person’s social, emotional and spiritual needs, together with a profile of his or her social activities, hobbies or other interests. This information enables care home staff to plan a range of activities that meets the needs and interests of residents.

Boards’ Registration and Inspection Units regularly inspect the quality of life within care homes to ensure that activities are appropriate to the needs and capacity of residents.

Nuair a dhéanann an bhainistíocht cúraim measúnú cuimsitheach ar riachtanais chúraim duine ba chóir measúnú a bheith ann ar a riachtanais shóisialta, mhothúchánacha agus spioradálta, chomh maith le cur síos ar a ghníomhaíochtaí sóisialta, caithimh aimsire agus spéiseanna eile. Cuireann sin ar chumas fhoireann an tí chúraim gníomhaíochtaí a phleanáil a fhreastalaíonn ar riachtanais agus spéiseanna na gcónaitheoirí.

Déanann Aonaid Chláraithe agus Cigireachta Bord cigireacht rialta ar cháilíocht na beatha i dtithe cúraim lena chinntiú go dtagann na gníomhaíochtaí le riachtanais agus le spéiseanna na gcónaitheoirí.

(AQO 1600/01)

Ms de Brún: The Department of Education has not consulted with me on the provision of pre-school places in terms of the health, childcare and quality of life issues. In terms of inspection arrangements for pre-school play-groups necessary under the Pre-School Education Expansion Programme, the Education and Training Inspectorate of the Department of Education inspects for the educational content of the curriculum provided, while the Health and Social Services Trusts inspect on the standards of health, childcare and quality of life issues.

The Pre-School Education Expansion Programme document Investing in Early Learning, published in 1998, was devised in consultation with a wide range of groups and individuals with an interest in pre-school education including government Departments. The Pre-School Education Expansion Programme also forms part of the wider Children First strategy which was also informed and developed through a formal consultation process in February 1999.

Ní raibh an Roinn Oideachais i gcomhairle liom faoi shláinte, cúram leanaí agus cáilíocht na beatha a sholáthar in áiteanna réamhscoile. Faoi na socruithe cigireachta do ghrúpaí súgartha réamhscoile is gá faoin Chlár Leathnaithe Oideachais Réamhscoile, déanann Cigireacht Oideachais agus Oiliúna de chuid na Roinne Oideachais cigireacht ar ábhar oideachais an churaclaim; is iad na hIontaobhais Seirbhísí Sláinte agus Sóisialta a dhéanann cigireacht ar chaighdeáin sláinte, chúram leanaí agus cáilíocht na beatha.

Chuathas i gcomhairle le cuid mhór grúpaí agus daoine ar suim leo an t-oideachas réamhscoile, Ranna Rialtais san áireamh, nuair a bhíothas ag dréachtú na cáipése Ag Infheistíocht sa Luathfhoghlaim a foilsíodh i 1998. Tá an Clár Leathnaithe Oideachais Réamhscoile ina chuid de straitéis níos leithne Páistí ar dTús; chuidigh comhairliúchán foirmiúil i mí Feabhra 1999 an straitéis seo a fhorbairt agus a chur ar an eolas.

(AQO 1619/01)

Ms de Brún: I have spoken with Micheál Martin TD, Minister for Health and Children. I have also sent him a copy of the recently published consultation paper on the way forward for acute services, ‘Developing Better Services: Modernising Hospitals and Reforming Structures’. We have agreed to meet shortly to discuss the issues involved. The matter has also been the subject of a meeting and correspondence between senior officials of my Department and the Department of Health and Children in Dublin, in relation to the potential of hospitals in Cavan and Sligo to provide services to patients from the North.

I also considered carefully the findings of the York University Health Economics Consortium. It was apparent, from the current stage of planning for hospital services in the South, that there is not sufficient certainty as to whether the relevant hospitals in the South will deliver, over the longer term, the capacity and services equivalent to those provided by the nine proposed acute hospitals in the North. Any information which emerges during the course of the consultation will be taken into consideration before reaching final decisions.

On virtually every occasion that I have spoken with Micheál Martin, issues raised touched upon acute hospital provision.

Le do chead, a Cheann Comhairle, freagróidh mé ceisteanna 7,8,18,19 le chéile mar go mbaineann siad uilig le húsáid ospidéal sa Deisceart.

