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11 February 2000 Office of First Minister and Deputy
First Minister Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister Deputy First Minister: Rome Visit Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, in pursuance of AQW 246/99, if it can confirm the list of those business and political figures met by the Deputy First Minister while in Rome. (AQW 311/99) Reply: During his three-day visit to Rome the Deputy First Minister met, among others, the following:
Agriculture and Rural Development Flooding (West Tyrone) Mr McElduff asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will conduct a review of flood-alleviation measures in the Newtownstewart, Drumquin, Castlederg, Omagh and Strabane areas of West Tyrone, and if she intends to consult with the Rivers Agency, relevant Departments and a delegation of residents from Newtownstewart to apprise herself of the need for increased funding and priority in this matter. (AQW 241/99) The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): I have already visited some of the areas in West Tyrone which have been worst affected by recent flooding. I met with local elected representatives and residents and saw the problems at first hand. All watercourse-related flooding incidents in the area have been investigated by the Rivers Agency with a view to establishing their cause and assessing whether measures could be taken to alleviate the problems. Repairs have been carried out and blocked watercourses cleared where that was appropriate. Those issues involving risk to life and property which require more detailed consideration are under investigation. Given the scale of these problems, it will require time to develop and, where viable, implement solutions. The priority of this general work area has been recognised, and the Rivers Agency’s capital works budget for the 2000-01 and 2001-02 financial years had already been increased by £2 million and £3 million respectively over the 1999-2000 level. Ardglass Fishing Harbour Mr McGrady asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what progress has been made towards the provision of a new boat-repair facility at the fishing harbour in Ardglass. (AQW 243/99) Ms Rodgers: The provision of a boat-repair facility at Ardglass is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority. The Authority has recently submitted proposals to the Department for a three-year capital works programme, which does not include any proposal for a fishing vessel repair facility at Ardglass harbour. I understand that the harbour authority is aware of a demand from fishermen based in Ardglass for a slipway / dry dock or similar repair facility at their port. However, in drawing up their forward capital works programme the authority had to prioritise a wide range of projects, including much-needed improvements at both Kilkeel and Portavogie, against the funding available. Furthermore, the authority, having responsibility for the overall harbour estate, is very conscious that the existing slipway capacity at Kilkeel and Portavogie is more than adequate for the demands of the local fleet. I am sorry that my reply cannot be more helpful. Pigs: Random Selected Testing Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to confirm whether her Department has started a random selected testing programme on pig stock, and if she agrees that the commencement of any such programme would be detrimental to the industry. (AQW 250/99) Ms Rodgers: No new programme of random selected testing has commenced on pig stock. Any current testing and any programmes under consideration have as their aim the improvement of the viability of the industry and of the quality of the product. NIAPA Protests Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she supports the Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers’ Association (NIAPA) protests at beef processor plants across Northern Ireland, and if she will make a statement. (AQW 255/99) Ms Rodgers: I understand that the protests by the Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers’ Association (NIAPA) at meat plants related to the prices being paid for fat cattle. I can appreciate the frustration of producers in Northern Ireland, who are being paid an average of 20p per kilogram less than their counterparts in Great Britain. However, this is a commercial matter for resolution between the parties, and I do not, therefore, intend to make a statement. Agrimonetary Compensation Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to make a statement about agrimonetary compensation and the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) and National Farmers’ Union (NFU) national campaign on this subject. (AQW 256/99) Ms Rodgers: The purpose of agrimonetary compensation is essentially to provide a level playing field for all those receiving direct aids and market supports throughout the EU. I am very aware of, and appreciate, the views of the UFU and the NFU in relation to the payment of such compensation. I am also aware of the implications for the UK and the inherent resourcing problems. Any additional compensatory payments made under the agrimonetary arrangements applying from 2000-02 would fall largely to the UK Exchequer and would have to be considered against competing calls on the public purse. The issue is, of course, one that has to be addressed at UK level and cannot be tackled on a regional basis. Any compensation must be paid throughout the UK, or not at all. I will continue to do my utmost to assist the industry here and can advise you that I have recently written to UK Agriculture Minister, Nick Brown, strongly advocating that the Government think again about the UK’s current policy in relation to agrimonetary compensation. EU Grant Aid Mr Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action she has taken to ensure that the United Kingdom Government take full advantage of all the grant aid available for the agricultural industry from the EU and that Northern Ireland farmers receive their fair share of such aid. (AQW 273/99) Ms Rodgers: I have discussed the issue of agrimonetary compensation with UK Agriculture Ministers on more than one occasion. I have secured a further meeting with Mr Nick Brown later this week to pursue the issue. Flooding (West Tyrone) Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will indicate what measures she is