Written Answers to Questions

The ECU receives over 1,000 reports of illegal dumping each year. Where the dumping is clearly on a commercial scale and where sufficient evidence is available and where it is in the public interest to prosecute, the ECU will recommend prosecution to the Public Prosecution Service. Since the inception of the ECU in 2003, it has secured 359 convictions and these have generated £948,115 in fines.

Courts are viewing environmental crime with increasing seriousness, as evidenced by the high level of fines that are often imposed and the jail terms handed down to some of the most serious offenders.

The ECU has been instrumental in having the first Northern Ireland environmental cases heard at the Crown Court, resulting in the first prison sentences and higher financial penalties for environmental offenders. In November 2007, the Assets Recovery Agency (ARA) (now the Serious Organised Crime Agency – (SOCA), working with NIEA secured the first UK confiscation order for £252,252 against a Tyrone farmer, relating to environmental crime.

The Unit is utilising the new and stronger powers of the Serious Crime Act 2007 to deal with serious and persistent environmental offenders and has pioneered the accreditation of financial investigators in line with the Proceeds of Crime Act. These financial investigators conduct confiscation investigations in-house, to remove illegal benefit from offenders.

Since November 2007, ARA/SOCA, working with the ECU has obtained four confiscation orders totalling £833,120, illustrating the power of this legislation in providing a deterrent and in denying funds for further offending.

On 26 March 2009, the ECU Financial Investigators secured their first confiscation independently of SOCA for £200,000.

The ECU will continue to develop its ability to tackle serious and persistent environmental offenders and will avail of all enforcement tools and legislation available in order to assist in this process.

Changes to Driving Test

Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister of the Environment what changes he is proposing to make to the driving test over the next three years ?

(AQW 6480/09)

Minister of the Environment: I have no specific plans to introduce any changes to the driving test in the near future. However I am monitoring the progress of the Driving Standards Agency’s 2008 consultation "Learning to Drive" which was also issued in Northern Ireland, and will consider the proposals arising from it.

Planning Service

Mr T Clarke asked the Minister of the Environment, in relation to planning application T2006/0302/F, why Planning Service has not asked the applicant to produce (i) a daylight and sunlight study; (ii) a noise study; and (iii) an impact study on the adjacent Old Mill Industrial Estate in relation to future expansion; and the consequences of this for job creation.

(AQW 6481/09)

Minister of the Environment: An office meeting was held in Antrim Civic Centre on 4 February 2009 to discuss planning application T/2006/0302/F. As a result of issues raised at the meeting Planning Service has carried out a number of reconsultations. When all consultation responses are returned and assessed Planning Service will consider if it is appropriate to request a daylight and sunlight study.

1. A noise study - In an initial consultation response received from the Environmental Services Department of Antrim Borough Council, received 9 May 2006, to application T/2006/0302 there were no noise concerns indicated other than during the construction period. Subsequently the applicant commissioned a desk top acoustic appraisal which Environmental Health were consulted on 27 November 2007 and which they considered acceptable. On 26 January 2009 an objection was submitted containing a "Detailed Rebuttal Statement" to the acoustic appraisal. In light of the "Detailed Rebuttal Statement", and a recent complaint regarding noise levels in the area by a local resident, Planning Service re-consulted the Environmental Services Department on 16 February 2009 asking if their position remains unchanged. When the response has been returned and assessed Planning Service will consider if a further noise report is necessary.
2. Planning Service continues to consider this application having regard to both PPS4 and Draft PPS4. The outstanding consultation responses will help inform any impact that may result on the future expansion of the adjacent industrial premises and Old Mill Industrial Estate and the consequences of this for job creation. These issues will be fully taken into account when reaching a decision on this application.

Northern Ireland Environment Agency

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of the Environment if land owned by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency been leased or rented to an employee, for private business.

(AQW 6493/09)

Minister of the Environment: No land owned by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has been leased or rented to any NIEA employee for private business.

However NIEA has licensed the grazing of 126 hectares of Crossmurrin and Killykeeghan Nature Reserves at Marlbank, Fermanagh, to a Ranger employed at NIEA’s Castle Archdale Country Park under a grazing management agreement, while retaining rights of access and other management responsibilities itself.

NIEA is charged with managing the Department’s nature reserve lands to maintain their scientific interest in favourable condition, as was its predecessor body - the Environment and Heritage Service - which established most of the current grazing agreements. This conservation management often requires grazing at low stocking levels, avoiding certain stock medications, and grazing at times of year unattractive to the farming community.

Where a suitable licensee willing to comply with the required management regime can be found through open advertisement, NIEA uses their services thereafter for as long as they are willing to continue with the agreement.

NIEA levies an annual payment (formerly set by the Valuation and Lands Agency (VLA)) which reflects the constraints imposed. The VLA has advised that there is no need to re-advertise once a suitable partner had been identified.

In the case of the Marlbank reserves, the partner farmer (originally engaged through open advertisement) became ill and at short notice had to withdraw from the grazing agreement for the larger area. Due to the difficulties in securing satisfactory partners, NIEA was therefore delighted that one if its Rangers employed at Castle Archdale Country Park (who owned some stock and lived in that area) agreed to take over that part of the grazing. All of the employee’s stock management is undertaken in his own time before and after work. This arrangement proved successful. When the farmer subsequently withdrew completely from grazing both areas, the employee took on all the grazing. Initially he paid the same amount as the previous partner. The rate is now set by NIEA’s own Valuer.

As the Marlbank reserves are not grazed during May, June and July, NIEA also licences some 5 hectares of better quality farmland at Castle Archdale Country Park to this employee, so facilitating the grazing of his stock during the summer.

The employee claims single farm payment for the Marlbank reserve lands. The sum he pays the Department for the grazing reflects this. He does not receive the single farm payment for the Castle Archdale grazing, so pays at a lower rate.

NIEA also licences the grazing of its reserves on Rathlin Island at the townlands of Kebble and Kinramer North and South (215 hectares) to the RSPB Ranger for the Island. NIEA pays the RSPB for a proportion of his time for care of its reserves but does not employ him directly.

This Ranger took on the Kinramer reserve areas from a relative in 1993 following the relative’s death. Records do not indicate whether the grazing was advertised, but as a satisfactory partner, his agreement has been renewed every three years. He then agreed to take on the grazing of Kebble after a previous farmer had proved an extremely unsatisfactory manager. The Ranger undertakes the care of his stock in his own time and the conservation quality of the reserves has markedly improved under his grazing management. He does not claim single farm payment.

Partner graziers must make a modest profit from their arrangement, but the primary reason for the agreements is the conservation management of special sites, not the facilitating of ‘private business’.

As a result of the difficulties in securing satisfactory partners to provide grazing at its reserves, NIEA itself has now acquired a number of rare breed livestock which it uses to manage several of these special sites. This is more costly than the management agreements where a partner farmer or amenable employee can be persuaded to take up a grazing agreement for which they pay, but does enable more precise grazing and has been successful in improving the conservation condition of several reserves.

Northern Ireland Environment Agency

Mr T Elliott asked he Minister of the Environment if land owned by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and leased or rented privately, has attracted single farm payments established by the tenant or tenants.

(AQW 6494/09)

Minister of the Environment: No land owned by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has been leased or rented to any NIEA employee for private business.

However NIEA has licensed the grazing of 126 hectares of Crossmurrin and Killykeeghan Nature Reserves at Marlbank, Fermanagh, to a Ranger employed at NIEA’s Castle Archdale Country Park under a grazing management agreement, while retaining rights of access and other management responsibilities itself.

NIEA is charged with managing the Department’s nature reserve lands to maintain their scientific interest in favourable condition, as was its predecessor body - the Environment and Heritage Service - which established most of the current grazing agreements. This conservation management often requires grazing at low stocking levels, avoiding certain stock medications, and grazing at times of year unattractive to the farming community.

Where a suitable licensee willing to comply with the required management regime can be found through open advertisement, NIEA uses their services thereafter for as long as they are willing to continue with the agreement.

NIEA levies an annual payment (formerly set by the Valuation and Lands Agency (VLA)) which reflects the constraints imposed. The VLA has advised that there is no need to re-advertise once a suitable partner had been identified.

In the case of the Marlbank reserves, the partner farmer (originally engaged through open advertisement) became ill and at short notice had to withdraw from the grazing agreement for the larger area. Due to the difficulties in securing satisfactory partners, NIEA was therefore delighted that one if its Rangers employed at Castle Archdale Country Park (who owned some stock and lived in that area) agreed to take over that part of the grazing. All of the employee’s stock management is undertaken in his own time before and after work. This arrangement proved successful. When the farmer subsequently withdrew completely from grazing both areas, the employee took on all the grazing. Initially he paid the same amount as the previous partner. The rate is now set by NIEA’s own Valuer.

As the Marlbank reserves are not grazed during May, June and July, NIEA also licences some 5 hectares of better quality farmland at Castle Archdale Country Park to this employee, so facilitating the grazing of his stock during the summer.

The employee claims single farm payment for the Marlbank reserve lands. The sum he pays the Department for the grazing reflects this. He does not receive the single farm payment for the Castle Archdale grazing, so pays at a lower rate.

NIEA also licences the grazing of its reserves on Rathlin Island at the townlands of Kebble and Kinramer North and South (215 hectares) to the RSPB Ranger for the Island. NIEA pays the RSPB for a proportion of his time for care of its reserves but does not employ him directly.

This Ranger took on the Kinramer reserve areas from a relative in 1993 following the relative’s death. Records do not indicate whether the grazing was advertised, but as a satisfactory partner, his agreement has been renewed every three years. He then agreed to take on the grazing of Kebble after a previous farmer had proved an extremely unsatisfactory manager. The Ranger undertakes the care of his stock in his own time and the conservation quality of the reserves has markedly improved under his grazing management. He does not claim single farm payment.

Partner graziers must make a modest profit from their arrangement, but the primary reason for the agreements is the conservation management of special sites, not the facilitating of ‘private business’.

As a result of the difficulties in securing satisfactory partners to provide grazing at its reserves, NIEA itself has now acquired a number of rare breed livestock which it uses to manage several of these special sites. This is more costly than the management agreements where a partner farmer or amenable employee can be persuaded to take up a grazing agreement for which they pay, but does enable more precise grazing and has been successful in improving the conservation condition of several reserves.

Northern Ireland Environment Agency

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of the Environment if land owned by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency has been leased or rented to an employee for private business purposes without going to public advertisement.

(AQW 6495/09)

Minister of the Environment: No land owned by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has been leased or rented to any NIEA employee for private business.

However NIEA has licensed the grazing of 126 hectares of Crossmurrin and Killykeeghan Nature Reserves at Marlbank, Fermanagh, to a Ranger employed at NIEA’s Castle Archdale Country Park under a grazing management agreement, while retaining rights of access and other management responsibilities itself.

NIEA is charged with managing the Department’s nature reserve lands to maintain their scientific interest in favourable condition, as was its predecessor body - the Environment and Heritage Service - which established most of the current grazing agreements. This conservation management often requires grazing at low stocking levels, avoiding certain stock medications, and grazing at times of year unattractive to the farming community.

Where a suitable licensee willing to comply with the required management regime can be found through open advertisement, NIEA uses their services thereafter for as long as they are willing to continue with the agreement.

NIEA levies an annual payment (formerly set by the Valuation and Lands Agency (VLA)) which reflects the constraints imposed. The VLA has advised that there is no need to re-advertise once a suitable partner had been identified.

In the case of the Marlbank reserves, the partner farmer (originally engaged through open advertisement) became ill and at short notice had to withdraw from the grazing agreement for the larger area. Due to the difficulties in securing satisfactory partners, NIEA was therefore delighted that one if its Rangers employed at Castle Archdale Country Park (who owned some stock and lived in that area) agreed to take over that part of the grazing. All of the employee’s stock management is undertaken in his own time before and after work. This arrangement proved successful. When the farmer subsequently withdrew completely from grazing both areas, the employee took on all the grazing. Initially he paid the same amount as the previous partner. The rate is now set by NIEA’s own Valuer.

As the Marlbank reserves are not grazed during May, June and July, NIEA also licences some 5 hectares of better quality farmland at Castle Archdale Country Park to this employee, so facilitating the grazing of his stock during the summer.

The employee claims single farm payment for the Marlbank reserve lands. The sum he pays the Department for the grazing reflects this. He does not receive the single farm payment for the Castle Archdale grazing, so pays at a lower rate.

NIEA also licences the grazing of its reserves on Rathlin Island at the townlands of Kebble and Kinramer North and South (215 hectares) to the RSPB Ranger for the Island. NIEA pays the RSPB for a proportion of his time for care of its reserves but does not employ him directly.

This Ranger took on the Kinramer reserve areas from a relative in 1993 following the relative’s death. Records do not indicate whether the grazing was advertised, but as a satisfactory partner, his agreement has been renewed every three years. He then agreed to take on the grazing of Kebble after a previous farmer had proved an extremely unsatisfactory manager. The Ranger undertakes the care of his stock in his own time and the conservation quality of the reserves has markedly improved under his grazing management. He does not claim single farm payment.

Partner graziers must make a modest profit from their arrangement, but the primary reason for the agreements is the conservation management of special sites, not the facilitating of ‘private business’.

As a result of the difficulties in securing satisfactory partners to provide grazing at its reserves, NIEA itself has now acquired a number of rare breed livestock which it uses to manage several of these special sites. This is more costly than the management agreements where a partner farmer or amenable employee can be persuaded to take up a grazing agreement for which they pay, but does enable more precise grazing and has been successful in improving the conservation condition of several reserves.

Dry Recyclables

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of the Environment (i) for his assessment of whether kerbside sort is more beneficial than co-mingled collections of dry recyclables; and (ii) what steps are being taken to improve the quality of this material.

(AQW 6500/09)

Minister of the Environment: Under Article 21 of the Waste and Contaminated Land (Northern Ireland) 1997 the provision of receptacles for the collection of waste is the responsibility of each district council.

Regardless of the method of collection used, there is a need to ensure that the materials being sent for recycling are of the highest possible quality. I emphasised this point in my press statement of 19 January 2009 when I encouraged everyone to play their part by placing only the appropriate materials in their recycling bins and boxes. This will ensure that the quality is as high as possible throughout the entire supply chain and is one of the key ways to ensure that sustainable markets for the materials can be found.

The delivery of high quality collections and recycling services remains a priority. My Department, with the assistance of the Waste & Resources Action Programme’s (WRAP) Recycling and Organics Technical Advisory Team (ROTATE), provides support and advice to district councils in Northern Ireland for reducing residual waste for disposal and increasing recycling and diversion from landfill. Improving collection efficiencies and outputs (quantities and quality) also play an important part.

Littering

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of the Environment what measures are being taken to reduce littering.

(AQW 6502/09)

Minister of the Environment: The Litter (Northern Ireland) Order 1994 places a duty on District Councils to keep land clear of litter. Significant powers are contained in the Order to help District Councils to deal with litter problems. For example, a £50 fixed penalty fine can be imposed on litter offenders. Alternatively a fine of up to £2500 can be imposed on conviction through the courts. My Department extended those powers with effect from 1 November 2005 to allow District Councils to retain the receipts from fixed penalties to help them to carry out their functions in relation to litter more effectively. Full details of the number of litter fines issued by each District Council are set out in my written answer (AQW 1723/09) to Simon Hamilton MLA.

Legislation and fines are important tools to help to reduce littering. However, I also recognise that a lot of good work is taking place to change the attitudes and behaviour of people who litter. For example, local anti-litter campaigns and initiatives, website information and the employment of local litter wardens all play their part in reducing littering.

Littering

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of the Environment how his Department measures levels of littering; and if the problem has worsened over the past 10 years.

(AQW 6503/09)

Minister of the Environment: There is no statutory requirement on my Department to measures levels of littering.

My Department provides core funding to the Tidy Northern Ireland organization to work with District Councils on litter issues and the running of litter campaigns and programmes. In its 2007 Northern Ireland Borough Cleanliness Survey Tidy Northern Ireland singled out cigarette, confectionery and chewing gum litter as major contributors to the litter problem but reported an overall improvement in cleanliness levels for the third year in a row.

