The Northern Ireland Assembly - Written Answers to Questions: Monday 17 January 2000

Mr B Hutchinson asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister when they plan to report to the Assembly on progress made in the establishment of the Civic Forum.

Work on developing proposals in relation to the establishment of the Civic Forum is moving ahead under the auspices of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister. Our aim remains that all the work relating to the establishment of the Forum be completed within six months. A progress report will be made in the new year.

Mr B Hutchinson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to list all ministerial advisers and outline to the Assembly what salaries these advisers are receiving for their service.

The appointment of special advisers is a matter for individual Ministers and is subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Commissioners (Northern Ireland) Order 1999.

In the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister six special advisers have been appointed: three to the First Minister and three to the Deputy First Minister. The advisers are David Campbell, Dr Graham Gudgin, David Kerr, Brian Barrington, Colm Larkin and Hugh Logue. The last two are on secondment from the European Commission and, as such, they continue to be paid by the Commission.

Special advisers may be paid on a salary scale from £26,728 to £78,186. They enter at the minimum of the salary scale or at a rate to be determined on the basis of their previous remuneration package. This rate is not determined by Ministers and is reviewed annually in line with changes to the Senior Civil Service pay bands. Special advisers’ salaries are confidential to protect the privacy of the individuals concerned.

Mr Taylor asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister (a) how many persons have been appointed to the secretariat of the North/South Ministerial Council; (b) how many of these persons are from Northern Ireland; (c) whether these appointments comply with Northern Ireland Fair Employment legislation; and (d) if they will make a statement on the employment procedures of the North/South Ministerial Council.

The Good Friday Agreement provided, at paragraph 16 of strand 2, that the North/South Ministerial Council was to be supported by a standing joint secretariat staffed by members of the Northern Ireland Civil Service and of the Irish Civil Service. The question of the staffing of the Southern side of the Secretariat is a matter for the Irish Government. On the Northern side, there are five staff in post at present, including one on a temporary basis until the appointment of a joint secretary, and two subject to review after six months. All five staff were transferred from existing Northern Ireland Civil Service posts. Fair employment legislation therefore already applies to these staff.

Mr Ford asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will make a statement on the implications for Northern Ireland of the statement made on 7 December 1999 by Mr Nick Brown MP covering agricultural support measures.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): The main implication for Northern Ireland of the statement made by Mr Nick Brown MP on 7 December is that it announces an earlier decision agreed at UK level to implement modulation or redirection of direct farm subsidies. The formula for this envisages a flat rate cut of 2·5% in 2001, rising to 4·5% in 2006. This is on the basis that the amount redirected would be matched by an equal amount from the Exchequer.

In Northern Ireland there will now follow an exercise to seek the views of the agriculture industry and other interested parties on priorities and methodology for using the funds thus generated within the EU rules.

Mr McGrady asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development when funding will be made available for the development of a new harbour at Kilkeel, County Down.

I understand that the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority has examined carefully a range of options to improve the entrance to Kilkeel Harbour. It is now assessing related issues, including the wider development of Kilkeel. To date, however, the authority has not made a request for funding for improvements to the harbour entrance or for the development of a new harbour at Kilkeel.

Mr Taylor asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will make a statement on the future prospects of the Northern Ireland pig industry; and what proposals she has to support this industry.

It is likely that the Northern Ireland pig industry will continue to experience difficulties while the European Union market remains oversupplied and the current relationship between the value of sterling and the euro holds.

I currently have no proposals to support the sector as there are no funds available to allow me to do so. Furthermore, European state aid rules are very strict with regard to providing aid to producers.

I am discussing the issues involved in the pig sector with my agricultural counterparts in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland to see if anything can be done to ease the difficulties of the industry.

Mr McGrady asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development when she will implement an early retirement scheme for farmers.

An early retirement scheme is one of a number of discretionary elements of the Agenda 2000 agreement. Following industry consultation, I am presently considering the content of the plan covering the schemes that might be operated under the rural development regulation for the period from 2000 to 2006. Due consideration must, of course, be given to the issues of funding and value for money, but it is extremely unlikely that a scheme could be funded in the early years of the plan period. However, I will wish to reflect on the views of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development before coming to a decision.

I will announce the schemes that will operate in Northern Ireland over the next seven years under the Rural Development Regulation as soon as possible.

