Friday 29 September 2000
Written Answers to Questions (Continued)

Hospital Beds

Dr Birnie asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to indicate what measures are being put in place to prevent the recurrence of a beds shortage in hospitals.

(AQW 51/00)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): Hospital services came under severe pressure last winter as a result of an unprecedented number of admissions due to flu and flu-related illnesses. A comprehensive programme of action is under way at the moment to build on the lessons learned. This includes providing extra intensive-care and high-dependency beds, extending flu vaccinations to the over-65s and reviewing the effectiveness of existing winter pressures schemes. The extra £53 million allocated to the services earlier this year, along with the additional £5 million I announced for waiting list action, will also contribute to improving the capacity of the health and social services to deal effectively with the sorts of pressures that arose last winter.

Toisc gur glacadh isteach sna hospidéil líon an-mhór othar de bharr fliú agus tinnis ghaolmhara a bheith orthu, cuireadh na seirbhísí ospidéal faoi an-bhrú i rith an gheimhridh seo caite. Faoi láthair tá clár cuimsitheach gníomhaíochta ar siúl le buntáiste a bhaint as na ceachtanna atá foghlamtha againn. Mar chuid de tá leapacha breise géarchúraim agus ardspleáchais á soláthar; tá an vacsaíniú in éadan fliú á thabhairt feasta do dhaoine thar 65 bliana d’aois agus táthar ag athbhreithniú éifeacht na scéimeanna reatha a bheas ag déileáil le brúnna an gheimhridh. Fosta, cuideoidh naan £53 mhilliún breise a cuireadh ar fáil do na seirbhísí níos luaithe sa bliain agus na £5 mhilliún a d’fhógair mé chun líon na ndaoine ar liostaí feithimh a laghdú – cuideoidh an t-airgead sin le feabhas a chur ar chumas na seirbhísí sláinte agus sóisialta chun déileáil go héifeachtach leis na brúnna den chineál a tháinig i rith an gheimhridh seo caite.

Acute Hospitals Review Group

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what remuneration will be paid to the members of the Acute Hospitals Review Group; and if she will make a statement.

(AQW 64/00)

Ms de Brún: The chairman of the Acute Hospitals Review Group will be paid at the rate of £400 per day, while other members of the group will receive £200 per day. Any necessary travelling and subsistence expenses will also be reimbursed. The rates of pay are in line with senior rates of pay in the Civil Service.

Is é an ráta pá a bheas ag Cathaoirleach Ghrúpa Athbhreithnithe na nOspidéal Géarmhíochaine £400 in aghaidh gach lae a oibríonn sé don athbhreithniú. Gheobhaidh an chuid eile £200 in aghaidh an lae. Cúiteofar le gach ball aon chostas maidir le taisteal agus cothú riachtanach. Tá na rátaí pá seo ar aon dul leis na rátaí sinsearacha pá sa Státseirbhís.

Eastern Health and Social Services Board

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action will be taken to resolve the underfunding of the Eastern Health and Social Services Board (EHSSB) and if she will undertake to ensure that the EHSSB receives its fair share of moneys.

(AQW 66/00)

Ms de Brún: I am acutely aware of the difficulties faced by the Eastern Health and Social Services Board and other boards in meeting the health and social care needs of their local population within available resources. To sustain the progress that has been made in the current financial year, I will continue to make the case to my Executive colleagues for additional resources. I am happy to provide the assurance that the EHSSB will receive its fair share of any additional resources I secure.

Is rí-mhaith is eol dom na deacrachtaí atá le sárú ag Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Oirthir (BSSSO) agus ag na Boird eile, agus iad ag iarraidh freastal ar riachtanais shláinte agus chúraim shóisialta an phobail áitiúil taobh istigh de na hacmhainní atá ar fáil. Is ar mhaithe leis an dul chun cinn a rinneadh i rith na bliana airgeadais seo a chothú a leanfaidh mé orm ag iarraidh ar mo chomhghleacaithe san Fheidhmeannas acmhainní breise a chur ar fáil. Tá mé sásta a dhearbhú duit go bhfaighidh an BSSSO a sciar cothrom de cibé acmhainní a ghnóthóidh mé.

Ophthalmology

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the rate of cancellations for ophthalmology.

(AQW 67/00)

Ms de Brún: Information on the rate of cancellations for ophthalmology is available only for outpatient clinics. In the financial year 1999-2000 the cancellation rate for outpatient ophthalmology clinics at local hospitals was 12·5%. In the quarter ending 30 June 2000 (the latest date for which information is available) the cancellation rate was 12·2%.

Is do chlinicí othar seachtrach amháin atá eolas ar fáil ar an ráta cealúchán oftailmeolaíochta. Sa bhliain airgeadais 1999/2000 ba é 12.5% ráta na gcealúchán do chlinicí oftailmeolaíochta in ospidéil áitiúla. Sa ráithe dar chríoch an 30 Meitheamh 2000 (an dáta is déanaí a bhfuil eolas ann dó) bhí 12.2% mar ráta cealúcháin.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will outline the current position of ophthalmology at the Royal Victoria Hospital.

(AQW 69/00)

Ms de Brún: The Royal Group of Hospitals is the regional centre for ophthalmology and contains facilities for inpatients, day cases and outpatients, as well as specialist accident and emergency facilities. It is also the regional teaching centre. The centre has a total of 38 beds. There are over 40 medical staff supported by about 50 nursing and technical staff. During 1999-2000 there were 2,561 inpatients, 7,111 day cases and 41,509 outpatient clinic attendances, and in 1998-99 (the latest figures available) there were 11,135 A and E patients.

Gníomhaíonn an Grúpa Ríoga Ospidéal mar ionad réigiúnach Oftailmeolaíochta agus is é atá ann saoráidí d’othair chónaitheacha, do chásanna lae agus d’othair sheachtracha chomh maith le saoráidí le haghaidh Taismí agus Éigeandálaí (T&É). Is ionad réigiúnach teagaisc é fosta. Tá 38 leaba san iomlán san ionad. Tá 40 san fhoireann mhíochaine agus tá faoi thuairim 50 san fhoireann altranais agus theicniúil mar thacaíocht acu. I rith na bliana 1999/2000 bhí 2,561 othar cónaitheach ann, 7,111 chás lae, 41,509 cuairteoirí ar chlinicí othar seachtrach agus sa bhliain 1998/99 (na figiúirí is déanaí atá ar fáil) bhí 11,135 othar (T&É) ann.