Phléigh mé an t-ábhar seo le Micheál Martin TD, an tAire Sláinte agus Leanaí. Chuir mé cóip chuige fosta den pháipéar comhairliúcháin ar an bhealach chun tosaigh do ghéarsheirbhísí a foilsíodh le deireannas ‘Ag Forbairt Seirbhísí Níos Fearr: ag Nuachóiriú Otharlann agus ag Athchóiriú Struchtúr’. D’aontaíomar go mbuailfimid le chéile ar ball le plé a dhéanamh ar na hábhair seo. Bhí an t-ábhar faoi chaibidil fosta ar chruinniú agus bhí comhfhreagras air idir feidhmeannaigh shinsearacha mo Roinne agus na Roinne Sláinte agus Leanaí i mBaile Átha Cliath le fáil amach arbh fhéidir le hotharlanna i gCondae an Chabháin agus i gCondae Shligigh seirbhísí a chur ar fáil do othair ón Tuaisceart.

Rinne mé machnamh cúramach ar chinneadh Chuibhreannas Eacnamaíocht na Sláinte de chuid Ollcoil Eabhrac. Ba léir ó staid reatha pleanála do sheirbhísí ospidéil sa Deisceart go raibh amhras ann cé acu a bheadh na hotharlanna ábhartha sa Deisceart in ann acmhainneacht agus seirbhísí a sholáthar san fhadtréimhse a bheadh inchurtha leis na seirbhísí a sholáthraítear sna naoi n-otharlann géarmhíochaine sa Tuaisceart. Cuirfear cibé faisnéis a thiocfas as an chomhairliúcháin san áireamh sula nglacfar na cinntí deiridh.

Gach uair, a bheag nó a mhór, a labhair mé le Micheál Ó Máirtín, bhí baint de chineál éigin ag gach ceist a tógadh le soláthar géarotharlainne.

(AQO 1616/01)

Ms de Brún: My Department conducted a review of the scheme in November 2000. The main purpose of the review was to address the process by which Awards are made to ensure that equality of opportunity is afforded to all consultants on the basis of merit alone. The review was completed in July 2001 and a number of important changes were made to the scheme. The changes made were designed to achieve a fairer and more open and transparent system.

Negotiations on a framework for a new consultants’ contract have recently been agreed between the Health Departments, the BMA and the NHS Confederation. Within this framework, there is provision to replace the Distinction and Meritorious Service Awards with Clinical Excellence Awards.

Detailed negotiations on the introduction of, and the format and guidance for the new Clinical Excellence Awards are continuing but there is no obligation on the devolved administrations to replicate the exact scheme that will be introduced in England. As is the case in Scotland, my Department will be conducting a root and branch review of the existing scheme to consider how the proposed Clinical Excellence Awards scheme should be applied here.

Rinne mo Roinn athbhreithniú ar an scéim i mí na Samhna 2000. Ba í príomhaidhm an athbhreithnithe ná dul i gceann an phróisis trína ndéantar Dámhachtainí lena chinntiú go dtabharfar comhionannas deise do gach sainchomhairleoir ar bhonn tuilleantais amháin. Críochnaíodh an t-athbhreithniú i mí Iúil 2001 agus rinneadh roinnt athruithe tábhachtacha ar an scéim. Rinneadh na hathruithe le córas níos cothromaí agus níos oscailte a chruthú.

Le deireannas, aontaíodh caibidlí ar chreat do chonradh úr do shainchomhairleoirí idir na Ranna Sláinte, Cumann Míochaine na Breataine agus Comhcheangal na Seirbhíse Sláinte Náisiúnta. Cruthaíonn an creat seo deis Damhachtainí Oirircis Chliniciúil a chur in áit na nDamhachtainí Gradaim agus Seirbhíse Fiúntais.

Tá mionchaibidlí ag dul ar aghaidh ar fhormáid agus ar threoir do na Damhachtainí Oirircis Chliniciúil nua agus ar conas iad a thabhairt isteach, ach níl sé de fhiachaibh ar na riaracháin chineachta aithris bheacht a dhéanamh ar an scéim a thabharfar isteach i Sasana. Mar atá amhlaidh in Albain, beidh mo Roinn ag cur athbhreithniú ó bhonn aníos ar an scéim le machnamh a dhéanamh ar conas scéim bheartaithe na nDamhachtainí Oirircis Chliniciúil a thabhairt isteach anseo.

