Northern Ireland Assembly
Monday 4 December 2000 (continued)
The Deputy First Minister:
Like the Member, I utterly deplore attacks on members of the Chinese community, regardless of the motivation. In contrast to the Belfast Lord Mayor, I believe that there are racist elements in our society and that almost certainly racism was a motivation for these attacks.
In the present financial year the community relations unit of the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister is providing £135,000 in core funding to ethnic minority groups. This money will be used to provide salaries and support costs for the Chinese Welfare Association and the multicultural resource centre. The draft Budget statement includes a provision of £300,000 for the funding of ethnic minority voluntary organisations by the equality and social needs division of the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister. This will include £250,000 for core funding and £50,000 for innovative projects. I repeat that this problem will not be solved by throwing money, law or power at it. It will be solved when we as a community begin to respect each other in every way.
Rev Dr Ian Paisley:
Is the Minister not concerned about the recent report on the many so-called paramilitary attacks on individuals? Is it not a serious situation when such a report has to be issued and that action is not taken on the matter because of the political implications? What is he going to do? Is he going to make representations to the Secretary of State about this? Ordinary people are very concerned about aspects of that report.
The Deputy First Minister:
I thank the Assemblyman for his question which, I assume, relates to the Knox Report. I have looked at the report and have had some work done on it. Like every other form of abuse or hatred in Northern Ireland, I find it revolting. A completely communal approach will be needed to solve these matters.
I ask the Assemblyman if there is not something wrong with our questioning today. Why should we propose to ask the Secretary of State to have something done about the hatred, bigotry and violence in our community? Is that not antipathetic to the political process? Are we, or are we not, reaching a stage where we can, as a devolved body, stand on our own feet and deal with these problems in society, which are not confined to one side of our community? We all share those concerns and we share the desire to end such attitudes and violence.
2.45 pm
Research on New TSN
3.
Ms Lewsley
asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister what research on New Targeting Social Need it has commissioned or put out to tender since September 2000.
The First Minister:
Since September 2000 there have been seven New Targeting Social Need (TSN) research projects commissioned or put out to tender. The projects are designed to cover a range of New TSN issues, including poverty, targeting of resources, barriers to accessing services and disadvantaged areas.
The following projects were put out to tender and commissioned: a review of poverty indicators; the potential of New TSN to influence community differentials; skewing of resources for New TSN; and barriers to accessing services. Three projects were commissioned without being put out to tender, as the proposals were submitted by academic researchers as part of our wider community relations research strategy. They were: the impact of so-called chill factors on community behaviour in disadvantaged areas; minority ethnic communities' educational needs and expectations; and differences in accessing further and higher education in relation to social and community background.
Ms Lewsley:
Can the First Minister outline the moneys available for research on equality, particularly New TSN, for the coming year?
The First Minister:
To be effective, our work on New TSN, as in any policy area, must be informed by accurate data and research findings. Investment in research can help us to ensure that we are directing our efforts and resources appropriately and to monitor effectiveness.
In the draft Budget, £100,000 in each of the next three years has been allocated for equality and New TSN research. This resource is for research which will be conditioned and managed by the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister and will be relevant to core or crosscutting elements of the policy. Research commissioned by the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister is separate from research which other Departments may commission to meet their own New TSN research needs. We carefully considered our research needs and believe that the resources which I have mentioned are sufficient for current needs.
Mr McClarty:
Will the First Minister advise the Assembly how the equality unit selects consultants to undertake research on New TSN?
The First Minister:
Generally, research is put out to open tender, in line with Government Purchasing Agency procedures. This means that about three to six companies on the Government Purchasing Agency's framework list of competent suppliers are invited to submit tenders for the work. The exceptions to this are where academics or others submit research proposals for consideration or where small pieces of research, generally costing less than £10,000, are required.
Single tenders may occasionally be commissioned under certain conditions, for example, where there is a pressing need for information and a particular researcher has an established track record in the area. The Government Purchasing Agency's framework list contains suppliers with a UK and Europe-wide presence. This list is constructed following advertisement and assessment of the applicants by an evaluation panel drawn from a wide range of Departments.
First and Deputy First Ministers:
Meetings with Local Authorities
4.
Mr Paisley Jnr
asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister to detail the local authorities they plan to meet and the subjects they will discuss with them.
The Deputy First Minister:
I thank the Member for the question. While we have attended many functions at which members of local councils were present, there have not been, for obvious reasons, any formal meetings. However, a wide range of Ministers has had extensive contacts with councils on subjects that fall within their responsibilities.
The First Minister and I have been to functions and meetings at which members of councils were present. Last week we were at a very valuable function in Armagh with many members of the council. I have personally attended at least two functions in Fermanagh attended by members of Fermanagh District Council. The Minister of the Environment, who has responsibility for local government, has hosted a reception for mayors, chairmen and chief executives of all 26 district councils. He is currently working through this programme of group meetings with representatives of councils. Beyond this, contacts with local councils and officials of Departments are, of course, extensive and frequent.