Mr Taylor asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many cases of BSE in cattle there were in the year 1999 in (a) Northern Ireland and (b) the Republic of Ireland and whether she has made any representations to the Republic of Ireland about the number of BSE cases in that country and if she will make a statement about BSE.

In 1999 there were six cases of BSE in Northern Ireland and 91 in the Republic of Ireland.

BSE was one of a number of issues I discussed with the Minister of Agriculture for the Republic of Ireland, Mr Joe Walsh TD, when I met him shortly after taking up my appointment as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.

BSE is now at a very low level in Northern Ireland, and the rate of decline of the disease has closely followed the predictions made by the Department of Agriculture in 1992. Using these predictions, we would expect to see only three cases this year.

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, with farmers losing over £15 per pig, how long she envisages the industry surviving.

I am very aware of the severe difficulties currently facing pig producers but I am unable to predict how long they can cope with the prevailing conditions.

The pig meat market is likely to remain depressed while European and world markets remain oversupplied and the current relationship between the value of sterling and the euro holds.

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how she will alleviate the financial burden of £45 million owed by pig producers to banks and grain companies.

I currently have no proposals to support the sector, as there are no funds available to allow me to do so. Furthermore, European Union state-aid rules are very strict with regard to providing aid to producers.

Mr McGrady asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what plans he has to extend the natural gas line to the constituency of South Down.

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): I am keen that the gas industry in Northern Ireland be extended, but any expansion of the gas network outside the Greater Belfast area is a matter for the private sector. The director general of gas for Northern Ireland, who is responsible for the granting of licences under the Gas (Northern Ireland) Order 1996, is currently considering licence applications from several private companies to take gas to the south-east of Northern Ireland, and I understand that he hopes to conclude his initial deliberations shortly.

Mr McGrady asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what assessment he has made of the recent consultation paper entitled ‘Energy Efficiency, Fuel Poverty and Supply Price Control’ published on Monday 13 December by the Office for the Regulation of Electricity and Gas, (OFREG).

In a privatised and independently regulated industry such as electricity, prices are neither set nor controlled by Government. The proposals in the OFREG consultation paper relate to the domestic energy efficiency sector, and the implications for the fuel poor and for domestic energy efficiency are matters for my colleague the Minister for Social Development.

Mr Byrne asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he accepts that for his Department to implement a coherent economic development policy, it should incorporate a productivity target within the Strategy 2010 proposals, as suggested by the Northern Ireland Economic Council.

It is widely accepted that productivity is a good measure of economic performance, and many of the recommendations in Strategy 2010 are aimed at improving the relatively poor productivity performance of the Northern Ireland economy. Changes in two of the strategy indicators — GDP per head and earnings — will normally reflect changes in productivity. There is no reason, however, why a specific target for productivity, as measured by, for example, GDP per person employed, should not also be included.

Mr Ford asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail any appointments he has made of a Member of the Assembly to a role analogous to that of a Parliamentary Private Secretary, detailing the terms of their employment and outlining any access they will have to departmental papers.

Mr McMenamin asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he will ensure that the IDB will give a fair share of the latest economic development package to West Tyrone, particularly Strabane.

As a designated TSN area, West Tyrone is already eligible for enhanced support to encourage projects to locate there. This will continue to be the approach for West Tyrone under my Department’s new TSN action plan.

Mr McClelland asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if his Department intends to co-operate with other relevant Departments to ensure that the former workforce of the Norfil company receive assistance with training and/or searching for employment.

My Department is working closely with other Agencies — in particular the Department of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment — to endeavour to provide training and employment opportunities for those who have been made redundant.

Mr McClelland asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what steps are being taken by Government agencies to promote the Enkalon industrial park in Antrim.

The Industrial Development Board (IDB), in partnership with the Valuation and Lands Agency, maintains a database of available private-sector industrial and commercial property. The IDB has been notified of premises available within the privately owned Enkalon estate, and these will be brought to the attention of client companies and potential investors as appropriate.

Mr McElduff asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he will commit greater resources and priority to meaningful job creation in rural areas west of the River Bann, including Omagh and Strabane, where unemployment has been disproportionately high for decades.

Under the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment new TSN action plan, which is at present out for consultation, IDB, LEDU and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board are committed to directing efforts and resources to areas, including those referred to by the hon Member, where long-term unemployment is disproportionately high.

Mr McGrady asked the Minister of the Environment when work will commence on the area plans for the Newry and Mourne and Banbridge district council areas.

