Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister
Agriculture and Rural Development
Culture, Arts and Leisure
Education
Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Environment
Finance and Personnel
Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment
Regional Development
Social Development

OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER

Civic Forum

Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to identify the members of the Civic Forum who have a close family relationship with an Assembly member and to give an assurance that these MLAs did not canvas for the appointment of a family member to the Civic Forum.

(AQW 228/00)

The First Minister and Deputy First Minister (Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon): The processes for appointment to the Civic Forum did not contain a requirement to disclose family relationships, with members of the Assembly or otherwise. We are unable therefore to identify members of the Forum who might be so related. Furthermore, although a number of MLAs did write directly to us regarding our appointments, it was not apparent that any of the canvassing was on behalf of family members.

We are also unaware of any canvassing of the 10 nominating sectors by an Assembly member on behalf of any family member.

Annual Performance Targets

Dr Alasdair McDonnell asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister how Ministers will announce and publish the annual performance targets set for Agencies in their respective Departments.

(AQW 256/00)

Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: Setting an Agency’s annual key performance targets – financial and non financial – is a matter for the relevant Minister in the light of proposals put to him by the Chief Executive. The annual targets for each Agency will be set before the beginning of the period to which they relate and will be published before the end of April in the relevant financial year.

Charter Mark

Ms Jane Morrice asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if they could detail the number of applications for Charter Mark currently under consideration, the target date for the assessment of these applications, the arrangements for publication of Charter Mark submissions for those applications which have been successful; and if they will make a statement.

(AQW 257/00)

Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The first phase of the 2000 Charter Mark Award Scheme has already taken place, during which we had 4 winners from 8 applications. There are a further 59 Charter Mark applications from Northern Ireland based organisations which have still to be assessed, bringing the total number of applications for this year to 67.

These 59 applications are now being assessed and will be judged on 21 November 2000. Publication of the results usually coincides with the National Awards Ceremony in London, which for year 2000 winners will be on Tuesday, 13 February 2001.The submissions made by successful applicants are not published.

We are very pleased with Northern Ireland’s success in obtaining Charter Marks. Winning a Charter Mark Award is a great achievement; it is recognition for providing excellent service to the public. We have every confidence that this year our public services will do well and win a large number of Charter Marks for the year 2000.

Province Wide Crisis

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if they will detail the source of any monies which would be provided in the event of a Province wide crisis such as a fuel shortage.

(AQW 266/00)

Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The Northern Ireland Administration does not hold a reserve fund.

Additional expenditure resulting from an emergency situation would need, in the first instance, to be found from within Departmental budgets. There are regular monitoring rounds in which the Executive can transfer money between Departments on the basis of need.

Civic Forum

Mr Danny O'Connor asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail how many people where appointed to the Civic Forum from each constituency.

(AQW 278/00)

Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon: The number of people appointed to the Civic Forum from each constituency, based on the contact address provided by members is as follows:

Constituency Number appointed

One member works and resides outside Northern Ireland.

AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Northern Ireland Rural Development Plan 2000-2006

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail if the European Union Commission has approved the Northern Ireland Rural Development Plan 2000-2006.

(AQW 235/00)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): A revised draft of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Plan was sent to the European Union Commission on 25 September and discussed with Commission officials in a bilateral meeting on 28 September. The Commission asked for some more details to be included in the Plan. However, no fundamental issues remain to be resolved and I am confident that the Plan will be approved at the STAR Committee on 24 and 25 October.

Steering Group

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will report on the steering group set up by her following her announcement of 3 December 1999 and detail, (a) what meetings have been held, (b) what reports issued and (c) the cost to date.

(AQW 236/00)

Ms Rodgers: Because of the suspension of devolution, the Steering Group charged with developing a vision for the future of the Northern Ireland agri-food sector was not set up until 3 May. The first meeting of the full Steering Group was held on 11 May and there have been two meetings subsequently. However, the Group works through four Sub-Groups and these have had a total of 17 meetings to date.

No reports, as such, have been issued but a paper outlining the "Emerging Themes" from the Group’s deliberations was considered by the Executive Committee on 28 September. A copy of this paper was sent to the Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development.

