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Monday 24 January 2000 Enterprise, Trade and Investment Wheelchairs Mr Fee asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he will give details of any application for grant assistance, received within his Department or its predecessor, from companies involved in the supply, maintenance or repair of wheelchairs, in the past three years, and if he will give details of any awards. (AQO 15/99) The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): During the last three years IRTU’s Compete Programme has awarded £99,000 to James Leckey Design Ltd, Dunmurry (wheelchair manufacture and design), in response to two applications. LEDU has awarded £30,184 to Just Mobility, Warrenpoint, to establish a business to refurbish wheelchairs. LEDU is currently considering an application from a further company concerning the setting up of an operation to manufacture and refurbish wheelchairs. Business Use of Energy Mr Hay asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he will make a statement on the implications for Northern Ireland of the proposal by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to introduce a levy on the business use of energy from April 2001. (AQO 67/99) Sir Reg Empey: The proposed climate change levy in its present form could have adverse effects in Northern Ireland. It could increase electricity prices, inhibit industrial competitiveness and frustrate current efforts to secure private sector investment for the development of the gas industry. Northern Ireland’s concerns have been highlighted to the Prime Minister and the Chancellor, and I have met with the Financial Secretary to the Treasury. He has given an undertaking that HM Treasury will examine the possibility of a modification to accommodate Northern Ireland’s concerns. Development: Environmentally Sensitive Areas Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment how his Department intends to protect the environment along the shores of Belfast and Larne Loughs from pressures associated with significant increases in housing developments, and if he will make a statement. (AQW 50/99) Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment when he intends visiting the boroughs of Larne, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey to ascertain how sensitive environmental areas might be protected from increasing development and its associated problems. (AQW 52/99) The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): My Department will act within the current planning policies for the protection of both the developed and undeveloped coastline, which are set out in the publication ‘A Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland’, published in September 1993. The strategy itself is a matter for which the Department of Regional Development is the lead Department. As for visiting the boroughs of Larne, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey, I have asked my officials to consider how best to link this to a programme of contact with councils, which I hope to embark on early in the year. Landfill Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment how his Department proposes dealing with the growing problems associated with large landfill sites for waste disposal, and what steps he will take to ensure the protection of sensitive areas which might lie close to potential future landfill. (AQW 51/99) Mr Foster: The statutory planning process ensures that the impact of development is fully considered and that a proper balance between environmental impact, remedial measures and other material considerations is achieved. The Department’s proposed waste management strategy will result in a progressive reduction in the number of landfill sites, which will be subject to much more stringent performance standards, as well as being controlled by a new licensing regime. Areas of Special Control Mr McGrady asked the Minister of the Environment if he will initiate a review of areas of special control and reassess their impact in terms of environmental and planning policy. (AQW 89/99) Mr Foster: My Department will act within the current planning and environmental policies governing areas of special control, which are set out in the publication ‘A Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland’. The strategy itself is a matter for the Department of Regional Development, which is the lead Department. District Councils: Exchequer Allocations Mr McGrady asked the Minister of the Environment if he will make a statement on the general allocations to district councils for the 2000-01 financial year. (AQW 90/99) Mr Foster: The total estimated provision for the general Exchequer grant for the financial year 2000-01 is £41·7 million, £23·2 million is for the derating element, and £18·5 million is for the resources element of the grant. Councils have been advised of their allocations for next year, which have been based on the existing statutory formula. National Parks: Mournes Mr McGrady asked the Minister of the Environment what plans he has to designate the Mournes as a national park, and if he will make a statement. (AQW 91/99) Mr Foster: There are no plans to designate any national park in Northern Ireland at present. Air Quality Mr Savage asked the Minister of the Environment when the revised air quality strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be published. (AQW 172/99) Mr Foster: The air quality strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland was published on 19 January 2000. The revised strategy aims to provide a