I thank the Minister for her statement, and I welcome the fact that the North/South Ministerial Council noted that the two Health Departments were working together to develop a joint, strategically planned health promotion programme.

On page 2 of the Minister's statement, it reads:

One of those areas is accident and emergency services, which are under massive pressure throughout Northern Ireland. The Royal Victoria Hospital, which is the main trauma hospital for Northern Ireland, is not coping - it is falling well below the level at which it should operate, through no fault of the staff. Elderly people with fractures of the neck or femur must wait five or six days for surgery. A patient with such a fracture should be operated on within 24 hours. Given those facts, and bearing in mind the further reports that the Council received about accident and emergency services, what progress has been made on co-operation between Altnagelvin Hospital and Letterkenny General Hospital, between Sligo General Hospital and the Erne Hospital and between Daisy Hill Hospital and Louth County Hospital?

At the bilateral meeting that replaced the North/South Ministerial Council meeting that had been due to take place but did not, we heard a report from the co-operation and working together (CAWT) partners on the work done to date and the development of further work relating to the hospitals that Dr Hendron mentioned. The issue did not arise again in detail at the meeting on which I am reporting. The report at that meeting referred to the North/South regional hospital services group and the discussions that it has been involved in because of its members' expertise in certain cross-border, specialised areas of service. The report also said that, at its next meeting, the group would review progress and set an agreed programme of work for next year. CAWT would have the opportunity to provide an update on its work.

I am sure that we shall hear more about that at the next North/South Ministerial Council meeting.

I welcome the report. Further to the Chairperson of the Health, Social Services and Public Safety Committee's comments on accident and emergency services, and on planning for major emergencies, does that planning include an examination of the possible provision of an air ambulance for use throughout the island. I understand that that matter was on the agenda at an earlier North/South Ministerial Council meeting?

Yes, the working group has examined the suggested survey relating to the feasibility study on commissioning an air ambulance. When the North/South Ministerial Council reconvened, it was able to endorse the work to date of the emergency planning group and, specifically, the joint commissioning approach to a feasibility study. In the next few weeks, we shall invite companies to submit tenders for the air ambulance feasibility study, with the aim of getting it under way by March 2002 and of having the completed report by May 2002. That report will also examine possible locations for such a service.

I welcome the Minister's statement. My question about the progress that has been made towards establishing an air ambulance service has already been answered. When the air ambulance service is set up, all areas should be investigated as a possible location, and the service should be centrally funded.

We shall examine the feasibility of providing such a service when we get the results of the study. 'The Report of the Strategic Review of the Ambulance Service' concluded that the financial implications of running a dedicated air ambulance service were substantial and that, in the face of so many competing priorities, the service was unlikely to attract Government funding. The feasibility study being commissioned will provide an objective assessment of the costs and benefits of an air ambulance or helicopter emergency medical service to be run on an all-island basis and of whether we could provide such a service. The results of the feasibility study will inform future decisions on the profile of ambulance services.

Does the Minister intend to follow up the recommendations of a North/South report into inequalities between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in respect of health? As a result of that report, does she intend to commission any study aimed at reducing those inequalities?

The Council did not discuss such details at its most recent meeting. We examined health promotion, and the issue of inequality arose in the context of nutrition during our discussion on the Food Safety Promotion Board. I am sure that at future meetings we shall re-examine the work of the all-island Institute of Public Health in Ireland. The institute was not set up specifically under the remit of the North/South Ministerial Council, but it is viewed in that context. I am sure that we shall advance the work of the institute, specifically its priorities in regard to health inequalities. That is a major point in the Executive's Investing for Health strategy, which we are progressing.

With regard to accident and emergency services, I note that the Council is asking the regional hospital services group to consider the report of the Hayes review group in Northern Ireland. Does the Minister agree that the Hayes group should also consider developments in accident and emergency cover in Sligo and Cavan and the south-west area in general?

The Council endorsed the work so far and the plans for further work on planning for major emergencies. When we see major emergencies worldwide, we see the wide range of bodies that are brought in to assist - whether those be emergency services, military or policing services. Can the Minister inform us of the range of consultation involved in planning for major emergencies?

First, Members will be aware that I had to put the Hayes report out for an initial period of consultation. Officials are looking at the substantial responses, and after consideration by Executive Colleagues of matters that arise, the proposals will go out for consultation. However, it was also clear that it was worthwhile for the regional hospital services group to look at the report also. Although not discussed at the meeting, I understand that the review group considered the potential for hospitals in the South to complement a new hospital in the south-west. I shall look carefully at that aspect of the group's report along with views expressed during the initial consultation period.