Industrial Hemp: Agricultural production

Mr ONeill asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will consider reducing licence fees for the agricultural production of industrial hemp in order to help farmers to make use of this alternative crop.

(AQW 71/00)

Ms de Brún: My Department is about to review the licensing arrangements for the production and supply of industrial hemp with a view to reducing the licensing fees. It is expected that a decision will be made before present licences are due for renewal.

Tá mo Roinnse ar tí athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar na socruithe ceadúnaithe dóibh siúd atá ag táirgeadh agus ag soláthar cnáib thionsclaíoch ar mhaithe leis na táillí ceadúnais a laghdú. Táthar ag dréim leis go ndéanfar cinneadh faoi seo sula mbeidh na ceadúnais le hathnuachan.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail how many patients in the Northern Board area are on waiting lists for surgery; to provide a breakdown of the numbers of patients awaiting surgery under the Causeway Trust, the United Hospital Trust and the Green Park Trust; and to indicate what action will be taken to reduce patient waiting lists.

(AQW 72/00)

Ms de Brún: It is not possible to provide figures on the numbers of patients waiting specifically for surgery, as information is not collected in this form.

On 11 September I issued a framework for action on waiting lists, setting out a detailed programme of action designed to reduce waiting lists over the next three years. I have requested health and social services boards to submit action plans to me by 13 October, with proposals for how they propose to tackle the waiting list problem. I am confident that this focused and comprehensive approach will be effective in dealing with the problem.

Níl sé indéanta figiúirí a sholáthar maidir le líon na n-othar atá ag feitheamh le haghaidh cóireáil mháinliachta go sonrach, nó ní bhailítear an t-eolas ar an dóigh sin.

Ar an 11ú Meán Fómhair d’fhoilsigh mé creatcháipéis chun tabhairt faoi liostaí feithimh, ag leagan amach mionghníomhchláir le liostaí feithimh a laghdú thar na trí bliana dár gcionn. D’iarr mé ar Bhoird Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta gníomhphleananna a chur isteach chugaim faoin 13ú Deireadh Fómhair, le moltaí faoin dóigh a rachaidh siad i ngleic le fadhb na liostaí feithimh. Tá mé cinnte go mbeidh an cur chuige fócasaithe agus cuimsitheach seo éifeachtach ag déileáil leis an fhadhb.

Ophthalmology

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety whether the joint business plan of the Royal Victoria Hospital and the Ulster Hospital Trust will be fully resourced and if her Department will provide such funding.

(AQW 88/00)

Ms de Brún: I assume that the question relates to the joint proposal from the Royal Hospitals Trust and the Ulster Community and Hospital Trust for an ophthalmology development in the north Down and Ards area.

The proposal seeks EHSSB support for the appointment of an additional consultant to the ophthalmology service, based at the Royal and providing a day case and outpatient service to the Ulster Community and Hospital Trust.

The EHSSB has not yet identified a recurrent source of funds to finance the proposed development, and it plans to meet with the two trusts concerned to discuss the financial implications. The board also faces a number of other competing priorities.

GP fundholders in the north Down and Ards area would use a major share of the services proposed and would therefore also have to agree to fund the development.

As the matter is for resolution by the authorities in question, the Department would expect it to be addressed, subject to the outcome of the local prioritisation process, within the overall annual allocation to the board and fundholders.

Glacaim leis go mbaineann an cheist leis an mholadh comhpháirteach ó Iontaobhas na nOspidéal Ríoga agus ó Iontaobhas Phobal agus Óspidéil Uladh go mbunófaí saoráid oftailmeolaíochta i gceantar Thuaisceart an Dúin agus na hArda.

Táthar ag iarraidh ar BSSSO sa mholadh aontú go gceapfaí sainchomhairleoir breise don tseirbhís Oftailmeolaíochta, a bheadh bunaithe san Ospidéal Ríoga agus a sholáthródh seirbhís chásánna lae agus seirbhís othar seachtrach d’Iontaobhas Phobal agus Ospidéil Uladh.

Go dtí seo níor aimsigh an BSSSO foinse athfhillteach airgeadais chun an fhorbairt seo a mhaoiniú agus tá rún aige bualadh leis an dá Iontaobhas atá i gceist chun na himpleachtaí airgeadais a phlé. Caithfidh an Bord déileáil le roinnt tosaíochtaí eile atá in iomaíocht leis an cheann seo.

Bhainfeadh liachleachtóirí a bhfuil Cisteshealúchas acu i gceantar Thuaisceart an Dúin agus na hArda úsáid as mórchuid na seirbhísí atá molta agus bheadh orthu, ar an ábhar sin, aontú go maoineodh siad an tseirbhís.

Ós rud é go bhfuil an t-ábhar le réiteach ag na húdaráis atá i gceist, bheadh an Roinn ag dréim leis go ndéanfar sin taobh istigh den mhaoiniú a chionroinnfear ar an Bhord agus ar na Cisteshealbhóirí ach toradh an phróisis as a n-aimseofar tosaíochtaí áitiúla a bheith á rialú.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she is satisfied that all necessary steps are being taken to reduce the growing hospital waiting list in real terms, and to give her assessment of the potential impact of winter pressures on that list.

(AQW 94/00)

Ms de Brún: On 11 September I issued a framework for action on waiting lists, setting out a detailed programme of action designed to reduce waiting lists over the next three years. I have requested health and social services boards to submit action plans to me by 13 October, with proposals for how they propose to tackle the waiting list problem. I am confident that this focused and comprehensive approach will be effective in dealing with the problem.

Additional pressures on hospital services during the winter months can impact on waiting lists if planned operations need to be rescheduled. During the outbreak of flu last winter, for example, all but the most urgent operations had to be suspended to make way for emergency admissions, and, although it is not possible to quantify the effect on waiting lists, there is no doubt that they increased as a result. I have asked boards and trusts to finalise their plans for this winter by the end of the month. I expect those plans to focus in particular on measures designed to minimise the impact of likely winter pressures.

