I welcome the motion before us today as a sign of the success of devolution. There is no better way to measure a devolved Government's success than by examining how well their finance system operates. This has been a successful year, as were the previous ones, for running our Budget, for providing moneys for the Departments and for ensuring that we deliver for the people whom we represent. I thank the Minister and his officials for their hard work in that regard.

I sympathise fully with Sammy Wilson's remarks on the waste of money as a result of intimidation - money that has to be spent on the SPED programme. It is an unnecessary drain that would stop if we got rid of this evil of intimidation. Incidentally, to correct Mr Wilson, this evil is happening on both sides of the community, with many people being forced from their homes. Perhaps he intended to suggest reverting to the old situation in which money for SPED was provided initially by the Housing Executive but recouped from the security budget later. There is an argument for using that system still.

I was pleased that Mr Close avoided mentioning his most imaginative solution of last year, which was to take £10 million from each Department and to spend it all on health. He appears to have moved away from that simplistic solution. Perhaps the £1 million reduction in the road safety service has shown the truth of what I said to him then - if you slice off money from all Departments, you will affect health in many other ways. I also used the example of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and the benefits of a healthy sporting programme on health and, therefore, on the Health budget. One cannot deal with Budgets so simplistically.

I was also a bit surprised by the introduction of an elitist approach to consultation; that is not the normal approach. I would have thought that Mr Close would be able to advocate full consultation involving everyone on all important issues.

By welcoming such documents, is Mr ONeill advocating the wastage of money through brochures that are admittedly thrown into waste paper baskets throughout this country?

I am not sure what Mr Close does with the consultation papers that he receives, but I attempt to read mine, although I admit that it is burdensome. Nevertheless, Mr Close said that a specialist list - in fact, an elitist list - of consultees should be honed, rather than having general consultation. That is why I used the word "elitist", and I was surprised to hear Mr Close use that term.

I was also much amused by Mr McCartney, who arrives in the Chamber occasionally and then proceeds to take an awful long time to say what he says every time.

I am like Mr Hume.

Are you?

Yes, I have a single transferable speech.

There is the same degree of recognition but a different angle.

In fairness, some Members referred to the point that I am really interested in: as we have completed the process for this year, how can we be sure that things are being done in the best possible way? Our serious interest is in attempting to ensure that we get the best and most economic approach. Has the Minister any plans for improvement? Does his Department analyse the success of each Department in bidding for, and then delivering on, its budget? Internally, Departments may consider that themselves, but does the Department of Finance and Personnel not need to take an overarching look at that and try to ensure that that is done? Does the Minister have any plans to deal with that?

As Chairperson of the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure, I am particularly interested in that Department, which is entirely new. Other Departments have inherited substantial areas of a former department's responsibility en bloc. However the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure comprised bits and pieces of responsibility that derived from various departments. Therefore, it was difficult to pull those aspects together. Now, after several years, I would be interested to know how the Minister would analyse the success of that Department's budgetary process and spend. I hope that we could use that kind of approach to learn and make improvements as we move along.

We will probably be moving on in five minutes, and therefore I will be able to commence my remarks only. If Mr ONeill thought that Mr McCartney's speech merited nodding off, I do not know what he thought of his own. It certainly did not rivet anyone to the seat nor excite people in any shape or form.

Mr McCartney made a thoughtful contribution, worthy of serious consideration if we really want to tackle the finances that are available to the Assembly and if we are serious about protecting the community.

Will the Member give way?

Mr ONeill has just spoken, so he would not want to hold us to our seats for another few moments.

However, Mr McCartney's points were worth repeating, and many of them would be worthy of the Minister's attention.

It was very sad that Mr Arthur Doherty was the only Member on the SDLP Bench for most of the Minister's speech, and that Mr Beggs was the only Member on the Ulster Unionist side. Sinn Féin/IRA has two Departments that represent almost half of the Budget, and no Member of that party was present when the Minister was speaking. That is a serious matter. As Mr Close said, this is one of the most important issues that has come before the Assembly. The lack of importance that the Members of the parties in the Executive place on the issue is reflected by the fact that the Minister sat almost alone. I am not referring to Executive Members, but to the real supporters of the Belfast Agreement and the heralders of this exercise. They thought that it was so important that they did not go away - they stayed away. Many are embarrassed by the wastage of resources in this country.

