Friday 15 September 2000
Written Answers to Questions

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to assist farmers to improve farm infrastructure.

(AQW 3/00)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): One of the first initiatives that I announced on taking up appointment was the establishment of a task force to develop a vision for the future of the agri-food industry in Northern Ireland. The strategy group’s remit is to identify the problems and opportunities in the rural economy over the next decade and to map out a strategy to meet that vision. All aspects of the industry are being thoroughly examined, and the issues of farm structure, supply chain and processing sector structure are high on the agenda.

The work of the strategy group is proceeding apace and I expect to receive its reply early next year. This matter is of the utmost priority, and I will give due consideration to the recommendations put to me.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she supports the provision of a veterinary faculty at one of the local universities.

(AQW 4/00)

Ms Rodgers: On the basis of present information I could not support the proposal that a veterinary faculty be established at a university in Northern Ireland. There are no indications of a major manpower shortage in the recruitment of veterinary surgeons to work in Northern Ireland. Against this background, it would be difficult to justify the costs, especially in view of many competing demands, of establishing and running a veterinary faculty locally. There must also be concerns about the viability of such a faculty. Other universities have established reputations in this sphere, and there could be no guarantee about the uptake of places.

A veterinary faculty also requires adequate clinical cases for training purposes and a considerable weight of veterinary research to attract lecturing staff, both of which would be extremely difficult to meet from within Northern Ireland.

Finally, you will appreciate that determining their curricula is a matter for both QUB and UU as autonomous institutions. Both received additional student places on foot of the 1998 comprehensive spending review, but neither university sought to establish veterinary degree courses with any of the additional places secured. Further expansion is being considered in the context of spending review 2000 but, again, neither university made a case to establish veterinary degree courses.

I have consulted my colleague Dr Sean Farren MLA, Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment, on this matter.

Mr J Wilson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline progress in regard to the Erne Catchment Nutrient Management Scheme and indicate whether she intends to implement a similar scheme for Lough Neagh.

(AQW 12/00)

Ms Rodgers: The Erne Catchment Nutrient Management Scheme was introduced in October 1996 under the Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation. The initiative was one of a number designed to provide support and co-operation between the public bodies in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in addressing problems of common concern. The objective of the Scheme is to reduce farm source pollution of waters in certain river catchments in the Erne system.

The Scheme has progressed satisfactorily, with approximately 1,200 farmers, representing about a 95% uptake of those targeted, being assisted to draw up nutrient management plans for their farms. Expenditure on the Scheme to date has totalled £981,000, and it is due to end in December 2000.

The expectations for the Scheme are that there should eventually be an improvement in the Erne’s water quality. While early indications are positive, it is likely that full benefits of the Scheme will only be measurable in the long term — that is, after 10 years have elapsed. It is proposed to conduct an evaluation of the Scheme’s effectiveness, particularly in relation to phosphate loading, once the final data for year ending 31 December 2000 have been processed.

As the Scheme was time-bound and specifically designed to operate on a cross-border catchment, it is not possible, therefore, to extend it to Lough Neagh. However, in the context of the Programme for Government and the spending review, I am considering what action it might be possible to take to reduce the contribution made by agriculture to the general problem of eutrophication, particularly in the area of the Lough Neagh catchment.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what efforts he has made to ensure that grants by the Sports Council for Northern Ireland comply with the equality agenda of the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister.

(AQW 2/00)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): The Sports Council is in the process of drawing up an equality scheme which will address all equality issues. Following widespread consultation, a final draft scheme has been adopted by the council. This has still to be approved by the Equality Commission.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Education if he will ensure equality of treatment for the independent Christian school sector in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 1/00)

The Minister of Education (Mr M McGuinness): All independent schools are treated equally by the Department of Education through the legislative framework for independent schools, which is contained in the Education and Libraries (NI) Order 1986. No independent school can be funded directly by the Department, but it is open to any independent school to apply for grant- aided status and be assessed against established criteria. All grant-aided schools must comply with the relevant statutory requirements, including, for example, the delivery of the statutory curriculum and management arrangements.

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Education to detail his policy on the terms and conditions of term-time employees working in schools in Northern Ireland and to outline what steps he is taking to address concerns of these employees about their employment rights.

(AQW 27/00)

Mr M McGuinness: The terms and conditions of service of term-time staff in schools are a matter for the education and library boards and other employing authorities. However, I have sympathy for the staff involved and have been monitoring the position closely. Boards have recently made an offer aimed at addressing staff concerns, and unions are consulting their members. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage, but it is clear that a resolution can only be achieved by negotiation through the established arrangements.