Mr McGrady asked the Minister of the Environment what progress has been made on the development of a new area plan for the Down District Council area.

The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): Work will commence on the combined Newry and Mourne and Banbridge area plan in February 2000.

Work commenced on the Ards and Down area plan in January 1999, but the statutory process which must be followed means that adoption will not take place until March 2003 at the earliest.

Mr McGrady asked the Minister of the Environment what is his policy on field trials for genetically modified foods in Northern Ireland.

Field trials to release genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the environment are regulated under EC Directive 90/220/EEC. The Directive has been transposed into Northern Ireland legislation by the Genetically Modified Organisms (NI) Order 1991 and the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations (NI) 1994. The Department of the Environment is one of four UK competent authorities for the purposes of the Directive.

The Directive sets down the framework within which applications for authority to undertake GMO field trials are to be considered.

Mr McGrady asked the Minister of the Environment if he can confirm that any field trials for genetically modified foods took place between 1 April 1999 and 30 November 1999 in Northern Ireland.

There were no field trials for the release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) between 1 April 1999 and 30 November 1999 in Northern Ireland.

Mr McGrady asked the Minister of the Environment what plans he has to establish an Environmental Protection Agency for Northern Ireland.

Operational responsibility for environmental protection rests with the Environment and Heritage Service of the Department of the Environment. I have no plans to change these arrangements.

Mr Ford asked the Minister of the Environment to detail any appointments he has made of a Member of the Assembly to a role analogous to that of a Parliamentary Private Secretary, detailing the terms of their employment and outlining any access they will have to departmental papers.

Mr McGrady asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what proposals he has to review the Robson statistics for social deprivation in Northern Ireland, and if he will make a statement.

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): The Robson measures were published by this Department in 1994 and have informed a wide range of Government projects aimed at areas of economic and social need. The measures have proved a useful tool for targeting, but are based largely on census of population data, which are now eight years old. Accordingly, my Department will be examining the scope to update work on social deprivation indices early this year.

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to give a breakdown of how much devolution has cost the taxpayer of Northern Ireland and how this will be reflected in this year’s rates.

With the sole exception of the regional rate, there is no direct link between the level of expenditure and the revenue raised through taxation in Northern Ireland. The departmental expenditure limit for Northern Ireland for 1999-2000 assumed increases of 8% and 5·5% in the domestic regional rate poundage and the non-domestic regional rate poundage respectively. However, because the regional rate is an unhypothecated tax, revenue from this source cannot be attributed to any specific element of expenditure.

The latest estimated devolution-related expenditure for 1999-2000, reflecting the transfer of powers at the beginning of last December, is as follows:

	£ million
Northern Ireland Assembly	18.7
Departmental restructuring (including accommodation)	8.8
North/South implementation bodies	1.4
Executive Information Service	0.7
Civic Forum	0.2
Office of the Executive Support	2.6
North/South Ministerial Council	0.6
Equality Commission	0.4
Total	33.4

Mr Ford asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail any appointments he has made of a member of the Assembly to a role analogous to that of a Parliamentary Private Secretary detailing the terms of their employment and outlining any access they will have to departmental papers.

I have not made any appointment of a member of the Assembly to a role analogous to that of a Parliamentary Private Secretary.

Mr McGrady asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, what steps she will take to ensure that additional financial and staff resources are allocated to the Northern Ireland Fire Authority.

The Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): These are among a number of important matters which I am currently considering, and I hope to be able to make a statement in due course.

Tá siad seo ar roinnt ceisteanna tábhachtacha a bhfuil mé á meas i láthair na huaire agus tá súil agam bheith ábalta ráiteas a dhéanamh in am tráth.

Mr McGrady asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what progress has been made in resolving the crisis within the Northern Ireland Fire Authority over salary and conditions of service for firefighters, and if she will make a statement.

These are among a number of important matters which I am currently considering, and I hope to be able to make a statement in due course.

Tá siad seo ar roinnt ceisteanna tábhachtacha a bhfuil mé á meas i láthair na huaire agus tá súil agam bheith ábalta ráiteas a dhéanamh in am tráth.

Mr McGrady asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what assessment she has made of the report published on Monday 22 November 1999 into the Ambulance Service in the Downpatrick and surrounding areas, and what action will be taken for the implementation of recommendations on the need for additional resources to improve the service.