The meeting on 16 November looked at planning for major emergencies and noted the initiatives that are underway. A programme of cross-border emergency planning training courses to cover the medical response to a major incident is already in place. We are developing integrated communication protocols to activate hospital and community responses in a major emergency. Costing proposals are being drawn up for further work required for hospital and community emergency planning. Those proposals will include the development of comprehensive resource mapping analysis for the trusts and health boards along the border, joint planning for cross-border live exercises and the development of a language register, which is a list of interpreters available to attend at emergencies. They will also include the work being done by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, which is taking the lead on the matter of interpreters and language.

We are developing an agreed template and glossary of terms for major emergency plans, proposals for the introduction of first responder schemes and an evaluation of the helicopter emergency medical service. We talked about the development of a road traffic accident response strategy for fire brigades in border areas and looked at proposals for, and the cost of, piloting fire safety awareness education in schools in all border area education authorities.

Although I strongly welcome the many wonderful ideas in the Minister's statement and the progress that has been made, I just wonder if at some stage we could get down to practical matters that would make a difference to ordinary people's lives. There are a couple of things that I would like to see done.

Will it soon be possible to have mutual recognition of medical licensing, North and South? Medical people register with separate bodies; although movement between North and South is possible, it is not easy, and they need to reregister. I wish to see registrars and senior registrars who work in Dublin being able to work in Belfast and vice versa, because that would be of mutual benefit.

People in Donegal should be able to avail themselves of services at Altnagelvin Hospital, and cancer patients from Donegal should be able to access the world-class services at the Belfast City Hospital. My colleagues in Donegal have expressed interest, but the bureaucracy is extremely complicated. They would also like to have some funding mechanism that accompanies patients so that they can avail themselves of services in the North. However, that question needs to be addressed in the South.

The question of obstacles to mobility was addressed by the North/South Ministerial Council on 30 November and could possibly be taken up again. We noted the progress in joint training, staff development and exchange opportunities in radiotherapy services, for example. We also noted the proposal to identify additional service areas and specialities for which cross-border or all-island co-operation could be of mutual benefit to patients, and any suggestions are welcome.

Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. The Council noted that the two Health Departments are working together to develop a joint strategy on health promotion and training resources. What are the proposals and when will they be in place?

The two Departments and the Health Promotion Agency are specifically developing the programme and training resources at present, and, therefore, I cannot give the Member a full outline of the proposals until a later date.

The Council noted at its meeting on 16 November that the folic acid campaign, which was jointly launched, has been very successful, especially in the North. The jointly launched physical activity campaign, which ran from May to June and again in the early autumn, has also just finished. There is collaboration on smoking. We are considering an all-Ireland healthy eating circle award scheme, which could include people's homes as well as specific catering establishments.

The Council noted concern about the suicide leaflet, which was originally developed here, but which the Irish Association of Suicidology agreed should be launched on an all-island basis. Mr Martin, the Irish Health Minister, and I jointly launched the leaflet on 10 October 2001, which was World Mental Health Day.

We have been able to work together in those areas, and we hope to develop strategically in the future. The Department of Health and Children has nominated a representative, Mr Kevin Devine, to sit on our working group on tobacco, which is developing an action plan to tackle smoking. There is a considerable amount of work at present, and the Departments will meet in the next month to discuss opportunities for all-Ireland research into public health. Officials will meet in the new year to advance the development of the programme that the Member mentioned.

Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. I welcome the Minister's statement this morning and the fact that she is now able to carry out that crucial area of work after her exile from the North/ South Ministerial Council. I also welcome the present co-operation on cancer research, particularly in the light of the high rate of cancer in my constituency of Fermanagh and South Tyrone. How does the Minister expect that area of work to develop?

We shall develop the issue of cancer research in the context of the tripartite arrangement, and particularly in the context of the memorandum of understanding. That memorandum was launched following its signing in October 1999 by the National Cancer Institute in the United States, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in the North and the Department of Health and Children in the South. The memorandum was a result of detailed consultation between the various Administrations and recognised that cancer is a major public health and healthcare problem causing premature morbidity and mortality in all three jurisdictions.

The consortium will, in the first instance, exist for five years. The type of work that we shall undertake will be in that context - for example, we are making progress toward the development of an all-Ireland clinical trials network. It is important to have access to that, as clinical trials become the global standard for effective cancer prevention and care. We have an ongoing successful scholar exchange programme, which commenced during 2000, to help develop a core of well-trained cancer research specialists. In addition, a number of epidemiology fellowships have been established, which will continue to develop.