Expenditure on the vision exercise to date is estimated at £2,500.

Net Annual Valuations

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if, pursuant to AQW 439/99, she will confirm, (a) if such discussions have taken place and if so (b) with what results.

(AQW 237/00)

Ms Rodgers: I can confirm that I have raised the issue of Net Annual Valuations, (NAVs) of farm-based retail outlets with Mr Mark Durkan, Minister of Finance and Personnel.

The Minister of Finance and Personnel has previously signalled that the whole range of rate exemptions and relief will be considered as part of the wide-ranging review of the rating system.

Strangford Lough Management Committee

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she has any plans to implement community-based initiatives to look after and manage shores and shore-line waters and if she is aware of similar schemes on mainland

(AQW 267/00)

Ms Rodgers: In 1992 the Department of Environment and Agriculture agreed to the establishment of the Strangford Lough Management Committee. The main purpose of the Committee is to advise government on the conservation and management of Strangford Lough. Its membership comprises representatives of the local community, Lough users and those with a specialist interest in the Lough.

In common with mainline UK the Department is also seeking to implement the EC Habitats directive and has designated a number of Special Areas of Conservation including Strangford Lough. However, beyond this I am not aware of any particular GB initiative involving local communities but I would be happy to consider these if you could provide any further detail.

CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE

Ulster-Scots Language

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what steps he will take to ensure that the Ulster-Scots language receives the same priority from local media accorded to the Irish language and if he will make a statement.

(AQW 175/00)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): Ulster-Scots is one of the languages recognised under Part II of the Council of Europe Charter on Regional or Minority Languages which sets out general principles of recognition and support for indigenous minority languages and the removal of discrimination against them.

Tha Boord O Ulster Scotch has been established to promote the Ulster-Scots language and culture. As part of its role to develop public understanding Tha Boord may have an interest in how the language and culture are presented by the media. I will therefore draw your question to the attention of the Chair of Tha Boord, Lord Laird of Artigarvan. The draft Corporate Plan setting out the steps the Boord intends to take to carry out its function in 2000/2001 will be considered at the next meeting of the North South Ministerial Council.

Media coverage generally, as you will appreciate, is a matter for the relevant editors and you might wish to take the matter up directly with them.

Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland (OSNI) 2001

Mr Jim Wilson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, what performance targets have been set for Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland (OSNI) in 2000/01.

(AQW 193/00)

Mr McGimpsey: OSNI have had the following targets set:

National Minimum Wage

Mr Gerry Adams asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to identify the number of staff within his Department and its associated agencies currently receiving (a) the National Minimum wage and (b) less than £5.00 per hour.

Irish Language

Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister of Education if he will undertake to increase the number of Irish language places in St Mary's University College.

(AQW 254/00)

Mr McGuinness: Initial training for teaching through the medium of Irish is provided by St Mary’s University College through two routes: a four year Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree; and a one-year Post-Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE).

The Department does not set an intake number for the Irish-medium BEd course but allows the college to allocate places to it from within its overall BEd quota in the light of both the number of applications and of suitable candidates.

The Department sets an annual intake number for the PGCE course but, in recognition of the recent growth in demand for qualified teachers in the IM sector, it permits the college to exceed the notified intake where the college considers that there are more suitable applicants for the course than places available.

The Department will continue to maintain this flexible approach to intake numbers and is willing to consider, in association with the college, any further adjustments or developments which may be necessary to respond to needs in Irish-medium schools.

Schools Funding

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education what steps will be taken to resolve the unequal funding of primary and secondary schools.

(AQW 287/00)

Mr McGuinness: The complex issue of funding differentials between the primary and secondary sectors is being considered in the context of ongoing work on the development of a common LMS formula which will replace the seven existing formulae used to fund schools in the Province. My intention is to issue a consultation document to schools and other interests before the end of this year and I will welcome comments on all aspects of the proposed formula at that stage.

Secondary Education Grades

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Education if he will detail the proportion of pupils completing secondary education in each of the last three years obtaining the following; (a) one or more Advanced Level passes, (b) five or more General Certificate of Secondary Education passes at Grades A to C, (c) one or more General Certificate of Secondary Education passes at Grades A to G, (d) one or more General National Vocational Qualification passes at intermediate level, (e) one or more General National Vocational Qualification pass at foundation level and (f) no formal secondary level qualifications.