clear and workable framework for improving air quality, based on the impact on human health of the most common pollutants. When compared to the former strategy the revised strategy sets tougher limits for benzene, 1,3-butadiene, carbon monoxide, lead and nitrogen dioxide. The objectives for sulphur dioxide and ozone are unchanged. The objective for particles has been replaced with the less stringent EU limit value to take account of the impact of wind-blown particulate matter from sources outside the UK. This is an interim step to allow further work to be undertaken on a new objective for particles. Copies of the strategy are available from the Business Office, Parliament Buildings. Omagh Bomb Explosion: Expenditure Mr Armstrong asked the Minister of the Environment how additional expenditure amounting to £660,368 incurred by Omagh District Council in the aftermath of the bomb explosion in August 1998 is to be funded. (AQW 173/99) Mr Foster: In these very exceptional circumstances I do not consider it appropriate that the ratepayers of Omagh district should have to shoulder the additional burden of this expenditure. The Assembly’s approval will therefore be sought in a Supplementary Estimate for Vote 10 — Environmental and Other Services — to assist Omagh District Council with the additional costs it incurred in dealing with that emergency. Pending approval, the expenditure will be met by a repayable advance from the Northern Ireland Consolidated Fund. Radon Gas Mr McCarthy asked the Minister of the Environment if he will examine reports of increases in the levels of radon gas in both public and private buildings and report to the Assembly. (AQO 35/99) Mr Foster: My Department published a report in May 1999 showing the levels of radon gas in private dwellings throughout Northern Ireland. The report, based on some 16,000 measurements in private dwellings, gives more extensive information on radon than was previously available but does not indicate an increase in levels. The average level of radon in private dwellings in Northern Ireland, at 19 becquerels per cubic metre, is similar to the rest of the UK. Homes in the west and south-east of Northern Ireland are more likely to be affected than those elsewhere in the region. The Environment and Heritage Service of my Department offers a free test to householders in areas where more than 5% of homes are above the action level of 200 becquerels per cubic metre. The control of exposure in commercial and public buildings is the responsibility of the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland or district councils. Biodiversity Strategy Dr Birnie asked the Minister of the Environment to list the environmental organisations he has met in relation to the Northern Ireland biodiversity strategy. (AQO 43/99) Mr Foster: Since my appointment I have accepted invitations from a number of environmental bodies with an interest in biodiversity — most notably the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Arrangements for these meetings are currently being made. Consultations undertaken during 1999 on proposals for a Northern Ireland biodiversity strategy were extensive and included the main environmental organisations. Responses to these consultations are being analysed, and my Department’s advisory group on biodiversity will be making recommendations for a strategy in due course. I will wish to take the views of the Assembly Environment Committee before coming to firm conclusions. Planning Applications Mr Leslie asked the Minister of the Environment how many planning applications are received each year and, of these, how many are currently outstanding. (AQO 45/99) Mr Foster: The number of planning applications received each year is currently over 20,000; in 1998-99 it was 20,550. The number of applications outstanding at the end of December 1999 was 8,275. Local Government Reform Mr Poots asked the Minister of the Environment whether the reform of local government will be pursued as a matter of urgency, given that the next local government elections are scheduled for May 2001. (AQO 60/99) Mr Close asked the Minister of the Environment what consideration is being given to the reform of local government and what priority is being given to the issue. (AQO 78/99) Mr Foster: A review of local government in Northern Ireland has not been initiated. Any such exercise would need to be part of a wider review of the future of the whole public sector in Northern Ireland, and this will be a matter for further consideration with my ministerial colleagues and the Assembly in due course. Waste Management Mr McGrady asked the Minister of the Environment what discussions he has held with District Councils concerning future waste management strategy. (AQO 72/99) Mr Foster: District councils have been closely involved in the development of the draft waste management strategy which my Department is currently finalising. The process of developing the draft strategy included initial conferences, the formation of a steering group, which included district council officials, and meetings with all district councils individually. Officials will be making a presentation on the draft strategy to the Assembly Environment Committee on 3 February. Telecommunications Masts Mr Fee asked the Minister of the Environment to take steps to ensure that the erection of telecommunications masts is subject to the same planning process and scrutiny as domestic or industrial buildings. (AQO 85/99) Mr Foster: Telecommunications masts over 15 metres in height are subject to the same planning process as