Friday 1 December 2000
Written Answers to Questions (Continued)

HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES
AND PUBLIC SAFETY

Special Needs Nursery Schools: Funding

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what funding she will provide for special needs nursery schools in the forthcoming financial year.

(AQW 661/00)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): Decisions on the funding of specific services are a matter for Health and Social Service boards and trusts, having regard to available resources and other healthcare priorities. Decisions on the allocation of the moneys available to my Department and to the Health boards will be taken in due course and will be informed, among other things, by the further statement from the Minister of Finance and Personnel on the Budget in December to the Assembly.

Is gnó é do na boird agus do na hiontaobhais sláinte agus seirbhísí sóisialta cinntí a dhéanamh ar mhaoiniú seirbhísí sonracha ag féachaint do na hacmhainní atá ar fáil agus do thosaíochtaí eile cúraim sláinte. Déanfar cinntí in am agus i dtráth ar leithroinnt na gcistí atá ar fáil ag mo Roinnse agus ag na boird agus is é a rachaidh i gcion orthu, i measc nithe eile, an ráiteas breise ar an Bhuiséad a thabharfaidh an tAire Airgeadais agus Pearsanra don Tionól i mí na Nollag.

Mitchell House School

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will (a) detail the amount of tuition time each child received at Mitchell House Special Needs Nursery School in the last financial year 1999-2000 and (b) confirm the total cost thereof.

(AQW 662/00)

Ms de Brún: During the period April 1999 to March 2000, 13 children at Mitchell House Special Needs Nursery School received a total of 337 hours of speech and language therapy.

The total cost of this therapy was just over £7,800.

Ó Aibreán 1999 go Márta 2000 fuair 13 pháiste ar Naíscoil Riachtanas Speisialta Theach Mitchell 337 n-uaire an chloig teiripe urlabhra agus teanga san iomlán.

Bhí beagáinín níos mó ná £7,800 ar chostas iomlán na teiripe sin.

Green Park Trust

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail (a) the amount of funding available in the Green Park Trust for Special Needs Nursery Schools, (b) how many children are enrolled for this provision and (c) how many hours tuition each child will receive this term.

(AQW 664/00)

Ms de Brún: In relation to Mitchell House School, funding of speech and language support for nursery school children will amount to just over £10,000 in the current year. Of the 12 children in the nursery school who receive speech and language therapy, four will each receive 7·5 hours and eight will each receive 15 hours tuition time this term.

Maidir le Scoil Theach Mitchell beidh beagáinín níos mó ná £10,000 sa bhliain reatha ar mhaoiniú cúnaimh urlabhra agus teanga do pháistí naíscoile. I dtaca leis an 12 páiste ar an naíscoil a fhaigheann teiripe urlabhra agus teanga gheobhaidh ceathrar acu 7½ n-uaire an chloig teagaisc an duine agus gheobhaidh ochtar 15 huaire an chloig teagaisc an duine an téarma seo.

Psychiatric Liaison

Ms McWilliams asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the provision of out-of-hours psychiatric liaison cover in each hospital accident and emergency department.

(AQW 665/00)

Ms de Brún: The information is provided below by Health and Social Services board area.

Eastern Health and Social Services Board

Belfast City Hospital Trust: Out-of-hours cover is provided on a rota basis by the trust’s senior house officers based at Windsor House, with supervision from the specialist registrar and on-call consultant psychiatrist.

Downe and Lagan Valley Hospitals: Out-of-hours cover is provided by a specialist registrar supported, as required, by an on-call consultant psychiatrist.

Mater Hospital Trust: Out-of-hours cover is provided by senior house officers who are on call in the Psychiatric Unit in the Hospital and by the on-call specialist registrar and/or consultant psychiatrist. The trust currently has a working party of psychiatric staff, accident and emergency staff, and mental health staff from North and West Belfast Trust looking at ways to enhance this service. The proposal is to engage senior mental health nurses employed in the Mater Hospital and North and West Belfast Trusts on a rota basis to be first on call to assess patients who require psychiatric opinion between the hours of 5.00 pm to midnight, seven days a week.

Royal Hospitals Trust: Since the transfer of acute psychiatric beds from Knockbracken Healthcare Park to the Mater Hospital, on 1 April 1999, no out-of-hours psychiatry cover has been available to the Royal Hospitals Trust.

Ulster Community and Hospitals Trust: North Down and Ards Patients: Out-of-hours cover is provided by a community psychiatric nurse and an approved social worker on call. Medical cover is provided through a senior house officer (psychiatry) at Downshire Hospital supported by the specialist registrar and consultant on call.

South and East Belfast Patients: Out-of-hours cover is provided by a senior house officer (psychiatry) at Knockbracken Healthcare Park with further support from the specialist registrar and consultant on call.

Review in Eastern Board area: The Eastern Board has commissioned a review of out-of-hours psychiatric liaison cover, to be conducted by Dr Philip McClements, a former Deputy Chief Medical Officer in the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. The review is due to be completed by March 2001 and will address issues such as the need to re-establish an out-of-hours liaison service at the Royal Victoria Hospital.

Northern Health and Social Services Board

All accident and emergency departments have 24-hour access to psychiatric advice and support. Out-of-hours cover is normally provided by the duty psychiatrist for the appropriate trust. In the case of United Hospitals Trust, the service is provided from Holywell Hospital. Within Causeway Trust the service is provided by the Ross Thompson Unit, Route Hospital, Ballymoney.

Southern Health and Social Services Board

All accident and emergency departments have 24-hour cover provided by an on-call senior house officer (psychiatry) and an on-call consultant. The board established a working group earlier this year to examine the issue of developing a specialist liaison team for Craigavon and Banbridge Trust. Subject to available funding this may be established during 2000-02.

Western Health and Social Services Board

Altnagelvin Hospital: During the out-of-hours period the accident and emergency department depends on services from the psychiatric on-call team based at Gransha Hospital and the mental health services provision by social workers.

Tyrone County Hospital and Erne Hospital: Out-of-hours cover is provided by the on-call senior house officer with responsibility for psychiatric services who in turn may seek advice from the on-call consultant psychiatrist. Accident and emergency staff can also access the information support line which operates from 5.00 pm to 9.00 am at Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital in Omagh. Staff also have access to the social services out-of-hours co-ordinator.

Tá an t-eolas thíos á chur ar fáil de réir Bordcheantar Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta.

Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Oirthir

Iontaobhas Ospidéal Cathrach Bhéal Feirste: Cuireann oifigigh shinsearacha tí an iontaobhais, atá bunaithe i dTeach Windsor, seirbhís ar fáil taobh amuigh de na gnáthuaireanta ar bhonn róta agus tá sainchláraitheoir agus síciatraí comhairleach ar fáil mar mhaoirseoirí orthu.

Ospidéil an Dúin agus Ghleann an Lagáin: Cuireann sainchláraitheoir seirbhís ar fáil taobh amuigh de na gnáthuaireanta agus tá síciatraí comhairleach ar fáil mar thaca aige nuair is gá.

Iontaobhas Ospidéal an Mater: Cuireann oifigigh shinsearacha tí atá ar fáil san aonad síciatrach san ospideal agus an sainchláraitheoir atá ar glaoch agus/ nó síciatraí comhairleach seirbhís ar fáil taobh amuigh de na gnáthuaireanta. Faoi láthair tá meitheal bunaithe ag an iontaobhas agus is iad atá mar bhaill uirthi, baill foirne síciatrachta agus baill foirne ón roinn taismí agus éigeandálaí agus baill foirne meabhairshláinte ó Iontaobhas Thuaisceart agus Iarthar Bhéal Feirste agus tá siad ag lorg dóigheanna leis an tseirbhís a fheabhsú. Táthar ag moladh gur cheart altraí sinsearacha meabhairshláinte a fhostú ar bhonn róta in Iontaobhas Ospidéal an Mater agus in Iontaobhas Thuaisceart agus Iarthar Bhéal Feirste le bheith ar fáil ar dtús le measúnú a dhéanamh ar othair a bhfuil fáthmheas síciatrachta uathu idir a 5pm go meán oíche seacht lá sa tseachtain.

Iontaobhas na nOspidéal Ríoga: Ó aistríodh na leapacha géarshíciatrachta ó Ospidéal Pháirc Chúraim Sláinte Chnoc Bhreacáin chuig Ospidéal an Mater ar an 1 Aibreán 1999, níl seirbhís síciatrachta taobh amuigh de na gnáthuaireanta ar fáil ag Iontaobhas na nOspidéal Ríoga.

Iontaobhas Phobal agus Ospidéal Uladh:

Othair Thuaisceart an Dúin agus na hArda: cuireann altra síciatrachta pobail agus oibrí sóisialta ceadaithe ar fáil seirbhís ar fáil taobh amuigh de na gnáthuaireanta. Cuireann oifigeach sinsearach tí (síciatracht) seirbhís míochaine ar fáil in Ospidéal Downshire agus tá sainchláraitheoir agus lia comhairleach ar fáil mar thaca aige.

Othair Dheisceart agus Oirthear Bhéal Feirste: Cuireann oifigeach sinsearach tí (síciatracht) seirbhís ar fáil taobh amuigh de na gnáthuaireanta in Ospidéal Pháirc Chúraim Sláinte Chnoc Bhreacáin agus tá sainchláraitheoir agus lia comhairleach ar fáil mar thaca aige.

Athbhreithniú i gCeantar Bhord an Oirthir Tá Bord an Oirthir i ndiaidh athbhreithniú a choimisiúnú ar sheirbhís teagmhála síciatrachta taobh amuigh de na gnáthuaireanta a bheas le déanamh ag an Dr Philip McClements, iar-LeasPhríomh-Oifigeach Míochaine sa Roinn Sláinte, Seirbhísí Sóisialta agus Sábháilteachta Poiblí. Tá an t-athbhreithniú le críochnú faoi mhí Mhárta 2001 agus tabharfaidh sé faoi cheisteanna mar an gá atá le seirbhís teagmhála taobh amuigh de na gnáthuaireanta a athbhúnú in Ospidéal Ríoga Victoria.

Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Tuaiscirt

Tá gach roinn taismí agus éigeandálaí ábalta teacht ar chomhairle agus tacaíocht síciatrachta 24 huaire sa lá. Go hiondúil cuireann an síciatraí ar dualgas seirbhís ar fáil taobh amuigh de na gnáthuaireanta thar ceann an iontaobhais chuí. I gcás Iontaobhas na nOspidéal Aontaithe is ó Ospidéal Holywell a chuirtear an tseirbhís ar fáil. Taobh istigh d’Iontaobhas an Chlocháin is é Aonad Ross Thompson, Ospidéal an Rúta, Baile Muine, a chuireann an tseirbhís ar fáil.

Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Deiscirt

I ngach roinn taismí agus éigeandálaí cuireann oifigeach sinsearach tí (síciatrachta) ar fáil agus lia comhairleach ar fáil seirbhís 24 huaire sa lá ar fáil. Bhunaigh Bord an Deiscirt meitheal níos luaithe i mbliana lena mheas ar cheart sainfhoireann teagmhála a fhorbairt d’Iontaobhas Craigavon agus Dhroichead na Banna. Féadfar í sin a bhunú i rith na bliana 2001-02 ach an maoiniú a bheith ar fail.

Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Iarthair

Ospideal Alt na nGealbhan: I rith na tréimhse taobh amuigh de na gnáthuaireanta bíonn an roinn taismí agus éigeandálaí ag brath ar sheirbhísí ón fhoireann sícriatrachta ar fáil atá bunaithe in Ospidéal na Gráinsí agus ar na seirbhísí meabhairshláinte a sholáthraíonn oibrithe sóisialta.

Ospidéal Chontae Thír Eoghain agus Ospidéal na hÉirne: Cuireann an toifigeach sinsearach tí ar fáil a bhfuil freagracht na seirbhísí síciatrachta air seirbhís ar fáil taobh amuigh de na gnáthuaireanta agus féadfaidh sé comhairle a iarraidh ar an síciatraí comhairleach atá ar fáil. Féadfaidh foireann na roinne taismí agus éigeandálaí teacht ar an chabhairlíne thacaíochta a bhíonn ar obair óna 5.00pm go dtí a 9.00am in Ospidéal Thír Eoghain agus Fhear Manach ar an Ómaigh. Thig leis an fhoireann teacht ar an chomhordaitheoir seirbhísí sóisialta a bhíonn ar fáil taobh amuigh de na gnáthuaireanta.