I can confirm that the report published on the 22 November 1999 will be considered within the broader context of the provision of ambulance services and in conjunction with the recommendations which are expected to emerge from the comprehensive review of the Ambulance Service. Further investment will need to be considered in accordance with the outcome of the comprehensive review.

Tig liom a dheimhniú go mbreathnófar ar an tuarascáil a foilsíodh ar 22 Samhain 1999 taobh istigh de chomhthéacs níos leithne an tsoláthair seirbhísí otharchairr, agus i gcomhar leis na moltaí lena bhfuiltear ag dúil leo a theacht ón Athbhreithniú Cuimsitheach ar an tSeirbhís Otharchairr. Beidh gá le breathnú ar a thuilleadh infheistithe de réir thoradh an Athbhreithnithe Chuimsithigh.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is the current position in regard to maternity services in Belfast following the recent review, and whether a decision has been arrived at in light of the submissions made by interested parties.

I am considering carefully the views expressed during the recent public consultation. I have met staff from both hospitals — the Jubilee Action Group and the Royal Maternity Joint Liaison Group. I have also discussed the matter with the Assembly’s Health, Social Services and Public Safety Committee. I intend to announce my decision on the way forward in the very near future.

Tá mé ag breathnú go cúramach ar na tuairimí a nochtadh le linn an chomhairliúcháin phoiblí ar na mallaibh. Bhuail mé le baill foirne ón dá ospidéal, leis an Jubilee Action Group agus leis an Royal Maternity Joint Liaison Group. Phléigh mé an cheist fosta le Coiste Sláinte, Seirbhísí agus Sábháilteachta Poiblí an Tionóil. Tá rún agam mo chinneadh maidir leis an bhealach chun tosaigh a fhógairt gan mhoill.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps are being taken to alleviate the waiting list in the Eastern Health and Social Services Board for occupational therapy, which is now at 4,946, and whether there will be a regional review on this matter.

The Eastern Health and Social Services Board’s senior management team has recently initiated a stocktake of work done and developments in respect of occupational therapy issues in an effort to determine the potential for significant improvements on waiting issues. The board has also established a working group to look at longer-term solutions to OT waiting times.

As increasing demand for housing adaptations assessments is a particular pressure for the OT service, officials in my Department and the Housing Executive are exploring the practicalities of carrying out a fundamental review of the housing adaptations service, to be undertaken jointly by both organisations.

Tá Foireann Bhainistíochta Shinsearach Bhord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Oirthir i ndiaidh stocáireamh a thiomsú ar na mallaibh ar an obair atá déanta agus ar fhorbairtí i dtaca le saincheisteanna Teiripe Saothair, mar iarracht le fáil amach cé na feabhsuithe cuimsitheacha is féidir a dhéanamh maidir le saincheisteanna feithimh. Chomh maith leis sin, tá an Bord i ndiaidh grúpa oibre a bhunú le hamharc ar réitigh níos fadtéarmaí ar amanna feithimh Teiripe Saothair.

Ó tharla go bhfuil brú ar leith ar an tseirbhís Teiripe Saothair de bharr an mhéadaithe ar an éileamh ar mheastacháin faoi choinne oiriúnuithe tithíochta, tá oifigigh i mo Roinn agus san Fheidhmeannas Tithíochta ag fiosrú cá phraiticiúla a bheadh sé athbhreithniú bunúsach, faoina dtabharfadh an dá eagraíocht I gcomhar le chéile, a dhéanamh ar an tseirbhís oiriúnuithe tithíochta.

Mr Ford asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will introduce legislation to ban tobacco advertising in Northern Ireland.

It is my intention to introduce legislation banning tobacco advertising here in line with proposals for similar action in Great Britain.

Tá rún agam reachtaíocht a thabhairt isteach ag toirmeasc fógraíocht tobac anseo ar aon dul le moltaí faoi choinne beartais den chineál chéanna sa Bhreatain Mhór.

Mr McGrady asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action will be taken to increase the number of qualified nurses and the number of students in nurse training in Northern Ireland.

My Department aims to provide qualified nurses to meet workforce requirements for health-care providers here by commissioning an appropriate number of student places on the three-year Higher Education Diploma in Nursing Studies course provided by the Queen’s University of Belfast.

Commissioning arrangements for 440 student places per annum for a period of five years have been in place since September 1997.

The number of places for the September 1999 intake has been increased by 5% to 462. There were 1,678 applicants for these places, and 869 were called for interview.

A total of 351 nursing diploma students qualified in October 1999 and became available for employment.