Ar an 11ú Meán Fómhair d’fhoilsigh mé creatcháipéis chun tabhairt faoi liostaí feithimh, ag leagan amach mionghníomhchláir le liostaí feithimh a laghdú thar na trí bliana dár gcionn. D’iarr mé ar Bhoird Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta gníomhphleananna a chur isteach chugam faoin 13ú Deireadh Fómhair, le moltaí faoin dóigh a rachaidh siad i ngleic le fadhb na liostaí feithimh. Tá mé cinnte go mbeidh an cur chuige fócasaithe agus cuimsitheach seo éifeachtach ag déileáil leis an fhadhb.

Is féidir le tuilleadh brúnna ar sheirbhísí ospidéil le linn míonna an gheimhridh éifeacht a bheith acu ar liostaí feithimh más gá obráidí pleanáilte a chur ar gcúl. Le linn briseadh amach an fhliú an geimhreadh seo caite, mar shampla, cuireadh ach na hobráidí a ba phráinní ar ceal le glacadh isteach éigeandála a ghlacadh agus, cé nach bhfuil sé dodhéanta an éifeacht ar liostaí feithimh a oibriú amach, níl amhras ar bith ann gur mhéadaigh siad mar thoradh air. D’iarr mé ar Bhoird agus ar Iontaobhais bailchríoch a chur ar a gcuid pleananna don gheimhreadh faoi dheireadh na míosa. Tá coinne agam go ndíreoidh na pleananna sin go háirithe ar bhearta a leagadh amach le héifeacht na mbrúnna geimhridh dóchúla a íosmhéadú.

Ulster Hospital:
Plastics and Maxillo Facial Surgery

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm that the plastics and maxillo facial surgery department will not be removed from the Ulster Hospital Trust without widespread consultation; and if will she make a statement.

(AQW 95/00)

Ms de Brún: The Eastern Health and Social Services Board is currently consulting on a paper about the pattern of acute hospital services in its area. The document was circulated for consultation over a period of four months, approximately ending 8 September. Among those included in the circulation were service providers, elected representatives, the Eastern Health and Social Services Council, professional bodies, Queen’s University, patient support groups with a known interest, staff side representatives and trade unions. The paper was also available on the board’s web site.

The paper details, inter alia, a number of developments at the Ulster Hospital which it considers necessary to allow the hospital to cater for an expanding population and to fully meet its potential as a cancer unit. The paper suggests in unambiguous terms that the transfer of plastics and maxillo facial surgery would greatly enhance and facilitate these other developments.

I expect to receive, in the near future, a package of proposals from the Eastern Board, which will relate to most or all of the hospitals in the area. I will decide at that time if further consultation should be undertaken on any or all of the proposals.

Tá Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Oirthir ag dul i gcomhairle ar pháipéar faoi láthair faoi phatrún na ngéarsheirbhísí ospidéil ina cheantar. Scaipeadh an cháipéis do chomhairliúchán thar tréimhse ceithre mhí, ag críochnú timpeall an 8ú Meán Fómhair. Orthu sin a fuair an cháipéis bhí Soláthraithe Seirbhíse, Ionadaithe Tofa, Comhairle Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Oirthir, Forais Ghairmiúla, Ollscoil na Banríona, Grúpaí Tacaíochta Othar a raibh suim acu sa scéal, Ionadaithe Foirne agus Ceardchumainn. Bhí an páipéar ar fáil ar líonláithreán an Bhoird fosta.

Tugann an páipéar mionchuntas, i measc rudaí eile, ar roinnt forbarthaí ag Ospidéal Uladh a shíleann sé atá riachtanach le ligean don ospidéal riar ar dhaonra atá ag méadú agus a chuspóir mar Ionad Ailse a chomhlíonadh. Molann an páipéar i dtéarmaí neamhdhébhríocha go méadódh agus go ndéanfadh aistriú Máinliacht Aghaidhe Phlaisteach agus Mhaxillo éascaíocht do na forbarthaí eile seo.

Tá súil agam go bhfaighidh mé réimse moltaí as seo amach ó Bhord an Oirthir a bhainfidh le formhór na n-ospidéal nó le iomlán ospidéil an cheantair. Beartóidh mé ag an am sin más gá tuilleadh comhairliúcháin a dhéanamh ar mholadh ar bith nó orthu uilig.

"Sarah’s Law"

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she is aware of the NSPCC campaign to protect children following demands for "Sarah’s law", the proposal for a public education campaign on child protection to increase awareness about the nature of child abuse, and if she can tell the Assembly what steps she is taking to put in place such a campaign.

(AQO 35/00)

Ms de Brún: I am aware of the campaign for the introduction of "Sarah’s Law", which calls for controlled access to information about convicted sex offenders. The law in this area remains a reserved matter and is thus the responsibility of the Secretary of State. I am also aware that the NSPCC is pressing for a public education programme to increase awareness on how to protect children from sex abuse. This is an issue which will be given careful consideration by an inter-agency group on sex offenders.

You may be interested to know that the Inter-Agency Sex Offender Steering Group has recently approved a manual of guidance on the ‘assessment and management of risk of sex offenders’. Implementation of the manual, which largely formalises procedures that are already in place, will be taken forward from next month. Further, the Department of Education has advised all schools to include, in their pastoral care curriculum, self-protection programmes for pupils, and guidance on the content of these has been widely circulated.

Tá a fhios agam faoin fheachtas chun ‘Reacht Sarah’ a thabhairt isteach, reacht a cheadódh eolas faoi chiontóirí gnéis a ciontaíodh a chur ar fáil faoi rialú. Tá reachtaíocht sa réimse seo á forchoimeád go fóill agus mar sin is í freagreacht an Stát-Rúnaí í. Tuigim fosta go bhfuil an NSPCC ag iarraidh cláir oideachais chun tuilleadh eolais a thabhairt don phobal faoin dóigh le páistí a chosaint ar dhrochúsáid ghnéasach. Is ábhar é seo a bheas á mheas go cúramach ag grúpa idirghníomhaireachta um chiontóirí gnéis.

Bíodh a fhios agat go bhfuil an Grúpa Stiúrtha Idirghníomhaireachta um Chiontóirí Gnéis i ndiaidh treoir-lámhleabhar ar "Athbreithniú agus Bainisteoireacht Priacal maidir le Ciontóirí Gnéis" a cheadú ar na mallaibh. Is é atá sa lámhleabhar cur síos foirmiúil ar nósanna imeachta arb ann dá mbunús cheana agus cuirfear treoracha an lámhleabhair i bhfeidhm ón mhí seo chugainn amach. Ina theannta sin tá an Roinn Oideachais i ndiaidh inse do gach scoil gur cheart dóibh cláir ar fhéinchosaint a thabhairt do dhaltaí mar chuid den churaclam tréadchúraim, agus scaipeadh treoracha ar ábhar na gclár seo go forleathan.