Through the consortium, the informatics infrastructure in both parts of the island is being enhanced to support co-ordinated clinical trials between hospitals and cancer centres. A valuable tool in that exercise is the introduction of telesynergy. I was delighted during the summer to announce funding totalling £150,000 for the Belfast City Hospital arm of that resource. That is the way in which we are trying to move forward following the Campbell report. At the meeting of 16 November, the Council endorsed the steps to date: the development of the hospitals infrastructure; the conducting of high-quality cancer clinical trials; the planned developments to co-ordinate all-Ireland clinical trial activity; the development of the telesynergy communications link structure; and the scholar exchange programme. That programme has already been established, and, as I have already said, we hope to extend it.

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Oral Answers to Questions

Enterprise, Trade and Investment

I have received written notification from the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Sir Reg Empey, that he is absent on departmental business and that Dr Farren has agreed to answer questions on Sir Reg's behalf.

Question 4 in the name of Mr Byrne has been withdrawn and will receive a written answer. Question 7, in the name of Mr Derek Hussey, has been transferred to the Minister for Regional Development and will also receive a written answer.

1.

asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how he is developing his policy on the social economy.

(AQO 470/01)

As was mentioned, Sir Reg Empey, the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, is unable to be here as he is leading an important trade mission to China. While agreeing to respond to the questions on his behalf is an example of the joined-up approach to Government that we are trying to promote, Members will understand that my knowledge will not be as extensive as Sir Reg's when specific points are raised. If I am unable to answer a point, a written answer will be provided by my Colleague.

With respect to question 1, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, working in collaboration with the Department for Social Development, other interested Departments and the community and voluntary sectors, commissioned a policy review of the social economy, which was completed by Colin Stutt Associates in June 2001. The Executive agreed to the process recommendations, which are being carried forward by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment. An interdepartmental steering group, chaired by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has been established and will meet on 5 December 2001.

It is, perhaps, fitting that the Minister for Employment and Learning now seems to have two jobs, but I trust that it is only a temporary development.

Does the Minister agree that to get value for money from the total industrial development budget, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment should have costs-for-jobs-created figures for, on the one hand, the so-called social economy and, on the other hand, for the more traditional methods of industrial development?

I will take that as a recommendation to the Department, and I will convey the Member's point to my Colleague, who will be in a position to make a response. I do not have advice to indicate whether what is recommended is current practice.

Can the Minister say whether money will be available for social economy projects?

Again I plead ignorance. That will be a matter to be considered in the light of the action plans which will come from the interdepartmental steering group to which I have already referred. Any expenditure necessary will be determined then, and any additional provision which has to be made within the Department's allocations will be made.

2.

asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the level of IDB assistance and visits by potential investors to the borough of Larne during 2000-01; and to make a statement.

(AQO 487/01)

No new selective financial assistance was offered by the IDB to client companies in the borough of Larne during 2000-01, and there were no visits by potential investors. It is important to point out that the IDB has six client companies in the borough of Larne, employing almost 1,800 people. Four of those companies are currently undertaking investment supported by the IDB. That is a clear indication that the IDB is active in promoting future investment in the Larne area.

Does the Minister acknowledge that unemployment is a problem in the east of the Province, in areas such as Larne, and that it does not occur only in the west? Does he accept that although unemployment in the borough of Larne has declined in the last decade, the increase in unemployment there in the past year has been greater than that of any other borough in Northern Ireland? There has been a 6·3% increase in unemployment in Larne borough, by comparison with an average decrease of 6·5% in Northern Ireland.

Does the Minister believe that increased focus from Invest Northern Ireland will have to be directed at indigenous companies, perhaps in particular to smaller enterprises?

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, which collates and publishes unemployment figures, is fully aware of the situation in each of the 18 constituencies and in every district council area. It monitors the situation constantly.

The Department is anxious to promote and, in doing so, to support indigenous investment. The Department and the Executive recognise that we must ensure that our indigenous entrepreneurs are given all possible encouragement and financial support. Given that the downturn in overseas investment in Northern Ireland is affected by the general global situation, we might find that it is to our indigenous investors that we will turn most often. However, the question of where investment is made is one of balance.

Overseas investors will always be welcome, and we must continue to try to attract them. However, we must also provide indigenous investors with the support that I have outlined. There is a need to attend to the areas where unemployment is greatest. The Member will see from the activity of the Government and in the Programme for Government a clear reflection of the Executive's concern to do just that.

3.

asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what benefits will accrue to domestic users from opening up the electricity supply market.

(AQO 471/01)

The objective, in line with the European Directives on gas and electricity liberalisation, is to open up the market fully in a way that will enable users, including domestic consumers, to purchase competitively priced electricity from the supplier of their choice.

