Thursday 31 August 2000
Written Answers to Questions (Continued)

Mr Bradley asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm that the drug Beta Interferon will continue to be made available on the National Health Service to multiple sclerosis patients in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 752/99)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): Beta Interferon is currently available here for patients with multiple sclerosis who, taking into account departmental guidance, have been assessed by a consultant neurologist as likely to benefit from the treatment.

The place of Beta Interferon in the range of interventions and services available for people with multiple sclerosis will be reviewed in the light of the recommendations which the National Institute for Clinical Excellence is expected to make this year.

Tá Beta Interferon ar fáil faoi láthair d’othair a bhfuil scléaróis iolrach orthu más rud é, ag féachaint do threoir na Roinne, go measann néareolaí comhairleach ina leith gur dócha go mbainfeadh siad tairbhe as mar chóireáil .

Déanfar athbhreithniú ar ionad Beta Interferon mar chuid den réimse cóireála agus seirbhísí atá ar fáil do dhaoine a bhfuil scléaróis iolrach orthu, agus na moltaí is dócha a dhéanfaidh an Institiúid Náisiúnta um Fheabhas Cliniciúil níos moille i mbliana san áireamh

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail any research carried out by the British Medical Association, the British Dental Association and the British Government on the effectiveness of artificial fluoridation in reducing the incidence of tooth decay.

(AQW 754/99)

Ms de Brún: The Department of Health (London) has commissioned the NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, at the University of York, to conduct a systematic review of the evidence on the safety and efficacy of fluoride in drinking water. It is expected to report in September. This is a major review of research. Further information is available from www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd/fluorid.

Questions regarding any research carried out by the British Medical Association or the British Dental Association should be referred directly to the organisation concerned.

D’ordaigh an Roinn Sláinte (Londain) athbhreithniú cuimsitheach ar an fhianaise atá leis an éifeacht agus sabháilteacht atá ag baint le fluairít sa ghnáthuisce ar an Ionad Athbhreithnithe agus Craobhscaoilte SSN, in Ollscoil Eabhraigh (York). Táthar ag dúil le tuairisc i Mí Mheán Fómhair. Is athbhreithniú an-mhór é seo ar an taighde agus is féidir tuilleadh eolais a fháil ó www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd/fluorid..

Moltar go gcuirtear ceist ar bith a bhaineann le taighde de chuid an British Medical Association nó an British Dental Association ar na heagraíochtaí sin.

Mr Berry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is the detection rate of prescription fraud for each of the 18 constituencies.

(AQW 757/99)

Ms de Brún: Current systems within the Central Services Agency would not readily identify this information, and to establish a dedicated system for the purpose would involve disproportionate cost to the service.

Níl sé ar chumas na gcóras reatha taobh istigh de Ghníomhaireacht na Lárseirbhísí an t-eolas seo a aimsiú go réidh agus bheadh sé róchostasach don tseirbhís córas chun na críche áirithe sin a bhunú.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action has been taken to reduce waiting times for occupational therapy in the Strangford constituency.

(AQW 761/99)

Ms de Brún: Health and social services boards and trusts are responsible for ensuring that occupational therapy provision is adequate to meet the assessed needs of their populations. A number of measures have been taken to reduce waiting times, and boards have indicated that additional resources will be allocated to occupational therapy services in the current year. Meanwhile, the Housing Executive and my Department are undertaking a review of the housing adaptations service. A preliminary report is expected in the autumn.

The Ulster Community and Hospitals Trust has introduced measures to reduce the number of inappropriate referrals for occupational therapy assessment and thereby reduce waiting times. These include a revised process for handling heating referrals to reduce the need for occupational therapy domiciliary visits; a streamlining of the arrangements for handling referrals for housing adaptation assessments enabling a greater number of referrals to be processed; and new arrangements for reducing waiting times for people requiring small items of equipment.

Tá Boird agus Iontaobhais Shláinte agus Leasa Shóisialaigh freagrach as ag cinntiú go bhfuil an teiripe saothair a sholáthraítear sásúil le riachtanais mheasúnaithe a ndaonraí a chomhlíonadh. Glacadh le moltaí le hamanna feithimh a laghdú agus tá sé curtha in iúl ag na Boird go ndáilfear achmhainní breise ar sheirbhís teiripe saothair sa bhliain seo. Idir an dá linn, tá an Feidhmeannas Tithíochta agus an Roinn s’agamsa ag glacadh orainn féin athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar an tseirbhís tithíochta oiriúnaithe. Táthar ag súil le réamhthuairisc san Fhómhar.

Tá Iontaobhas Phobal agus Ospidéil Uladh i ndiaidh dul i mbun beart le líon na ndaoine a chuirtear gan ghá le haghaidh measúnú i leith teiripe ceirde a laghdú ar an dóigh gur féidir na tréimhsí feithimh a laghdú fosta. Seo roinnt díobh: tá próiseas leasaithe ann chun déileáil leis na daoine a chuirtear le haghaidh cóireáil teasa sa dóigh nach gá an oiread sin cuairteanna a thabhairt ar dhaoine sa bhaile chun teiripe cheirde a thabhairt dóibh; tá feabhas curtha ar na socruithe a bhaineann le cásanna a láimhseáil ina bhfuil measúnú le déanamh ar iarratais chun tithe a oiriúnú; dá thairbhe is féidir líon níos mó cásanna den sórt sin a phróiseáil; agus tá socruithe nua ann a laghdóidh na tréimhsí is gá do dhaoine fanacht nuair atá míreanna beaga trealaimh uathu.

Ms McWilliams asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what progress has been made in the provision of the new-build maternity unit which underpinned the recent consultation on maternity services and which was referred to in her letter of 10 February to the Health, Social Services and Public Safety Committee.

(AQW 766/99)

Ms de Brún: The Royal Group of Hospitals (RGH) is currently working on a business case for the new maternity hospital. The trust hopes to submit the business case to my Department by the end of August. Officials from my Department will meet with RGH officials on 7 August to ensure that the case is being processed in a timely and effective manner.

Tá Grúpa na nOspidéal Ríoga (GOR) ag obair faoi láthair ar chás gnó don Ospidéal Máithreachais nua. Tá súil ag an Iontaobhas an cás gnó a chur isteach chuig an Roinn s’agam roimh dheireadh Mhí Lúnasa. Buailfidh feidhmeannaigh ón Roinn s’agam le feidhmeannaigh ó GOR ar an 7ú Lúnasa le cinntiú go bhfuil an cás ag dul chun cinn go tráthúil agus go héifeachtúil.

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she is aware of an increase in the number of attacks on paramedics in the course of their duties; if the RUC has been asked to investigate the upsurge of such attacks; and to make representations to make attacks on paramedics a specified criminal offence.