Health Service: Private Finance

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will outline the results of any investigation she has commissioned, undertaken or reviewed concerning the use of private finance in the Health Service.

(AQW 107/00)

Ms de Brún: I have not initiated any investigation concerning the use of private finance in the Health Service, the personal social services, or the Fire Service, although my Department regularly monitors progress on the ground and provides guidance and advice to any of our organisations requiring such assistance. There is a comprehensive business case and approval process in place which ensures that there is no presumption that private provision is better than public, or vice versa. Objective assessment of all available options is required. In view of the deplorable condition of some of our estate, it is important to ensure that our limited resources go as far as possible towards renewal and development, and in some cases private finance can help achieve that goal.

Níor bhunaigh mé fiosriúchán ar bith maidir le maoiniú príobháideach a bheith in úsáid sa tseirbhís sláinte, sna seirbhísí sóisialta pearsanta, nó sa tseirbhís dóiteáin, cé go mbíonn mo Roinnse ag déanamh faireacháin go rialta ar an dul chun cinn i gcoitinne agus go dtugann sí treoir agus comhairle d’eagraíocht ar bith dár gcuid a bhfuil sin uathu. Tá próiseas cuimsitheach ann le cás a phromhadh agus a cheadú agus cinnteoidh sé seo nach nglacfar leis mar fhíric gur fearr maoiniú príobháideach ná maoiniú poiblí, nó a mhalairt. Caithfear gach rogha a mheasúnú go hoibiachtúil. I bhfianaise drochstaid chuid dár n-eastát, is tábhachtach a chinntiú go rachaidh ár n-acmhainní teoranta a fhaide is féidir chun an córas sláinte a athnuachan agus a fhorbairt, agus i gcásanna áirithe féadfaidh maoiniú príobháideach cuidiú linn na chuspóirí sin a bhaint amach.

Beta Interferon

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will confirm the number of patients currently receiving beta interferon at public expense.

(AQW 108/00)

Ms de Brún: The number of patients currently receiving beta interferon at public expense is 229.

Is é 229 líon na n-othar atá ag fáil béite-inteirféaróin ar chostas poiblí.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the clinical priorities in regard to the reduction of hospital waiting lists; and if she will make a statement.

(AQW 109/00)

Ms de Brún: On 11 September I issued a framework for action on waiting lists, setting out a detailed programme of action designed to reduce waiting lists over the next three years. I am confident that the focused and comprehensive approach set out in the framework will be effective in dealing with the problem. In tackling hospital waiting lists, priority will continue to be given to the reduction of waiting times for those treatments where the waiting lists are longest and the pain, discomfort and general reduction of the quality of life are most acute.

Emergency and urgent cases will, of course, continue to receive priority treatment. Against this background, it is for the doctors involved in a patient’s care to decide whether or not treatment is needed urgently.

Ar an 11 Meán Fómhair, d’eisigh mé creat gníomhaíochta maidir le liostaí feithimh agus leag mé amach clár gníomhaíochta mionsonraithe chun líon na ndaoine ar na liostaí feithimh a laghdú thar na trí bliana atá le teacht. Tá mé cinnte go mbeidh an cur chuige cuimsitheach dírithe atá leagtha amach sa chreat éifeachtach chun déileáil leis an fhadhb. Agus muid ag tabhairt faoi líon na ndaoine ar liostaí feithimh na n-ospidéal a laghdú, beidh sé mar thosaíocht leanúnach againn na tréimhsí feithimh a laghdú i gcás na ndaoine sin is faide ar an liosta feithimh, ar measa a bpian agus a míchompord agus ar géire an laghdú ar chaighdeán a mbeatha.

Leanfar den nós, ar ndóigh, tús áite ó thaobh cóireála a thabhairt do chásanna práinne agus éigeandala. I ndeireadh na dála, is iad na dochtúirí a bhfuil cúram an othair orthu a bhfuil an cinneadh le déanamh acu cé acu atá cóireáil de dhíth go práinneach ar dhuine nó nach bhfuil.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will confirm that there are adequate numbers of nurses available to support her plan to reduce hospital waiting lists.

(AQW 110/00)

Ms de Brún: I have asked health and social service boards to provide, by 13 October, action plans for reducing waiting lists. I shall expect these plans to include information on implications for the HPSS workforce, including the levels of nursing staff. The Department has already commissioned an extra 300 student nurse training places over the next three years to enhance the supply of qualified nurses. The need for further training places is reviewed annually, taking account of identified needs.

In addition, within the next few weeks my Department will be meeting with nursing representatives from boards and trusts to discuss planning proposals for the nursing and midwifery workforce.

D’iarr mé ar bhoird sláinte agus seirbhísí sóisialta gníomhphleananna d’ ísliú liostaí feithimh a sholáthar faoin 13ú Deireadh Fómhair. Beidh mé ag súil go gcuimseoidh na pleananna seo eolas ar na himpleachtaí do lucht oibre an SSPS, leibhéil na foirne altranais san áireamh. Choimisiúnaigh an Roinn 300 áit oiliúna breise d’ábhair altra thar na trí bliana dár gcionn cheana féin leis an soláthar de bhanaltraí cáilithe a mhéadú. Déantar athbhreithniú gach bliain ar an ghá le tuilleadh áiteanna oiliúna, ag cur san áireamh riachtanais aitheanta.

Mar bharr ar sin, beidh mo Roinn ag bualadh le hionadaithe altranais ó bhoird agus ó iontaobhais faoi cheann cupla seachtaine leis na moltaí pleanála don mheitheal oibre altranais agus do mhná cabhrach a phlé.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will confirm the number of beds available to support her plan to reduce hospital waiting lists.

(AQW 111/00)

Ms de Brún: The framework for action on waiting lists which I issued on 11 September includes, as a key requirement, the need for boards and trusts to profile non-urgent elective work throughout the year in order to maximise the number of patients treated. In practice this will entail more effective forward planning of services, taking account of seasonal variations in referral rates and bed availability as well as emergency pressures. Making best use of resources in this way, including the use of all acute beds, is essential if waiting lists are to be reduced.

