(AQO 257/02)

Reply: We expect the Review Team to make its final recommendations to the Executive by the end of 2003.

The Review is being conducted in phases. The team is currently engaged in a process of pre-consultation to inform the development of a consultation document which will be published later this year. There will then be a formal 3-month consultation period, following which the Review team will present an interim Report to the Executive in the Spring of 2003.

The next stage will be the development of a range of different models of Public Administration, which will be the subject of a further round of consultation in the Autumn of 2003, leading to the identification of a preferred model.

Through this process we hope to build a consensus for a preferred option to be presented to the Executive by the end of next year.

(AQO 265/02)

Reply: It is important for the good working of the Executive that issues to be raised with, and exchanges between, Ministers should remain confidential.

The Department of Finance and Personnel are currently carrying out a review of office accommodation and we look forward to seeing the Report.

(AQW 469/02)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): I am very aware of the concerns farmers have in relation to the level of bureaucracy that they face. I am also mindful of the various obligations I must meet arising out of EU legislation relating to, for example, the administration of various producer support regimes. I am similarly conscious of the need to account properly for the expenditure of taxpayers’ money and to address societal concerns in areas such as environmental protection and food safety. In all of this, a balance must be struck which addresses these obligations and concerns without placing an unbearable bureaucratic burden on the industry. My Department is constantly striving to ensure that this balance is properly struck, to minimise the burden where feasible and to explain more fully to producers the nature of their obligations. As an example of this work, the Integrated Administration and Control System form, which is the basis of much of our direct producer support, was greatly reduced in size and complexity this year. In addition, livestock subsidy claims now make as much use as possible of data held on the Department’s Animal and Public Health Information System database and this has simplified the operation of the Extensification and Slaughter Premium Schemes. Next year, we hope to simplify further the Slaughter Premium Scheme by availing of an EU derogation which allows us to work without claim forms. These are just some examples of our on-going efforts in this broad area and we will continue to make progress as and when opportunities arise.

(AQW 470/02)

Ms Rodgers: Responsibility for implementing EU environmental legislation lies with the Department of the Environment (DOE). However I fully appreciate that the implementation of anti-pollution and water quality legislation will have an effect on the agricultural industry as well as other economic sectors. To that end, officials from my Department and from the Department of the Environment have been working closely together to ensure that decisions on the scale and scope of implementation are based on scientific research and data. Officials have also considered the full range of practical issues associated with implementation, including the likely economic impacts on the farming community.

My Department continues to provide practical advice and training to farmers in relation to pollution prevention and good farming practice. Revised Codes of Good Agricultural Practice are being finalised to help farmers meet the requirements of impending legislation.

In addition I have secured £5.6 million from Executive Programme Funds for a targeted Farm Waste Management Scheme. The proposed Scheme is aimed at minimising farm source pollution, which is contributing to water quality problems. It will be targeted on those watercourses most severely impacted upon by agricultural pollution and will provide assistance towards the cost of building and improving waste handling and storage facilities.

I have also secured £0.9 million for a Nutrient Management Scheme. The proposed Scheme is aimed at encouraging farmers to plan the application of nutrients to their land in a systematic way with the particular objective of minimising the contribution of agriculture to the phosphate overload in soils, which is contributing to the eutrophication of fresh waters in Northern Ireland. It is likely that the Scheme will be targeted on farmers in parts of the Lough Neagh catchment.

Details of both Schemes will be announced as soon as State Aids approval from the EU Commission is obtained. Until then I am not able to give a definitive date for the opening of the Schemes or announce the first catchments to be targeted.

You should also be aware that as part of the action plan to implement the "Vision" report I have made bids for additional resources to extend the Farm Waste and Nutrient Management Schemes to help address water quality problems caused by agriculture.

(AQW 503/02)

Ms Rodgers: The following Key Targets were set for the Forest Service for 2001/2002 and performance against each one was as follows:

(AQW 522/02)

Ms Rodgers: The Department relies upon the Departmental Solicitor’s Office in respect of legal services. The procurement of other services by the Department and its Agencies are carried out either by the Procurement Service or in accordance with guidelines on tendering established by the Service which are incorporated in the Department’s Financial and Accounting Procedures Manual.

The criteria used to determine that an offer is the most economically advantageous include the period for completion or delivery, quality, aesthetic and functional characteristics, technical merit, after sales services, technical assistance and price.

(AQW 353/02)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): The Committee of Experts, appointed by the Council of Europe, will consider the UK Government’s report on the implementation of the Charter and will publish an opinion. Prior to publication the Committee of Experts will visit the UK to take evidence from a variety of sources. It is expected that the opinion will be published next year.

There will be equity of treatment for the Irish and Ulster-Scots languages. It is not, however, appropriate to use the treatment of one language as a benchmark for the treatment of another because one is not comparing like with like, in terms of actions required to sustain and celebrate individual languages.

(AQW 386/02)

Mr McGimpsey: In answering this question it is assumed that the information sought relates to the funding provided over the last three years for the cultural promotion of language.

The North/South Language Body came into operation at devolution in December 1999.

The funding provision and funding drawn down by the Language Body in the past two years and for the current year is as follows:

*January to September 2002

Funding is also available from mainstream funding programmes, for objectives other than promotion, providing applicants meet the criteria.

(AQW 413/02)

Mr McGimpsey: My Department provided funding of £9.22m in 1999/2000; £9.58m in 2000/2001; and, £10.74m in 2001/2002 to the National Museums and Galleries Northern Ireland (known as MAGNI). You may also wish to note that my Department provided funding of £0.18m in 1999/2000; £0.21m in 2000/2001; and, £0.25m in 2001/2002 to the Northern Ireland Museums Council (NIMC) to support the work of local museums.

For the purposes of comparison the funding provisions made by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport; the Arts and Creativity Industries Policy Unit of the Scottish Assembly; and, the Culture and Welsh Language Division of the National Assembly for Wales are set out in the table below.

(AQW 437/02)

Mr McGimpsey: My Department has not commissioned any research of the nature that you suggest, and there are no plans to do so in the immediate future.

However, my Department fully recognises the importance of research in general as an aid to the development of policy. Indeed, the report of the Local Museum and Heritage Review Steering Group advocated more co-ordination and consistency in research for the museum and heritage sectors, so that a reliable pool of information may be created from which all in the sectors may draw. My Department accepts this, and will take the matter forward with the report’s other recommendations.

It is therefore likely that my Department will commission research into the economic, social and educational impact of museums and galleries in the future.

(AQW 450/02)

Mr McGimpsey: I have already forwarded my congratulations to the Secretary of the Armagh County Committee of the GAA. I also intend to mark the occasion by hosting a reception in Parliament Buildings on 29 October for the Team. The Derry Team will also be invited to the reception to celebrate its victory in the Minor All Ireland Football Final.

(AQW 451/02)

Mr McGimpsey: As a Main County Ground, the Athletic Grounds in Armagh was eligible to apply for funding as follows:

Total funding awarded to the Athletic Grounds is £231,320, made up as follows:

(AQW 457/02)

Mr McGimpsey: The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure currently leases outright one of the buildings which it occupies, namely 43 Queens Avenue, Magherafelt which is occupied by five Ordnance Survey for Northern Ireland staff. These premises were surveyed for asbestos in 1996 and no asbestos based material was found.

All other buildings currently occupied by the Department, which are leased from a private landlord, are leased on our behalf by the Department of Finance and Personnel Office Accommodation Branch and they will reply to you in respect of these buildings.

(AQW 425/02)

The Minister of Education (Mr M McGuinness): In the case of teachers employed by Education and Library Boards or the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools these bodies refer details of all new teachers to PSNI for a Criminal Records Check prior to appointment. In the case of other schools the school refers details of the teacher proposed for appointment to the Department who deal with PSNI. The turnaround time for these checks is normally 5-10 working days there is no backlog.

PSNI has completed 3,460 checks for teaching and non-teaching staff in the past year.

In addition, the Department checks all newly appointed teachers against the list of teachers prohibited from teaching anywhere in the UK (List 99). List 99 checks have been carried out on 1,846 teachers during the past year and checks on all teachers appointed up to and including September 2002 are complete.

(AQW 350/02)

The Minister for Employment and Learning (Ms Hanna): Under the Education (Student Support) (Northern Ireland) Regulations, students who have previously attended a course of higher education will not generally be eligible for tuition fee support for a further course. However, there are exceptions to this rule and certain students may be entitled to support for all or part of their second course. It is a matter for the Education and Library Boards to determine students’ eligibility for support taking account of individual circumstances.

Even if a student is not eligible for fee support for a second course he/she will be eligible for a student loan and any supplementary grants that are appropriate.

The second part of the question is a matter for my ministerial colleague in the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to answer.

(AQW 361/02)

Ms Hanna: The number of full-time postgraduate students enrolled on Computer Science related subjects at each campus of the University of Ulster and at Queen’s University in 2001/02¹ are outlined in the table below:

The number of part-time postgraduate students enrolled on Computer Science related subjects at each campus of the University of Ulster and at Queen’s University in 2001/02¹ are outlined in the table below:

(AQW 376/02)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): I have impressed upon Bombardier senior management the importance of continuing investment in people skills and research and development in Belfast. For its part Invest NI seeks to influence this through selective financial support for investment in research capability and training and development which will strengthen Shorts’ position as a centre of excellence within the Bombardier group.

(AQW 426/02)

Sir Reg Empey: Both Government and the insurance industry have set up Working Groups to examine the scope for addressing present difficulties. My officials are closely involved in both; and I propose to discuss the issue again, very soon with the Economic Secretary to the Treasury.

My departmental research, which still continues, has identified a range of reasons for current difficulties, includes, inter alia, the combined impact of long-term unprofitability in the industry; the particular problems of insuring industrial diseases; the need for some level of cyclical market readjustment; the current stock market downturn and the difficulty of raising capital in these circumstances; problems with re insurance caused by September 11 disaster and increasing societal expectations and consequent litigation.

(AQW 449/02)

Sir Reg Empey: Broadband is the term used to describe a wide range of technologies that allow high-speed, always-on access to the Internet including: private circuit leased lines; asymmetric digital subscriber line (adsl); cable; satellite; and wireless. Broadband can be provided throughout Northern Ireland, albeit at a price. The provision of broadband telecommunications however is a commercial decision for telecommunication companies.

As indicated in my statement to the Assembly of 19 February 2002, to stimulate the rollout of affordable broadband services across Northern Ireland, my Department is taking forward a number of initiatives. These include support for broadband pilot actions, the development of broadband applications and services, assistance to companies wishing to take up Satellite broadband, and a range of demand stimulation actions. In addition my officials are developing a call for proposals addressing local access to broadband.

(AQW 474/02)

Sir Reg Empey: My Department has not provided grant assistance to any retail shopping centres in the Foyle Constituency. One of the criteria to be met for Selective Financial Assistance is that of National and Regional Benefit (ie the efficiency criterion). Local consumer-type service activities such as retailing will generally not satisify this criterion, particularly National Benefit, and therefore does not qualify for assistance.