(AQW 767/99)

Ms de Brún: There has been a marked increase in the number of reported verbal and physical assaults on Ambulance Service staff in general since 1998. The Ambulance Service has revised its guidance to staff, in conjunction with trade unions, on handling violence towards employees. The Ambulance Service treats all incidents of violence seriously and encourages prosecution where appropriate. However, the decision to pursue prosecution rests with the individual employee. There are currently no plans to make attacks on Ambulance Service staff a specified offence.

Ó 1998, bhí méadú suntasach ar líon na n-ionsaithe béil agus fisiciúla ar fhoireann na Seirbhíse Otharcharr go ginearálta a tuairiscíodh. Leasaigh an tSeirbhís Otharcharr i gcomhoibriú leis na Ceardchumainn an chomhairle thugann sí dá cuid foirne maidir le láimhseáil foréigin ar a cuid fostaithe. Déileálann an tSeirbhís Otharcharr le gach tarlúint fhoréigneach i ndáiríre agus molann sí ionchúiseamh más ceart é. Tá an cinneadh faoin fhostaí indibhidiúil ionchúiseamh a dhéanamh áfach. Faoi láthair, níl sé i gceist coir faoi leith a dhéanamh d’ionsaithe ar fhoireann na Seirbhíse Otharcharr.

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if the decision to publish departmental documents in Irish has been raised at Executive Committee meetings, and if she intends to continue this policy.

(AQW 768/99)

Ms de Brún: It is my intention that the present policy will continue and the matter has not been raised at the Executive Committee.

Tá sé ar intinn agam leanúint leis an pholasaí atá ann faoi láthair agus níor tarraingíodh anuas an cheist seo ag an Choiste Feidhmeannais.

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm that the Committee established to co-ordinate an anti-drugs strategy will make direct co-operation with the RUC a priority in the campaign against drug-related crimes.

(AQW 769/99)

Ms de Brún: The structures agreed by the Executive Committee will ensure effective co-operation between all those with a role to play in tackling drug misuse. The new ministerial group, which I will chair, will ensure that drug misuse is given appropriate priority at Executive Committee level. It will include the Ministers with responsibility for education, social development, and further and higher education. Adam Ingram MP has also agreed to meet with the group on a regular basis. The Central Co-ordinating Group for Action Against Drugs, which includes senior representatives from a wide range of Departments and agencies, also continues to meet on a regular basis.

Déanfaidh na struchtúir aonaithe ag an Choiste Feidhmeanach cinnte de chomhoibriú cách a bhfuil ról acu le dul i ngleic le mí-úsáid drugaí. Déanfaidh an Grúpa de chuid Airí, ar a mbeidh mise i mo chathaoirleach, cinnte go dtabharfar tosaíocht chuí do mhí-úsáid drugaí ag leibhéal Coiste Fheidhmeannaigh. Beidh airí a bhfuil na cúraim a leanas acu, oideachas; forbairt shóisialta; agus breis agus ard oideachas san áireamh. D’aontaigh Adam Ingram BP go mbuailfeadh sé leis an ghrúpa ar bhonn rialta. Cruinníonn An Grúpa Comhordaithe Lárnach do Ghníomhach in Éadan Drugaí, ar a bhfuil ionadaithe sinsir ó réimse leathan Ranna agus gníomhaireachtaí, le chéile go rialta.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the amount paid in settlement of clinical negligence claims by each board and trust in each of the last 10 years; (ii) the amount of outstanding liability for each board and trust; (iii) the number of structured settlements in each board and trust; (iv) the sector in which most claims have been lodged.

(AQW 774/99)

Ms de Brún: The information on the amount paid in settlement of clinical negligence claims by each board and trust in each of the last 10 years is not readily available in the form requested and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

The amount of the outstanding liability for each board and trust is given in the attached Table 1. This information discloses the amounts for provisions and contingent liabilities in respect of clinical negligence as at 31 March 2000.

Table 1

The above figures have been extracted from the 1999-2000 annual accounts of HSS boards and trusts.

Two structured settlements have been entered into as at 31 March 2000. Both have occurred in the Western Health and Social Services Board area.

The speciality in which most claims have been lodged is obstetrics.

Níl an t-eolas ar an mhéid a íocadh ag gach Bord agus Iontaobhas le 10 mbliana anuas as socruithe ar éilimh fhaillí chliniciúla ar fáil faoi láthair sa leagan amach a iarradh agus ní rabhthas ábalta iad a fháil ach ar chostas díréireach.

Tá méid an fhiachais gan íoc do gach Bord agus Iontaobhas i Tábla 1 thíos. Tugann an t-eolas seo le fios na suimeanna d’ fhorálacha agus d’ fhiachais theagmhasacha maidir le faillí cliniciúil ag an 31ú Márta 2000.

Tábla 1

Glacadh na figiúirí thuasluaite ó chuntais bhliaintiúla 1999/2000 Bhoird agus Iontaobhais SSS.

Rinneadh dhá shocrú struchtútha faoin 31ú Márta 2000. Tharla an dá shocrú i gceantar an Bhoird Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta Thiar.

Ba i gCráimhseachas a cuireadh isteach bunús na n-éileamh.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the amount spent on the management of incontinence by each board in the last year; and if she will undertake to introduce across Northern Ireland the incontinence programme developed in the Eastern Health and Social Services Board area.

(AQW 775/99)

Ms de Brún: It is not possible to detail the amount spent by each health and social services board on the management of incontinence last year. Effective continence services comprise a broad range of hospital, family practitioner and community-health treatments and prescribing, combined with counselling and aftercare. A combined total of £3·0 million is spent each year, by all boards, on continence products.

I am aware of the Eastern Board’s excellent continence initiative to promote a positive profile of continence issues and improve the range of supports for individuals and carers of all ages in the community. There are also excellent examples of good practice by other boards and trusts.

It is for each health and social services board to commission continence services appropriate to the assessed needs of its resident population. In commissioning these services, boards are expected to have regard to the recommendations of the Department’s Central Nursing Advisory Committee 1995 report on the review of continence services. I would also expect boards to share their experience of best practice in developing continence services.

Ní féidir mionchuntas a thabhairt ar na suimeanna a chaith gach Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta ar bhainistíocht neamhchoinneálachta anuraidh. Tá seirbhísí coinneálachta éifeachtúla comhdhéanta de réimse leathan cóireálacha ospidéil, lia teaghlaigh agus sláinte pobail agus ordú chomh maith le comhairliú agus le hiarchúram. Caitheann na Boird uilig £3.0 milliún sa chomhiomlán gach bliain ar earraí don choinneálacht.