As well as using existing resources more efficiently, I can confirm that, as a result of the £53 million for health and social services announced earlier this year, seven additional intensive care beds, three paediatric intensive care beds and 11 high-dependency beds will come into service later this year. By the end of 2002, a further eight intensive care and 24 high-dependency beds will be provided. These additional beds will also help to reduce waiting lists.

Tá sé ar na príomhriachtanais sa chreat gníomhaíochta maidir le liostaí feithimh a d’eisigh mé ar an 11 Méan Fómhair go gcaithfidh na boird agus na hlontaobhais próifíl na hoibre roghnaí neamhphráinní i rith na bliana a mheas ar mhaithe le cóireáil a thabhairt don méid is mó othar. Is éard atá i gceist go praiticiúil go mbeifear ag pleanáil chun tosaigh ar shlí níos éifeachtaí maidir le soláthar seirbhísí agus go gcuirfear san áireamh an t-athrú de réir séasúr a thagann ar an líon othar a chuirtear chuig na hospidéil agus ar líon na leapacha atá ar fáil chomh maith le brú na n-éigeandálaí. Is gá an úsáid is fearr a bhaint as acmhainní ar an dóigh seo agus leapacha géarmhíochaine san áireamh, má tá líon na ndaoine ar na liostaí feithimh le laghdú.

Ní hé amháin go mbainfear úsáid níos éifeachtaí as acmhainní, ach thig liom a dhearbhú go mbeidh na nithe seo a leanas ann de bharr na £53 mhilliún a fógraíodh do na seirbhísí sláinte agus sóisialta níos luaithe i mbliana: beidh seacht leaba dhianchúraim bhreise, tri leaba dhianchúraim phéidiatraiceacha agus 11 leaba ardspleáchais ag teacht in úsáid níos moille i mbliana. Faoi dheireadh na bliana 2002 cuirfear ocht leaba dhianchúraim bhreise agus 24 leaba ardspleáchais ar fáil. Cuideoidh na leapacha breise seo le líon na ndaoine ar na líostaí feithimh a laghdú.

HPSS Salaries

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will undertake to address the salary levels for staff not covered by the NHS pay review bodies.

(AQW 112/00)

Ms de Brún: Staff employed in the Health and Personal Social Services (HPSS) are paid at the same rates as their colleagues in the National Health Service (NHS) and in social services departments of local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales.

Salary levels for staff not covered by the NHS pay review bodies will be examined as part of the Government’s proposals for modernising pay in the NHS. These were outlined in February 1999 in ‘Agenda for Change – Modernising the NHS Pay System’ and are currently being developed by the four countries working together. They propose a new pay system that will offer all staff a more attractive career with the potential for better progression, greater use of skills, improved status and higher earnings for those who contribute most to the service. A job evaluation scheme will be used to evaluate every job in the HPSS and pay will be awarded on the basis of the job’s worth in fair comparison with other jobs in the HPSS. Officials of my Department and colleagues employed in the HPSS are involved at all stages of the development of the new scheme, and I will be considering how the flexibility within the framework, when it is agreed, can best be applied to meet the needs of the HPSS.

Faigheann na baill foirne sna Seirbhísí Sláinte agus Sóisialta Pearsanta pá ar na rataí céanna lena gcomhghleacaithe sa tSeirbhís Náisiúnta Sláinte (SNS) agus i ranna seirbhísí sóisialta údarás áitiúl Shasana, na hAlban agus na Breataine Bige.

Déanfar scrúdu ar leibhéil thuarastal na mball foirne nár bhain Comhlachtaí Athbhreithnithe Pá na Seirbhíse Sláinte leo. Is de bharr cuid de mholtaí an Rialtais a bhain le cruth nua-aimseartha a chur ar phá sa SNS a dhéanfar seo. Léiríodh na moltaí seo i Mí Feabhra 1999 in Agenda for Change – Modernising the NHS Pay System, agus tá comhoibriú ar siúl sna ceithre thír faoi láthair leis na moltaí seo a thabhairt chun cinn.Táthar ag moladh struchtúr nua pá a thabharfaidh gairmréim níos tarraingtí dóibh siúd a thugann an oiread is mó don tseirbhís. Beidh faill acu dul chun cinn a dhéanamh, úsáid níos fearr a bhaint as a gcuid scileanna, ardú stádais a fháil agus tuilleadh pá a ghnóthú. Beidh scéim mheastóireachta oibre ann agus bainfear úsáid aisti le gach cineál oibre sna SSSP a mheas agus bunófar an tuarastal ar luach na hoibre ach comparáid chothrom a bheith déanta le poist eile sna SSSP. Tá baint ag feidhmeannaigh de chuid mo Roinne agus ag a gcomhghleacaithe sna SSSP le forbairt na scéime nua ag gach céim agus nuair a bheas comhaontú ann fúithi beidh mé ag cuimhneamh ar an dóigh is fearr ar féidir solúbthacht na creatlaí seo a úsáid le riar ar riachtanais na SSSP.

Residential Care:
Patients from Republic of Ireland

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of elderly patients from the Republic of Ireland currently in care in residential homes in Northern Ireland and to identify how many of these places are publicly funded.

(AQW 113/00)

Ms de Brún: The Department does not hold information on citizens of the south of Ireland who are currently in residential care here. Health and social services boards are required to give financial assistance to residents of their area who have been assessed and need residential or nursing home care but are not able to pay the full cost of their care. Where a resident seeks financial support his or her ability to pay is determined under the Health and Personal Social Services (Assessment of Resources) Regulations (NI) 1993. Residents who have assets and savings amounting to less than £16,000 are entitled to financial assistance.

Ní choinníonn an Roinn eolas faoi shaoránaigh ó dheisceart na hÉireann atá faoi cúram cónaithe anseo faoi láthair. Caithfidh na boird sláinte agus seirbhísí sóisialta cúnamh airgid a thabhairt do chónaitheoirí ina gceantar a ndéarnadh measúnú orthu agus a bhfuil cúram cónaitheach nó cúram tí altranais de dhíth orthu agus gan iad a bheith ábalta costas iomlán an chúraim a íoc. I gcás ina bhfuil tacaíocht airgid ó chónaitheoir, déantar cinneadh ar a c(h)umas i dtaobh íocaíochta faoin Health and Personal Social Services (Assessment of Resources) Regulations (NI) 1993. Tá cónaitheoirí a bhfuil sócmhainní agus coigilteas ar lú a méid ná £16,000 acu i dteideal cúnaimh airgid.