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the measures being taken to cut red tape for small businesses.

(AQW 44/00)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): Small business representatives in Northern Ireland have indicated that the main regulatory burdens affecting small businesses relate to reserved matters, such as national insurance, VAT and PAYE requirements, which are the responsibility of the Westminster Parliament.

To ensure that no new unreasonable regulatory burdens are imposed on business, NI Departments are required to complete regulatory impact assessments for all legislation being brought forward which affects business.

DETI officials liaise with colleagues in the regulatory impact unit, Cabinet Office, to ensure that any new initiative being introduced by Whitehall Departments are considered for Northern Ireland.

Mr McGrady asked the Minister of the Environment to outline what progress has been made in respect of the area plans for the Down and Newry and Mourne areas.

(AQO 4/00)

The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): The first stage of the process, in terms of information gathering, research and analysis, has been completed for the Ards and Down area plan. An "issues" paper is currently being finalised for public consultation in October. The first stage of the Banbridge and Newry and Mourne district area plan is also under way, and it anticipated that the "issues" will be published in December.

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)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún) [supplementary answer]: Further to the answer I gave on 31 August 2000, the framework for action on waiting lists was not issued until 11 September 2000.

Maidir leis an fhreagra a thug mé ar an 31 Lúnasa 2000, níor eisíodh an creat le haghaidh gníomhaíochta maidir le liostaí feithimh go dtí an 11 Meán Fómhair.

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 [supplementary answer]: Further to the answer I gave on 31 August 2000, the framework for action on waiting lists was not issued until 11 September 2000.

Maidir leis an fhreagra a thug mé ar an 31 Lúnasa 2000, níor eisíodh an creat le haghaidh gníomhaíochta maidir le liostaí feithimh go dtí an 11 Meán Fómhair.

Mr Taylor asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many persons have been appointed as members of the Acute Hospitals Review Group; how many of these members live in (a) Northern Ireland, (b) Great Britain, (c) the Republic of Ireland, and (d) elsewhere; how many of the members are perceived to be (a) Protestant, and (b) Roman Catholic; and if she is satisfied that the group is representative of the people of Northern Ireland.

(AQW 9/00)

Ms de Brún: I have appointed nine members to the Acute Hospitals Review Group. Six live in the north of Ireland, one lives in Great Britain, and two live in the south of Ireland. I have no information as to the perceived religion of any members of the group. I selected members on the basis of the contribution that they would be able to make to the group’s work. I am satisfied that each can reflect the views of all sections of the community, as many of them have done or continue to do in their working life.

Tá mé i ndiaidh naonúr ball a cheapadh ar Ghrúpa Athbhreithnithe na nOspidéal Géarmhíochaine. Cónaíonn seisear díobh i dTuaisceart na hÉireann, cónaíonn duine eile sa Bhreatain Mhór agus beirt eile i nDeisceart na hÉireann. Níl eolas ar bith agam faoin chreideamh a mheastar atá ag ball ar bith den ghrúpa. Roghnaigh mé na baill ar bhonn a bhféadfadh siad a chur le hobair an ghrúpa. Tá mé sásta go bhfuil gach ball ábalta tuairimí gach earnáil den phobal a chur in iúl, mar atá déanta ag a lán díobh cheana nó mar a dhéanfaidh siad go leanúnach feasta i rith a saoil oibre.

Mr Taylor asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what was the total capital investment for the past 10 years at (1) Altnagelvin Hospital, (2) the Royal Victoria Hospital, (3) the City Hospital, (4) the Mater Hospital, and (5) the Ulster Hospital.

(AQW 10/00)

Ms de Brún: The figures for total capital investment for the past 10 years are as follows:-

Altnagelvin Hospital - £33.51m
Royal Victoria Hospital - £99.73m
Belfast City Hospital - £14.61m
Mater Hospital - £3.67m
Ulster Hospital - £11.31m

In addition to these figures, the estimated capital value of leased equipment and other facilities procured by way of private partnerships under the private finance initiative is as follows:

Altnagelvin Hospital - £0.39m
Royal Victoria Hospital - £6.8m
Belfast City Hospital - £4.45m
Ulster Hospital - £0.31m

Is mar seo a leanas atá na figiúirí don infheistíocht chaipitiúil i ngach ospidéal le 10 mbliana anuas:-

Ospidéal Alt na nGealbhan - £33.51m
Ospidéal Ríoga Victoria - £99.73m
Ospidéal Chathair Bhéal Feirste - £14.61m
Ospidéal an Mater - £3.67m
Ospidéal Uladh - £11.31m

I dteannta na bhfigiúirí sin is mar seo a leanas atá luach caipitiúil measta trealaimh léasaithe agus saoráidí eile a fuarthas ar mhodh comhpháirtíochtaí faoin Tionscnamh Airgeadais Phríobháidigh:

Ospidéal Alt na nGealbhan - £0.39m
Ospidéal Ríoga Victoria - £6.8m
Ospidéal Chathair Bhéal Feirste - £4.45m
Ospidéal Uladh - £0.31m

Mr Taylor asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what proposals there are for capital investment at the Ulster Hospital during the next five years; and if she will make a statement.

