Friday 8 December 2000
Written Answers to Questions (Continued)

ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT

Energy Efficiency in Industry

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what steps he is taking to ensure energy efficiency in industry.

(AQW 750/00)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): The promotion of energy efficiency in industry and commerce is the responsibility of the Industrial Research and Technology Unit (IRTU) within the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment. IRTU operates a programme of promotion and support measures including the regional management of the UK-wide energy efficiency best practice programme. Over the past five years IRTU has assisted over 1,300 companies on energy efficiency matters. IRTU will also be playing a key role in promoting an enhanced energy efficiency programme when the climate change levy is introduced on 1 April 2001. Details of the support available can be obtained from IRTU’s web site at www.irtu-ni.gov.uk

LEDU Assistance

Mr McGrady asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to provide a breakdown according to constituencies of the number of new jobs created with LEDU assistance in the 1999-2000 financial year.

(AQW 758/00)

Sir Reg Empey: The table attached provides a breakdown of the number of new jobs created by businesses assisted by LEDU and its Business Start programme partners.

LEDU records this information by district council area only.

Number of new jobs created by LEDU clients and those assisted through the Business Start Programme

Mr McGrady asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to provide a breakdown according to constituency of the number of new business start-ups created with LEDU assistance in the 1999/2000 financial year.

(AQW 759/00)

Sir Reg Empey: The table attached provides a breakdown of the number of new business start-ups created by businesses assisted by LEDU and its Business Start programme partners.

LEDU records this information by district council area only.

Number of New Business Start-ups Created with the assistance of LEDU and its Business Start Partners.

New Employment (North Antrim)

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail his plans to bring new employment to the North Antrim constituency.

(AQW 764/00)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department seeks to encourage new employment from existing companies and new investors. In the past couple of years in particular this investment has been mostly from knowledge-based sectors such as telecommunications, software development and call-centre operations.

IDB has been working with local councils, including those in North Antrim, to support their efforts and to ensure co-operation with IDB in the attraction of these kind of projects.

This work has included participation in the CORE group of councils’ strategy conference in May 2000, and IDB has also recently held a seminar for all council economic development officers in order to share experiences in marketing Northern Ireland as an investment location and encourage joint working in the future.

LEDU is the lead agency for enterprise and investment and is represented on the peace and reconciliation partnership and the council’s economic enterprise and investment group.

LEDU works closely with the economic development manager and the local enterprise agency in ensuring a holistic economic strategy is developed for the area.

Northern Ireland National Cycle Network

Mr McClarty asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail proposed measures to promote the Northern Ireland national cycle network and the north coast cycle route as a tourist amenity throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland.

(AQW 777/00)

Sir Reg Empey: With the support of the International Fund for Ireland, Sustrans has been working closely with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to develop a cycle/pedestrian path known as the north coast cycle route to run alongside the proposed Giant’s Causeway and Bushmills Railway. It is intended that when fully complete, the trail will form part of the Northern Ireland national cycle network, which itself is part of the UK network. Sustrans is also working on a number of activities to help market and promote the national cycle network routes to the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

North/South Tourism Company

Mr McClarty asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to (a) confirm that the Northern Ireland Tourist Board will not become subservient to the new North/South Tourism Company and; (b) confirm that the Tourism Company will market Northern Ireland on a worldwide basis and not as part of an all-Ireland entity.

(AQW 778/00)

Sir Reg Empey: The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) will be a joint owner of the North/South Tourism Company and NITB’s chairman and chief executive will be on its board, which will have 50% of its members appointed from Northern Ireland. Responsibility for promoting and developing Northern Ireland as a tourism market remains with NITB, which will use the new company as the delivery mechanism for whatever regional advertising and promotional activity the NITB wants to have in place.

Fairtrade Policies

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline the steps he is taking to encourage local industry and commerce to adopt "Fairtrade" policies.