Ambulances

Mr Gallagher asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the total number of ambulances purchased for the Northern Ireland fleet during the last 24 months and the purchase price and supplier of each vehicle.

(AQW 115/00)

Ms de Brún: The information requested on the total number of ambulances purchased for the Northern Ireland fleet during the last 24 months and the purchase price and supplier of each vehicle is as follows:

NI Ambulance Service Accident & Emergency Vehicles Purchased during the last 24 months

NI Ambulance Service Patient Care Vehicles purchased during the last 24 months

Is mar seo a leanas atá an t-eolas a iarradh faoi líon iomlán na n-otharcharanna a ceannaíodh do fhlít Thuaisceart Éireann le 24 mhí anuas chomh maith le phraghas ceannaigh agus le soláthraí gach feithicle:

Feithiclí Taismí & Éigeandála Sheirbhís Otharcharranna TÉ a ceannaíodh le 24 mhí anuas

Feithiclí Cúraim Othar Sheirbhís Otharcharranna TÉ a ceannaíodh le 24 mhí anuas

Sure Start Programme

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the distribution of the £2·2 million allocated to the Sure Start programme.

(AQW 119/00)

Ms de Brún: In July I announced the allocation of £2m to introduce the "Sure Start" programme for families with young children here. Fifteen projects are being funded, although the project in inner city south Belfast will be phased in to keep within the budget allocated. The following lists the successful projects and the amounts for which they had bid for the current financial year. These bids are now subject to more detailed discussion with the Childcare partnerships to ensure that each partnership remains within its overall share of the £2m allocated.

Projects to be funded:

• Ballymagroarty/Hazelbank, Derry
  Lead organisation: Ballymagroarty/Hazelbank Childcare Partnership
  Bid: £125,000
• Strabane
  Lead organisation: Barnardos
  £82,000
• Dungiven
  Lead organisation: Dry Arch Centre
  £136,000
• Cherish, Irvinestown
  Lead organisation: Irvinestown Community Partnership
  £106,000
• Clogher Valley
  Lead organisation: Clogher Valley Rural Childcare Initiative
  £103,000
• Orana, Newry
  Lead organisation: Orana Family Support Centre
  £201,000
• Close to Home, Dungannon
  Lead organisation: Families and Children’s Forum
  £112,000
• Ballykeel, Ballymena
  Lead organisation: NSPCC
  £150,000
• Cookstown
  Lead organisation: Newpin
  £123,000
• Bushmills
  Lead organisation: Causeway Health and Social Services Trust
  £144,000
• Kids n Kin, Ardoyne and Oldpark
  Lead organisation: Wishing Well Family Centre
  £137,000
• Lower Ards Peninsula
  Lead organisation: NSPCC
  £102,000
• Inner City East Belfast
  Lead organisation: South and East Belfast Health and Social Services Trust
  £241,000
• Downpatrick
  Lead organisation: Down Lisburn Health and Social Services Trust
  £205,000
• Inner City South Belfast
  Lead organisation: South and East Belfast Health and Social Services Trust
  £309,000

I mí Iúil d’fhógair mé gur cuireadh £2m ar fáil le tús a chur le clár Sure Start do theaghlaigh a bhfuil léanaí óga acu. Tá 15 tionscadal á maoiniú, cé go mbeidh an tionscadal i lárcheantar cathrach Bhéal Feirste Theas á mhaoiniú i gcéimeanna le fanacht taobh istigh den bhuiséad a cionroinneadh. Is mar seo a leanas a liostaítear na tionscadail ar glacadh leo agus na suimeanna a iarradh dóibh don bhliain reatha airgeadais. Beidh tuilleadh plé le déanamh anois faoi na suimeanna seo leis na Comhpháirtíochtaí Cúraim Leanaí lena chinntiú go bhfanfaidh gach comhpháirtíocht taobh istigh den sciar iomlán a fuair siad den £2m.

Tionscadail le haghaidh maoiniú

• Baile Mhic Robhartaigh/Hazelbank, Doire
  Eagraíocht cheannais: Comhpháirtíocht Chúraim Leanaí Bhaile Mhic Robhartaigh/Hazelbank
  £125,000
• An Srath Bán
  Eagraíocht cheannais: Barnardos
  £82,000
• Dún Geimhin
  Eagraíocht Cheannais: Ionad Dry Arch
  £136,000
• Cherish, Baile an Irbhinigh
  Eagraíocht Cheannais: Comhpháirtíocht Phobail Bhaile an Irbhinigh
  £106,000
• Gleann Chlochair
  Eagraíocht Cheannais: Tionscnamh Tuaithe Cúraim Leanaí Ghleann Chlochair
  £103,000
• Orana, An tIúr
  Eagraíocht Cheannais: Ionad Cúnaimh Teaghlach Orana
  £201,000
• Close to Home, Dún Geanainn
  Eagraíocht Cheannais: Fóram na dTeaghlach agus na Leanaí
  £112,000
• An Baile Caol, An Baile Meánach
  Eagraíocht Cheannais: NSPCC
  £150,000
• An Chorr Chríochach
  Eagraíocht Cheannais: Newpin
  £123,000
• Muileann na Buaise
  Eagraíocht Cheannais: Iontaobhas Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Chlocháin
  £144,000
• Kids n Kin, Ard Eoghain agus an tSeanpháirc
  Eagraíocht Cheannais:Ionad Teaghlach Wishing Well
  £137,000
• Leithinis Íochtarach na hArda
  Eagraíocht Cheannais: NSPCC
  £102,000
• Lárcheantar Cathrach Bhéal Feirste Thoir
  Eagraíocht Cheannais: Iontaobhas Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta Oirthear Bhéal Feirste
  £241,000
• Dún Pádraig
  Eagraíocht Cheannais: Iontaobhas Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Dúin agus Lios na gCearrbhach
  £205,000
• Lárcheantar Cathrach Bhéal Feirste Theas
  Eagraíocht Cheannais: Iontaobhas Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta Deisceart agus Oirthear Bhéal Feirste
  £309,000

Blood Testing Service

Mr McFarland asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety why the blood testing service has been withdrawn from Ards Hospital.