Whether it is repetition or not, it is not acceptable to have 11 Departments wasting money in creating jobs for the boys to keep different parties happy with ministerial posts. That must be tackled. If we are serious about getting our finances right, we must look at that situation, and it should not be allowed to continue.

We have a multitude of quangos in this country, to be paid for out of limited resources. We are told, after a full term of the Assembly, that it is under review and it will be looked at. The full term of the Assembly has passed - a year was added on. No one knows what that means, and how serious Members are about tackling the situation that is costing our society a tremendous amount of money. The cost of financing the North/South ministerial bodies has to come out of the limited resources available. We are facing serious wastage, and that should be tackled. We have limited resources to begin with. We talk about the block grant.

Mr McCartney made the point that those who negotiated the Belfast Agreement sold the people of Northern Ireland short by not telling the Westminster Government that more money was necessary to carry out responsibilities in this country, because of neglect over the years. Many of them were so anxious to get their hands on positions of power that they were willing to let the financial aspects go. We have inadequate resources to meet the real needs of our community, whether in health or farming.

The first part of this debate is about to be brought to an end, but we will continue where we left off later.

We shall resume the debate at 4.00 pm.

Oral Answers to Questions

First Minister and Deputy First Minister

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Question 4 in the name of Mr Bradley has been withdrawn and will receive a written answer. Mrs Courtney is almost in her place.

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1.

asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister when the sites named in the reinvestment and reform initiative will be transferred to the Executive.

(AQO 1566/01)

No dates have yet been set for the transfer of any of the sites identified in the reinvestment and reform initiative. Ebrington Barracks is still used by the Ministry of Defence, but it is expected to be ready for transfer early in 2004. All the major sites are to be transferred free of charge to the Executive. We wish to use local experience and expertise to advise us on how to use those strategically important assets. We also wish to consult and involve local community and business groups in developing ideas for their future use. Such extensive estates offer us many possibilities for major economic and social regeneration. We shall consider the options carefully, so that we achieve dynamic development, working in partnership with local communities.

Is the First Minister aware of the encouragement and reassurance that people in Derry got from the clear and firm leadership of the Deputy First Minister and himself when they launched the initiative and appointed the excellent joint chairpersons of the partnership panel? Will he assure the House that, come what may, the resolve will be maintained and that petty bureaucracy from any source, including the Department for Social Development, will not be allowed to slow down such an important initiative?

Like the Speaker, I was delighted to see the Member in her place, otherwise we might not have been able to answer the question. We were conscious of the broad welcome for the initiative and its impact on the Ebrington site when the Deputy First Minister and I were in Londonderry for the announcement. Indeed, it was the Deputy First Minister who said that it was "thinking outside the box" that enabled us to negotiate the arrangement with the Treasury, and "thinking outside the box" will enable us to get maximum benefit from it. We are considering how the site should be developed and what legal and administrative arrangements will be needed in all the sites of strategic value to get most benefit from them. In doing that, we shall work closely with local communities and interests. We are grateful to Dr Alan McClure and Ms Una McGillion for agreeing to act as co-chairpersons of the partnership and regeneration panel for the Ebrington site.

I welcome the announcement by the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister, especially as the Maze Prison, which is in my constituency, is involved. However, the development of the special investment board and the reinvestment and reform initiative are critical to the success of the programme. What progress has been made on setting up the board?

The strategic investment body will be crucial to the development of the initiative. As with the precise legal and administrative structures that we may need for the development of strategic sites, we are still considering how that will be done. However, as a means of demonstrating that progress is being made, we announced that we would form a project board for the strategic investment board. I am happy to tell the Member that that project board has been filled and that we have nominees from all four parties in the Administration to carry out that important job on behalf of the Executive. We are glad that all four parties made nominations. The board will meet for the first time tomorrow, and I am sure that everyone will welcome that clear demonstration that all four parties in the Administration are continuing to work closely together.

Does the Northern Ireland Office wish to maintain the Maze Prison site for a while longer? If so, will the part of the site over which the Army had control become available immediately and will the other site become available later?

Discussions are ongoing on that matter. I do not know whether it would be to the Executive's advantage to take part of the site now when they may be unable to develop one part in isolation from the whole site. The object of the exercise is to get the best value for the community from the sites and to see that the strategic potential is recognised. Therefore, the Executive must tread carefully. I am not surprised that the Member was not prepared to endorse, or at least he omitted to endorse, his party's decision to participate in this important initiative by nominating to the board.

