The National Lottery revenue is broken down: 28% goes to good causes; 50% goes to prizewinners; and 13% goes to the Treasury. So far, £12 billion has been raised for good causes in the United Kingdom. That is broken down into a variety of funds, one of which is sport. Since its foundation, the sports lottery in Northern Ireland has received £60 million. Mr Poots said that 50% has gone to one minority sport, but I am concerned about the accuracy of that figure.

I am not aware that £30 million has gone to one sport, whether it be a single- or multi-identity one. The suggestion that half of the figure of £60 million has gone to one sport, if not accurate, is mischievous. This is unfortunate, bearing in mind that we received this money from the lottery and that it is money that we would not have but for the lottery. Currently we receive 2·6% of the national sum and, under the current review by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, I am arguing strongly that that figure should rise to 4·5%, together with arts. That is a more realistic and reasonable figure. The argument that I hear today will not help the arguments that I will be making about the benefits of the lottery money to sport in Northern Ireland, and they have been considerable.

I listened carefully to the Minister's response to Mr Poots's question, and the question I want to ask is more to do with the Northern Ireland Events Company than with the sports lottery application. Nevertheless, perhaps the Minister can give me a response. I recognise the amount of money put into the community and how it benefits the community. However, can the Minister use his influence to ensure that the application for the annual Foyle Cup in the Derry City Council area, which is due for a decision next week, is given consideration? It encourages the youth of the area and has an economic impact, given that 68 teams will take part over five days this year.

I can refer to the Foyle Cup, although it is not a part of Mr Poots's question. I welcome lottery funding, but the Foyle Cup application was made to the Northern Ireland Events Company in December and did not meet the criteria. The company had discussions with the organisers of the Foyle Cup and, as I understand it, they have amended their application, and it may now meet the criteria. I do not interfere with the decision-making process of the Northern Ireland Events Company. It has a robust evaluation process and a board that governs decisions. The decision will issue shortly.

I want to return to the original question about lottery money for sport. I realise the limitations that the Minister declared in his original answer. Is he aware of under-representation in the allocation of lottery funding to sport in the rural west, particularly west Tyrone? Will he at least use his influence to persuade the Sports Council to be more proactive in redressing the imbalance?

I do not necessarily accept the premise behind that question. The Sports Council's lottery committee responds to the applications it receives, and it is for that committee to treat everyone equitably. The committee is governed by the rules that every other part of Government is concerned with, including those to do with equality and TSN. The committee assured me that treating disadvantaged areas - or any area - unfairly is not part of its remit. Rather than getting suggestions like this, I wish that I could have some sort of evidence, because then I would be in a position to act. As I have said, although I do not have or seek any influence in the day-to-day making of decisions, I agree with the strategic context in which those decisions are made, and part of that is that all Northern Ireland is treated with equity.

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5.

asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the financial support given to the Odyssey centre, Belfast.

(AQO 1244/01)

As one of the major funders of the building project, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure provides agreed funding for the capital building programme. That funding is 18·55% of the cost of the project, up to a maximum of £16·9 million. To date, the Department has given a sum of £16,775,394 and has also agreed to provide funding to support the W5 science centre. That funding is channelled through the Odyssey Trust Company. For the financial year ending 31 March 2002, my Department has released funds totalling £352,000. That figure can be divided into deficit funding, which totals £300,000, and product renewal, which is a sum of £52,000.

I do not wish to sound as much of a spoofer as Mr Poots, but I thought that the figure was £87 million - the Minister can correct me if I am wrong.

Will the Minister explain why members of the public feel that they are being ripped off every time they go to the Odyssey? For example, a packet of popcorn costs £6, and Coke, bottled water and items such as burgers are outrageously priced. People have paid for tickets and may have travelled long distances only to find themselves being charged exorbitant prices for items that they need. If that is the case - and perhaps my figure on public funding is wrong - how can it be justified?

I am unsure how relevant it is to ask the Minister about the price of popcorn, but he may wish to answer. [Interruption]. Order.