Mitchell House School

Mr Taylor asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail (a) what provision there is for occupational therapy for pupils attending Mitchell House School Belfast and (b) what funding will be available for this service after 31 December 2000; and if she will make a statement.

(AQW 674/00)

Ms de Brún: There are one whole time equivalent Senior II and 0·89 whole time equivalent Senior I occupational therapists providing 68 hours of therapy per week to the school. There will be almost £10,500 available for this service after 31 December to the end of the financial year.

Is ionann an fhoireann atá ann agus Teiripeoir Ceirde lánaimseartha Ghrád Sinsearach II amháin agus 89 teiripeoir ceirde lánaimseartha Ghrád Sinsearach I, agus soláthraíonn siad 68 n-uaire an chloig teiripe sa tseachtain don scoil. Beidh suas le £10,500 ar fáil don tseirbhís seo i ndiaidh an 31 Nollaig go dtí deireadh na bliana airgeadais.

Area Medical Advisory Committee

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if, pursuant to AQW 538/00 in relation to the area medical advisory committee (AMAC), she will (a) detail the method by which members are selected and appointed, (b) detail what guarantees there are to ensure that members represent their profession and (c) explain why a number of professions are not represented.

(AQW 678/00)

Ms de Brún: There are four area medical advisory committees, one for each Health and Social Services board. The answer to AQW/538/00 provided information in respect of the Eastern and Western Boards’ committees. The additional questions are matters of detail for the boards, and I have asked the chief executives to write to the Member with the information requested.

Tá ceithre choiste chomhairleacha míochaine ceantair ann, ceann do gach bord sláinte agus seirbhísí sóisialta. Thug an freagra ar AQW/538/00 eolas i leith choistí Bhord an Oirthir agus Bhord an Iarthair. Is gnó é do na boird na mionsonraí sna ceisteanna breise agus d’iarr mé ar na príomhfheidhmeannaigh scríobh chuig an Chomhalta faoin eolas a iarradh.

Learning Disability

Mr B Hutchinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will outline her plans to bring forward legislation in relation to personal and sexual relationships of those with learning disability.

(AQW 681/00)

Ms de Brún: I have no plans at present to bring forward legislation. Departmental guidance on the personal and sexual development of people with a learning disability was issued in 1990. Extracts from relevant legislation pertaining to this subject are appended to the guidance.

Níl pleananna ar bith agam faoi láthair reachtaíocht a thabhairt chun tosaigh. Sa bhliain 1990 eisíodh treoir Roinne ar fhorbairt phearsanta agus ghnéis daoine a bhfuil míchumas foghlama orthu. Tá sleachta ón reachtaíocht chuí a bhaineann leis an ábhar seo i gceangal leis an treoir.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Mr Kane asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail what proportion of her budget is allocated to research into Alzheimer’s disease.

(AQW 684/00)

Ms de Brún: There is no specific amount of funding allocated by my Department for research into Alzheimer’s disease. The research and development office for the HPSS supports a broad range of research interests. An evaluation is currently being made for the establishment of a regional research group in neurosciences and, if set up, this group will encompass research into Alzheimer’s disease.

Níl aon suim shonrach leithroinnte ag mo Roinnse le haghaidh taighde ar ghalar Alzheimer. Tacaíonn oifig taighde agus forbartha na SSSSP le réimse leathan leasanna taighde. Tá measúnú á dhéanamh faoi láthair maidir le grúpa réigiúnach taighde ar néareolaíochtaí agus má bhunaítear an grúpa sin, beidh taighde ar ghalar Alzheimer faoina choimirce.

Performance-related Pay

Mr Adams asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the annual level of performance-related pay and/or bonuses for chief executives by trust board for each year since 1994.

(AQW 695/00)

Ms de Brún: The annual level of performancerelated pay and bonuses paid to each trust chief executive in each year since 1994 is set out in the attached table on page 113.

Tá an leibhéal bliantúil pá de réir feidhmithe agus na bónais a íocadh le gach príomhfheidhmeannach iontaobhais gach bliain ón bhliain 1994 anuas leagtha amach sa tábla atá i gceangal leis seo.

Chief Executives: Performance-related Pay

Mr Adams asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if, in relation to chief executives of trusts, she will detail the level of expenditure that has been incurred on performance-related pay awards and/or bonuses in each of the last six years.

(AQW 697/00)

Ms de Brún: I would refer the Member to my response to his earlier question (AQW 695/00) on this matter.

Tarraingim aird an Chomhalta ar mo fhreagra ar an cheist a chuir sé ní ba luaithe ar an ábhar seo.

Health Trusts: Performance-related Pay

Mr Adams asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if, in relation to health trusts, she will detail the number of directors and employees who were eligible for performance-related pay awards and/or bonuses in 1992 and 1993.

(AQW 698/00)

Ms de Brún: The first group of HSS trusts did not become operational here until 1 April 1993. Accordingly there were no performance-related pay awards paid to directors of trusts prior to 1 April 1994.

PERFORMANCE RELATED PAY/BONUSES PAID TO TRUST CHIEF EXECUTIVES FROM 1 APRIL 1994 TO 31 MARCH 2000

Figures rounded to the nearest £ thousand Source: Trust Annual Reports

PÁ DE RÉIR FEIDHMÍOCHTA/BÓNAIS A ÍOCADH LE PRÍOMHFHEIDHMEANNAIGH IONTAOBHAIS ÓN 1 AIBREÁN 1994 GO DTÍ AN 31 MÁRTA 2000

Cothromaíodh na figiúirí chuig an £míle is cóngaraí Foinse: Tuarascálacha Bliantúla na nIontaobhas

Níor tháinig an chéad ghrúpa d’iontaobhais SSS i bhfeidhm anseo go dtí 1 Aibreán 1993. Dá réir sin, níor tugadh dámhachtainí pá de réir feidhmithe do stiúrthóirí na n-iontaobhas roimh 1 Aibreán 1994.

Performance-related Pay Awards

Mr Adams asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if in relation to the health trusts, she will outline the process by which performance-related pay awards and bonuses are adjudicated across Northern Ireland.

(AQW 704/00)

Ms de Brún: All senior managers in Health and Personal Social Services have a set of objectives agreed each year, against which their performance is measured and ranked according to how successfully objectives have been met.

Performance-related pay is decided by the trust board following a recommendation by the board’s remuneration committee. The remuneration committee operates under strict guidelines issued by my Department.