I have just been advised that question 5, which stands in the name of Mr McElduff, has been withdrawn and will receive a written answer.

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2.

asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister to outline the agenda for the next meeting of the Executive.

(AQO 1521/01)

It has not been the Administration's policy to disclose in advance the agenda of forthcoming Executive meetings.

Subjects that are to be discussed at Executive meetings are not publicly disclosed, but will the Deputy First Minister inform the House if those discussions are likely to be, or have already been, hampered or soured by Sinn Féin's continuing with organised street violence. That party has two Ministers in the Executive and it does not support the PNSI.

If I may clarify for the Minister, I think that the Member was referring to the PSNI rather than the PNSI.

I had guessed that for myself, Mr Speaker. Thank you.

The Executive's future business has not been marred by the difficulties that have been witnessed on the streets. However, everyone must recognise that the future conduct of the process, the Administration and the future good operation of the institutions will be soured if Members do not move to arrest the difficulties that are manifesting themselves on the streets. Those difficulties include unwanted and unwarranted sectarian attacks on vulnerable communities, difficulties that have seen PSNI recruits being subjected to murderous attacks. All those attacks deserve Members' complete and comprehensive condemnation.

There must be no dissemblance about any attacks. No one should try to create an impression that there is some factor that makes the inexcusable excusable or the unjustifiable justifiable. Members must take care in responding to the attacks; they must show leadership and sensitivity. We must condemn what needs to be condemned without dissembling or suggesting that people who should be blamed and criticised for doing something are not to be criticised or blamed because other people were involved. Members must move beyond that sort of "whataboutery" if they are to give people the clear-headed leadership that is needed in circumstances in which hotheads are trying to drive the agenda.

Will the Deputy First Minister tell the House whether the Executive have sent congratulations to the new Irish Government? If not, will they be doing so at their next meeting?

The First Minister and I, in a recent meeting with the Taoiseach, conveyed our congratulations on the election outcome. As far as I am aware, individual Ministers have offered appropriate congratulations to Ministers who were appointed when the Cabinet was announced last week. The Executive have yet to meet since that announcement, and I do not wish to pre-empt what the Executive might decide.

I am disappointed in the short response from the Deputy First Minister. As I said the last time the pair were before us, if they have nothing to hide they should let the people know what they are discussing. Now they will not even tell us what is on the agenda.

Will the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister consider at their next Executive meeting a matter that the Assembly agreed last year and which has not yet been implemented: the formation of an interdepartmental working group to tackle the scourge of illegal paramilitary flags, sectarian graffiti and kerbstone painting of all sorts?

Mr Speaker, if I had not been economical with my answer, the Member would not have been able to ask such a long question.

The Executive do not hide their business, and Committees are informed by their Ministers when issues are likely to be discussed at Executive meetings; there is no attempt to withhold information in that way. Last week, the First Minister and I decided that in the next series of Executive meetings we shall be dealing with the needs and effectiveness evaluations. It is not a matter of our doing business in secret; we also produce press statements on our discussions.

The point that the Member raises is not, as far as I am aware, on the agenda for discussion soon at an Executive meeting. However, that does not preclude consideration of it. The Member suggests an issue on which he feels we should focus. Sectarian displays will be considered, given recent ugly and vicious sectarian attacks.

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3.

asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister what recent discussions have taken place with the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer in respect of scheduling a referendum for the introduction of the euro into Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

(AQO 1507/01)

No joint discussions have taken place with the Government on this matter. The scheduling of a referendum is a matter for the Government.

I thank the First Minister for his economic answer to an important economic question. Does he agree that membership of the European Union and the single market is of vital interest and importance to industry, manufacturing and commerce in Northern Ireland, as we export 54% of our production - over £2·04 billion? Does he also agree that the further expansion of industry in Northern Ireland is hampered by the difference in currency in the North and South of the island? Will the First Minister use his best endeavours, and those of the Executive, to alleviate that situation or come to a unique arrangement, similar to that in the Assembly but in an economic field?

Mr Speaker, I like to think that my answers are efficient rather than economical, and not economical with the truth, but that is by the by.

