Section 2, sub-priority 7, relates to housing and contains promises to improve services and the quality of accommodation generally and to increase the number of properties built to meet special needs. The housing budget will rise by £6·2 million next year, but £4 million of that has already been earmarked for the warm homes scheme, leaving £2·2 million for other housing improvements - a sum that is unlikely even to offset the cost of inflation.

Members from across the House acknowledge the continued importance that social housing plays in society and the fact that it deserves to be properly financed. I will be amazed, as the Committee will be, if we manage to keep pace with this year's Programme for Government objectives, let alone improve on them.

I have also given notice of the Committee's intention to monitor carefully the Social Security Agency and the Child Support Agency. Vast sums of public money are to be invested to enable both agencies to improve the accuracy and speed of their claims handling. Some members of the Committee for Social Development recently visited a service that is being piloted in Dungannon that delivers a single point of access for some services provided by the Training & Employment Agency and some benefits administered by the Social Security Agency. Members were impressed by what they saw and will be interested to see the findings of the evaluation of the pilot scheme and what it might mean for extending the programme across the region.

In conclusion, the Social Development Committee recognises that much of the policy for tackling disadvantage and community development is under review. Nevertheless, it is a vitally important area of spending priority. The issue must be raised in tomorrow's debate, and I will save my remarks until then.

I have comments of my own to make, but I begin with those of the Committee. The Committee was especially pleased that the Programme for Government identified a significant contribution in each of the Executive's priorities. In particular, the Committee noted that the revised programme highlights more clearly the role of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in the delivery of almost all of those priorities.

Key priority 6 deals with the development of North/ South, east/west and international relations, and I want to focus on that. The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure has an important contribution to make, and the Committee has noted that six of the seven sub- priorities relate directly to the Department's area of responsibility. In particular, we hope that the support indicated in sub-priority 5 for Imagine Belfast's bid to be European Capital of Culture 2008 will be reflected in financial allocations for next year and beyond. Belfast will compete against cities such as Liverpool, Birmingham, Cardiff, Bradford, Oxford and Brighton, and against joint bids from Newcastle/Gateshead and Bristol/Bath.

The bid must be submitted to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport by March 2002, and a shortlist of three cities will be drawn up. The final decision on which of the three will go forward to Europe as the UK's recommendation will be made in March 2003. At that stage the competition will become even tougher. Even at the UK selection stage the Northern Ireland bid will be up against serious opposition from cities with well-developed physical and cultural infrastructures, cities which have not had to live with the eyes of the world upon them for all the wrong reasons.

No other city has the opportunity for change and growth which Belfast now has. Our people, our culture, our history and our rich creative potential have been obscured in recent times, and the decision to bid for European Capital of Culture 2008 gives us a unique chance to rediscover those. The major success stories are there to be aspired to and learnt from. The most significant and tangible story is that of Glasgow, whose exceptional success can be explained by its bid's having been strongly focused on people.

The comparison between Belfast and Glasgow is striking. Glasgow in the 1980s was a hard-edged, post- industrial city suffering from declining industries, years of under-resourcing, a poor self-image and with little to offer the visitor. Through the City of Culture process, the emphasis on education, training, community development, social inclusion and changing mindsets has paid off in every way. Importantly, it was not just a one-year wonder. Glasgow's regeneration and rejuvenation as City of Culture 1990 has had a lasting legacy, and the city continues to grow in confidence and prosperity.

This is an opportunity for us, and those goals lie at the heart of the priorities set out in the Programme for Government. I recognise that the necessary resources may be considerable, but I call on the Executive and this House to make a commitment, not only to provide those but also for proper joined-up government to take hold of the opportunity so that Departments work together to provide the support necessary for the bid to succeed.