(AQW 228/02)

The Minister of the Environment (Mr Nesbitt): It should be noted that there is no lift shaft at the Principal’s house. However, there is one at the left side of the rear courtyard associated with the main Union Theological College.

The approved work (ie the introduction of a lift shaft) accords with the internationally recognised principles as defined in the Burra Charter – ie

And the overall ‘package’ is seen as a reasonable balance between preservation and the need for new investment and work to secure a sustainable long-term future for this important listed building which was seen as a ‘Building at Risk’.

Planning Policy Statement, (PPS6) Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage, sets out the Department’s planning policies for the protection and conservation of archaeological remains and features of the built heritage and advises on the treatment of these issues in development plans. These planning policies outline the main criteria that the Department will employ in assessing proposals that affect the archaeological or built heritage. These policies however should not be read as the only tests of acceptability for such development proposals. In making its decisions the Department will assess proposals against all planning policies and other material considerations that are relevant to it. It is generally recognised that occasionally there will be circumstances where other material considerations may outweigh these policies.

In assessing this application Planning Service consulted Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) who, after seeking and gaining improvements to the original application for works to the listed building, accepted the scheme. EHS acknowledges that the top of the new lift shaft at the college is visible above the roof level from the principle/front view of the building, and that it introduces an asymmetrical element into an otherwise symmetrical façade. It is preferable – though not always possible – that such ‘intrusions’ should be avoided. However, efforts have been made to reduce the visual impact of the shaft and associated roofing, and aspects of the design reflect other features of the building. The lift shaft is an essential requirement to comply with Art. 19 of the Disability and Discrimination Act 1995. Policy BH 8 subsection 6.18 of PPS6 - ‘The needs of people with disabilities’ - also refers.

It is worth noting that the roof over the building remains a dominant feature and has retained its original shape, pitch, cladding and ornament. Other locations for the lift were considered but the actual location is by far the best to facilitate access for people with disabilities.

(AQW 306/02)

Mr Nesbitt: Under the Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations (NI) 1992 the display of an advertisement irrespective of whether it is fixed or mobile, is an offence unless the express consent of the Department has been granted or is deemed to be granted. In assessing whether to grant consent for an advertisement, the Department is guided by considerations of amenity and/or public safety as outlined in Policy DES 9 of ‘A Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland’. There is a general presumption against the display of advertisements in the open countryside, in order to protect the unique quality of the rural landscape.

Without express consent the display of an advertising hoarding on land alongside public roads is an offence and in assessing whether to initiate court action the Department will be guided by legal advice, the impact ofthe advertisement on visual amenity and any road safety issues identified by the Department for Regional Development’s Roads Service.

When, after such assessment, the Department considers that the advertisement is unacceptable it will normally pursue court action. On summary conviction the landowner and others are liable to fines with the potential for further daily fines. On some occasions removal can be achieved by persuasion.

In recent years the Department has successfully taken action to have a number of such advertisements removed, either through persuasion or through direct summons action through the courts and the Department will continue to take such action against this type of advertisement where considered necessary.

(AQW 387/02)

Mr Nesbitt: The budget allocation of individual district councils for cultural facilities (including cultural activities) for the period 1999/2000 to 2001/2002, is set out in the Table below.

(AQW 389/02)

Mr Nesbitt: My Department has taken up the question of requiring vehicles to show evidence of being insured, by means of a windscreen insurance disc, with the Association of British Insurers (ABI).

The ABI announced in May 2001 its intention to establish a central insurance database which would give on-line access to the police for enforcement purposes. The ABI believes that this offers the prospect of a more effective enforcement system than the display of insurance discs.

It has also to be borne in mind that a windscreen insurance disc would merely provide evidence that someone had insurance cover for the use of the vehicle at the time the disc was issued. However, UK law requires the driver to be insured, rather than the vehicle. A disc would not necessarily guarantee that the driver was insured to drive that particular vehicle or was complying with policy conditions. My officials will continue to keep all options under review, in consultation with the Department for Transport in Whitehall.

(AQW 394/02)

Mr Nesbitt: The level of fines and penalties is a reserved matter under the Northern Ireland Act 1998. In addition, the setting of fine levels for individual offences is a matter for the courts. However, I believe that strong enforcement, including the setting of appropriate fine levels has a vital part to play in getting across the message that breaches of environmental law are matters which are to be taken very seriously.

In the past, my officials have worked closely with the Northern Ireland Courts Service and the Resident Magistrates’ Association to draw attention to the seriousness of pollution incidents and to ensure that this is a factor which is taken fully into account in setting fine levels. I shall wish to see this continue.

I am also keen, where possible, to ensure that penalties in new legislation are set at a level which will act as a strong deterrent to potential offenders. To that end, I have approached the Secretary of State for consent to raise from £20,000 to £30,000 the maximum fine payable on summary conviction of offences under the Pollution Prevention and Control Bill.

(AQW 404/02)

Mr Nesbitt: My Department is currently preparing the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (BMAP). Consultants have been engaged to advise the BMAP Team on Townscape Issues and review the boundaries of the existing Conservation Areas and consider if adjustments are required. The study will also make recommendations as to whether new Conservation Areas and Areas of Townscape Character should be designated.

The boundaries of the Somerton/Chichester Park Conservation Area are already being considered as part of the plan preparation process and the Draft Plan when published will provide a means by which public opinion can be expressed on any proposed designation should any alteration be proposed. I have noted your support for extension of the Conservation Area and this will be taken into account at the appropriate time.

Following consideration of any representations submitted in response to any proposals contained in the Draft Plan, my Department will consult the Historic Buildings Council, who advise them on such proposals, and will decide on the most appropriate way to proceed.

(AQW 406/02)

Mr Nesbitt: In order to achieve the targets commissioned to the UK, a Climate Change Programme was published in November 2000.

A Northern Ireland chapter is included in the Programme. This chapter confirms Northern Ireland’s commitment to supporting the UK Climate Change Programme and outlines the measures that Northern Ireland has taken, and will continue to take, to ensure that we make as significant as possible a contribution to cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Key measures include:

Some of these are fiscal measures applied by HM Treasury to the UK as a whole. There have also been a number of UK-wide initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and work is ongoing in the corresponding NI departments in areas such as energy efficiency, alternative energy etc.

Northern Ireland only produces about 3% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. Against such a low base, substantial savings have in the past been difficult to achieve particularly in view of Northern Ireland’s unique energy profile with its traditional reliance on fossil fuels. However, the Executive’s decision last September to provide financial support for the Bord Gais Eireann/ Questar proposal to develop Northern Ireland’s gas infrastructure will also mean further savings in greenhouse gas emissions.

Work is planned by this Department to provide the basis for future-quantification of NI’s greenhouse gas emissions and the effectiveness of the steps being taken to reduce them.

I am, of course, conscious that these issues cover a wide range of inter-departmental interests and am considering establishing an inter-departmental working group to ensure a co-ordinated approach and to facilitate the monitoring of agreed policies.

(AQW 423/02)

Mr Nesbitt: District Councils are responsible under the Litter (NI) Order 1994, for clearing litter in Northern Ireland towns and countryside. My Department has no powers directly to implement a clean-up campaign for the countryside. However my Department is contributing to the clean-up of our towns and countryside in various ways. For example, my Department’s Environment and Heritage Service continues to fund Environmental Campaigns, (EnCams) a voluntary environmental body, which operates under the "Tidy Northern Ireland" logo. Its aim is to achieve a litter-free environment by working with community groups, schools, District Councils, businesses and other partners. EnCams has worked successfully with Councils in co-ordinating litter campaigns, including last years ‘Spring clean-up’ Campaign and the ‘Just Bin It’ Campaign. I have also recently supported a scheme whereby all the offices of my Department may sign up to a ‘Lets Tidy Belfast’ Charter by displaying pledge booklets and encouraging staff to sign up, or to pledge online.

My Department has also produced operational guidance on dealing with the problem of fly-tipping.

Proper waste management will also help us to address the litter problem. My Department is addressing this through the Waste Management Strategy and by assisting District Councils in the development of robust Waste Management Plans, the overall aim of which is to reduce the amount of waste produced and to manage more effectively that which is produced.

(AQW 428/02)

Mr Nesbitt: As the Member will be aware, on 7 October 2002 I made a statement to the Assembly on water quality and planning, to explain why it was necessary to hold some planning applications and to explain the agreed way forward. Copies of my statement have been distributed to all Assembly Members and have been placed in the Assembly library.

(AQW 435/02)

(a) There is no doubt that the burning of discarded tyres has the potential to impact adversely upon public and environmental health. Recent research conducted by the National Environmental Technology Centre in Didcot, England, has revealed that certain components produced during the uncontrolled combustion of waste tyres may have a carcinogenic characteristic.

In particular, Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), benzene and isocyanates are linked to cancer and are identified as by-products from open-air tyre burning.

(b) Waste tyres are extremely combustible and can cause atmospheric pollution through the release of thick clouds of sulphurous black smoke. The main constituents of this smoke are carbon, PAHs, benzene and metals. The relative concentrations of these can vary and are very site specific. In addition, I am aware that rainwater can carry potentially toxic material, produced in the burning process, into groundwater and nearby watercourses; this may have the potential to damage associated ecosytems.

(c) There is currently no legislation that specifically prevents the burning of tyres. However, District Councils have powers (under the Clean Air (NI) Order 1981) to take action against smoke emissions that are likely to be prejudicial to health or a smoke nuisance. Councils also have powers to control the illegal deposition of waste, including tyres, on land through the Pollution Control and Local Government (NI) Order 1978. In addition, the Duty of Care Regulations came into force on 1 October 2002. In enforcing these Regulations, my Department’s Environment and Heritage Service will monitor the completion of Waste Transfer Notes to try to ensure that tyres are disposed of properly.

(AQW 447/02)

Mr Nesbitt: There are no current plans to introduce legislative measures to ensure that Northern Ireland Electricity put cables underground in ‘designated areas of special control’.

In designated areas of high landscape or townscape value, for example Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty or Conservation Areas, the Department may seek the undergrounding of proposed overhead cables where considered appropriate, the main emphasis being on integration into the existing landscape/townscape

Planning Policy "Public Service & Utilities 11" of ‘The Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland’ currently provides policy guidance for the control of overhead cables. The siting of electricity power lines and other overhead cables will be controlled in terms of the visual impact on the environment, with particular attention being given to designated areas of landscape or townscape value.

Such overhead lines should be planned to:

(a) avoid areas of landscape sensitivity;

(b) avoid sites and areas of nature conservation or archaeological interest;

(c) minimise their visual intrusion;

(d) make sure that they follow the natural features of the environment; and

(e) ensure that wirescape in urban areas is kept to a minimum with preference being given to undergrounding services when appropriate.

In assessing specific proposals, advice is sought as required from specialist consultees, such as the Department’s Environment and Heritage Service.

(AQW 448/02)

Mr Nesbitt: I have invited a joint delegation from Omagh and Strabane District Councils to meet me to discuss this matter. No formal decision will be made until after that meeting.

Your objection to the proposed transfer has been noted and I will write to you again after the meeting takes place on 23 October 2002.