domestic or industrial buildings. Those under 15 metres in height are subject to a special planning regime whereby prior notice of the proposal is given to the Department to enable consideration to be given to siting and design. I am presently considering whether the period for public consultation on prior notice for ground-based masts should be extended. Climate-Change Levy Mr A Doherty asked the Minister of the Environment to outline his intentions with regard to the need, on environmental and other grounds, to seek derogation in Northern Ireland of the climate-change levy. (AQO 87/99) Mr Foster: The climate-change levy is a fiscal measure and is therefore an excepted matter for which HM Treasury Ministers are responsible. However, I understand the concern that the levy, despite its good intentions, may not have the desired effect of reducing emissions in Northern Ireland. Representations have been made by the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister to the Prime Minister and by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment to the Financial Secretary to the Treasury. I have indicated my support for these approaches on environmental grounds. I have also drawn attention to the Environment Committee’s interest in this matter. Buildings of Architectural and Historical Importance Ms Morrice asked the Minister of the Environment what he intends to do to prevent destruction of buildings of architectural and historical importance. (AQO 96/99) Mr Foster: My Department will continue to list buildings of special architectural or historic interest within a policy framework that clearly favours the retention of listed buildings. My Department also has statutory enforcement powers under the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991. The Department continues to pay grant aid to owners of listed buildings, and additional protection is afforded to buildings by the designation of conservation areas, of which there are currently 53. In March 1999 the Department published a consultation document which included proposals to strengthen enforcement powers and to require planning permission for the demolition of certain buildings. Responses are being analysed by officials, and I will wish to take the views of the Assembly Environment Committee on the policy proposals that emerge. Dog Fouling (Public Places) Ms Hanna asked the Minister of the Environment what measures he is considering to discourage dog owners for allowing their pets to foul in public places. (AQO 97/99) Mr Foster: Dog fouling in public places is already an offence under article 4 of the Litter (Northern Ireland) Order 1994. My officials are currently reviewing the overall effectiveness of the legislation relating to litter and dog fouling, and I hope to consult on the findings later this year. This consultation will include the Environment Committee of the Assembly. Vehicle Headlights (Daylight Hours) Mr McMenamin asked the Minister of the Environment if he would consider introducing legislation to require the use of dipped headlights on all vehicles during daylight hours. (AQO 101/99) Mr Foster: The European Commission is currently examining this matter, and I will consider it in the light of their conclusions. Rule 201 of the Highway Code for Northern Ireland sets out the legal requirement to use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced — generally when one cannot see for more than 100 metres. Road Accidents Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of the Environment to confirm the number of road traffic accidents in Northern Ireland since 1 January 2000 and the number of people fatally injured and the number injured in these accidents. (AQO 102/99) Mr Foster: At 23 January 2000 the number of persons killed in road traffic accidents in Northern Ireland since 1 January 2000 was 14. Information on the number of road traffic accidents in the same period and the number injured in those accidents is not yet available. Office Accommodation (Relocation) Mr McGrady asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to confirm his policy on the decentralisation of office accommodation in Northern Ireland, with particular emphasis on relocation in South Down. (AQW 88/99) The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): I appreciate the contribution which public service jobs can make to the economic and social development of local communities, including those in the South Down area. I intend to ensure that future Civil Service accommodation planning takes this fully into account, along with other factors, such as the regional planning strategy, service delivery, New TSN, the implications for equal opportunity within the Civil Service and cost. Health, Social Services and Public Safety Health Service Review Mr McGrady asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what are the terms of reference of the review of the Health Service which she announced on Wednesday 5 January 2000. (AQW 111/99) The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): In light of the recent unprecedented levels of flu and flu-related illness, I asked the health and social services boards to urgently review their plans for dealing with winter pressures. Boards are submitting reports covering the effectiveness of services this year, the level of demand for services compared with the same period last year; how the additional resources allocated earlier in the financial year have been used; what steps are being taken to cope with any further winter pressures over coming months; and what lessons have been