Mr Paisley Jnr:
One could read into that answer a total disregard for local authorities. Can the Minister inform the House if he has had any discussions with councillors or with local authorities about the possibility of postponing next year's local government elections? Does he agree that any postponement of the elections would be a travesty of the democratic process and that it would be perceived by many as the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister running away from another South Antrim? Will he now give the House a commitment that they will insist that no such postponement will take place?
The Deputy First Minister:
I thank the Member for his question. May I suggest to him in a rather stuffy way that we should look at the facts? Section 11 of the Electoral Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1962, as amended by the Electoral Law (Northern Ireland) Order 1972, states that there will be local authority elections every four years. The Local Elections (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 states that the election day referred to in the 1962 Act will be on the third Wednesday of May. Therefore the next local authority elections are due to be held on the third Wednesday of May 2001, unless the Secretary of State decides otherwise.
A Member:
Why ask the question?
Mr Speaker:
Order.
The Deputy First Minister:
As the Assemblyman knows, any decision of that nature rests with the Secretary of State. I repeat that those elections are scheduled for May 2001. I am not aware of any plans to change the date. Any change would require the Secretary of State to seek parliamentary approval, and there are a number of Members who would be present to give an informed view when that parliamentary approval might be sought, if such circumstances arose.
Transportation
(North/South Ministerial Council)
5.
Mr A Maginness
asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister to outline how it is intended to progress Northern Ireland's transportation responsibilities within the North/South Ministerial Council.
The First Minister:
It is proposed to hold a North/ South Ministerial Council transport sectoral meeting on 19 December. That meeting will probably be held back to back with a British-Irish Council sectoral meeting, also on transport. The North/South Ministerial Council meeting will address areas of co-operation on strategic transport planning and road and rail safety which would be beneficial to the entire community in Northern Ireland. The Deputy First Minister and I have written to the Minister for Regional Development to see if he is willing to attend the North/South Ministerial Council meeting.
Mr A Maginness:
Can the First Minister assure me and other Members that if, as usual, the present Minister for Regional Development absents himself from North/South Ministerial Council meetings, the Executive, in order to safeguard the vital interests of Northern Ireland, and Ireland as a whole, will take action to remedy his absence?
The First Minister:
One of the delightful aspects of the present situation is that we do not know who will be the Minister for Regional Development on 19 December. As we know, the DUP is so concerned about maintaining continuity of responsibility that it proposes to revolve Ministers at dates which we do not know. Nonetheless, I assure the Member that the Deputy First Minister and I are determined to ensure that both the North/South Ministerial Council and the British-Irish Council will go ahead - and, of course, they interlock on transport matters.
Mrs Nelis:
Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. How does the First Minister intend to progress health and education responsibilities in the light of his refusal to nominate Ministers to cross-border ministerial meetings?
The First Minister:
The question that I am answering relates to transport.
The Deputy Chairperson of the Regional Development Committee (Mr McFarland):
Will the First Minister advise the Assembly if the Administration has expressed a view on the nomination of the Minister for Regional Development, or indeed the Minister for Social Development, concerning attendance of British-Irish Council meetings?
The First Minister:
We are familiar with the stated public position of the DUP. However, as I observed earlier, listening to its Members this morning, it is clear that the DUP is trying to reposition itself on these matters. We thought it desirable, therefore, to write to the party to find out what its current policy is.
Rev Dr Ian Paisley:
On a point of order, Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker:
I do not usually take points of order during questions. I will take the Member's point at the end of Question Time.
Rev Dr Ian Paisley:
Thank you.
Brussels Office for Northern Ireland
6.
Mr Neeson
asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister when the new Northern Ireland office in Brussels will open.
The Deputy First Minister:
I thank the Assemblyman for the question.
Work on the office has been proceeding since the summer, and it is expected that it will open in early March 2001. Procedures for staffing the office are progressing and will be completed early in the new year.
The office will provide a focal point for developing and advancing the Executive's policies in Europe. It will facilitate Ministers and their officials in building contacts at the heart of Europe, so that we receive early warning of policy developments and can lobby in pursuit of our interests. It will provide a base for Ministers and officials from which they can operate when in Brussels.
The staff of the office will be appointed by the Northern Ireland Executive and will be members of the UK permanent representation, thus giving them access to meetings and to a level of information that they would not otherwise have. At the same time, the separate premises will provide a focal point for Northern Ireland in Brussels, helping us to develop a distinct and positive profile within the EU.
Mr Neeson:
The premises in Brussels were identified some time ago. Can the Minister explain the unacceptable delay in establishing the office, bearing in mind that the National Assembly for Wales and the Scottish Parliament have had facilities there for some time?