(AQW 805/00)

Sir Reg Empey: Responsibility for encouraging UK companies to adopt "Fairtrade" policies rests with the Department of Trade and Industry. My Department would be keen to pursue any initiatives developed by the Department of Trade and Industry in this area.

THE ENVIRONMENT

Spending Review 2000

Mr Beggs asked the Minister of the Environment if his bid for additional funding from the spending review 2000 to finance a review of the taxi industry was successful, if he would outline how he intends to structure a review of that industry; and if he will make a statement.

(AQW 797/00)

The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): The draft Budget makes no provision for additional funds for my Department to undertake a review of the taxi industry in Northern Ireland. Consequently I am unable to say at this point that the review will proceed or how it would be structured. However, I will continue to see if I can find some capacity within the resources available to me to allow a review of the future regulation of the taxi industry in Northern Ireland to proceed.

Sewage Sludge

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment what action he intends to take with his Republic of Ireland conterpart to address non-compliance with the EU Directive on sewage sludge to protect residents in border areas; and if he will make a statement.

(AQW 799/00)

Mr Foster: Compliance of individual member states with EU Directives is a matter for the European Commission in the first instance.

I am not aware from my Department’s environmental monitoring systems, or from any other source, of any impact on border areas in Northern Ireland arising from the disposal of sewage sludge to land in the Republic of Ireland.

Any evidence of an impact in Northern Ireland should be brought to my attention or notified to officials in the Environment and Heritage Service of my Department. If I receive such evidence I will, of course, take the matter up with the appropriate authorities in the Republic of Ireland.

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment if he is aware that non-compliance with the EU Directive on sewage sludge and the absence of an adequate system of records by the Republic of Ireland could lead to the build up of heavy metals in the soil and if he will raise the implications of such failure for farmers in border regions with his Republic of Ireland counterpart.

(AQW 800/00)

Mr Foster: Compliance of individual member states with EU Directives is a matter for the European Commission in the first instance.

I am not aware from my Department’s environmental monitoring systems, or from any other source, of any impact on border areas in Northern Ireland arising from the disposal of sewage sludge to land in the Republic of Ireland.

Any evidence of an impact in Northern Ireland should be brought to my attention or notified to officials in the Environment and Heritage Service of my Department. If I receive such evidence I will, of course, take the matter up with the appropriate authorities in the Republic of Ireland.

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to raise the Republic of Ireland’s non- compliance with the EU Directive on sewage sludge with his counterpart in the Republic of Ireland to ensure that public health is not compromised in border areas.

(AQW 801/00)

Mr Foster: Compliance of individual member states with EU Directives is a matter for the European Commission in the first instance.

I am not aware from my Department’s environmental monitoring systems, or from any other source, of any impact on border areas in Northern Ireland arising from the disposal of sewage sludge to land in the Republic of Ireland.

Any evidence of an impact in Northern Ireland should be brought to my attention or notified to officials in the Environment and Heritage Service of my Department. If I receive such evidence I will, of course, take the matter up with the appropriate authorities in the Republic of Ireland.

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment if he is aware that the Republic of Ireland has not yet complied with the EU Directive on sewage sludge and if his officials are monitoring the impact of non-compliance in border regions.

(AQW 802/00)

Mr Foster: Compliance of individual member states with EU Directives is a matter for the European Commission in the first instance.

I am not aware from my Department’s environmental monitoring systems, or from any other source, of any impact on border areas in Northern Ireland arising from the disposal of sewage sludge to land in the Republic of Ireland.

Any evidence of an impact in Northern Ireland should be brought to my attention or notified to officials in the Environment and Heritage Service of my Department. If I receive such evidence I will, of course, take the matter up with the appropriate authorities in the Republic of Ireland.

Waste from Republic of Ireland

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (a) the different types of waste transported from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland in each of the last five years, (b) the amount transported for each type of waste in each of the last five years, (c) the destinations for the transported waste, (d) the methods of disposal for each of the types of waste and (e) the health hazards associated with each of the different types of waste.