learned from the events of this winter so far. Boards are also reporting on the use of intensive care and high-dependency beds. In addition to this, I have asked the chief medical officer to undertake an urgent review of the availability and utilisation of intensive care beds. I have also asked the chief social services inspector to undertake an urgent review of the provision of care in the community and the relationship which it has with the admission and discharge of patients into and from hospitals. Mar gheall ar na leibhéil fliú agus na ngalar a bhaineann leis ar na mallaibh — leibhéil atá nios airde ná riamh roimhe — d’iarr mé ar na boird sláinte agus seirbhísí sóisialta athbhreithniú práinneach a dhéanamh ar a bpleananna le déileáil le brú an gheimhridh. Tá na boird ag cur tuarascálacha faoi mo bhráid, ag cumhdach éifeachtacht na seirbhísí i mbliana; leibhéal an éilimh ar sheirbhísí i gcomparáid leis an tréimhse chéanna anuraidh; cad é mar a úsáideadh na hacmhainní breise a cionroinneadh níos luaithe sa bhliain airgeadais; cad iad na céimeanna atá á nglacadh le déileáil le brú geimhridh ar bith eile sna míonna amach romhainn; agus cad iad na ceachtanna a foghlaimíodh ó imeachtaí an gheimhridh seo go dtí seo. Tá na boird ag tuairisciú fosta ar úsáid a leapacha dianchúraim agus ardspleáchais. Lena chois sin, d’iarr mé ar an Phríomh-Oifigeach Leighis athbhreithniú práinneach a thionscnamh maidir leis an soláthar leapacha dianchúraim agus lena n-úsáid. D’iarr mé chomh maith ar Phríomh-Chigire na Seirbhísí Sóisialta athbhreithniú práinneach a thionscnamh maidir le soláthar cúraim sa phobal agus an ghaolmhaireacht idir sin agus glacadh isteach agus ligean amach othar ag na hospidéil. Treatment Waiting Times Mr McGrady asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps will be taken to reduce the waiting times for in-patient treatment in the Southern Health and Social Services area. (AQW 112/99) Mr McGrady asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety which steps will be taken to reduce the waiting times for out-patient treatment in the Southern Health and Social Services Board area. (AQW 113/99) Ms de Brún: When I accepted responsibility for health and social services, I indicated that I intended to review all aspects of these services as soon as possible. I am concerned particularly about the length of time that patients here have to wait for in-patient and out-patient treatment. Waiting lists will rise even further in the near future because many operations have had to be deferred as a result of the unprecedented pressures created by the recent outbreak of flu and flu-related illnesses. One of my early priorities will be to consider what steps need to be taken by my Department, Boards and Trusts to tackle this problem effectively across all four Board areas. My aim is to ensure that no patient has to wait for any longer than is absolutely necessary for their hospital treatment. Nuair a ghlac mé freagracht as na seirbhísí sláinte agus sóisialta, thug mé le fios go raibh rún agam athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar gach gné de na seirbhísí sin a luaithe agus ab fhéidir. Tá imní ar leith orm faoin fhad ama a chaithfidh othair anseo fanacht faoi choinne cóireála d’othair istigh agus d’othair sheachtracha. Éireoidh na liostaí feithimh níos faide arís sa gharthodhchaí, óir b’éigean cuid mhór obráidí a chur ar athló mar gheall ar an bhrú ar leith a bhí ann ar na mallaibh de bharr na ráige den fhliú agus de na tinnis a bhaineann leis. Ar cheann de na tosaíochtaí luatha a bheidh agam, beidh breathnú cad iad na céimeanna is gá do mo Roinn, do na boird agus do na hiontaobhais a ghlacadh le haghaidh a thabhairt go héifeachtach ar an fhadbh seo ar fud na gceithre cheantar boird. Is é an aidhm atá agam nach gcaithfidh aon othar fanacht níos faide ná is géarghá faoi choinne cóireáil ospidéil. Flu Epidemic Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she has done anything to solve the present flu epidemic in the Health Service. (AQW 127/99) Ms de Brún: I have secured an additional £3·3 million to meet current pressures on the Health Service on account of the exceptional number of people suffering from flu-like symptoms who require emergency hospital treatment. My Department also made available an additional £550,000 in October towards implementation of local influenza immunisation programmes. I will be looking carefully at uptake rates and opportunities to increase take-up, particularly among those at risk. Tá £3·3m breise faighte agam le riar ar an bhrú atá faoi láthair ar an tseirbhis sláinte mar gheall ar an líon as cuimse daoine atá ag éileamh le siomptóim cosúil leis an fhliú agus a bhfuil cóireáil phráinneach ospidéil de dhíth orthu. Chomh maith leis sin, chuir mo Roinn £550,000 breise ar fáil i nDeireadh Fómhair faoi choinne cláir áitiúla imdhíonaithe in aghaidh an fhliú. Beidh mé ag breathnú go géar ar an líon a bheidh ag baint leasa astu agus ar dheiseanna leis an líon sin a mhéadú, go háirithe ina measc siúd atá i gcontúirt. Accident and Emergency Services Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, in light of the current beds problem, which serves to underline the growing crisis in the NHS, if she would consider plans to reopen accident and emergency services that have been closed down over the years. (AQW 128/99) Ms de Brún: When I accepted responsibility for health and social services I indicated that I intended to review all aspects of these services as soon as possible. As part of that work, I shall want to consider whether our accident and emergency