Is eol domh tionscnamh coinneálachta ar fheabhas an Bhoird Thoir le próifíl dhearfach cúrsaí coinneálachta a chur chun cinn leis an réimse tacaí do dhaoine aonair agus d’ fheighlithe de gach aois sa phobal a fheabhsú. Tá éiseamláirí ar fheabhas de chleachtadh maith ag Boird agus ag Iontaobhais eile ann.

Tá sé faoi gach Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta seirbhísí coinneálachta cuí do riachtanais mheasúnaithe a dhaonra cónaithe a choimisiúnú. I gcoimisiúnú na seirbhísí seo táthar ag súil leis na Boird moltaí Thuairisc Choiste Comhairle Bhanaltrachta Lárnaí na Roinne ar Athbhreithniú Seirbhísí Coinneálachta 1995 a ghlacadh san áireamh. Tá mé ag súil leis na Boird a dtaithí ar an chleachtadh is fearr i bhforbairt sheirbhísí coinneálachta a fhoilsiú.

Ms Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the numbers of patients on a waiting list for occupational therapy in the North and West Belfast Trust Board area and the Down Lisburn Trust Board Area.

(AQW 781/99)

Ms de Brún: There are currently 2,253 people waiting for occupational therapy in the North and West Belfast Trust area. At the end of May 1,036 people were waiting in the Down Lisburn Trust area.

Faoi láthair, tá 2,253 duine ag fanacht le teiripe saothair i gceantar Iontaobhas Bhéal Feirste Thuaidh agus Thiar. Ag deireadh mí na Bealtaine bhí 1,036 duine ag fanacht i gceantar Iontaobhas an Dúin/Lios na gCearrbhach.

Ms Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans exist to reduce waiting lists for occupational therapy assessment.

(AQW 782/99)

Ms de Brún: Health and social services boards and trusts are responsible for ensuring that occupational therapy provision is adequate to meet the assessed needs of their populations. A number of measures have been taken to reduce waiting times, and boards have indicated that additional resources will be allocated to occupational therapy services in the current year. Meanwhile, the Housing Executive and my Department are undertaking a review of the housing adaptations service. A preliminary report is expected in the autumn.

Tá Boird agus Iontaobhais Shláinte agus Leasa Shóisialaigh freagrach as ag cinntiú go bhfuil an teiripe saothair a sholáthraítear sásúil le riachtanais mheasúnaithe a ndaonraí a chomhlíonadh. Glacadh le moltaí le hamanna feithimh a laghdú agus tá sé curtha in iúl ag na Boird go ndáilfear achmhainní breise ar sheirbhís teiripe saothair sa bhliain seo. Idir an dá linn, tá an Feidhmeannas Tithíochta agus an Roinn s’agamsa ag glacadh orainn féin athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar an tseirbhís tithíochta oiriúnaithe. Táthar ag súil le réamhthuairisc san Fhómhar.

Ms Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how much money has been allocated to implement the recommendations of the Department of Health and Social Services report on residential care, ‘Children Matter’, and how much it would take to implement its recommendations in full.

(AQW 783/99)

Ms de Brún: In 2000-01 a total of £8·5 million is being made available to health and social services boards for children’s services, including implementing ‘Children Matter’.

With regard to the costs of fully implementing ‘Children Matter’, the best estimate that can be given at this stage is that capital costs would be in the region of £20 million, with ongoing revenue costs of about £9 million. These costs would be spread over a number of years. It should be noted that these are estimates and that actual costs will depend on options decided upon as the programme of developing children’s residential care is carried forward.

Sa tréimhse 2000/01 tá £8.5 milliún san iomlán á chur ar fáil do na Boird Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta i leith seirbhísí do leanaí, agus cur i bhfeidhm "Children Matter" san áireamh.

Maidir leis na costais chun "Children Matter" a chur i bhfeidhm go iomlán, de réir an mheastacháin is fearr is féidir a thabhairt ag an phointe seo bheadh tuairim agus £20 milliún i gceist mar chostas caipitiúil agus thart faoi £9 milliún mar chostas reatha ioncaim. Bheadh na costais seo spréite thar roinnt blianta. Ba cheart a thabhairt faoi deara nach bhfuil iontu seo ach meastacháin agus go mbeidh na costais fein ag brath ar na roghanna a ghlacfar de réir mar a chuirfear an clár i bhfeidhm a bhaineann le forbairt a dhéanamh ar chúram cónaithe do leanaí.

Ms Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail for each Health Trust the numbers of children in (i) residential care (ii) foster care.

(AQW 784/99)

Ms de Brún: At 31 March 2000 — the latest date for which such figures are available — the numbers of children in each trust area in residential care and in foster care are as shown in the following table:

Sa tábla thíos seo a leanas léirítear líon na bpáistí i ngach Iontaobhas atá faoi chúram cónaithe agus altrama ag an 31 Márta 2000, an dáta is déanaí atá figiúirí mar seo ar fáil:

Ms Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety when the Children Order 1995 will be fully implemented.

(AQW 785/99)

Ms de Brún: All of the substantive provisions of the Children Order 1995 are in force. The Order deals with a very wide range of issues regarding the welfare of children, including the provision of social services and wider court-related matters. With regard to the social services aspects of the Order, it has always been accepted that the legislation provides a broad framework and that implementation is a continuous process.

The term "implementation of the Children Order" is widely used with regard to the funds for the four health and social services boards to enable them to meet the additional demands of the Children Order within the child care system. In the current financial year a further £8·5 million is being made available to the boards for children’s services, which will include continuing to implement the Children Order in key areas such as residential and foster care.

Tá forálacha substaintiúla uile an Oird Páistí 1995 curtha i bhfeidhm anois. Déileálann an tOrd le réimse leathan ceisteanna maidir le leas páistí mar aon le soláthar seirbhísí sóisialta agus cúrsaí cúirte coitianta. Maidir le seirbhísí sóisialta an Oird, glactar i gcónaí go soláthraíonn an reachtaíocht creatphlean leathan agus gur próiseas leanúnach atá ann.

Úsáidtear an téarma "cur i bhfeidhm an Oird Páistí" go forleathan i dtaca le maoinithe do na ceithre Bhord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta chun cuidiú leo éilimh bhreise an Oird Páistí a chomhlíonadh sa chóras cúraim páistí. Sa bhliain airgeadais seo tá £8.5 milliún breise á chur ar fáil do na Boird do sheirbhísí páistí ina leanfar ar aghaidh le cur i bhfeidhm an Oird Páistí i limistéir thábhachtacha cósúil le cúram cónaitheach agus altrama.

Mr Ford asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans exist to review the working of the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 and the functions of the Mental Health Tribunal and the Mental Health Commission.