(AQW 291/00)

Mr McGuinness: The information for 1999/2000 is not yet available. The figures for the previous 3 years are as follows:

Northern Ireland Economic Reports

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline his response to Northern Ireland Economic Council report 133 and if he will make a statement.

(AQW 263/00)

Sir Reg Empey: The Inter-departmental assessment of NIEC Report "No 133", commissioned by Dr Farren and myself, has now been completed. The individual Departmental components of that assessment are currently being cleared by the relevant Ministers. Dr Farren and I hope to receive the completed document over the next few days after which we will put a joint report to the Executive Committee.

Landowners Rights

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail what rights landowners have at present with respect to the erection of electricity pylons and poles.

(AQW 265/00)

Sir Reg Empey: Before erecting electricity pylons or poles, Northern Ireland Electricity plc is required to obtain planning permission and a wayleave for the proposal. Where the landowner refuses to grant a voluntary wayleave, the company can apply to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for a necessary wayleave.

Under the procedures governing applications both to the Department of the Environment for planning permission and to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for necessary wayleaves, landowners have the right to register any objections to the proposal; and in each case, where they give rise to material considerations, to have them taken into account by the Department in reaching its decision.

New Business in Strangford Constituency

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he will detail how many new businesses have been encouraged to locate in the Strangford constituency, and if he will make a statement.

(AQW 275/00)

Sir Reg Empey:

LEDU

1. During the financial year 99/00 LEDU committed a total amount of £650,000 in the Strangford Constituency. This has resulted in the creation of 112 jobs among LEDU clients in the area.

2. LEDU has a total of 55 clients in the constituency, which currently employ over 900 people and have the combined turnover of over £55m and external sales to the value of £25 m.

3. The constituency has also showed above average growth in both employment and turnover over 1998 -1999 in comparison with the NI average growth levels among LEDU's client base.

IDB

4. During the last three years three new inward investment projects located in the Strangford constituency. Combined these produced a total investment of £6.4 million and 181 new jobs promoted. In addition, there were 17 first time and repeat visits to the constituency from prospective investors, the majority of which were to existing companies.

Gas Pipeline

Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what efforts have been made to extend the natural gas pipeline to the south east of Northern Ireland, and if he will make a statement.

(AQW 280/00)

Sir Reg Empey: As I have previously stated, I am keen that the gas industry in Northern Ireland be extended, but any expansion of the gas network outside the Greater Belfast area relies on the private sector developing economically viable opportunities. The Director General of Gas for Northern Ireland, who is responsible for the granting of licences under the Gas (Northern Ireland) Order 1996, is still considering licence applications from several private sector companies to take gas to the south east of Northern Ireland.

The supply of gas to the south east of Northern Ireland is closely linked to the construction of a North-South gas interconnector but potential investors are awaiting the outcome of a future pricing policy exercise in the South before they can reach conclusions on the viability of a North-South gas pipeline and submit firm proposals. I hope that the deliberations on pricing policy will be concluded shortly and that viable private sector proposals for a North-South pipeline will then emerge.

The First Minister and Deputy First Minister and I have made representations to the Minister for Public Enterprise emphasising that a North-South pipeline is a vital element in creating an all-island energy market with significant benefits for North and South.

Information Technology Commission

Mr David Ford asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what steps he has taken to create an Information Technology Commission as suggested in Strategy 2010.

(AQO 137/00)

Sir Reg Empey: The Information Age Initiative was established in September 1999 in response to the Strategy 2010 recommendation and charged with developing a strategic framework and Action plan to enable Northern Ireland to " enthusiastically grasp the opportunities of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) revolution". The Initiative published its strategy document in April 2000 and since then has made good progress in implementing many of its recommendations.

New Targeting Social Need

Mr Joe Byrne asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if, in view of the New Targeting Social Need (NTSN) parameters, he will describe the steps he has taken to ensure that new inward investment projects and overall economic development is distributed evenly throughout Northern Ireland.