The Deputy First Minister:
I share the Member's frustration with the delay. The lease on the office premises adjacent to the European Parliament in Brussels was signed earlier this year, but progress in setting up the office was delayed by the suspension of devolution. On the restoration of devolution, work on the office resumed. We had hoped that it would be open earlier than March, but the need for consultation with a wide range of interests caused some delay. The Member is absolutely right about the delay.
The work of fitting out the office must meet all Government procurement requirements and all security and health and safety requirements. We have also been concerned to ensure that the layout and facilities of the office meet the requirements of the Executive - in particular, facilities for seminars, meetings and receptions. Space will also be needed for visiting Ministers and officials, as well as for the resident staff of the office. The design of the premises has now been approved, and a contract will shortly be signed with the managing agents. Work on fitting out the premises will begin this month and will be completed by March, by which time staff will be in place. I hope that it will be finished, and I repeat that I share the Member's frustration about the delay.
Mr Bradley:
I welcome the opening of the office in March. It will be a good day for the Assembly when we have an office in Brussels. How will the office of the Executive in Brussels assist in the promotion of Northern Ireland in Europe?
The Deputy First Minister:
It can do so in several ways. First, it can give us a separate and unique identity in Brussels, without taking away any of the political clout available through the UK permanent representation. That is important because people in the EU regard the Northern Ireland situation as unique.
Planning for a European marketing campaign involving the First Minister, Sir Reg Empey and myself in early 2001 is at an initial stage. In those circumstances the office in Brussels would help to facilitate the promotion of the Executive's policies in key areas such as agriculture, structural funds and inward investment. The office will also provide an opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland products and services, and to boost trade and tourism in particular.
Crucially, the office will give us a full-time voice at the heart of Europe, which will be able to help us only if we put our message across properly. The Executive must get straight to the heart of Brussels and the European Union without any further delay.
3.00 pm
The Chairperson of the Committee of the Centre (Mr Poots):
Can the Deputy First Minister outline what contact there has been with the Northern Ireland Centre in Europe (NICE) about the creation of a one-stop shop? Also, will the office be for the use of Assembly Members, or only for Executive use?
The Deputy First Minister:
I thank the Member for his question. There are two parts to it. The First Minister and the Deputy First Minister are expecting confirmation from NICE on its ongoing position. It is hoped that that will happen very quickly. NICE has been in consultation with the Department of Finance and Personnel regarding funding for a relationship with the district councils and the presentation of a wider view, taking district councils into account. Formalisation with the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister has not yet taken place.
Mr Speaker:
I ask the Deputy First Minister to bring his answer to a close.
The Deputy First Minister:
There will be an office in the new building for all those who seriously, and collectively, want to sell the produce of Northern Ireland.
Mr Speaker:
In an earlier supplementary question, a Member mentioned a statement by another Member who holds the office of Lord Mayor of Belfast. It is normal practice when a Member is named and some response is made that that Member is given an opportunity to respond. The Member in question has asked for that opportunity.
Mr S Wilson:
I appreciate the opportunity to reply to a most selective and despicable attack by the SDLP in the House. Over the past six months I have had extensive contact with the Chinese community in Belfast. Indeed, I have many further engagements lined up with them. I count many people in the Chinese community as my personal friends. I therefore find it particularly hurtful that this selective attack has been made.
Mr Speaker:
I ask the Member to be brief in his response.
Mr S Wilson:
The issue that the Member referred to was a response to attacks that were made in one week across the community. That week seven pensioners were attacked in their homes, four women were attacked late at night in service stations or shops, and four attacks were made on members of the Chinese community. I stated that those attacks reflected the general decline in the community. I said that all crime was to be condemned and that it was wrong to simply attach a particular reason to that crime when there had been no police, court or any other evidence, and when that kind of reason only sought to stir up racial hatred in the city.
Mr Speaker:
The Member has had a reasonable opportunity to set the record straight.
Two points have been raised, by Dr Paisley and Mr Trimble.
Rev Dr Ian Paisley:
Was it in order for the First Minister to refer in the House to a letter which he had received from a Minister without giving the contents of that letter, and completely hiding from the House that he had had a full reply? Rather than give a reply to that letter, he tried to put a gloss on something that the DUP was doing. The First Minister need not shake his head.
Mr Speaker:
Order. The question is whether the matter is in order. It is in order for Members to quote less than a full letter - that is clear. That what is said may not be helpful, acceptable or congenial is not a matter of order. However, the Member has made his point.
The First Minister:
I have two points to make in relation to points of order.
It is not in order for people to make allegations that are not accurate. I did not quote any letter; I merely stated that I had written to make an enquiry. It appears from the comments that have been made that there may have been a reply to that letter. I will read it with interest when it reaches me.
My original point of order, Mr Speaker, was that I would welcome a detailed ruling from you - which might not be appropriate off the cuff - as to when it is appropriate for Members to make personal statements. Many attacks are made on Members. I can recall many occasions when those in the Member's corner of the Chamber attacked me. I have not sought an opportunity to make a personal statement, but it would help Members if you, Mr Speaker, were to give detailed consideration to the circumstances in which personal statements are appropriate so that we might all make them when we are attacked.