I must tell you, Mr Deputy Speaker, that I cannot remember the last time I had a bag of popcorn. [Interruption].

Order.

As I understand it, the total cost of the Odyssey project was £91 million. That can be broken down as follows: the Millennium Commission provided lottery funding of £45 million; the Sports Council for Northern Ireland provided £2·5 million; Laganside Corporation gave £9·25 million; private finance provided £16·9 million; and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure gave £16·9 million. That is a tremendous investment for all the citizens of Northern Ireland, and as a facility it equals any comparable centre anywhere in Europe.

I cannot comment on the prices of Coke and popcorn, but I know that the Odyssey Trust Company, which is the charity that is responsible for running the entire complex, takes its responsibilities seriously in ensuring that all sections of society have access to the arena. There may be extra charges for items such as popcorn and Coke at certain events. I do not know the size of the bag, bucket or carton that the Member talks about because he did not tell me, but the rate of spectators going to events speaks for itself, and any surveys that have been carried out show a positive response to the Odyssey from Northern Ireland citizens.

Does the Minister agree that the Odyssey centre is one of the most successful millennium projects in the United Kingdom and that it has given great pleasure to people not only in Belfast but across Northern Ireland and, indeed, to thousands of people from Donegal, Monaghan and Louth? Will he confirm that, leaving aside the science centre, no public funding is made available for the ice bowl?

Apart from the W5 centre, no public funding is made available for any other part of the Odyssey.

I agree with Lord Kilclooney. It is important to reflect that several millennium projects were undertaken around the UK, most famously the Millennium Dome. Several of those have run into financial difficulties, but the opposite has happened to the Belfast project. It has been successful, and long may it continue to be, because of the type of resource that it provides for the people of Northern Ireland.

I cannot top the "free popcorn for workers" question. Will the Minister comment on the fact that at a concert at the Odyssey last week, Irish tricolours were flown and flaunted while another concert-goer who had an Ulster flag was denied admission to the same concert?

Mr Paisley, your point is not relevant to the question.

I am coming to the question, which is to do with financial support.

Will the Minister tell us whether there is a neutral environment policy in the Odyssey?

The Minister may use his discretion on whether to reply, but I query the relevance of the question.

One of the hallmarks of the tremendous success of the Odyssey is that it has adopted a policy of neutrality and is open to all sections of the community. That is the correct policy. I am not aware of the incident that the Member mentioned, but it is a matter for the management of the Odyssey. However, my Department and I would view the matter seriously because it would be a departure from the policy of creating a neutral venue for all to enjoy. I shall make enquiries about the concert and the suggestion that tricolours were flaunted, because that would be against the neutral policy of the Odyssey.

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6.

asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to make an assessment of the use of public money by the Northern Ireland Events Company.

(AQO 1243/01)

Governments throughout the world compete for major international events as vehicles for securing social and economic benefits and for projecting positive images of their countries. In September 2000, an external consultant undertook an independent assessment of the work of the Northern Ireland Events Company. Between July 1998 and December 1999, the consultant examined 10 events that were supported by the Northern Ireland Events Company. The findings show that an investment of public funds of £1·6 million in these 10 events generated about £12 million in benefits to the Northern Ireland economy, mainly through bed nights and other spending by events promoters and spectators and through the value of positive international media coverage.

The business targets set for the Northern Ireland Events Company required the generation of a return of 6:1 in quantifiable benefits to the Northern Ireland economy on the Northern Ireland Events Company's expenditure on events. The company is also required to secure private sector sponsorship of at least 50% of Northern Ireland Events Company spending on events. Over the past few months, my Department has been restructuring the board of the company, and I will be making appointments to the new board soon. The board will be appointed for three years, and a further assessment of the work of the company will be undertaken at the end of that time. That will address value for money and structural issues to determine whether the Northern Ireland Events Company continues to be the most effective vehicle for development and implementation of a major events strategy for Northern Ireland.