(AQW 811/00)

Mr Foster: The Department does not hold the information requested. Under the Basel Convention, the UK is required to report annually on the transboundary movement of wastes. District councils, as the competent authorities for transfrontier shipment movements into and out of Northern Ireland, contribute to the report through returns made direct to the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR). The report prepared by DETR deals with the UK as a whole and does not show any regional breakdown.

Areas of Special Scientific Interest

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (a) those areas in Northern Ireland that have been designated areas of special scientific interest and (b) to list any other areas which may be added to this list.

(AQW 862/00)

Mr Foster: To date 179 areas of special scientific interest (ASSIs) have been declared in Northern Ireland. The full list of these sites may be found on the Environment and Heritage Service website: www.ehsni.gov.uk

I regret that I cannot provide details of the sites yet to be declared. There is no full list of sites that meet the selection criteria for ASSI designation, as the process of survey and assessment is not yet complete. However, based on current knowledge the total number of sites is likely to be in excess of 400.

It is the practice of my Department not to publish the location of proposed ASSIs until such time as landowners and other parties who may be directly affected are consulted. This is in the interests of developing good relations with landowners and minimising the risk of damage to sites.

HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES
AND PUBLIC SAFETY

Plastic Surgery and Burns Units Services

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will detail her plans to address the needs of patients in relation to plastic surgery and burns units in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 734/00)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): I am determined to ensure that there is a sound, high quality service in plastic surgery, including burns. The Eastern Health and Social Services Board has been holding separate discussions with the Royal Group of Hospitals Trust and the Ulster Community and Hospitals Trust with a view to enhancing the linkages between the burns unit at the RVH and the plastic surgery unit at the Ulster Hospital. I hope that partnership arrangements between the two units can be developed so patients can get the best treatment available.

In recognition of the increasing demand for plastic surgery, my Department has increased the number of trainees, and an additional five plastic surgeons will qualify over the next five years.

I am also aware of the current concern over the position in relation to the specialist consultant in burns. The Royal Group of Hospitals Trust recently advertised for two consultant plastic surgeon posts in its burns unit. The present locum consultant in the unit who applied for one of the posts announced recently that he had received an offer of appointment in England and raised some concerns with the trust about the adequacy of equipment and other aspects of the current service in the Royal Group of Hospitals. The trust’s clinical director has been involved in close discussions with him to address his position and concerns, and I hope that the matter will be satisfactorily resolved.

Tá mé meáite ar chinntiú go bhfuil seirbhís láidir máinliachta plaistí ardchaighdeáin ann, lena n-áirítear dónna. Bhí cainteanna ar leithligh ag Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Oirthir le hIontaobhas GRO agus le hIontaobhas Phobal agus Otharlann Uladh d’fhonn na naisc idir an t-aonad dónna ag an ORV agus an t-aonad máinliachta plaistí ag Otharlann Uladh a neartú. Tá súil agam gur féidir an pháirtíocht idir an dá aonad a fhorbairt le gur féidir le hothair togha gach cóireála a fháil.

Aithníonn mo Roinn go bhfuil ag méadú ar an éileamh ar mháinliacht phlaisteach, agus d’ardaigh sí líon na n-oiliúnaithe agus cáileoidh cúigear máinlia plaisteach breise sna chéad cúig bliana eile seo chugainn.

Is feasach domh fosta an imní atá ann maidir le dála an speisialtóra chomhairligh dónna. D’fhógair Iontaobhas an Ghrúpa Ríoga Otharlann (GRO) dhá phost do mháinlia plaisteach comhairleach san aonad dónna le deireanas. Ar na mallaibh, d’fhógair ionadaí an dochtúra chomhairligh atá ann anois san aonad agus a chuir isteach ar cheann de na poist, gur tairgeadh post dó i Sasana agus chuir sé in iúl don iontaobhas go raibh imní air faoi shásúlacht an trealaimh agus gnéithe eile den tseirbhís reatha sa GRO. Bhí dlúthchainteanna ag stiúrthóir cliniciúil an iontaobhais leis lena phost agus na hábhair is cúraim dó a chaibidil agus tá súil agam go mbeidh réiteach sásúil ar an ábhar seo.