The comments which follow come from my membership of the Social Development Committee. Some of them support the concern indicated earlier by the Committee Chairperson. As ever, the funding issue is critical, and nowhere can that be seen more than in housing. I am particularly concerned about the spiralling problem of homelessness. In 2000-01, over 12,694 people were homeless in Northern Ireland, constituting the highest rate of homelessness per head of the population in any region, including England, Scotland and Wales. It is a 24% increase on last year, and as I pointed out in the debate on homelessness, the previous year saw a 17% increase. It is a steadily growing problem. A comparison of the figures from 1991-92 and 2000-01 shows that over those ten years homelessness grew by 26%. Is the problem spiralling out of control?

I urge that homelessness be made a priority in the Programme for Government. It says on page 19 of that document that

That is an umbrella statement that does not focus directly on the real problems; it is aspirational. When I asked the former Minister for Social Development if he was willing to support the aspiration, he clearly was - but only as an aspiration. When I asked him for a financial commitment, he would not give it.

Homelessness does not need more aspirational support. It needs practical support. There is a need for both financial and legislative support. Northern Ireland has already fallen behind other regions in legislative terms. I hope and expect that the new housing Bill will contain the necessary adjustments to bring us up to date. Meanwhile, the focus must be on finance for new build, temporary accommodation and health and social services support for those in that dreadful situation. The requirements were well identified by the contributors to the debate on homelessness, which was carried unanimously.

The Executive and the House rightly support the prioritisation of health and education. Those Departments get some 60% of the Budget, but there are health and educational dimensions to homelessness. The World Health Organisation (WHO) document 'Health for All' identified adequate shelter as a prerequisite for good health, and many official strategy documents regularly identify housing as one of the key factors that affect health.

There is a widely held view amongst educationalists that a stable and secure home is a vital element in building an environment for children to learn and to develop into fulfilled and motivated adults. How can education be successful when people are faced with the trauma and disruption of temporary accommodation and rehousing to other areas?

It is also difficult for young homeless people to access education and training opportunities, and New TSN makes a clear case for the prioritisation of homelessness. Making homelessness a priority will open the opportunity for access to Executive programme funds. The funds' objectives clearly state that they will have particular regard for the Executive's priorities, as set out in the Programme for Government, and also for their commitments to equality and New TSN. Given that, I vote that we make progress to improve this terrible situation.

There are 30 seconds before ministerial Question Time.

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Oral Answers to Questions

First Minister and Deputy First Minister

Question 2, in the name of Mrs Courtney, has been withdrawn.

1.

asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister when the strategic policy document on the European Union will be available.

(AQO 500/01)

I will answer today's questions on behalf of the First Minister and as Deputy First Minister, with Mr Trimble's prior agreement.

A paper setting out a framework for the development for Northern Ireland of a co-ordinated, cohesive and strategic approach to the European Union is being finalised with Departments. It is anticipated that the paper will be considered by the Executive early in the new year, prior to discussion with the Committee of the Centre.

The Department's own corporate plan suggested that the strategic policy document would be ready in July 2001. In response to the Committee of the Centre, the Department indicated that the document would be ready by autumn 2001. We are now told that it will be ready in January 2002, almost six months behind schedule. Can the Minister assure the House that the document will be ready by that date? Does the delay show that the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister is not taking European Union interests seriously enough?

The Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister takes European interests very seriously. The strategy paper is designed to enable the whole Executive, not just my Department, to pursue Northern Ireland interests effectively, by establishing overall priorities for European work. That will assist the development of the policy priorities set out in the Programme for Government.

If we are serious about using this strategy as a means of ensuring a co-ordinated and cohesive effort across all Departments, we must ensure their full involvement. That in itself has been a complex process. Departments must deal with different issues and different levels of activity. It is inevitable that delays will occur in the drawing up of a strategy to cover every Department. Departments face other pressures and distractions in addition to this paper.

What preparations are being made to help businesses prepare for the introduction of the euro in the member states?

Preparations for the euro will depend on the likelihood of its introduction here soon. The Administration have two levels of interest in the matter. First, a ministerial group is meeting in London to deal with administrative issues that the introduction of the euro might present for the Government. We are also examining the impact of the euro on businesses. That will involve studying the impact of our status as a non-euro area that shares a land border with an area where the euro is being used in trade. That involves the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, in particular, because it deals most directly with businesses.