The Northern Ireland Consumer Committee for Electricity states in its report that the big users in Northern Ireland will see a downward movement in prices. However, the committee fears that the cost of standard contracts for franchise customers would impact adversely on more small-scale commercial and domestic consumers. They have been unable to obtain from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment a definite response on the matter. Can the Minister give me an answer?

Most Members will be aware that the Northern Ireland electricity industry and its customers are, for a variety of reasons, burdened with above-market costs. The Department is, therefore, considering the possibility of buying out the above-market costs of the industry by means of a long-term bond of costs, which could be met by consumers. However, much work is required before definitive conclusions can be reached. Any firm proposals, which would require legislative backing, will be included in the forthcoming consultation exercise on possible changes to the existing electricity and gas legislation plan.

In that context, the concerns of the whole range of electricity consumers, not just those categories mentioned by the Member, will be addressed.

Can the Minister tell the House what targets the Department has set to ensure that electricity prices for business and domestic use are brought down, in line with those in other parts of the United Kingdom and Europe?

I did not catch the initial part of the Member's question.

Would the Member give the initial part of the question again, as the Minister did not hear it clearly?

What targets are being set by the Department to ensure that electricity prices are brought down, in line with those in other parts of the UK and Europe, for the benefit of domestic and business users?

I must confess ignorance about that matter, as I am unaware of the targets that are being set. However, I shall refer the Member's question to the Minister for a written answer.

5.

asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he has any plans to introduce incentives to encourage major airlines to use airports in Northern Ireland as the main entry point for tourists visiting Ireland, both North and South.

(AQO 450/01)

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board has commissioned a review of the role of air services in the development of tourism in Northern Ireland. That will help to inform the tourism sector's input to the UK Government's aviation policy White Paper.

Can the Minister assure the House that active steps are being taken by the Administrations here and in Dublin on joint planning of the tourism infrastructure, of both parts of the island of Ireland, to ensure that a fair balance of long-haul flights are ducted through Northern Ireland's airports?

I can assure the Member that there has been considerable consultation and discussion, particularly in the context of the establishment of Tourism Ireland Ltd. The outcome of those discussions on the matters that the Member is concerned about has yet to be seen. In view of the significance of air travel in the promotion of tourism in both parts of Ireland, there is considerable anxiety to facilitate it in the best possible way. The way in which we plan strategically to use our facilities in the different airports around the whole of the island is under active consideration by the Executive, through Sir Reg Empey, and by his counterpart in the South.

6.

asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the role of Questar in relation to the building of the natural gas pipeline to the north-west.

(AQO 476/01)

8.

asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to provide an update on the proposed gas pipeline to the north-west, given the recent threat from one of the developers to pull out of the project.

(AQO 482/01)

On 28 November the Regulator General for Electricity and Gas and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment were informed that Questar had decided not to participate with Bord Gáis Éireann in the gas pipeline project.

I thank the Minister for the brevity of his reply; it was somewhat briefer than we are used to. Given the importance of the gas pipeline for Derry - and many other towns on the route - and for underpinning Coolkeeragh power station, can the Minister tell us what actions are being taken by Executive Departments to ensure that another partner is found and that the project proceeds with all possible speed?

Perhaps I should have indicated at the outset that I was taking questions 6 and 8 together, as they concern the same issues.

I assure the Member that Questar's withdrawal relates to its strategic planning and its own view of the future emphasis of its involvement in such projects. The proposed gas pipeline project is not in doubt. I assure the Member that it will not negatively affect progress on the implementation of the north-west pipeline.

I note the Minister's response to question 6 and his confirmation that Questar has withdrawn from the project. Will he ensure that the project still goes ahead and that any information to the contrary will be brought urgently to the attention of the Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment?

On behalf of my Colleague, Sir Reg Empey, I give that assurance. Questar has indicated its confidence in the financial viability of the project, but its strategic plans in the medium and long terms have led to the decision to withdraw. In doing so, Questar is not casting any reflection on the viability of the project.

Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. On 28 November the Minister assured the Committee that the Bord Gáis Éireann licence application is going ahead with the regulator. He also said that, following Questar's withdrawal, Bord Gáis Éireann would most likely seek another strategic partner. Can the Minister give any updated information on who that partner might be? Will it be the same partner that Bord Gáis Éireann is seeking for the Scottish interconnector? We do not have any direct bearing on that interconnector, but we have an interest in the gas that flows through it.

I have not been advised about any other partner. Again, I make it clear on my Colleague's behalf that the project will go ahead and that Questar's withdrawal does not cast any doubt on that.