Mr Speaker:
Order. I am happy to oblige the First Minister. I must advise Members that making unparliamentary comments from a sedentary position is no more acceptable than making them from a standing position.
We have come to the end of questions to the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister, and, I trust, to those matters which have arisen from them.
Culture, Arts and Leisure
Question 1 was withdrawn.
Sports Grounds: Safety
2.
Mr J Wilson
asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail what assistance is being offered to football clubs to improve health and safety standards at their grounds.
11.
Mr McGrady
asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to make a statement on safety at sports grounds in Northern Ireland.
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey):
I will take questions 2 and 11 together.
Under the safe sports ground scheme, funding of almost £3 million has been allocated to improve health and safety at sports grounds, of which £1·825 million has been allocated to soccer. A total of £250,000 has been earmarked for safety management. That will be spread across football, GAA and rugby.
(Madam Deputy Speaker [Ms Morrice] in the Chair)
Mr J Wilson:
Does the Minister agree that football clubs here have over many years made a massive contribution towards normalising society and that whatever disruptions were visited upon them, they persevered with their fixture lists? Does he recognise that small clubs and the large clubs have contributed equally? Will he assure the House that all football clubs are eligible to apply for funding under the scheme?
Mr McGimpsey:
I agree with the remarks in the first part of the question. Football is, in my view, part of our heritage and our legacy, and it has made an enormous contribution over 25 years when society here was, to an extent, in chaos. The risks to spectators' health and safety are directly related to crowd size, so clubs in the Premier and First Divisions are the only ones which are eligible to apply for funding. More significant risks are attached to health and safety at games where those clubs are playing. It is estimated that we need around £25 million to upgrade all existing stadiums, and to date we have managed to amass £5 million from a variety of sources. Prioritisation is required and we will look at the worse cases first.
Mr McGrady:
I welcome the Minister's announcement on funding for safety in sports grounds, but will he ensure that the funding to provide proper health and safety in sports grounds will be recurrent for the years after the two-year period? How long will it be before the recommendations of the Taylor Report are put into effect for Gaelic, rugby and soccer primary pitches in Northern Ireland?
When such recommendations are introduced, will they be accompanied by the essential financial arrangements and resources to make them effective? Will the Minister bring forward legislation as soon as possible for health and safety at sports grounds in Northern Ireland?
Mr McGimpsey:
This year we have a recurrent health and safety funding budget of £3 million. Much of this has been allocated through the Agenda for Government, with a stipulation that it be spent in this financial year. However, we have so far secured £1·5 million for year 2. We do not know what the football foundation funding will be for year 3, but we are assured of a minimum of £800,000.
This is not the end of the story, and we recognise that the problem is ongoing. This point is linked to Mr J Wilson's earlier question. The Taylor Report provides most of the spur for our plans. If the health and safety conditions of the Taylor Report were to be applied now, we would have to close virtually every ground in Northern Ireland. That is a major reason for proceeding with this.
The Taylor Report will require legislation, and the Department will bring forward legislation in due course. I cannot give a specific timescale, but we recognise that this must happen sooner rather than later.
Mr Boyd:
Will the Minister clarify why only some Irish League clubs have received recent funding, while other applicants have been declined, even though their grounds are in a very poor state?
Mr McGimpsey:
As I indicated earlier, only Premier and First Division football clubs and Derry City are eligible for funding. Derry City is part of the League of Ireland. Criteria are laid down for the available funding. So far we have announced funding for clubs in category A and category B. Category B includes First Division soccer clubs and secondary county GAA clubs. Premier Division teams, main county GAA clubs and rugby clubs are classified as category A. The funding will be administered by the Sports Council.
The Sports Council has made a series of awards, but only to clubs that applied for funding and received nothing from this tranche. The first club was Crusaders, which stated in its application that work could not begin until summer 2001. One of the criteria under the Agenda for Government was that the money should be used in this financial year. In addition, Crusaders had no partnership funding, nor the prospect of receiving any. I could award a maximum of 85% funding with a requirement that it fund the remaining 15%; unfortunately, Crusaders does not have that 15% at present.
We are aware of the needs of Crusaders, and it was from Seaview that I announced the scheme, in the company of the chairman, Jim Semple. Portadown was also unsuccessful; it could not provide the 15% partnership funding. In addition, it did not consult with the Environmental Health Agency in Craigavon, and we have no clear indications of the improvements it wishes to make. However, Portadown received almost £21,000 under the urgent works scheme, which is the minor scheme.
Most clubs that applied were successful. Unfortunately, Crusaders and Portadown were not successful at the time. However, the Sports Council will actively work with them, through its technical support team, to ensure that they meet the criteria and obtain the support that they badly need.