My Department does not hold evidence centrally on the extent of the litter problem over the past 10 years.

Local Government Transition Committees

Mr P Weir asked he Minister of the Environment what proposed legislation will address the issues of local govenment councillor severance and statutory transition committees.

(AQW 6544/09)

Minister of the Environment: I intend to bring a Local Government Bill before the House in June of this year which will include provision for severance arrangements for councillors. The Bill will also provide for the establishment of statutory transition committees and will enable the Department to specify in regulations the functions, powers, composition, etc of the transition committees.

Subordinate legislation setting out:

• the detail of the severance scheme for councillors, and
• the functions, powers and composition of the transition committees

is likely to come into operation in January 2010.

Local Government Transition Committees

Mr P Weir asked he Minister of the Environment when local government transition committees will have statutory powers.

(AQW 6546/09)

• Minister of the Environment: I intend to bring a Local Government Bill before the House in June of this year which will include provision for the establishment of statutory transition committees and will enable the Department to specify, in regulations, the functions, powers, composition, etc of these committees.

• I would anticipate that the earliest the Bill will have progressed through all its Assembly stages will be autumn 2009.
• The regulations setting out the functions, powers and composition of the transition committees are likely to come into operation in January 2010.

Housing Developments

Mrs M Bradley asked the Minister of the Environment to provide the number of planning applications approved for housing developments with access through established parks and cul-de-sacs, that have no footpaths in place.

(AQW 6571/09)

Minister of the Environment: I regret the Department’s electronic data storage and recovery system 20/20 does not record this level of detail for every planning application. The number could only be found through a manual search of all applications approved in each Divisional Planning Office and this could not be done in the time available and would incur disproportionate costs.

Demolishion of Single Dwellings

Mrs M Bradley asked the Minister of the Environment to outline his Department's policy in relation to demolishing single dwellings and replacing them with multiple dwellings.

(AQW 6572/09)

Minister of the Environment: Planning policy and guidance in support of the strategic approach for residential development provided in the Regional Development Strategy (RDS), is set out in Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 12: Housing in Settlements, Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 7: Quality Residential Environments, Area Plans and DCAN 8: Housing in Existing Urban Areas. Further supplementary design guidance is set out in the Creating Places document and Improving the Quality of Housing Layouts in Northern Ireland (a joint Planning Service, Roads Service, CEF and NIHE publication). The policy and guidance in these documents informs the consideration of planning applications for new residential developments, redevelopment and particularly intensification of use of an existing housing site.

The thrust of current policy for all new residential development proposals is a design-led approach, emphasising contextual and amenity tests, in which proposals should respect the character and built form of adjacent housing. It also seeks to ensure that the overall development does not result in unacceptable damage to the environmental quality, residential amenity and established character of the surrounding area. Full account is also taken of the potentially damaging effect of cumulative changes in a neighbourhood.

In recognition of public concern with the intensification of development within existing residential areas a Planning Circular on the assessment of planning applications for residential development in urban areas, villages and other small settlements was issued to Planning Service staff in August 2007. In addition, my Department’s Planning and Environmental Policy Group is currently working on an Addendum to PPS 7 which will be published for consultation later this year.

Areas of Special Scientific Interest

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the annual budget for the Management Of Sensitive Sites; and to give his assessment of the adequacy of the budget.

(AQW 6576/09)

Minister of the Environment: Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs), which are declared by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) under the Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002, are thought to be the most important of sensitive sites at national level. They are so declared because they are considered to be of special scientific interest by reason of their flora, fauna, geological, physiographical or other features.

ASSIs may require intervention management to help maintain or enhance the special scientific interest for which they are declared, and this would be provided through the Management of Sensitive Sites Scheme (MOSS) that is administered by NIEA.

A budget of £500,000 was made available for this scheme in the 2008/09 financial year. The same amount has been allocated for 2009/10 and NIEA is satisfied that this is adequate to meets its present needs although this will be kept under review as the number of designations increases.

There is also potential for appropriate land management within ASSIs to be secured through the application of the Northern Ireland Countryside Management Scheme. This scheme is administered by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, which currently gives priority to applications that embrace lands that are within ASSIs.

Areas of Specific Scientific Interest

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment how many more Areas of Specific Scientific Interests the NI Environment Agency intends to declare; and what assistance his Department can give to those areas.

(AQW 6577/09)

Minister of the Environment: Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) intends to increase its suite of Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs) from its present total of 275 to 440 by the year 2016. At this stage the declaration programme will be substantially complete.

Assistance for the management of these ASSIs for nature conservation purposes may be provided through the Management of Sensitive Sites Scheme (MOSS) that is administered by NIEA. If thought necessary, the Agency may enter into a management agreement with the owner or occupier of lands under MOSS to secure a land management regime considered necessary to sustain or enhance the special scientific interest of the ASSI. Payments made under such an agreement will vary according to the land management requirements prescribed.

Support for land management may also be provided through the application of the Northern Ireland Countryside Management Scheme to declared lands. This scheme is administered by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development which currently gives priority to applications that embrace lands that are within ASSIs.

Driving Theory Tests

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister of the Environment why there is no office in the East Londonderry constituency where applicants can complete the driving theory test.

(AQW 6600/09)

Minister of the Environment: There are six theory test centres strategically located throughout Northern Ireland. The centres are leased by Pearson VUE, the theory test contractor, and used to deliver the theory test for the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) and examinations for a range of other clients.

The location of the theory test centres is designed to provide the best balance between accessibility and value for money. 2 centres (Londonderry & Ballymena) are in constituencies which border on East Londonderry.

As a trading fund, the Driver & Vehicle Agency recovers costs from the fees charged to customers and the provision of additional theory test centres would result in a significant increase in the overall costs of the service and increase fees for all customers.

Departmental Staff

Ms M Anderson asked the Minister of the Environment how many employees are in his Department in the Londonderry/Derry City Council area.

(AQW 6640/09)

Minister of the Environment: The number of employees working in the Londonderry/Derry City Council area is detailed in the table below.

Departmental Staff

Ms M Anderson asked the Minister of the Environment how many employees in his Department travel from Londonderry/Derry to work in Belfast.

(AQW 6641/09)

Minister of the Environment: The number of staff who travel from County Londonderry to work in Belfast is not available.

Working Group on PPS21

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to his answer to AQW 6338/09, how (i) people with a disability; (ii) lone parents; (iii) migrant workers; (iv) older people; (v) carers; (vi) younger people; (vii) elected representatives; and (viii) members of the wider community contact the Working Group on the PPS21consultation.

(AQW 6654/09)

Minister of the Environment: The consultation on PPS 21 is a matter for my Department and anyone wishing to make comments on any aspect of the document should do so to the Department by 31 March.

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND PERSONNEL

Workplace 2010 Project

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail his Department's expenditure on the Workplace 2010 project.

(AQW 5513/09)

Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr N Dodds): DFP incurred total costs of £12.85m on the Workplace 2010 project. This total includes costs on legal, commercial, financial and technical consultancy and other professional fees, all costs associated with the legal challenge to the procurement and an estimate of the internal costs associated with the procurement. The costs were incurred over a 4 year period from 2005 to present.

Approximately 45% of the work associated with consultancy and professional fees remains of value to the Department.

Government Art Collection

Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what is the (i) estimated value; and (ii) insured value of art owned by the Executive that are not registered under the Government Art Collection.

(AQW 5982/09)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: The estimated value is £3,704,273. This figure does not include the small number of artworks owned by Departments that have not had professional valuation. Additionally, the National Museums Northern Ireland has a significant collection, but accounting requirements do not require recorded valuation.

The insured value is £3,435,082. This figure relates solely to the Arts Council Northern Ireland and Southern Education and Library Board, both of which have separate insurance for their art. NICS Departments carry their own risk against indemnity, in line with policy.

Departmental Accounts

Mr D McNarry asked he Minister of Finance and Personnel (i) to outline the process by which his Department's accounts are audited; (ii) who audits his Department's accounts; and (iii) to detail his Department's final audited accounts, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 6259/09)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: DFP’s Resource Accounts are audited under the Government Resources and Accounts Act (Northern Ireland) 2001, and in accordance with United Kingdom Auditing Standards, as issued by the Auditing Practices Board.

The accounts are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG), and his staff in the Northern Ireland Audit Office.

The C&AG formed the opinion that DFP’s Resource Accounts for the 2005-06, 2006-07, and 2007-08 financial years:

• gave a true and fair view;
• had been properly prepared in accordance with Department of Finance and Personnel directions issued under the Government Resources and Accounts Act (Northern Ireland) 2001;
• that the information which comprises the Annual Report was consistent with the financial statements; and,
• that in all material respects, the expenditure and income had been applied to the purposes intended by the Assembly, and that the financial transactions conform to the authorities which govern them.

These accounts are published on the DFP internet site at www.dfpni.gov.uk

Civil Service

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel (i) to detail the number of vacancies in the Northern Ireland Civil Service at Administrative Officer level in the Belfast area; and (ii) how many staff at this grade have applied for transfer from (a) Londonderry/Derry to Belfast; and (b) other locations to Belfast, in each Government Department.

(AQW 6290/09)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: The number of vacancies in permanent Northern Ireland Civil Service posts at Administrative Officer level, located in the Belfast area, within the eleven Northern Ireland Departments and their Agencies, is set out in the attached table. The figures are given on a Full Time Equivalent (FTE) basis, broken down by Departments, at 1 February 2009.

The table also gives numbers of staff at Administrative Officer level who have applied for a transfer (a) from Londonderry to Belfast or (b) from other locations to Belfast. These numbers, on a headcount basis and broken down by Department, are also at 1 February 2009.

NICS Administrative Officer (AO) Vacancies and Transfer

Requests (to Belfast) at 1 February 2009

Civil Service

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail (i) the average annual pension currently being paid to civil servants, broken down by retirement grade; (ii) the total sum of annual pension payments paid to retired civil servants in each of the last five years; and (iii) the individual annual totals of the ten largest pensions currently being paid to retired civil servants.

(AQW 6408/09)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: The average annual pension currently being paid to civil servants as at March 2009 is estimated at £7,119. It is not possible to provide this by retirement grade, as the information is not held in this format.

The estimated total sum of annual pension payments paid to retired civil servants is only available for the last 3 years. (Prior to this figures are only available for all scheme members, some of whom are not members of the NICS, and it would also include pensions paid to dependants.)

	2006/07 (£000s)	2007/08 (£000s)	2008/09 (£000s)
Civil Servant Pensioners	121,602	137,860	147,189

The overall annual total of the ten largest pensions currently being paid to

retired civil servants is £612,202. I am unable to provide the individual

totals as this would potentially identify individuals and would be a breach

of Data Protection legislation. .

Efficiency Savings

Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel for his assessment of the present position in relation to the planned efficiency savings across all Government Departments.

(AQW 6484/09)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: As part of the 2007 Budget process the Executive agreed that Northern Ireland departments would be set the target of delivering 3% per annum cash releasing efficiency savings over the period 2008-09 to 2010-11.

The responsibility for the planning and delivery of efficiency savings lies with individual Ministers and departments. DFP has a role in terms of monitoring progress.

The latest assessment by my officials is that the majority of efficiency savings are on track for delivery in the current financial year.

Civil Service

Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what (i) specific training deficiencies have been identified across the Civil Service; (ii) steps have been taken to address these deficiencies; and (iii) whether an assessment has been made of savings in consultancy fees that could result from any additional training being undertaken.

(AQW 6490/09)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: Northern Ireland Civil Service corporate training priorities are agreed on an annual basis by departmental Personnel Directors prior to the commencement of a new financial year. For 2009/10 the key areas are:

• Those applying across the NICS - Financial Governance and Development Programmes, including Leadership and Management/Administrative Development; and
• those appropriate to limited groups of staff, within certain business areas or particular disciplines – Programme and Project Management, Policy and Legislative Skills, Freedom of Information, Essential Skills, Sustainable Development, Health and Well Being

These agreed corporate training priorities inform the learning and development provision which will be delivered by the Centre for Applied Learning (CAL), the central NICS provider of generic training, for the forthcoming financial year.

CAL has responsibility for taking forward the development of generic training interventions in order to meet the training needs identified. Work is already ongoing to meet the identified needs with review and updating of existing training provision and development of new courses where the need is not met by existing provision.

The challenging environment in which the Northern Ireland Civil Service operates requires departments to consider new ways of carrying out their business and to draw on a wide range of skills and expertise. When such skills and expertise are not available ‘in-house’, departments may have to consider the engagement of external consultancy services, for a finite period to complete a particular piece of work. The use of consultants can have long term benefits to the NICS where knowledge and skills are passed to staff, increasing ‘in-house’ expertise and thereby reducing future need to engage external consultants. To ensure value for money, strict guidelines are in place with respect to the circumstances in which external consultants can be employed.

Civil Service

Mr P McGlone asked he Minister of Finance and Personnel what is the criteria that is used to pay bonuses to senior Civil Servants, including the method by which this criteria is applied; and by whom it is applied.

(AQW 6504/09)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: In line with the recommendations of the Senior Salaries Review Body, non-consolidated bonus payments have since 2002 been part of the annual pay awards to Senior Civil Servants. Eligibility for a non-consolidated bonus payment aims to reflect achievements against personal objectives or other short-term personal contributions to wider objectives, as measured against specified criteria. The criteria for payment of non-consolidated bonuses are:

• Whether corporate, business and capacity related objectives have been met or not and to what degree;
• Judgements about how the objectives were achieved and in particular whether the leadership behaviours and professional skills part of the Professional Skills for Government framework have been demonstrated or not and to what degree;
• Additional consideration may also be given to the degree of difficulty or ease in meeting the objectives in the light of actual events.

The level of non-consolidated bonus awards payable is determined by applying the following definition of how objectives were achieved:

Recommendations on annual pay awards, including any non-consolidated bonus payments, for staff at Assistant Secretary level are made at departmental pay conferences chaired by the department’s Permanent Secretary and including those Deputy Secretaries with line manager responsibility. The Permanent Secretary is responsible for final decisions and for pay awards for Deputy Secretaries in his/her department. The Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) Senior Civil Service Pay Committee, comprising the Permanent Secretaries of all NICS departments and chaired by the DFP Permanent Secretary, provides a moderation role. The Head of the NICS, with the assistance of an independent Permanent Secretary Remuneration Committee, considers the annual pay awards, including any non-consolidated bonus payments, for Permanent Secretaries. The annual pay award, including any non-consolidated bonus payment, for the Head of the NICS is determined by the Whitehall Permanent Secretary Remuneration Committee.

Civil Service

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how many senior Civil Servants in each Department were paid bonuses in (i) 2003/04; (ii) 2004/05; (iii) 2005/06; (iv) 2006/07; and (v) 2007/08.

(AQW 6505/09)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: The total number of Senior Civil Servants paid non-consolidated bonuses in each department in respect of performance years 2003/2004 through to 2007/2008 is as follows:

Events in the Grounds of the Stormont Estate

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel (i) to list those who have applied to hold an event in the grounds of the Stormont Estate in the next twelve months; (ii) the nature of the events; and (iii) whether the events have been given approval or have been refused.

(AQW 6545/09)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: The following requests have been made for events in the Stormont Estate over the next 12 months:

The Northern Ireland Civil Service Sports Association (NICSSA) also holds events at its Pavilion Complex. These events, including cricket matches, do not require Ministerial approval. We have been advised of the following major events:

Crossnacreevy Site

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if his Department has any responsibility for releasing or raising any finances needed because of the miscalculation of the value of the Crossnacreevy Site.

(AQW 6556/09)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: The responsibility for delivering capital receipts targets is primarily a matter for the relevant Department. The position of Crossnacreevy is an issue affecting the Investment Strategy in 2010/11 and my Department is considering the implications of this matter along with all other capital receipt forecasts in consultation with the Department for Agriculture and Rural Development.