services are sufficient to meet the needs of patients. However, the level of present problems in our hospitals stem, first and foremost, from an unprecedented level of medical admissions, arising mainly as a result of people developing serious respiratory and other conditions following influenza. This has been exacerbated by staff shortages through illnesses in all hospitals. I have written to board chairs asking them to look at the effectiveness of their winter pressure arrangements and have asked for detailed advice on the steps they will be taking to deal with the pressure over the next few months. I have asked the Chief Medical Officer to undertake an urgent review of the availability and utilisation of intensive-care beds. I have also asked the chief social services inspector to undertake an urgent review of the provision of care in the community and the relationship it has with the admission and discharge of patients into and from hospitals. Nuair a ghlac mé freagracht as na seirbhísí sláinte agus sóisialta, thug mé le fios go raibh rún agam athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar gach gné de na seirbhísí sin chomh luath agus ab fhéidir. Mar chuid den obair sin, beidh mé ag iarraidh breathnú an leor na seirbhísí timpiste agus éigeandála atá againn le riar ar riachtanais na n-othar. Mar sin féin, is é is cúis go príomha leis na deacrachtaí atá ag ár n-ospidéil faoi láthair ná líon níos mó ná riamh roimhe othar a bheith á nglacadh isteach ar chúinsí leighis – go háirithe daoine a bhfuil riochtanna tromchúiseacha análaithe agus eile ag teacht orthu i ndiaidh fliú. Cuireadh leis na deacrachtaí sin mar gheall ar ghanntanas foirne de dheasca tinneas sna hospidéil uile. Tá mé i indiaidh scríobh chuig cathoirligh na mbord ag iarraidh orthu amharc ar éifeacht acht na socruithe atá acu do bhrú an gheimhridh agus d’iarr mé comhairle mhion maidir leis na beartais a bheidh siad a chur i bhfeidhm le déileáil leis an bhrú i rith na míonna amach romhainn. Tá mé i ndiaidh a iarraidh ar an príomh-oifigeach leighis athbhreithniú práinneach a thionscnamh maidir le soláthar agus úsáid na leapacha dianchúraim. D’iarr mé fosta ar phríomhchigire na seirbhísí sóisialta athbhreithniú práinneach a thionscnamh maidir le soláthar cúraim sa phobal agus an dóigh a mbaineann sé le hothair a bheith á nglacadh isteach agus á ligean amach ag na hospidéil. IRA Violence: Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how much is spent per annum by the NHS on patients directly affected by IRA violence. (AQW 131/99) Ms de Brún: The information is not available in the form requested. The information you request is not readily available and could only be obtained at a disproportionate cost to the service. Níl an t-eolas ar fáil san fhoirm a iarradh. Níl fáil go réidh ar an eolas a d’iarr tú agus ní fhéadfaí é a fháil ach ar chostas a bheadh díréireach ag an tseirbhis. Mental Health: Expenditure Mr Ford asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how much money will be developed specifically for spending on mental health for the next financial year and if she can provide an assurance that this funding will not be diverted to other programmes of care. (AQW 135/99) Ms de Brún: Financial provision for spending on mental health is subsumed within overall allocations to the health and social services boards. It will therefore be a matter for individual boards to determine the health and social care needs of their local populations in 2000-01, including those with mental health needs, and to purchase accordingly. Tá an soláthar airgeadais le haghaidh caiteachais ar shláinte meabhrach comhchuimsithe sna cionroinntí iomlána do na boird sláinte agus seirbhísí sóisialta. Dá bhrí sin, is faoi gach bord ann féin a bheidh sé, cinneadh a dhéanamh ar riachtanais cúraim sláinte agus shóisialta a bpobal áitiúil i 2000-01, agus iad sin le riachtanais sláinte meabhrach san áireamh, agus ceannach dá réir. Higher and Further Education, PPS-Type Appointments Mr Ford asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment 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. (AQW 139/99) The Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment (Dr Farren): I have made no such appointment. Roads (A8 and A75): Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans his Department has to maximise links between the A8 trans-European network status route to Larne and the A75 through southern Scotland in order to exploit the northern corridor into the expanding European Union, and if he will make a statement. (AQW 45/99) The Minister for Regional Development (Mr P Robinson): On 12 May 1998 the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a package of road measures as part of his economic strategy for Northern Ireland to improve the strategic road network. A scheme to improve the A8 Belfast-to-Larne road was included in this package. Possible improvements and design options are presently being considered for the scheme, which is estimated to cost £10 million. The earliest possible start date is 2001-02. As far as shipping links between Larne and Scotland are concerned, shipping services are a reserved matter which is dealt with at UK level by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. Belfast-Larne Railway Line Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development what contact he has had with his colleague the Minister of the Environment and with local authorities in Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus and Larne to ensure that the potential of the Belfast-to-Larne railway line is maximised as an alternative transport option for commuters in East Antrim, and if he will make a statement. (AQW 46/99) Mr P Robinson: To date I have had no contact about the Belfast-to-Larne railway line with the Minister of the Environment or the local authorities in Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus and Larne. Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development how he intends to ensure that the Belfast-to-Larne railway line is accorded proper trans-European network status and what contacts his officials have had with their Scottish counterparts in the upgrading of this vital link. (AQW 47/99) Mr P Robinson: The Belfast-Larne railway line is part of the trans-European rail network, which includes the Cork-Dublin-Belfast-Larne-Stranraer conventional link. This TENs route is a priority project that was adopted by the European Council in Essen in December 1994. There has been no contact between officials in my Department and their Scottish counterparts to upgrade the Belfast-to-Larne part of the route. A2 Road: Upgrading Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development when he proposes to add the section of the A2 to his Department’s priority road improvement scheme given the current gridlock experienced by commuters and commercial traffic in East Antrim. (AQW 48/99) Mr P Robinson: I assume that this question relates to the single carriageway section of the A2 between Jordanstown and Carrickfergus. I can confirm that a scheme to upgrade this section of road to dual carriageway standard is not included in the Road Service’s current major works five-year planning programme, but it is in the six-to-15 year forward planning schedule. The priority to be afforded to schemes included in the forward planning schedule will be reviewed, along with all other major road schemes and transportation measures, as part of the Belfast metropolitan area plan. Work on the preparation of the plan will commence during 2000-01. A2 Road: Traffic-Flow Figures Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development what progress has been made by his Department in collecting up-to-date traffic flow figures for the A2 Shore Road between Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus. (AQW 49/99) Mr P Robinson: The Roads Service-traffic-count site on Shore Road, south of Jordanstown Road, Newtownabbey, has been damaged on a number of occasions in the recent past. The site is now fully operational, and traffic flow figures will be available shortly. The Roads Service will be making this information available to Newtownabbey Borough Council and Carrickfergus Borough Council. Londonderry-Belfast Rail Service Mr Dallat asked the Minister for Regional Development when it is hoped to introduce a new high-speed rail service between Derry and Belfast. (AQO 32/99) Mr P Robinson: There has been significant under-investment in the rail system in Northern Ireland. There are no plans to introduce a high-speed rail service between Londonderry and Belfast. The reinstatement of the Antrim to Bleach Green line will, however, reduce the journey time by around 30 minutes. Our priority is to introduce new rolling stock which could encourage more people to use rail, which in due course could induce the introduction of an express service between both cities. A2 Road (Belfast-Carrickfergus) Mr Neeson asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to upgrade the A2 road between Belfast and Carrickfergus. (AQO 37/99) Mr P Robinson: There are no proposals in the Road Service’s current major works five-year planning programme to upgrade this section of the A2. However, two schemes to widen this section of the Shore Road are included in the six-to-15-year forward planning schedule. These schemes, along with all other major road schemes and transportation corridors, will be considered in the context of the Belfast metropolitan area plan. A26 (Frosses Road): Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister for Regional Development to update the Assembly on the progress of the A26 (Frosses Road) safety measures investigation and comment upon how quickly its recommendations are going to be implemented. (AQO 42/99) Mr P Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service has commenced a study of the A26 north of Glarryford (Frosses Road) and intends to prepare a route strategy to improve the safety record along this 16-mile stretch of road. This study is being carried out in conjunction with the RUC. As soon as the results of the study are known, hopefully safety improvements can be identified which could be implemented this year. Elderly People (Free Transport) Ms McWilliams asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will undertake to implement free transport for the elderly, ensuring that women between the ages of 60 and 65 are not discriminated against. (AQO 55/99) Mr P Robinson: I have for some years been a supporter of free public transport travel for older people. I am therefore looking at a range of issues surrounding the existing Northern Ireland concessionary fare scheme, and I will be consulting shortly with my Department’s Assembly Committee about changing the scheme and how this may be financed. There are constraints imposed by current legislation which prevent differential treatment of men and women in terms of the qualifying age for concessionary fares. Roads: Basic Maintenance Mr Poots asked the Minister for Regional Development what are his proposals for providing basic road maintenance, in particular proper maintenance of verges and drain cleaning to reduce