Mr Shannon:
Can the Minister confirm that clubs that have not qualified for assistance this year will qualify in the second tranche? When will the second tranche become available? Which First Division clubs qualify for this financial assistance, and does it also apply to clubs that want to carry out new building work?
3.15 pm
Mr McGimpsey:
When the new financial year opens in April 2001 the Sports Council will be in a position to look at another round of applications.
A list of the clubs in receipt of money has been published. I have already dealt with Crusaders and Portadown, but a series of First Division clubs will also be eligible. However, I should point out that First Division clubs are not currently eligible for major works but will receive 85% on programme 2 funding, which is for urgent first-aid works. They are also eligible for safety management funding.
Responsibility for Libraries
3.
Mrs E Bell
asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to make a statement on the transfer of responsibility for the libraries from the education and library boards to his Department.
Mr McGimpsey:
The education and library boards continue to have a statutory duty to provide library services. Following devolution, policy development and financial support for the public library service transferred from the former Department of Education for Northern Ireland to my Department. Since taking over policy responsibility for the public library service I have announced that a new library will be built for Strabane as part of the Strabane 2000 initiative. A new library in Portadown is due to be completed by the end of this year, and I will shortly release resources to widen access to library services and enable boards to carry out essential health, safety and security work at some public libraries.
Mrs E Bell:
I welcome the Minister's statement. Libraries should be a priority within the Minister's Department because they have been the Cinderellas of the education and library boards for far too long, though perhaps for justifiable reasons. Many libraries - not least my own - need urgent attention to bring them up to safe and proper standards. Will the Minister seriously consider a private finance initiative (PFI) in this area?
Mr McGimpsey:
The South Eastern Education and Library Board is currently pursuing the PFI route for the provision of a new library in Lisburn, and the outline business case is currently being agreed. Prior to that, the Department provided support to purchase the site in Linenhall Street, Lisburn. There has been movement forward because of PFI, and it is important to explore that route. If PFI can be made successful in Lisburn, it can be made successful everywhere. If it cannot be made successful in Lisburn, the sooner we know that, the better. We can then revert to traditional routes for funding.
Regarding other provisions, the Member mentioned her own area within the South Eastern Education and Library Board. Bangor and Ards, as well as Lisburn, are listed as requiring new libraries. The Lisburn library will cost £3·8 million, and the costs of those in Bangor and Ards range from £2·5 million to £3·8 million. There is, therefore, a substantial capital requirement in the board area, and the way forward at the minute is PFI. I remind the Member that I have secured an additional £700,000 for library capital development next year as the result of a spending review, which we all recognise is seriously inadequate.
Mr Davis:
I congratulate the Minister on securing an extra £700,000 for public libraries through the October monitoring round. Lisburn has been waiting for a new library for 25 years, and year after year we were told it was a number one priority. With all due respect, I fail to understand how Portadown and Strabane moved ahead of us.
Mr McGimpsey:
I am not aware of the background, certainly not over 25 years. We are where we are, and I have what I have inherited this situation from the Department. As I indicated to Mrs Bell, three capital-spend libraries are regarded as priorities in the board area - Lisburn, Bangor and Ards.
Lisburn is the furthest ahead in terms of PFI, and my understanding is that Ards and Bangor have not secured their sites. So far as Strabane is concerned, the initiative has been launched. That is a different board area, and the funding for that is, as I said, historical. I cannot comment further on Lisburn, except to say that we are actively pursuing this and we see it as a matter of urgency, not least because of the representations in the past from Mr Davis, Mr Close and others.
Leisure Centres:
Rates for Disabled People
4.
Mr McMenamin
asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will consider introducing concessionary rates for disabled people using leisure centres.
Mr McGimpsey:
Responsibility for leisure centre provision lies with district councils. Each district council has a statutory obligation under the Recreation and Youth Service (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 to secure provision of adequate facilities for recreational, social, physical and cultural activities for its area. The determination of pricing policies for leisure centre admission, including any decision to introduce concessionary rates for people with a disability, lies with district councils and it is therefore a matter for them to consider as to how best to respond to local need, including the needs of the disabled.
Mr McMenamin:
I acknowledge that there are council areas in Northern Ireland which cater for the disabled by having reduced charges for leisure facilities. My council - Strabane - has a gold card scheme which enables athletes to use the facilities at no charge. Disabled athletes can also avail of this service. However, disabled people who are not into sport would only require access to the swimming pool, sauna and so forth as a leisure and pastime -
Madam Deputy Speaker:
Will the Member please refer to the question.
Mr McMenamin:
I would like to see a special fund to help councils offer concessionary rates to disabled people, without passing the cost on to ratepayers because the majority of leisure centres are run at a loss.
Madam Deputy Speaker:
What is the question?
Mr McMenamin:
Could the Minister set up a task force and a special fund to subsidise leisure facilities for disabled people?