(AQW 465/02)

(a) Two permits to net hares have been issued by my Department’s Environment and Heritage Service, one to the Ballymena Coursing Club and one to Dungannon and District Coursing Club.

(b) The conditions applying to the two permits are listed at Annex 1.

(c) Each permit allows the taking of up to 70 hares.

(d) No hares have been returned to the wild as the meetings have not yet been held.

(e) I am satisfied that the issue of the permits complied with the Game Preservation (Amendment) Act in that they require any hares caught to be returned to their place of capture after the coursing meetings and the population of hares in Northern Ireland, or any part thereof, would not be endangered.

(AQW 475/02)

Mr Nesbitt: Responsibility for the monitoring of emissions from telecommunications masts and other apparatus does not rest with my Department. The regulation of the telecommunications industry in the United Kingdom is a matter for the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Operators of public telecommunications systems require a licence issued by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry under the Telecommunications Act 1984.

Arising from a recommendation contained in the Stewart Report (May 2000), the Radiocommunications Agency (RA), an Agency of the DTI, undertook a random survey of mobile phone base stations throughout the UK during 2001. The aim of this audit programme was to ensure that emissions from mobile phone base stations were below the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) public exposure guidelines. The initial focus of this audit was schools with base stations on their premises. Over 100 surveys have now been completed, including 6 school sites in Northern Ireland, with all measurements so far showing emissions typically to be many thousands of times below the ICNIRP guidelines. Full results are published on the RA website at www.radio.gov.uk

The RA audit programme is to be continued during 2002 and will now focus on measuring emission levels at schools and hospitals located near to a mast.

While the monitoring of emissions from telecommunications masts and other base stations is a matter for the DTI, I would advise that PPS 10 ‘Telecommunications’, requires operators to provide a statement, to accompany all planning applications for masts and other base stations declaring that when operational this will meet the ICNIRP public exposure guidelines.

(AQW 495/02)

Mr Nesbitt: I have no plans to include specific measures relating to coastal erosion within the legislation relating to Areas of Special Scientific Interest.

The Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs) Bill will apply to all ASSIs irrespective of location. It aims to provide for the better protection of ASSIs by a number of measures aimed at improving the declaration process for these valuable sites, safeguarding them from damage and ensuring their better management. This is important in coastal ASSIs where there can be instances when erosion threatens the special features of a site.

The Bill retains the existing legislative provisions that allow the Department to consider, where necessary, agreements with landowners in coastal ASSIs in order to secure the most effective management of the site, in the same way as it would for any ASSI.

(AQO 231/02)

Mr Nesbitt: I have considered the issues involved in this case and declared the application to be a major one under Article 31 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991. Consideration of the application is still at an early stage of the planning process.

The Department will be in a position to make an assessment of the proposal and to decide whether to proceed by public inquiry or by way of a Notice of Opinion (NOP) when the consultation associated with the planning and environmental impact assessment processes are complete and all the necessary information has been analysed and is available.

In taking the decision to apply Article 31, I have taken particular account of the nature and significant level of local concern expressed directly by the public in letters of objection and through locally elected representatives.

These concerns will be considered during the further processing of the application.

(AQO 255/02)

Mr Nesbitt: Sellafield is on the agenda for the meeting of the British-Irish Council (Environment Sector) to be held in Belfast on 23 October. The meeting will be informed by a discussion paper prepared by the Irish and Isle of Man Governments. This deals with a number of issues arising from the operation of the Sellafield site, including the transportation of nuclear material by sea. Subject to nomination by the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, I will take the opportunity to reflect the concerns of the Northern Ireland public on this and other Sellafield matters.

It is also worth noting that, following representations made by my predecessor, assurances were received from Whitehall Ministers that transportation of nuclear material by BNFL complies with all UK and international regulatory requirements, which are designed to minimise risks to environmental safety. Specifically, assurances were received that the safety arrangements for the transportation of nuclear material to and from Sellafield are adequate to protect public safety against any consequences of a terrorist attack or sabotage.

While I still have concerns, these are important assurances from the responsible Ministers, from which the Northern Ireland public can take some comfort.

(AQO 272/02)

Mr Nesbitt: My Department’s Agency, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland, is currently operating a pilot service that enables some customers to renew their tax discs over the telephone, paying by debit card. It is hoped that about 8,000 customers will use the service this year. At present, the service is limited to customers whose vehicles do not require MOT certificates and are insured with the Cornhill Group, which has given the Agency electronic access to its database. DVLNI is working to establish electronic links with a central database of all vehicle insurance, being developed by the Motor Insurance Information Centre, and with a database of vehicle test results being developed by my Department’s Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency.

Once these links have been established next year the telephone service will be extended to cover all straightforward renewals of tax discs. When the telephone service is fully available, the Agency plans to develop the system further to provide the service on-line through the internet.

DVTA is in the process of introducing a new computer system for booking MOT tests. The system is currently operating on a pilot basis in the Agency’s Craigavon test centre and subject to evaluation will be extended to other centres over the next few months. The introduction of the new computer system has presented a number of challenges but none of these has been uncharacteristic of a major system development.

The new booking system will provide the infrastructure necessary to support the introduction of a telephone booking service. The Agency plans to introduce this service before the end of the year. An internet booking facility is planned within two years.

(AQO 260/02)

Mr Nesbitt: The planning process allows for full public consultation on development proposals. In the case of this Crown Development application by the Department for Regional Development for a Waste Water Treatment Works, the applicant held a pre-application public exhibition of the proposals during March 2002 in Donaghadee and provided further information on the "Clean Seas" website in May 2002. Following receipt of the planning application, the proposal was advertised by my Department in the local press on 20th June 2002 and neighbours were notified during July and August 2002.

The application was accompanied by an Environmental Statement which was was re-advertised during the week ending 4th/5th July 2002 and deposited at Donaghadee and Bangor libraries, at DRD Water Service Offices, Conlig, at Planning Service HQ Special Studies Unit, Bedford House, Belfast and it can also be purchased from DRD Water Service Offices at College Street, Belfast. A total of 824 objections have been received to date. The Department will take into account all objections in the process of considering this application.

(AQO 248/02)

Mr Nesbitt: My Department has now finalised, in conjunction with the Department for Regional Development and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, a new Northern Ireland Road Safety Strategy to 2012. Subject to the agreement of the Executive Committee, I intend to publish the new Strategy early next month. The Strategy represents an integrated approach to the planning, co-ordination and delivery of the Government’s road safety activities over the next decade.

The strategy will set out the actions to be taken by the road safety agencies and will include challenging targets for reducing deaths and serious injuries on Northern Ireland’s roads. These targets will be achieved by a combination of existing, enhanced and new measures.

The new measures include actions to increase seatbelt wearing rates; to use income from fixed penalties to fund the increased deployment of safety cameras to combat excess speed and red light running; and to increase traffic calming measures.

I also propose to launch a new pedestrian road safety education campaign in November and, later in the year, to introduce a children’s traffic club for pre school children, free of charge.

As we all know, the key to reducing deaths and serious injuries on our roads lies in improved road user attitudes and behaviour. I would like to take this opportunity once again to ask all road users, but especially drivers, to act with greater care and responsibility.

(AQO 243/02)

Mr Nesbitt: As the Member will be aware, I have already attended a public meeting at which he was present, where I heard at first hand the concerns of local residents about T Mobile’s intention to erect a mast at the rear of 20 Main Street, Rathfriland.

The development relates to the installation of 4 pole mounted radio antennae at roof level on an outbuilding at this location. In addition, 2 radio equipment housing units and an access ladder are installed at ground level.

This application was submitted to the Department on 20 June 2002, and was considered under the now defunct prior approval arrangements. Prior approval was granted on 16 July 2002 within the 28 days required by the legislation in force at the time.

I am satisfied that the decision to grant prior approval was taken lawfully and I have no grounds to challenge the approval. However, because of the views expressed I have written to Crown Castle UK, agents for the operator, to urge them to continue to discuss the issues of concern with local residents.

(AQO 233/02)

Mr Nesbitt: Unlike the rest of the United Kingdom I can confirm that I have implemented the Precautionary Approach to mobile telecommunications masts in line with the recommendations of the Stewart Report.

The principal element of the precautionary approach recommended in the Stewart Report was the adoption of the much stricter International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation (ICNIRP) public exposure guidelines in lieu of the guidelines of the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB). In relation to planning controls Stewart recommended the abolition of the Prior Approval system and its replacement with a requirement for full planning permission. As you know, legislation giving effect to that recommendation was laid before the Assembly, and came into operation on 21 June 2002.

The Report does not recommend precautionary actions beyond those already implemented. It does not insist on minimum distances between new telecommunications development and existing development. Indeed, in a published clarification of issues discussed in the Report published on 13 June 2000, the Stewart Group recorded that it did not wish to recommend that there should be a particular minimum distance between a mobile phone base station and a school as there were no scientific grounds to support this approach. Nor have DHSSPS who advise me on the health implications of telecommunications development, advised such an approach.

(AQO 240/02)

Mr Nesbitt: I have not had any discussions with the Minister for Regional Development regarding the formula used to assess the need for pedestrian crossings.

Responsibility for establishing crossings for pedestrians on public roads is vested in the Department for Regional Development under Article 59 of the Road Traffic Regulation (NI) Order 1996. The formula used to determine whether a crossing should be established on a particular road is an operational matter for that Department.

My responsibility, as Minister of the Environment, for co-ordinating the road safety strategy for Northern Ireland does not extend to the operational responsibilities of the departments and agencies involved in road safety.

(AQO 235/02)

Mr Nesbitt: My Department has examined contracts that it has awarded in the 2002/2003 financial year which had a value of at least £1 million for capital contracts and £0.25 million for service contracts; these being the thresholds set by DFP Central Procurement Directorate for inclusion in the Pilot Study Programme to assist the unemployed back into work. Using these criteria, I can confirm that during the financial year 2002/2003 to date the Department’s Environment & Heritage Service awarded one service contract for 3 years at a cost of £0.45 million. This relates to receptionist services. This contract was not assessed for inclusion in the pilot project because procurement action had already been completed when the pilot project exercise was circulated.

Driver & Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland advised that during this period it awarded one capital IT contract of £1.54 million and a service contract for vehicle relicensing services of £0.27 million. Neither was assessed for inclusion in the pilot project. The IT contact was a change control or sub-contract of an existing IT contract awarded in 1999. The service contract was negotiated on a single tender basis in line with government policy to maintain post office services.

I would add that as already outlined in my answer to AQO 59/02, one contract within the Environment and Heritage Agency has been identified as meeting the criteria set for the pilot study by the Procurement Board. I expect the start date to be in November this year and the relevant details have been passed to the Procurement Project Board. I will ensure that my Department continues to attempt to identify further contracts which may meet the criteria set for the pilot study.

(AQW 431/02)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Dr Farren): The information you requested is as follows:

(a) There are 38 buildings leased by the Department of Finance and Personnel which currently contain asbestos as a component of their construction;

(b) Approximately 3,250 NICS staff are employed in these buildings; and

(c) The Department does not have a general plan to remove asbestos from its buildings.