General Practitioners’ Forum

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if, pursuant to AQW 528/00, she will (a) confirm the number of meetings between the Department and the general practitioners’ forum in the last two years, (b) confirm whether the issue of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) was discussed and (c) explain what she intends to do regarding the general practitioners’ proposal to transfer funds from their prescribing budget to the fertility service.

(AQW 735/00)

Ms de Brún: No meetings have taken place during the last two years between my Department and the Eastern Board’s GP forum, which provides advice to the board on the commissioning of health and social services. I am aware of proposals made by GPs in the Eastern Board area regarding the prescribing of drugs for patients undergoing in vitro fertilisation treatment. The provision of sub-fertility services is at present being considered by a group established by the Regional Medical Services Consortium, which commissions regional services on behalf of the four health and social services boards. I shall be considering all the issues involved in sub-fertility, including those relating to prescribing, when I receive the group’s report early next year.

Níor tharla cruinniú ar bith sa dá bhliain dheireanacha idir mo Roinns agus fóram liachleachtóirí Bhord an Oirthir, a sholáthraíonn comhairle don bhord ar choimisiúnú seirbhísí sláinte agus sóisialta. Is feasach domh moltaí a rinne liachcleachtóirí ó Bhordcheantar an Oirthir maidir le hordú druganna d’othair a bhí ag fáil cóireáil thoirchiú in-vitro. Tá soláthar seirbhísí fóthorthúlachta á scrúdú faoi láthair ag grúpa a bhunaigh Cuibhreannas Seirbhísí Réigiúnacha Léighis, a choimisiúnaíonn seirbhísí réigiúnacha ar son na gceithre bhord sláinte agus seirbhísí sóisialta. Beidh mé ag scrúdú gach saincheist a bhfuil baint aici le fothorúlacht, lena n-áirítear iad siúd a bhaineann le cóir leighis a ordú, nuair a gheobhaidh mé tuairisc an ghrúpa go luath sa bhlian seo chugainn.

Northern Ireland

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if, pursuant to AQW 634/00, she will detail what term is used for Northern Ireland in any material issued in her name and under her direction.

(AQW 747/00)

Ms de Brún: There is no one singular term which I use to refer to here.

Níl aon téarma ar leith ann a úsáidim mar ainm ar an áit seo.

GP Fundholding

Mr McCarthy asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail her plans for the future of GP fundholding, plans for consultation on its future, and the proposed timescale for the changes; and if she will make a statement.

(AQW 771/00)

Ms de Brún: The Health and Personal Social Services Bill, which is currently before the Assembly, includes a provision to bring to an end the GP fundholding scheme. Before deciding on what should be put in its place I intend to undertake a comprehensive consultation on future arrangements for primary care, and I expect to publish a consultation document for that purpose in the coming weeks. I shall make a statement about the likely time scale for change when I launch the consultation.

Sa Bhille Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta agus Pearsanta atá os comhair an Tionóil faoi láthair tá foráil le críoch a chur le scéim chisteshealbhúchais liachleachtóirí. Roimh shocrú cad é ba cheart a chur ina háit, tá rún agam comhairliúchán cuimsitheach a thionscnamh ar shocruithe sa todhchaí don chúram phríomhúil agus tá mé ag súil le doiciméad comhairliúcháin a fhoilsiú lena aghaidh sin sna seachtainí seo chugainn. Déanfaidh mé ráiteas faoin fhad ama dóchúil a ghlacfaidh an t-athrú nuair a sheolfaidh mé an comhairliúchán.