Mr McGimpsey:
Under the Agenda for Government I have already announced the ADAPT 21 initiative to provide audits on a pilot basis for a range of sporting and cultural venues, including leisure centres, to assess what needs to be done to make these venues accessible for the disabled. There will be a small grants scheme. The scheme will be expanded in due course. In addition, in keeping with the Programme for Government, we are encouraging greater participation in sport by disabled persons by promoting equal opportunity, developing youth programmes and opportunities for increasing participation in sports and leisure. We are in the process of forming a working group to draw up a template for cultural and leisure provision within each district council area to permit an audit of existing provisions and to identify gaps in the service, including the needs of those persons who are disabled.
Mr Savage:
The Minister will know that many disabled people have very low incomes, and we must hope that district councils, as the representative authority, will take account of this in setting their pricing policies. However, I am sure the Minister will accept that he has a role in encouraging people to use leisure centres. What efforts is he making to do that?
Mr McGimpsey:
As I indicated to Mr McMenamin - [Interruption]
Does the Member want me to give way?
Mr P Robinson:
I was asking the Minister to lead by example.
Mr McGimpsey:
Oh, I see. It is Castlereagh Council coming in. -[Interruption]
Madam Deputy Speaker:
Order.
Mr McGimpsey:
As I indicated in my answer to Mr McMenamin, we have formed a working group to draw up a template for cultural and leisure provision within each district council area. This important point is well made we have taken it on board.
Participation and the widening of access are key elements in the provision of leisure services. Integration of those who suffer a disability is another. Mainstreaming those who have a disability is an important element that we take seriously. In addition, the Sports Council for Northern Ireland is committed to providing equality of opportunity for those who suffer social disadvantage for any reason, including disability, and through the distribution of lottery funds it can now afford a higher priority to projects that provide opportunities for people with disabilities.
Mr S Wilson:
I understand the Department's reluctance to become involved in providing funding for concessionary entrance fees for disabled people attending community centres, and I think that local councils ought to take that on board themselves, but given the fact that many leisure facilities that were built in the 1970s and early 1980s were not built with the standards of access for the disabled that exist today, will the Minister give a commitment that whatever capital works are required to make leisure facilities more accessible to the disabled, funding will be made available to local councils to help with such projects?
Mr McGimpsey:
Mr S Wilson will, of course, understand that I am unable to give such a commitment at this time. A working group is currently drawing up a template for provision in each district council area. Furthermore, the Member is well aware that under the Recreation and Youth Service (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 each district council has a statutory obligation to make that provision. We are there to lend our support, but I cannot give commitments for capital projects. However, under ADAPT Northern Ireland and the Agenda for Government, we have announced work and progress in programmes along those lines.
Minister:
Meeting with Sports Council CEO
5.
Mr Paisley Jnr
asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline his plans to meet with the chief executive officer of the Sports Council for Northern Ireland and what subjects will be on the agenda for discussion.
Mr McGimpsey:
My officials and I meet the chief executive of the Sports Council on a regular basis to discuss a broad range of topics. These include the safe sports ground scheme, the development of a soccer strategy for Northern Ireland, motorcycling, a national stadium for Northern Ireland, disability sport and ice hockey - to name but a few. I have plans to meet the chairman and the chief executive over the course of the next few weeks to discuss budgets and related matters.
Mr Paisley Jnr:
With regard to motorcycle racing, has any progress been made concerning the feasibility study to develop motor sport, both on-road and on-track, here? What resources will the Minister be able to commit to the development of this excellent sport?
Mr McGimpsey:
In respect of motorcycling, a road- racing task force has been set up and is charged with reviewing all aspects of road racing. Careful consideration will be given to the task force's findings, which we expect to be in receipt of on 14 December 2000. In addition, £20,000 has been made available to appoint consultants to look at existing short circuits and to consider the need and scope for a Grand Prix circuit in Northern Ireland. Once we have worked out what needs to be done and what is feasible with the representatives of motor sport, such as the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland, we can then address resources. However, this cannot be done until I can estimate what the sport requires or believes is necessary for them.
Mr McClarty:
The Minister will recall the broad welcome he received when he announced the establishment of his football task force.
Does he agree that an ambitious youth development programme is the real key for guaranteeing the long-term success of football? Will he assure the House that youth development will be a priority of the task force?
3.30 pm
Mr McGimpsey:
The soccer strategy was first announced on 16 August, and on 20 October plans were unveiled to develop the strategy. An advisory panel has been established with a wide range of expertise and experience. Consultants are being engaged to take views on the difficulties facing the game and a conference and workshop will be held in the new year which will bring together key interests to debate the issues and to identify ideas for action.
Before the end of the current season in May 2001 the process will produce a draft strategy document to be issued for wide consultation. The process will not only look at the state of senior league soccer but will consider all aspects of the game, including grassroots and youth development, club links with the community and with schools, girls' and women's soccer, facilities and resources. It is meant to be a wide-ranging review and it is intended to produce a strategy and vision for soccer in Northern Ireland to take us many years into the future. We are keen to see full consultation with all sectors of the game.