3.

asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister if it has had any approaches from the Government of the Irish Republic on the nuclear reprocessing plant at Sellafield.

(AQO 534/01)

The matter was raised at the summit meeting of the British-Irish Council on 30 November, as I said this morning. The Irish Government and the Isle of Man Administration are taking the lead in examining the issue of radioactive waste from Sellafield. The Administrations are preparing a paper on this, which will be discussed at an environment sectoral meeting. The Irish Government have not made any approaches to the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister regarding the nuclear reprocessing plant at Sellafield.

The First Minister and the Deputy First Minister know that last Tuesday, the Minister of the Environment told the House that he had not been consulted by the British Government on the mixed oxide (MOX) fuel plant at Sellafield.

Does he find it acceptable that the United Kingdom Government should take such action over a matter that affects the vital interests of a territory under the authority of a UK regional Government without any prior consultation? After all, Sellafield is closer to Belfast than it is to Sheffield or Birmingham.

I note fully the concerns raised by the Member. I conveyed the cross-party concern that has been expressed in the Assembly about Sellafield and, in particular, the development of the MOX plant, at the meeting of the British-Irish Council. I emphasised the need for information and real consultation about such developments. I will be happy to convey the Member's views in any future discussion on the issue.

The Irish Government, and others, must be congratulated on their determination to use every means at their disposal to stop the activities at Sellafield. In view of the Assembly's unanimous decision last Tuesday to ask for the closure of Sellafield and the withdrawal of any licence for the MOX activities, can the Deputy First Minister assure the House that his office and the Department of the Environment will take seriously the potential for disaster as a result of terrorist action or human error? Will the Executive co-operate as far as possible with the Southern Government and others to solve the Sellafield problem?

As I said, the matter will be discussed further in the environment sector of the British-Irish Council. The Executive will determine the precise attitude that we will take on some of the detailed issues, but the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister is alert to the concerns that have been expressed in the Chamber, not only last week, but on previous occasions. My Department will work with other Departments that have a particular interest in such environmental and health considerations.

I call Mr Mick Murphy.

My question has already been answered.

4.

asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister when the next meeting of the British-Irish Council will take place, and what will be the items for discussion.

(AQO 509/01)

The next British-Irish Council summit meeting is scheduled for April 2002 in Jersey, and the main topic of discussion will be the knowledge economy. The full agenda has not yet been finalised.

My intended supplementary question on Sellafield has already been answered. I urge the Deputy First Minister to put four issues on the agenda at the next British-Irish Council meeting: reprocessing; the operation of obsolete plants; discharges; and storage. I also urge him to ensure that the relationship between the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and our Department of the Environment is put on a proper basis. We need proactive, co-ordinated action to represent the views of the Assembly on licensing and the continuation of Sellafield.

I acknowledge the Member's long-standing and active interest in the issue. Many of the views that he has voiced down the years are now reflected more widely in these islands.

The environment sector of the British-Irish Council will meet again. The Irish Government and the Isle of Man Government will lead the work on radioactive waste and Sellafield. We will ensure that our response to any papers issued by the Irish Government or the Isle of Man Government incorporates the four areas that Mr McGrady has identified.

5.

asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister if Executive programme funds have been earmarked to deal with the issue of homelessness, especially during the Christmas season.

(AQO 535/01)

Homelessness is a year- round problem, and it is important that none of us forgets those who do not have anywhere to call home. Obviously, at Christmas those less fortunate than ourselves, including the homeless, are rightly prominent in our thoughts.

The Executive recognise that housing support is particularly important for those who are homeless, not least at this time of the year. In order to reduce the plight of the homeless, the Housing Executive is spending approximately £11·5 million each year on homelessness services. In addition, the Housing Executive launched a review of its homelessness strategy and services in September 2001, with the purpose of improving services to the homeless in Northern Ireland. Consultation finishes at the end of this month, and the review is due to be completed in March 2002.

Regarding Executive programme funds, no bids for allocations aimed specifically at tackling the problem of homelessness were received in the funding round I announced to the Assembly on Monday 3 December. We should not forget the valuable work done by a range of voluntary organisations for the homeless, and we take this opportunity to commend them for their year-round efforts to help the less fortunate.

I thank the Minister for his comprehensive answer. However, do the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister agree that the magnitude of the problem of homelessness manifests itself particularly at Christmas? Funding was allocated last year to deal specifically with the homeless at Christmas; will that be the case in the current year?

Last year, following discussion between the Minister of Finance and Personnel and the Minister for Social Development, the Department for Social Development was able to announce a special allocation of funding to help those organisations and shelters providing particular measures at Christmas for the homeless. I can confirm that the Minister of Finance and Personnel and the current Minister for Social Development again discussed the point last week. I can assure the Member that the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister will encourage any measure this year similar to that which came forward last year. As was the case last year, any announcements would be for the Minister for Social Development to make.

My question has already been answered to some extent. I realise that the Deputy First Minister is somewhat hard-pressed with so many responsibilities today, which must be difficult. However, I would like him to give some thought to the question that I raised earlier in connection with the Executive programme funds. If homelessness were a priority - and we all know the terrible figures that have been recently released - would it be eligible for funding in the coming year under the Executive programme funds? Under normal policy, and indeed under TSN, is it not possible to categorise homelessness as a priority?

There would certainly be no grounds for anybody to say that homelessness, or measures to improve support to those who are homeless, would be ineligible for the Executive programme funds. Considering the range of funds available, one could possibly see bids in relation to some developments being considered under the social inclusion fund. Equally, certain measures aimed at directing some new services or measures to the problems of homeless people could be considered under the new directions fund. Nothing in the criteria for the Executive programme funds would rule out any such bid.

Does the Minister agree that homelessness is only part of the problem? According to figures that were published last week, in one year alone more than 2,000 people died as a result of the poverty trap. What steps will be taken to address that problem? Will the voluntary organisations receive financial assistance to ensure that they can serve the homeless and the many others in that category?

I remind Members to ensure that their supplementary questions are relevant to the question on the Order Paper.

The Member's question is not directly related to housing, but the issue he raised remains in the purview of the Department for Social Development. That Department is responsible for introducing measures to improve support, not least through the community and voluntary sector, for those who are most afflicted by poverty and who depend on benefits. Given the correlation between poverty and homelessness, the Department for Social Development is best placed to deal with those issues.

6.

asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister, in the light of the debate on fireworks on Tuesday 8 May 2001, if it will give details of any discussions it has had with the fireworks safety group.

(AQO 510/01)

On 8 May, during the debate on the motion on fireworks, the Assembly called on the Executive to establish an interdepartmental working group in conjunction with the NIO to examine concerns about fireworks. After the debate we wrote to Minister of State Jane Kennedy to alert her to the Assembly's concerns, and a copy of our letter was sent to every interested Department. The Northern Ireland fireworks safety group already includes representatives from the Department of Education, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, the Housing Executive and the NIO. It provides an appropriate mechanism for interdepartmental work on the issue. The issues raised by the Assembly will be discussed at today's meeting of the fireworks safety group.

What an interesting coincidence of timing that the group should meet today. The meeting follows another autumn during which pensioners and others in Northern Ireland were subjected to the terror caused by fireworks, without anything's being done. I am not sure whether Jane Kennedy has experienced the effects of many fireworks during her stays in Hillsborough, but I have no doubt that Members of -

Is there a question?

There is always a question.

This is not an opportunity to make speeches or statements.

Now that the group is getting round to discussing, in December, an Assembly debate that took place in May, will the Minister use his officers at the NIO and the Executive Ministers to ensure that next autumn will be free of terror caused by fireworks for pensioners in Northern Ireland?

The group will continue to work not just to reflect Members' concerns, but to meet the responsibilities of the Departments. It is an appropriate way to deal with an issue that is not straightforward and that does not fall to the devolved Administration alone. There should be no undue inference that the timing of today's meeting of the group is not a true coincidence.

7.

asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister what action can be taken to safeguard the rights of those affected by the continuing refusal of the Minister for Regional Development and the Minister for Social Development to attend Executive Committee meetings.

(AQO 540/01)

Under the Belfast Agreement and section 18 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, a Northern Ireland Minister shall not take up office until he has affirmed the terms of the Pledge of Office. The Minister for Regional Development and the Minister for Social Development have taken a pledge to fulfil the duties of their ministerial office. Although they were prepared to take up ministerial office, they have so far refused all invitations to participate in Executive meetings to discuss policy and legislative matters that affect their Departments. They have also refused to contribute to strategic discussions about resources and the preparation of the Executive's Programme for Government, which is to be endorsed by the Assembly.

Although they have not attended Executive meetings in person, both Ministers have complied with the requirements of the ministerial code by seeking the Executive's agreement to their proposals relating to the Programme for Government, the Budget, legislation and major policy areas that impact on other departmental programmes. The fact that they comment in writing about papers to be discussed by the Executive indicates their confidence in the Ministers who attend Executive meetings to make decisions that affect their Departments' programmes.

The Minister for Regional Development and the Minister for Social Development have permitted their senior officials to make presentations on policy areas that concern the Executive. Despite the non-attendance of these Ministers at Executive meetings, the Executive have been able to ensure that important strategic and policy decisions are taken to enable those two Departments to function effectively so that the people of Northern Ireland are not disadvantaged by any political actions.

I welcome the Minister's upbeat reply to my question. Would the Minister agree that in any other organisation, members of the management who continually absented themselves from board meetings could expect penalties to be imposed on them? Is it reasonable that these Ministers should continue to enjoy the luxuries of power without the responsibility of Executive decisions?

I have already said that the Ministers have taken, and are in compliance with, the Pledge of Office. In declining to attend the Executive, they deny themselves a contribution to the Executive's wider thinking. However, there is no basis in current provisions on which we might exercise sanctions. Clearly, it is important for all Ministers to take the fullest opportunity available to them to represent the needs of their Departments and the insights that they have as Ministers, at all levels - including in the Executive.

Can the Deputy First Minister tell us whether any key decisions on matters that are the responsibility of these Ministers have been progressed through the Executive in their absence?

As I indicated earlier, in the absence of, for example, the Minister for Regional Development, the Executive in their deliberations on the Programme for Government and the Budget have taken strategic decisions on key infrastructure issues that will affect the people of Northern Ireland. An increased allocation for roads next year is an example. We set aside £40 million over a number of years to ensure that the trans-European network from Larne to the border south of Newry is developed coherently. The "dualling" of the proposed Newry to Dundalk road is also part of that, making a significant contribution to cross-border trade and mobility. That investment should also strengthen the competitiveness of ports.

In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, the Executive also took the decision to fully fund free travel for the elderly. That took effect from 1 October 2001. The Executive took that decision on the basis of proposals made by the Minister of Finance and Personnel with the encouragement of the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister. The Executive have shown sensitivity in the way in which we deal with budgets, the monitoring rounds and Executive programme funds. We are recognising the needs of programmes in every Department, including those whose Ministers do not attend Executive meetings.

8.

asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister to make a statement on the recent meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council.

(AQO 533/01)

Earlier today I made a report to the Assembly on behalf of all the Ministers who attended the North/South Ministerial Council meeting that was held on 30 November. A copy of the communiqué issued following the meeting has been placed in the Assembly Library.

Mr Davis indicated that he did not wish to ask a supplementary question.

9.

asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister to outline how the review of public administration will impact on the review of local government; and to make a statement.

(AQO 524/01)

Good governance requires systems of regional and local government that complement each other. We are conscious of the contribution made by councils to building local partnerships and embracing new challenges in areas such as economic development and community relations. As the Minister of the Environment told the Assembly on 12 November, the organisation of local government services will be considered in the context of the review of public administration.

The review, which will cover all aspects of the public sector, not just local government, will be launched in the spring. The Executive are working to finalise details of the review, and we are confident that we are on target. We hope to be in a position to provide the Assembly with draft terms of reference early in the new year.

Does the Deputy First Minister agree that these two reviews need to be dovetailed? It is difficult to see how public administration could be reorganised without taking account of the future size, geographical area and makeup of local councils. We have had statements from the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister on progress on the review of public administration, but we have heard very little on the review of local government. Does the Minister agree that it is necessary that these go hand-in- hand? Is he aware that the review of local government is being tailored to match the review of public administration?

The First Minister, the Minister of the Environment and I have reflected that the review of local government will proceed in the context of the wider review of public administration. We need to achieve a system of governance that allows regional government to play a part in developing policies and delivering programmes that are effective in meeting the needs of people. Similarly, it should also allow local government not just to deliver local government programmes, but to contribute to good regional government by delivering the local services and policy programmes that they are best placed to deliver. We can apply positive lessons and experiences from partnership working, not just in the European programmes, but in the different sectors as well. In the review of public administration we should not take a single tier of government in isolation, and no tier of government will drive the review.

Does the Minister appreciate the concerns about uncertainty in local government that the forthcoming review is causing, and will he tell us how they will be addressed during the review?

We recognise the difficulties posed by the pending review and the uncertainty that the Member has described. We are anxious to do what we can to ensure that there is no disruption to public services or to those who deliver them during the review. To that end, we are drawing up a comprehensive communications strategy to ensure that, throughout the process, information flows to everyone who may be affected. My Colleague, the Minister of the Environment, has informed the Executive of district councils' concerns, and those are appreciated. In anticipation of the review, some councils are having difficulties with forward planning and managing resources, including filling new posts and staff vacancies. Completing the review and implementing its outcome will take time. During that period we will not be able to ameliorate all the concerns involved. It is accepted that review is needed, but we must proceed in a thoughtful and effective way, and that coherence will do most to deal with the uncertainty.

Given that the review of public administration and the review of local government were first announced well over a year ago, and given that we are only to learn their terms of reference next spring, will the Minister say in which decade he expects the review to be completed?

The review will be launched next spring, and there will be consultation on the terms of reference to be published early in the new year. No doubt Members will have views, not just on the terms of reference, but also on the approach and structure. It is important to get the review under way so that we can deal with the issues that need to be addressed.

I look forward to the launch of the review in spring 2002, and the delivery of useful material for us to consider in order to progress this matter throughout the year.

10.

asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister what progress has been made to obtain permanent offices in Armagh for the North/South Ministerial Council.

(AQO 520/01)

Although the joint secretariat is operating effectively from temporary accommodation in Armagh, work is continuing to identify and procure a new permanent headquarters. A schedule of accommodation requirements for a new permanent headquarters has been drawn up, and it is currently being developed and evaluated by the professional staff of the Department of Finance and Personnel's Construction Service and by the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin. That evaluation will include an investment appraisal of options, which include a new build, and also the possibility of refurbishing part of the former Armagh Prison. The evaluation process will take several months, after which the various options will be put before the relevant Departments, North and South, for consideration prior to submission to the North/South Ministerial Council for approval.

Will the Deputy First Minister accept that there is a certain amount of frustration that that prestigious facility has not yet found a permanent home in the city of Armagh? Can he give the House a commitment that the outstanding issues will be resolved before the next meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council?

Please be brief, Mr Durkan.

The secretariat is located in Armagh and is committed to that location. The evaluation of permanent accomodation is under way and has to follow normal procedures. I anticipate that that evaluation will be concluded by mid-2002.

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Regional Development

Question 9 in the name of Mr Byrne has been withdrawn.

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