Bíonn tacar de chuspóirí aontaithe ag na bainisteoirí sinsearacha uile sna seirbhísí sláinte sóisialta agus pearsanta gach bliain, agus meastar agus céimnítear a bhfeidhmiú i dtaca leis an dóigh a n-éiríonn leo na cuspóirí úd a bhaint amach.

Déanann bord an iontaobhais cinneadh ar phá de réir feidhmithe ar mholadh choiste íocaíochta an bhoird. Gníomhaíonn an coiste íocaíochta de réir treoirlínte righne arna eisiú ag mo Roinn.

Non-European Union Nurses

Mr Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the number of nurses employed in Northern Ireland who were trained outside the European Union.

(AQW 724/00)

Ms de Brún: The information is not available in the form requested. However, since December 1998 a total of 207 work permits have been issued to nurses trained outside the European Union.

Níl an t-eolas ar fáil sa chruth inar iarradh é. Ach, ó mhí na Nollag 1998 eisíodh 207 gcead oibre chuig altraí a fuair oiliúint taobh amuigh den Aontas Eorpach.

Student Nursing Courses

Mr Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the academic qualifications required for admittance to (a) student nursing courses in Northern Ireland and (b) comparable courses in other parts of the United Kingdom.

(AQW 727/00)

Ms de Brún: The educational requirements of the UK Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting for entry to training leading to qualification for admission to the register are prescribed by legislation and apply on the same basis in Great Britain and here. Section 16(1) of the Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Rules Approval Order 1983, as amended states:

"The minimum educational conditions for entry to training leading to qualification for admission to Part 1, 3, 5 or 8 of the register subject to paragraph (2) of this rule shall be either:

(a) a minimum of five subjects any of which may be obtained in the General Certificate of Secondary Education in England and Wales grade A, B or C, or at ordinary level grade A, B or C in the General Certificate of Education of England and Wales, or at grade 1 in the Certificate of Secondary Education; or

(b) a minimum of five subjects any of which may be obtained at ordinary or standard grade, grade1, 2 or 3, or at ordinary grade (band A, B or C) in the Scottish Certificate of Education; or

(c) a minimum of five subjects any of which may be obtained in the General Certificate of Secondary Education in Northern Ireland, grade A, B or C, or at grade A, B or C in the Northern Ireland General Certificate of Education at ordinary level, or passes in the examination for the Northern Ireland Grammar School Senior Certificate of Education, or;

(d) such other qualifications as the council may consider equivalent to those set out in paragraph 1(a), (b) or (c) of this rule; or

(E) a specified pass standard in an educational test approved by the council."

Maidir le riachtanais oideachais lár-chomhairle altranais, chnáimhseachais agus chuartaíochta sláinte na Ríochta Aontaithe le haghaidh iontráil ar oiliúint a bhfaighfear cáilíocht ina deireadh le dul isteach sa chlár, tá siad forordaithe sa reachtaíocht agus cuirtear i bhfeidhm ar an bhonn céanna sa Bhreatain Mhór agus anseo iad. Luaitear an méid seo a leanas in Alt 16(1) den Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Rules Approval Order 1983, arna leasú:

"Faoi réir mhír (2) den riail seo is iad na coinníollacha íosta oideachais le haghaidh iontráil ar oiliúint a bhfaighfear cáilíocht ina deireadh le dul isteach i gCuid 1, 3, 5 nó 8 den chlár:

(a) cúig abhár ar a laghad a bhféadfaidh ceann ar bith a bheith gnóthaithe sa Teastas Ginearálta Meánoideachais i Sasana agus sa Bhreatain Bheag ag gráid A, B, nó C, nó ag gráid Ghnáthleibhéil A, B, nó C i dTeastas Ginearálta Oideachais Shasana agus na Breataine Bige, nó ag Grád 1 sa Teastas Meánoideachais; nó

(b) cúig abhár ar a laghad a bhféadfaidh ceann ar bith a ghnóthú ag Gnáthghrád nó ag Grád Caighdeánach 1, 2, nó 3 nó ag Gnáthghrád (banda A, B nó C) i dTeastas Oideachais na hAlban; nó

(c) cúig abhár ar a laghad a bhféadfaidh ceann ar bith a gnóthú sa Teastas Ginearálta Meánoideachais i dTuaisceart Éireann ag gráid A, B, nó C, nó ag gráid Ghnáthleibhéil A, B, nó C i dTeastas Ginearálta Oideachais Thuaisceart Éireann, nó ag pasghráid sa scrúdú do Theastas Sinsearach Oideachais Scoileanna Gramadaí Thuaisceart Éireann; nó

(d) cibé cáilíochtaí eile a mheasfaidh an chomhairle a bheith comhionann leo sin atá leagtha amach i mír 1(a), (b) nó (c) den riail seo; nó

(e) caighdeán sonraithe pas i dtriail oideachais atá ceadaithe ag an chomhairle."

Influenza Vaccine

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps she is taking to ensure that there is sufficient influenza vaccine available in Northern Ireland to meet the current demand among vulnerable groups.

(AQW 731/00)

Ms de Brún: During the planning for this year’s influenza immunisation programme the main manufacturers of the vaccine were advised of increased demand. GPs were informed of the Department’s proposals and advised to order sufficient vaccines before 15 August. To date in excess of 300,000 doses of the influenza vaccine have been delivered here. In addition my Department has centrally purchased 10,000 individual doses of the flu vaccine to be distributed directly to GP practices reporting vaccine shortages. Of these approximately 5,000 have been issued to date. Throughout the programme my Department has liaised closely with HSS boards, pharmacy representatives and GPs to ensure sufficient vaccine is available to meet demand among vulnerable groups.

Nuair a bhí clár imdhíonta na bliana seo in éadan fliú á bheartú tugadh le fios do mhórdhéantóirí na vacsaíne gur mhéadaigh go mór ar an éileamh. Cuireadh moltaí na Roinne in iúl do liachleachtóirí agus moladh dóibh go leor vacsaíní a ordú roimh 15 Lúnasa. Go nuige seo, soláthraíodh breis agus 300,000 dáileog in éadan fliú anseo. Lena chois, lárcheannaigh mo Roinn 10,000 dáileog aonair den vacsaín le dáileadh go díreach ar chleachtais liachleachtóirí a d’fhógair easpaí vacsaíne. Tugadh amach thart faoi 5,000 dóibh seo cheana féin. I gcaitheamh an chláir bhí mo Roinn i ndlúththeagmháil le boird SSS, ionadaithe poitigéireachta, agus le liachleachtóirí le cinntiú go bhfuil go leor vacsaíne ar fáil le riar ar an éileamh i measc grúpaí leochaileacha.