(AQW 786/99)

Ms de Brún: A review of the Mental Health Commission is to be undertaken this year. While there are no immediate plans to review the Mental Health (NI) Order 1986 or the Mental Health Review Tribunal, my Department is monitoring closely developments on proposals for changes to the mental health legislation in England, Scotland and Wales, which will better inform a future review of the Order.

Beimid ag glacadh orainn féin athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar an Choimisiún Sláinte Meabhrach an bhliain seo. Cé nach bhfuil sé ar intinn agam athbhreithniú láithreach a dhéanamh ar an Ord Sláinte Meabhrach (TÉ) nó ar an Bhinse Athbhreithnithe Sláinte Meabhrach, tá an Roinn s’agam ag coinneáil súile géire ar an chor nua sna moltaí d’athruithe ar reachtaíocht na sláinte meabhrach i Sasana, in Albain, agus sa Bhreatain Bheag a chuirfidh ar an eolas muid agus athbhreithniú eile ar an Ord á dhéanamh againn sa todhchaí.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is the level of radon gas in each of the 18 constituencies, and if any deaths attributable to this gas have been recorded.

(AQW 787/99)

Ms de Brún: In May 1999 the Environment and Heritage Service of the Department of the Environment published a report showing the risk from radon gas in private dwellings here. The report, based on some 16,000 measurements in private dwellings, shows the level of risk in each 5 km square in the Province. Information is also provided by postcode and by district council area, but is not available by constituency boundary.

It is not possible to identify precise numbers of deaths attributable specifically and solely to radon gas. In the report of the Cancer Registry 1993-95 it is stated that over 90% of all lung cancers are caused by tobacco smoking but that exposure to radon must also be considered a risk factor.

The report on radon in dwellings includes an estimated value for the number of deaths caused by exposure to radon in dwellings, calculated by the National Radiological Protection Board. This figure is 60 deaths per year — about 7% of the total lung cancer deaths here annually.

Foilsíodh tuairisc ag Seirbhísí Timpeallachta agus Oidhreachta de chuid Roinn na Timpeallachta i Mí na Bealtaine 1999 a léirigh baol an Radóin i gcónaithe príobháideacha sa Tuaisceart. Rinneadh tomhais ar 16,000 cónaí príobháideach agus léirítear leibhéil an bhaoil in achan 5km cearnach sna Sé Chondae. Tugtar an t-eolas de réir Cheantair Chomhairle agus chód poist ach níl sé ar fáil de réir na dteorainneacha dáilcheantar.

Ní féidir a rá go cruinn cá mhéad bás a thug an Radón féin. De réir Chlárlann na hAilse 1993-95 is é an caitheamh tobac ba chúis le 90% d’ailse na scamhán ach go gcaithfear tionchar an Radóin bheith san áireamh againn nuair a thráchtar ar ábhair bhaoil.

Mar chuid den tuairisc ar Radón in Áiteanna Cónaithe tugtar meastachán ar an bhás a thugann tionchar an Radóin i gcónaithe príobháideacha a áiríodh ag an National Radiological Protection Board. Deirtear gur 60 bás in aghaidh na bliana atá ann – thart faoi 7% d’iomlán na mbás a thugann ailse na scamhán anseo gach bliain.

Ms Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, in view of the additional 110 residential care places recommended in the DHSS report ‘Children Matter’, to detail (i) the total number of places now required; (ii) how many are required in each trust area; (iii) how much funding has been allocated in each trust area.

(AQW 790/99)

Ms de Brún: In ‘Implementing "Children Matter"’— a joint plan drawn up by the four health and social services boards — the estimated total number of required residential child care places was 453. This includes differentiated and specialised provision and facilities which may be run by voluntary or private bodies. The joint plan was drawn up at board level, and it is not possible to break the figure down into requirements for each trust area. Revenue funds are not allocated by the Department to trusts, which earn all their income through contracts with commissioners of care, including health and social services boards. Capital funds for new homes are allocated as and when business cases for the investment are cleared.

Sa chomhphlean "Ag Cur Tábhacht Páistí i bhFeidhm", a dréachtaíodh ag na ceithre Bhord Sláinte agus Leasa Shóisialaigh, measadh gurbh é 453 an líon iomlán d’áiteanna cónaitheacha do pháistí faoi chúram a bhí a dhíth. Cuireann sé seo soláthar áiseanna idirdhealaithe agus sainiúla san áireamh maille le háiseanna a d’fhéadfadh a bheith á reachtáil ag comhlachtaí deonacha nó príobháideacha. Dréachtaíodh an comhphlean seo ag leibhéal Boird agus ní féidir an figiúr seo a bhriseadh síos ina riachtanais do gach cheantar Iontaobhais faoi leith. Ní dháileann an Roinn cistí ioncaim ar Iontaobhais a shaothraíonn a gcuid ioncaim trí chonarthaí le coimisinéirí cúraim, na Boird Shláinte agus Leasa Shóisialaigh san áireamh. Dáiltear maoiniú caipitil do thithe nua a luaithe is a ghlactar leis na cásanna gnó don infheistíocht.

Ms Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many secure accommodation beds there are in each board area.

(AQW 791/99)

Ms de Brún: Secure accommodation for children who are looked after by HSS trusts is provided in one regional facility. This is located at the Lakewood Centre in Bangor and provides eight secure places for young people. The four health and social services boards each contract with Lakewood for a share of the places. Under these arrangements, the Eastern Board has three places, the Western Board two, the Northern Board two, and the Southern Board one. The Department has provided the capital resources for the provision of a second secure unit at the Lakewood site. Boards have agreed to purchase up to eight places in the new secure unit which is due to come into operation in the next few months.

Tá an chóiríocht dhaingean do leanaí atá faoi chúram na nIontaobhas SSS á chur ar fáil in aon áit réigiúnach amháin. Tá sí suite in Ionad Lakewood i mBeannchar agus tá cóiríocht dhaingean ar fáil d’ochtar daoine óga ann. Déanann gach ceann de na ceithre Bhord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta conradh le Lakewood le sciar den chóiríocht don ochtar a fháil. Faoi na socruithe seo tá trí áit chóiríochta ag Bord an Oirthir, dhá áit ag Bord an Iarthair, dhá áit ag Bord an Tuaiscirt agus áit amháin ag Bord an Deiscirt. Tá an Roinn i ndiaidh acmhainní caipitiúla a chur ar fáil chun an dara haonad daingean a sholáthar ag Lakewood. Tá na Boird i ndiaidh aontú go gceannóidh siad suas le 8 n-áit chóiríochta san aonad daingean nua seo a bheas in úsáid i gceann cúpla mí.