prepared to introduce to relieve flooding problems in West Tyrone, with particular regard to the Foyle catchment area north of Strabane. (AQW 298/99) Ms Rodgers: I have already visited some of the areas in the Foyle catchment area north of Strabane which have been worst affected by recent flooding. I met with local elected representatives and residents and saw the problems at first hand. All watercourse-related flooding incidents in the area have been investigated by the Rivers Agency with a view to establishing their cause and assessing whether measures could be taken to alleviate the problems. Repairs have been carried out, and blocked watercourse cleared, where that was appropriate. Those issues involving risk to life and property which require more detailed consideration are under investigation. Given the scale of these problems, it will require time to develop and, where viable, implement solutions. The priority of this general work area has been recognised, and the Rivers Agency’s capital works budget for the 2000-01 and 2001-02 financial years had already been increased by £2 million and £3 million respectively over the 1999-2000 level. Cockles (Strangford Lough) Mr Taylor asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what representations she has received about the industrial harvesting of cockles at Strangford Lough; whether this operation is damaging the environment; and if she will make a statement. (AQW 324/99) Ms Rodgers: I have received 14 written representations about the mechanical harvesting of cockles from Strangford Lough and the likely adverse effect such activity would have on the foreshore and the resultant disturbance to over-wintering bird populations. A report on the subject of the mechanical harvesting of cockles indicates that this method of harvesting has the potential to cause damage to the wildlife interests of the lough. I have therefore included in the Assembly’s legislative programme a Bill which will amend the Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966 to control unregulated mechanical harvesting of cockles. Hydroelectric Plants Mr J Wilson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what impact hydroelectric plants have on fish life in Northern Ireland. (AQW 286/99) The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): The protection measures required under the provisions of the Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966, and negotiated with hydro-developers through the exemption permits issued under the Act, provide the best possible fishery protection measures. The conditions imposed in the exemption certificates require that the most modern fishery protection methods available be installed. These measures are designed to suit the physical characteristics of each individual site, which, of course, vary from location to location. The protection measures in place at hydroelectric sites considerably reduce the impact on fish stocks. A hydro-monitoring study, commissioned by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and Northern Ireland Electricity, will be published in the spring. This will provide, inter alia, detailed information on the effectiveness of the measures in place to protect fish stocks. Mr J Wilson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how many, and for which sites, exemptions were issued by his Department under section 58 of the Fisheries Act for hydroelectric plant sites under the Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation Orders. (AQW 289/99) Mr McGimpsey: Six exemptions have been issued under section 58 of the Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966 for hydroelectric plants. Three of the sites are located near Benburb on the River Blackwater, one near Randalstown on the River Maine, one near Sion Mills on the River Mourne, and one near Cullybackey on the River Maine. Mr J Wilson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure whether any hydroelectric plant operators have been prosecuted during the last two years for not having screens fitted to their plants. (AQW 290/99) Mr McGimpsey: No. Mr J Wilson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how many hydroelectric plant operators were reported to the Fisheries Conservancy Board by river bailiffs for not having screens fitted to their plants. (AQW 291/99) Mr McGimpsey: One. An investigation file was passed to the board’s solicitor, who advised against prosecution. Angling Mr Morrow asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline his plans to promote angling as one of the most popular recreational pursuits in Northern Ireland. (AQW 304/99) Mr McGimpsey: I recognise that angling is a popular recreational pursuit in Northern Ireland and that it has a very important contribution to make to the development of the local economy. I am looking at promoting and developing this important recreational resource from a number of different aspects. First, the Department is responsible for managing the public angling estate, which comprises 62 waters located throughout Northern Ireland, covering both coarse and game angling waters. Over the next year I will be looking at what might be done to further develop and promote the public angling estate to make it more attractive to the public. Secondly, I am seeking funding in the next round of EU structural funds for an angling development programme, within a water-based tourism measure, to build on the work already carried out under the very successful salmonid enhancement programme. If this bid is successful, funding should be available to assist both public and private sector fisheries with a view to creating quality game, coarse and sea angling facilities for the benefit of both local residents and tourist anglers. Thirdly, the Sports Council, which has statutory responsibility for the development of sport, including angling, will continue to work with the governing bodies for angling to develop programmes to sustain competitions, to host major international events and to promote angling for people with disabilities. Finally, officials from my Department are represented on the Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s angling product marketing strategy group, which is aimed at promoting the Northern Ireland angling product in overseas markets. Special Advisers Mr Ford asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to list those appointed as special advisers