Land and Property Services

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what steps he is taking to improve the level of customer care in the Land and Property Services.

(AQW 6604/09)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: Steps being taken include the implementation of a new Customer Transformation Strategy, which will co-ordinate customer services across Land & Property Services, and which takes into account best practice in other organisations in Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

Improvements that have already taken place include significant reductions in backlogs of work, and improvements in handling correspondence. Land & Property Services is working closely with the first phase of Northern Ireland Direct to improve call-handling, particularly with regard to the more than 500,000 start of year rate bills to be issued at the beginning of April.

Departmental Staff

Ms M Anderson asked he Minister of Finance and Personnel how many employees are in his Department in the Londonderry/Derry City Council area.

(AQW 6642/09)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: The number of employees in the Council area is 168.

Departmental Staff

Ms M Anderson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how many employees in his Department travel from Londonderry/Derry to work in Belfast.

(AQW 6643/09)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: The number of employees from Londonderry travelling to work in Belfast is 37.

Small and Medium Sized Enterprises

Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to specify the number of small and medium sized enterprises in the Upper Bann constituency that have been placed on tendering lists, in the last financial year.

(AQW 6681/09)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) do not hold tendering lists. All NICS tenders are subject to open and transparent competition.

Since May 2008 all CPD procurement has been carried out through a web based procurement portal called eSourcingNI. At present there are approximately 2700 suppliers which class themselves as SME’s currently registered on the system. This number is expected to grow significantly as the system is rolled out to other Centres of Procurement Expertise in Northern Ireland

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY

MRSA

Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the procedures in place in each Hospital Trust for (a) screening all hospital patients on (i) admission; and (ii) transfer, for MRSA; (b) treating patients who test positively for MRSA; (iii) notifying relatives of patients who test positively for MRSA; (d) offering medical advice to relatives of patients who test positively for MRSA; (e) washing the clothes of patients who test positively for MRSA; and (f) allowing family members to carry out minor medical care such as swabbing on patients who test positively for MRSA; and on how many occasions these procedures were not followed in the last calendar year, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.

(AQW 4421/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr M McGimpsey): Details for each Trust are given in the table attached. These procedures are subject to review.

Genetically Modified Crops

Mr B Wilson asked he Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the types of genetically modified (GM) imported animal feed stuffs, broken down by (i) the quantity of each type; and (ii) the country of origin, in each year since 1998.

(AQW 6276/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The information requested is not available. There is no legal requirement to collect information on the quantities, or country of origin, of imported genetically modified feed stuffs. Only those genetically modified feeds authorised by the European Union (EU) can be imported into the EU.

Commissioner for Children and Young People

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he has had any recent meetings with the Commissioner for Children and Young People; and, if so, to give the purpose of the meetings.

(AQW 6279/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I met the Commissioner on Tuesday 24 February to discuss Speech and Language services for Children and Young People.

Residential Care Units

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for the total cost of residential care units, broken down by Health and Social Care Trusts.

(AQW 6280/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The table below sets out the total cost of residential care homes for 2007/2008, broken down by Health and Social Care Trusts.

Young People in Residential Care

Ms S Ramsey asked he Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for the cost of keeping a young person in residential care, broken down by (i) residential care unit; and (ii) Health and Social Care Trusts.

(AQW 6281/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: (i) The cost of keeping a young person in residential care broken down by residential care unit is not available.

(ii) The estimated cost of keeping a young person in residential care broken down by Health and Social Care Trust is shown in the table below;

Source: Annual Trust Financial Returns

The above unit costs take no account of individual case complexity.

Ambulances

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for his definition of the golden hour for ambulances.

(AQW 6293/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The ‘golden hour’ is regarded as the period immediately following traumatic injury in which medical treatment is most effective; although no generally accepted definition exists. However, this term is not normally used in the context of emergency ambulance response. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service aims to respond to all life-threatening calls, including traumatic injury, within 8 minutes.

Patients with Learning Disabilities

Mr A Easton asked he Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is the cost per year to the Health Service, of patients with learning disabilities.

(AQW 6294/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The cost to the Health Service of providing learning disability services to clients in 2007/08 was £200m.

Muckamore Abbey Hospital

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what his long term plans are for Muckamore Abbey Hospital.

(AQW 6295/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: As supported in the Bamford Review Equal Lives Report, plans are being made at Muckamore Abbey Hospital for approximately 160 people who do not require hospital treatment, to be resettled into appropriate community services.

In addition, there are plans to provide 87 assessment and treatment beds for adults with learning disabilities who require a short-term inpatient admission but who will return home following their treatment. Of these beds, 68 will provide a service for people from the Belfast, South Eastern and Northern Health and Social Care Trust areas. The remaining 19 beds will provide a regional service for people with learning disabilities who require treatment because of offending behaviours.

Health and Social Services Boards

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety whether all Northern Health & Social Services Board jobs based at County Hall in Ballymena will be retained at County Hall, as indicated in an article in the Ballymena Guardian on 12/03/2009.

(AQW 6302/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: On 4 February 2009 I wrote to Chairs and Chief Executives of Health and Social Care bodies announcing my decisions on the location of the headquarters of the new HSC organisations. In the letter, the text of which is set out below, I advised that as a result of those decisions, the majority of staff who will not be working in the new headquarters will remain in their current location at 1 April 2009.

Exact numbers will depend on the outcome of current staff mapping and the application of an agreed human resources framework. However, we estimate under these arrangements over 80% of staff affected by the reforms will remain in their current location.

Letter issued on 4 February 2009 to Chairs and Chief Executives of Health and Social Care bodies:

I am pleased to be able to write to you formally about the decisions on the location of the headquarters of the new HSC organisations with effect from 1 April 2009.

Through the consultation processes associated with this phase of the reforms, staff and Trades Unions have emphasised the importance of timely decisions on location and a commitment was given by the Department that an announcement would be made at the end of January 2009.

From the outset I made it clear that, irrespective of the location of the headquarters, the new structures would maintain the strong local presence that is a feature of the health and social care system. As a result of these decisions, the great majority of staff who will not be working in the new headquarters will remain in their current location in Londonderry, Ballymena, Armagh, Broughshane, Omagh, Lurgan and Belfast at 1 April 2009.

The following decisions have been the subject of a comprehensive scoping exercise for suitable accommodation, business case approval by DFP and equality screening, carried out in line with existing guidance:-

• The Health and Social Care Board headquarters will be based in the current EHSSB HQ from 1 April 2009. Commissioning Support Units will be based in Londonderry, Ballymena, Armagh and Belfast.

• From 1 April 2009, the Public Health Agency headquarters will be based in surplus DHSSPS accommodation in Stoney Road, Dundonald on an interim basis until March 2010, with other Belfast-based staff, such as the Health Promotion Agency, remaining in their current accommodation. Work will commence immediately on the development of a longer term solution for the Agency headquarters based in Belfast, which is intended to be in an area that will reflect its important role in addressing health inequalities. Agency staff will also be based in the four Commissioning Support Units.

• The Business Services Organisation headquarters will be located on an interim basis in the CSA headquarters in Franklin Street, Belfast where the great majority of its staff are currently based. Staff currently based in Londonderry and elsewhere will remain in their present location. A further comprehensive option appraisal will be carried out to determine the location and accommodation for the shared service centres. There will also be an exercise to determine the location of the permanent headquarters which will be sited outside Belfast.

• The PCC headquarters will be based in suitable leased accommodation in Antrim. Four of the five local offices will be based in the same locations as the existing HSS Councils – Broughshane, Belfast, Lurgan and Omagh. New premises will be required for the Omagh office because staff are currently housed on Trust property. The new local office for the South Eastern area will be located in Newtownards.

We estimate that under these arrangements over 80% of staff will remain in their current location and over one third of the tier 3 posts will not be in headquarters. We are also examining the scope for further regional functions to be provided from local CSUs.

These decisions have taken account of the need to minimise as far as possible the impact for the majority of staff and ensure resources are not diverted from frontline services. We are also committed to applying the agreed principles that were adopted as part of the Human Resource Framework. The Framework sets out the arrangements that will govern the management of staff and staff issues during the structural reforms and also provides important mitigating measures and protections for staff in terms of location and over the next two years we shall closely monitor its application. These steps are part of our clear commitment to make every effort to avoid compulsory redundancies.

I trust that this provides clarity on the important issue of location. Enquiries about individual circumstances should be handled by the existing employer until 31 March and by the new employer with effect from 1 April 2009.

Health and Social Services Boards

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many jobs there have been in the (i) Northern Health and Social Services Board; (ii) Western Health and Social Services Board; (iii) Eastern Health and Social Services Board; and (iv) Southern Health and Social Services Board in (a) 2006/07; (b) 2007/08; and (c) 2008/09.

(AQW 6303/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The information requested is provided in the table below.

HSC Jobs¹ as at 30 September in each Health & Social Services Board, 2006 - 2008

Source: Human Resource Management System and Health and Social Care Workforce Vacancy Survey

Notes:

1. Jobs are defined as staff in post plus vacancies at the mid-point of each financial year.

2. WTE = whole-time equivalent.

3. Figures exclude bank staff or those with a whole-time equivalent of less than or equal to 0.03. Figures include staff on secondment.

4. The Southern HSS Board figures show a significant reduction in jobs from 2006 to 2008. This was due to the transfer of Internal Audit, Social Care Training Unit and Southern Area Urgent Care Services to the Southern HSC Trust.

Health and Social Services Boards

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many Eastern Health and Social Services Board jobs there are per head of population in that Board area.

(AQW 6304/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The information requested is provided in the table below.

HSC Jobs¹ as at 30 September 2008 in each Health & Social Services Board area per 1,000 population.⁴

Source: Human Resource Management System and Health and Social Care Workforce Vacancy Survey

Notes:

1. Jobs are defined as staff in post plus vacancies at 30 September 2008.

2. WTE = whole-time equivalent.

3. Figures exclude bank staff or those with a whole-time equivalent of less than or equal to 0.03.

4. The 2007 mid-year estimate of population is the latest available from the General Register Office for Northern Ireland.

5. The Eastern Board area figures include jobs within Regional Services, such as Central Services Agency, Blood Transfusion Services and The Regulation & Quality Improvement Authority which are located within the Belfast area but provide services to all of Northern Ireland.

6. Ambulance Trust jobs have been allocated to the Board areas in which they are primarily based.

Health and Social Services Boards

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many Northern Health and Social Services Board jobs there are per head of population in that Board area.

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The information requested is provided in the table below.

HSC Jobs¹ as at 30 September 2008 in each Health & Social Services Board area per 1,000 population.⁴

Source: Human Resource Management System and Health and Social Care Workforce Vacancy Survey

Notes:

1. Jobs are defined as staff in post plus vacancies at 30 September 2008.

2. WTE = whole-time equivalent.

3. Figures exclude bank staff or those with a whole-time equivalent of less than or equal to 0.03.

4. The 2007 mid-year estimate of population is the latest available from the General Register Office for Northern Ireland.

5. The Eastern Board area figures include jobs within Regional Services, such as Central Services Agency, Blood Transfusion Services and The Regulation & Quality Improvement Authority which are located within the Belfast area but provide services to all of Northern Ireland.

6. Ambulance Trust jobs have been allocated to the Board areas in which they are primarily based.

Health and Social Services Boards

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many Western Health and Social Services Board jobs there are per head of population in that Board area.

(AQW 6306/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The information requested is provided in the table below.

HSC Jobs¹ as at 30 September 2008 in each Health & Social Services Board area per 1,000 population.⁴

Source: Human Resource Management System and Health and Social Care Workforce Vacancy Survey

Notes:

1. Jobs are defined as staff in post plus vacancies at 30 September 2008.

2. WTE = whole-time equivalent.

3. Figures exclude bank staff or those with a whole-time equivalent of less than or equal to 0.03.

4. The 2007 mid-year estimate of population is the latest available from the General Register Office for Northern Ireland.

5. The Eastern Board area figures include jobs within Regional Services, such as Central Services Agency, Blood Transfusion Services and The Regulation & Quality Improvement Authority which are located within the Belfast area but provide services to all of Northern Ireland.

6. Ambulance Trust jobs have been allocated to the Board areas in which they are primarily based.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) how many people over 46 years old who have sexually transmitted diseases; and (ii) on average for how long they have suffered from this disease.

(AQW 6318/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The information requested is not available.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of people under 45 years of age who have sexually transmitted diseases; and on average, for the length of time they have suffered from the disease.

(AQW 6319/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The information requested is not available.

Abortions

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how his Department determines the legality of each abortion performed in each of the last five years.

(AQW 6322/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Health and Social Care Professionals must provide care within the law in Northern Ireland. The decision to advise a woman to have a termination of pregnancy will be a matter for professional clinical judgement, made within the legal framework which currently exists in Northern Ireland.

In September 2005 the then Chief Medical Officer, Dr Henrietta Campbell, wrote to all health workers who may be involved in the termination of pregnancy setting out the legal criteria under which a termination of pregnancy may be carried out. In March 2008 the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, wrote again re-iterating the legal position.

On Friday 13 March my Department issued Guidance on the Termination of Pregnancy: The Law and Clinical Practice in Northern Ireland to health professionals. This document re-states the legal criteria that must be met for a termination of pregnancy to be carried out in Northern Ireland.

Abortions

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in which hospitals were abortions performed in each of the last five years.

(AQW 6323/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Guidance issued by the Office of National Statistics states that "the identity of the practitioner as the person who carried out the procedure should be protected. Similarly the identity of the hospital as the place where the termination occurred should also be protected". It is therefore not appropriate to state in which hospitals abortions were performed in each of the last five years.

Abortions

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what official system his Department uses to monitor abortions.

(AQW 6324/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The Department of Health does not hold an official system solely for monitoring terminations of pregnancy.

The Department holds information on the Hospital Inpatient System which records information on diagnosis and procedures carried out on patients admitted to acute Health and Social Care hospitals in Northern Ireland as inpatients or day cases. This includes patients who have had a termination of pregnancy.

Southern Health and Social Services Board

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many Southern Health and Social Services Board jobs there are per head of population in that Board area.

(AQW 6325/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The information requested is provided in the table below.

HSC Jobs¹ as at 30 September 2008 in each Health & Social Services Board area per 1,000 population.⁴

Source: Human Resource Management System and Health and Social Care Workforce Vacancy Survey

Notes:

1. Jobs are defined as staff in post plus vacancies at 30 September 2008.

2. WTE = whole-time equivalent.

3. Figures exclude bank staff or those with a whole-time equivalent of less than or equal to 0.03.

4. The 2007 mid-year estimate of population is the latest available from the General Register Office for Northern Ireland.

5. The Eastern Board area figures include jobs within Regional Services, such as Central Services Agency, Blood Transfusion Services and The Regulation & Quality Improvement Authority which are located within the Belfast area but provide services to all of Northern Ireland.

6. Ambulance Trust jobs have been allocated to the Board areas in which they are primarily based.

Northern Health and Social Services Board

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will take into account the Bain Report proposal that public sector jobs should be relocated to, not from Ballymena, when considering the location of jobs currently based in the Northern Health and Social Services Board area.

(AQW 6326/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I made it clear from the outset in my proposals for the reform of Health and Social Care structures that, irrespective of the location of the headquarters, the new structures would maintain the strong local presence that is a feature of the health and social care system.

As a result of the decisions contained in my announcement of 4 February, it is estimated that over 80% of staff who will not be working in the new headquarters will remain in their current location in Londonderry, Ballymena, Armagh, Broughshane, Omagh, Lurgan and Belfast at 1 April 2009.

I have noted the recommendations in Professor Bain’s Report and am aware that decisions around the future location of public sector jobs could have important implications for communities throughout Northern Ireland. Indeed, the wide dispersal of 70,000 health and social care sector jobs in NI, particularly high quality jobs outside Belfast, is already in evidence.

I will therefore engage with colleagues on the Executive in addressing the recommendations of the Bain Review. However, this process will inevitably take some time and you will understand that it was imperative for a number of reasons including service continuity and staff morale that the Department continued with its work, in line with current guidance, to determine the location of the new health and social care bodies from April 2009.