damage caused by flooded roads. (AQO 56/99) Mr P Robinson: The structural integrity of the road network is the top priority of my Department’s Roads Service. In support of this objective, the Roads Service undertakes a programme of routine maintenance to ensure that road gullies and drainage outlets are cleaned regularly and that roadside verges are adequately maintained to provide for the safety of road users. In the current financial year, the Roads Service expects to spend some £5·5 million on gully-cleansing activities and £3·5 million on verge maintenance. Rural Roads: Gritting Mr R Hutchinson asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will reconsider the policy of gritting rural roads to take into consideration the fact that some of these roads are the only direct route to schools and places of employment. (AQO 61/99) Mr P Robinson: The current criteria for the salting of roads are applied consistently across Northern Ireland. They provide that main through routes carrying 1,500 or more vehicles per day are salted during wintry conditions. In addition, some other routes that carry more than 1,000 vehicles per day are salted, provided that there are special circumstances — for example, sharp bends or gradients. I appreciate the concerns about this matter. Gritting costs £4·5m on average each year and deals with the roads which carry 80% of all traffic. Any significant increase in gritting could only be achieved by diverting resources from elsewhere in my roads budget. I will therefore be consulting the Regional Development Committee about the priority which this aspect of roads expenditure should have and the weighting to be given to rural areas. Comber Bypass Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development what prospect there is of an early commencement of the construction of the Comber bypass. (AQO 66/99) Mr P Robinson: A scheme to construct stage 2 of the Comber bypass is included in the Road Service’s current major works planning programme, with a scheduled start date in 2003-04. Departmental officials have, however, met representatives from a consortium of private developers to explore options for advancing the scheme to accommodate their proposed residential development. The possibility of advancing the bypass scheme (at the expense of the private sector) will depend on a number of factors, including whether the developers obtain planning permission from the Department of the Environment for their development. Roads: Investment Mr McGrady asked the Minister for Regional Development what assessment he has made of the financial investment in the roads infrastructure in Northern Ireland in each of the last 10 years, and if he will make a statement. (AQO 71/99) Mr P Robinson: It is clear that the levels of expenditure on roads over recent years have been inadequate to maintain properly the existing roads and to improve the strategic road network. I will, in preparing a 10-year transport plan, be considering the scale of investment required on both roads and public transport and how such investment might be funded. Narrow Water Mr Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will support the preliminary commitments of Newry and Mourne District Council and Louth County Council towards the provision of a road bridge at Narrow Water. (AQO 77/99) Mr P Robinson: Whilst I appreciate the local desire for a bridge at Narrow Water, I regret that projected traffic volumes would simply not be high enough to justify the high costs involved. Traffic-Calming Measures Mr Fee asked the Minister for Regional Development whether he intends to take steps to ensure that the Roads Service has the full range of traffic-calming measures at its disposal, as compared with other European countries. (AQO 83/99) Mr P Robinson: I am presently considering all aspects of spending across my Department in the light of the departmental budget allocations for 2000-01 which were announced by the Minister for Finance and Personnel last month. In this context, I will be looking closely at the level of resources which can be made available for traffic-calming measures, but Members should be aware that the budget allocation in this area has increased by 500% in the last six years. The range of such measures presently available for use in Northern Ireland is broadly equivalent to elsewhere in Europe. Officials from my Department’s Roads Service have established close contacts with their counterparts in other parts of the United Kingdom and in Europe, and I am satisfied that these contacts ensure that officials remain fully informed of all latest developments. New ideas and methods on traffic-calming are emerging on a regular basis. Roads Budget (Western Areas) Mr Molloy asked the Minister for Regional Development to explain the criteria for the roads allocation budget for capital schemes west of the Bann. (AQO 91/99) Mr P Robinson: The criteria for the allocation of the available resources in the roads budget to capital schemes west of the Bann are the same as apply throughout Northern Ireland. Schemes are assessed against a broad range of criteria, such as strategic planning policy, traffic flows, numbers of accidents, potential travel time savings, environmental impact and value for money. As part of the Department’s action plan under the New Targeting of Social Needs initiative, consultants have been appointed to audit the framework for assessing major works. In the final analysis, I will be responsible for deciding annually which schemes will proceed. Roads (Down District / South Down) Mr ONeill asked the