Cryptosporidium Outbreak (Silent Valley)

Mr ONeill asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the reasons for the delay in the publication of the report on the cryptosporidium outbreak in the Silent Valley reservoir and how much the report will cost.

(AQW 772/00)

Ms de Brún: The nature of the cryptosporidiosis outbreak in the Eastern Board area in April/May was complex, requiring detailed analysis and consideration by the different bodies involved in the investigation. Progress on finalising the report was delayed by the Eastern Board’s involvement in a subsequent cryptosporidiosis outbreak in the south-west Belfast, Dunmurry and north Lisburn areas in August/September.

It proved necessary to arrange a workshop for members of the outbreak control team to review the information gathered about the April/May outbreak and consider the recommendations for inclusion in a final report. The earliest this could be arranged was 3 November 2000.

The report has now been finalised and will be presented to the Eastern Board’s public board meeting in December.

The total direct cost incurred in producing the report is £1,200. This includes the cost of analysing a case control study; bringing Prof Paul Hunter of the public health laboratory service to provide expert advice to the outbreak control team; and for copying the report for distribution. In addition, considerable time was spent by members of the outbreak control team in gathering and analysing information, and meeting to discuss the findings. This involved representatives from a number of organisations and no information is available to quantify the time spent in terms of cost.

Bhí nádúr casta ag an ráig chripteaspóradóise i mbordcheantar SSS An Oirthir in Aibreán/Bealtaine, agus bhí anailís mhionchruinn agus dianmhachnamh de dhíth air ó na páirtithe éagsúla a bhí páirteach san fhiosrúchán. Cuireadh moill ar an tuairisc a thabhairt chun críche de bharr baint a bheith ag Bord an Oirthir le ráig chripteaspóradóise eile ina dhiaidh sin i gceantair Bhéal Feirste Thiar-Theas, Dhún Mhuire agus Lios na gCearrbhach Thuaidh i Lúnasa/Meán Fómhair.

Tharla gur ghá ceardlann a shocrú do bhaill fhoireann smachtaithe na ráige le hathbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar eolas a cruinníodh faoin ráig in Aibreán/ Bealtaine agus leis na moltaí a bhí le cur isteach sa tuairisc dheireanach a mheas. Níorbh fhéidir seo a shocrú roimh 3 Samhain 2000.

Chosain an tuairisc £1,200. Clúdaíonn seo anailís a dhéanamh ar staidéar ar chás rialaithe; an tOllamh Paul Hunter ó sheirbhís na saotharlainne sláinte poiblí a thabhairt isteach le sainchomhairle a chur ar fáil d’fhoireann rialaithe na ráige; agus as an tuairisc a chóipeáil le haghaidh scaipeadh. Lena chois sin, chaith baill na foirne rialaithe ráige cuid mhór ama ag cruinniú agus ag scrúdú faisnéise agus ag teacht le chéile lena plé. Bhí ionadaithe ó eagraíochtaí éagsúla bainteach leis seo agus níl eolas ar fáil ar an airgead a caitheadh ó thaobh ama de.

National Institute
for Clinical Excellence Guidelines

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm that she will be following the recommendations of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) with regard to drugs for those who suffer from multiple sclerosis.

(AQW 781/00)

Ms de Brún: NICE is currently considering the role that beta interferon and glatiramer should have in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. The institute’s original proposal in respect of beta interferon is being reconsidered in the light of appeals and new data. Guidance from NICE on both drugs is not expected until mid-January, at the earliest. The recommendations, which emerge from NICE, will apply only in England and Wales, but I will be considering the implications of guidelines from this expert body for our health and social services and particularly for people suffering from multiple sclerosis. I have already met representatives of the multiple sclerosis society to hear their concerns, and I will also be meeting local health professionals to take their views on the future use of these drugs.