(AQW 11/00)

Ms de Brún: I recognise fully that a range of services need to be developed on the Ulster Hospital site, in line with the investment programmes under way or recently completed on other major acute sites. My Department’s officials are discussing with the Ulster Community and Hospitals Trust how its proposals can be brought together in a strategic development plan for the Ulster Hospital. Once that has been done, and a detailed business case drawn up to support the proposals, I will look at the decisions which need to be taken about the timetable and funding.

Aithním go hiomlán go gcaithfear réimse de sheirbhísí a fhorbairt in Ospidéal Uladh atá ar aon dul leis na cláir infheistíochta atá ar siúl nó atá curtha i gcrích i bpríomhionaid ghéarmhíochaine eile. Tá feidhmeannaigh de chuid mo Roinne ag plé le hIontaobhas SSS Phobal agus Ospidéal Uladh an dóigh ar féidir a chuid moltaí a chur in alt a chéile mar phlean straitéiseach do Ospidéal Uladh. A luaithe a bheas sin déanta agus Cás Gnó mionsonraithe ullmhaithe i dtacaíocht leis na moltaí breathnóidh mé ar na cinntí a bheas le glacadh maidir leis an chlár ama agus an maoiniú.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to list the number of reviews initiated by her, to detail who is chairing them, and when each is expected to report.

(AQW 24/00)

Ms de Brún: The information is contained in the table below.

Tá an t-eolas ar fáil sa tábla thíos.

Mr Poots asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what effect the cryptosporidium outbreak has had or will have on the health of constituents in part of the Lagan Valley constituency.

(AQO 8/00)

Ms de Brún: As of 12 September there were 121 confirmed cases of cryptosporidiosis within the affected area covering those populations served by the Poleglass and neighbouring northern service reservoirs. Most of these cases are within the boundary of the Lagan Valley constituency. Owing to the nature of this outbreak it is likely that further cases will be confirmed in the coming weeks. It is likely that within the affected area the number of people infected is significantly greater than the number of confirmed cases.

Cryptosporidiosis is characterised by severe diarrhoea and abdominal pain, which can last for more than one week. While a healthy individual usually makes a full recovery, in certain high-risk groups with low levels of immunity, such as those on chemotherapy, with HIV infection or AIDS, or transplant patients, the infection is more serious and can be life-threatening. There have been no deaths reported due to the present outbreak.

Amhail ar an 12 Meán Fómhair bhí 121 cás de chripteaspóireadóis daingnithe sa cheantar a bhfuil an galar ann, ceantar ina gcónaíonn an pobal a fhaigheann a gcuid uisce ó Thaiscumar an Phoill Ghlais agus ó na taiscumair de chuid Sheirbhís an Tuaiscirt atá ar na gaobhair. Tá bunús na gcásanna seo taobh istigh de limistéar thoghlach Ghleann an Lagáin. Mar gheall ar nádúr na ráige seo is dócha go mbeidh tuilleadh cásanna á ndaingniú i rith na seachtainí atá le teacht. Is dócha gur mó go mór líon na ndaoine atá tinn sa cheantar a bhfuil an galar ann ná líon na gcásanna atá daingnithe.

Tá dianbhuinneach agus piantaí boilg a d’fhéadfadh maireachtáil breis agus seachtain le sonrú i ndaoine a bhfuil cripteaspóireadóis orthu. Cé gurb iondúil go dtagann an duine sláintiúil chuige féin go hiomlán, tá an t-ionfhabhtú níos contúirtí i gcás grúpaí atá i mbaol mór de dheasca leibhéil ísle imdhíonachta a bheith acu, is é sin: daoine a fhaigheann ceimiteiripe, daoine a bhfuil infhabhtú VEID nó an SEIF orthu, nó othair a ndearnadh trasphlandáil orthu. Féadfaidh sé a mbeatha a chur i mbaol. Níor tuairiscíodh aon bhás de dheasca na ráige atá anois ann.