Legal Costs

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail (a) the estimated cost of her Department’s legal action against the First Minister (b) where these resources will come from and (c) which sector of her Department will be most affected by the loss of these resources.

(AQW 733/00)

Ms de Brún: I am not yet in a position to estimate the cost of the Department’s legal action against the First Minister. The cost of the action will be dependent upon the duration of the lawsuit.

Any costs associated with the action will be met from savings in the departmental running costs budget and will not impact on health and social care programmes as these are funded from a separate budget.

Níl mé in ann costas chaingean dlí na Roinne in éadan An Chéad-Aire a mheas go fóill. Beidh costas na caingne ag brath ar cá fhad a mhairfidh sí.

Réiteofar costais ar bith a bhaineann leis an chaingean as airgead taisce ó bhuiséad chostais reatha na Roinne agus ní bhainfidh siad de chláir sláinte agus seirbhísí sóisialta, mar maoinítear iad seo ó bhuiséad faoi leith.

Ulster Hospital Trust

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will (a) detail what meetings she has had with the Ulster Hospital Trust since 31 May 2000 (b) outline what issues have been discussed (c) confirm who attended those meetings and (d) detail what conclusions have been reached.

(AQW 746/00)

Ms de Brún: I have not had any meetings with representatives from the Ulster Hospital Trust since 31 May 2000.

Ní raibh cruinnithe ar bith agam le hionadaithe ó Iontaobhas Otharlann Uladh ó 31 Bealtaine 2000.

Ulster Hospital: Capital Expenditure

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail (a) what are the current capital expenditure needs at the Ulster Hospital (b) what funding will be made available and (c) what further action she proposes to take to meet those needs.

(AQW 748/00)

Ms de Brún: My officials have taken part in a series of meetings involving the trust and the Eastern Board about a redevelopment programme for the Ulster Hospital site. The trust is aiming to have its proposals finalised and submitted to my Department by Christmas. When that has been done, I will be able to consider questions of timetable and funding in the light of the resources available to me.

Bhí feidhmeannaigh de mo chuid páirteach i sraith cruinnithe leis an iontaobhas agus le Bord an Oirthir faoi chlár athfhorbartha do shuíomh Otharlann Uladh. Is é cuspóir an iontaobhais a chuid moltaí bheith réidh agus curtha faoi bhraid mo Roinne fán Nollaig. Nuair a bheas sin déanta, beidh mé féin in inmhe ceisteanna a bhaineann le clár ama agus le maoiniú a mheas de réir na n-acmhainní a bheas ar fáil agam.

Young Carers

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will outline what provision there is to address the needs of young carers.

(AQW 753/00)

Ms de Brún: Since April 1996 carers, including young carers, are entitled to an assessment of their ability to provide, or to continue to provide, care when an assessment or reassessment of the needs of the person being cared for is being carried out.

In February 1996 the Department issued guidance to health and social services boards and trusts on carers’ assessments. That guidance draws particular attention to the special considerations that should apply in the case of young carers in terms of the impact that their caring role might have on their emotional and social development and on their educational and leisure opportunities. The guidance requires trusts to work closely with education and library boards when carrying out assessments of young carers.

Under Article 18 of the Children (NI) Order 1995, boards and trusts can help young carers by considering whether their welfare or development might suffer if support is not provided.

I have recently instructed officials to draw up proposals for a strategy for carers here. In developing the proposals specific attention will be paid to the needs of young carers.

Ó Aibreán 1996, tá cúramóirí, lena n-áirítear cúramóirí óga, i dteideal measúnaithe ar a gcumas cúram a sholáthar nó leanúint de chúram a sholáthar de réir mar atá measúnú nó athmheasúnú á dhéanamh ar riachtanais an duine atá faoi chúram.

I mí Feabhra 1996 d’eisigh an Roinn treoir do bhoird sláinte agus seirbhísí sóisialta agus d’iontaobhais ar mheasúnuithe cúramóirí. Díríonn an treoir aird ar leith air go bhféadann ról cúramoirí óga dul i bhfeidhm ar a bhforás mothúchánach sóisialta agus ar a ndeiseanna oideachais agus fóillíochta agus gur chóir seo a chur san áireamh mar is cuí. Éilíonn an treoir ar iontaobhais obriú go dlúth le boird oideachais agus leabharlainne agus iad ag déanamh measúnuithe ar chúramóirí óga.

De réir airteagal 18 den Children (NI) Act 1995, is féidir le boird agus le hiontaobhais cuidiú le cúramóirí óga trína chur san áireamh cé acu an ndéanfaí dochar dá leas nó dá bhforás mura gcuirfí tacaíocht ar fáil.

D’inis mé d’fheidhmeannaigh moltaí a dhréachtú le haghaidh straitéise do chúramóirí anseo. Agus na moltaí á bhforbairt tabharfar aird shainiúil ar riachtanais cúramóirí óga.

Pre-employment Consultancy
Service Register

Ms Lewsley asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (a) to outline what arrangements exist for cross-border vetting of staff working with children and (b) whether statutory and voluntary organisations in the Republic of Ireland can access the Department’s pre-employment consultancy service (PECS) register in relation to staff who work in the Republic but are domiciled in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 768/00)

Ms de Brún: Arrangements exist for authorities here and in the South of Ireland to exchange information about the criminal records of individuals who apply for posts involving work with children. As the nature of the information held on the PECS register is highly sensitive, access is strictly limited to those organisations vetted and registered with the Department. There are currently no mechanisms for similar vetting of organisations based in the South.

You may be aware that my Department is represented on the working group on child protection set up under the aegis of the North/South Ministerial Council. This group will seek to develop a mechanism for the reciprocal identification of people considered to be unsuitable for working with children.