A Nursing and Midwifery Workforce Advisory Group, which is representative of health-care providers here, has been established to advise my Department on nurse education commissioning matters, and student numbers are kept under review.

Additionally, the University of Ulster (Coleraine campus) currently offers 40 places per annum on its four-year BSc(Hons) nursing courses, and 144 students are currently pursuing this course.

Tá sé d’aidhm ag mo Roinn banaltraí cáilithe a sholáthar le riar ar riachtanais líon saothair na soláthróirí cúraim sláinte anseo trí uimhir chuí áiteanna a choimisiúnú do mhic léinn ar an Chúrsa 3 bliana Dioplóma Ardoideachais i Léann na Banaltrachta atá Ollscoil na Banríona, Béal Feirste, a chur ar fáil.

Tá socruithe coimisiúnaithe i bhfeidhm faoi choinne 440 áit do mhic léinn in aghaidh na bliana ar feadh tréimhse 5 bliana ó bhí Meán Fómhair 1997 ann.

Tháinig méadú 5% suas go dtí 462 ar an líon áiteanna d’iontógáil Mheán Fómhair 1999. Chuir 1678 iarratas isteach ar na háiteanna sin agus cuireadh agallamh ar 869.

Cháiligh 351 mac léinn san iomlán sa dioplóma banaltrachta I nDeireadh Fómhair 1999 agus bhí siad ar fáil faoi choinne fostaíochta.

Bunaíodh Grúpa Comhairliúcháin maidir le Líon Saothair Banaltrachta agus Ban Cabhrach, atá ionadaitheach do sholáthróirí cúraim sláinte anseo, le comhairle a chur ar mo Roinn maidir le saincheisteanna coimisiúnaithe oideachais banaltrachta, agus coinnítear súil ar bhonn leanúnach ar an líon mac léinn.

Lena chois sin, tairgeann Ollscoil Uladh (Campas Chúil Raithin) 40 áit faoi láthair ar a Cúrsaí 4 bliana BSc Onóracha le Banaltracht agus tá 144 mac léinn ag déanamh an Chúrsa seo faoi láthair.

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans there are to provide a permanent school nurse for Clifton Special School in Bangor.

I can confirm that a full-time nurse was appointed to Clifton Special School in September 1999. The appointment is on a pilot basis to establish the effectiveness and appropriateness of employing a skilled paediatric nurse in a special-school setting.

The Eastern Health and Social Services Board will consider the recommendations of the regional review group on the health and social services requirements of children with special educational needs and its own evaluation of the pilot before taking a final decision about a permanent nurse placement at the school.

Tig liom a dheimhniú gur ceapadh banaltra lánaimseartha do Scoil Speisialta Clifton i Meán Fómhair 1999. Tá an ceapachán ar bhonn píolótach le fáil amach cé chomh héifeachtach agus cé chomh cuí agus atá sé banaltra oilte phéidiatraiceach a fhostú i suíomh scoile speisialta.

Breathnóidh Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Oirthir ar mholtaí an Ghrúpa Athbhreithnithe Réigiúnaigh maidir le riachtanais sláinte agus seirbhísí sóisialta na bpáistí le riachtanais oideáchais ar leith agus ar a mheastóireacht féin ar an scéim phíolótach sula ndéanfaidh sé an cinneadh deiridh maidir le banaltra a chur in ionad go buan sa scoil.

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what was the total expenditure by her Department on drugs awareness/education programmes in (a) 1998 and (b) 1999.

During the years in question such programmes were funded by the Northern Ireland Office under the banner of the Northern Ireland drugs campaign. As part of this campaign, the Health Promotion Agency spent £256,302 in 1997-98 and £220,925 in 1998-99 on drug awareness/education programmes. In addition, my Department awarded grants totalling £200,000 in 1997-98 and £230,000 in 1998-99 to voluntary organisations engaged in tackling substance misuse.

I rith na mblianta atá i gceist bhí a leithéidí seo de chháir á maoiniú ag Oifig Thuaisceart Eireann faoi mheirge Fheachtas Drugaí Thuaisceart Éireann. Mar chuid den fheachtas seo, chaith an Ghníomhaireacht um Chur chun Cinn na Sláinte £256,302 i 1997/98 agus £220,925 i 1998/99 ar chláir feasachta/oideachais maidir le drugaí. Lena chois sin, bhronn mo Roinnse deontais ina raibh iomlán £200,000 i 1997/98 agus £230,000 i 1998/99 ar eagraíochtaí deonacha a bhí gníomhach in éadan mí-úsáid substaintí.