The problem with the Member's suggestion is that the euro will be discussed on a United Kingdom basis; therefore the scheduling of such a referendum is not open to us. However, it is right that we discuss the differential rate between sterling and the euro. There is a consensus among economists that sterling is overvalued against the euro, in which case it is not in the interests of any part of the United Kingdom to go into the euro with an overvalued currency because we would lock ourselves into an economically disadvantageous arrangement. A change to the currencies would be beneficial; however, how does one drive down one's currency in an open market? There is no answer to that; it cannot be done to the benefit of one's own economy. There are some inescapable economic factors at work, even though they cause problems occasionally.

Does the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minster agree that a referendum on the euro in Great Britain and Northern Ireland should take into account the impact that the euro's introduction would have on Northern Ireland's economy? Will the First Minister provide details on how much that would cost the economy? Will he further state whether he is in favour of the introduction of the euro?

In any referendum campaign there will be a debate. The factors that the Member has mentioned would not form part of that debate. I regret that I cannot give him any figures on the matters that he has asked me to quantify. Indeed, I am not sure how one would approach that issue.

With regard to the position that individual parties and persons adopt on such a referendum, no doubt some parties will have to follow the party Whip, and some parties will not. It may be akin to the situation that existed in Northern Ireland at the time of the referendum on the UK's continued participation in the European Economic Community in 1975. Who knows what will happen? At present, it is a purely academic question.

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6.

asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister to outline (a) any evaluation made of holding an Executive meeting outside Stormont and (b) any plans to hold further meetings outside Stormont.

(AQO 1567/01)

The Executive are there to serve all the people of Northern Ireland. It is, therefore, appropriate that they hold occasional meetings outside Stormont. However, the benefits of Executive meetings flow from the work that is done. By their nature, and the decisions that they have taken, the Executive have clearly demonstrated their inclusiveness and effectiveness in serving all the people of Northern Ireland. The Executive will consider the location for each meeting, as and when appropriate.

Bearing in mind the warm public response to the first meeting that was held outside Stormont, and the morale boost and profile provided for the chosen venue - the Verbal Arts Centre in Derry - will the Deputy First Minister and his Colleagues consider holding an Executive meeting at the wonderful Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick? Does he realise how important an endorsement that would be, particularly in the current tourist season, in which the number of overseas visitors is falling due to a decline in transatlantic airline passenger traffic?

As I said, the location for each Executive meeting will be for the Executive to decide. To take the Member's point, the meeting that was held in the Verbal Arts Centre in Derry was a useful demonstration of the Executive's ability to get out and about. It was also notable that we expedited our business in perhaps a more ready manner than we do when we meet in our traditional venue. All Ministers are aware of the benefits and would have an eye to holding further meetings elsewhere in the future.

The Executive will decide on future locations and venues, and any decision would depend on whatever other business Ministers had. The meeting in Derry coincided with several Ministers' having business in the area. It was, therefore, convenient. However, I am not stating that the Executive are open to bids for all sorts of locations and venues to come in from every constituency. I know what used to happen when there was talk about decentralisation. I do not want people to replace the call for Government offices in every district town with the proffering of a list of venues for Executive meetings. We shall consider other locations in the future, and we certainly do not rule out the venue suggested by the Member.

Will the Deputy First Minister inform the House whether Belfast city hall has been considered as a venue for the next meeting of the Executive? If so, has the opinion of the First Minister been sought on such a venue? Has he stated whether he would oppose attending a meeting in such a place, in keeping with his party's decision to veto the Sinn Féin Lord Mayor of Belfast, and to ensure that he is isolated and left to himself alone? Perhaps, when the Deputy First Minister answers that question he might state whether, if Mr Maskey were to be nominated for the position of Minister of Education, the First Minister would boycott the Executive in keeping with the manner in which his party Colleagues have treated Mr Maskey in Belfast City Council?

I must advise the House and the Deputy First Minister that that is not entirely a ministerial responsibility. However, I invite the Deputy First Minister to answer the rest of the question if he wishes.

The answer to the first part of the question is "No"; the answer to the second part is, "No"; and the answer to the third part: "Not for me to speculate".

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7.

asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister to make a statement on their recent meeting with the Taoiseach in Dublin.