Tá socruithe ann do na húdaráis anseo agus i ndeisceart na hÉireann araon le haghaidh malartú eolais faoi thaifid choiriúla daoine a chuireann isteach ar phoist a bhaineann le hobair le páistí. As siocair go bhfuil an cineál eolais atá ar an Chlár PECS iontach íogair, tá teacht ar an eolas teoranta do na heagraíochtaí sin amháin a ndearnadh scagadh orthu agus atá cláraithe leis an Roinn. Faoi láthair níl meicníochtaí ann leis an scagadh céanna a dhéanamh ar eagraíochtaí bunaithe sa Deisceart.

B’fhéidir gurb eol duit go bhfuil ionadaithe mo Roinne ar an ghrúpa oibre ar chosaint páistí a bunaíodh faoi choimirce na Comhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas. Féachfaidh an grúpa seo le meicníocht le haghaidh aithint chómhalartach a fhorbairt ar dhaoine a mheastar a bheith mífhóirsteanach do bheith ag obair le páistí.

Overseas Nurses: Recruitment

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) how many managers from each trust have visited Australia and the Philippines to recruit nurses in the past 12 months (b) how many overseas nurses have been recruited and (c) what financial package has been agreed with those recruited.

(AQW 789/00)

Ms de Brún: Two directors from the Royal Hospitals HSS Trust visited Australia in May this year. Fifty nurses were offered posts and 36 accepted. Six Australian nurses have already commenced employment with the trust, and the remainder are due to arrive over the coming months. Normal terms and conditions of service apply with a one-way flight paid on the condition that the individual stays at least 12 months.

Four senior managers from the Ulster Community & Hospitals Trust visited the Philippines in September this year. Three of the managers were from a nursing background, and one was from human resources. One hundred applicants were interviewed, and 40 were considered suitable for employment. Twenty nurses have taken up employment with the trust on a two-year contract. Another 10 to 15 nurses are expected to arrive in January/February next year.

Pending UKCC registration these staff have been appointed at grade C and will then be regraded to staff nurse grade D.

They enjoy the same terms and conditions as existing nursing staff.

Air fares to take up employment have been paid by the trust. Return fares will be paid if the employee stays for at least six months. If the nurse leaves before six months half of the air fare will be paid, and the recruitment agency will repay half of its fee.

Thug beirt stiúrthóir ó Iontaobhas Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta na nOtharlann Ríoga cuairt ar an Astráil i Mí Bealtaine i mbliana. Tairgeadh poist do 50 altra agus ghlac 36 leo. Thosaigh seisear altra Astrálach ag obair don iontaobhas cheana féin agus beidh an chuid eile ag teacht sna míonna seo chugainn. Tá na gnáth-théarmaí agus coinníollacha seirbhíse i bhfeidhm agus díoltar as eitilt aontreo ar an acht go bhfanfaidh an duine go ceann 12 mhí ar a laghad.

Thug ceathrar bainisteoir sinsireach ón Iontaobhas Ospidéal agus Phobal Uladh cuairt ar na Filipíneacha i Meán Fómhair i mbliana. Bhí cúlra altranais ag triúr de na bainisteoirí agus tháinig an duine eile ó acmhainn daonna. Cuireadh agallamh ar 100 iarrthóir agus measadh 40 bheith fóirsteaneach don fhostaíocht. Ghlac 20 altra fostaíocht leis an iontaobhas ar chonradh dhá bhliain. Táthar ag dúil le 10-15 altra eile a theacht in Eanáir/ Feabhra na bliana seo chugainn.

Go dtí go gcláraítear na baill foirne seo leis an (UKCC), ceapadh iad ar ghrád C agus ansin athghrádófar ar altra foirne ghrád D iad.

Tá na téarmaí agus coinníollacha céanna acu agus atá ag an chuid eile den fhoireann altranais.

Dhíol an tIontaobhas as táillí eitilte na ndaoine sin atá ag teacht a ghlacadh fostaíocht. Díolfar as táillí fillte má fhanann an fostaí go ceann sé mhí ar a laghad. Má imíonn an t-altra sula mbíonn na sé mhí istigh, díolfar leath den táille eitilte agus aisíocfaidh an ghníomhaireacht earcaíochta leath dá táille.

District Nurses: Travel Costs

Mr McClarty asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will confirm that financial allowances in respect of travel costs at work are payable to district/community nurses.

(AQO 387/00)

Ms de Brún: Trusts may offer an official car to district/ community nurses. However, district/community nurses required by their employer to use their own car on official business are entitled to mileage allowances. Employees who meet certain criteria are classified as "regular car users" and are paid a regular-user rate plus a lump sum payment. Other district/community nurses who use their cars are entitled to standard mileage rates only. In each case the rates are determined by the engine capacity of the car, and they are reduced when the total miles travelled in the financial year exceeds an agreed figure.

When a private car is used in circumstances where travel by public service would be appropriate a public transport rate is payable unless this is higher than the regular or standard user rate for the appropriate engine/ mileage band, when that lower rate is paid.

HSS Trusts are free to determine their own policy on the payment of travelling allowances for those staff on trust contracts.

Féadfaidh na hiontaobhais gluaisteán oifigiúil a thairiscint d’altraí ceantair/ pobail. Ach i gcás ina n-iarrann fostóir ar altraí ceantair/ pobail a ngluaisteán féin a úsáid ar ghnó oifigiúil, tá siad i dteideal mileáiste. Aicmítear fostaithe a chomhlíonann critéir áirithe mar "úsáideoirí rialta gluaisteán" agus íoctar iad ar ráta úsáideora rialta móide cnapshuim. Tá altraí ceantair/pobail eile a úsáideann a ngluaisteáin i dteideal rátaí caighdeánacha míleáiste amháin. Socraítear na rátaí i ngach cás de réir mhéid inneall an ghluaisteáin agus íslítear iad nuair a thaistealaítear míleáiste iomlán atá níos mó ná an méid ar aontaíodh air.

Nuair a úsáidtear gluaisteán príobháideach i gcúinsí nuair a b’fhóirsteanach taisteal le seirbhís phoiblí tá ráta iompair phoiblí iníoctha muna bhfuil seo níos airde ná an ráta don úsáidteoir rialta nó caighdeáin don bhanda chuí innill/míleáiste, nuair a íoctar an ráta níos ísle sin.

Fágtar faoi iontaobhais SSS le cinneadh ar a bpolasaí féin maidir le híocaíocht liúntas taistil a dhéanamh leis na baill foirne sin atá ar chonarthaí iontaobhais.