Ms Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many children are currently waiting for secure accommodation places in each board area.

(AQW 792/99)

Ms de Brún: The number of children waiting for a secure accommodation place in each health and social services board area will vary from time to time. At 14 July, there were approximately 15 children for whom secure accommodation would be the preferred placement option — seven in the Eastern Board area; four in the Northern Board area; two in the Western Board area; and two in the Southern Board area.

Athróidh líon na bpáistí a bheas ag fanacht ar áiteanna cóiríochta daingne i ngach Bord Sláinte agus Leasa Shóisialaigh ó am go ham. Ag an 14 Iúil, bhí thart fá 15 pháiste ann arbh í cóiríocht daingean an rogha áite ab’fhearr dóibh lena chur ann; 7 sa Bhord Oirthearach, 4 sa Bhord Tuaisceartach, 2 sa Bhord Iartharach agus 2 sa Bhord Deisceartach.

Ms Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many children are currently in care in each board area.

(AQW 793/99)

Ms de Brún: At 31 March 2000 — the latest date for which such figures are available — the numbers of children in care, according to type of care, in each board area are as shown in the following table:

Ag an 31ú Márta 2000, an dáta is déanaí lena bhfuil figiúirí mar seo ar fáil, léirítear sa tábla seo thíos líon na bpáistí atá faoi chúram, de réir an tsóirt chúraim, i ngach ceantar Boird.

Ms Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many children are waiting for residential care beds in each board area.

(AQW 794/99)

Ms de Brún: At 12 May 2000 — the latest date for which such figures are available — the numbers of children awaiting placement in residential children’s homes in each health and social services board area are shown in the following table:

Ag an 12ú Bealtaine 2000, an dáta is déanaí lena bhfuil figiúirí mar seo ar fáil, léirítear sa tábla seo a leanas líon na bpáistí atá ag fanacht ar chóiríocht i dtithe cónaitheacha do pháistí i ngach cheantar Bhord Sláinte agus Leasa Shóisialaigh faoi leith.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) how many sunbeds are in use in Northern Ireland; (ii) the current regulations governing their use; (iii) whether evidence exists to link an increase in skin cancer in Northern Ireland with their widespread use.

(AQW 800/99)

Ms de Brún: Owing to the fragmented nature of the industry, the large number of small operators and the fact that individuals have them in their own homes, it is not possible to detail how many sunbeds are in use here.

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has advised that there are no regulations specific to sunbeds. However, anyone who operates a sunbed on a commercial basis here must do so in accordance with the general duty of care imposed by the Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978.

There is no evidence available which directly links an increase in skin cancer with the use of sunbeds. However, in 1997 the Department issued a strategy for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of malignant melanoma and other skin cancers here. The strategy recommended that district councils should work for the eventual elimination of artificial tanning equipment and, in the meantime, perform a monitoring role to ensure that operators have appropriate training.

Ó tharla gur tionscnamh é atá scaipthe go maith ina chodanna agus go bhfuil oiread áirithe gnó beag ann agus go bhfuil oiread leapacha gréine sa bhaile ag daoine, ní féidir a rá go beacht cá mhéad acu atá in úsáid ag daoine.

Tá tugtha le fios ag an Aire Fiontair, Trádála agus Infheistíochta, nach ann do rialacha ar leith do na leapacha gréine. Ina dhiaidh sin, más ag úsáid leapa gréine ina ghnó atá duine caithfear a dhéanamh de réir na ndualgas cúraim atá san Acht Sláinte agus Sabháilteachta (TÉ) 1978.

Níl fianaise ar bith ann a thaispeánann cónasc díreach idir méadú ailse craicinn agus úsáid leapa gréine. I 1997 ámh, d’eisigh an Roinn Straitéis um Chosc, Dhiagnóis agus Chóireáil Mheileanóma Urchóidigh chomh maith le hailsí craicinn eile. Mhol an straitéis gur chóir do na comhairlí dúiche obair chun deireadh a chur le trealamh saorga grianga agus idir an dá linn ról monatóireachta a chur i bhfeidhm le cinntiú go mbíonn an traenáil chuí ag úsáideoirí.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if an assessment has been undertaken of the feasibility of an air ambulance service.

(AQW 807/99)

Ms de Brún: The issue of an air ambulance service is addressed in the report of the strategic review of the Ambulance Service. I also understand that Ards Borough Council, along with other parties, is taking steps to establish a charitable trust to fund the provision of an air ambulance service. Consultation on the strategic review report ended on 30 June, and I will wish to carefully consider the responses made before taking any decisions on how ambulance services can be improved.

Tá ceist na seirbhíse aer-otharcharranna á plé i dTuarascáil ar Athbhreithniú Straitéiseach na Seirbhíse Otharcharranna. Tuigim fosta go bhfuil Comhairle Bhuirg na hArda i mbun oibre i gcomhar le dreamanna eile chun iontaobhas carthanais a bhunú le seirbhís aer-otharcharranna a mhaoiniú. Bhí deireadh leis an phróiseas comhairliúcháin faoin Tuarascáil ar an Athbhreithniú Straitéiseach ar an 30 Meitheamh agus beidh mé ag scrúdú na bhfreagraí a fuarthas sula ndéanfaidh mé cinneadh ar bith faoin dóigh ab fhearr leis na seirbhísí otharcharranna a fheabhsú.

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what policy she intends to pursue in relation to alternative medicines, particularly homeopathy, herbal medicine and Chinese medicine.

(AQW 810/99)

Ms de Brún: The Science and Technology Committee of the House of Lords has established a subcommittee to produce by autumn 2000 a report on complementary and alternative medicine in the NHS. This report will help inform the wider debate on the use of complementary therapies, and I shall consider the applicability of any recommendations for the health and personal social services.

At present, alternative medicine, including homeopathy, may be provided under the Health Service if doctors consider this to be the most appropriate form of treatment in an individual case.

Tá Coiste Eolaíochta agus Teicneolaíochta Theach na dTiarnaí i ndiaidh fochoiste a bhúnú chun tuarascáil a ullmhú faoi fhómhar 2000 ar an leigheas comhlánach agus ar an leigheas malartach sa SNS. Beidh an tuarascáil seo ina cuidiú chun eolas a chur ar fáil le linn na díospóireachta gínearálta faoi úsáid teiripí comhlánacha agus déanfaidh mé breithniú ar aon mholadh do na Seirbhísí Sláinte agus Sóisialta Pearsanta le fáil amach an mbeidh siad infheidhmithe.

Faoi láthair féadfar leigheas malartach, agus hoiméapaite san áireamh, a chur ar fáil mar chuid den tseirbhís sláinte má tá dochtúirí den bharúil gurb é sin an chóireáil is oiriúnaí i ngach cás aonair.