I accept the Minister's figures. However, given that there is a perception among the public that public money is being used for private profit, will he assure me that public money is not used for that purpose and that the criteria to access the money are not only fair but proper? To follow on from a previous question, why did the Foyle Cup tournament not meet the criteria?

As I said in answer to Mrs Courtney's question, I do not make the decisions; that is a matter for the board of the Northern Ireland Events Company. The reason that the Foyle Cup tournament did not meet the criteria is for the Foyle Cup tournament organisers and the Northern Ireland Events Company to discuss. Those discussions are under way. A decision will be issued at the end of May.

Public money is a precious resource, and the Northern Ireland Events Company's strategy creates real economic benefits for Northern Ireland and provides value for money. It also improves the image of the Province. Public money is not being used to support private promoters.

Robust procedures are in place. Money can be given through grants, as in the case of the successful Foyle Cup, the North West 200 and other local events. Alternatively, a portion of the anticipated losses may be underwritten, as in the case of concerts at Stormont, for which losses of up to £100,000 are underwritten, with losses of over that sum to be covered by the promoter.

The time is up, Minister.

Agriculture and Rural Development

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Question 10, in the name of Mr Eddie McGrady, has been withdrawn and will receive a written answer.

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1.

asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what progress was made at the recent North/South Ministerial Council agriculture meeting on the establishment of an all-Ireland animal health policy.

(AQO 1228/01)

At its meeting on 15 April, the North/South Ministerial Council endorsed a progress report on the development of closer co-operation and joint strategies for the improvement of animal health on both sides of the border. The Administrations share a commitment to taking a common approach to controlling the internal movement of animals. In addition, substantial progress has been made in aligning the controls that are applied to the import of animals and animal products by both Administrations at all points of entry to the island.

Joint initiatives have been developed to raise awareness of scrapie among flock owners and to promote common codes of good practice for those involved in agriculture and related industries. In addition, concrete results are beginning to emerge from the sharing of information, closer co-operation and the development of joint projects on brucellosis, tuberculosis and salmonella, for example. I have no doubt that, over the forthcoming months, progress will be made in developing the all-island animal health strategy, which I expect to be completed by the end of 2002.

What progress has been made on the development of an all-Ireland programme for scrapie eradication?

Minister Joe Walsh and I are committed to the eradication of scrapie from the whole island. Given the nature of the disease and of the island's sheep population, a joint approach makes sense. We agree that greater awareness among flock owners, enhanced testing, depopulation and the continued assessment of genotyping can contribute significantly to eradicating the disease. Although the detail of the approaches in each jurisdiction may differ, each involves all of the four elements that I mentioned.

The Departments, North and South, will share and evaluate practical experience and findings and, where appropriate, will undertake joint initiatives in pursuit of the common goal. The first joint initiative is under way. It is aimed at raising the level of awareness of scrapie among flock owners throughout the island of Ireland and involves the preparation and issue to farmers of a common advice leaflet on the disease. That approach will ensure that, ultimately, scrapie will be eradicated from the island of Ireland and that, in the meantime, normal trade may continue in accordance with European Union regulations.

How many cases of brucellosis, tuberculosis and botulism have occurred in the Irish Republic? I am sure that the Minister will admit that those diseases pose serious threats to Northern Ireland's agriculture industry. Does she agree that in addition to an all-Ireland animal health policy we need to include the rest of the British Isles, because the most recent threat did not come from the Irish Republic, but from another part of the United Kingdom?

I do not have the brucellosis figures for the South to hand, but I will try to get them for Dr Paisley. The incidence of brucellosis is decreasing in the South, whereas it is on the increase here. Dr Paisley will know that the Department has taken measures to deal with that.

The all-Ireland animal health policy is extremely important because - as was demonstrated last year during the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak - animal disease does not recognise borders. Some animals had a way of getting across the border without the knowledge of the Department. Therefore, if the spread of the disease is to be contained, it must be dealt with through an all-Ireland strategy.

Part of the all-Ireland strategy is to have co-ordinated controls in all the ports. That is an important factor that has the full backing of the industry, as Dr Paisley will be aware. The Department is examining that issue, and it hopes to have common controls in place in all the ports, North and South, by the end of 2002.