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is the projected expenditure by her Department in the next financial year on drugs awareness/education programmes.

Expenditure plans for drug awareness/education programmes in the next financial year have not yet been finalised. However, education/awareness of the dangers of illicit drugs is a priority for my Department.

Níl na pleananna caiteachais le haghaidh cláir feasachta/oideachais maidir le drugaí sa bhliain airgeadais seo chugainn críochnaithe go fóill. Mar sin féin, is tosaíocht ag mo Roinn é an fheasacht/oideachas faoi chontúirtí drugaí toirmiscthe.

Mr Bradley asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety whether she is prepared to initiate negotiations with British Telecom with a view to establishing a scheme to provide a free domestic telephone service for senior citizens.

Investigations are currently being carried out by other Departments on the possibility of providing free transport and TV licences to senior citizens here. I am happy to listen to representations on the provision of a free domestic telephone service.

Tá fiosrúcháin á ndéanamh faoi láthair ag Ranna eile féachaint arbh fhéidir iompar agus ceadúnais theilifise a sholáthar saor in aisce do sheandaoine anseo. Tá mé sásta éisteacht le hionadaíochtaí maidir le soláthar seirbhís theileafóin bhaile shaor in aisce.

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what policy she will pursue in relation to the flying of the Union Jack from her Department’s buildings.

The issue of the flying of flags at public buildings has been raised with the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister, and until the matter is resolved I have decided to suspend the flying of the British national flag alone at Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety buildings.

Tógadh saincheist na mbratach ar foluain ar fhoirgnimh phoiblí leis an Chéad-Aire agus leis an LeasChéad-Aire, agus go dtí go réitítear an tsaincheist tá cinneadh déanta agam go gcuirfear foluain bhratach náisiúnta na Breataine ina aonair ar fionraí ar fhoirgnimh RSSSSP.

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she was aware of the current plight of the Homefirst Community Trust, whose overspend stands at £983,423, and how she intends to alleviate this increased burden on the trust.

I am acutely aware of the financial position of the health and personal social services as a whole and, specifically, of the current and projected position of the Homefirst Community Trust.

Homefirst Community Trust, like all other trusts, has a responsibility to meet specific financial obligations, one of which is to break even on income and expenditure. The trust is currently in the process of negotiating additional funding, in conjunction with its main commissioner, to enable it to meet this financial obligation. The Department will continue to monitor the position, and I will initiate any necessary action when the final position for 1999-2000 is determined, following the completion of discussions between the trust and its main commissioner.

Tá mé ar an eolas go glinn faoi shuíomh airgeadais na seirbhísí sóisialta sláinte agus pearsanta ina n-iomláine agus, go sonrach, faoi shuíomh an Homefirst Community Trust faoi láthair agus a réamh-mheastachán.

Dála gach Iontaobhas, tá freagracht ar Homefirst Community Trust oibleagáidí sonracha airgeadais a chomhlíonadh, ar a bhfuil bheith meá ar mheá in ioncam agus caiteachas. Tá an tIontaobhas faoi láthair i mbun idirbheartaíochta le maoiniú breise a fháil, i gcomhar lena phríomhchoimisinéir, le cur ar a chumas an oibleagáid airgeadais seo a chomhlíonadh. Leanfaidh an Roinn de bheith ag déanamh monatóireachta ar an chás agus tionscnóidh mé aon bheartaíocht is gá nuair a bheidh an suíomh deiridh do 1999/00 socraithe, nuair a bheidh na hidirbheartaíochtaí idir an tIontaobhas agus a phríomhchoimisinéir críochnaithe.

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will condemn IRA violence that has resulted in the hospitalisation of so many of the people of Northern Ireland.

The suffering which has been inflicted upon all sections of our people in the past should be a matter of profound regret to us all. It would appear that the person who has asked this question does not recognise the suffering of all sections of our society. If so, that too is a matter of regret.

Ba chóir gur cúis mhór aiféala dúinn go léir an fhulaingt a gearradh ar gach aicme den phobail sna blianta thart. Tá cuma ar an scéal nach n-aithnionn an duine a chuir an cheist seo fulaingt gach aicme den phobail. Más é sin an cás, is cúis aiféala sin fosta.