Radon Gas

Mr McCarthy asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action she has taken to examine the risks to the public from radon gas in public buildings in the light of recent reports of its linkage to lung cancer.

(AQO 366/00)

Ms de Brún: The possible health risks of exposure to radon have been known for some time. For most people the risk of lung cancer from exposure to radon is insignificant compared to other risks of everyday life. It is thought that smoking contributes directly to 90% of the 800 lung-cancer deaths here annually.

The National Radiological Protection Board has established a maximum safe level for radon in buildings. Responsibility for ensuring compliance with the health and safety legislation relating to radon in public buildings rests with the health and safety executive of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and district councils. From measurements taken by the health and safety executive over a period of years in public buildings, it is considered unlikely that members of the public will be at any increased risk to health from this source.

My Department will continue to work closely with the Department of the Environment, the health and safety executive and district councils in monitoring levels of radon gas to ensure that any risk to public health is dealt with swiftly and effectively.

Tá an t-eolas ann le tamall go bhféadfadh priacal sláinte a bheith ann dóibh siúd atá i dteagmháil le radón. Is beag an priacal do bhunús na ndaoine go mbeadh ailse scamhóg orthu de bharr teagmháil le radón i gcomparáid le priacail eile sa ghnáthshaol. Meastar go bhfuil ceangal díreach idir caitheamh tobac agus 90% de na 800 bás bliantúil ó ailse scamhóg a tharlaíonn anseo.

Tá an Bord Náisiúnta Cosanta Raideolaíochta i ndiaidh cinneadh ar an leibhéal sábháilte is airde radóin i bhfoirgnimh. Is ar fheidhmeannas sláinte agus sábháilteachta na Roinne Fiontair, Trádála agus Infheistíochta agus ar na comhairlí ceantair atá an fhreagracht maidir lena chinntiú go gcomhlíontar an reachtaíocht a bhaineann le radón i bhfoirgnimh phoiblí. Measann an feidhmeannas sláinte agus sábháilteachta ó na tomhais a ghlac sé i bhfoirgnimh phoiblí thar thréimhse de bhlianta, gurb éadóigh gur mó an priacal sláinte a bheas ann do dhaoine ón fhoinse seo.

Leanfaidh mo Roinn de bheith ag obair go dlúth i gcomhar leis an Roinn Comhshaoil, leis an fheidhmeannas sláinte agus sábháilteachta agus leis na comhairlí ceantair agus iad ag déanamh faireacháin ar leibhéil gáis radóin lena chinntiú go ndéileálfar go gasta agus go héifeachtach le priacal ar bith don tsláinte phoiblí.

Winter Beds Crisis

Mr Ford asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if, pursuant to AQO 184/00, she will detail the steps she has taken to avoid a winter beds crisis this year.

(AQO 368/00)

Ms de Brún: I refer the member to the answer I provided on 23 October.

Tarraingím aird an Chomhalta ar an fhreagra a thug mé ar an 23 Deireadh Fómhair.

Mental Health Patients

Ms Lewsley asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail what measures are being taken to reduce the waiting lists for mental health patients in the Down Lisburn Trust area; and if she will make a statement.

(AQO 362/00)

Ms de Brún: The measures being taken to reduce waiting lists for mental health patients in Down Lisburn Trust include:

• Establishing a new primary care project, involving three mental health workers, to target waiting lists.
• Establishing a new mental health resource centre in Lisburn, that will provide a day hospital and other therapeutic services.
• Reinstating day services in Downpatrick for patients currently awaiting assessment.

Áirítear iad seo a leanas leis na bearta atá Iontaobhas an Dúin agus Lios na gCearrbhach a dhéanamh le líon na n-othar meabhairghalair atá ar liostaí feithimh a laghdú:

• Tionscadal nua cúraim phríomhúil a bhúnú a bhfuil trí oibrí meabhairshláinte ann le díriú ar an líon atá ar na líostaí feithimh.
• Áisionad nua meabhairshláinte a bhunú i Lios na gCearrbhach, rud a chuirfidh ospidéal lae agus seirbhísí teiripeacha ar fáil.
• Seirbhísí lae a athbhúnú i nDún Pádraig d’othair atá ag feitheamh faoi láthair le measúnú a fháil.

Pay Review Boards

Dr Birnie asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will outline her plans to extend the range of pay review boards to include additional health service occupations.

(AQO 383/00)

Ms de Brún: Proposals for modernising NHS/HPSS pay were published in February 1999 under ‘Agenda for Change — Modernising the NHS pay system’. Officials of my Department and colleagues employed in the HPSS, in conjunction with their counterparts in England, Scotland and Wales, are currently engaged with staff organisations in the development of the new pay system.

The proposals include bringing some groups of highly qualified staff — nurses, midwives, health visitors and professions allied to medicine — into the pay review body without changing its fundamentally professional character.

Certain qualifying criteria have been identified as a starting point and these will be subject to discussions between the parties.

The widening of the review body is conditional upon an overall agreement being reached on the new pay system.

Foilsíodh moltaí maidir le nuachóiriú a chur ar phá san SNS/SSSSP i mí Feabhra 1999 faoi ‘Agenda for Change - Modernising the NHS pay system’. Faoi láthair tá feidhmeannaigh de chuid mo Roinne agus a gcomhghleacaithe, atá fostaithe ag na SSSSP, i gcomhar lena macasamhail i Sasana, in Albain agus sa Bhreatain Bheag, ag plé forbairt córas nua pá leis na ceardchumainn.

Moltar, i measc nithe eile, gur cheart grúpaí áirithe a bhfuil ardcháilíochtaí acu a thabhairt faoi réim chomhlacht athbhreithnithe ar phá altraí, ban cabhrach, cuairteoirí sláinte agus gairmeacha a bhaineann le cúrsaí míochaine gan a charachtar bunúsach gairmiúil a athrú.

Aimsíodh critéir áirithe cáiliúcháin mar thúsphointe agus cuirfidh na páirtithe faoi chaibidil iad.

Braitheann leathnú an chomhlachta athbhreithnithe ar theacht ar chomhaontú foriomlán ar an chóras nua pá.

Antrim Area Hospital: Security

Mr McClelland asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will outline her plans to enhance security at Antrim Area Hospital for (a) staff and patients and (b) car parking areas.

(AQO 385/00)

Ms de Brún: The question of security at the Antrim Area Hospital is a matter for the United Hospitals Trust. I have asked the chief executive to write to the Member with information on the trust’s plans regarding security at the hospital.