Northern Health and Social Services Board

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he can give an assurance that none of the jobs in the Information Services Department of the Northern Health and Social Services Board will be relocated to Belfast.

(AQW 6327/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: On 4 February 2009 I wrote to Chairs and Chief Executives of Health and Social Care bodies, and trade unions, informing them that it is estimated that 80% of staff affected by these reforms will remain in their current location. From 1 April 2009 the Information Services Department of the Northern Health and Social Services Board will become part of the Health and Social Care Board. Decisions on location will take account of the need to minimise as far as possible the impact for the majority of staff. At this stage I cannot give any assurance for one particular group.

Regional Health and Social Care Board

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if department, heads in the new Regional Health and Social Care Board will have a direct say in where their staff will be located; or will there be set criteria or a policy that will dictate where jobs are located.

(AQW 6328/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I would refer the member to my answer to AQW 6302 on 30 March. The final location of staff will depend on the outcome of the current staff mapping exercise and the application of an agreed human resources framework.

Northern Ireland Hospice Care Centre

Mr J Craig asked he Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what economic and medical assistance his Department gives to the Northern Ireland Hospice Care Centre.

(AQW 6334/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: My Department provides Northern Ireland Hospice Care (NIHC) with a core annual grant of £130k, together with £200k recurrent funding to develop outreach nursing services at the Children’s Hospice. During 2008/09, I have also agreed to a £1k allocation for social work training and awarded a grant of £7k for the provision of siblings’ weekends at the children’s hospice.

Arrangements are also in place for Commissioners to provide 50% funding per adult patient cared for by NIHC. For the financial year 2008/09, funding for adults’ and children’s services is expected to amount to £2.543m.

Although my Department does not directly provide medical assistance to NIHC, junior medical staff at the hospice are funded by the Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency and medications are funded by the Central Services Agency.

MacMillan Cancer Support

Mr J Craig asked he Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what economic and medical assistance his Department gives to the MacMillan Cancer Support.

(AQW 6335/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Firstly I would like to recognise the invaluable contribution Macmillan makes to the care of cancer patients. As one of the largest national charities Macmillan has used its considerable resources to good effect in improving wellbeing of those affected by cancer in Northern Ireland. In common with health departments in other UK jurisdictions, the Department of Health Social Services and Public Safety does not supply economic or medical assistance to Macmillan Cancer Support. The services Macmillan provides are entirely independent of Government support.

Childhood Obesity

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action his Department is taking to tackle childhood obesity.

(AQW 6342/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Tackling childhood obesity in Northern Ireland is a top priority for my Department. To this end I have established a cross-sectoral Obesity Prevention Steering Group (OPSG) with responsibility for taking forward the recommendations contained in the Fit Futures Implementation Plan. This year we shall be developing a life course approach to improve participation in physical activity, increasing awareness of healthy eating and promoting healthy weight within an over-arching Obesity Strategic Framework.

Preventing the rise of childhood obesity will have a positive impact on the health of our communities in the future and whilst I acknowledge appropriate clinical interventions have a role to play, I believe we need to place particular emphasis on the early prevention of obesity which can help reduce related health issues such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

Outpatients Appointment Targets

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety why some Health and Social Care Trusts have missed their outpatients appointment targets.

(AQW 6356/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: All Trusts have made satisfactory progress towards achieving the outpatients waiting list targets set for 2008/09. However, breaches of these target times can and will occur due to a range of unforeseen circumstances including capacity issues, recruitment issues and staff absenteeism.

My Department has established robust monitoring and performance management arrangements to ensure that all Trusts continue to make progress towards the achievement of the Priority for Action elective care targets.

Dementia

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many people have dementia.

(AQW 6357/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The information is not collected centrally, and if available, could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Alzheimer's Disease

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many people have Alzheimer’s disease.

(AQW 6358/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The information requested is not collected centrally, and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Epilepsy

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many people have been referred to Great Ormond Street hospital for treatment for epilepsy in the last three years.

(AQW 6359/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The table below shows the number of people that have been referred from Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland to Great Ormond Street hospital for treatment for epilepsy in each of the last three years.

Source: Northern Ireland Health and Social Services Boards

1 – Data for 2008/09 includes patients transferred up to 20^th March 2009.

Family Support Workers

Lord Morrow asked he Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to his answer to AQW 5815/09, if there will be a reduction in the number of family support workers in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, from the eight currently in the post.

(AQW 6365/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The Southern Health and Social Care Trust currently has no plans to reduce the number of family support workers from the eight currently in post in the Armagh and Dungannon locality.

Ambulances

Mr T Elliott asked he Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what discussions have taken place with private companies and charity representatives about the provision of an air ambulance.

(AQW 6371/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Officials from my Department have met with representatives of the Ireland Air Ambulance charity, also known as Alpha 5 to discuss the charity’s proposals for a helicopter emergency medical service. My Department has had no meetings with representatives of other private companies or charities regarding an air ambulance service.

In all contacts with Ireland Air Ambulance, officials have made clear that our policy priority for some years to come must be to invest in modernising ground ambulance services. This is essential to enable the ambulance service to improve its response to emergency life-threatening calls, to secure the best possible outcomes for patients and to deliver its performance targets.

Alcohol Misuse

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what his Department is doing to tackle irresponsible drinking.

(AQW 6380/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: My Department takes the misuse of alcohol very seriously, particularly binge drinking and underage drinking. Through the New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs, current actions to address this issue include:

• the establishment of a binge drinking advisory group;
• the continuation of the award winning binge drinking public information campaign;
• the provision of local treatment, support and information programmes; and
• positive engagement with the drinks industry.

Latest figures from the Adult Drinking Patterns Survey show that binge drinking levels have fallen from 43% of men and 33% of women in 2005 to 33% and 29% respectively in 2008. These levels are still too high and I intend to issue an integrated action plan to address young people’s drinking in the near future.

Alcohol Misuse

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety the estimated annual cost of alcohol misuse.

(AQW 6381/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: A 1998 report undertaken by my Department concluded that alcohol misuse was costing Northern Ireland Society approximately £770 million per year, and of this the direct costs to the Health Service were in the region of £25 million per year. As the original costings are now likely to be an underestimate my Department intends to update these over the next financial year.

Northern Health and Social Services Board

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many workers in the Northern Health and Social Services Board have been informed that they, or their positions, are being moved out of the Northern Health and Social Services Board area.

(AQW 6382/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I understand that no workers have been given formal notice that they, or their positions, are being moved out the Northern Health and Social Services Board area.

Mental Health Services

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what community groups and other organisations were consulted in relation to the new complaints system for mental health services.

(AQW 6391/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: A consultation paper, Complaints in the HPSS, was issued in November 2006. As a public consultation this was open to all individuals, groups and organisations. The consultation period closed in March 2007, by which time 91 responses had been received from a wide cross-section of interested parties including the HSC, community, voluntary, private and professional organisations.

Complaints in the HPSS and the subsequent Complaints in HSC: Standards and Guidelines for Resolution and Learning apply equally to all health and social care services. This includes, but is not specific to, mental health services.

A Summary of Responses to the consultation is available on http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/hsc_complaints_consultation_summary_of_responses.pdf

New Health Service Dental Contract

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide an update on the new health service dental contract.

(AQW 6405/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Negotiations between my Department and the British Dental association on a new bespoke primary dental care contract for Northern Ireland are ongoing. Once the contract is agreed it is intended that it will be piloted across a number of sites by the end of this year.

The new contract will allow dental services to be targeted at the groups and areas which have the highest need, provide stable and sustainable dental services, fairly remunerate dentists for the services they provide and improve the oral health of the people of Northern Ireland.

Charges for Drugs

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety the reasons why the transitional provisions contained in the Charges for Drugs and Appliances Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008, whereby a reduction in the regulated charges for 2009 have been implemented, are without a pro-rata refund for those who hold a 12 month certificate of prepayment of charges valid from 2008 to 2009.

(AQW 6445/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The reduced £3 charge for each prescription item dispensed, and reductions in the cost of 4- and 12-monthly Prescription Prepayment Certificates (PPCs) to £25 and £9 respectively, came into effect on 1 January 2009. It was decided not to issue pro rata refunds in respect of PPCs that had already been purchased, as for the great majority of people who purchase these, a PPC continues to represent a saving, since holders of a PPC receive unlimited, free prescriptions for the valid period.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm that both Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service appliances in Portstewart are available for an immediate dispatch to an emergency fire or rescue callout.

(AQW 6450/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: As I have indicated previously, I am considering proposals about the future of the second appliance from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service Board. Pending my decision on those proposals, both appliances are available for immediate dispatch.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety who his Special Advisor is for questions regarding the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.

(AQW 6452/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I have no Special Adviser specifically for questions regarding the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. I take advice on operational matters from the Chief Fire Officer and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service Board.

Health and Social Care Trusts

Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety the total number of (i) Directors; (ii) Assistant Directors; and (iii) support staff employed in each of the Health and Social Care Trusts.

(AQW 6518/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The information requested is given in the table below.

Table 1: Number of (i) Directors, (ii) Assistant Directors and (iii) Support Staff employed by Health and Social Care Trust as at March 2009.

Source: Northern Ireland Health & Social Care Trusts

Notes:

1. WTE = Whole-Time Equivalent.
2. Administrative Support Staff includes all Administration staff employed within HSC Trusts below Director / Assistant Director level.
3. Northern HSC Trust reported two vacancies at Director level, and there is currently one Director level vacancy at Belfast HSC Trust.

Senior Nursing Positions

Mr T Buchanan asked he Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many nurses in the Western Health and Social Care Trust area, who took early retirement, are back in senior nursing positions.

(AQW 6522/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Trust management have advised there are no nurses that availed of early retirement, re-engaged in senior nursing positions.

Midwife-Led Maternity Unit in Omagh

Mr B McElduff asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, in relation to the estimated number of women expected to have 'no risk' labours (i) if his Department will establish a community midwifery led unit in Omagh; and (ii) to detail the outcome of the recent consultation exercise on this matter.

(AQW 6541/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: i) I want to give my fullest consideration and to take the necessary professional advice on all of the issues raised in the Western Board’s feasibility report on the provision of a midwife-led maternity unit in Omagh. I will make an appropriate announcement when I have done so.

ii) The key issues which emerged from the Western Board’s study were:

• Mother and baby safety;
• The need for an effective transfer system in the case of an emergency;
• Eligibility criteria;
• The availability of skilled midwives;
• Impact on plans for the new south west acute hospital;
• The long-term sustainability of a midwife led unit;
• Impact on existing obstetric units at Altnagelvin and Erne hospitals; and
• Costs and value for money.

Replacing Light Bulbs in Hospitals

Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what the protocol is for replacing light bulbs in hospitals in the Western Health and Social Care Trust area; and the associated costs of each replacement.

(AQW 6562/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The Western Health and Social Care Trust replace lamps as soon as reasonably practical after a lamp failure is notified to the Trust’s Estates Department. The average cost of routine lamp replacement is £5.40. This covers all lamps used in WHSCT facilities such as compact fluorescent, fluorescent, low voltage, filament lamps, tungsten halogen and other discharge lighting.

Nursing Staff

Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what opportunities are available in the Western Health and Social Care area for young nursing staff to gain experience.

(AQW 6563/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Newly qualified nurses are recruited at Band 5, and following induction, are provided with a preceptor during the first 6-12 months of their experience to provide them with support and enable them build their confidence within a safe environment. A wide range of skills training is funded by my Department and available through the In-service Education and Development Consortium.

Opportunities are also provided for nursing staff to transfer between different specialties within the service area that they are qualified to work. This can be either to meet individual requests or service needs. This helps broaden their overall experience and opens up new career and promotion opportunities.

Health and Social Services Boards

Mr M McLaughlin asked he Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) to confirm his commitment to Health and Social Services Boards, following its reorganisation on 1 April 2009, that 80% of public sector jobs will remain in local areas and that senior positions will not be centralised in Belfast; and (ii) if he will act in accordance with the recommendations of the Bain Report in relation to the location and decentralisation of public sector jobs.

(AQW 6595/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: (i) In my 4 February 2009 announcement on the location of the headquarters of the new organisations, it was estimated that over 80% of staff would remain in their current location and over one third of the Tier 3 posts would not be in headquarters. Exact numbers and the final location of staff will depend on the outcome of current staff mapping and the application of an agreed human resources framework.

(ii) I will engage with colleagues on the Executive in addressing the recommendations of the Bain Review. However, this process will inevitably take some time and you will understand that it was imperative for a number of reasons including service continuity and staff morale that the Department continued with its work, in line with current guidance, to determine the location of the new health and social care bodies from April 2009.

Ambulances

Mr F Molloy asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many ambulances service the Mid Ulster area.

(AQW 6621/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: There are two ambulance stations in Mid-Ulster at Magherafelt and Cookstown. The ambulance resources based at these stations are shown in the table below.

It is important to recognise that, as the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service dynamically deploys its emergency response fleet and will send the nearest available appropriate resource to 999 calls, it is possible that responses to 999 calls from the Mid-Ulster area will not originate from Magherafelt or Cookstown ambulance stations.

Ambulances

Mr F Molloy asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what the average waiting time is for patients requiring ambulance transport to the Royal Victoria Hospital from the (i) Mid-Ulster Hospital; and (ii) Antrim Area Hospital.

(AQW 6622/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The arrangements for the inter-hospital transfer of patients apply uniformly across all hospitals in Northern Ireland. The hospital where the patient is resident makes a booking for transport with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) clinically categorising the patient transfer as either "emergency" or "routine".

NIAS has advised that the average waiting time for inter-hospital transfers is not routinely collected and could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.

Ambulances

Mr F Molloy asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what the transfer arrangements are for patients travelling from the (i) Mid-Ulster Hospital; and (ii) Antrim Area Hospital to the Royal Victoria Hospital.

(AQW 6623/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The arrangements for the inter-hospital transfer of patients apply uniformly across all hospitals in Northern Ireland. The hospital where the patient is resident makes a booking for transport with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) clinically categorising the patient transfer as either "emergency" or "routine".

Emergency transports receive an immediate response from the nearest appropriate emergency ambulance. Non-emergency transfers receive a planned response in line with timeframes outlined by the clinician.

These procedures are well established and have served patients well for many years.

Departmental Staff

Ms M Anderson asked he Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many employees are in his Department in the Londonderry/Derry City Council area.

(AQW 6644/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The DHSSPS has 35 employees working in Waterside House, Londonderry at 26 March 2009.

Departmental Staff

Ms M Anderson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many employees in his Department travel from Londonderry/Derry to work in Belfast.

(AQW 6668/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The DHSSPS currently has 6 employees with an address in Londonderry/Derry who work in the Belfast area.

The 6 officers currently have an address with a postcode of BT47 and BT48.

Scottish Medicines Consortium

Mr T Gallagher asked he Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is the Scottish Medicines Consortium's legal standing in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 6724/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) assesses and makes recommendations on all new drugs to NHS Boards and their Area Drug and Therapeutics Committees across Scotland. SMC has no legal standing in Northern Ireland. SMC guidance is not currently reviewed or assessed as applicable in Northern Ireland.

Forum For Action On Substance Abuse

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what financial assistance he will give the Forum For Action On Substance Abuse in North Down as its funding will end in two months.

(AQW 6789/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The allocation of local funding, as well as the identification of local needs and local priorities, is the responsibility of the local Health and Social Care organisations. In the case of the FASA initiative in North Down neither the Department nor the local Drug and Alcohol Team provided funding for its establishment.

I do want to ensure the provision of an appropriate range of services across Northern Ireland to support those individuals and families affected by substance misuse. The new Public Health Agency, established on 1 April 2009, will therefore consider how best to provide resources for initiatives that help reduce the harm related to alcohol and drug misuse across Northern Ireland to organisations such as FASA and others.

Young People with Drugs and Alcohol Problems

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action he is taking to assist young people with drugs and alcohol problems.