(AQO 129/00)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department’s New Targeting Social Need Action Plan focuses efforts and resources on promoting economic development on areas objectively defined as having the greatest social and economic need. As regards inward investment IDB will continue with its policy of offering enhanced levels of assistance to companies locating in these areas, and challenging targets have been set for first time visits to, and new inward investment projects locating in, these areas.

South Armagh Tourism Initiative

Mr John Fee asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he will outline what steps he is taking to promote tourism in South Armagh and if he will make a statement.

(AQO 127/00)

Sir Reg Empey: With the support of NITB, IFI and the EU, the South Armagh Tourism Initiative partners, including statutory agencies, the district councils and community organisations, have been working to an agreed action plan for product development, visitor management and provider training.

Fermanagh Unemployment figures

Mr Gerry McHugh asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he will confirm that a number of established employers are leaving Fermanagh and if he will make a statement.

(AQO 140/00)

Sir Reg Empey: While recent announcements of job losses in Fermanagh are deeply regrettable I am encouraged to see that the most recent unemployment statistics show a decrease over the last year in Fermanagh’s figures. Nevertheless I am not complacent. I wish to see additional employment opportunities created through indigenous company growth and the attraction of new inward investment.

Northern Ireland Business Education Partnership

Ms Eileen Bell asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline what plans he has to co-operate with the Minister of Education to promote enterprise and entrepreneurship in Northern Ireland schools.

(AQO 136/00)

Sir Reg Empey: I will be co-operating with the Minister for Education, through the Northern Ireland Business Education Partnership (NIBEP), and with local business bodies on a range of initiatives to promote business education links and enterprise in schools. Examples are LEDU’s support for Young Enterprise and IDB’s Youth Forums at Board Roadshow events.

ENVIRONMENT

"A New Deal For Transport: Better For Everyone"

Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister of the Environment if, in relation to the Government's 1998 white paper, "A New Deal for Transport: Better For Everyone" and the subsequent document "Sustainable Distribution: A Strategy" in respect of increased and enhanced enforcement, he will outline how this policy has been taken forward; and if he will make a statement.

(AQW 199/00)

The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): Publication of the UK Government’s White Paper on Integrated Transport (July 1998) focussed attention on the need to shape a new future for transport in the UK. In response, the then Minister of the Environment in Northern Ireland, Lord Dubs, published a Northern Ireland Transport Policy Statement ‘Moving Forward’ which put in place a number of initiatives to influence how people travel.

The Minister for Regional Development is responsible for transportation policy in Northern Ireland and I have been informed by him that his officials are preparing a Regional Transportation Strategy for Northern Ireland that will provide a strategic framework to facilitate the future development of local transport plans and consider how they can be adequately resourced.

The proposals contained in the UK documents relate in the main to circumstances in Great Britain. In keeping those aspects of enforcement which are the responsibility of my Department under review to ensure their continued efficiency and effectiveness, and in any future review of the regulation of the road haulage and passenger carrying industries here, I will wish to bear in mind the proposals in the UK documents and the strategic framework which emerges from the Regional Transportation Strategy for Northern Ireland.

Enforcement Officers

Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister of the Environment if additional Driver and Vehicle Licensing enforcement officers have been recruited as a result of the review of the taxi industry.

(AQW 211/00)

Mr Foster: I refer the member to the answers to questions 201/00 and 210/00. No additional transport licensing and enforcement officers have been appointed as a result of the review of the taxi industry in 1992 which was carried out by a previous direct rule administration.

National Minimum Wage

Mr Gerry Adams asked the Minister of the Environment to identify the number of staff within his Department and its associated agencies currently receiving (a) the National Minimum wage and (b) less than £5.00 per hour.

(AQW 217/00)

Mr Foster: No staff within the Department of the Environment and its Agencies are in receipt of the current National Minimum Wage (£3.70 per hour). All of the Department’s 1,723 staff receive an hourly rate in excess of this amount, with some 334 of these currently receiving less than £5.00 per hour. The forthcoming application of outstanding pay awards, effective from 1 April 2000, will result in a substantial increase in the number of the Department’s staff who are in receipt of an hourly rate of £5.00 or more.