(AQW 4145/01)

Ms de Brún: My Department commissioned Dr Tony Hindle to review the reports:

• A Review of the Acute Hospitals Review Group Report: Final Report, by York Health Economics Consortium; and

• A New Acute Hospital for the South-West of Northern Ireland: Report to Fermanagh District Council, by Colin Stutt Consulting.

Copies of Dr Hindle’s review have been placed in the Assembly Library and on my Department’s Internet Website.

Choimisiúnaigh mo Roinn an Dochtúir Tony Hindle le hathbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar na tuarascálacha:

• Athbhreithniú ar Thuairisc an Ghrúpa Athbhreithnithe ar Ghéarospidéil: Tuairisc Dheiridh le Cuibhreannas Eacnamaíocht na Sláinte Eabhrac; agus

• Géarospidéal Úr do Iar-Dheisceart Thuaisceart na hÉireann: Tuairisc do Chomhairle Ceantair Fhear Manach le Colin Stutt Comhairleach.

Cuireadh cóipeanna d’athbhreithniú an Dr. Hindle i leabharlann an Tionóil agus ar Láithreán Gréasáin mo Roinne.

(AQO 1353/01)

The Minister for Regional Development (Mr P Robinson): I can assure you that my Department’s Roads Service will play its role, from an engineering point of view, in improving road safety on our rural roads and footpaths.

In this context Roads Service takes account of any road safety issue when assessing a request for the provision of a footway on any road. However, as the funds available for such works are limited, all requests for footways and other minor works proposals are assessed and prioritised in the basis of need. In assessing the priority for footway schemes consideration is given to road safety and other factors, including:

• pedestrian counts;

• traffic volumes;

• the potential for pedestrian and traffic growths;

• accident histories;

• environmental factors, for example, the presence of schools which tend to generate frequent pedestrian flows etc;

• the practicality of constructing the schemes; and

• the cost of schemes and the availability of funds.

(AQW 3750/01)

Mr P Robinson: It is estimated that leakage, or unaccounted for water, in Water Service’s Western Division is approximately 52 million litres per day. Based on the marginal operating costs of providing water, which takes account of additional expenditure such as electricity, chemicals and sludge treatment, this represents a cost of some £1.1 million per annum.

Water Service intends to invest £4 million on leakage reduction measures in the Western Divisional area over the next 4 years. The aim is to reduce leakage by 23 million litres per day and achieve the economic level of leakage by 2006.

(AQW 3792/01)

Mr P Robinson: Translink has advised that it considers that by securing and strengthening the fencing behind Dillon’s Court, Whiteabbey, it has taken all reasonable steps to prevent access to the track at this vicinity. Accordingly it has decided not to raise the fence.

(AQW 3811/01)

Mr P Robinson: Based on a combination of census and Valuation and Lands Agency information, it was estimated that some 2,300 houses in the Omagh and Strabane District Council areas were unconnected to the public water supply.

Water Service has carried out a study of these, and 3 other Council areas. Taking account of properties which are not domestic (for example outbuildings) and long-term vacant properties, it is estimated that some 2,000 houses in Omagh and Strabane District Council areas are actually not connected. Of these, some 1,800 are "deemed to be served" since there is already a watermain in the nearest public road.

Schemes to provide a public water supply to some 30 houses in the Omagh and Strabane District Council areas are presently at design or construction stage. My officials are currently in discussions with other Government Departments, and public bodies such as District Councils, with a view to developing a scheme to provide assistance to improve the water quality of those houses which will remain dependent on individual private water sources.

(AQW 3812/01)

Mr P Robinson: Translink report that 136,490 applications had been received for Senior Citizen Smartpasses by 10 June 2002, of which 134,025 had been processed and posted.

(AQW 3832/01)

Mr P Robinson: I am pleased to advise that my Department’s Roads Service issued the tender documents for the Comber Bypass scheme at the beginning of this month. It is expected that the contract for the scheme will be awarded in August and that construction work on site will commence promptly thereafter.

(AQW 3838/01)

Mr P Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service already has the statutory power, under the Road Traffic Regulation (Northern Ireland) Order 1997, to introduce residents’ parking schemes which are aimed at addressing parking problems experienced by some residents who live close to town and city centres.