Is the Minister aware that a dreadful disease is affecting bees in Northern Ireland and that 75% of them could be killed this year? That may also have an adverse affect on the apple industry in Northern Ireland. Since bees cross the border, will the Minister take the matter up urgently with her counterparts in the Republic?

I am aware that varroa has affected bees in Northern Ireland. Department of Agriculture and Rural Development officials have contacted the relevant people. The Department will do everything it can because this is a serious disease.

Will the Minister inform the House whether action has been taken on the recommendations of the Centre for Cross Border Studies - in particular recommendation 6.2, which refers to animal and plant health on an all-Ireland basis? It refers to a comprehensive, objective examination of the all-Ireland approach to animal and plant health, but it has yet to be attempted. What will the Department do to address that in the near future?

I assure the Member that several groups are working towards an all-island policy. One area that is being considered is animal and plant health. Working groups of officials on both sides of the border are examining that issue.

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2.

asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what measures she is proposing to assist farmers in their efforts to reduce the amount of nitrates and pollutants entering the soil.

(AQO 1200/01)

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is actively involved in assisting farmers to reduce the risk of pollution, especially from nitrates and other pollutants, which leach from the soil into rivers and other waterways. I have secured £6·1 million from Executive programme funds for a targeted farm waste management scheme. The proposed scheme is aimed at minimising farm-source pollution, which contributes to water quality problems. It will be targeted at those watercourses most severely affected by agricultural pollution and will provide assistance towards the cost of building and repairing waste handling and storage facilities.

I have also secured £0·9 million for a nutrient management scheme. The proposed scheme is aimed at encouraging farmers to plan the application of nutrients to their land systematically in order to minimise the contribution of agriculture to the phosphate overload in soils that contributes to the utrification of freshwaters in Northern Ireland. It is likely that the scheme will be targeted at farmers in parts of the Lough Neagh catchment. I will announce the details of both schemes as soon as state aid approval from the European Union is obtained. Until then, I cannot give a date for the opening of the schemes or announce the first catchments to be targeted.

The Minister has almost read my thoughts. Will she outline the main measures that her Department proposes? When will those measures take effect? Members know that farmers are thoughtful when they are spreading nitrates and other waste products on the land. They do not want to put pollutants in waterways. What are the main aspects of the measures that she is thinking of putting forward?

The farm waste management scheme is aimed at minimising the farm-sourced pollution that contributes to water quality problems in the most adversely affected catchments. The scheme will give capital assistance, most likely for repair of slurry tanks and silage-holding facilities, in order to deliver a beneficial reduction in the risk of effluent escaping into watercourses.

A total of £6·1 million over the next three years should ensure that about 1,500 to 2,000 farmers will benefit from the farm waste management scheme. The scheme is subject to the Department's obtaining EU approval. Subject to a favourable uptake and achievement of its objectives, it is hoped that the scheme will be extended to further catchments in subsequent years, as funding provisions permit.

If the pilot pollution control scheme is successful, will the Minister undertake to roll out the scheme to cover the rest of the Province? Facilities need repaired and replaced throughout Northern Ireland.

Is the Member referring to the farm waste management scheme?

Yes.

As I said to Mr Armstrong, I want to roll the scheme out further in the future. It will depend on obtaining resources, but a scheme that is seen to be working and having an impact on the water problem should clearly be a good candidate for future resources.

I congratulate the Minister on obtaining money from the Executive programme funds for those schemes. They are another example that devolution is working. The public are concerned about the amount of pollutants going into rivers and the water table in general. Does the Minister agree that stricter penalties must be enforced against those people who are causing pollution?

Penalties are a matter for the Department of the Environment, not for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. With the waste management scheme, and the Erne catchment scheme that is already in place, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is doing everything to enable farmers to ensure that, where the problem arises from farm pollution, they can deal with the issue in a helpful manner.

Some people think that farmers are responsible for everything, but farmers do not cause all pollution in Northern Ireland. I want to make that point. However, the Member's specific question is a matter for the Department of the Environment.

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3.

asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, pursuant to AQO 632/01, to detail progress within the Executive on her proposals for procedures to implement a rural-proofing policy effectively.

(AQO 1214/01)

I am pleased to let the Member know that the Executive have approved the establishment of an interdepartmental steering group, chaired by myself, to oversee the implementation of the policy. The steering group has had its first meeting, which proved helpful and constructive.

My officials are now drafting further proposals to develop the necessary machinery to enable all Departments to implement the policy effectively. Once finalised, the proposals will be submitted to the Executive for formal agreement. I shall be happy to share them with the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development, and with Members, at that stage.

I welcome the establishment of the steering group. However, like other Members, I am concerned about the length of time that it is taking to establish a proper rural-proofing policy. It has been talked about in the Chamber since the Assembly was set up, but only now are we hearing about the steering group.

Is the Minister aware that some time ago I tabled a written question to all 11 Departments, requesting their definition of "rural"? I received nine separate definitions. Is it not time that the Executive, at least, had a common definition of "rural"?

In relation to the time factor, the Member will be aware that at least six months of last year were taken up by my officials fighting foot-and-mouth disease. Other matters, such as rural proofing, were therefore delayed. However, that does not mean that rural issues were not to the fore. The fact that the rural-proofing scheme is in the Programme for Government means that my officials have been in contact with others to ensure that rural issues are taken into consideration.

With regard to the definition of "rural", I do not pretend that that is not a problem. For that reason, at our first meeting last week we took a decision to define precisely the meaning of "rural proofing". That will be considered at our next meeting. It does not mean that every single policy of Government will be based on a need for rural proofing. There will be other considerations, such as resource and environmental implications, but it does mean that in making policy the Departments must have regard for the impact - particularly a negative impact - on rural communities of any policy. That will be discussed at the interdepartmental group, and officials of the Departmental of Agriculture and Rural Development will monitor policies to ensure that we attempt to address any difficulties and problems that are pointed out.

I welcome the Minister's response. However, the availability of a public water supply still concerns rural dwellers. My constituency of Foyle has a rural population of some 25,000, and a high percentage of those people cannot avail themselves of such a facility. Can the Minister assure me that she and her officials will ensure that that situation is investigated?

That matter can be discussed at the interdepartmental group, as will all issues affecting rural communities. Departments must, using their own budgets and resources, address the issue as best they can, but it can - and will be - highlighted, as can such issues as health and accessibility to health services.

Progress in establishing a rural-proofing mechanism has been slow. Can the Minister confirm that there is no rural proofing of the substantial policies currently going through the Government? For example, is there rural proofing of the Burns inquiry into post-primary education? If so, can the Minister say what consultation has taken place and what changes have been brought about by the rural-proofing process? If not, can she indicate when exactly those major policies will be proofed to reflect the needs of the rural communities?

At this stage there is no policy on Burns. It is merely a report for consultation, and I am sure that it will be discussed by the interdepartmental group, but no policy has yet been decided.

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asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what progress has been made in establishing cross-border rural development partnerships.

(AQO 1230/01)

My officials have been working closely with officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and the Special EU Programmes Body, through the steering committee on cross-border rural development, to finalise a rural initiative measure under the INTERREG IIIA programme. The measure will provide support for the establishment of local partnership groups in four or five small geographically defined cross-border areas. We expect that the partnership groups will begin meeting by autumn 2002.

Additionally, under the Peace II programme, the rural community network in Northern Ireland has formed a partnership with the Irish rural link in the Republic to deliver an agriculture and rural development cross-border community development measure.

What work will the partnerships undertake, and what funding will be made available to them?

The partnerships will provide support services for rural communities. They will support disadvantaged groups, such as women, the disabled, small farm households and minorities so that they can participate fully in the enhancement of their rural communities and economies. Rural tourism, crafts and sustainable natural resource initiatives will be supported also.