Sectarianism in Sport
6.
Mr McCarthy
asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure why measures to tackle sectarianism in sport were not included in the Draft Programme for Government.
Mr McGimpsey:
Although not specifically mentioned in the Programme for Government, the issue of sectarianism in sport is included under the safe sports grounds scheme, which is referred to in section 2.4.2. It is a condition of grant under this scheme that successful applicants will be required to formulate an equity statement for inclusion in the organisation's constitution memorandum and articles of association, highlighting practical measures on how family disability and sectarian issues will be addressed.
Mr McCarthy:
I must express disappointment. Do the Minister and his Executive not feel that sectarianism in sport merits taking legislative action where necessary? We are all aware of the difficulties at sports fields. Could the Minister not introduce some means of dealing with this as soon as possible?
Mr McGimpsey:
Sectarianism is not confined to sport; it is a problem in society in general. Unfortunately, sport reflects the society in which it is played. Many things are not specifically mentioned in the Programme for Government, but there are ongoing programmes concerned with matters such as sectarianism in sport. It is something that we take extremely seriously. As regards football - and the Member has asked similar questions about football - I had a meeting on 22 August with the Irish Football Association (IFA) and the Sports Council specifically to look at soccer. Sectarianism is by no means confined to soccer. The IFA is fully committed to anti-sectarianism and has formulated a policy which includes, for example, a compulsory community relations module, a handbook for coaches, referees and players, outreach to primary schools, strong community relations messages and support for clubs, organisations and cross-community football projects.
Sectarianism is not ignored simply because it is not contained in the Programme for Government. Everything cannot be included, but sectarianism is one of several matters that the Government are tackling on an ongoing basis.
The Deputy Chairperson of the Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee (Mrs Nelis):
Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. Is the financial assistance that is being offered for health and safety contingent on clubs' eradicating sectarianism?
Mr McGimpsey:
Anyone taking up financial assistance, for example, on the safe sports grounds scheme is also required to take up the safety management scheme. The scheme includes support for training stewards and ensuring that there is no sectarian chanting in grounds. Training for staff and stewards in crowd management and dealing with sectarianism are among the areas for which funding is available.
Dr Adamson:
Given that commitment to equality will be demanded from sports clubs applying for assistance under the safe sports grounds scheme, how will clubs affiliated to the Gaelic Athletic Association, which has sectarianism written into its rules, qualify? Go raibh maith agat.
Mr McGimpsey:
I have already dealt extensively with the issue of moneys available for the safe sports grounds scheme. I believe that the Member is referring to rule 21, which I would very much like to see deleted. That matter is being addressed, and I have had discussions with the GAA authorities. As with other issues facing our society, progress can be made. I have no reason to believe that rule 21 is written in stone, but I could be wrong. Sport reflects society. We seek to change not only sport, but society as a whole. The GAA authorities are well aware of the difficulties that rule 21 poses.
Agriculture and Rural Development
Farmers: Subsidy Payments
1.
Ms Lewsley
asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline her plans to improve the system for making subsidy payments to farmers.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers):
I am acutely aware of the problems caused by the endless bureaucracy that arises from conforming to EU regulations. The Department and the farmer have a role to play in ensuring prompt payment. The payments are worth over £150 million a year. Delayed payments can cause hardship to an already hard-pressed farming community. Prompt payment and clear information is important, particularly in current circumstances.
Several improvements have already been made. For example, claim forms have been simplified and more reprinted individual claim data have been included. Claim forms that can be scanned, reducing the manual keying-in of data, have also been introduced and are being used more extensively.
In the coming year the Department will introduce a number of other initiatives to improve the service to producers. The facility to make direct payments into bank accounts will be made available during 2001. My officials are also preparing, for publication during 2001, a detailed protocol that will provide a comprehensive and clear explanation to farmers of how their subsidy claims will be handled, what they can expect from the Department, and what the Department will expect from them. Provision will be made for consultation on the protocol before it is finalised.
Ms Lewsley:
Is the Department meeting the targets, published last June, for the delivery of subsidy payments? How does its record compare with the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland?
Ms Rodgers:
I have taken a close interest in the recent difficulties, which resulted from teething problems with two computer programs. One deals with suckler cow producers and large herds - about 200 cases - and the second deals with the Agenda 2000 reduction in suckler cow quotas. The most recent problem occurred when we introduced a scanner that created further difficulties by not taking up the continuation sheets. We have sorted that out and the 200 cases have been dealt with. I am satisfied that those problems have been fully resolved and have not caused my Department to miss payment targets.
Under European Commission legislation, which applies to all member states, advanced premiums for the various year 2000 schemes could commence on 16 October. In Northern Ireland cheques were issued from 20 October - the earliest possible day to comply with the accounting arrangements for the drawing down of European funds. Payments have been issued in accordance with the timetable which I published on 12 October.