in his Department and to detail in each case the date appointment was offered, the date employment commenced, the gender of the appointee, whether the appointment was a result of open competition, and whether the appointee was a member of any political party on the date appointment was offered. (AQW 325/99) Mr McGimpsey: I can confirm that, to date, no special advisers have been appointed in the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. Department of Education Mr Kennedy asked the Minister of Education if he will confirm what title is used for his Department on correspondence and letter-headings. (AQW 279/99) The Minister of Education (Mr M McGuinness): The title used by my Department on correspondence and letter-headings is "Department of Education", in line with article 3, paragraphs (3) and (7), of the Departments (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 (SI 1999/283 (NI 1)). Donard Special School (Banbridge) Mr Watson asked the Minister of Education what plans he has to build a new school to replace the existing facilities of the Donard Special School in Banbridge. (AQW 294/99) Mr M McGuinness: The new school for Donard was included in the school building programme which I announced on 9 February. Subject to further planning of the project to bring it up to tender stage, it is hoped that work will be able to start later this year. Schools Ancillary Staff Mr Douglas asked the Minister of Education to advise what measures are being devised to end the short-term (10-month) contracts for secretarial staff and classroom assistants in our schools. (AQW 297/99) Mr M McGuinness: Review of the terms and conditions of service of secretarial staff and classroom assistants is a matter for their employing authorities and staff representatives. I understand that discussions are ongoing. School Pupils: Ms Ramsey asked the Minister of Education if he will report on the measures he has taken to ensure that all schools record and report all suspensions and expulsions of students. (AQW 373/99) Mr M McGuinness: The procedures to be followed by schools are set out in the Schools (Suspension and Expulsion of Pupils) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995. Under these regulations, school principals are required to give written notification of the suspension of a pupil, along with the reason and the duration, to the relevant education and library board and, in the case of a pupil suspended from a Catholic maintained school, to the local diocesan education office as well. A pupil may be expelled from a school only after a period of suspension. Before a pupil can be expelled, there must be pre-expulsion consultations with the parents and representatives of the education and library board. Therefore, in the case of a suspension or an expulsion, both the school and the education and library board will have a written record. In addition, absence from school on suspension will be recorded as such on the school attendance records. Enterprise, Trade and Investment Hydroelectric Schemes Mr J Wilson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how many hydroelectric plants are currently installed on Northern Ireland’s rivers. (AQW 287/99) The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): An estimated 25 hydroelectric schemes are currently installed on Northern Ireland’s rivers. Mr J Wilson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if there are any pending plans for future hydroelectric schemes on Northern Ireland’s rivers. (AQW 288/99) Sir Reg Empey: Three schemes contracted to Northern Ireland Electricity plc under the Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation (NFFO) Orders made in 1994 and 1996 have yet to be commissioned. The commissioning of additional hydroelectric schemes on Northern Ireland’s rivers is a matter for the private-sector and community-development bodies. Angling Mr Morrow asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what assessment he has made of the economic value to the tourist sector of anglers visiting Northern Ireland, and if he will make a statement. (AQW 303/99) Sir Reg Empey: Estimates from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board surveys carried out at points of entry to Northern Ireland indicate that in 1998 around 8,800 anglers visited Northern Ireland, contributing an estimated £1·25 million to the economy. An angling marketing group has been established to implement a strategic plan to market angling holidays both nationally and internationally. Redundancy Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how many people have been made redundant in Northern Ireland in both the public and the private sectors since he was appointed Minister. (AQW 309/99) Sir Reg Empey: Between December 1999 and January 2000 there were 1,021 redundancies confirmed to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment. Of these, 1,013 were in the private sector, and eight in the public sector. Special Advisers Mr Ford asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to list those appointed as special advisers in his Department, detailing in each case the date appointment was offered, the date employment commenced, the gender of the appointee, whether or not disabled, whether or not the appointment was a result of open competition, and whether the appointee was a member of any political party on the date appointment was offered. (AQW 327/99) Sir Reg Empey: No special advisers have been appointed in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment. River Pollution Mr Morrow asked the Minister of the Environment how many incidents of river pollution were reported in the past 12 months; what the source of these incidents was; in the cases where the offenders were detected, how many were brought to court; how many incidents of river pollution were the result of negligence of other Government Departments; what the number of fish killed in each reported incident was; and what compensation was made to various fishing clubs that control the stretches of rivers involved. (AQW 299/99) The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): During 1999 a total of 2,415 water-pollution incidents were reported to the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) and its agents. Of the total number of incidents reported, 1,510 were substantiated. The source from which the pollution arose in each case is detailed in the table below.