Approximately 13·5 million euros have been allocated to the rural initiative measure. Additional national funding, from Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland, will bring the total funding to 18 million euros, which is approximately £11·5 million.

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7.

asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what percentage of her budget is directed towards encouraging organic farming and the development of farm markets.

(AQO 1250/01)

In 2001- 02, the Department's total spend on the promotion and development of organic farming and on the development of farm markets was £585,000. That expenditure represents 0·16% of the Department's total gross expenditure of £366 million in the past financial year.

In view of concerns about the use of pesticides in food growth and about levels of cancer, and given the importance of the development of niche markets and quality, safe food, are we being overcautious by setting such low targets for organic production when compared with other EU countries?

Other niche foods, apart from organic produce, are being developed. I have commissioned a review of organic production so that it can be developed in a strategic way, and the report is out for consultation. There are five key strategic objectives: to increase significantly the organic production base in Northern Ireland by 2006; to promote the orderly development of a diverse range of market outlets; to increase the competitiveness of all organic producers in Northern Ireland by increasing their technical and managerial capacity; to develop the capacity of appropriate agencies and organisations to service the needs of the organic sector in Northern Ireland; and to secure greater collaboration between organisations to achieve appropriate and coherent action for sector development.

The vision report contains a recommendation for the development of the organic sector, and the action plan will consider what can be done in that area. The fact that we must import organic food from other places shows that we are not supplying the growing market for it. I am aware of the concerns that Mrs Nelis raised, and I will consider them in conjunction with the vision report and the action plan.

Last year, funding was set aside for housing of livestock in the organic sector. When will that money be released?

I believe that it is awaiting state aid approval. As the Member will know, these plans can be very slow to reach fruition.

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8.

asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many field staff in the Newtownards divisional veterinary office are dedicated to the eradication of brucellosis.

(AQO 1225/01)

As I explained in my recent letter to the Member, there are seven animal health and welfare inspectors and five veterinary officers headquartered in the Newtownards divisional office. These staff are not dedicated to any specific disease-control programme but rather implement the disease-control priorities in the division. This is the most flexible and efficient way to use our staff.

I thank the Minister for her response, and for her letter, which I received on Saturday.

Is she aware that brucellosis is a particular problem in the Lagan Valley constituency, which is served by the Newtownards veterinary office? Veterinary officers there have not had time off for the last four to five months because of work pressure. Is the Minister concerned that brucellosis is not being dealt with quickly enough because there are too few field personnel?

I cannot comment on the time off that vets have had in that division. It would certainly concern me if they had not had time off for five months. I know that last year, because of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, divisional veterinary officers were under great strain, and I compliment them on the way they lived up to it, as they had very little sleep and very little time off.

As regards staffing, we are conducting a review of our brucellosis and TB controls. We have already taken steps to deal with the vets' increasing workload. Additional brucellosis assessors have been brought in to get reactors moved more quickly and to work through the backlog; in fact, the backlog has now been dealt with.

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9.

asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how she is assisting in the development of rural communities and countering the many pressures that are contributing to the closure of rural schools, post offices and retail outlets, given the importance of such facilities to rural communities.

(AQO 1251/01)

The rural development programme for 2001-06 will assist in the development of rural communities throughout Northern Ireland. It is a broad, flexible programme that aims to identify and respond to the widest possible range of opportunity and need in rural areas.

I am well aware of the many pressures facing rural schools, post offices and retail outlets and of the significant role that they play in the rural community. The Member will be interested to know that my Department has developed a measure under the Peace II programme for the development and retention of retail services in rural villages. The rural intermediary funding body that will deliver the measure will consider the potential for rural post offices to deliver a broader range of services to rural communities. It may also assess the potential for other community buildings in rural areas to house post office functions.

Another rural development programme measure, to be delivered by the Rural Development Council, has the potential to allow rural communities to bid for the delivery of more innovative rural retail services. That may also assist rural post office provision.