Tá an Institiúid Náisiúnta don Fheabhas Cliniciúil (INFC) ag déanamh machnaimh faoi láthair ar an ról a ba chóir a bheith ag na drugaí beta interferon agus glatiramer i gcóireáil na scléaróise iolraí. Táthar ag déanamh athbhreithniú faoi láthair ar bhunmholadh na hinstitiúide maidir le beta interferon ag cur achomharc agus sonraí nua san áireamh. Ní dócha go mbeidh treoir ag teacht ó INFC ar an dá dhruga seo go dtí lár Mhí Eanáir ar a luaithe. Ní bheidh na moltaí ó INFC i bhfeidhm ach i Sasana agus sa Bhreatain Bheag amháin, ach beidh mé ag déanamh machnaimh ar impleachtaí na dtreoracha ón ghrúpa saineolaithe seo dár sláinte agus seirbhísí sóisialta agus go háirithe do dhaoine a bhfuil an scléaróis iolrach orthu. Bhuail mé cheana féin le hionadaithe Chumann na Scléaróise Iolraí lena gcúiseanna imní a chluinstin agus beidh mé ag bualadh chomh maith le gairmithe sláinte áitiúla lena dtuairimí a fháil ar úsáid na ndrugaí seo sa todhchaí.

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm that she consulted the public, in accordance with the equality scheme, on the recommendations of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) with regard to drugs for those who suffer from multiple sclerosis; and if she will make a statement.

(AQW 782/00)

Ms de Brún: My answer to AQW781/00 details the position in relation to the review of drugs for multiple sclerosis currently being undertaken by NICE. There has been no consultation with the public on this issue because there has been no change in our policy. When guidance emerges from NICE I will be considering its implications for our health and social services. At that stage I will take into account the requirements for consultation outlined in the equality scheme.

Míníonn mo fhreagra ar AQW781/00 go cruinn an staid maidir leis an athbhreithniú ar dhrugaí don scléaróis iolrach atá á dhéanamh faoi láthair ag an Institiúid Náisiúnta don Fheabhas Cliniciúil. (INFC). Ní raibh aon chomhairliúchán leis an phobal ar an cheist seo mar níor athraigh ár bpolasaí. Nuair a thiocfas treoir ó INFC, beidh mé ag smaoineamh ar a himpleachtaí dár sláinte agus seirbhísí sóisialta. Ag an phointe sin cuirfidh mé san áireamh na riachtanais don chomhairliúchán a bhfuil achoimre déanta orthu sa scéim chomhionannais.

Work-Related Stress

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the number of days lost through work-related stress for each of the last three years and (b) the number of staff applying for sick leave and early retirement for each of the last three years.

(AQW 788/00)

Ms de Brún: The information requested is not available. The number of staff who, as the result of ill health, have been granted early retirement or who have left the service was 565 for the year ending 31 March 1998, 492 for the year ending 31 March 1999 and 476 for the year ending 31 March 2000.

Níl an t-eolas a iarrtar ar fáil. Tá líon na foirne sa SSSP ar tugadh cead dóibh dul ar scor luath de dheasca na heasláinte nó a d’fhág an tseirbhís mar a leanas: 565 don bhliain ag críochnú 31 Márta 1998; 492 don bhliain ag críochnú 31 Márta 1999; agus 476 don bhliain ag críochnú 31 Márta 2000.

Tribunal Costs

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the amount of money paid out in tribunal costs to staff by each board and trust in each of the last three years and (b) how much has been paid out in litigation cost by each board and trust in each of the last three years.