National Playing Fields Association

Mr Gerry Adams asked the Minister of the Environment if he will identify current or draft local area plans which incorrectly applied the National Playing Fields Association 6 Acre Standard (NPFA) for the provision of play and recreational space.

(AQW 230/00)

Mr Foster: The statutory responsibility for the provision of adequate facilities for recreation in Northern Ireland rests with District Councils. They advise the Department on the future open space needs of their local areas, as part of the consultation process on development plans. The primary role of the Department is to facilitate the open space requirements of District Councils by zoning appropriate sites. In its presentation of supporting technical information, the Department does undertake an assessment of open space provision generally based on reference to the NPFA standard. The Department acknowledges that the NPFA standard was incorrectly applied, by inclusion of publicly owned golf courses, in the open space assessments for the draft Lisburn Area Plan 2001 and the draft Craigavon Area Plan 2010. In the case of Lisburn, open space provision will be reassessed as part of the forthcoming Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan work on which will commence shortly. As regards Craigavon, the Department intends issuing a clarification to the draft Plan to encompass a range of issues, including the open space standards.

National Playing Fields Association

Mr Gerry Adams asked the Minister of the Environment if he will outline what steps will be taken, by the Planning Service, to review the application of the National Playing Fields Association 6 Acre Standard (NPFA) in both current and draft local area plans and to ensure the exclusion of golf facilities from calculations of play and recreational space.

(AQW 231/00)

Mr Foster: The statutory responsibility for the provision of adequate facilities for recreation in Northern Ireland rests with District Councils. They advise the Department on the future open space needs of their local areas, as part of the consultation process on development plans. The primary role of the Department is to facilitate the open space requirements of District Councils by zoning appropriate sites. In its presentation of supporting technical information, the Department does undertake an assessment of open space provision generally based on reference to the NPFA standard. The Department acknowledges that the NPFA standard was incorrectly applied, by inclusion of publicly owned golf courses, in the open space assessments for the draft Lisburn Area Plan 2001 and the draft Craigavon Area Plan 2010. In the case of Lisburn, open space provision will be reassessed as part of the forthcoming Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan work on which will commence shortly. As regards Craigavon, the Department intends issuing a clarification to the draft Plan to encompass a range of issues, including the open space standards.

Occupiers' Liability

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment if he has secured the removal of third party liability from landowners whose property is open to give the public access to the countryside.

(AQW 264/00)

Mr Foster: Primary responsibility for the legislation governing third party liability is a matter for the Office of Law Reform in the Department of Finance and Personnel.

However, during a recent consultation on access to the countryside, the issue of liability towards third parties, (commonly referred to as Occupiers’ Liability in the case of land or property), emerged as an issue of concern amongst landowners.

My Department has therefore commissioned a study on the subject insofar as it relates to countryside recreation. This study is due to be completed in the spring of next year. I will wish to consider, when I have seen the results of that study, whether or not to make representations about changes to the legislation.

Road Haulage Operators' Licences

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of the Environment if he will bring forward proposals to govern the award of Road Haulage Operators' licences to take account of convictions for offences in regard to the avoidance of fuel duty.

(AQW 268/00)

Mr Foster: I have no plans at present to change the requirements governing the issue of operators’ licences for road hauliers.

Under existing legislation the Department takes all unspent convictions into account when establishing or reassessing the suitability of an operator. Many Excise Duty offences are dealt with by way of civil penalty and do not count as convictions.

In any future review of operator licensing, I will bear the question of civil penalties in mind. Any change to the licensing requirements would, however, require primary legislation.

Road Haulage Operators' Licences

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of the Environment if he will detail the number of Road Haulage Operators' licences that have been refused renewal as a result of the operator being caught smuggling.

(AQW 269/00)

Mr Foster: There have been no Road Haulage Operator licences refused renewal as a result of the operator being caught smuggling.

Road Haulage Operators' Licences

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of the Environment if he will detail the number of Road Haulage Operators' licenses that have been revoked during each of the last 10 years.

(AQW 270/00)

Mr Foster: Records are available only for the last nine years. The number of operator licences revoked in each of those years was as follows: