7.

asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what opportunities exist for young farmers wishing to set up a dairy farm.

(AQO 1017/01)

Young farmers wishing to set up a dairy farm must first secure a milk quota and a milk licence authorising the use of the premises for the production of milk for human consumption. To this end my Department provides guidance on the standard required before such a licence may be issued.

When I visited a dairy farm earlier this month, I emphasised the vision report recommendations, particularly those concerned with up-skilling, reskilling, information and communications technology, benchmarking and challenge programmes.

All those will be of interest to the younger members of the industry. Support is also available from my Department in the form of training courses to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required, and on how to apply best practice. I have also asked for primary research to be undertaken on the potential economic, social and environmental benefits of an early retirement scheme and a new entrants scheme. I expect to receive the results in the summer, and I hope that that will provide a basis on which to make a decision on the way forward.

I want to advise that the wider issue of financial support for the dairy sector falls under the common agricultural policy. Recently, I strongly lobbied for the existing support measures for export refunds to be fully used to help support exports of milk powders by Northern Ireland processors. However, any direct support to the dairy sector would have to be agreed with the EU in advance and would prove extremely difficult under the state aid rules.

I thank the Minister for a full reply. I am not sure that I could recommend to many of my young constituents that they embark on a career in the dairy industry, because the acquisition of quota is now not always a financially profitable move.

I ask the Minister to consider another concern in west Tyrone. One of the longest established dairy companies has been Nestlé in Omagh. It has recently been taken over by Lakeland Dairies. Although there is some verbal guarantee that the jobs of over 100 people, and the farm collections, will continue, there is concern. The Minister is probably aware of that, but will she give us a guarantee that she will monitor the new situation? This is one of the few industries left in Northern Ireland. Nestlé had a broad base; was involved in world markets; was into powered milk; and had the means of utilising large quantities of milk and many milk products. Will the Minister monitor the situation for us in the future?

Clearly, I would be concerned about anything of that nature - of any commercial decisions that would affect dairy farmers. I know how dependent the dairy farmers in that area are on Nestlé. However, the issue is not one for my Department but for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment.

The Minister will understand that the milk industry is currently not very profitable, with the price of milk coming down to below 15p a litre. Has the Minister been in contact with any EC Commissioners or members about how they could possibly increase profitability in the dairy industry?

Mr Armstrong will be aware that I have been in touch at all stages, through ministerial meetings in London and through the EU Commission, to keep the UK Minister and the Commissioner informed of the serious difficulties encountered by the dairy industry in Northern Ireland because of our dependence on exports. Due to effective lobbying by the industry itself and by me, we have managed to raise the export refund from 300 euros to 500 euros. I will continue to keep the matter under review. I will depend considerably on the industry to keep me informed of all the details, as it has done in recent months, so that I can continue to make the best case for the industry. I can assure the Member that I continue to ensure that both the Commissioner and the UK Minister are fully aware of the problems that concern the industry here because of the reduction in milk prices.

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8.

asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development when she expects to have the results of the independent study into the merits of an early retirement and/or new entrants scheme for Northern Ireland; and to make a statement.

(AQO 1065/01)

I expect to have the results of the study in the summer. Once I have the report, I will decide whether to implement the recommendation in the vision report for a new entrants scheme and will consider the need for an early retirement scheme.

My supplementary question is equally succinct, but crucial: is money available for such schemes?

I thank the Member for his pertinent question. Under the rural development regulation plan, modulation receipts and match funding may be used for the introduction of an early retirement scheme. However, such a scheme would use up virtually all our uncommitted funds. I would, therefore, need to be certain that it would be beneficial in restructuring the industry and would benefit the whole industry.

A new entrants scheme might be financed through match funding only. I understand the interest of farmers and others in such schemes, but there must be clear evidence that they will benefit taxpayers, the whole agrifood industry and recipients of scheme money.

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9.

asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail any advice she has received about the deliberate introduction of diseases into the NI herd.

(AQO 1018/01)

Several brucellosis cases in which there is a suggestion that the normal spread of the disease did not occur have come to the attention of the Department. Questions arise of how the disease was spread. Some cases will never be resolved, but in cases where sufficient evidence has been gathered by the Department's investigation unit, details are forwarded to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and/or the Department of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for the consideration of fraud charges. Two such cases exist at present.

On the wider front, the Department is working on a counter-fraud strategy, which will seek to promote an anti-fraud culture in which there are greater efforts to deter, prevent and detect fraud.

In cases where there is insufficient evidence that brucellosis could have been deliberately introduced by injecting a herd, or in any other way, will those farmers be compensated urgently, as they have lost their herd and their livelihood?

If there is insufficient evidence, or if it cannot be proved that fraud occurred, the Department will take the necessary steps to deal with that situation. However, until it has dealt with the cases that it is investigating, it will not be able to make any further decisions.

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10.

asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline any plans she has to (a) simplify the application process for farmers applying for rural development funding; and (b) appoint specially trained staff in her Department to assist farmers in applying for rural development funding.

(AQO 1043/01)

I am aware that many farmers have difficulties with the application form for the new round of structural funds programmes. In an attempt to address those problems, which are common to many applicants not just farmers, my Department has produced a user-friendly signposting brochure to guide applicants through the various measures. It provides comprehensive guidance notes with the application forms and has held workshops on the rural development programme, at which the application process was explained. The process, which was developed to meet the requirements of the programme and the European Commission, is based around a centralised applications database. It also makes provision for applicants to use a fully paper-based form.

Although I do not have the discretion to change the electronic process, my officials have arranged for manual application forms to be made available to those who do not have access to the Internet. Moreover, my officials in both the rural development and rural enterprise divisions are available to help those who seek assistance or advice in completing the application forms. I am aware that assistance and advice is also available from the main agricultural organisations in Northern Ireland, and I am sure that they will continue do everything that they can for their members.

Will the Minister concede that one of the recommendations of the vision report is to reduce red tape for farmers? Does she realise the extent of farmers' difficulties in making rural development applications, a fact borne out by the level of farmer's applications for funding in comparison with community group applications?

I am aware of the need to reduce the red tape. Some steps have been taken to shorten the integrated administration and control system (IACS) forms. However, we must abide by the European regulations. We do not have discretion or flexibility in applying the criteria that are insisted on. I am aware of the difficulties that farmers encounter. However, those difficulties do not concern the filling out of forms; rather, they concern the process of deciding on a project or how to start one. That is more to do with capacity-building and enabling farmers to apply for projects that fall outside normal farming practices, such as looking after livestock. I am aware of that, and I am looking for a way to build capacity, as we have done in the past, to ensure that farmers are encouraged to benefit from all the possibilities.

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11.

asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps she is taking to ensure that local farmers are not disadvantaged by the proposed SPA/ASSI in outer Ards.

(AQO 1037/01)

The designation of special protection areas (SPAs) and areas of special scientific interest (ASSIs) is the responsibility of my Colleague, the Minister of the Environment. I understand that most of the proposed SPA/ASSI in outer Ards are on the coastal foreshore, and that relatively little agricultural land is affected. Farmers with land situated in such designated areas may qualify for financial remuneration from the Department of the Environment for any changes to normal farming practice.

I understand that the Department of the Environment is considering the introduction of a management of sensitive sites scheme, which may provide for payments as a result of the extra costs incurred in managing a site to enhance its environmental value. Farmers in, or adjacent to, such designated areas, are also eligible to apply to join the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's countryside management scheme. We would, of course, ensure that there was no duplication of any aid provided by the Department of the Environment.

In view of the anxiety that the proposal has created for farmers and landowners in the Strangford constituency, will the Minister ask the Minister of the Environment to extend the consultation period with those concerned parties?

I normally consult the Department of the Environment on all issues that affect rural and farming communities. However, the Member's question should be raised with the Minister of the Environment, because it is not a matter for my Department. It lies with the Department of the Environment.

The Minister is responsible for farmers, and it is farmers who are affected.

However, the Member refers to a matter that is another Department's responsibility. It would be wrong for me to answer the question. I suggest that the Member put his question to the Minister responsible.

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12.

asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline (a) the date of the next meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council in agriculture sectoral format; and (b) whether she expects to make progress on the development of common animal health strategies at that meeting.

(AQO 1042/01)

The next meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council in its agriculture sectoral format is likely to take place on Friday 19 April. At that meeting, I shall expect to make progress on the development of the North/South animal health strategy. I expect it to be able to arrive at a common approach on controls on imports of livestock and meat products from Great Britain, and on controls on passengers at ports and airports.

I also expect to note progress by the official groups that are charged with looking at areas of mutual interest such as bovine tuberculosis, brucellosis, BSE, scrapie, and sheep and pig identification. All those issues will be important building blocks in the all-island animal health strategy.

When will the common animal health strategies be finalised and announced?

I expect the strategy to be ready by the end of the year.

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13.

asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what resources are being dedicated to the eradication of brucellosis.

(AQO 1049/01)

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14.

asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) steps being taken to combat bovine brucellosis in Northern Ireland and, in particular, South Armagh; and (b) any discussions that have taken place with the Irish Government on this issue.

(AQO 1048/01)

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16.

asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps she has taken to speed up the removal of TB and brucellosis reactors from NI farms.

(AQO 1041/01)

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19.

asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will make a statement on the control of brucellosis and TB.

(AQO 1034/01)

I understand that questions 13, 14, 16 and 19 have been grouped together. With your permission, Madam Deputy Speaker, I will answer those questions as they relate to brucellosis and tuberculosis.

I appreciate that in some cases there have been delays in removing brucellosis and tuberculosis reactor animals from farms. However, steps have now been taken to alleviate the situation through the appointment of additional evaluation officers and the use of another slaughter plant for cattle in the over-30-months scheme. Occasional delays may still occur, but it is hoped that the arrangements in place will ensure that those delays are minimal.

The existing good co-operation with our counterparts in the South is being enhanced through the working group on brucellosis and tuberculosis established under the North/South Ministerial Council. This more formal and structured footing should be of benefit to both Departments in controlling and eradicating brucellosis. In addition to headquarters staff dealing with brucellosis policy, there are currently more than 50 veterinary field and ancillary staff working on brucellosis. They are supported by administrative staff at divisional veterinary offices and also by laboratory personnel.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development continues to deal with brucellosis and tuberculosis through testing programmes. An annual test is carried out for tuberculosis, and biennial blood testing is required for brucellosis. Where infection is found, an intensified testing regime is applied around the infected premises.

Concerns at the level of brucellosis have led the Department to take additional measures. First, we have increased the frequency of testing from biennial to annual in the more heavily infected areas of Armagh, Newry and Enniskillen. Secondly, we have introduced a blood-sampling programme for cows being slaughtered under the over-30-months scheme, and we have introduced a bulk milk-sampling programme. Reviews currently being undertaken by my officials will examine all aspects of the control measures for both diseases and consider whether further or different measures may be introduced.

Is it not the case that brucellosis was virtually eradicated in Northern Ireland until an import of infected cattle from Cork, which contributed to the current outbreak? Will the Minister confirm that only six staff from the Ards veterinary office, which covers the Lagan Valley area where there is a particularly bad outbreak, are currently working on brucellosis? Many of those staff are still engaged in work on the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Order. Once again the clock has beaten us, so I must ask the Minister to reply in writing to the supplementary question.

Capital of Culture

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Madam Deputy Speaker:

I have received notice from the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure that he wishes to make a statement on Belfast's bid to be named European Capital of Culture.

I want to explain why it is so important that we do everything in our power to help Belfast to win the title of European Capital of Culture in 2008. First, I firmly believe that we have an excellent chance of winning the nomination. I do not see Belfast as somewhere in the middle of the field or at the periphery of the competition. I see Belfast as a front-runner, well placed to lift the prize. I continue occasionally to meet people who do not take our bid seriously, and they include not only the naysayers and those who wear their cynicism as a badge of pride, but those who simply cannot imagine Belfast as a capital of culture. Therefore, I want to talk a little about why Belfast has the potential to be a capital of culture and why it should be formally recognised as such.

There has been some misunderstanding about the term "culture". When we refer to our bid - and this applies equally to the other cities - we are being inclusive, and we include all strands of life that have shaped this city over the years. I am talking about the warp and the weft that have made up the fabric of our city and shaped the character of its inhabitants. We are not taking an exclusive approach. We are not trying to exclude everything that does not obviously encompass art, literature and music. I do not mean to diminish those things in any way - as Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, I would not allow that to happen. However, I recognise that culture is much more than high art. As I have said before, if we allowed ourselves to be corralled by those constraints then the same cities would be competing for the title year after year. It would end up as Buggins's turn and the concept would become meaningless.

When I say that all of us have contributed to the culture of the city and have been shaped by our collective experiences in it, am I being all things to all men? I am not. I am saying that every man, woman and child can be enriched by living here. Not to take advantage of the possibilities this could bring would be to betray the potential of Belfast.

I want to turn to the huge potential of the bid. We will not be campaigning to win the title for the sake of it. That will not be the objective. As I have said before, we have no intention of investing money and effort to admire a gong that might hang in the city hall. Belfast City Council recognises that and is working with my Department to ensure that the process is inclusive and that maximum benefit comes our way. The Lord Mayor of Belfast and I agree that at the heart of the bid lies the fact that the total benefits add up to more than simply the sum of the parts. The capture of this award will be a catalyst and will drive a process that will bring the people of Northern Ireland together, not just the people of Belfast. It will bring Ministers in the Executive together to work for tangible benefits for all our people. I will return to that point in a moment.

I have mentioned spending money, and there is no getting away from that. Winning the title involves investing resources. There is much talk nowadays about strategy. Everyone seems to have a strategy for something or other. It is a pity that the word is so overused, because it then becomes devalued and meaningless. Our investment in the push to win the title is a true strategic effort because, if we win, there will be real benefits for everyone in years to come.

Our bid has three themes, and there are objectives associated with each theme. I will not take up time by giving a line-by-line rundown on all of them; however, I want to give a few examples of how this undertaking has tremendous potential to profit us all. One of the themes is titled 'Made in Belfast'. This theme aims to establish a vibrant creative economy and make Belfast a centre for investment as a global cultural destination. It will celebrate the best of Belfast's cultural and creative expression at home and abroad and safeguard its heritage and traditions on which to create new common ground.

'Through the Eyes of a Child' will involve the development of policies and projects that put the city's concept of creativity to the forefront of formal and informal education. It will enable children to play a full role as citizens and enhance the personal skills and job prospects of young people by developing their creativity and cultural awareness. By focusing on children it will create new audiences for cultural activities.

'Life Without Walls' will make reconnection and inclusion core principles in the physical development of Belfast. Through our artists, opportunities will be created for dialogue and expression that will build understanding and trust. The capacity of under-represented groups to become fully engaged in the European Capital of Culture process will be developed. We will engage in relationships and dialogue with Europe and with the wider world and explore our common cultural heritage.

There will be specific projects under these themes, and I wish to give a few examples. 'Through the Eyes of a Child' will associate the home of C S Lewis in east Belfast with a centre called 'Jack's House.' This will take the form of a pavilion designed by an internationally renowned architect with a gallery space, a woodland area, simulated weather and many other features that will be inspired by the imaginative landscapes in the writer's 'The Chronicles of Narnia'.

The 'Made in Belfast' theme will include, among other things, the redevelopment of the Cathedral Quarter. This will go a long way to putting the heart back into the city by creating a nucleus of creative activity in an area that comprises some of the most fascinating cultural heritage of the city, as well as encompassing some of our best architecture. That area of Belfast should be striving artistically and economically.

Among the projects associated with the 'Life Without Walls' theme will be a series of initiatives that will culminate in the removal of the 23 peace walls in Belfast. That will involve many parties working closely together, including Government agencies, community organisations and, most important of all, residents. The wall between the Shankill and the Falls areas has stood for 33 years and is, in places, 30 feet high. Those walls make people feel safer, but they are negative measures. They cut across and destroy the urban fabric; they reinforce a culture of separation, and they must come down eventually.

First, local residents must regard the walls as having no purpose. That daunting task will require people's belief and confidence in our need to live in a connected city. Under the aegis of the European Capital of Culture bid we will work with the people who live in the shadow of the walls to create secure and sustainable communities.

That is a sample of the projects that will be tackled under the European Capital of Culture banner. They are large in concept, in execution and in the scale of their long-term benefits. Some initiatives will involve capital works, many will involve communities, and all will involve courage and creativity. However, the projects will not overwhelm us, and we will rise to their challenge.

All that work will cost money. Our bid to become European Capital of Culture has come together only in recent weeks, following intensive widespread consultation on its content. That has meant that only now can we refine the projected costings. Further work remains to be done in that regard. Preliminary analysis of the costs by Imagine Belfast 2008, covering the period up to and including 2008, is around £147·5 million, split between £90 million in project spend and £57·5 million in capital.

Based on the experiences of previous Capitals of Culture, those costs could be met from such sources as Northern Ireland public expenditure, the private sector, European structural funds, local government and, potentially, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. An estimated £100 million of Executive funding will be required over the period to 2008 to meet the aspirations of the bid. Some of those costs are already contained in Departments' allocated resources, and some of the activities will require additional specified funding, which could be sought through the normal supply and Executive programme funds procedures.

My Department will liase closely with other Departments, including the Department of Finance and Personnel and the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister, over the next few months to identify the costs of the tasks. When that is done, the overall proposal will be subject to a full economic appraisal in the usual way. That will identify a range of options and associated costs for consideration by the Executive.

The public expenditure implications of our bid, if successful, will need to be considered along with the Executive's other public spending priorities in the 2002 Budget and beyond. The Executive's endorsement at this stage of the Capital of Culture bid does not imply that they will allocate additional resources to every activity identified in the bid. The final public expenditure costs will have to be considered and specifically approved by the Executive later. Proposals that are not already provided for in existing plans will have to be considered in the usual way, against other competing bids.

In summary, I emphasise that the rewards inherent in the process are enormous. The essence of our bid lies in its strategic potential, and there will be tangible and intangible long-term gains in return for money invested. Some of the developments under the Capital of Culture banner would happen anyway, but the title will increase their focus and impact. All the proposed schemes contained in the bid will be of international standard, imaginative and daring. Each scheme will have the potential to make at least as great a difference to Belfast as Glasgow's title made to it. Crucially, when we progress this initiative, the Executive will be seen to be effective, because it will be seen to be working together for everyone.

This undertaking goes far beyond art, culture and leisure and will touch almost every facet of our lives. The title itself will do little for Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland will gain through the things that it will do to win the award and the things that will happen after it has won it. The bid is not about Belfast's winning a piece of parchment or a brass plaque. It is about winning recognition as a city of culture in a region of culture. The benefits will permeate across the Province. This is a huge opportunity for us, and I urge the Assembly to seize it and support the bid.

I join the Minister in welcoming the programme for the bid. It contains some of the most imaginative and innovative ideas that I have come across, and Members who read it carefully and think about what it involves will see its potential to do remarkable things. Clearly, it has the potential to increase cultural tourism and promote community morale and understanding. Interestingly, it also has the potential to create self-confidence for the community and the Assembly - in what we are, who we are and where we all come from. That is as important as any other work that is done here, and Members should give their full support to the bid.

However, there are a few questions that I want to ask the Minister - and, through him, the Department - that I hope will reflect some concerns that have arisen in the Committee's deliberations and that will surely arise again. Forgive me if they are mundane. For example, it is important that the House knows what steps the Minister has taken to ensure that budgetary arrangements are in place to provide for the bid. We have known for some time that we would be involved in this. In practical terms, it will not be possible to do much until the bid has been successful or until we know how much money is available, but I hope that some preparation has been made to ensure that work on the bid will not require a fresh start. The Minister said that some elements in the Department's budgetary arrangements are available and could be used. In that respect it will be interesting to know whether a financial plan has been prepared.

This is an opportunity for the Member to question the Minister; it is not an opportunity to talk. Will the Member ask the question that he wants to ask the Minister?

I have just completed the second question, and I would like to ask two more - if Madam Deputy Speaker will permit me to do so.

Yes, if you will be more concise.

Indeed. Can the Minister confirm that each element of the bid will be subject to a case-by-case financial assessment, and will the Department of Finance and Personnel and other Departments be involved in those assessments? Does the Minister have any details of the long-term financial benefits that other cities have enjoyed as a result of becoming the European Capital of Culture? Those are important issues. We want to make as effective an approach as possible from all sides. There is great potential in Northern Ireland, and Belfast in particular, to make a successful bid.

I thank Mr ONeill for his full support. I appreciate and understand the need for discipline in the process. In the next part of the bidding process, Belfast will put its name into the competition. That must happen by the end of March.

The Department's specific role is to support Belfast City Council, as it is making the bid. Indeed, I welcome the Lord Mayor, who is in the Gallery. His office is the focal point of the bid. The Department believes the bid to be well worth supporting, and we are here to reinforce and sustain it as best we can. The council has set up a company called Imagine Belfast 2008. Officers from the company are also in the Gallery. Imagine Belfast 2008 has brought together the details of the bid and is taking it forward one step at a time.

As I said, the next step will be the first formal stage in the process. Bids must be submitted by the end of March. Several other cities will be competing for the title. Shortlisting will occur in the autumn. By spring 2003, roughly 12 months from now, one city will be declared the winner. That decision will be made by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in London and the Prime Minister, and will eventually be ratified in Europe in the summer of 2003.

Even if Belfast were to be successful at every stage of the process, it would still be 18 months before it could be declared Capital of Culture. It is a step-by-step process, and Members must understand that it is not possible to detail every facet of the bid, particularly the financial aspects. However, the Member is correct in that there has been some preparatory work.

The Member mentioned the experience of other cities. That is an important point, and the experiences of other cities are being considered. As I said, each element of the bid will be subject to a full economic appraisal, which will be carried out this summer by the Department of Finance and Personnel. Each element and bid that may arise from the process will be scrutinised by the Department of Finance and Personnel under the normal processes, and there will also be a case-by-case assessment.

Glasgow is the best example as far as financial benefits that other cities have experienced are concerned, because it is the only other UK city that has been a City of Culture, as it was called in 1990. Belfast has much in common with Glasgow in 1990. It was in a post-industrial age. Glasgow had a reputation as a tough, no-nonsense, straight-talking city. It was not a city that many people visited at that time. In 1990, Glasgow had 1,200 tourist beds in hotels and guest houses. There are now 12,000 such beds.

Glasgow is now the third most visited city in the UK. It has managed to attract large investments in the creative industries and is one of the country's leaders in that field. Glasgow is an example of what can happen when a city is designated European Capital of Culture. The city has seen very real benefits.

Dublin is another close neighbour that was a European City of Culture. It too saw tremendous benefits. However, Dublin did not face the same challenges or difficulties as Glasgow. Glasgow is one city that has demonstrated the real, tangible and long-term benefits that can come out of an effort to be designated in this way. Belfast can gain at least as much as Glasgow, not least because it gives us an opportunity to alter completely the perception of Belfast throughout the world. Over the next six years and beyond we can totally alter the somewhat negative image of Belfast through this process. For "Belfast", also read "Northern Ireland". This is a city of culture in a region of culture, but, because of the rules, the application has to be centred on Belfast. However, given the size of the city and the size of the country, things will spill over. There will be tangible benefits for the whole of Northern Ireland, and one of the biggest of those is that we can change our image.

I too welcome the Minister's statement and commend the visionary approach of Imagine Belfast 2008. I was particularly pleased to see that there will be a C S Lewis centre in east Belfast. Can the Minister ensure, given that the east Ulster area was the cradle of the earliest vernacular literature in Western Europe, that the Ulster and Norse sagas which inspired 'The Chronicles of Narnia' will be given a proper place in Jack's House?

As I said during Question Time - and I did not realise this until I looked into the matter - 'The Chronicles of Narnia' are the best-selling children's books in the world. As Dr Adamson said, there is a connection between C S Lewis and east Belfast. One of the major themes of the Belfast bid is 'Through the Eyes of a Child', and one of that theme's two projects is Jack's House, which is about unlocking the imagination and creativity of our children.

'Vernacular City' is part of the 'Made In Belfast' theme, and it celebrates Ulster, Irish and ethnic languages. Imagine Belfast 2008 has consulted widely, and this has resulted in ideas coming from the community, from the bottom up and not from the top down, across the city. 'Vernacular City' and 'Through the Eyes of a Child' are two of the themes that have emerged.

I too welcome the Minister's statement, together with his commitment, and that of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, to the project. It is important that we congratulate the organisers for their vision and join with other Members in wishing them success and expedition.

The Minister identified three themes about Belfast and, taking Belfast as an acrostic, I hope that they lead to something which is beautiful, energetic, lasting, festive, about everyone, strong and telling. I am glad that the capital of Northern Ireland is not Lisnagunogue, because an acrostic on it would be even longer.

Does the Minister intend to prioritise the three identified themes - given that some projects will require more resources than others for implementation - or will resources be spent evenly across the board?

With regard to the 'Life Without Walls' theme, the Minister will be aware that people with genuine fears live behind those walls in Belfast. Where people have good cause to have such fears, can the Minister assure us that nothing will be done to treat those people in a way that is not sensitive to the reality of their fears?

I am grateful for Mr Paisley Jnr's comments and expressions of support. City Hall officials and imagine Belfast 2008 are responsible for the detail and progression of the bid. They are taking a holistic rather than a priority approach. They see that each aspect of the bid is dependent on the other aspects and that the overall benefit will be greater than the sum of the benefits of the individual parts.

It is important to note that the bid is aspirational. However, one emerging theme coming through Imagine Belfast 2008 is the concern about the peace walls. People are saying "Imagine Belfast without peace walls: would it not be wonderful if Belfast were reintegrated and reconnected?" The Member is right to say that this project may be the biggest of all. It also impacts strongly on the fears of local communities, and nothing must be done to lessen their confidence. Therefore plans to remove the peace walls are aspirational. They must be worked on. Peace walls will remain in place until the communities living either side of them decide that they are of no value and are no longer wanted. The Department accepts and supports that reality.

The walls must come down one day - we want to take them down, and we want to reconnect the city. People from the Shankill and the Falls say that they remember being able to go back and forth between the areas. It is a myth to say that there was never a connection because as recently as one generation ago there were strong physical connections between the areas.

The removal of the walls is a theme that is coming across strongly. However, I repeat that it is an aspiration, and it is dependent on the communities that rely on the peace walls for their security. It will be for those communities to determine when the walls will come down, and that will happen only when they decide that the walls are no longer of value.

On behalf of the Alliance Party, I support the Minister's leading the campaign for Belfast's bid to be the Capital of Culture in 2008. At this point, I should declare an interest. Shona McCarthy, the chief executive of Imagine Belfast 2008, is my niece, which suggests that it is highly likely that the bid will be successful. I am sure that the Assembly wishes Shona, Tom Collins, Michelle Rusk and their colleagues every success in their work with Imagine Belfast 2008.

The Minister's statement is wide-ranging and justifies the effort that everyone is making to ensure success. Members are aware of how much Belfast has progressed in recent years, and we hope that more progress can be made to make it a modern, dynamic and cultural city that no longer needs peace walls.

The watchwords of Imagine Belfast 2008 are "innovation" and "creativity". Is the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure content that everything is being done to fulfil those important aspects of the bid? Are as many people as possible contributing to the effort?

I thank the Member for declaring his interest.

I thank Mr McCarthy for his declaration of support and his comments.

Mr McCarthy and I share the view that creativity and innovation should be at the centre of the bid. To illustrate that, the watchwords of the bid document are "inclusiveness", "creativity" and "innovation". For example, 'Jack's House', where children will be able to hear stories in their original languages, will be a sanctuary for stories, myths and legends. The 'Giant's House' will be a creativity centre for children under five years of age. It will demonstrate the value that is placed on children's creativity, recognising that the years nought to five are fundamental to children's development, and helping them from an early age is a strong theme of the bid document.

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