Mr Ford asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail any appointments she has made of a Member of the Assembly to a role analogous to that of a Parliamentary Private Secretary, detailing the terms of their employment and outlining any access they will have to departmental papers.

Mr McCarthy asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment what plans he has to replace the Action for Community Employment Scheme.

The Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment (Dr Farren): New Deal is now the main initiative to combat unemployment. In particular, the Environmental Task Force and Voluntary options of New Deal 18-24 may appeal to those young people who seek experience of community-based activity.

From 1 August 1999, the Training and Employment Agency has been providing Worktrack as a new programme for the long-term unemployed. It complements the New Deal by providing temporary employment opportunities for long-term unemployed adults who are not eligible for New Deal. The programme aims to progress participants into sustainable paid employment at the earliest possible opportunity.

Mr C Murphy asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment if he will undertake an immediate review of the educational consequences of replacing student grants with loans and the financial implications of returning to a policy of student grants.

I will be reviewing the current student support arrangements in Northern Ireland, and the review will cover all the available options, together with their educational and cost implications. It will also have regard to proposals for change elsewhere in the United Kingdom. I am currently considering the form that the review should take and will announce my intentions in due course.

Mr McGrady asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment what assessment he has made of training needs and skills in the software and technology spheres in Northern Ireland, and if he will make a statement.

The Department has made a number of assessments of training and skills needs in the growing software and technology centres. The Software Industry Federation, working closely with the Training and Employment Agency and the Industrial Development Board, has developed a strategy for growth in the industry. The Northern Ireland skills task force has commissioned further research on the issue, and I will ensure that creating and maintaining skills in the sector is a priority.

Arising from the Software Industry Federation strategy, a number of initiatives have been taken, including an expansion of higher and further education places, a conversion programme for non-IT graduates and a modern apprentice programme in the industry. I met with the Software Industry Federation on 13 January and discussed progress on skills issues with it.

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment what resources will be made available to ensure that lifelong learning becomes a reality, especially for those people who have missed out during the last 30 years of political instability.

All of the Department’s programme resources aim to encourage a greater culture of lifelong learning. Specifically an additional £63 million has been made available for the three years to March 2002 for a range of initiatives to increase and widen participation in adult learning.

Dr Birnie asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment to outline the composition of the student population in Northern Ireland, within both higher and further education, in terms of the following: (1) male/female, (2) Catholic/Protestant, (3) age profile and (4) social class.

In 1998-99 the composition of the student population in higher education institutions was as follows:

(4) professional 7%, intermediate 42%, skilled non-manual 17%, skilled manual 24%, partly skilled 8% and unskilled 3%.

(3) 50% aged under 21, 9% aged 21 to 24, 40% aged 25 and over and 0·5% unknown;

Mr Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will undertake to review expenditure on the upkeep of rural roads and put in place a programme to reinstate and upgrade the rural roads network.

The Minister for Regional Development (Mr P Robinson): I will be considering, as part of work on a long-term transport strategy, the need to maintain properly the existing road network, including rural roads. This will include examining the criteria used in prioritising capital and maintenance schemes within the available resources. I am very conscious that I have inherited a significant roads maintenance backlog and that the existing levels of funding fall far short of what is required. These are issues which I will also be pursuing in my input to the programme of government and consideration of public expenditure priorities.

Mr Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will undertake to implement a free travel scheme for senior citizens at the earliest possible opportunity.

I have for many years supported the case for free travel on public transport for Northern Ireland’s senior citizens. I am still committed to this policy. I will therefore be consulting shortly with the Assembly’s Regional Development Committee about how the existing concessionary fares scheme might be replaced by more appropriate arrangements and about how such changes might be financed.

Mr McGrady asked the Minister for Regional Development what is the expected date of publication by the independent panel of the draft regional strategic framework (RSF), following the consultation sessions that were held throughout Northern Ireland.

I understand that the panel hopes to present its report to me in February. I will then arrange for its publication.

Mr Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development when the Department intends to announce the location for the new sewerage works for the North Down/Ards area.

I am replying as this is a matter for the Department for Regional Development. The Department’s Water Service has commissioned consultants to carry out detailed environmental assessments of the two possible sites identified in an earlier appraisal study, which was published in March 1999. These environmental assessments are to be submitted to the Department later this month.

I wish to consider all the issues very carefully, as I am aware of the concerns expressed by public representatives and members of the public about the siting of the proposed Wastewater Treatment Works. I hope to be in a position to make an announcement in about two to three months.