Is gnó é d’Iontaobhas na nOspidéal Aontaithe an cheist slándála in Ospidéal Cheantar Aontroma. D’iarr mé ar an phríomhfheidhmeannach scríobh chuig an Chomhalta maidir le heolas ar phleananna an iontaobhais i dtaca le cúrsaí slándála san ospidéal.

Fire Service Award

Mr Berry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will outline her plans regarding the proposed award to the Fire Service of an exceptional service medal; and if she will make a statement.

(AQO 346/00)

Ms de Brún: I would refer the Member to the statement I made to the Assembly this morning.

Tarraingim aird an Chomhalta ar an ráiteas a rinne mé sa Tionól ar maidin.

General Medical Council:
Revalidation of Doctors

Mr Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will outline her assessment of the implications on financial resources for her Department following the proposed General Medical Council’s revalidation of doctors’ process.

(AQO 347/00)

Ms de Brún: The General Medical Council’s proposals on revalidation were recently subject to a widespread consultation exercise, and I understand that the General Medical Council is still considering the responses. Officials in my Department are keeping in close touch with progress on the proposals, but it will not be possible to make a proper assessment of the financial and resource implications until the proposals are finalised.

Cuireadh moltaí na Comhairle Ginearálta Míochaine ar chóras athbhailíochta do dhochtúirí faoi bhabhta leitheadach comhairliúcháin ar na mallaibh agus tuigim go bhfuil an Chomhairle Ghinearálta Mhíochaine ag breithniú na bhfreagraí go fóill. Tá feidhmeannaigh de chuid mo Roinne ag déanamh géarfhaireacháin ar an dul chun cinn maidir leis na moltaí ach ní fhéadfar measúnú ceart a dhéanamh ar na himpleachtaí ó thaobh airgeadais agus acmhainní go dtí go mbeidh bailchríoch ar na moltaí.

Illegal Drug Use

Mr McFarland asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail the cost to the health budget of treating illegal drug use in Northern Ireland.

(AQO 353/00)

Ms de Brún: An independent group of consultants has undertaken an analysis of expenditure on drug misuse here. Their findings, contained in the ‘Drug Strategy for Northern Ireland’, published in August 1999, show that £1·048 million was spent on treatment and rehabilitation by the Department of Health and Social Services and the health and social services trusts in 1998.

Thug grúpa sainchomhairleoirí neamhspleácha faoi anailís ar an chaiteachas maidir le mí-úsáid drugaí anseo. Taispeánann na cinntí atá ar fáil in ‘Drug Strategy for Northern Ireland’, a foilsíodh i mí Lúnasa 1999 gur chaith an Roinn Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta agus na hiontaobhais sláinte agus seirbhísí sóisialta £1.048m ar chóireáil agus ar athshlánú sa bhliain 1998.

District Nurses:
Payment of Mileage Allowance

Rev Robert Coulter asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will outline her policy on payments for mileage allowances for district/community nurses.

(AQO 377/00)

Ms de Brún: Trusts may offer an official car to district/ community nurses. However, where district/ community nurses are required by their employer to use their own car on official business they are entitled to mileage allowances. Employees who meet certain criteria are classified as "regular car users" and are paid a regular user rate plus a lump sum payment. Other district/community nurses who use their cars are entitled to standard mileage rates only. In each case the rates are determined by the engine capacity of the car, and they are reduced when the total miles travelled in the financial year exceeds an agreed figure.

When a private car is used in circumstances where travel by public service would be appropriate a public transport rate is payable unless this is higher than the regular or standard user rate for the appropriate engine/ mileage band, when that lower rate is paid.

HSS Trusts are free to determine their own policy on the payment of travelling allowances for those staff on trust contracts.

Féadfaidh na hiontaobhais gluaisteán oifigiúil a thairiscint d’altraí ceantair/pobail. Ach i gcás ina n-iarrann fostóir ar altraí ceantair/ pobail a ngluaisteán féin a úsáid ar ghnó oifigiúil, tá siad i dteideal mileáiste. Aicmítear fostaithe a chomhlíonann critéir áirithe mar "úsáideoirí rialta gluaisteán" agus íoctar iad ar ráta úsáideora rialta móide cnapshuim. Tá altraí ceantair/pobail eile a úsáideann a ngluaisteáin i dteideal rátaí caighdeánacha míleáiste amháin. Socraítear na rátaí i ngach cás de réir mhéid inneall an ghluaisteáin agus íslítear iad nuair a thaistealaítear míleáiste iomlán atá níos mó ná an méid ar aontaíodh air.

Nuair a úsáidtear gluaisteán príobháideach i gcúinsí nuair a b’fhóirsteanach taisteal le seirbhís phoiblí tá ráta iompair phoiblí iníoctha muna bhfuil seo níos airde ná an ráta don úsáidteoir rialta nó caighdeáin don bhanda chuí innill/míleáiste nuair a íoctar an ráta níos ísle sin.

Fágtar faoi iontaobhais SSS le cinneadh ar a bpolasaí féin maidir le híocaíocht liúntas taistil a dhéanamh leis na baill foirne sin atá ar chonarthaí iontaobhais.

Waiting Lists
(Northern Health and Social Services Board)

Mr Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail what measures she is taking to ensure that there is not an increase in hospital waiting lists in the Northern Health and Social Services Board area this winter.

(AQO 384/00)

Ms de Brún: In line with the framework for action on waiting lists, which I issued on 11 September, the Northern Health and Social Services Board has commissioned a wide range of additional procedures in specialties such as general surgery, cardiac surgery and ophthalmology. These are to be carried out before the end of the financial year and are aimed at minimising the impact of winter pressures on waiting lists.

Is de réir an chreata le haghaidh gníomhaíochta ar liostaí feithimh a d’eisigh mé ar an 11 Meán Fómhair atá Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Tuaiscirt i ndiaidh réimse leathan oibríochtaí breise a choimisiúnú i speisialtóireachtaí mar shampla, máinliacht ghinearálta, máinliacht chairdiach agus oftailmeolaíocht. Tá siad sin le cur i gcrích roimh dheireadh na bliana airgeadais agus déanfar sin lena chinntiú go laghdófar tionchar bhrúnna an gheimhridh ar líon na ndaoine a bheas ar na liostaí feithimh.

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