(AQW 6792/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Health and Social Care (HSC) commissions and funds a number of specialist services at a local level that provide treatment through HSC facilities for young people with drug and alcohol dependencies. These include:

• Substance Misuse services for young people aged 17 and under based on a 4-tier model;
• Tier 2/3 Counselling, Support & Mentoring Services for young people under 18; and
• Tier 3/4 specialist treatment services for young people under 18

In addition, a number of education, awareness raising and training initiatives have been put in place, and all residents (including young people) also have access to generic primary/secondary care services who will meet other physical/mental health needs that may arise because of dependency to drugs and/or alcohol.

Children in Need

Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail his Department's guidance in relation to those children categorised as 'children in need'.

(AQW 6817/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Article 17 of the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 sets out the circumstances in which a child is to be considered ‘in need’. Part IV of, and Schedule 2 to, the Order set out the main responsibilities of Health and Social Care Trusts for children in their areas who are in need and their families; and children in need whom they look after.  Guidance on the statutory framework and its underlying principles is contained in eight volumes of Children (NI) Order 1995 Guidance and Regulations.

A single assessment framework, Understanding the Needs of Children in Northern Ireland, (UNOCINI) has been developed for use by those involved in assessing the needs of children in need in Northern Ireland. Guidance has also been issued to support those using the new framework.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Mr J Craig asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what recognition his Department gives to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome/M.E.

(AQW 6836/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: In January 2008, my Department endorsed the NICE clinical guidelines on the diagnosis and management of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) in adults and children in Northern Ireland. These guidelines are endorsed as developmental standards, and the Department expects Trusts to take account of them in planning and delivering their services.

In relation to Fibromyalgia, the cause of this condition remains unknown. The variability of symptoms in potential sufferers means that there is difficulty in diagnosis. At present there is no dedicated fibromyalgia service and no diagnostic test or cure for the illness.

The majority of care for both conditions is provided by general practitioners. Patients also have full access to a wide range of treatment and support services in secondary, primary and community care settings, including neurology services and mental health services.

Hip Arthroscopy Surgery

Mr K McCarthy asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for his assessment of hip arthroscopy surgery provision.

(AQO 2411/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: I am advised that hip arthroscopy is a relatively new procedure for the treatment of some hip conditions and the Health Boards have not yet agreed to commission it on a routine basis. The Health Boards have however asked clinicians to submit an evidence based business case for the development of a hip arthroscopy service and the Boards will wish to consider this in full before making decisions on the recurrent funding of a hip arthroscopy service in Northern Ireland. In the interim, where this procedure is recommended on clinical grounds, the Health Boards will consider funding the treatment of individual patients through their standard procedures for extra-contractual referral. The alternative treatment is physiotherapy and medical therapy and this may be offered where it is considered clinically appropriate.

Action Cancer Big Bus

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many people have had cancer detected through the Action Cancer Big Bus and what financial assistance is provided by his Department for this service.

(AQO 2412/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The Department of Health and Social Services and Public Safety does not hold any data on how many people have had cancer detected through the Action Cancer Big Bus. The Department does not provide any financial assistance for this service.

Neighbourhood Renewal

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what liaison he has had with the Minister for Social Development in relation to the future for neighbourhood renewal.

(AQO 2413/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: On my behalf officials of this Department have had significant and ongoing contact with DSD. This clearly reflects that tackling health inequalities is one of my key priorities and in this respect there is a strong correlation with the work of Neighbourhood Renewal.

Midwives

Mr A Maginness asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has to increase the number of qualified midwives to meet the long term need.

(AQO 2414/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: A review of the Nursing and Midwifery workforce is currently underway. The review is examining current and future recruitment and retention issues impacting on the workforce, and will provide a prediction of future supply and demand for midwives over the next five years.

I have increased midwifery training commissions for academic year 07/08 and 08/09. Over the last 3 years I have increased midwifery training commissions by 40%, from 44 to 62 places. Further decisions will be taken once I have considered the recommendations of the workforce review. However there are no plans to reduce the midwifery training numbers.

Regional Agency for Public Health and Social Well-Being

Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline his priorities for the new Regional Agency for Public Health and Social Well-Being.

(AQO 2415/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The Public Health Agency, once established on 1 April, will be asked to develop plans and actions to improve the health of the population, to protect the health of the population and to tackle the particular challenge of reducing health inequalities. There are already clear priorities addressing these issues in the form of Public Service Agreements which cover issues such as life expectancy, smoking, sexual health, obesity, alcohol misuse promoting mental health and suicide.

On the health protection side, the Agency will take forward plans in regard to reducing healthcare associated infections, preparing for pandemic flu and screening programmes.

Following its establishment on 1 April, the new Public Health Agency will be requested to submit its plans to address these priorities, for my approval.

Efficiency Targets

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for his assessment of his Department achieving 3% efficiency targets.

(AQO 2416/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Targets were imposed on all Departments at the same rate and there was no special dispensation made for health - despite inherent underfunding of £600m. The efficiencies are a major challenge for my Department but must be achieved if I am to deliver my service developments and maintain existing services. We are on course to deliver the full complement of efficiencies for 2008/09.

Resettlement Programme

Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans there are to increase day care under the Resettlement Programme.

(AQO 2417/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The whole ethos behind the Resettlement Programme is about ensuring the betterment of the lives of people who currently live in learning disability hospitals. It necessarily includes further investment in the community infrastructure to enable those people being resettled to remain in the community and to support them to live independently. Day care services are part of that additional investment. The additional resources of £33m (£17m recurrent) for learning disability services which I secured under the Comprehensive Spending Review for the period 2008-2011 are being used to provide a range of additional services including day care.

My officials are currently in the process of gathering comprehensive information in order to support robust future bidding processes. Any new resources secured for the Resettlement Programme beyond 2011 will also include an element to be invested in the community infrastructure which will include day care.

Home Births

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline his Department's policy in relation to women who want to give birth at home.

(AQO 2418/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: My Department’s maternity policies recognise that, for the majority of women, pregnancy and childbirth are normal life events and that promoting women’s experience of having choice and control in childbirth can have a significant effect on children’s healthy development.

A home birth is therefore an option open to women experiencing a low risk pregnancy and who wish to have their baby delivered at home. Each Trust will have its own arrangements and guidelines for the facilitation and support of home births within their maternity services.

Children’s Development and Life Chances

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action he is taking to help parents in poverty to improve the development and life chances of their children.

(AQO 2419/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: My Department's family and parenting strategy, Families Matter: Supporting Families in Northern Ireland, gives a commitment to work towards the elimination of poverty, particularly child poverty, through supporting parents who experience poverty. It seeks to increase the range of services available to support families and parents; to ensure that those services are accessible to all families and parents; to improve the range of information available to families and parents to enable them fulfill their duties in bringing up children and to promote multi-agency working. In addition, the public health strategy Investing for Health recognised poverty as a major determinant of health and well-being and as a result many actions are underway at regional and local level in partnership with others.

A&E Patient Priority

Mrs C Hanna asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the accepted criteria for determining the priority of patients to be seen at A&E departments.

(AQO 2420/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Patients attending A&E, other than emergency or cases such as blue-light ambulances or cardiac cases, are assessed initially by a skilled triage nurse and then treated on the basis of clinical priority.

In addition, the current waiting time target requires Health and Social Care Trusts to ensure that from April 2008, 95% of patients attending A&E are either treated and discharged home, or admitted within four hours of their arrival in the department; no patient should wait longer than 12 hours.

Southern Trust: Agency Staff Spend

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline why £5 million was spent on agency staff in one year, in the Southern Trust area, and what action is being taken in relation to staff recruitment to avoid further expense of this nature.

(AQO 2421/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: There are many reasons why Health and Social Care Trusts may appoint agency staff, for example, during periods of temporary staff shortage it may be necessary to use agency staff to provide short-term cover for essential services, when there is no viable alternative.

The Southern Trust has advised me that they are actively reviewing their agency usage and an Agency Protocol has recently been introduced to facilitate robust monitoring of agency usage.

The Trust has an on-going campaign of recruitment to minimise the need for agency staff and is actively seeking to recruit banks of staff, which can be utilised as required to reduce the need for agency usage. In addition the Trust reports that it continues to complete its restructuring process which will stabilise its staffing compliment.

The Southern Trust assures me that it is committed to providing an excellent service to all patients and clients within its catchment area and recognises the need to balance the provision of high quality services within tight financial constraints.

Extended Schools Programme

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what discussions he has had with the Minister of Education in relation to future funding for Extended Schools Programmes.

(AQO 2422/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The Extended Schools Programme is an initiative of the Department of Education and as such the future funding of the programme is an issue for that department. Therefore, I have not had discussions with the Minister for Education regarding the funding of this initiative.

Maternity Services

Mr A Attwood asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for his assessment of the pressures facing maternity services.

(AQO 2423/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: Maternity services in Northern Ireland are of a very high standard, professionally delivered and safe.

The service is currently facing a number of pressures due to increasing numbers of births and the need to reconfigure services to meet modern standards. These pressures are constantly monitored and in response I have recently announced significant investments in the maternity units at both Craigavon and Daisy Hill along with the establishment of a Community Midwife Unit at Lagan Valley Hospital. In addition the EHSSB has recently completed a review of maternity provision in their area aimed at ensuring that there is sufficient capacity moving forward to meet demand.

I am committed to providing high quality, accessible services for all parents and babies.

Efficiency Savings

Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the efficiency savings proposals outlined by Health and Social Care Trusts.

(AQO 2425/09)

Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: My Health Committee paper in October included an indicative split of Trust proposals between different types of efficiencies, to be obtained by 2010/11, as follows:

Final decisions about proposals under consultation may change the split shown between the different categories.

DEPARTMENT FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Road Maintenance

Mr D Kennedy asked the Minister for Regional Development to give an assessment of the cost of providing lighting along the full length of the A1 between Newry and Lisburn.

(AQW 6308/09)

Minister for Regional Development (Mr C Murphy): My Department’s Roads Service has advised that the A1 between Lisburn and Newry is approximately 47 km long, with approximately 5 km currently having lighting, or in the process of being lighted. This is mainly made up of lighting at roundabouts and other intersections, together with the approaches to these features.

The cost of lighting the remaining 42 km of the A1 is estimated to be around £357,000 per km with a total estimated cost of around £15,000,000.

It should also be noted that this estimate does not include the cost for the following:-

• Establishing around 80-100 electrical supply points. These supply points would have to be served from the NIE network. Given the isolated rural nature of the terrain and the remoteness of these networks from the A1, the costs involved are likely to be very substantial.
• Excavating in adverse ground conditions, as much of the route of the A1 passes through a rock sub-base.
• Upgrading older existing lighting systems on the A1 to match the standard of the new lighting.

No estimate has been made in respect of future electricity and maintenance costs.

Roads Service

Mr D Kennedy asked the Minister for Regional Development to breakdown the levels of funding allocated to each section office in his Department's (i) Eastern; and (ii) Southern Divisions.

(AQW 6309/09)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service budget is allocated to its Divisions and the Section Offices on a basis of need.

In relation to roads maintenance, the resources available are allocated to the four Roads Service Divisions using a range of weighted indicators, which are tailored to each maintenance activity, including resurfacing, patching, gully emptying and grass cutting. Divisions use these indicators when apportioning resources across Sections, to ensure, as far as possible, an equitable distribution of funds across the whole of the North. The level of funding allocated to each section office in Eastern and Southern Divisions for maintenance operations, as at 23 March 2009, is provided in the tables below.

In relation to the Roads Service budget for major works, improvements are prioritised across the whole of the North, after considering a wide range of criteria, which includes strategic planning policy, traffic flow, number of accidents, potential savings in travel times, impact on the environment and value for money. While the actual spend on a major work scheme may be within one Roads Service Division, the benefits of such schemes are not confined to the area covered by a Division, Section, constituency or county, in which it is located.

With regard to Roads Service expenditure on minor road improvements, which includes minor works, accident remedial schemes, transportation measures and minor bridge strengthening, the resources available for such works are allocated to the four Roads Service Divisions, on the basis of need. This approach uses indicators such as population, weighted road lengths and the number of accidents. It also prioritises work to our bridge structures, using criteria such as loading restrictions due to bridge failures and/or defects and parapet repairs as a result of changes to current legislation. The Divisional budget is then split across the Sections in the Division using the same criteria. This approach ensures, as far as possible, an equitable distribution of funds across the North.

Portstewart to Coleraine, Cromore Road

Mr G Robinson asked he Minister for Regional Development what plans there are to upgrade the Portstewart to Coleraine, Cromore Road, in the next two years.

(AQW 6333/09)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that it is considering a proposal to provide right turning facilities at the Cromore Road / Islandtasserty Road / Agherton Road, staggered junction. However, progress of this scheme would be dependant on the successful acquisition of land and the availability of funding over the next two years.

Road Maintenance

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the expenditure for road maintenance in the (i) Western Region; (ii) Dungannon; (iii) Cookstown; and (iv) Magherafelt for (a) 2004/05; (b) 2005/06; (c) 2006/07; (d) 2007/08; and (e) 2008 to present.

(AQW 6336/09)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service spend on roads maintenance, in Western Division, Dungannon, Cookstown and Magherfelt District Councils, in each financial year from 2004/2005 to 28 February 2009, is set out in the table below.

Footpath Resurfacing Schemes

Mr A Easton asked the Minister for Regional Development what footpath resurfacing schemes are planned for the Donaghadee and Millisle areas, in the next financial year.

(AQW 6360/09)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that there are no plans to carry out any footway resurfacing schemes in Donaghadee and Millisle during the next financial year.

Steria/Crystal Alliance

Mr G Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development how much of the £70 million paid to Steria/Crystal Alliance has been recouped following termination of the contract between them and NI Water.

(AQW 6397/09)

Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that the contract with Steria was awarded in 2006 and was expected to last seven years at a total cost of £70 million. At the end of December 2008 NIW had paid approximately £27 million under the contract. While the termination of the contract with Steria was announced on 16 December 2008 it only comes into effect on 15 December 2009 and NIW is currently negotiating with Steria on the commercial terms of the termination.

Northern Ireland Water

Mr G Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development how much NI Water have spent on bottled water since 1 April 2007.

(AQW 6398/09)

Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that it holds a limited stock of bottled water to provide an emergency supply to customers during prolonged interruptions to the public water supply. NIW does not provide bottled water for use by staff except in the Duncrue Street Incinerator control room where welfare and health and safety considerations require the availability of drinking water but restrict the introduction of mains water in close proximity to sensitive electronic equipment. Since 1 April 2007, a total of £25,718 has been spent on bottled water, including £757 on the water used in the control room.

Public Transport

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development which disability groups he has met in relation to public transport issues facing people with disabilities.

(AQW 6411/09)

Minister for Regional Development: Since taking up post I have met regularly with the chairman and representatives of the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee (Imtac). Imtac is the main source of independent advice to Government and others in the North on all transport issues that affect the mobility of older people and disabled people. My most recent meeting with Imtac, on 19 March 2009, included representatives from Age Sector Platform, Disability Action, East Belfast Trust Sight Support Team, Guide Dogs, Mobilise, the Omnibus Partnership and Shopmobility.

On 17 February I met a delegation from the All Party Assembly Group on Disability. It included representatives from Disability Action, Guide Dogs, the Omnibus Partnership and the Royal National Institute for Deaf People.

In addition, as part of other meetings with MLAs and others, I meet people who represent the age and disability sectors.

Travelwise Safer Routes to School Initiative

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to his answer to AQW 1968/09, the expected timescale for the implementation of the Travelwise Safer Routes to School Initiative.

(AQW 6413/09)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that since the Travelwise Safer Routes to School Initiative was launched in 2004, it has worked in 151 schools in the North, involving over 45,000 pupils and has committed over £2.3 million to this initiative.

Given the impact of the initiative to date, and the further potential benefits to be realised, at the present time Roads Service intends, within available resources, to roll out the Safer Routes to School programme.

On average, there are 30 places available each year, and schools are encouraged to self-nominate for inclusion on the programme.

New A1 Dual Carriageway

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development what actions are being taken to control dust pollution during the building of the new A1 dual carriageway from Cloughogue to Beechill, and the frequency of actions taken.

(AQW 6419/09)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that the possibility, that local air quality may be temporarily reduced, as a result of the construction of the A1 Beech Hill to Cloghogue strategic road improvement, was considered in the Environmental Statement (ES) for the scheme. The ES, which was published in 2004, was also the subject of a Public Inquiry in 2005. The ES recognised that the scheme required substantial earthworks, due to the undulating topography and that during prolonged dry periods, higher than normal airborne dust levels may pose a problem, with properties within about a 50 metre radius of the works, being most affected.

The ES requires Lagan Ferrovial, the Construction Contractor for this Design Build Finance and Operate project (the contractor), to take measures to minimise the amount of dust created by the works. In this respect Roads Service expects the contractor to exercise current good practice, to control dust emanating from the works.

While there have been concerns about dust generated by the works, these have been addressed through direct contact with the contractor’s Community Liaison Officer. An example of the type of contact is the ongoing Community Liaison Panel Meetings, which are facilitated by the Environmental Health Department of Newry and Mourne District Council.

I have been informed, that in response to a particular complaint about dust arising from the ongoing processing of rock material, being undertaken north of Cloghogue, the contractor advised you of the minor operational changes, which were implemented following a visit to the site, by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Pollution Control Department and the Environmental Health Department of Newry and Mourne District Council.

These works are also subject to a Pollution Prevention and Control Permit, issued by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Pollution Control Department.

I am further advised that, in consultation with the Environmental Health Department of Newry and Mourne District Council, the contractor has engaged the services of the School of Chemistry at the Queen’s University of Belfast, to set up and monitor dust at 3 strategic locations near the works. Results for the period, 20 October 2008 to 29 January 2009, were presented at the recent meeting of the Community Liaison Panel, held on 13 March 2009, and I understand all councillors were invited to this meeting.

While an interpretative report from Dr Patricks, of Queen’s University is awaited, the Environmental Health Department of Newry and Mourne District Council, referring to a German standard in the absence of a corresponding UK standard, indicate that at present, there does not appear to be a dust nuisance, at the locations being monitored.

The measures, which the contractor is implementing to control dust, are therefore continuing as is the monitoring, which the contractor and other agencies are undertaking to assess their effectiveness.

New A1 Dual Carriageway

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development what actions are being taken to keep existing nearby roads and pavements clean during the building of the new A1 dual carriageway from Cloughogue to Beechill, and the frequency of actions taken.

(AQW 6420/09)

Minister for Regional Development: The Environmental Statement (ES) for the new A1 dual carriageway, from Cloghogue to Beechill, recognises that wet weather creates problems of mud being dispersed onto the public road network, by vehicles leaving the works site.

My Department’s Roads Service has advised that recommendations for controlling this problem include, access being limited to designated points and the washing of mud from construction vehicles. In this respect, Lagan Ferrovial, the Construction Contractor for this Design Build Finance and Operate project (the contractor) has two water bowsers and two road sweepers, available on the new dual carriageway site, to clear debris from the carriageway. Additional sweepers are available should conditions deteriorate. The contractor also has three foremen and twelve supervisors on the ground, at any one time, who can respond, should this problem arise.

I understand that construction works have now reached a stage where access to the site is limited to three locations, and Roads Service’s site representatives have asked the contractor to consider improving facilities, to prevent mud being carried onto the carriageway. Roads Service staff and their site representatives will continue to monitor the conditions of the roads adjacent to accesses to the site, to identify problems of mud on the carriageway and to inform the contractor where action is required if this is observed.

New A1 Dual Carriageway

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development how the amenity of housing developments along the route of the new A1 dual carriageway will be protected when the road is built.

(AQW 6421/09)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that even before publication of the Environmental Statement (ES), when the specimen design for this strategic road improvement was being developed, Roads Service and their technical advisors met, on several occasions, with the Confederation of Community Groups in Newry. The purpose of this was to describe and explain the developing project and to listen to the Group’s concerns.

The discussions which took place at that time, resulted in the provision of the Martin’s Lane Link, which will cross the new dual carriageway at the location of the former footbridge. This short link road addressed several of the community’s concerns, including those about traffic, particularly commercial vehicles, rerouting through the residential areas and passing the several schools in the vicinity, following the closure of the Martin’s lane access onto the bypass. This link also provides access, particularly for children from the residential areas on the east side of the new road, to the Corrinshego playing fields. Requests for a secure boundary between the residential area and the new road were also noted at that time.

The Confederation of Community Groups also submitted comments, following publication of the ES and participated effectively in the subsequent Public Inquiry. For example, in response to the Groups representations and the Inspectors’ recommendation, substantial lengths of footway are being provided on the new minor road network, which is being constructed on the west side of the new dual carriageway, in the vicinity of Chancellors Road. This will provide links from the residential areas into the countryside, particularly towards the Bernish view point. Roads Service has also agreed that mature planting would be provided to offset the visual impact at the areas most affected by the scheme. In this respect, the landscape designers from Lagan Ferrovial, the Construction Contractor for this Design Build Finance and Operate project (the contractor) have already provided proposals to the Parkhead Crescent representative, who, at a meeting with Roads Service on 20 March 2009, requested further consultation with the contractor’s designers.

The scheme design aims to meet the "Relevant Air Quality Standards" and maintain road traffic noise below proscribed levels. For example, a low noise surfacing material is proposed for the main carriageway, throughout the scheme. Safety barriers will also be provided, as indicated by the normal risk assessment for the entire route.

While the alignment and main characteristics of the scheme have been confirmed through the Statutory Procedures, which included Public Inquiries, the contractor has appointed a Community Liaison Officer, and a Community Liaison Panel has been formed. Regular meetings with the Community Liaison Panel, which are being facilitated by the Environmental Health Department of Newry and Mourne District Council, are formally reported to the council. These provide an ongoing opportunity for those in the community, who have concerns about the scheme, particularly during this construction stage, to have these matters addressed.

New A1 Dual Carriageway

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development what assessment he has made of whether the building of the new A1 dual carriageway will block out light, be overbearing, and present a potential health and safety hazard to the residents of Parkhead Crescent, Newry.

(AQW 6422/09)

Minister for Regional Development: The Environmental Statement (ES) includes specific reference to the "Visual Impact on dwellings at Parkhead and Carnagat closest to the A1 (approx.65 No)". It describes this impact as "Adverse to Substantial" particularly since the "first line of houses [Parkhead Crescent] would be approximately 20 metres from the toe of the 8-10 metre high embankment. Views of distant hill tops above the railway embankment would be partially obscured or lost." My Department’s Roads Service has advised that the primary measures for mitigating this visual and landscape impact, is the provision of appropriate planting, which was the subject of discussion at the ES Public Inquiry and included in the Inspectors’ recommendation.

Therefore, while the ES for the scheme does not specifically indicate that the new road embankment, immediately adjacent to Parkhead Crescent, would block out light, be overbearing, or present a potential health and safety hazard, it does recognise the substantial adverse visual impact which this new road feature will have on the adjacent houses. In this respect, the ES includes recommendations, by way of planting, to mitigate the impact, which were in due course reinforced through the Public Inquiry procedure. I understand that consultation is currently continuing between Roads Service, the landscape designers from Lagan Ferrovial, the Construction Contractor for this Design Build Finance and Operate project and the representatives of Parkhead Crescent, in relation to the planting of this embankment.

It should be noted that the Independent Inspectors, in commenting on the ES for the A1 Beech Hill to Cloghogue dual carriageway scheme, described it as "an exhaustive examination of the impact of this scheme on the local environment and that it attempted to balance the conflicting interests in accordance with standard procedures."

Water Resources Management Plan

Mr A Ross asked he Minister for Regional Development if he has any plans to introduce a water resources management plan, and if so, when this will occur.

(AQW 6426/09)

Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that it has a Water Resource Strategy for the period up to 2030 which was prepared in 2002 and reviewed in 2007. The strategy is used for asset management and operational planning purposes and NIW is currently planning a further update. It intends to award a commission for a new Water Resource Management Plan during April 2009 and expects the Plan to be completed by mid 2010 when any recommendations will be incorporated into the planning process for the price control review in 2013.

Land and Property Services

Mr G Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development how many water bills for commercial customers are based on information received from Land and Property Services; and how many of these bills have been amended due to inaccurate information provided by Land and Property Services.

(AQW 6432/09)

Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that from April 2008 over 26,000 unmeasured bills have been issued based on a Net Annual Value provided by Land and Property Services.

NIW does not keep records that identify amended water bills resulting from incorrect data supplied by Land and Property Services, and is therefore unable to provide the details sought.

Resurfacing Footpaths

Mrs C Hanna asked the Minister for Regional Development how his Department prioritises the repaving of footpaths.

(AQW 6460/09)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has a statutory duty to maintain the public footways in a safe and serviceable condition. Roads Service operates a system of regular safety inspections to ensure that essential response maintenance is identified and completed, as necessary.

These safety inspections help identify the condition of the public footways, and this information is then used in the preparation and prioritisation of Roads Service’s annual footway reconstruction and resurfacing programme.

Resurfacing Footpaths

Mrs C Hanna asked the Minister for Regional Development how his Department prioritises the resurfacing of footpaths.

(AQW 6461/09)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service undertakes an annual programme of footway reconstruction and resurfacing works, subject to the availability of financial resource.

This programme is prepared on the basis of a number of factors encompassing the footway usage, general surface condition, structural deformation, public enquiries and public liability claims.

Resurfacing Footpaths

Mrs C Hanna asked the Minister for Regional Development what is the budget for repairing footpaths in South Belfast.

(AQW 6462/09)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that its budgets for particular areas of work are not allocated on a Parliamentary Constituency, or Council ward basis.

However, I have been advised by Roads Service that, in the 2008/09 financial year, the budget for repairing the public footways in the Belfast South Section Office area, was £228,000. Belfast South Section Office’s area of responsibility covers parts of East, South and West Belfast.

The budget allocations for the 2009/10 financial year are presently being finalised, and it is anticipated that the financial allocation for this function will be similar.

Resurfacing Footpaths

Mrs C Hanna asked the Minister for Regional Development what is the budget for resurfacing footpaths in South Belfast.

(AQW 6463/09)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads service has advised that its budgets for particular areas of work are not allocated on a Parliamentary Constituency or Council ward basis.

However, I have been advised by Roads Service that in the 2008/09 financial year, the budget for footway reconstruction and resurfacing in the Belfast South Section Office area was £352,000. Belfast South Section Office’s area of responsibility covers parts of East, South and West Belfast.

The budget allocations for the 2009/10 financial year are presently being finalised, and it is anticipated that the financial allocation for this function will be similar.

Resurfacing Footpaths

Mrs C Hanna asked he Minister for Regional Development what (i) remedial repairs have been carried out; and (ii) resurfacing undertaken, on footpaths in South Belfast; and to detail the cost of the work.

(AQW 6466/09)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has a statutory duty to maintain the public footways in a safe and serviceable condition. Roads Service operates a system of regular safety inspections to ensure that essential response maintenance is identified and completed, as necessary.

It should be noted that budgets for particular areas of work, are not allocated by my Department’s Roads Service on a Parliamentary Constituency or Council ward basis.

However, I have been advised by Roads Service that, in 2008/09, footway repairs, comprising of over 2900m² of patching, 300m² of flagged footways repairs and 650m of replacement kerbs and drainage channels were carried out in the Belfast South Section Office area. Belfast South Section Office’s area of responsibility covers parts of East, South and West Belfast. The patching budget for this work was £228,000.

In 2008/09, the footway resurfacing programme completed in the South Belfast Section Office area, included Deramore Park, Rosetta Park, Benmore Drive, Strathallen Park, Strathyre Park, Aberfoyle Park, Aberfoyle Gardens and Old Forge Manor, at a cost of £352,000.

Double Yellow Lines at Junctions

Mr A Easton asked the Minister for Regional Development, in relation to double yellow lines extending around junctions, (i) what his Department's policy is; and (ii) what distance can they be.

(AQW 6509/09)

Minister for Regional Development: The Member will be aware that double yellow lines indicate where you cannot wait in a vehicle at any time during the day. They are used to signify where a waiting restriction/prohibition is in force.

The extent of double yellow lines at junctions will depend on the length/nature of the restriction/prohibition in force, considered necessary at a particular location.

Road Safety on the A26 Dual Carriageway

Mr T Clarke asked the Minister for Regional Development what his Department's plans are to improve road safety on the A26 dual carriageway from Dunsilly to Ballee roundabouts.

(AQW 6539/09)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service, in conjunction with the PSNI, monitors the safety performance of all roads across the North.

Roads Service has advised that the A26 Lisnevenagh dual carriageway, between Dunsilly and Ballee, was constructed to a high standard, in line with the standards applicable at the time. An analysis of the collision history, carried out in December 2008, concluded that it was not possible to establish a common pattern that could be addressed by road safety engineering measures.

Street lighting has been provided at two of the busiest junctions along the A26, to address night time collision problems that were identified. In addition, Roads Service has also recently erected a number of new junction warning signs at the busier junctions along the A26. New 'School' warning signs have also been provided on the approaches to the Valley Road junction for Carnaghts Primary School.

Although Roads Service has recently agreed to monitor traffic speeds in the vicinity of the Carnaghts Primary School, there are no plans to introduce any further measures on the A26 Lisnevenagh dual carriageway, at present. However, Roads Service will continue to monitor the road safety of the route in conjunction with the PSNI.

Road Safety on the A26 Dual Carriageway

Mr T Clarke asked the Minister for Regional Development, in view of the large number of accidents, if he will consider implementing a 50 mph speed limit from Woodgreen Junction to Cronkill Junction.

(AQW 6540/09)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that the A26 Lisnevenagh Road dual carriageway, between Dunsilly and Ballee, including the stretch of road from Woodgreen to Cromkill, is subject to the national speed limit of 70 mph.

Although Roads Service has recently agreed to monitor traffic speeds in the vicinity of the Carnaghts Primary School, there are no current proposals to reduce the speed limit on any section of this road.

Park and Ride Facilities

Mr P Weir asked he Minister for Regional Developmentwhat plans his Department has to increase park and ride facilities in (i) Northern Ireland; and (ii) North Down.

(AQW 6542/09)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department aims to encourage people to consider using more sustainable forms of travel. With this aim in mind, Roads Service’s Divisions, in association with Translink, who provide the formal bus service, are implementing a number of additional Park and Ride facilities across the North:-

• Northern Division are progressing two additional schemes in Dungiven and Drumahoe, having already extended the existing facility at Ballee in Ballymena, and are looking at further sites on the proposed new realignment of the A6.
• Southern Division are currently progressing several schemes in the Armagh City area.
• Western Division are intending to provide schemes at:-
• A5 Ballygawley Roundabout, at the junction between A5 and A4;
• Crevenagh Road, Omagh - trial park and ride, using the existing Park and Share facility.
• Wellington Road, Enniskillen - provide park and ride spaces in a free car park, adjacent to the existing bus station in Enniskillen; and
• Park and Share facilities are also planned at Stangmore and Tamnamore roundabouts on the M1. While these are initially planned as park and share, they have been planned with Park and Ride in mind should the demand be appropriate.
• Eastern Division - Within the Belfast Metropolitan Area the plans for introducing park and ride facilities are contained in the Belfast Metropolitan Transportation Plan (2015). There are proposals for local park and ride sites, using bus-based services for each of the six main transport corridors into Belfast, totalling 4000 spaces for the greater Belfast area, by 2015. In North Down specifically, the Plan proposes a new bus-based park and ride facility with 400 spaces at Tillysburn, adjacent to the A2/A55 junction, to provide a further public transport option for travel to Belfast from the North Down area.

Park and Ride facilities at NIR stations and halts across the North are planned to increase by 1,811 spaces between 2009 and 2015. These plans are subject to agreement of Translink’s Corporate and Business Plan, which takes account of the availability of funding over the remainder of the budget period. The figure quoted includes an increase of 143 spaces on the Bangor Line in North Down between 2011 and 2015.

Northern Ireland Water

Mr G Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to the answer to AQW 6268/09, to provide a breakdown of (i) how NI Water will spend £667 million; (ii) the services provided; (ii) the companies involved; and (iv) how much they will be paid.

(AQW 6543/09)

Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that it spent £424 million on capital works projects between 1 April 2007 and the end of February 2009 and plans to invest a further £243 million to the end of 2009/10, subject to the completion of statutory and other processes. This spend can be broken down into four main asset categories as detailed in the table below.

This major investment is aimed at improving the water and sewerage infrastructure to achieve compliance with European Union water quality and environmental standards and will provide maximum benefit for customers including enhanced drinking water quality, improved delivery of services, greater protection of the environment and public health.

The list below shows the companies employed on capital works projects since 1 April 2007. The value of individual contracts is deemed to be commercially sensitive information which NIW is unable to release.

Resurfacing Footpaths

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development what the budget is for (i) repairing; and (ii) resurfacing footpaths in North Down.

(AQW 6548/09)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that in the 2008/09 financial year, the North Down area had a budget of:-

(i) £102,000 for carrying out repairs to the public footway network; and

(ii) £150,000 for resurfacing the public footway network.

Although budget allocations for the 2009/10 financial year are not yet finalised, it is anticipated that the apportionment of expenditure in each function, is likely to be similar.

Movilla Road, Newtownards

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to extend the 30 mph speed limit on Movilla Road, Newtownards to beyond Abbey Primary School, considering the area's poor road safety record.

(AQW 6607/09)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service considers the Movilla Road, Newtownards to have a reasonably good safety record and therefore, there are no proposals, at present, to extend the speed limit on this road.

Belfast International Airport

Mr T Clarke asked the Minister for Regional Development how many passengers have used Belfast International Airport in each of the last ten years.

(AQW 6619/09)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department does not maintain such statistics on a regular basis. Data on passenger numbers at airports are collected by the Civil Aviation Authority and published on its website. That source shows that the number of terminal and transit passengers using Belfast International Airport was as follows.

1999. 3,035,907
2000. 3,147,670
2001. 3,618,671
2002. 3,576,785
2003. 3,976,703
2004. 4,407,413
2005. 4,824,271
2006. 5,038,692
2007. 5,272,864
2008. 5,262,354

Antrim Train Station

Mr T Clarke asked the Minister for Regional Development how many passengers have used Antrim train station in each of the last ten years.

(AQW 6620/09)

Minister for Regional Development: Translink have informed me that passenger journey figures record each time a passenger either departs from the station or arrives at the station and have provided the following figures for Antrim train station:

2007/08 201,057

2006/07 159,144

2005/06 142,121

2004/05 126,718

2003/04 110,476

2002/03 93,089

2001/02 73,398

2000/01 80,234

1999/00 84,548

1998/99 101,656

Northern Ireland Water

Mr M Durkan asked he Minister for Regional Development (i) if Northern Ireland Water has plans to develop a new headquarters or other significant capital projects; (ii) if any geographical restrictions on preferences apply to these works; (iii) to provide an update on those plans.

(AQW 6655/09)

Minister for Regional Development: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that it plans to lease accommodation for a new Head Office but to date no decision has yet been taken on the most appropriate location. There are no geographical restrictions or preferences for the site of a new Head Office. The decision will be based on sound business needs and best value for money. When NIW identifies a suitable location it will submit a Full Business Case to me for consideration.

Departmental Staff

Ms M Anderson asked e Minister for Regional Development how many employees are in his Department in the Londonderry/Derry City Council area.

(AQW 6669/09)

Minister for Regional Development: At present, 74 of the Department for Regional Development’s staff work at locations within the Londonderry/Derry City Council area.

Departmental Staff

Ms M Anderson asked the Minister for Regional Development how many employees in his Department travel from Londonderry/Derry to work in Belfast.

(AQW 6670/09)

Minister for Regional Development: The travel arrangements of individual members of staff are not recorded. There are, however, 5 staff within the Department for Regional Development who have home addresses within the Londonderry/Derry City Council area and who currently work at locations in Belfast.

Improvement Works on A57

Mr T Burns asked he Minister for Regional Development (i) to detail what action Roads Service is taking to restore the surface of the A57 between Templepatrick and the International Airport, and (ii) to list the improvement works which have been undertaken on this road, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 6701/09)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that a tender to carry out resurfacing works on the A57, from its junction with the north eastern end of the Old Ballyrobin Road, for a distance of 1.9 km towards the International Airport, will be advertised on 2 April 2009. Following the award of the successful tender, it is hoped that resurfacing works will be complete by early July 2009.

With regard to improvement works carried out on this stretch of road, I am further advised that there have been no other improvements undertaken within the last five years.

Northern Ireland Railways

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development who is responsible for the provision of wheelchair access to the platform of Northern Ireland Railways halt at Bellarena.

(AQW 6766/09)

Minister for Regional Development: Northern Ireland Railways are responsible for the provision of wheelchair access from the public footpath at Bellarena halt.

Work to bring the halt in line with the Disability and Discrimination Act (DDA) will be undertaken during the re-lay of the track between Coleraine and Derry, which is scheduled to commence in 2011.

Removal of Emblems

Lord Morrow asked the Minister for Regional Development if he plans to remove emblems depicting Republican Sinn Fein on lamp standards.

(AQW 6780/09)

Minister for Regional Development: My Department’s Roads Service has signed up to the Multi Agency Protocol on the Display of Flags in Public Areas. The protocol indicates that the PSNI will take the lead where the display of flags or emblems is causing tension, or is having a detrimental affect on the quality of life in a community.

The PSNI would therefore be the appropriate lead agency to contact regarding this matter.

A57 Improvement Works

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to his answer to AQW 6701/09, to detail any repairs or improvement works which have been carried out on the A57 between Templepatrick and the International Airport, in each of the last 10 years.

(AQW 6870/09)

Minister for Regional Development: In my response to your previous query, regarding the planned resurfacing works on the A57 (AQW 6701/09), I advised that there had been no other improvements undertaken on this road within the last five years.

My Department’s Roads Service has further advised that it no longer holds records of works carried out, on this stretch of road, prior to the five year period, and is therefore unable to provide any details of the information requested.

DEPARTMENT FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Projects Planned for North Down

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the (i) projects; and (ii) amount of capital investment planned for the North Down constituency for (a) 2009/10; and (b) 2010/11.

(AQW 6265/09)

Minister for Social Development (Ms M Ritchie): The available information on capital investment projects in my Department relevant to the Member’s North Down constituency is set out below.

The Bangor Jobs & Benefits Office Project will see a combined welfare and employment service delivered to customers. The costs of the project – which will fall in the 2010-11 financial year, are not currently available as these will depend on whether front or back office processing is the option chosen for benefit delivery in the new Bangor Office. This decision will be made following the outcome of public consultation on the Social Security Agency’s Strategic Business Review, expected in April/ May 2009.

The information on capital investment projects relating to housing is not yet available. The 5 year Social Housing Development programme (for New Build Housing) for 2009/10 onwards has not yet been approved and published. Similarly, the Housing Executive’s budget for capital improvement works for housing for 2009/10 is not yet finalised. Once approved, the Social Housing Development Programme will be published on the Housing Executive’s website. However, it should be noted that, for reasons of commercial sensitivity the Housing Executive does not release individual scheme values with regard to the Programme.

Social Housing

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister for Social Development for an update on the progress of the social housing provision at the Skeoge lands in Londonderry/Derry.

(AQW 6272/09)

Minister for Social Development: Fold Housing Association has submitted detailed plans to develop social housing at the Skeoge lands in Derry.

This scheme has not yet been approved as there are some outstanding EU Procurement issues that need to be resolved. Legal advice has been sought and a decision will be made following consideration of that advice.

I am determined to meet the increasing housing demand in Derry and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive who manage the Social Housing Development Programme on my behalf have already identified a number of new sites and opportunities that will ensure Derry gets its full allocation of new homes irrespective of the application for Skeoge which is still under consideration.

Housing Executive

Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister for Social Development how many people are on the waiting list for Housing Executive homes in (i) Lurgan; (ii) Craigavon: (iii) Portadown; and (iv) Banbridge.

(AQW 6301/09)

Minister for Social Development: The following table details the number of applicants on the waiting list for Housing Executive homes in (i) Lurgan; (ii) Craigavon: (iii) Portadown; and (iv) Banbridge, at December 2008.

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development how many complaints have been received by the housing officers in Newtownards, in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 6367/09)

Minister for Social Development: Informal complaints can be regularly received and resolved quickly without the requirement to process them through the formal complaints system. Formal complaints dealt with by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s District Office at Newtownards are as follows:-

- February 2006 – February 2007 21

- February 2007 – February 2008 40

- February 2008 – February 2009 28

Housing Executive

Mr P Maskey asked the Minister for Social Development for an update on the status of the contract between Red Sky and the Housing Executive's West Belfast district; and to outline any issues that have arisen.

(AQW 6377/09)

Minister for Social Development: Red Sky currently has a maintenance contract with the Housing Executive for the West Belfast area. The Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee Office received a letter from the West Belfast Housing Community Network complaining about the lack of cleaning services provided by Red Sky at several flat complexes in the Housing Executive’s Belfast District’s 1 and 3 estates.

Because of the ‘whistleblower’ nature of this letter the Public Accounts Office referred the letter to the Northern Ireland Audit Office for investigation. The Housing Executive had commissioned Cooke & Kettyle, a local consultancy firm, to inspect a sample of communal halls and galleries of various flat complexes within the Housing Executive District of West Belfast.

The consultants assessed whether the periodic cleaning schedule was in fact being complied with and whether any work was carried out in accordance with the specification set out in the contract with Red Sky. A number of concerns are raised in the Consultants report which I intend to see are fully dealt with. However, as the Northern Ireland Audit Office is investigating this matter I am unwilling to comment further until I receive their report.

Neighbourhood Renewal

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Social Development how many economic projects have been funded under neighbourhood renewal in North Down, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 6384/09)

Minister for Social Development: Whilst no specific economic projects have been funded under neighbourhood renewal in North Down during this period, funding has been provided for two projects which include an element aimed at improving employment opportunities in the Kilcooley area.

Housing Executive

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Social Development what is the current average length of time for repairs to be carried out to Housing Executive properties from the time the problem is reported.

(AQW 6387/09)

Minister for Social Development: All repairs reported to the Housing Executive are prioritised into emergency, urgent or routine repair categories in accordance with the current tenancy agreement.

During the period April 2008 to February 2009 repairs were completed from the time the problem was reported as follows:

- 98.5% of all emergency repairs within 24 hours

- 94.25% of all urgent repairs within 4 days

- 80% of all routine repairs within 4 weeks

Autism Initiatives

Mrs M Bradley asked the Minister for Social Development for her assessment of the availability of floating services by Autism Initiatives.

(AQO 2424/09)

Minister for Social Development: Autism Initiatives Northern Ireland is an accredited Supporting People provider funded through the Supporting People programme to deliver housing support services. The Supporting People programme provides funding for 9 accommodation based schemes and 2 floating support services.

The total annual contract value for these services for 08/09 is £740,000. The accommodation based services are located in Antrim, Armagh, Bangor, Belfast, Castlereagh, Downpatrick, and Lisburn. Supporting People funds over 50 providers to provide over 75 floating support services across Northern Ireland.  

Autism Initiatives are one of these and the operating scope of their two floating support services is the Northern Trust area and former South and East Belfast Trust (now Belfast Trust) area. Whilst the Supporting People budget has been baselined the Area Supporting People Partnerships continue to prioritise proposals for developing new and expanding existing services for this client group.

Benefit Overpayments

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Social Development to detail for each of the past 10 years (i) the total number of benefit overpayments; (ii) the total sum of benefit overpayments; (iii) the type of benefits where overpayments were paid to deceased persons; and (iv) the total amount that has been successfully reclaimed from overpayments made.

(AQW 6406/09)

Minister for Social Development: The information relating to social security benefits is only available from November 2006.

The table below sets out the number and sum of social security benefit overpayments paid to deceased persons and the amount successfully reclaimed during the period November 2006 to 20 March 2009. The type of social security benefits where overpayments were paid to deceased persons includes Income Support, State Pension, State Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and Incapacity Benefit.

While some overpayments of Housing Benefit to deceased persons would undoubtedly have been made over the period in question, these are not separately categorised and therefore the Housing Executive is not able to provide the information requested.  Recovery of such overpayments would normally be sought from the estate of the deceased person.

Private Landlords

Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Social Development if she has any plans to bring forward new legislation to give more protection for private landlords.

(AQW 6427/09)

Minister for Social Development: I will shortly be launching a consultation document on a Strategy for the Private Rented Sector in Northern Ireland. The proposals in this strategy will reflect the outcomes of an evaluation of the 2006 Private Tenancies Order which currently governs the operation of the private rented sector including landlord and tenant obligations. Proposals reflecting the need for any new or amending legislation emerging from the strategy will be brought before the Assembly during 2010.

Housing Executive

Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Social Development how many Housing Executive properties in the East Antrim constituency are currently awaiting maintenance work, and how long on average they have been waiting.

(AQW 6429/09)

Minister for Social Development: The information requested is not available by Parliamentary Constituency, nor is it available in the format requested. The Housing Executive’s Carrickfergus, Larne and Newtownabbey 2 District Offices include the areas which comprise the East Antrim constituency areas.

At 27 March 2009:

- Carrickfergus District Office had 158 routine repairs outstanding, with an average waiting time of 8 weeks.

- Larne District Office had 83 routine repairs outstanding, with an average waiting time of 8 weeks.

- Newtownabbey 2 District Office had 139 routine repairs outstanding, with an average waiting time of 8 weeks.

Housing Executive

Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Social Development how many vacant Housing Executive properties there are currently in (i) Larne: (ii) Carrickfergus; and (iii) Newtownabbey.

(AQW 6430/09)

Minister for Social Development: The number of vacant properties within the administrative areas covered by the Housing Executive’s Larne, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey 1 and 2 District Offices are as follows:-

- Larne 118

- Carrickfergus 57

- Newtownabbey 242

Housing Executive

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development would she consider changing the criteria for heating in extensions in homes of people with disabilities to ensure that sufficient radiators are put into bedrooms.

(AQW 6486/09)

Minister for Social Development: The Housing Executive’s current heating policy makes appropriate provision for a radiator within each bedroom of a property of an appropriate size to adequately heat the room. Where an extension has been provided for a person with a disability, the Housing Executive will ensure that the property complies with this standard.

Charities

Lord Morrow asked the Minister for Social Development (i) how the new legislation will protect legitimate charities; and (ii) what action will be taken against non-legitimate charities.

(AQW 6515/09)

Minister for Social Development: The main aims of the Charities Act (NI) 2008 are to protect and support local charities, encourage good governance arrangements and provide greater public confidence in charitable giving. All charities will be required to register with the new Charity Commission and submit annual returns on their activities and financial performance. This information will be open to public scrutiny and will allow charities to be more accountable and to demonstrate their public benefit.

Whilst there is limited evidence of fraudulent charities operating in Northern Ireland, the Act provides the Commission with wide ranging powers to identify and investigate apparent misconduct or mismanagement in the administration of charities and to take remedial or protective action. It will liaise closely with the PSNI, HM Revenue and Customs and other charity regulators in the UK and Ireland to ensure that information is shared and action taken where appropriate.

Charities

Lord Morrow asked the Minister for Social Development in relation to charities legislation, whether trustees and committee members of charities will be required to declare an interest if they are to gain financially from fund raising activities, and to clarify the sanctions for not declaring such interests.