It is the policy of EHS to initiate prosecution proceedings where appropriate, taking into account the severity of the incident and the enforcement action considered necessary to prevent recurrence of the pollution. Final returns on prosecution action in relation to pollution incidents occurring during 1999 are not yet available. To date, however, 11 cases have been successfully prosecuted, and 29 have been referred to the DPP’s office and are at various stages in the legal process. A number of other cases are still under consideration. The number of incidents attributed to Government Departments was 249, of which the Water Service was notified about 246, the Roads Service two, and the Construction Service one. Twenty-eight of the incidents recorded by EHS during 1999 involved fish kills. Details of compensation paid to angling clubs are not held by my Department. Mr Morrow asked the Minister of the Environment if he can confirm that river pollution in recent years has been on the increase and to outline the steps he is taking to ensure that these do not recur. (AQW 300/99). Mr Foster: Since 1996 the number of substantiated pollution incidents reported to EHS has shown a steady year-on-year decrease, falling from 2,055 in 1996 to 1,510 in 1999. When a pollution report is made, EHS aims to:
EHS also pursues a policy of proactive pollution prevention. A number of approaches to this are being undertaken, including the following:
As part of its strategy for maximising the reporting of incidents, EHS introduced the water pollution hotline number — 0800 807060 — at the beginning of 1988. The response to date suggests that increased public awareness and the availability of a Freefone number are encouraging the public to report incidents more quickly. The number has been advertised in newspapers and angling magazines and at a number of high-profile events since its introduction. Wallet cards detailing the Freephone number have also been distributed widely. Mr Morrow asked the Minister of the Environment what proposals he has for further legislation to address the problems associated with river pollution. (AQW 301/99) Mr Foster: I propose later this year to bring into operation the provisions of part II of the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999. These will provide enabling powers for my Department to impose charges for the issue of discharge consents, to enforce the requirements of pollution-prevention notices before pollution can occur, to issue notices requiring persons to carry out anti-pollution work, and to extend current powers to make pollution-prevention regulations to include industry and agriculture. I intend that all the necessary regulations to give effect to these measures will be in place by the end of the year, subject to consultation with the Assembly’s Environment Committee and other interested parties. Mr Morrow asked the Minister of the Environment what assessment he has made of the efficacy of current legislation to control river pollution. (AQW 302/99) Mr Foster: Current legislation on the control of river pollution is the Water Act (Northern Ireland) 1972. This provides adequate powers for the control of discharges and non-consented discharges to surface waters and water in underground strata. The penalty under summary conviction can be up to a maximum of £20,000. In 1998, 90 cases were presented for prosecution, of which 84 received fines totalling £36,965. The water quality of rivers is also monitored regularly, and over the three-year period from 1996 to 1998, 82% of those chemically monitored were classed as being fairly good to very good. In 1998 this figure rose to 93·7%. However, I also proposed to introduce, later this year, the provisions of part II of the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, which will further strengthen the powers available to reduce or prevent water pollution. |