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm whether she has met with the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association regarding concerns about the lengthy waiting list for cardiac surgery and, if not, to indicate when a meeting will take place.

(AQW 811/99)

Ms de Brún: I intend to meet representatives of the organisation in the very near future. I will welcome the opportunity to hear the organisation’s views on how waiting times for cardiac surgery can be reduced.

Tá sé de rún agam bualadh le hionadaithe na heagraíochta ar ball. Cuirfidh mé fáilte roimh an deis dearcadh na heagraíochta a chluinstin faoin dóigh ar féidir uaireanta feithimh do mháinliacht chroí a laghdú.

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will initiate a survey of health service users in order to ascertain their views on priorities for the delivery of health services.

(AQW 812/99)

Ms de Brún: I will be seeking the views of a wide range of health and social services users and staff in determining the way forward for the HPSS. I am currently considering options as to the most effective means of consulting service users. In doing so, I want to ensure broad community participation in shaping our services.

Rachaidh mé i gcomhairle le réimse leathan de lucht úsáidte seirbhísí sláinte agus sóisialta agus leis na baill foirne le linn domh teacht ar chinneadh faoin dóigh a rachaidh na SSSP chun tosaigh. Faoi láthair tá mé ag cuimhneamh ar na roghanna maidir leis an dóigh is éifeachtaí le dul i gcomhairle le lucht úsáidte na seirbhísí. Agus mé ina cheann, ba mhaith liom a chinntiú go mbeidh réimse leathan den phobal rannpháirteach linn agus muid ag forbairt na seirbhísí.

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps will be taken to ensure that the Southern Health and Social Services Board complies with equality obligations set out in section 75 of and schedule 9 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998, especially with regard to consultation periods, and if she will make a statement.

(AQW 813/99)

Ms de Brún: The Southern Health and Social Services Board, like other public authorities, is obliged to comply with the Equality Commission’s guidelines, which set out consultation requirements.

The board has set out how it will consult in its equality scheme submitted to the Equality Commission, and it will be required to report annually to the commission on the actions taken.

Amhail údaráis phoiblí eile tá iallach ar Bhord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Deiscirt cloí le treoirlínte an Choimisiúin Comhionannais a leagann amach riachtanais chomhairleacha.

Leagtha an Bhord amach an dóigh a rachfaidh sé i mbun comhairle ina Scéim Chomhionannais atá curtha isteach chuig an Choimisiún Comhionannais agus beidh gá air tuairisciú don Choimisiún ar na bearta a rinneadh.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many cardiac patients died while waiting for surgery in the year 1999-2000.

(AQW 814/99)

Ms de Brún: The information requested is not readily available.

Níl an t-eolas a iarradh ar fáil gan stró.

Ms Lewsley asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if plans exist to introduce a screening programme for neonatal deafness, and, if so, when such a programme will be implemented.

(AQW 816/99)

Ms de Brún: The National Screening Committee recently recommended the introduction of a programme for universal neonatal hearing screening. A pilot programme is currently being developed in order to establish the most effective way of putting this recommendation into practice. The results from the pilots, which will run for at least a year, starting this winter, will determine the roll-out of the next stages of the programme.

Mhol an Coiste Náisiúnta Scagtha ar na mallaibh tús a chur le clár scagadh éisteachta nua-naíoch uilíoch. Tá clár píolóta á fhorbairt faoi láthair chun an bealach is éifeachtaí leis an mholadh seo a chur i bhfeidhm a fháil amach. Socróidh toradh na gcláranna píolóta, a bheidh ar siúl go gceann bliana ar a laghad ón gheimhreadh seo, leagan amach céimeanna eile an chláir.

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how she proposes to reduce the waiting lists for inpatients and outpatients.

(AQW 822/99)

Ms de Brún: I issued a framework for action on waiting lists earlier this month. It set out a comprehensive programme of action for the health and social services. Boards and trusts have been asked to bring forward action plans to tackle waiting lists in their areas. To support the implementation of these plans, additional resources of £5 million have been allocated.

D’fhoilsigh mé plean do thabhairt faoi liostaí feithimh níos luaithe sa mhí seo. Leag sé amach clár cuimsitheach gníomhartha do na Seirbhísí Sláinte agus Sóisialta. Iarradh ar Bhoird agus ar Iontaobhais pleananna gníomhartha le dul i ngleic leis na liostaí feithimh ina gceantair féin a thabhairt chun tosaigh. Le thacú le cur i gcrích na bpleananna seo, dáileadh £5 mhilliún d’acmhainní breise orthu.

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will consider utilising bed spaces in South Tyrone in a bid to reduce the pressure on bed spaces in Craigavon Area Hospital.

(AQW 823/99)

Ms de Brún: On 10 July I announced that I had accepted the Southern Board’s decision to temporarily transfer acute in-patient medical services and related services from South Tyrone Hospital to Craigavon Area Hospital. An additional 92 beds will be provided at Craigavon Area Hospital. This includes provision for the services to be transferred and a small additional increase to cope with winter pressures and waiting lists at Craigavon Area Hospital.

I have made it clear that I want to see the remaining services at South Tyrone stabilised and enhanced. I have asked for early progress on the rebalancing of elective day surgery from Craigavon Area Hospital to South Tyrone Hospital, followed by the further development of other clinical services at South Tyrone Hospital.

Ar 10 Iúil d’fhogair mé gur ghlac mé le cinneadh an Bhoird Theas le haistriú sealadach géarsheirbhísí liachta na n-othar seachtrach agus seirbhísí bainteach leo ó Otharlann Thír Eoghain go dtí Otharlann Cheantar Chraigavon. Chomh maith leis seo soláthrófar 92 leaba bhreise ag Otharlann Cheantar Chraigavon. Clúdaíonn seo foráil leis na seirbhísí a aistriú, agus méadú beag le cuidiú le brú an gheimhridh agus liostaí feithimh ag Otharlann Cheantar Chraigavon.

Ta sé ráite go sóiléir agam gur mhaith liom cur leis na seirbhísí i dTír Eoghain Theas agus iad sin atá ann faoi láthair a bhuanú. D’iarr mé tús luath leis an dul chun cinn le hathchothromú leathanta roghnacha le máinliacht lae ó Otharlann Cheantar Chraigavon go dtí Otharlann Thír Eoghain Theas, agus go leanfar le forbairt bhreise ar sheirbhísí cliniciúla ag Otharlann Thír Eoghain Theas.

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what she intends to do to reinstate the services temporarily transferred from South Tyrone Hospital to Craigavon Area Hospital, and if she will make a statement.