(AQO 53/00)

Ms de Brún: The decision to transfer the haematology services from Ards Hospital to the laboratories on the Ulster Hospital site was made several years ago with a view to bringing about improvements in the delivery of these services. The move from a splitsite to an amalgamated service will make it easier to comply with the standards of Clinical Pathology Accreditation (CPA) Ltd., the accrediting authority.

Rinneadh an cinneadh roinnt blianta ó shin go n-aistreofaí na seirbhísí haemaiteolaíochta ó Ospidéal na hArda chuig na saotharlanna ar shuíomh Ospidéal Uladh ar mhaithe le soláthar na seirbhísí seo a fheabhsú. Ós rud é go ndearna seirbhís chónasctha as seirbhís a bhí ar dhá shuíomh, beidh sé níos fusa feasta cloí le caighdeáin an Clinical Pathology Accreditation (CPA) Ltd., is é sin an t-údarás creidiúnaithe.

Deaf People: Mental Health

Mr Ford asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she has any plans to establish a service in Northern Ireland to meet the mental health needs of deaf people.

(AQO 72/00)

Ms de Brún: The four HSS boards currently fund a regional service for people who are mentally ill and have a hearing impairment. The service provides a specialist quarterly outpatient clinic, a specialist counselling/psychotherapy service, specialist social workers located in each trust providing support for deaf people with mental health problems and their families, and a specialist in-patient service purchased from a specialist unit in Manchester.

Faoi láthair tá na ceithre bhord SSS ag maoiniú seirbhís réigiúnach do dhaoine a bhfuil meabhairghalar agus máchail éisteachta orthu. Mar chuid den tseirbhís cuirtear na nithe seo a leanas ar fáil:- sainchlinic d’othair sheachtracha uair sa ráithe; sainseirbhís chomhairliúcháin agus síciteiripe; sainoibrithe sóisialta suite i ngach iontaobhas agus iad ag tabhairt tacaíochta do dhaoine a bhfuil meabhairghalar agus máchail éisteachta orthu agus dá dteaghlaigh; agus sainseirbhís d’othair chónaitheacha a cheannaítear ó shainaonad i Manchain.

Occupational Therapists

Mr Close asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action will be taken to alleviate the shortage of trained occupational therapists in Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement.

(AQO 71/00)

Ms de Brún: My Department has highlighted occupational therapy waiting times as a pressure to be addressed by boards in proposals for spending the £53m recurrent funding announced earlier this year. The four boards have indicated that additional resources will be allocated to occupational therapy services in the current year. My Department will monitor the situation.

In addition, at the request of my Department, the University of Ulster has increased the annual intake of occupational therapy students from 36 in 1992 to the current level of 50.

Níos luaithe i mbliana nuair a d’fhógair mo Roinnse moltaí ar an dóigh ar cheart an ciste athfhillteach £53m a caitheamh, cuireadh in iúl go tréan do na boird go raibh brú orthu tabhairt faoin fhad is éigean do dhaoine fanacht agus iad ag iarraidh teiripe saothair. Tá ceithre bhord i ndiaidh a thaispeáint go gcuirfear acmhainní breise ar fáil do sheirbhísí teiripe saothair sa bhliain reatha. Déanfaidh mo Roinnse faireachán ar na cúrsaí seo.

Lena chois sin tá Ollscoil Uladh, ar iarratas ó mo Roinse, i ndiaidh líon iontrála na mac léinn don chúrsa sa teiripe shaothair a mhéadú ó 36 in 1992 go 50 – an líon atá anois ann.

Acute Hospitals Review Group

Mr Armstrong asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to make a statement on the terms of reference of the Acute Hospitals Review Group.

(AQO 44/00)

Ms de Brún: The terms of reference I have set for the Acute Hospital Review Group are:

"To review the current provision of acute hospital services and, taking account of the issues of local accessibility, safety, clinical standards and quality of services, to make recommendations to the Minister on the future profile of hospital services. In taking forward its work, the Review Group will be expected to take into account the views of individuals, organisations and groups with an interest or involvement in the provision of hospital services and assess the scope for co-operation in the provision of local services with hospitals in other parts of the island."

I am satisfied that these terms of reference will provide a sound basis for a comprehensive examination of the issues which I will subsequently need to take into account in deciding on the future of acute hospital services here.

Is mar seo a leanas atá na téarmaí tagartha a leag mé síos do Ghrúpa Athbhreithnithe na nOspidéal Géarmhíochaine:

"Athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar sholáthar reatha seirbhísí géarmhíochaine ospidéal agus na nithe seo a leanas a chur san áireamh:- cumas an phobail áitiúil teacht ar sheirbísí, sábháilteacht, caighdeáin chliniciúla agus feabhas na seirbhísí; agus moltaí a chur faoi bhráid an Aire faoi phróifíl na seirbhísí ospidéal sa todhchaí. Agus é i mbun a chuid oibre, beifear ag dréim leis go gcuirfidh an Grúpa Athbhreithnithe san áireamh tuairimí daoine aonair, eagraíochtaí agus grúpaí ar suim leo an t-ábhar nó atá páirteach i soláthar seirbhísí ospidéal, agus go ndéanfaidh sé measúnú ar an méid seirbhísí áitiúla is féidir a sholáthar i gcomhar le hospidéil i gcodanna eile den oileán."

Tá mé sásta go dtabharfaidh na téarmaí tagartha seo dúshraith mhaith dúinn le scrúdú cuimsitheach a dhéanamh ar na nithe a bheidh orm a chur san áireamh níos faide anonn nuair a bheas orm cinneadh a dhéanamh ar na socruithe maidir le seirbhísí géarmhíochaine ospidéal sa todhchaí.

Neonatal Hearing: Screening

Ms Lewsley asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will consider the introduction of a programme for universal neonatal hearing screening in Northern Ireland.

(AQO 51/00)

Ms de Brún: Yes. The National Screening Committee is establishing a pilot programme. It is not yet clear whether a local site will be included in this.

Is fíor sin. Tá an Coiste Náisiúnta Scagthástála ag bunú clár píolótach. Níl sé soiléir go fóill an mbeidh ionad áitiúil anseo san áireamh sa chlár.

Laboratory and Medical Scientific Officers

Mrs E Bell asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what she will do to alleviate the shortage of medical laboratory staff and medical scientific officers in local hospitals; and if she will make a statement.

(AQO 70/00)

Ms de Brún: There has been no formal assessment of the recruitment and retention of laboratory staff. However, my epartment is about to undertake a more wide-ranging review of pathology services, part of which will involve recruitment and retention issues.