(AQW 790/00)

Ms de Brún: The amount of money paid out by boards and trusts as a result of industrial tribunal awards and settlements, for the range of cases requested, for each of the last three years ending on 31 March 2000 is as follows:

1998

Northern Health & Social Services Board
Sex Discrimination – Settlement £20,260
Fair Employment – Settlement £6,500

Armagh & Dungannon HSS Trust
Fair Employment – Settlement £28,500

Homefirst Community HSS Trust
Sex Discrimination – Settlement £900

NI Ambulance Service
Fair Employment – Settlement £10,000

Royal Group of Hospitals & Dental Hospital HSS Trust
Equal Pay/Equal Value – Settlement £18,270

United Hospitals HSS Trust
Fair Employment
– Industrial Tribunal Award £7,867

1999

Northern Health & Social Services Board
Sex Discrimination – Settlement £5,000

Altnagelvin Hospitals HSS Trust
Fair Employment – Settlement £17,500
Disability Discrimination – Settlement £1,000

Armagh & Dungannon HSS Trust
Fair Employment
– Industrial Tribunal Award £1,000

Belfast City Hospital HSS Trust
Race Discrimination
– Industrial Tribunal Award £3,000
Fair Employment
– Industrial Tribunal Award £5,000

Down Lisburn Trust
Race Discrimination – Settlement £2,500
Fair Employment
– Industrial Tribunal Award £2,700
Fair Employment – Settlement £10,000

Foyle HSS Trust
Sex Discrimination – Settlement £2,000

Homefirst Community HSS Trust
Sex Discrimination – Settlement £1,000
Fair Employment – Settlement £400

NI Ambulance Service
Sex Discrimination – Settlement £5,000

Royal Group of Hospitals & Dental Hospital HSS Trust
Equal Pay/Equal Value – Settlement £19,000
Fair Employment – Settlement £26,000

Ulster Community Hospital HSS Trust
Fair Employment – Settlement £5,000

2000

Northern Health & Social Services Board
Sex Discrimination – Settlement £16,083

Southern Health & Social Services Board
Fair Employment – Settlement £5,000

Altnagelvin Hospitals HSS Trust
Sex Discrimination – Settlement £1,669

Armagh & Dungannon HSS Trust
Fair Employment
– Industrial Tribunal Award £10,000

Belfast City Hospital HSS Trust
Equal Pay/Equal Value – Settlement £295,575
Fair Employment – Settlement £2,000

Craigavon & Banbridge Community HSS Trust
Disability Discrimination – Settlement £650

Craigavon Area Hospital HSS Trust
Race Discrimination – Settlement £250
Fair Employment – Industrial Tribunal Award £1,600
Fair Employment – Settlement £250

Green Park HSS Trust
Sex Discrimination – Settlement £215

Newry & Mourne HSS Trust
Sex Discrimination
– Industrial Tribunal Award £2,500

North & West Belfast HSS Trust
Sex Discrimination – Settlement £3,000

Royal Group of Hospitals & Dental Hospital HSS Trust
Sex Discrimination – Settlement £8,000
Fair Employment – Settlement £5,000

Ulster Community Hospital HSS Trust
Sex Discrimination – Settlement £3,500

The amount paid by each board and trust in litigation costs from 1996-97 to 1998-99 is shown in the table below.

Cost of Legal Services by Board and Trust 1996 – 1999

Is mar a leanas atá suim an airgid a d’íoc na boird agus na hiontaobhais de bharr dámhachtainí agus socraíochtaí na cúirte oibreachais don réimse cásanna ar cuireadh ceist ina leith, do gach bliain de na trí bliana deireanacha a fhad leis an 31 Márta 2000:

1998

Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Tuaiscirt
Leatrom ar bhonn Gnéis – Socraíocht £20,260
Fostaíocht Chothrom – Socraíocht £6,500

Iontaobhas SSS Ard Mhacha agus Dún Geanainn
Fostaíocht Chothrom – Socraíocht £28,500

Iontaobhas Pobail SSS Homefirst
Leatrom ar bhonn Gnéis – Socraíocht £900

Seirbhís Otharcharranna TÉ
Fostaíocht Chothrom – Socraíocht £10,000

Iontaobhas SSS an Ghrúpa Ríoga Ospidéal agus an Ospidéil Fiaclóireachta
Pá Comhionann/Luach Comhionann
– Socraíocht £18,270