(AQW 824/99)

Ms de Brún: On 10 July I announced that I had accepted the Southern Board’s decision to temporarily transfer acute in-patient medical services and related services from South Tyrone Hospital to Craigavon Area Hospital.

This will be re-examined in the light of strategic decisions on the long-term future of South Tyrone Hospital. Meanwhile, I have taken steps to ensure that the remaining services at South Tyrone Hospital are stabilised and to begin a process of bringing new and sustainable services to the hospital site.

Ar 10 Iúil d’fhogair mé gur ghlac mé le cinneadh an Bhoird Theas le haistriú sealadach géarsheirbhísí liachta na n-othar seachtrach agus seirbhísí bainteach leo ó Otharlann Thír Eoghain go dtí Otharlann Cheantar Chraigavon.

Déanfar athscrúdú air seo ag glacadh san áireamh cinnidh straitéiseacha a rinneadh ar thodhchaí fadtréimhseach d’Otharlann Thír Eoghain Theas. Idir an dá linn, tá gníomhartha déanta agam le cinntiú go ndéantar buan na seirbhísí atá fágtha ag Otharlann Thír Eoghain Theas, agus go gcuirfear tús le próiseas a thabharfaidh seirbhísí nua inbhuanaithe go suíomh na hotharlainne.

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will outline and list what up-to-date statistics are available with regard to the incidence of HIV/AIDS in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 825/99)

Ms de Brún: The latest available information on HIV and AIDS by exposure category relates to the period ending 31 March 2000 and is set out in the tables below. The figures exclude those first diagnosed elsewhere but who may now reside here and attend specialist clinics.

Total HIV cases by exposure category to 31 March 2000

Total AIDS cases by exposure category to 31 March 2000

Source: Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre

Baineann an t-eolas is déanaí ata ar fáil ar VED agus ar SEIF de réir catagóra tolgtha leis an tréimhse a chríochnaíonn ar an 31ú Márta 2000 agus é arna leagan amach sna táblaí thíos. Ní chuireann na figiúirí sa áireamh iad siúd a fáthmheasadh in áit eile, a chónaíonn anseo anois agus a fhreastalaíonn ar shainchlinicí.

Iomlán na gcásanna VED de réir catagóra tolgtha go dtí 31ú Márta 2000

Iomlán na gcásanna SEIF de réir catagóra tolgtha go dtí 31ú Márta 2000

Foinse: Ionad Faire um Ghalair Thógálacha

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will provide up-to-date statistics on abortion rates in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 826/99)

Ms de Brún: I can confirm that for the financial year 1998-99 — the latest complete year for which data is available — a total of 1,602 abortions (spontaneous, medical and other/unspecified) were recorded in hospitals here. This equates to 63.2 recorded abortions per 1,000 live births, still births and recorded abortions.

The latest figures available for the year 1999-2000 show that 1,416 abortions (spontaneous, medical and other/unspecified) were recorded in hospitals here. This figure is provisional and is likely to be an underestimate of the total for the year. It will probably rise as coding is completed in advance of the file being closed in September/October 2000.

Is féidir liom cinntiú don bhliain airgeadais 1998/99, an bhliain is moille ar a bhfuil eolas ar fáil, go raibh 1,602 ginmhilleadh san iomlán (spontáineach, liachta agus eile/neamhshonraithe) taifeadta in ospidéil anseo. Is ionann seo agus 63.2 ginmhilleadh taifeadta an 1,000 breith bheo, breith mharbh agus ginmhillteadh taifeadta.

Taispeánann na figiúir is déanaí don bhliain 1999/2000 go raibh 1,416 ginmhilleadh (spontáineach, liachta agus eile/neamhshonraithe) taifeadta in ospidéil anseo. Is figiúr sealadach seo agus is dócha gur measúnú róghearr é ar uimhir iomlán na bliana agus go méadóidh sé de réir mar a chríochnaíonn códú sula ndruidfear an comhad i Meán Fómhair/Deireadh Fómhair 2000.

Mr M Murphy asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if there is guidance available to general practitioners on referring patients to whichever hospital is most convenient.

(AQW 832/99)

Ms de Brún: The referral of a patient to hospital by a general practitioner is influenced by a number of factors, including the patient’s circumstances and condition, as well as the availability and accessibility of services and whether the patient has any preference for a particular hospital, if there is a choice. GPs discuss these issues with patients before making referrals and make use of a number of sources of information, including information on waiting times issued by individual hospitals.

Téann roinnt fachtóirí i bhfeidhm ar sheoladh othair chuig ospidéal ag Lia Ginearálta (LG), ina measc, cúrsaí agus tosca an othair aonair, chomh maith le hinfhaighteacht agus so-aimsiú seirbhísí mar aon le rogha an othair indibhidiúil d’ospidéal ar leith, má tá rogha ann. Pléann LGanna na ceisteanna seo le hothair roimh sheoltaí agus baineann siad úsáid as roinnt foinsí eolais, eolas ar amanna feithimh foilsithe ag ospidéil indibhidiúla san áireamh.

Mr M Murphy asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if there is an intergovernmental agreement in place by which hospitals in Newry and Mourne and North Louth are accredited as places for treatment to encourage residents to access their most convenient hospital.

(AQW 833/99)

Ms de Brún: Under the Co-operating and Working Together (CAWT) initiative, hospitals north and south of the border already co-operate closely on the provision of some services. Current practical examples of this include formal co-operation between the Ambulance Services north and south of the border and arrangements by which a number of residents in the North Eastern Health Board area with end-stage renal failure have regular renal dialysis at Daisy Hill Hospital. I can confirm also that Daisy Hill is approved by voluntary health insurance for treating patients from the South of Ireland.

The North/South Ministerial Council established under the Good Friday Agreement has already met on a number of occasions to explore the capacity for cross-border working. The possibility of more structured arrangements being developed to support existing good practice on the ground is being explored.

Faoi scáth an tionscnaimh CAOC (Comhoibriú agus ag Obair le Chéile), atá ospidéil ó thuaidh agus ó dheas ag comhoibriú go dlúth cheana féin ar sholáthar roinnt seirbhísí. I measc na samplaí praiticiúla láithreacha de seo tá comhoibriú foirmiúil idir seirbhísí otharcharr thuaidh agus theas, agus socruithe inar féidir le cónaitheoirí le cliseadh duánach rialta i gceantar Bhord Sláinte an Oirthuaiscirt scagdhealú duánach rialta a bheith acu in Ospidéal Daisy Hill. Tig liom a dhearbhú fosta go bhfuil Ospidéal Daisy Hill ceadaithe ag Árachas Sláinte Deonach othair ón Deisceart a chóireáil.