(AQO 1555/01)

The Deputy First Minister and I met the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs on 27 May in Dublin, in what was our first formal joint meeting with the Taoiseach since we took office in November last year. We congratulated him on his recent success in the general election and welcomed the prospect of working closely with the new Government in the coming months.

In addition to a general political discussion, we discussed preparations for the forthcoming summit meeting of the British-Irish Council, which will be held this Friday in Jersey, and the progress that we hope to make on aspects of the North/South Ministerial Council. We also outlined our thinking on the reinvestment and reform initiative and how we envisaged that being advanced.

Was there any discussion with the new Government about the establishment of a North/South parliamentary forum for British-Irish consultation, as provided for in the agreement?

The matter was touched on, together with several other aspects of the British-Irish Council and the North/South Ministerial Council. We imagine that the matter will be discussed further at the forthcoming plenary meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council in institutional format. The Member will remember that the issue was debated in the Assembly a few weeks ago, and he should bear in mind the result of that debate.

Did the First Minister raise the issue of the ongoing Republican behaviour, both North and South, with the Taoiseach? Will he confirm that the Taoiseach shares my opinion that such agitation is inconsistent with the Mitchell principles of peace and non-violence?

The Member, no doubt, noticed that during the press conference immediately after our visit I endorsed the position that the Taoiseach has taken on the Republican movement. As the Member knows, the Taoiseach called on the Republican movement to complete decommissioning before May 2003 and to advance rapidly the disbandment of the IRA.

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8.

asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister what steps the office has taken to tackle problems of conflict at interface areas in south and east Belfast.

(AQO 1551/01)

We condemn the recent violence in east Belfast that has terrorised both communities. We stand ready to support any local initiative aimed at allowing communities to resolve their differences peacefully. As in north Belfast, the solution will be found only in dialogue.

Our office has provided support through the Community Relations Council for several groups and projects aimed at improving community relations. Those include the work of the Belfast Interface Project with the Inner East Interface Group, whose members are drawn from both the Short Strand and Newtownards Road communities, and the Ballynafeigh Community Development Association's social energy project and partnership in the five areas advice project, which includes Donegall Pass, the Markets, Ballynafeigh and the lower Ormeau Road.

We utterly condemn sectarianism and we will seek to counter it wherever it occurs. The Executive, in the Programme for Government, have committed to putting a cross-departmental strategy and framework in place for promoting community relations and ensuring an effective and co-ordinated approach to sectarian and racial intimidation.

Although I welcome some of the initiatives outlined, much of that work has been ongoing for some considerable time.

It is interesting to note that two Ministers in the Executive represent East Belfast and South Belfast respectively. One wears the culture, arts and leisure hat, and the other has the economic portfolio. There are obvious problems with cultural diversity and how that sometimes manifests itself negatively. There are also problems with areas of disadvantage, which both east Belfast and south Belfast endure. Are the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister embarking on any work with those Ministers at departmental level to mainstream those initiatives? Most of those mentioned are not mainstream but temporary and, like the five areas advice project, last year had to fight for a renewal of funding. They could perhaps be mainstreamed through Departments.

The answer to the question necessarily reflected initiatives in which the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister is involved. It is not for us to assume that initiatives are taken because the Members for certain constituencies happen to be Ministers. That is neither a proper and sound basis for steering departmental involvement nor for the commissioning of input from particular Departments. All representatives, be they Ministers, MLAs, councillors or community activists, have a duty to provide clear and responsible leadership in facing down sectarian impulses and practices. We have recently witnessed latent violence and blatant sectarianism in different locations, and we must be united in our unambiguous condemnation and repudiation of those. Apart from sectarian attacks, we must also deal with the concerns of people in various communities and interface areas, where concerted action across the devolved Administration might address and improve their problems. With local representatives, we will attempt to find ways of doing that, but not by contriving something on the basis of finding out which Ministers belong to which constituencies. That would not be the concerted, collective, long-term action rightly recommended by the Member.

I take the opportunity to congratulate the Member on his recent elevation to Lord Mayor of Belfast.

These are indeed sensitive times. Have the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister any plans to encourage Mr Maskey, in his role as Lord Mayor of the city of Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, to realise the first citizen's great responsibility to co-operate, and to encourage co-operation, with the Police Service of Northern Ireland and Her Majesty's security forces to enable them to curtail, control and stop the regrettable riotous scenes in parts of this great city and in other places? That would bring peace, harmony and contentment to many troubled residents.