Roads Service had identified a number of pilot residents’ parking schemes to test the necessary administrative and enforcement procedures involved. However, you will appreciate, that these schemes would only be of benefit to local residents if they are effectively enforced and in Northern Ireland, unlike the rest of the United Kingdom, this is solely a matter for the Police (or Traffic Wardens operating under Police control). Regrettably, during discussions on this issue, the Police indicated that they would not be able to undertake the necessary enforcement work in relation to such schemes.

Road Service has therefore begun the process to decriminalise parking offences in Northern Ireland. Decriminalised parking enforcement is operational in other regions in the UK and, when introduced in Northern Ireland, my Department, as the road authority, will become responsible for enforcing parking restrictions, including residents’ parking schemes. It is, however, likely to take several years before the necessary legislation and organisational arrangements are in place.

(AQW 3878/01)

Mr P Robinson: My Department is determined to explore the most cost effective means of investing in public services in Northern Ireland and to optimise the allocation from all available sources.

As you will be aware, the major scheme to widen the A2 Carrickfergus to Belfast Road between Shore Avenue and Island Park is not included in the current Roads Service Major Works Preparation Pool. It would therefore not be appropriate at this stage to include such a scheme in a Roads Service Reinvestment and Reform Initiative bid for the finance available over the first two years of the initiative, since only major schemes which are well advanced in stages of planning could be expected to reach construction during this period. The scheme is however amongst those being considered along with others on arterial routes for inclusion in the proposed Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan, work on which has already commenced.

I can confirm that Roads Service has made a bid for additional Reinvestment and Reform Initiative funding for the structural maintenance of the urban and rural road network and a number of resurfacing schemes on the A2 between Carrickfergus and Belfast would be among those being considered for inclusion in such a programme.

I of course recognise the importance of the A2 route for Carrickfergus. Roads Service is therefore currently undertaking a major revision of the junction between the A2 Shore Road and the Old Shore Road at Whiteabbey. The scheme, which includes the provision of anti-skid surfacing on the A2 Shore Road approaches to the junction and pedestrian crossing facilities, also incorporates pedestrian refuge islands and traffic signals in the centre of the carriageway. In addition, a scheme to resurface some ¾ mile of the A2 dual carriageway Southbound has recently commenced.

(AQW 3933/01)

Mr P Robinson: I have not been asked formally by Fermanagh District Council to consider doing so, however a similar issue has been raised with my Department by Derry City Council. As I indicated in my response on that occasion, legislation will require to be enacted by the Assembly to enable District Councils to delegate to others operational responsibility for airports.

I am prepared to consider the matter further, but must look in the first instance to the District Councils concerned to provide the policy rationale for such legislation.

(AQW 3974/01)

Mr P Robinson: I have had and taken the opportunity to comment on DFP’s draft consultation paper on the Review of Rating Policy before its publication. In addition, an official from my Department has participated in the Review of Rating Policy as a member of the DFP led steering Group established to oversee the Review. This official has had the opportunity to comment on the drafting and compilation of DFP’s consultation paper.

(AQW 3843/01)

The Minister for Social Development (Mr Dodds): The Housing Executive’s Tenants Handbook specifies that a tenant can keep one domestic pet and must ask their District Manager’s permission in circumstances where more than one pet is desired.

Where a tenant resides in a flat or maisonette and wishes to keep a pet, the District Manager would look sympathetically on such a case, where the tenant has a mental or physical disability. A District Manager may seek the opinions of other residents within the block before reaching a decision and permission would be conferred in writing. Where permission is granted, and a pet subsequently creates a nuisance, the District Manager may review the original decision.

The rules on the keeping of pets by tenants of registered Housing Associations are set out in the individual association’s tenants handbooks and/or tenancy agreements and can vary depending on the type of accommodation involved for example, general needs houses, sheltered schemes and flats. Most, but not all, associations will allow the keeping of pets. If the Member has any particular case in mind, I will be happy to have the matter investigated.

(AQW 3857/01)

Mr Dodds: I fully recognise the important role Citizens Advice Bureaux play in promoting social inclusion by providing advice to some of the most disadvantaged people in our community. I am pleased to confirm, therefore, that Citizens Advice Bureaux already receive mainstream funding through the District Councils’ Community Support Programme. This amounted to £1,092,424 in 2000-01, the latest year for which information is available. Furthermore, the Northern Ireland Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux receives mainstream funding from my Department, and in the current year this amounts to £384,216.