(AQW 6517/09)

Minister for Social Development: Part 9 of the Charities Act (NI) 2008 contains provisions relating to charity trustees. This includes regulations on the remuneration of trustees providing services to a charity. The new Charity Commission for Northern Ireland will be required to issue detailed advice and guidance to charities on this issue. This is likely to follow best practice adopted by other charity regulators in the UK which only permits such payments in limited circumstances where the service is required by a charity in pursuit of its charitable purposes, where it is in the charity’s best interests and where there is a written agreement between the charity and the trustee.

Part 13 of the Act contains provisions relating to the control of fundraising and public collections. This details the circumstances in which an officer, employee or trustee of a charity can engage in fundraising activity and includes a requirement to produce a written statement if any remuneration is to be received in connection with such activity.

The Charity Commission will have wide ranging powers to investigate any evidence of non compliance with the regulations. These include powers to suspend or remove a charity trustee where the Commission is satisfied that there has been misconduct or mismanagement in the administration of a charity.

Warm Homes Scheme

Mr D Ford asked the Minister for Social Development what plans she has to bring eligibility for financial assistance for insulation through the Warm Homes Scheme, in line with other parts of the UK, by giving assistance to people over the age of 70 regardless of their financial circumstance.

(AQW 6538/09)

Minister for Social Development: The Warm Homes Scheme is broadly similar to the Warm Front Scheme in England but it takes account of the unique circumstances which face householders in Northern Ireland. The free insulation project operating in others parts of the UK is funded through Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT). CERT funding is not available in Northern Ireland and cannot be replicated here. It is my intention to use all available resources to fund the Warm Homes Scheme which will target those people in greatest need with help to insulate and heat their homes.

Neighbourhood Renewal

Mr A Ross asked he Minister for Social Development how many economic projects have been funded under Neighbourhood Renewal in East Antrim, in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 6599/09)

Minister for Social Development: Part of Rathcoole estate in East Antrim falls within a Neighbourhood Renewal Area. Funding of £12,820 was provided to the area in 2006/07, £32,220 in 2007/08 and £39,695 in 2008/09 for two economic projects.

Carer's Allowance

Mr J Shannon asked he Minister for Social Development (i) how many people received Carer's Allowance, per constituency, in each of the last 3 years; and (ii) if she can provide statistics on the number of family members who provide care without pay.

(AQW 6660/09)

Minister for Social Development: The table below sets out the information requested for part (i). The number shown reflects the number of customers where an amount of Carer’s Allowance is in payment. Information is not available for part (ii) as my Department does not collect or hold statistics on the number of family members who provide care without pay.

* In producing this analysis, individual records were attributed to Parliamentary Constituency on the basis of their postcode. Not all records can be correctly allocated using this method, and some cannot be allocated at all.

Departmental Staff

Ms M Anderson asked Minister for Social Development how many employees are in her Department in the Londonderry/Derry City Council area.

(AQW 6671/09)

Minister for Social Development: In the Department for Social Development there are 815 employees in the Londonderry/Derry City Council area.

Departmental Staff

Ms M Anderson asked the Minister for Social Development how many employees in her Department travel from Londonderry/Derry to work in Belfast.

(AQW 6672/09)

Minister for Social Development: There are 65 employees in Department for Social Development who have addresses in Londonderry/Derry and work in Belfast.

Departmental Budget

Mr A Easton asked he Minister for Social Development when she plans to reveal her Department's budget for the next financial year, for the North Down area.

(AQW 6696/09)

Minister for Social Development: The initial budget allocations for the 3 years 2008-09 to 2010-11 for all Departments – including Social Development, were revealed in the Budget 2008-11 document, published by the Executive in January 2008.

The overall allocation for my Department, at £754.4m in total, covers the whole of Northern Ireland and is not broken down on a Constituency basis. In addition, the Department’s Annually Managed Expenditure budget for 2009-10 – covering mostly social security benefit expenditure and the financial assistance scheme, amounts to some £4.86 billion.

Social Housing/Homelessness

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister for Social Development for her assessment of the impact that the current waiting lists for social housing will have on homelessness this year.

(AQO 2451/09)

Minister for Social Development: Waiting lists and homelessness are clearly connected, but they are also impacted by a range of other factors.

Homelessness applications rose between 2003/04 and 2006/07 before falling in 2007/08. Current indications are that a further decrease in homelessness applications will follow in 2008/09. The number of applications on the Social Housing Waiting List has increased year on year between 2003/04 and 2008/09.

Demography is the key driver in terms of housing need and has a direct effect on both the profile and size of the waiting list. Between 2006 and 2021 there is a projected 10% growth in the population with a consequent growth in household formation of 19% over the same period. The population profile is also aging and when this is combined with the move towards Independent Living the pressure on future housing requirements is clear to see.

Citizens Advice: Funding

Mr K McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Development whether she will consider increasing funding to Citizens Advice Bureaux to assist those affected by the economic downturn.

(AQO 2452/09)

Minister for Social Development: My Department already provides significant support to the Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB) for the valuable service they provide and to others who provide much needed advice services and I am happy to continue to do so.

My Department directly core funds voluntary advice services up to £1.5 million per annum through the Regional Infrastructure Programme. For the 2009/10 year Citizens Advice Regional Office will be able to claim up to £665k, Advice NI £246k and the Law Centre £680k.

My Department’s contribution towards the provision of local voluntary advice services for 2009/10 totals £1.9m through the Community Support Programme. This funding is matched by local councils who contribute a further £1.9m. Local Citizens Advice Bureaux and other local voluntary advice providers can apply to councils for financial support.

Furthermore subject to appraisal, Neighbourhood Renewal in the North West will provide £124k to the Derry CAB.

In January I also announced plans to recruit 150 new staff to the Social Security Agency frontline. This is a proactive response to the current difficult economic situation.

In addition Citizen’s Advice has been involved in the delivery of the Social Security Agency’s Benefit Uptake Programme since 2006. Up to 31 March 2008, this has generated an additional £15 million in benefit. To date £554k has been paid to Citizen’s Advice Regional Headquarters with further payments likely to be made in May 2009.

Through the Regional Infrastructure Programme the Housing Rights Service will receive £672k core funding. Additionally from April 2009 I hope to provide approximately £100k to increase the level of advice for people who are experiencing difficulty making mortgage payments.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: Discussions

Mr D McClarty asked the Minister for Social Development what recent discussions she has held with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

(AQO 2453/09)

Minister for Social Development: I met with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, James Purnell, in November 2008. We discussed a range of issues relevant to our responsibilities for social security, child support and pensions including welfare reform and the reform of the social fund. I pressed Mr Purnell on a number of issues including the eligibility for winter fuel payments, greater assistance for carers and the availability of disability living allowance, in particular, for the sight impaired. On that last issue, I am pleased to say that Mr Purnell has subsequently accepted an amendment to the Welfare Reform Bill currently before Parliament which will allow those with a severe sight impairment to have access to the higher rate mobility component. Subject to Executive approval, I intend to bring corresponding legislation before the Assembly.

We agreed to meet on a regular basis and a further meeting is currently being arranged.

Red Sky

Ms A Lo asked the Minister for Social Development how the Housing Executive monitors the progress of work carried out on its behalf by Red Sky.

(AQO 2454/09)

Minister for Social Development: I understand, that Red Sky has a maintenance contract with the Housing Executive for the West Belfast area. This Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee Office received a letter from the West Belfast Housing Community Network complaining about the lack of cleaning services provided by the contractor, Red Sky, at several flat complexes in the Housing Executive’s Belfast District’s 1 and 3 estates. Because of the ‘whistleblower’ content of this letter the Public Accounts Office referred the letter to the Northern Ireland Audit Office for investigation. The Housing Executive has commissioned Cooke & Kettyle, a local consultancy firm, to inspect a sample of communal halls and galleries of various flat complexes within the NIHE District of West Belfast. The consultants assessed whether the periodic cleaning schedule was in fact being complied with and whether any work was carried out in accordance with the specification set out in the contract with Red Sky. A number of concerns are raised in the Consultants report which I intend to see are fully dealt with. However, as the Northern Ireland Audit Office is investigating this matter I am unwilling to comment much further until I receive their report.

Budgetary Position

Mr L Cree asked the Minister for Social Development for an update on her Department's budgetary position.

(AQO 2455/09)

Minister for Social Development: My Department’s budgetary position for 2008-09 can be summarised as follows:

The Final Plan Departmental Expenditure Limits for Social Security and Urban Regeneration/Community Development are £224.5m and £101.8m respectively and it is expected that overall spending will be within budget and acceptable tolerance levels at the year end.

The lack of capital receipts throughout the year due to the economic downturn, has impacted on the overall financial provision available for Housing and unmet bids of £30.6m at February monitoring typifies the difficulty of the situation. As a result, spending on both capital and revenue Housing programmes has had to be curtailed in order to live within the net overall £432.4m available.

The Department’s overall Final Plan budget of £758.7m, includes the initial £15m recently allocated by the Executive to fund Fuel Poverty payments. The opening allocation for next year is some £4m less than this at £754.4m, illustrating that 2009-10 is likely to be another difficult year for funding. However, as always my priority will be to protect the most vulnerable in our society, in particular through the key social security and housing programmes.

Co-Ownership: East Londonderry

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister for Social Development for an update on the number of co-ownership applications in East Londonderry in the last year; and how many were successful.

(AQO 2456/09)

Minister for Social Development: Co-Ownership Housing has advised me that it records statistics according to local council area, rather than by parliamentary constituency. During the fiscal year 2008/09, a total of fourteen applications were received by people seeking to purchase a home in the Limavady and Coleraine Borough Council areas, which form the East Derry/Londonderry constituency. Of these, five were successful, six have still to be decided and three were unsuccessful.

Off-the-Shelf Houses

Mr F McCann asked the Minister for Social Development how many off-the-shelf houses the Department has purchased from developers since May 2007.

(AQO 2457/09)

Minister for Social Development: In the 2007/08 programme year, 270 Off-the-Shelf units of accommodation were purchased. During the period 1 April 2008 to 19 March 2009, 214 Off-the-Shelf units of accommodation have been purchased.

Housing Budget: Shortfall

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Social Development for an assessment of how the £100 million shortfall in the housing budget will impact on spending programmes.

(AQO 2458/09)

Minister for Social Development: The £100m shortfall in the housing budget will lead to reduced expenditure on a range of capital works across the housing programme. Available funding will have to be directed to priority programmes and to where commitments already exist. It is also a priority to protect the vulnerable.

I will continue to make bids for additional funding in future monitoring rounds in 2009/10.

Neighbourhood Renewal

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister for Social Development when the next inter Departmental meeting in relation to neighbourhood renewal will take place.

(AQO 2459/09)

Minister for Social Development: The next meeting of the inter-departmental Ministerial Group on Neighbourhood Renewal will be on the 13^th of May 2009.

Social Mobility

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister for Social Development what discussions she has held with the Minister of Education in relation to social mobility.

(AQO 2460/09)

Minister for Social Development: I have held no specific discussions with the Minister of Education in relation to social mobility.

Shared Future

Mrs D Kelly asked the Minister for Social Development for her assessment of how society is moving towards a shared future particularly in housing.

(AQO 2461/09)

Minister for Social Development: When I launched the New Housing Agenda in February 2008 I made a Shared Future a central theme. A twin track approach has been adopted to developing and supporting shared neighbourhoods through the Social Housing Development Programme and in existing housing areas. The most recent published Northern Ireland Life & Times survey (2007) found that 80% of people in Northern Ireland would prefer to live in a mixed neighbourhood. The sad events of recent weeks have also clearly demonstrated that the people of Northern Ireland want to leave behind the baggage of the past and build a new future together. I am, therefore, more convinced than ever that Northern Ireland society wants, and is relentlessly moving towards, a Shared Future where diversity is welcomed and embraced.

‘Shared’ Housing Developments

Mrs N Long asked the Minister for Social Development to outline the conversion of current locations to 'Shared Housing' developments.

(AQO 2462/09)

Minister for Social Development: The Shared Neighbourhood Programme adopts a community based approach to supporting local communities to designate existing social housing areas as Shared Neighbourhoods. The Programme is designed to build on existing relationships and structures within current housing areas and to develop a good relations plan and neighbourhood charter that offers the opportunity for people to live in a shared neighbourhood where diversity is welcomed. A total of 30 neighbourhoods will be identified over the pilot three year period, through a selection process and community consultation, to participate in the Shared Neighbourhood Programme. In conjunction with the International Fund for Ireland, I launched the first five estates in August 2008 with details of the next ten neighbourhoods to be announced over the coming year.

Alcohol Legislation

Mr A Maskey asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the reasons for not bringing legislation forward to ensure that off-sales display their shop names on carrier bags and what action she is taking to reduce under-age drinking.

(AQO 2463/09)

Minister for Social Development: In the South of Ireland, where legislative provision to brand containers for drinks for consumption off licensed premises was introduced in 2003 but never used, experience demonstrated that seeking to compel retailers to adopt this approach raises difficult issues to do with European human rights and competition rules. There are also major issues around rules of evidence in courts.

In my Statement to the Assembly on 17 November 2008 I set out my plans for a 2-stage programme of legislative reform which will include a number of measures aimed at reducing underage drinking. I am committed to working with Executive colleagues to ensure that liquor licensing legislation contributes positively to combating the harm caused to our young people by alcohol abuse.

Social Housing

Mr A Attwood asked the Minister for Social Development for her assessment of the social and economic benefits that flow from accelerated investment in social housing provision.

(AQO 2464/09)

Minister for Social Development: On 27 November 2008 I submitted a paper to my Executive colleagues entitled ‘Social Housing – An effective way to address the Downturn in the NI Economy.’ In this paper I outlined how an increased investment in social housing could have a profoundly beneficial effect on the economy in a relatively short period of time.

In addition to the economic benefits of increased investment in social housing, delivery against important social policy objectives, particularly those identified in the Programme for Government could be more quickly achieved with this investment.

My paper contained specific and costed proposals for increases in the Social Housing Development Programme, social housing maintenance and repairs and the Warm Homes Scheme. Unfortunately the Executive was not able to support my proposals at that time. However, I remain convinced that the current market conditions are more suited now than ever before to increase our investment in social housing to stimulate the economy, protect jobs and help those in housing stress.

I will continue to lobby my Executive colleagues for their support of my proposals.

Construction Industry

Mr B McElduff asked the Minister for Social Development what plans she has to support the construction industry and to confirm whether any new housing developments will be tendered to local firms.

(AQO 2465/09)

Minister for Social Development: On 27 November I submitted a paper to my Executive colleagues entitled 'Social Housing - An Effective way to address the downturn in the NI economy'.

In this paper I outlined how an increased investment in social housing could have a profoundly beneficial effect on the economy in a relatively short period of time. The Construction industry which has suffered so much in recent months would obviously have benefitted heavily from this increased investment.

Unfortunately the Executive was not able to support my proposals at that time but I remain convinced that this increased investment would help stimulate the economy, boost the construction industry as well of course as helping those in housing need and I will continue to make this case.

I will continue to seek support from my Executive colleagues for such proposals.

In respect of restricting new developments for local firms, it is not possible or legal to guarantee work for local developers or contractors in this manner. I would of course encourage as many local firms to bid for this work as possible, particularly given the real problems I know many are facing in these challenging times.

NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY COMMISSION

Assembly IT System

Mr D Bradley asked he Assembly Commission why the Assembly IT system cannot receive e-mails from all e-mail providers; and what action is being taken to remedy this situation.

(AQW 6282/09)

The Assembly Commission provides a centrally managed email system for use by Members and Secretariat staff, on Assembly business. The system is designed to accept all correctly addressed email, from whatever source and deliver it directly to the recipient. Industry standard security systems examine all incoming emails for any signs of malicious threats and procedures are in place within the IS Office to deal with any quarantined email or any incorrectly addressed email with the minimum delay.

There have been instances when Members and Secretariat staff have reported that email they were expecting had not arrived. However upon investigation there was no record of either the message reaching the NI Assembly systems or of any message being rejected outright. As the originating systems were outside the direct control of the Commission it was not possible to determine the exact cause of the problem. The IS Office will continue to monitor the NI Assembly email system for any problems.