A significant number of claims have been paid well ahead of this timetable. To date, 84% of suckler cow claims received before 30 October have been processed for advance payment, as have 82% of beef special premium claims, 73% of slaughter premium claims, and 98% of first and second advance payments of 2,000 annual sheep premium claims.
This performance compares favourably with payments in Great Britain. Direct comparisons with the Republic of Ireland are misleading and difficult. Its targets are less comprehensive; its administration arrangements are different; and in some cases, such as with the suckler cow premiums, the scheme closes much earlier to give a head start in making the payments.
Rev Dr Ian Paisley:
The Minister will be aware of the difficulty of getting money into farmers' pockets. When her officials met my Committee last Friday I brought to their attention a resolution on the pig industry. Can she assure the House that she will study this document carefully and that if there is a way of getting money directly to the pig producers, she will follow that route?
Ms Rodgers:
I am not sure if Dr Paisley is aware that Nick Brown today announced the Pig Industry Restructuring Scheme, which I am pleased to confirm will now go ahead. As the Member is aware, I have made very strong representations to Nick Brown, on foot of which he has made representations to the commissioner.
The outgoers scheme, which enables those who want to leave the industry to receive compensation, is open from today, as announced by the House of Commons. It is hoped that the ongoers scheme will begin at the start of January. It will enable those who want to remain in the industry to restructure. Dr Paisley will be very pleased to hear that news, as will everyone in the hard-pressed pig sector.
Leader+
2.
Mr McMenamin
asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline the key elements of the LEADER+ programme recently submitted to Brussels.
Ms Rodgers:
LEADER+ will have three main areas of activity, called actions. The first of these is support for rural development strategies implemented by local action groups, which will account for some 85% of the LEADER+ budget. The second is co-operation to support joint projects between different rural areas with special provision to encourage co-operation projects between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The third is networking to share expertise and best practice between rural areas. The local action groups in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will be encouraged to develop closer networking links and to hold meetings more regularly to facilitate networking on a cross-border basis.
In addition, networking on an east/west basis between Great Britain and Ireland will also be encouraged. LEADER+ in Northern Ireland will have a primary focus on microbusiness development and job creation. It will therefore help to increase private sector involvement in the rural development programme. Actions can take account of environmental, social and community-based requirements. Detailed proposals at local level will not be known until local action groups have submitted their plans to the Department. I will arrange for copies of the programme to be placed in the Assembly Library. A copy can also be downloaded from the Department's web site.
Mr McMenamin:
The LEADER programme was established by the European Commission. Its overall objective was to assist broadly based local rural groups, capable of implementing medium- to long-term plans for development of their areas. Were the rural groups consulted on the new LEADER+ programme?
3.45 pm
Ms Rodgers:
I can confirm that rural community groups have been involved throughout the consultation process for LEADER+, which ran from March to October this year. The process began on 8 March 2000, when the Department issued a major consultation document. In June I invited prospective local action groups to submit summaries of their proposals for strategies in their areas so that the Department could consider how the aims and objectives of, and criteria for, LEADER+ should be drafted to avoid excluding good proposals made by local groups. As a final stage of consultation, a draft of the programme was issued for public comment on 2 October, with the deadline of 13 October for responses. The final version of the programme was then prepared, taking into account the comments of the Assembly Committee and public responses to consultations.
Rivers Agency
4.
Mr Beggs
asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the Budget allocation to the Rivers Agency; and if she will make a statement.
Ms Rodgers:
The Rivers Agency has a total budget of £21·1 million in the current financial year. Of this, approximately £9·6 million is allocated to staff and running costs; £8·6 million to capital works projects to alleviate flooding risks; and £2·9 million to the maintenance of watercourses. The figure for capital projects represents an increase of some £3 million over the previous year. That increase is being applied to securing an acceleration in the programme of capital works so that flood alleviation schemes on the agency's prioritised list will be carried out earlier than would otherwise be possible.
Mr Beggs:
In areas such as my constituency of East Antrim, there has been a marked increase in flooding with associated pressures on engineers. The Rivers Agency has been carrying out the vital job of establishing the causes of flooding and recommending a solution. Does the Minister agree that to enable early and accurate assessment of flooding, it is essential that resources be redirected to areas where there are such pressures?
Ms Rodgers:
The agency's capital budget baseline has been increased by £3 million per annum and is subject to the Assembly's ratification of future budget proposals. It is my intention to maintain this increased level of funding in future years. Like the Member, I am aware of the difficulties in his constituency. I know that they have been severe, and I know that the Rivers Agency has worked very hard to deal with the immediate problems.
As for schemes to alleviate the long-term problem, they will take time. There is a statutory obligation on us to go through impact assessment and all that that requires, and we must also prioritise on the basis of independent criteria. However, we will do our best despite those delaying factors.