Despite the decision not to introduce the rural rates relief scheme, does the Minister acknowledge that rural rates relief remains an important aspect of encouraging outlets and sustainable facilities in the rural community? Has her Department made any representations to the Department of Education to make allowances for such things as pre-school playgroup minimum numbers and primary school funding for isolated rural communities?

Does she acknowledge that such children's facilities are vital to sustain a rural community, never mind to enable its development?

There were difficulties with, and anomalies in, the rural rate relief scheme. A review of rating policy is under way, and there may be other ways to deal with the problem.

I recognise that small rural schools are an important part of rural communities. Officials from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development have made that clear to officials from the Department of Education. However, other issues must be considered when decisions are being made on rural schools.

The Minister must draw her remarks to a close.

Assembly Commission

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1.

asked the Assembly Commission why the post of special adviser to the Speaker was advertised publicly.

(AQO 1198/01)

The Assembly Commission is absolutely committed to equality of opportunity in employment. To achieve that, the Commission decided that it would use fair and open competition for all full-time vacancies in the Assembly Secretariat and that all positions would have to be filled through public advertisements.

I thank Mr Fee for his commitment to the equality legislation. Is he confident that the full provisions of the equality law can be applied in the recruitment for a post such as a special adviser? Has the Commission discussed with Ministers whether they too should advertise such posts openly?

The Commission has taken advice from the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. It will be designated for the purposes of providing an equality scheme, which is being prepared. We are committed to ensuring that every post complies fully with equality and fair employment legislation. With regard to Ministers, Mr Ford will understand that I will not take responsibility for what the Executive do.

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2.

asked the Assembly Commission what the stated policy is on the advertisement of Assembly posts.

(AQO 1241/01)

For posts at mid-management level and lower, that is to say those up to and equivalent to the level of Assistant Assembly Clerk, the Commission advertises in the 'Belfast Telegraph', the 'News Letter' and 'The Irish News'. For more senior posts, that is those above the level of Assistant Assembly Clerk, the Commission uses the three regional daily newspapers, 'The Times' and 'The Irish Times'. On occasions, if the post is considered to be of a specialist nature, the Commission will advertise in specialist publications. All vacancies are also advertised on the Assembly web site.

Why was the specialist post of Irish language translator not advertised in an Irish language newspaper on the grounds that it was published in only one language, despite the fact that it was advertised in newspapers that publish in only the English language? Can Mr Fee assure me that this discriminatory policy has been reassessed and that that will not happen again?

The Member may not be aware that that issue was raised on 19 March. The Assembly Commission decided that, in future, all specialist posts would be advertised in the relevant papers and specialist publications. I cannot explain fully why the advertisement was not placed in 'Lá', because the level of the post was such that the Assembly Commission was not involved. We are conscious of a failure in this case, and we are aware of our responsibility. We have taken steps to ensure that we do not repeat this failure.

Will the Member assure the Assembly that in advertisements for Assembly staff, the days of age discrimination are well and truly over?

We are conscious that we are subject to section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The Commission and I have raised the issue of the compulsory retirement age for public servants working for the Assembly. Work is being done on the consequences for people who work here, whether on short-term contracts, as secondees or as full-time employees. That has not been resolved completely, but the issue is certainly a live one. When we get a resolution it will be reported to the Assembly for its consideration.

Status of the IRA Ceasefire

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Mr Deputy Speaker:

I wish to advise Members how I propose to conduct the debate, which has been allocated one and a half hours by the Business Committee. Two amendments have been selected and published on the Marshalled List. Speaking times will be as follows: the proposer of the substantive motion will have 10 minutes to propose and five minutes to wind up. The proposers of each of the amendments will have seven minutes to propose and five minutes to wind up. All other Members will have five minutes each.

The amendments will be proposed in the order in which they appear on the Marshalled List, and the round of Members to speak will follow that order. When the debate has been concluded, I shall put the question that each amendment be made in turn. If amendment No 1 is made, I shall not put the question on amendment No 2. If this is clear, I shall proceed.

(Madam Deputy Speaker [Ms Morrice] in the Chair)

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