(AQW 4/02)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): From December 1999 to March 2002, my Department has on 7 occasions initiated legal proceedings against third parties at a cost of £53,420.55 and has defended a further 25 cases at a cost of £194,356.92, giving a total expenditure of £247,777.47 (£58,381.10 in 1999/00; £52,933.87 in 2000/01 and £136,462.50 in 2001/02). The breakdown of these costs per case is as follows. Four personnel related cases were settled out of Court and hence the relevant identification has been removed.

Thionscnaigh an Roinn s’agam imeachtaí dlí in aghaidh triú páirtithe ag costas de £53,420.55 ar sheacht n-ócáid ó Nollag 1999 go Márta 2002 agus chosain sí 25 cás de bhreis ag costas de £194,356.92, ina bhfuil caiteachas iomlán de £247,777.47 ann (£58,381.10 i 1999/00; £52,933.87 i 2000/01 agus £136,462.50 i 2001/02). Seo a leanas leagan amach na gcostas de réir cáis. Socraíodh ceithre chás lasmuigh den Chúirt a bhí bainteach le pearsanra agus dá bhrí sin baineadh amach an t-ionnanú bainteach.

(AQW 341/02)

(AQW 359/02)

Ms de Brún: The number of pre-registration nursing students is based on assessments of projected workforce requirements taking into account other factors such as recruitment and retention difficulties and the resources available for commissioning and student support.

The number of training places is reviewed annually.

Tá líon na mac léinn altranais réamhchláraithe bunaithe ar mheasúnuithe ar riachtanais an fhórsa saothair tuartha ag cur fachtóirí eile san áireamh amhail deacrachtaí earcaíochta agus coinneála agus na hacmhainní atá ar fáil don choimisiúniú agus do thacaíocht mic léinn.

Déantar athbhreithniú ar líon na n-áiteanna oiliúna gach bliain.

(AQW 363/02)

Ms de Brún: I have taken no action to remove GAA banners from Armagh Fire Station.

Níor thug mé faoi ghníomh ar bith le bratacha CLG a bhaint de Stáisiún Dóiteáin Ard Mhacha.

(AQW 366/02)

Ms de Brún: Set out below are the number of malicious calls made to the Fire Service over the five year period from 1997-2001. Records are not available for calls received before 1997.

However the number of incidents actually attended as a result of these calls was significantly lower as Fire Brigade Control Room staff are trained in sophisticated call handling techniques to filter out hoax and malicious calls.

Although malicious calls to property fires to which appliances are mobilised are notified to the PSNI, there is no record of any prosecutions related to the making of these calls.

Research has indicated that the majority of malicious false alarm calls are made by males in the 10-13 age group and my Department has encouraged and supported the Fire Authority with their pioneering Fire Safety initiatives aimed at school children in this age bracket.

To date I have not made any public statements on the making of malicious calls but my officials are currently in discussions with the Fire Authority on ways that they could be reduced and hopefully eradicated.

Is é atá leagtha amach thíos ná líon na scairteanna mailíseacha a cuireadh ar an tSeirbhís Dóiteáin le linn tréimhse 5 bliain ó 1997-2001. Níl taifid ar fáil do na scairteanna a fuarthas roimh 1997.

B’ísle i bhfad líon na dteagmhas ar freastalaíodh orthu go fírinneach, áfach, mar thoradh ar na scairteanna seo de thairbhe go n-oiltear foireann Sheomra Stiúrach na Briogáide Dóiteáin i dteicníochtaí sofaisticiúla le scairteanna a láimhseáil chun scairteanna bréagacha agus mailíseacha a scagadh amach.

Cé go gcuirtear SPTÉ ar an eolas maidir le scairteanna mailíseacha amach chuig dóiteáin mhaoine ar slógadh gléasanna chucu, níl taifead ar bith ann d’ionchúiseamh ar bith a bhaineann leis na scairteanna seo.

Tugann an taighde le fios go gcuireann páistí fir san aoisghrúpa 10-13 tromlach na scairteanna bréagacha mailíseacha agus thug an Roinn s’agam spreagadh agus tacaíocht don Údarás Dóiteáin lena dtionscnaimh cheannródaíochta ar Shábháilteacht Dóiteáin a dhíríonn ar pháistí scoile san aoisghrúpa seo.

Go dtí seo ní dhearna mé ráitis phoiblí ar bith ar scairteanna mailíseacha ach tá na hoifigigh s’agam faoi láthair ag caint leis an Údarás Dóiteáin ar bhealaí a d’fhéadfadh líon na scairteanna a laghdú agus, táthar ag súil, a dhíothú.

(AQW 367/02)

Ms de Brún: Set out below are the number of false alarm calls made to the Fire Service by automatic alarm systems for the period 1999 – 2001. Records of calls received before this period are not available.

Figures for the year 2000 onwards are categorised in line with revised criteria which groups together all false alarms resulting from the activation of automatic alarm systems and does not distinguish those caused by faulty equipment.

The Fire Brigade monitors all premises from which false alarm calls activated by apparatus are received, and issues the occupants with a formal warning notice.

No charge is made by the Fire Authority for attendance at this type of call.

My Officials are currently in discussions with the Fire Authority on ways that false alarm calls could be reduced and hopefully eradicated.

Tá líon na scairteanna bréagacha a chuir córais uathoibríocha aláraim ar an tSeirbhís Dóiteáin don tréimhse 1999-2001 leagtha amach thíos. Níl taifid do scairteanna a fuarthas roimh an tréimhse seo ar fáil.

Rangaítear staitisticí don bhliain 2000 ar aghaidh de réir chritéir athbhreithnithe a chuireann na scairteanna bréagacha go léir de thoradh ar ghníomhachtú córais uathoibríocha aláraim le chéile agus nach ndéanann idirdhealú eatarthu siúd a tharlaíonn mar gheall ar threalamh lochtach.

Déanann an Bhriogáid Dóiteáin monatóireacht ar na háitribh go léir óna bhfaightear scairteanna bréagacha a ghníomhachtaigh gleasanna, agus eisíonn siad na sealbhóirí le fógra foirmiúil rabhaidh. Ní ghearrann an tÚdarás Dóiteáin costas ar bith le freastal ar an chineál scairte seo.

Tá na hOifigigh s’agam ag plé faoi láthair leis an Údarás Dóiteáin faoi na bealaí ina bhféadfadh scairteanna bréagacha a laghdú agus, táthar ag súil, iad a dhíothú.

(AQW 370/02)

Ms de Brún: The Life Start Child Development Programme was awarded £442,000 Departmental funding in the last 3 years. This is comprised of £30,000 Departmental Project Funding, £72,000 through the Early Years Development Fund and £340,000 funding awarded to local Lifestart projects through the Sure Start initiative.

Bronnadh £442,000 de mhaoiniú na Roinne ar an Chlár Forbartha Páiste Tús Saoil le 3 bliain anuas. Is é a bhí ann £30,000 de Mhaoiniú Tionscadail na Roinne, £72,000 tríd an Chiste Forbartha Túsbhlianta agus £340,000 de mhaoiniú a bronnadh ar thionscadail áitiúla Tús Saoil tríd an tionscnamh Sure Start.

(AQW 371/02)

Ms de Brún: The information requested is as follows:

Table below shows the vacant consultant posts by duration.

3 vacant posts represent 8.1% of the complement of WTE¹ consultants.

Table below shows the vacant consultant posts by duration.

6 vacant posts represent 6.7% of the complement of WTE¹ consultants.

Table below shows the vacant consultant posts by duration.

2 vacant posts represent 18.2% of the complement of WTE¹ consultants.

Table below shows the vacant consultant posts by duration.

2 vacant posts represent 15.8% of the complement of WTE¹ consultants.

Table below shows the vacant consultant posts by duration.

4 vacant posts represent 6.7% of the complement of WTE¹ consultants.

Table below shows the vacant consultant posts by duration.

1 vacant post represents 3.3% of the complement of WTE¹ consultants.

Table below shows the vacant consultant posts by duration.

4 vacant posts represent 11.7% of the complement of WTE¹ consultants.

Table below shows the vacant consultant posts by duration.

7 vacant posts represent 8.5% of the complement of WTE¹ consultants.

Table below shows the vacant consultant posts by duration.

6 vacant posts represent 4.9% of the complement of WTE¹ consultants.

Table below shows the vacant consultant posts by duration.

4 vacant posts represent 5.3% of the complement of WTE¹ consultants.

Table below shows the vacant consultant posts by duration.

8 vacant posts represent 16.7% of the complement of WTE¹ consultants.

Table below shows the vacant consultant posts by duration.

6 vacant posts represent 16.2% of the complement of WTE¹ consultants.

Table below shows the vacant consultant posts by duration.

16 vacant posts represent 8.1% of the complement of WTE¹ consultants.

¹Whole Time Equivalent

Seo a leanas an t-eolas a iarradh:

Taispeánann an tábla thíos poist fholamha comhairleach de réir tréimhse ama.

Is é atá sa 3 post folamh 8.1% de líon na gcomhairleach CLA^1.

Taispeánann an tábla thíos poist fholamha comhairleach de réir tréimhse ama.

Is é atá sa 6 post folamh 6.7% de líon na gcomhairleach CLA^1.

Taispeánann an tábla thíos poist fholamha comhairleach de réir tréimhse ama.

Is é atá sa 2 post folamh 18.2% de líon na gcomhairleach CLA^1.

Taispeánann an tábla thíos poist fholamha comhairleach de réir tréimhse ama.

Is é atá sa 2 post folamh 15.8% de líon na gcomhairleach CLA^1.

Taispeánann an tábla thíos poist fholamha comhairleach de réir tréimhse ama.

Is é atá sa 4 post folamh 6.7% de líon na gcomhairleach CLA^1.

Taispeánann an tábla thíos poist fholamha comhairleach de réir tréimhse ama.

Is é atá sa 1 post folamh 3.3% de líon na gcomhairleach CLA^1.

Taispeánann an tábla thíos poist fholamha comhairleach de réir tréimhse ama.

Is é atá sa 4 post folamh 11.7% de líon na gcomhairleach CLA^1.

Taispeánann an tábla thíos poist fholamha comhairleach de réir tréimhse ama.

Is é atá sa 7 post folamh 8.5% de líon na gcomhairleach CLA^1.

Taispeánann an tábla thíos poist fholamha comhairleach de réir tréimhse ama.

Is é atá sa 6 post folamh 4.9% de líon na gcomhairleach CLA^1.

Taispeánann an tábla thíos poist fholamha comhairleach de réir tréimhse ama.

Is é atá sa 4 post folamh 5.3% de líon na gcomhairleach CLA^1.

Taispeánann an tábla thíos poist fholamha comhairleach de réir tréimhse ama.

Is é atá san 8 post folamh 16.7% de líon na gcomhairleach CLA^1.

Taispeánann an tábla thíos poist fholamha comhairleach de réir tréimhse ama.

Is é atá sa 6 post folamh 16.2% de líon na gcomhairleach CLA^1.

Taispeánann an tábla thíos poist fholamha comhairleach de réir tréimhse ama.

Is é atá sna 16 post folamh 8.1% de líon na gcomhairleach CLA^1.

¹ Coibhéis Lánaimseartha

(AQW 373/02)

Ms de Brún: Set out below are the number of false alarms each of the Fire Brigade’s Area Commands has received in the three years up to 2001, and the total as a percentage of the overall calls for each year.

Is é atá leagtha amach thíos ná líon na scairteanna bréagacha a fuair gach Ceannas Ceantair na Briogáide Dóiteáin ar feadh trí bliana go dtí 2001, agus an t-iomlán mar chéatadán de na scairteanna san iomlán do gach bliain.

(AQW 374/02)

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

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

(AQW 382/02)

Ms de Brún: The information requested is not available.

Níl fáil ar an eolas a iarradh.

(AQW 400/02)

Ms de Brún: There are eight buildings leased by my Department. All eight contain asbestos as a component of their construction. These buildings are occupied by 114 staff. My Department is following Health and Safety Executive advice concerning the management of asbestos in that, where possible, the asbestos is left undisturbed and its presence managed until such time as it can be safely removed during refurbishment or demolition.

Tá ocht bhfoirgneamh léasaithe ag an Roinn s’agam. Tá aispeist san ochtar acu mar chomhpháirt dá dtógáil. Tá 114 ball foirne sna forgnimh seo. Tá an Roinn s’agam ag leanúint comhairle an Choiste Feidhmiúcháin Sláinte agus Sábháilteachta maidir le bainistíocht na haispeiste, is é sin, áit ar bith is féidir, fágtar an aispeist neamhchorraithe agus déantar a láithreacht a bhainistiú go dtí gur féidir í a bhaint amach go sábhailte le linn athchóirithe nó treascartha.

(AQW 405/02)

Ms de Brún: The Mencap Report was produced in response to the English White Paper "Valuing People". My Department was neither consulted nor involved in the Report’s production. However, my Department has considered the report and its findings will be used to inform future policy and service development for people with a learning disability.

Táirgeadh an Tuairisc Mencap mar fhreagairt ar Pháipéar Bhán Shasana "Valuing People". Ní dheachthas i gcomhairle leis an Roinn s’agam agus ní raibh baint ag an Roinn s’agam ach oiread le táirgeadh na Tuairisce. Rinne an Roinn s’agam machnamh ar an tuairisc, áfach, agus bainfear úsáid as a torthaí le forbairt polasaí agus seirbhíse amach anseo a chur ar an eolas i dtaca le daoine le míchumas foghlama de.

(AQW 412/02)

Ms de Brún: I recognise the importance of early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and that it can be hard to make a definitive diagnosis at first as it often develops gradually. I think that this is a matter best dealt with by ensuring that health professionals, particularly general practitioners, have a high level of awareness of the symptoms and signs of the illness in its early stages so that they can undertake appropriate investigation.

My Department will write to the Post Graduate Council for Medical and Dental Education to ensure that diagnosis and management of the disease is properly covered in General Practitioner training and refresher programmes.

Aithním an tábhacht a shiúlann le diagnóis luath airtrítis réamatóidigh agus go dtig leis a bheith deacair diagnóis chinnte a dhéanamh ar dtús mar is minic a fhorbraíonn sé de réir a chéile. Creidim gur fearr déileáil leis an cheist seo trí chinntiú go bhfuil leibhéal ard feasachta i measc gairmithe sláinte, gnáthdhoctúirí go háirithe, maidir le hairíonna agus le comharthaí an tinnis ina chéimeanna luatha le go dtig leo imscrúdú cuí a dhéanamh.

Scríobhfaidh an Roinn s’agam chuig an Chomhairle Iarchéime d’Oideachas Míochaine agus Fiaclóireachta le cinntiú go gclúdaítear mar is ceart diagnóis agus bainistíocht an ghalair in oiliúint Ghnáthdhoctúir agus i gcláir athnuachana.

(AQW 414/02)

Ms de Brún: I remain committed to securing effective treatment for all patients, including those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. I have recently allocated a further £3m to Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts for costly hospital drugs, including those specifically licensed for the treatment of this condition.

I also refer the Member to my answers to AQW 65/02 and to AQW 412/02.

Tá mé go fóill geallta le cóireáil éifeachtach do gach othar a dhaingniú, mar aon leo siúd a bhfuil airtiríteas réamhatóideach orthu. Dháil mé £3m breise ar Bhoird agus ar Iontaobhais Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta do dhrugaí otharlainne costasacha le gairid, mar aon leis na drúgaí úd atá ceadúnaithe go sainiúil le haghaidh cóireála ar an riocht seo.

Atreoraím an Comhalta chuig mo fhreagraí ar AQW 65/02 agus ar AQW 412/02.

(AQW 417/02)

Ms de Brún: No fire-fighters were injured whilst attending calls related to 12th July bonfires.

Ní gortaíodh comhraiceoirí dóiteáin ar bith agus iad ag freastal ar scairteanna a bhain le tinte cnámh ar an 12 ^{ú Iúil.}

(AQW 421/02)

Ms de Brún: Since the Abortion Act 1967 does not extend here, the deliberate termination of a pregnancy is not permitted here except where continuation of the pregnancy would put the life or health of the mother at serious risk.

The abortifacient drug mifepristone (sometimes referred to as RU486) is available, but its use is permitted here only for treatment when the fetus has died in the uterus. It is not used in the community and should only be prescribed by obstetricians for this licensed indication.

Cionn is nach mbaineann an tAcht Ginmhillte 1967 leis an áit seo, ní cheadaítear ginmhilleadh réamhbheartaithe anseo ach amháin nuair a d’fhéadfadh go gcuirfeadh leanúint an toirchis saol nó sláinte na máthar i mbaol tromchúiseach.

Tá an druga ginmhillteach mifipriostón (RU486 a thugtar air in amanna) ar fáil, ach ní cheadaítear anseo é ach don chóireáil nuair a fhaigheann an féatas bás sa bhroinn. Ní bhaintear úsáid as sa phobal agus níor chóir dó a bheith ordaithe ach ag lianna ban don chomhartha ceadúnaithe seo.

(AQW 432/02)

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

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

(AQW 436/02)

Ms de Brún: Staff recruitment is the responsibility of individual Health and Social Services Trusts, taking into account the service needs and available resources, and detailed recruitment information is not available centrally.

Is freagracht de chuid na nIontaobhas Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta earcaíocht foirne, ag cur riachtanais seirbhíse agus acmhainní atá ar fáil san áireamh, agus níl sonraí ar líon na ndaoine atá fostaithe nó atá beartaithe le bheith fostaithe ar fáil go lárnach.

(AQW 443/02)

Ms de Brún: Longer-term funding decisions are being taken by the Executive as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review process which will be completed in December of this year. Future plans for individual schemes, such as the Sure Start programme, will then be settled in the light of the overall budget allocated to my Department.

Tá an Coiste Feidhimiúcháin ag déanamh cinní maoinithe níos fadtéarmaí mar chuid den phróiseas Athbhreithnithe Chuimsithigh ar Chaiteachas a bheidh curtha i gcrích i Nollaig na bliana seo. Socrófar ansin pleananna amach anseo do scéimeanna aonair, mar shampla an clár Sure Start, agus an buiséad iomlán dáilte ar an Roinn s’agam.

(AQW 444/02)

Ms de Brún: The ‘Health Deprivation and Disability Domain’ of the Noble suite of deprivation indicators, published by the Statistics and Research Agency in July 2001, shows that Shaftesbury ward has the 6th highest level of health deprivation out of the 566 electoral wards here. This high relative level of need is confirmed by my Department’s own research into health and social care needs for the purposes of resource allocation. This work shows that ranked on an overall index of need, Shaftesbury ward is ranked as the 13th most disadvantaged ward. The high level of need in Shaftesbury ward, and other similarly needy wards within the Eastern Board, is fully taken into account in my Department’s main resource allocation formula.

Childcare provision in the Shaftesbury ward area for 0 – 3 year olds is provided through Inner City South Sure Start project in Sandy Row Community Forum, Donegal Pass Community Forum and Markets Community Forum. There are 2 Parent and Toddler groups provided in Friendship House and Markets. Nursery school provision is available in Blythe Field, Arellian and St Malachys and after school provision at Sandy Row Community Forum.

Léiríonn ‘An Réimse Díothacht Sláinte agus Míchumais’ den tsraith tascáirí díothacha de chuid Noble, a d’fhoilsigh an Ghníomhaireacht Staitisticí agus Taighde in Iúil 2001, go bhfuil an 6ú leibhéal is airde de dhíothacht sláinte ag toghbharda Shaftesbury as 566 toghbharda anseo. Dearbhaíonn taighde na Roinne s’agam féin ar riachtanais sláinte agus cúraim shóisialta le haghaidh dáileadh acmhainne an leibhéal coibhéiseach ard riachtanais seo. Léiríonn an obair seo ar innéacs iomlán grádaithe riachtanas go bhfuil toghbarda Shaftesbury ar an 13ú ^barda is mó faoi mhíbhuntáiste. Tá an leibhéal ard riachtanas i dtoghbharda Shaftesbury, agus i dtoghbhardaí eile cosúil leis ar an ghannchuid laistigh de Bhord an Oirthir, curtha san áireamh i bpríomhfhoirmle dáilte acmhainne na Roinne s’agam.

Soláthraítear soláthar cúram páiste i dtoghcheantar Shaftesbury do pháistí 0-3 bliain d’aois trí thionscadal Sure Start Lár na Cathrach Theas i bhFóram Pobail Sandy Row, i bhFóram Pobail Donegal Pass agus i bhFóram Pobail na Margaí. Soláthraítear 2 grúpa Tuismitheoirí agus Tachráin i dTeach Cairdis agus sna Margaí. Tá soláthar naíscoile ar fáil in Blythe Field, in Arellian agus i scoil Naomh Maoileachlainn agus tá soláthar iarscoile i bhFóram Pobail Sandy Row.

(AQW 452/02)

Ms de Brún: Within the last four years, no nursing staff at the Tyrone & Fermanagh Hospital have been on full time secondment to courses external to the Trust.

Le ceithre bliana anuas, ní raibh ball foirne altranais ar bith in Otharlann Thír Eoghain & Fhear Manach ar iasacht lánaimseartha chuig chúrsaí lasmuigh den Iaontaobhas

(AQW 453/02)

Ms de Brún: The information requested is as follows:

Is é a leanann ná an t-eolas a iarradh:

(AQW 454/02)

Ms de Brún: The information requested is as follows:

Is é a leanann an t-eolas a iarradh:

(AQW 455/02)

Ms de Brún: The information requested is as follows:

Is é a leanann ná an t-eolas a iarradh:

(AQW 456/02)

Ms de Brún: The information requested is as follows:

Is é a leanann ná an t-eolas a iarradh:

(AQW 459/02)

Ms de Brún:

(a) Number of Women from Great Britain who have given birth at hospitals here, 1998-2001

(b) Number of Women from the South of Ireland* who have given birth at hospitals here, 1998-2001

Data supplied by EHSSB includes women from the South of Ireland and overseas.

(a) Líon na mBan ón Bhreatain Mhór a rugadh naíonán dóibh in otharlanna anseo, 1998-2001.

(b) Líon na mBan ó Dheisceart na hÉireann* a rugadh naíonán dóibh in otharlanna anseo, 1998-2001.

* Is é a chuirtear san áireamh le sonraí a sholáthraíonn BSSS an Oirthir mná ó Dheisceart na hÉireann agus ó thíortha thar lear.

(AQW 460/02)

Ms de Brún: The information requested is not available.

Níl fáil ar an eolas a iarradh.

(AQW 462/02)

Ms de Brún: The Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults Bill is currently before the Assembly for consideration. It is proposed at this stage that the detail of the system of accreditation proposed in the Bill, including costs, will be set out in guidance and regulations. These will be the subject of widespread public consultation and at this stage it is not possible to give an undertaking as to additional funding to organisations to cover costs.

Tá an Bille um Chosaint Páistí agus Aosach Soghonta faoi bhráid an Tionóil faoi láthair lena mhachnamh a dhéanamh air. Moltar ag an phointe seo go leagfar amach mionsonraí an chórais chreidiúnaithe molta sa Bhille, costais curtha san áireamh, i dtreoir agus i rialacháin. Cuirfear iad seo faoi chomhairliúchán forleathan poiblí agus ag an phointe seo ní féidir gealltanas a thabhairt maidir le maoiniú breise d’eagraíochtaí le costais a chlúdach.

(AQW 463/02)

Ms de Brún: It is intended that the system of accreditation proposed in the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults Bill, which is currently before the Assembly, will promote and encourage good child protection practice within organisations working with children. Organisations seeking accreditation will be required to demonstrate that arrangements are such that the protection of children in their care is maximised. This will include a requirement to carry out checks on those to whom they plan to offer posts and to refer those considered unsuitable to work with children for inclusion in the statutory list which will be held by my Department.

(AQW 464/02)

Ms de Brún: A decision on the charges which may be imposed both for carrying out checks against the statutory lists and for accreditation, has yet to be taken. Before the introduction charges of any kind related to the implementation of the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults Bill, I intend to consult widely.

Ní dhearna cinneadh go fóill ar na costais a d’fhéadfadh a bheith forchurtha ar sheiceáil a dhéanamh leis na liostaí reachtúla ná ar chreidiúnú. Sula dtugtar costais de chinéal ar bith isteach maidir le cur i bhfeidhm an Bhille um Chosaint Páistí agus Aosach Soghonta, tá sé beartaithe agam dul i gcomhairle go forleathan.

(AQW 466/02)

Ms de Brún: Since 1999, the Cancer Registry has investigated nine alleged cancer clusters, with another investigation currently ongoing. None of the nine alleged clusters were found to have significantly high levels of cancer. The details of the investigations are listed below.

2. Glynn Village, Co. Antrim – April 2000. Brought about by a report in a local Sunday newspaper and a request by Councillors to investigate. Conclusions were that Glynn did not have statistically significant higher rates than the population as a whole, nor was there an apparent significant increasing trend in the rates.

3. District Council – May 2000. Local GP asked for information relating to cancer in his area. The levels of cancer were not significantly high.

4. District Council – October 2000. The Ulster Cancer Foundation asked if there were higher rates of cancer incidence in a particular district council. None were found.

5. Kilroot/ Grangemouth oil refinery – March 2001. Alleged in media that the refinery contributes to cancer incidence here. Findings indicated that there was no evidence of the reported "corridor" of higher cancer levels between Belfast and Newry, and that industrial air pollution is more likely to case asthma and chronic pulmonary disease rather than cancer.

6. Breast Cancer amongst teachers in a small school – August 2001. Investigation raised through the Health and Social Services Board. No significant findings.

7. Electoral Ward – March 2002. Investigation of alleged high levels of cancer in the Newtownbutler area. Upon examination of both the cancer incidence and mortality rates, Newtownbutler did not appear to have statistically significant higher rates than the general population, nor was there an apparent significant increasing trend in the rates.

8. District Council – May 2002. Asked by a company to investigate if there were high levels of childhood cancer being registered in its surrounding area, as had been reported in local paper. The rates in the surrounding district councils were not significantly higher than in the general population and there was no significant increasing trend in the rates with time.

9. District Council – June 2002. Raised by a member of the public through the Department to investigate if the levels of breast cancer were high in their district council. The rates were not significantly higher than in the general population.

10. Cancer in the workplace – September 2002. Investigation ongoing.

Ó 1999, d’imscrúdaigh an Chlárlann Ailse naoi mbraisle ailse líomhnaithe agus tá imscrúdú eile idir lámha faoi láthair. Níor thángthas ar leibhéal iontach ard ailse i ceann ar bith de na naoi mbraisle líomhnaithe. Tá sonraí na n-imscrúduithe liostaithe thíos.

2. Sráidbhaile an Ghleanna, Co. Aontroma – Aibreán 2000. Déanta mar gheall ar thuairisc i nuachtán áitiúil an Domhnaigh agus ar iarratas Comhairleoirí le himscrúdú a dhéanamh. Ba iad na torthaí nach raibh rátaí staitisticí níos airde ar bhonn suntasach ag an Ghleann ná ag an phobal san iomlán, níor léir go raibh méadú suntasach treochta ar bith sna rátaí ach oiread.

3. Comhairle Ceantair – Bealtaine 2000. D’iarr gnáthdhochtúir áitiúil eolas ag baint le hailse ina cheantar. Ní raibh leibhéil ailse iontach ard.

4. Comhairle Ceantair – Deireadh Fómhair 2000. D’fhiafraigh Foras Ailse Uladh an raibh rátaí níos airde de mhinicíocht ailse i gcomhairle ceantair ar leith. Níor thángthas ar cheann ar bith.

5. Scaglann Ola Kilroot/Grangemouth – Márta 2001. Bhí sé líomhnaithe sna meáin go gcuireann scaglann le minicíocht ailse anseo. Léirigh cinneadh nach raibh fianaise ar bith ann don "phasáiste" tuairiscithe de leibhéil níos airde ailse idir Béal Feirste agus an tIúr, agus gur dócha go mbeadh plúchadh nó galar ainsealach na scamhóg de thoradh ar thruailliú aeir tionsclaíoch ná ailse.

6. Ailse Chíche i measc múinteoirí i scoil bheag – Lúnasa 2001. Cuireadh an t-imscrúdú i bhfeidhm tríd an Bhord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta. Níor thángthas ar chinneadh suntasach ar bith.

7. Toghbharda – Márta 2002. Imscrúdú ar leibhéil arda ailse líomhnaithe i gceantar An Bhaile Nua. Ar scrúdú minicíocht ailse agus rátaí báis, níor chósúil go raibh rátaí staitisticí níos airde ar bhonn suntasach ag an Bhaile Nua ná mar a bhí sa phobal mhór, ná gur cosúil go raibh an treocht ag méadú sna rátaí ar bhonn suntasach.

8. Comhairle Ceantair – Bealtaine2002. D’iarr cuideachta imscrúdú le fail amach an raibh leibhéil arda ailse leanaí á clárú sa timpeallacht máguaird, mar a bhí tuairiscthe sa pháipéar áitiúil. Ní raibh na rátaí sna comhairlí ceantair máguaird níos airde ar bhonn suntasach ná mar atá sa phobal mhór agus ní raibh an treocht sna rátaí ag méadú go suntasach le himeacht aimsire.

9. Comhairle Ceantair – Meitheamh 2002. D’iarr ball an phobail tríd an Roinn imscrúdú a dhéanamh ar cé acu a bhí leibhéil ailse chíche ard ina gcomhairle ceantair. Ní raibh na rátaí níos airde ar bhonn suntasach ná mar a bhí sa phobal mhór.

10. Ailse san áit oibre – Meán Fómhair 2002. Imscrúdú idir lámha.

(AQW 534/02)

(a)

(i) As the new Causeway Hospital did not accept its first patient until May 2001, there is no record of sick leave absences for periods prior to this.

(ii) The number of Causeway Hospital nursing, ancillary and domestic staff on sick leave during July, August and September 2002 is detailed in the following table.

(b) My Department has recently published a Human Resources Strategy, which aims to realise a future for the HPSS as an employer caring for both its staff and service users. This Strategy requires Trusts as HPSS employers to set targets and implement measures to reduce sick absences.

The Trust is continually working towards reducing the high levels of sickness within these staffing groups. The Trust has an Occupational Health Department which provides support to managers and staff. It is about to tender for a confidential staff counselling service and a member of the Trust’s Personnel Department has been seconded full time to support managers in the area of sickness counselling. In addition Senior Management Teams and Trust Board members are provided with monitoring reports and reports of progress made in the area of managing absence.

(a)

(i) Cionn is nár ghlac Otharlann úr an Chlocháin lena céad othar go dtí Bealtaine 2001, níl taifead ar bith ar neamhláithreachtaí saoire bhreoiteachta do thréimhsí roimhe seo.

(ii) Tá líon na foirne altranais, coimhdí agus inmheánaí ar shaoire bhreoiteachta i Iúil, Lúnasa agus Meán Fómhair 2002 léirithe sa tábla seo a leanas.

(b) D’fhoilsigh an Roinn s’agam Straitéis Acmhainní Daonna ar na mallaibh a bhfuil sé mar aidhm aige todhchaí do na SSSP mar fhostóir a thugann aire dá mbaill fhoirne agus dá n-úsáideoirí seirbhíse araon a thabhairt i gcrann. Is é a theastaíonn ón Straitéis seo go leagfaidh na hIontaobhais mar fhostóirí SSSP spriocanna amach agus go gcuirfidh siad bearta i bhfeidhm le neamhláithreachtaí breoiteachta a laghdú.

Bíonn an tIontaobhas ag obair i gcónaí leis na leibhéil arda tinnis laistigh de na grúpaí foirne seo a laghdú. Tá Roinn Sláinte Ghairme ag an Iontaobhas a sholáthraíonn tacaíocht do bhainisteoirí agus do bhaill fhoirne. Tá sé ar tí tairiscint a chur isteach do sheirbhís rúnda comhairle foirne agus tugadh ball de Roinn Pearsanra an Iontaobhais ar iasacht go lánaimseartha le tacaíocht a thabhairt do bhainisteoirí i réimse comhairle tinnis. Ina theannta sin, cuirtear tuairiscí monatóireachta agus tuairiscí ar dhul chun cinn atá déanta i réimse neamhláithreacht a bhainistiú ar fáil do bhaill na bhFoirne Bainisteoireachta Sinsearaí agus na mBord Iontaobhais.

(AQW 540/02)

Ms de Brún: I am aware that a fund to modernise dentistry was established in England in 2000 but there are no plans at present to replicate this here. However, my officials are participating in a working group chaired by England’s Chief Dental Officer which is looking at the options for change to modernise NHS dentistry in England in order to assess whether any of the options put forward are appropriate for our local needs.

I did submit a developmental bid in the recent Budget process to modernise dental practice premises and equipment but unfortunately this was unsuccessful. However, there is already a substantial amount spent providing dental services here. Overall expenditure on dentistry has risen from £54.4m in 1998-99 to £57.4m in 2000-01.

Is eol dom gur bunaíodh ciste i Sasana i 2000 le fiaclóireacht a thabhairt suas chun dáta ach níl pleananna ar bith lena mhacasamhail a dhéanamh anseo faoi láthair. Tá mo chuid feidhmeannach, áfach, ag glacadh páirte i ngrúpa oibre, a bhfuil Príomhfheidhmeannach Fiaclóireachta Shasana ina chathaoirleach air, atá ag smaoineadh ar na roghanna le haghaidh athraithe chun fiaclóireacht SNS i Sasana a thabhairt suas chun dáta ionas go ndéanfar measúnú ar cé acu atá ceann ar bith de na roghanna a cuireadh chun tosaigh fóirsteanach dár riachtanais áitiúla.

Chuir mé tairiscint fhorásach isteach sa phróiseas Buiséid le gairid le haghaidh áitreabh agus trealamh cleachtas fiaclóireachta a thabhairt suas chun dáta ach ar an drochuair níor éirigh leis. Tá méid suntasach á chaitheamh cheana ar sholáthar seirbhísí fiaclóireachta anseo. D’ardaigh caiteachas iomláine ar an fhiaclóireacht ó £54.4m i 1998-99 go dtí £57.4m i 2000-01.

(AQW 552/02)

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

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

(AQW 392/02)

The Minister for Regional Development (Mr P Robinson): In order to ensure compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations (NI) 1995, Water Service is implementing a programme of upgrading wastewater treatment works across Northern Ireland including the Mid Ulster constituency.

Water Service has recently completed the upgrading of 7 wastewater treatment works (ie Killygonlan/ Mullanhoe, Upperlands, Ballinderry, Knockanroe, Drapersfield, Davagh and Killeen). The costs involved were £3 million.

In the 2003/4 financial year, Water Service proposes to start upgrading work at 6 Works (ie Cookstown, Clunto Richardson, Bellaghy, Creagh, Dunnamore and Killyneese) at a cost of £12 million. The construction of the Cookstown Works was originally programmed to start in June of this year. However, it was necessary to carry out a major reappraisal of the Works to take account of revised assessments of residential, commercial and industrial development in the area. The scheme is now programmed to start in June 2003.

In the 2004/5 and 2005/6 financial years it is proposed to upgrade 11 Works (ie Stewartstown, Draperstown, Maghera, Magherafelt, Coagh, Sandholes, Rock, Gulladuff, Pomeroy, Desertmartin and Castledawson). The total cost involved is £3.8 million.

Pending these major upgrading schemes, Water Service is currently carrying out interim improvements to 3 Works (ie Moneymore, Coagh and Stewartstown) at a cost of £151,000. It is also intended to carry out interim improvements to a further 9 Works at a cost of £350,000.

(AQW 393/02)

Mr P Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service is currently monitoring the situation in Great Britain regarding such measures and, in light of that, I will consider what course of action is best for Northern Ireland.

I should explain that, in England, many highway authorities now require undertakers executing street works to pay a penalty charge for exceeding the prescribed duration of the works, or if the works are not completed within a reasonable period. In February 2001 the Government appointed consultants to monitor the effectiveness of such overstay charging in England. A report covering the first 12 months is expected shortly.

In addition, pilot studies of lane rental that started in GB in March 2002 will continue to March 2004. There are therefore no research findings available yet. However, I understand that, if it becomes apparent that overstay charges have failed to lead to a sufficient reduction in disruption, then the Government is prepared to make the lane rental charging powers available to highway authorities across England.

I can also advise that, in Scotland, the Scottish Executive has carried out public consultation on introducing similar charges and is presently analysing the responses. In Wales, I understand that the Welsh Assembly is awaiting the outcome of the consultants report on the effectiveness of overstay charging in England before deciding on the way forward.

(AQW 395/02)

Mr P Robinson: The review of noise monitoring at Northern Ireland airports, which I announced recently, is a 2-part exercise. Part 1, which takes the form of a scoping study, has already commenced and involves a series of site visits and meetings with a number of people, including local residents, airport management and local authorities.

This initial fact-finding will determine the extent and thus the timetable for the further more detailed work which will be undertaken during Part 2 of the review. The Department would expect the initial phase of the review to be completed by the end of October 2002, however it is too early to put a date on the overall completion of the review.

(AQW 419/02)

Mr P Robinson: Subject to the completion of all statutory processes, including planning approval and environmental consent considerations, construction of the new wastewater treatment works for Larne is scheduled to commence in September 2003. It will take two years to complete at an estimated cost of around £10 million.

(AQW 420/02)

Mr P Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service has no record of Larne Borough Council having sought permission to erect bunting from street lighting columns in Larne town centre.

(AQW 433/02)

Mr P Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service is aware of the increasing traffic volume on the trunk route through Ballykelly and the delays at peak times on the approaches to the traffic signals in the centre of the village. The results of an ongoing review of these traffic signals should be available in November with any identified improvements implemented by early 2003.

Looking to the longer term, within the context of the Regional Transportation Strategy, Roads Service is preparing a Forward Planning Schedule of major road schemes, which it is expected could be started within the 10-year period of the Strategy.

Roads Service is currently carrying out appraisals on a number of schemes for possible inclusion in the Schedule. I can confirm that a bypass of Ballykelly is one of the schemes currently being appraised. However, you will appreciate that there are many competing pressures on the finite resources available for the roads programme and not all schemes will be successful.

Those schemes that are successful would have to be taken through the statutory procedures of Environmental Assessment, Planning Approval and Land Acquisition, but the most critical factor in delivering the Regional Transportation Strategy will be the acquisition of the necessary additional funds for such schemes.

(AQW 458/02)

Mr P Robinson: My Department leases one building which has been identified by the Department of Finance and Personnel’s Construction Service as currently containing asbestos as a component of its construction. The building is Ballycastle Depot, Station Road, Ballycastle and, at present, 12 staff are employed within the premises.

There are no current plans to remove the asbestos from this building. Construction Service carry out regular surveys of the building together with an assessment of risk.

(AQW 461/02)

Mr P Robinson: There were 3 site offices associated with the construction of the Comber Bypass which were completely destroyed in an arson attack in the early hours of 24 September 2002. The estimated replacement cost of these offices and their contents is £40,000.

While it is not anticipated that this attack will have a significant impact on delivery of the project, I have to say that I am extremely concerned and saddened that the contractor’s property should be damaged by an arson attack in this way. This act of mindless damage serves no purpose other than to impede this scheme which has been welcomed by the whole community.

The long awaited Comber Bypass scheme will provide relief to the traffic congestion problems in Comber, which have increased over the past 3 decades.

It is obvious that the vast majority of people in Comber want this scheme completed as soon as possible. I would appeal to the local community to make it clear to those responsible that this attack is totally unacceptable and support the contractor in ensuring the scheduled completion of the project.

(AQW 507/02)

Mr P Robinson: Further to my answer of 22 May 2002 in response to your Written Assembly Question AQW 3452/01, I am pleased to advise that the negotiations to acquire the land necessary to construct a left turn lane for traffic exiting from Upper Damolly Road onto Rathfriland Road as part of the proposed signalised junction, are nearing a successful conclusion.

It is hoped that the relevant documents will be signed within the coming weeks to enable my Department’s Roads Service to commence construction work on site before Christmas, with a view to bringing the new signals into operation early in the New Year.

(AQW 512/02)

Mr P Robinson: The attached table shows the take up of Senior Citizens Smartpass by Parliamentary Constituency. There is, in general, a very high take up demonstrating the success of my initiative to introduce free travel for older people. More than 142,000 people representing nearly 65% of over 65s in Northern Ireland have now applied for Senior Smartpasses. This is a huge increase in the approximately 60,000 old style Concessionary Passes in issue prior to the introduction of free travel.

As part of the launch of the Senior Smartpass, my Department arranged a direct mail shot to around 220,000 pensioners combined with an extensive publicity and information campaign. Ongoing procedures are in place to ensure that people newly turning 65 are invited to apply for the Senior Smartpass.

It may be that we have now reached a natural ceiling for the issue of Senior Smartpasses. A proportion of the population over 65 will not be interested in obtaining Passes, for example, those relatively affluent pensioners who prefer to use private cars, those who are too aged or infirm to benefit from the Scheme and those, particularly in rural areas, for whom public transport services are inaccessible. Further contact to encourage these people to come forward is unlikely to result in substantial additional public transport usage. In this regard, it is noteworthy that 69,000 or just under half of those who have applied for and received the Senior Smartpass since the 1 May have not yet used them on scheduled bus services.

(AQO 237/02)

Mr P Robinson: As the Member’s question relates to the use of procurement to assist the unemployed into work, I will restrict my answer to the number and value of capital and services contracts that meet the financial criteria specified by the Procurement Board for the pilot. These criteria specify that:

The contract value should ideally be £3.86 million or more for construction or £0.5 million per year for services. However construction contracts with a value of £1 million or more, and service contracts worth £0.25 million per annum or more will also be considered.

Dealing with part (a) of your question first.

To date, my Department has awarded 7 capital contracts with a total value of £30.7 million, and 11 services contracts with a total value of £19.5 million during the 2002/03 financial year.

Responding to part (b) of your question.

Each of these contracts, together with all contracts to be advertised in the EU Official Journal during the period August to November 2002, was assessed for inclusion in the Procurement Board’s pilot scheme.

Turning to part (c) of your question.

The Procurement Board has specified that the EU Official Journal Notice for all contracts to be included in the pilot must clearly state the requirement for the production of an Unemployment Utilisation Plan. With the exception of one Water Service contract for services, notices for all other eligible DRD contracts had already been placed in the EU Official Journal without reference to the Unemployment Utilisation Plan before the pilot scheme was launched. The Water Service contract, which has a total value of £900,000, has been nominated by my Department for inclusion in the pilot scheme.

(AQO 242/02)

Mr P Robinson: I met the Minister of the Environment on a number of occasions to review officials’ assessment of the complex legal, environmental and operational issues involved with water quality and planning in 56 areas across Northern Ireland. The statement that he made earlier today reflects a great deal of work by our Departments. We have agreed a sensible and pragmatic way forward which achieves a balance between Northern Ireland’s development needs and protecting the environment. Development can proceed in each of the areas subject to the normal planning processes. I can assure you of Water Service’s commitment to the programme of upgrading wastewater infrastructure at these and other locations across Northern Ireland.

(AQO 264/02)

Mr P Robinson: My Department’s proposals to improve the M1 and Westlink are currently at the statutory procedures stage.

Public Inquiries about the environmental aspects of the project were held in late 2000. The Inspector’s report was generally favourable and my predecessor, Gregory Campbell, decided to proceed to the next stage with a modified scheme to take account of any points of concern upheld by the Inspector.

In May 2002 my Department published the draft Designation Order, which is broadly equivalent to a planning application. Five letters of objection and 3 comments were received. Due to the nature of the objections I have decided to hold a further Public Inquiry which will commence on 22 November 2002. When I have considered the Inspector’s report I will be in a position to make a decision and I will, of course, consult the Regional Development Committee.