People have suffered in many ways in all the recent difficulties. There have been incidents in which the dead have not been allowed to rest in peace, the bereaved have been unable to mourn in peace and people have not enjoyed the peace due to them in their own street and in their own homes. We have seen sectarian confrontation and paramilitary violence, with the use of weapons as well. That must be repudiated. Those situations require police action and intervention. The police should be there properly and competently to uphold the rule of law and, as far as possible, to maintain people's peace and safety in difficult circumstances. They deserve our support in their attempts and, where they fail to perform their functions adequately, they deserve our advice and observations as appropriate.

Will the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister agree that all politicians have a crucial role to play in improving community relations by providing constructive leadership and by working to respect all traditions? Will they further agree that at such sensitive times all politicians, particularly Ministers, have a duty to be mindful of what they say and to avoid inflaming situations?

I regret that I shall have to ask the Ministers to give an answer to that in writing. The time for questions to the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister is now up.

Regional Development

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Question 7, in the name of Mr Savage, has been withdrawn and will receive a written answer. [Interruption].

Order.

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1.

asked the Minister for Regional Development whether he will increase passenger capacity on the Strangford ferry, particularly during the early morning.

(AQO 1536/01)

The new purpose-built ferry, MV Portaferry II, which was introduced in December 2001, holds 260 persons and 28 cars. That represents a 33% increase in car-carrying capacity over the MV Strangford, which can carry a similar number of passengers but only 21 cars. Normally, MV Portaferry II operates the service, but, if demand justifies it during busy holiday periods and summer weekends, both vessels operate. I understand that it is only rarely, such as during Portaferry gala week, that pedestrian capacity is fully taken up, and even that would occur only for a maximum of four trips each way on the final evening of the event.

The Roads Service has monitored vehicle capacity since the introduction of the new vessel. It found that a capacity problem occurred at Portaferry only when more than one large vehicle, such as an HGV or a low-loader, turned up at the slipway during the busy morning periods. As that happened only on one or two occasions, additional sailings would not be justified. There were no instances of a lack of capacity for the Strangford departures.

I can advise Mr McCarthy that the customer satisfaction survey due to be carried out later this month contains a question on the potential demand for an earlier sailing each day during the working week. The response will be assessed on completion of the survey.

I thank the Minister for his comprehensive reply. The problem lies with the early morning sailings that the Minister mentioned briefly. Residents appreciate the recent introduction of the faster MV Portaferry II, resulting in more local people using the ferry service, which is what we want to see. Those customers depend on the ferry to get to work on time and cannot afford to be left at the quay, even for 15 minutes. Will the Minister consider starting sailings 10 minutes earlier and, given that we have a faster vessel, sailings every 10 minutes? Those measures would, I hope, ensure that all customers could get to work on time.

The Member is right: we want to increase the use of the ferry service. I trust that the results of the customer satisfaction survey will indicate whether customers want either an earlier start, by changing the time of the early sailing, or an additional early sailing. The Department will respond to customer needs, and the survey is one way of determining them.

Will the Minister outline his contingency plans for days on which the Strangford ferry, for whatever reason, cannot operate?

Fortunately, there have been very few teething problems with the new ferry service. In February, there were some mechanical difficulties about which the hon Member made public comments. That showed the Department that there were circumstances in which the MV Portaferry II might be taken out of operation for a short time. Therefore, we retain the MV Strangford, which can operate in its place, and there is another ferry that can be used if that is also out of operation.

One of the issues raised in February, along with the service being taken out of operation without an alternative being available, was the lack of information. Steps have been taken to ensure that information about any change in the services, whether as a result of mechanical problems or weather conditions, is made available. We hope to have the new signage erected, which will greatly assist in that regard, and we hope to extend that over the coming months and years.

Question 2 has been withdrawn and will receive a written response.

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3.

asked the Minister for Regional Development whether he intends to widen consultation on the regional transport strategy to include greater representation of groups/individuals affected by disabilities.

(AQO 1529/01)

Extensive consultation has been carried out over the two years of preparation of the proposed regional transportation strategy. My Department specifically consulted organisations that represent people with disabilities as well as the public. Consultation on the proposed strategy was completed in mid-April, and the comments received from those organisations and others have helped me to finalise the strategy that I intend to bring to the House before the summer recess. A list of those who were consulted in the development of the proposed regional transportation strategy has been placed in the Assembly Library.