Are the deadlines for the gas pipeline project in any doubt as a result of Questar's withdrawal? Are there grounds for assuming that the level of confidence in the scheme has been exaggerated?

I repeat what I have already said: there is no question mark over the project. I have not been advised about particular dates and, therefore, will have to refer that part of the Member's question to the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for a written reply.

Question 7 has been transferred. Question 8 was grouped with Question 6 and has already been answered. Question 9 is in the name of Mrs Nelis, but she is not in her place.

10.

asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail LEDU's budget for the last three years.

(AQO 485/01)

LEDU's budget for the last three years was £26,922,000 in 1998-99, £25,712,000 in 1999-2000 and £29,806,000 in 2001-02.

Further to that, can the Minister detail how much was spent on internal administration in LEDU and how much was spent on small businesses over the last three years?

I have been advised of the following figures: the administrative costs in each of the three years were £7,600,000; £7,159,000 and £7,519,000. Expenditure on the programme and clients over those three years was £19,265,000, £18,553,000, £22,287,000, making a total of £60,105,000.

Can the Minister confirm that proportionately less of the budget allocation over the last three years has been spent in the boroughs of Larne, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey in the east of the Province than has been spent in areas west of the Bann? How does his Department hope to remedy that situation?

Again, I must admit my ignorance of those details. I will refer the question to my Colleague, the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment.

I suspect that the Minister will also have to refer my question to his Colleague. Is he aware that since 1996 there has been a decline of 12% in employment in east Belfast? If the Minister has the details, can he tell the House how much LEDU has spent in east Belfast on job promotion in the past year or, better still, in the period from 1996?

I am afraid that the Member is looking for a level of detail that even my good Friend the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment might not have had immediately available had he been answering the question. I will refer the question to the Minister for a written response.

We have come to the end of the time for questions to the Minister. Although the Minister for Employment and Learning is here to don his own departmental hat for the next set of questions, those who may wish to ask supplementary questions may not be present. The House will, therefore, by leave, suspend, resuming at 3.00 pm with questions to the Minister in relation to his own Department - the Department for Employment and Learning.

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Employment and Learning

1.

asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of businesses that participated in the tourism training programmes which were established following the foot-and-mouth disease crisis.

(AQO 465/01)

Three joint North/South tourism training programmes were agreed at the meeting in the tourism sectoral format of the North/South Ministerial Council in Coleraine on 29 June. The first of those programmes, which is a short-term business renewal programme aimed at chief executives, managers and owner-managers, is under way. Four seminars have been held - two in the North and two in the South. A total of 83 people from 74 businesses attended the seminars. Of those businesses, 57 were from Northern Ireland and 17 were from the Republic.

The second initiative, which is an operational skills development programme aimed at owner-managers of small businesses, began today with 30 participants. An exchange of teacher and trainer programmes will begin in January.

It is important for businesses to participate in tourism training programmes. However, what is the cost of those programmes?

The total cost will exceed £1 million. My officials, together with their Southern counterparts, will identify the most appropriate sources for the required funding. Those may include the International Fund for Ireland and EU programmes. To date, the programmes have been successful, and we are pleased with the way in which the North/South aspect is working.

Question 2, in the name of Mr Neeson, and question 7, in the name of Mr Ford, have been withdrawn.

3.

asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what steps he is taking to encourage the employment of older people.

(AQO 462/01)

The Department is keen to encourage employers to utilise the available skills of all workers, irrespective of age. Departmental policy is outlined in a code of practice issued by the former Department of Economic Development in June 1999. My Department introduced New Deal 50 plus to help people who are looking for or considering a return to paid employment.

It is essential to employ a balanced workforce - young people with fresh ideas and more senior people, regardless of age, with years of experience. However, does the Minister agree that it is important that employees have a choice between continuing to work and retiring? Members of the Fire Service must retire at a certain age, and that is probably the case with other organisations. Will the Minister encourage his Executive Colleagues to support an end to age discrimination in all Departments?

The code of practice for age diversity in employment was developed by the then Department for Education and Employment in Great Britain and issued in Northern Ireland by the former Department of Economic Development in June 1999. It is a voluntary code that sets the standard for non-ageist approaches to employment. The code covers good practice in six aspects of the employment cycle: recruitment; selection; promotion; training; redundancy; and retirement. I agree in principle that a balanced workforce is desirable. However, the nature of that balance must reflect the skills needs of a particular enterprise. Therefore, we must allow employers to exercise their judgement on what skills are needed and from which part of the labour market the people with those skills can be recruited.

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