Mr Taylor asked the Minister for Regional Development if he has received any complaints about the level of gritting on the main Ballygowan to Belfast road within the Borough of Castlereagh; what arrangements are in place to grit this section of roadway; and if he will make a statement.

As this is a matter for the Department of Regional Development, I am replying. The Department’s Roads Service has informed me that it has received one complaint in the current winter period about the salting of the main Ballygowan to Belfast road, within the Borough of Castlereagh. The entire length of this road between Ballygowan and Knockbreda Road, Belfast, is included in the Roads Service salted network. This route, like all routes in the salted network, is treated when weather forecasts predict snow or icy conditions.

Mr Taylor asked the Minister for Regional Development what is the present programme for commencement of phase 2 of the Comber bypass road scheme; what is the estimated cost; whether the land has been acquired; whether the final design has been completed; and if he will make a statement.

The scheme to construct stage 2 of the Comber bypass is included in the Department’s current five-year major works programme. The scheme is currently scheduled to commence in 2003-04 and is estimated to cost £3·1m. The land required for the scheme has not yet been acquired. The design of the scheme has been completed, although some alteration may be required if a proposed housing development adjacent to the line of the road is approved.

Mr Ford asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail any appointments he has made of a Member of the Assembly to a role analogous to that of a Parliamentary Private Secretary, detailing the terms of their employment and outlining any access they will have to departmental papers.

Parliamentary Private Secretaries at Westminster are regarded as part of the Government team. No Minister would be in a position to make such an appointment in the Assembly. I have, however, in consultation with my party, appointed Mr Jim Wells (South Down) to provide assistance and back-up in the Assembly and to improve the linkage between the party and myself when I am absent on ministerial duties.

There is no question of Mr Wells, as a party adviser, having a right to access departmental papers, or of his role being supported directly or indirectly from public funds.

Mr McGrady asked the Minister for Social Development when he will introduce to the Northern Ireland Assembly, legislation relevant to the registration and monitoring of housing associations.

I will shortly be giving careful consideration to all housing policies and the structures required to deliver those policies. The Member will appreciate that until such time as those decisions are made, it is not possible to indicate the content or timing of related legislation to be brought to the Assembly.

Mr Ford asked the Minister for Social Development what action he will take to ensure a prompt start to the redevelopment of the Mersey Street/Connswater area and if he will meet with local residents to discuss the plans.

The assessment of the need to carry out a redevelopment scheme and the timing of any such development are matters for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. I have been advised by the Chief Executive that plans for the redevelopment of the Mersey Street/Connswater area are well advanced and that, subject to financial provision, this project should commence in the next financial year. The Chief Executive has confirmed that the Housing Executive remains committed to the Mersey Street/Connswater community and to ensuring the delivery of good housing as soon as possible.

As regards the local residents, I am presently considering a request from Mr Peter Robinson MP and the Mersey Street Residents Association to discuss the redevelopment of the area.

Mr Ford asked the Minister for Social Development to detail any appointments he has made of a Member of the Assembly to a role analogous to that of a Parliamentary Private Secretary, detailing the terms of their employment and outlining any access they will have to departmental papers.

Parliamentary Private Secretaries at Westminster are regarded as part of the Government team. No Minister would be in a position to make such an appointment in the Assembly. I have, however, in consultation with my party, appointed Mr Mark Robinson (South Belfast) to provide assistance and back-up in the Assembly and to improve the linkage between the party and myself when I am absent on ministerial duties. This appointment is currently on hold.

As a party advisor there is no question of Mr Robinson’s having a right to access departmental papers or of his role being supported directly or indirectly from public funds.

Mr McGrady asked the Minister for Social Development if he could confirm that all public sector housing, including all housing association property, is available on a common waiting list for allocation on the basis of priority.

All mainstream general needs accommodation and certain other specified properties owned by the Housing Executive or registered housing associations are available for allocation, using a common waiting list and common selection scheme. It is planned to extend the common selection scheme to the allocation of all social housing (both general needs and special needs) with effect from November 2000, irrespective of which social landlord owns the property.

Mr Berry asked the Minister for Social Development when he intends to introduce the necessary legislation to curb black-market trading and amend the current street trading laws, which are generally recognised to be inadequate.

A review of the existing street trading legislation is currently under way, and I intend to introduce revised legislation as soon as possible.

I am unable to answer on the matter of black-market trading, which falls outside the scope of my responsibilities.