A three-year pay deal for laboratory staff, agreed in June this year, not only provides for inflationary increases but also targeted additional resources at the lower end of the pay scales to address staff recruitment and retention difficulties in the early stages of their careers.

In addition my Department, in conjunction with its counterparts in England, Scotland and Wales is currently engaged with trade unions in the development of a new pay system for NHS/HPSS staff. Such a system, if agreed, will provide an opportunity for the pay of laboratory staff to be examined to ensure that staff are being rewarded fairly for the responsibility they undertake.

Ní dhearnadh aon mheasúnú foirmiúil ar líon na mball foirne saotharlainne a earcaíodh agus a coinníodh. Ach tá mo Roinnse ar tí athbhreithniú níos leithne a dhéanamh ar na seirbhísí paiteolaíochta, a mbeidh baint ag cuid de le foireann a earcú agus a choinneáil.

I mí an Mheithimh i mbliana aontaíodh ar chonradh pá do bhaill foirne saotharlainne, conradh atá chan amháin ag soláthar do mhéadú boilscitheach pá ach atá ag cur tuilleadh acmhainní ar fáil dóibh siúd atá ar na pointí ag bun na scálaí pá. Rinneadh seo le tabhairt faoi na deacrachtaí a bhaineann le baill foirne sóisearacha a earcú agus a choinneáil.

Lena chois sin, tá mo Roinnse, i gcomhar lena macasamhail i Sasana, in Albain agus sa Bhreatain Bheag, ag plé forbairt chóras nua pá do bhaill foirne na SNS/SSPS leis na ceardchumainn. Tabharfaidh a leithéid de chóras, má tá comhaontú air, faill iniúchadh a dhéanamh ar phá bhall foirne saotharlann lena chinntiú go bhfuil siad ag fáil pá atá ag cur go cothrom leis na freagrachtaí atá orthu.

GP Patient Lists

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to indicate the number of patients who were refused services by a general practitioner and forced to find a new general practitioner in each of 1997-98, 1998-99 and 1999-2000.

(AQO 55/00)

Ms de Brún: The numbers of patients removed from general practitioners’ lists at the request of doctors were:

Is mar seo a leanas atá líon na n-othar a baineadh de liostaí na liachleachtóirí ar iarratas ó dhochtúirí:

Punishment Beatings

Mr Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will henceforth provide, on a monthly basis, the number of admissions to hospital resulting from so-called punishment beatings.

(AQO 41/00)

Ms de Brún: No. This information is not collected.

Ní bhailítear an t-eolas seo.

Fire Service

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what representations have been made to her by the Fire Service regarding the proposal to award an Exceptional Service Medal to members of the service.

(AQO 38/00)

Ms de Brún: I announced in the Assembly on 27 June that the Fire Authority would be striking a medal for fire fighters in recognition of their outstanding service to the community over the past 30 years. The Fire Brigades Union has asked for a meeting with me to discuss a number of issues, including the award, and arrangements for the meeting are being made.

D’fhógair mé sa Tionól ar an 27 Meitheamh go mheadh an tÚdarás Dóiteáin ag bualadh boinn don lucht múchta dóiteáin ar son a gcuid seirbhíse don phobal le 30 bliain anuas. D’iarr Ceardchumann na mBriogáidí Dóiteáin cruinniú orm le roinnt ábhar a phlé chomh maith le bronnadh na mbonn, agus tá socruithe á ndéanamh i gcomhair an chruinnithe sin.

Royal Group Hospitals: Expenditure

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, in light of the overspend by the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, what plans she has to improve the management of, and accountability for, public expenditure.

(AQO 68/00)

Ms de Brún: The previous financial year was an exceptionally difficult year for the Royal Group of Hospitals, and indeed for trusts in general, due in part to the unprecedented nature of the winter pressures and the additional costs which were incurred in dealing with both the threat of the millennium bug and the special payments to staff for working over the Millennium period.

My Department places strong emphasis on budgetary discipline with the HPSS and the financial positions and any resultant overspends are actively monitored by the Department and appropriate action is taken as necessary. Where Trusts are currently incurring or projecting deficits in excess of 0·5% of their budgets they must put in place a recovery plan to restore financial stability. The RGH Trust has prepared such a recovery plan, and it is currently being scrutinised by my Department. This scrutiny will examine any deficiencies in management and accountability within the Trust.

My Department will also be developing proposals to strengthen performance management within the HPSS as a whole. Central to this will be more rigorous accountability arrangements for Boards and Trusts and the achievement and maintenance of financial stability.

Ba bhliain an-deacair ar fad í an bhliain airgeadais seo a chuaigh thart do Ghrúpa na nOspidéal Ríoga agus le fírinne, do na hlontaobhais i gcoitinne. Tharla seo go páirteach de bharr bhrú an gheimhridh agus de bharr na gcostas breise a tabhaíodh chun déileáil le bagairt fhríd na mílaoise agus le íocaíochtaí speisialta a thabhairt do na baill foirne a bhí ag obair thar thréimhse thús na mílaoise.

Cuireann mo Roinnse béim láidir ar rialú buiséid maidir leis na SSSSP agus staideanna airgeadais na nlontaobhas. Déanann an Roinn faireachán gníomhach ar aon ró-chaiteachas ina dhiaidh sin agus, más gá, déanfaidh sí cibé beart is cuí. I gcás ina bhfuil na hlontaobhais ag tabhú nó ag tuar easnamh reatha sa bhreis ar 0.5% dá mbuiséid, caithfidh siad plean téarnaimh a cheapadh le cobhsaíocht airgeadais a athbhunú. Tá Iontaobhas an GOR i ndiaidh Plean téarnaimh a cheapadh agus tá mo Roinnse á iniúchadh faoi láthair. Mar chuid den iniúchadh seo déanfar scrúdú ar easnamh ar bith maidir le bainistíocht agus cuntasacht taobh istigh den lontaobhas.

Beidh mo Roinnse ag ceapadh moltaí fosta le bainistíocht ar feidhmiithe a threisiú taobh istigh de na SSSSP ina n-iomláine. Mar chuid an-tábhachtach den ábhar seo beidh socruithe níos déine ann maidir le cuntasacht na mbord agus na nlontaobhas agus beidh cobhsaíocht airgeadais le baint amach agus le coinneáil ar bun.

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