Bhuail an Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas a bunaíodh faoi Chomhaontú Aoine an Chéasta le chéile roinnt uaireanta cheana féin leis na hacmhainní do chomhobair thrasteorann a scrúdú. Tá an fhéidearthacht d’fhorbairt socruithe níos struchtúrtha le tacú le cleachtadh maith ag an bhunleibhéal á scrúdú.

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps will be taken to reduce hospital waiting lists to at least the United Kingdom national average, and if she will make a statement.

(AQW 834/99)

Ms de Brún: Our waiting lists are a matter of serious concern to me. I issued a framework for action on waiting lists this month. It set out a comprehensive programme of action for the health and social services. Boards and trusts have been asked to bring forward action plans to tackle waiting lists in their areas. To support the implementation of these plans, additional resources of £5 million have been allocated.

I am also now studying ‘The NHS Plan’,which was launched in England on 27 July and which includes proposals to reduce waiting times for inpatient and outpatient treatment. I want to establish the extent to which those proposals are applicable to the waiting list problem in the HPSS.

Is ábhar mór imní domhsa iad ár liostaí feithimh. D’fhoilsigh mé plean do thabhairt faoi liostaí feithimh níos luaithe sa mhí seo. Leag sé amach clár cuimsitheach gníomhartha do na Seirbhísí Sláinte agus Sóisialta. Iarradh ar Bhoird agus ar Iontaobhais pleananna gníomhartha le dul i ngleic leis na liostaí feithimh ina gceantair féin a thabhairt chun tosaigh. Le cur i gcrích na bpleananna seo a thacú, dáileadh £5 mhilliún d’acmhainní breise orthu.

Tá mé ag scrúdú anois The NHS Plan a lainseáladh i Sasana ar an 27ú Iúil agus a chuimsíonn moltaí le hamanna feithimh do chóireáil othar cónaitheach agus othar seachtrach a ísliú. Ba mhian liom fáil amach a mhéad agus is féidir na moltaí sin a chur i bhfeidhm ar fhadhb an liosta fheithimh sa SSSP.

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety why the number of patients on hospital waiting lists increased by some 2,500 to 47,000 in the three-month period from January to March 2000.

(AQW 835/99)

Ms de Brún: Under the Co-operating and Working Together (CAWT) initiative, hospitals north and south of the border already co-operate closely on the provision of some services. Current practical examples of this include formal co-operation between the Ambulance Services north and south of the border and arrangements by which a number of residents in the North Eastern Health Board area with end-stage renal failure have regular renal dialysis at Daisy Hill Hospital. I can confirm also that Daisy Hill is approved by voluntary health insurance for treating patients from the South of Ireland.

The North/South Ministerial Council established under the Good Friday Agreement has already met on a number of occasions to explore the capacity for cross-border working. The possibility of more structured arrangements being developed to support existing good practice on the ground is being explored.

Faoi scáth an tionscnaimh CAOC (Comhoibriú agus ag Obair le Chéile), atá ospidéil ó thuaidh agus ó dheas ag comhoibriú go dlúth cheana féin ar sholáthar roinnt seirbhísí. I measc na samplaí praiticiúla láithreacha de seo tá comhoibriú foirmiúil idir seirbhísí otharcharr thuaidh agus theas, agus socruithe inar féidir le cónaitheoirí le cliseadh duánach rialta i gceantar Bhord Sláinte an Oirthuaiscirt scagdhealú duánach rialta a bheith acu in Ospidéal Daisy Hill. Tig liom a dhearbhú fosta go bhfuil Ospidéal Daisy Hill ceadaithe ag Árachas Sláinte Deonach othair ón Deisceart a chóireáil.

Bhuail an Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas a bunaíodh faoi Chomhaontú Aoine an Chéasta le chéile roinnt uaireanta cheana féin leis na hacmhainní do chomhobair thrasteorann a scrúdú. Tá an fhéidearthacht d’fhorbairt socruithe níos struchtúrtha le tacú le cleachtadh maith ag an bhunleibhéal á scrúdú.

Ms Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety the amount of allowance paid to foster parents for each child fostered in each trust area.

(AQW 838/99)

Ms de Brún: It is not possible to provide information on the amount of allowance paid to individual foster carers in respect of each child fostered. All health and social services trusts use a standard scale of rates to determine the amount of allowance. The basic allowances are as follows:

Weekly rate from 1st April 2000

Extra allowances are payable in addition to the basic rates. Some of these are paid automatically — for example, for birthdays, holidays and Christmas. Other allowances must be applied for by the foster carers. Enhanced allowances are paid for children with special needs — for example, children who are emotionally disturbed or children with a physical or learning disability. Such enhancements are assessed on an individual basis.

Ní féidir eolas a sholáthar ar an méid liúntas a dhíoltar do gach feighlí altrama aonair maidir le gach páiste atá faoina gcúram. Baineann gach Iontaobhas Seirbhísí Sláinte agus Sóísialta úsáid as scála gnáthráta leis an méid liúntais a dhíoltar d’ fheighlithe altrama a shocrú. Seo a leanas na bunliúntais:

Ráta seachtainiúil ón 1ú Aibreán 2000

Díoltar liúntais bhreise le cois na mbunrátaí. Díoltar cuid díobh go huathoibríoch, mar shampla, do bhreithlaethanta, do shaoirí agus don Nollaig. Caithfidh feighlithe altrama iarratas a chur isteach do liúntais eile. Díoltar liúntais mhéadaithe do pháistí le riachtanais speisialta, mar shampla, do pháistí atá suaite go mothúchánach nó do pháistí le míchumas fisiciúil nó foghlamtha. Measúnaítear liúntais mhéadaithe mar seo ar bhonn indibhidiúil.

Ms Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if and when the vacant post of principal social worker of the North and West Trust will be filled.

(AQW 839/99)

Ms de Brún: The North and West Belfast HSS Trust does not have a vacant principal social worker post.

Níl folúntas poist do Phríomhoibrí Sóisialta ag Iontaobhas SLS Bhéal Feirste Thuaidh agus Theas.

Ms Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail for each trust the number of (i) children waiting to be fostered; (ii) children judged in need of residential care; (iii) children in need of care who have not yet been placed in residential care.

(AQW 840/99)

Ms de Brún: The information in the following table was provided by health and social services boards during week commencing Monday 17 July 2000:

Soláthraíodh an t-eolas sa tábla seo a leanas ag Boird Sheirbhísí Sláinte agus Sóisialta le linn na seachtaine a thosaigh Dé Luain 17ú Iúil 2000.

1. Cuireann na figiúirí i gcolún (3) san áireamh líon na bpáistí atá faoi chúram cónaithe faoi láthair agus cuireann na figiúirí i gcolún (4)

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