Will the Minister outline how he would make transport more widely accessible - without focusing on the disability aspect? What stage has the Committee for Regional Development reached in its discussions on concessionary fares for the disabled?

I share the Member's view that an extension of the concessionary fare scheme would be welcome. Indeed, my Department has communicated with the Department of Finance and Personnel on the matter. Legislation in Britain includes several disability groups, and we would like to have that facility in Northern Ireland legislation. I hope, subject to finance, that we will be able to put forward proposals on the matter. Ms Lewsley may wish to wait until the regional transportation strategy is brought before the Assembly to see how successful we have been in earmarking funds for that purpose.

Has the Department considered or agreed additional or increased funding for the disabled that can be included in the transportation strategy?

The proposed regional transportation strategy recognised that a significant increase in the funds available for roads and transportation was necessary across the board. Indeed, we put forward proposals on how we could meet the additional infrastructural need. The strategy, which will be put to the House, will take on board several comments that disability groups and others made.

I had the pleasure of touring north and west Belfast with disability groups on Friday, and I saw the type of problem confronting them. In many instances, it would be difficult to argue the case for putting resources into that activity on a value-for-money basis. However, when one sees the immense difference that funding makes to individuals' lives, I believe that it can be justified. I ask my Friend to wait for a few more weeks - until the strategy is published - to see what we have been able to do.

Is the Minister aware of a report by the Omnibus Partnership that is due out shortly regarding Easibus transport for the disabled in north Down? Will he confirm that his Department approves of continuing financial support for those services that are vital for the disabled in Northern Ireland?

I had the honour of going to north Down to meet that group. I must say that they were persuasive and articulate. I heard stories about people who had been almost prisoners in their houses for several years until the service came along and empowered them.

A strong case can be made. Following my meeting with the group, I spoke to my departmental officials, and the Member will see some flavour of the group's influence when the transportation strategy comes forward.

Several similar groups exist. I visited the Peninsula Community Transport organisation with my hon Friend who has just left the Chamber. These groups pick people up from their doors or nearby and provide a beneficial service that I support. The extent to which I can provide financial support will depend on the support that my regional transportation strategy receives from the Assembly.

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4.

asked the Minister for Regional Development what the projected cost is for the maintenance and repair of roads in Fermanagh in the next two years.

(AQO 1563/01)

Maintaining the structure and surface of public roads and footways is a top priority for the Roads Service. The cost of a proper maintenance regime for Northern Ireland's road network is £86 million a year. Unfortunately, the amount made available to my Department for that work falls far short of what is required. There is, therefore, a structural maintenance backlog amounting to £145 million.

That trend is reflected in County Fermanagh. Using the same method of assessment, it is estimated that the structural maintenance requirement for the Fermanagh District Council area is around £6·7 million a year. Current spending on structural maintenance in the area is around £3 million a year.

The proposed regional transportation strategy recognises the importance of maintaining the highway asset and recommends an additional £250 million for structural maintenance across Northern Ireland over the next 10 years. Meanwhile, I will continue to press for additional resources for structural maintenance at every opportunity. My Department has submitted a bid for £40 million under the reinvestment and reform initiative. I can give an assurance that the Roads Service will continue to make the best use of currently available resources to develop and maintain the roads infrastructure.

Go raibh maith agat, a LeasCheann Comhairle. I thank the Minister for his detailed answer. Cross-border traffic in County Fermanagh makes a big impact and causes much damage to the roads, such as the Roslea road and the A509 from Aghalane to Enniskillen. Is the Minister prepared to meet his Southern counterparts to ask them to contribute to the maintenance or upgrading of those roads?

I would be nervous about the proposition that, because traffic comes from another jurisdiction, the relevant Government should contribute to those roads. I might end up with a bill, rather than sending out an invoice to the Republic of Ireland's Government. We do co-operate with the National Roads Authority in the Republic of Ireland, and I am prepared, at any stage, to meet my counterparts in the Irish Republic, whether for co-operation to our mutual advantage or to exchange information beneficial to people in Northern Ireland. I might get a dusty response if I were to go, cap in hand, to ask for money because visitors from the Republic of Ireland come into Northern Ireland.

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