Minister for Regional Development what he intends to do about the submission to the Department by Down District Council on its road infrastructure and the road infrastructure in South Down in general. (AQO 92/99) Mr P Robinson: Following receipt of the Down District Council’s submission, my Department’s Roads Service has, in consultation with the council, developed a strategy for the improvement of the road network within the council area. The strategy focuses on trunk roads, urban streets, other main traffic routes and local roads and identifies a number of roads as worthy of improvement. Progress in implementing these measures will, of course, be dependent upon the level of resources available. Recommendations of Dr Birnie asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to implement the recommendations of the School Travel Advisory Group, which reported to the junior Transport Minister in London on 13 January 2000. (AQO 93/99) Mr P Robinson: My Department is closely examining the recommendations of the School Travel Advisory Group and will consider how they can be effectively developed in Northern Ireland. My officials will be looking at a range of possibilities, including the establishment of a representative School Travel Advisory Group in Northern Ireland. Traffic-Calming Measures Ms Hanna asked the Minister for Regional Development if he intends to allocate more resources to traffic-calming measures. (AQO 98/99) Mr P Robinson: I am presently considering all aspects of spending across my Department in the light of the departmental budget allocations for 2000-01 which were announced by the Minister of Finance and Personnel last month. In this context, I will be looking closely at the level of resources which can be made available for traffic-calming measures, but Members should be aware that the budget allocation in this area has increased by 500% in the last six years. The range of such measures presently available for use in Northern Ireland is broadly equivalent to elsewhere in Europe. Officials from my Department’s Roads Service have established close contacts with their counterparts in other parts of the United Kingdom and in Europe, and I am satisfied that these contacts ensure that officials remain fully informed of all latest developments. New ideas and methods on traffic-calming are emerging on a regular basis. Housing Market 2000-03: Mr McGrady asked the Minister for Social Development what assessment he has made of the document published by the Housing Executive entitled ‘The Northern Ireland Housing Market 2000/2003 – Review and Perspectives’, and if he will make a statement. (AQW 92/99) The Minister for Social Development (Mr Dodds): I will shortly be giving careful consideration to all housing policies and priorities. In the meantime, it would not be appropriate to come to any conclusion on the findings of one document in isolation from general policy on housing. Social Housing Programme Mr McGrady asked the Minister for Social Development what discussions he has held with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive concerning the future social housing programme. (AQW 93/99) Mr Dodds: I have met the Housing Executive to discuss a wide number of issues, including housing requirements and social rented provision. I will be holding further meetings to discuss specific issues, including any that may arise after I have considered all aspects of spending across my Department in the light of the departmental budgets for 2000-01, announced by the Minister of Finance and Personnel on 16 December 1999. Unfit Housing Mr McGrady asked the Minister for Social Development what plans he has to tackle housing unfitness in the private sector and in rural areas. (AQW 94/99) Mr Dodds: The private sector grants scheme administered by the Housing Executive has played an important part in reducing unfitness to its present level of 7·3% and will continue to be a key programme. I have yet to give full consideration to future housing policies, but I intend to examine the potential for greater flexibility in the scheme, if it were to change in nature from the present mandatory scheme to a discretionary scheme. This could allow better targeting towards, for example, rural areas, where unfitness tends to be a greater problem. Outside of strategic policy decisions, budgets, plans and programmes addressing unfitness are operational matters for the Housing Executive, which has advised that, for example, i. the recent increase in grant maxima (from £20,000 to £25,000 for renovation grants, and from £30,000 to £31,500 for replacement grants) should assist low-income households in rural areas; ii. it is considering the potential of a repairs grant to help to prevent properties from falling into unfitness; iii. its development of an empty-homes strategy will assist in addressing problems of unfit, unoccupied properties; and iv. closer links are being developed with rural community groups and agencies (such as the Rural Community Network) in order that isolated rural householders can be more aware of the assistance available for improving housing conditions. Housing Programme (2000-03): Finance Mr McGrady asked the Minister for Social Development what discussions he has held with the Minister of Finance and Personnel about a special package for the housing programme from 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2003. (AQW 95/99) Mr Dodds: I met with Mark Durkan, Minister of Finance and Personnel, on 15 December 1999 to discuss the budget for my Department, including housing, and the way forward. |