(AQW 3858/01)

Mr Dodds: An increase in resources was made available to Disability Living Allowance Branch and The Appeals Service during 2001-02 and 2002-03 to fund the cost of 40 additional staff to write appeals and arrange Tribunal hearings, for extra overtime working and an increased number of Tribunal hearings. The Department also consented to the appointment of additional Tribunal members. Twenty-five new members were appointed in February 2002.

As a result of these actions the time taken to process DLA appeals within the Social Security Agency has reduced from approximately 28 weeks to 12 weeks. Action is continuing with a view to further reducing this figure. The average time taken by The Appeals Service to clear the appeal upon receipt from the Social Security Agency was, on average, 22 weeks during the last year. Clearance times and the number of appeals outstanding are expected to reduce further by the end of March 2003.

(AQW 3880/01)

Mr Dodds: The Department established a project team in December 2001 to take forward the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act. It has been addressing the requirement to publish a Publication Scheme as a matter of priority. A survey of information currently published has been completed and the team is reviewing what further information might usefully be included in the Department’s scheme. An initial draft scheme has been developed and this will be completed by the end of July. It will be submitted to the Information Commissioner for approval within the timescale laid down by the Lord Chancellor’s Department. Subject to approval by the Information Commissioner, the Department is on schedule to issue its Publication Scheme on 30 November 2002.

(AQW 3881/01)

Mr Dodds: The Housing Executive is currently compiling the findings of the 2001 House Condition Survey (HCS). The HCS includes questions relating to the economic position of households. The data from the HCS is currently undergoing analysis and the preliminary results are expected to be available in the autumn with the final analysis to be completed by the end of the year.

The Socio-Economic questions, in respect of each household member, asked about their age, gender, relationship to the head of household, marital status, employment status, travel to work arrangements, illnesses, disabilities, ethnicity, earnings, benefits/tax credits, housing benefits, religion, car ownership, distance from utilities/social activity centres, and history of household accidents.

In addition the HCS will provide information on tenure and housing conditions.

(AQW 3895/01)

Mr Dodds: The programme of action referred to in the Programme for Government was not one specific and discrete intervention. Instead, it referred to a wide range of actions being taken by the Department across a number of Programmes. These actions include extra assistance to District Councils for their Community Support Programme and a new EU Programme to provide assistance to strategic support organisations. Technical assistance has been provided through Local Strategy Partnerships to help voluntary and community groups access EU funding, and the Active Community Initiative has put in place a small grants programme to help small and newly emerging groups. The Department is also working to finalise a new Outreach Programme to encourage statutory organisations to strengthen and coordinate their support for community infrastructure.

Although no specific geographic areas have yet been designated for intervention because of a lack of objective information about the location of such areas, work is in progress to identify areas characterised by the

• presence of high levels of social need;

• absence of voluntary and community organisations and tenants associations in any given area; and

• lack of funding applications emerging from a given area.

(AQW 3907/01)

Mr Dodds: From April this year just over 75,000 pensioners benefited from the increase of Minimum Income Guarantee.

(AQW 3909/01)

Mr Dodds: In 2001-02, nearly 257,000 pensioners benefited from a Winter Fuel payment and in the previous year just over 254,000 benefited.

(AQW 3920/01)

Mr Dodds: The Belfast and Londonderry strategies are being developed within the framework of the Northern Ireland Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy, which my Department aims to launch by September 2002. This strategy along with the Belfast and Londonderry strategies will place the tackling of the most acute disadvantage at the heart of all regeneration activity and seek to empower local communities to drive urban renewal initiatives in their own areas. The strategies for Belfast and Londonderry are at different stages of development and I will address each separately:

The Consultation Process for the Belfast Strategy was officially launched on 27 March 2002 and will conclude on 30 June 2002. Comments from the workshops together with written responses will then be analysed over the summer period, following which the revised Belfast strategy will be presented to the DSD’s Assembly Committee and the Executive Committee in Autumn 2002.

The Londonderry Strategy is currently being drafted and, when finalised, will allow officials to make arrangements for the consultation process to begin. My Department expects to have the draft strategy completed shortly. The normal consultation period is approximately 13 weeks, after which comments from the workshops and written responses will be analysed.