Subject to this process, we should be able to start phase 1 of the works in mid 2003. This will widen the M1 to 3 lanes in each direction between Black’s Road and Stockman’s Lane. Funding for this phase has already been secured through the Reinvestment and Reform Initiative.

Phase 2 of the project will improve the M1 / Westlink from Stockman’s Lane to Grosvenor Road. This requires some land to be acquired and funding has not yet been secured. One option currently being considered is the use of a Public Private Partnership.

(AQO 236/02)

(a) Translink has advised that the current figures for passengers using the Carrickfergus – Antrim bus service is approximately 300 per month.

(b) Translink has further advised that its plans to introduce a service from Carrickfergus to Mallusk were shelved when research confirmed that the service was not viable. However, given recent developments, such as the closure of the Nortel factory in Carrickfergus which may result in the relocation of some jobs to their Mallusk site, Translink will carry out further research and reconsider the introduction of a service from Carrickfergus to Mallusk.

(AQO 253/02)

Mr P Robinson: Total allocations to my Department from the Infrastructure EPF and RRI for 2002/03 and 2003/04 amount to £33 million and £64 million respectively. No allocations have yet been made in respect of 2004/05 and beyond.

Of the total allocations, £30 million is earmarked for four specific projects on the Regional Strategic Transportation Network including the Toome Bypass, part of the Belfast – Larne road and widening of the M1. However, the majority of the resources will be devoted to programmes of general benefit throughout Northern Ireland although plans for investment are not drawn up on a constituency basis.

My Department has recently provided the Department of Finance and Personnel with a broad assessment of its infrastructure requirements and details of RRI opportunities totalling in excess of £200 million per annum. Any additional expenditure secured from RRI from 2004/05 onwards will, no doubt, benefit all areas of Northern Ireland, including the Strangford Constituency.

(AQO 269/02)

Mr P Robinson: The need to improve the junction of University Street and Ormeau Road to facilitate traffic wishing to turn right into University Street was identified in the mid-1990’s during the determination of the planning application in respect of the Gasworks development.

At that time, Laganside Corporation and ‘Making Belfast Work’, now part of the Department for Social Development’s Belfast Regeneration Office, agreed to fund the work and purchase the land required for the scheme. My Department’s Roads Service agreed to design the scheme and supervise the construction work.

The present position is that while funding has been made available by Laganside Corporation and Roads Service has prepared a suitable design, the purchase of the two small strips of land required for the scheme from the adjacent former petrol filling station and rugby ground has presented difficulties.

I understand that discussions are ongoing between the Regeneration Office and the owners of the former filling station, to acquire one part of the necessary land. The former rugby ground, having been sold to one developer, was recently re-sold to Clanmil Housing Association. I understand the Regeneration Office is working with the Housing Association in order to co-ordinate the works for the junction improvement with those required to achieve a satisfactory entrance into the proposed housing development.

It is expected that a formal planning application and a traffic assessment for the Clanmil housing development will be submitted in due course. If and when planning approval is granted, both schemes can hopefully move forward together.

(AQO 249/02)

Mr P Robinson: In the last two years, my Department’s Roads Service secured 5 successful prosecutions against two utility companies for failing to reinstate road openings in the manner prescribed. There were a further 7 successful prosecutions of utilities for other offences under the Street Works legislation.

Roads Service does not recover money from fines imposed on utilities by the courts. It does, however, ensure that defective reinstatements are properly repaired by the utility concerned, whether or not the defect is a prosecutable offence.

I am hopeful that the increasing emphasis being directed to the role and performance of the utilities and the tougher approach being adopted by Roads Service will result in improved standards of reinstatements across Northern Ireland.

(AQO 275/02)

Mr P Robinson: Since 1 July 2002 I have met Sean Farren, Minister for Finance and Personnel, on 2 occasions and Dermot Nesbitt, Minister for the Environment, on 3 occasions.

During my study visit to Australia in August I met John Brumby, State Treasurer and Minister for State and Regional Development in the State of Victoria, and Steve Bredhauer, Minister for Transport and Main Roads in the State of Queensland.

Most recently, on 20 September, I discussed cooperation on transport issues with Ian Gray and Sue Essex, transport ministers in the Scottish Executive and Welsh Assembly, respectively.

(AQO 259/02)

Mr P Robinson: A planning application for the proposed North Down Wastewater Treatment Works, associated pumping stations and transfer pipelines was submitted to Planning Service in May of this year. It is currently being processed. The proposed site of the Works is currently in private ownership and initial land acquisition procedures will commence shortly. Consideration is also being given to procuring the Works using a Public Private Partnership approach.

As the Member will appreciate, these processes can be complex and lengthy, and many are outside the direct control of Water Service. It is, therefore, unlikely that the construction of the new wastewater treatment works can commence before 2005.

(AQO 256/02)

Mr P Robinson: The Regional Transportation Strategy (RTS) has identified an additional funding requirement of £1370 million over the 10-year strategy period, of which, it is assumed, £400 million will be sourced from private sector contributions. My officials are currently considering how best to secure these private sector contributions to fund the strategy.

The RTS assumes that the use of Public Private Partnerships for the delivery of highways and public transport schemes will result in a net contribution of £300 million toward the strategy. The viability of a Public Private Partnership, or PPP, procurement solution is currently being investigated for roads and transportation schemes with a total value of £500 million. Value for money will be the key determinant in any decision to adopt a PPP solution to any road or transportation scheme.

My officials are also developing detailed policy proposals for developers’ contributions toward roads and transportation infrastructure enhancement. The RTS assumes that £100 million additional funding will be made available from this source. I will be considering these proposals early in 2003.

(AQO 245/02)

Mr P Robinson: Water Service will adopt sewerage infrastructure constructed by private developers provided the infrastructure meets the specific requirements set out by Water Service under Article 17 of the Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1973. The sewage pumping station at The Coaches, Croft Road, Holywood was constructed by Hagan Homes, who developed The Coaches housing site. Water Service has advised that the pumping station has not been adopted due to legal difficulties relating to the transfer of the land on which the pumping station is located. Water Service has been in contact with Hagan Homes and their legal advisers on many occasions about the issue, but regrettably despite these approaches, it has not yet been possible to bring the matter to a conclusion.

The ownership of the pumping station remains with Hagan Homes, who are therefore responsible for its inspection and maintenance. Water Service is aware, from correspondence with one of the local residents, that there is an ongoing problem with discharges from the pumping station, but Water Service cannot take any action with regard to the operation of the pumping station.

Both Water Service and Hagan Homes are anxious to have the legal issues resolved, and Hagan Homes are pursuing this aspect. When the legal issues are resolved Water Service will inspect the pumping station and, subject to all of its requirements being met, will proceed with adoption. Water Service is confident that following adoption, and the implementation of its stringent inspection and maintenance procedures, there will be a significant reduction in the risk of future problems with the pumping station.

(AQW 410/02)

The Minister for Social Development (Mr Dodds): The information is not available in precisely the format requested, but the post-codes in the table below broadly correspond to constituency areas.

(AQW 411/02)

Mr Dodds: The Warm Homes Scheme is demand led and funding is not allocated on a constituency basis. However, the Department’s scheme manager promotes and markets the scheme to ensure that vulnerable people in fuel poverty have access to it wherever they live. The funding for the Warm Homes Scheme in this financial year totals £7.98 million.

(AQW 434/02)

Mr Dodds: I can confirm that the Department for Social Development does not lease any buildings containing asbestos as a component of their construction.

(AQW 439/02)

Mr Dodds: Funding for Discretionary Housing Payments was allocated by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive on an indicative basis for 2002-03 as the scheme had only been introduced in July 2001. These allocations have subsequently been reviewed and changed to reflect actual demand. The budgets were also revised at an Area level to provide greater flexibility.

The table below lists, by Area, both the indicative budgets and the revised budgets.

(AQW 440/02)

Mr Dodds: As the Discretionary Housing Payments were only introduced in July 2001, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive is not yet in a position to determine cause/effect at a local level by way of demand.

Demand for Discretionary Housing Payments can vary because of: -

(AQW 441/02)

Mr Dodds: The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has increased the allocation of Discretionary Housing Payments for the South East Area, which includes the Ards Borough Council area and Ards Housing Districts, by £70,000 to address the increase in demand in 2002/03.

(AQW 442/02)

Mr Dodds: The funding for Discretionary Housing Payments is allocated by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive at an Area level on a yearly basis to provide greater flexibility. The allocations for 2002-03 are: -

(AQW 471/02)

Mr Dodds: A basic principle underlying the allocation of scarce public resources is that resources should be targeted at those most in need. In pursuance of this principle, grants legislation provides for a means test to be applied to all applicants for grant aid (for renovation work or adaptations for the disabled) in order to assess the amount of public money required to assist them to meet their needs. Since the means test is applied to all grant applicants, regardless of Section 75 category, the provisions are not considered to be in contravention of equality legislation. In addition, in its response to the recent consultation exercise on the Housing Bill, carried out by the Social Development Committee, the Equality Commission did not seek to question the equality implications of the means test as it applies to applicants for Disabled Facilities grant.

(AQW 472/02)

Mr Dodds: The terms of reference for the review and the final composition of the review group should be finalised shortly. I refer the Member to my written response to AQW 22/02 contained in the official report for 20 September 2002 which indicated the broad aims of the review.

(AQW 514/02)

Mr Dodds: Heating Installations in some 700 properties have been suspended due to potential safety issues affecting some solid fuel room heaters and high output back boilers. Installations in homes without such appliances are continuing as normal. The Warm Homes Scheme is designed to assist vulnerable people who are most at risk from fuel poverty, and their health and safety is my paramount concern.

My officials are currently assessing the level of risk associated with these appliances, and they are exploring a number of possible solutions. Whilst it is not yet possible to say when this process will be complete, it is progressing as quickly as possible. The Eaga Partnership, which manages the Warm Homes Scheme on behalf of the Department, has assured me that they can resume installations immediately upon receiving instructions.

(AQW 515/02)

Mr Dodds: Heating Installations in some 700 properties have been suspended due to potential safety issues affecting some solid fuel room heaters and high output back boilers. Installations in homes without such appliances are continuing as normal. The Warm Homes Scheme is designed to assist vulnerable people who are most at risk from fuel poverty, and their health and safety is my paramount concern.

My officials are currently assessing the level of risk associated with these appliances, and they are exploring a number of possible solutions. Whilst it is not yet possible to say when this process will be complete, it is progressing as quickly as possible. The Eaga Partnership, which manages the Warm Homes Scheme on behalf of the Department, has assured me that they can resume installations immediately upon receiving instructions.

(AQW 523/02)

Mr Dodds: My Department has given the Housing Executive the necessary approval to demolish the dwellings in question. The Housing Executive is currently preparing the relevant tender documentation and has opened negotiations to buy back one property from an owner-occupier. It is intended to have the work commenced by the end of January.

(AQW 524/02)

Mr Dodds: I attach for your information a list of those voluntary and community bodies which receive core funding, project funding and service funding from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (List A), and Voluntary Activity Unit (DSD) (List B).