Iontaobhas SSS na nOspidéal Aontaithe
Fostaíocht Chothrom
– Dámhachtain na Cúirte Oibreachais £7,867

1999

Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Tuaiscirt
Leatrom ar bhonn Gnéis – Socraíocht £5,000

Iontaobhas SSS Ospidéil Alt na nGealbhan
Fostaíocht Chothrom – Socraíocht £17,500
Leatrom ar bhonn Míchumais - Socraíocht £1,000

Iontaobhas SSS Ard Mhacha agus Dún Geanainn
Fostaíocht Chothrom
– Dámhachtain na Cúirte Oibreachais £1,000

Iontaobhas SSS Ospidéal Cathrach Bhéal Feirste
Leatrom ar bhonn Cine
– Dámhachtain na Cúirte Oibreachais £3,000
Fostaíocht Chothrom
– Dámhachtain na Cúirte Oibreachais £5,000

Iontaobhas SSS an Dúin agus Lios na gCearrbhach
Leatrom ar bhonn Cine – Socraíocht £2,500
Fostaíocht Chothrom
– Dámhachtain na Cúirte Oibreachais £2,700
Fostaíocht Chothrom– Socraíocht £10,000

Iontaobhas SSS an Fheabhail
Leatrom ar bhonn Gnéis – Socraíocht £2,000

Iontaobhas Pobail SSS Homefirst
Leatrom ar bhonn Gnéis – Socraíocht £1,000
Fostaíocht Chothrom – Socraíocht £400

Seirbhís Otharcharranna TÉ
Leatrom ar bhonn Gnéis – Socraíocht £5,000

Iontaobhas SSS an Ghrúpa Ríoga Ospidéal agus an Ospidéil Fiaclóireachta
Pá Comhionann/Luach Comhionann
– Socraíocht £19,000
Fostaíocht Chothrom – Socraíocht £26,000

Iontaobhas SSS Phobal agus Ospidéil Uladh
Fostaíocht Chothrom – Socraíocht £5,000

2000

Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Tuaiscirt
Leatrom ar bhonn Gnéis – Socraíocht £16,083

Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Deiscirt
Fostaíocht Chothrom – Socraíocht £5,000

Iontaobhas SSS Ospidéil Alt na nGealbhan
Leatrom ar bhonn Gnéis – Socraíocht £1,669

Iontaobhas SSS Ard Mhacha agus Dún Geanainn
Fostaíocht Chothrom
– Dámhachtain na Cúirte Oibreachais £10,000

Iontaobhas SSS Ospidéal Cathrach Bhéal Feirste
Pá Comhionann/Luach Comhionann
– Socraíocht £295,575
Fostaíocht Chothrom – Socraíocht £2,000

Iontaobhas Pobail SSS Craigavon agus Dhroichead na Banna
Leatrom ar bhonn Míchumais – Socraíocht £650

Iontaobhas SSS Ospidéal Cheantar Craigavon
Leatrom ar bhonn Cine – Socraíocht £250
Fostaíocht Chothrom
– Dámhachtain na Cúirte Oibreachais £1,600
Fostaíocht Chothrom – Socraíocht £250

Iontaobhas SSS na Páirce Glaise
Leatrom ar bhonn Gnéis – Socraíocht £215

Iontaobhas SSS an Iúir agus Mhúrn
Leatrom ar bhonn Gnéis
– Dámhachtain na Cúirte Oibreachais £2,500

Iontaobhas SSS Thuaisceart agus Iarthar Bhéal Feirste
Leatrom ar bhonn Gnéis – Socraíocht £3,000

Iontaobhas SSS an Ghrúpa Ríoga Ospidéal agus an Ospidéil Fiaclóireachta
Leatrom ar bhonn Gnéis – Socraíocht £8,000
Fostaíocht Chothrom – Socraíocht £5,000

Iontaobhas SSS Phobal agus Ospidéil Uladh
Leatrom ar bhonn Gnéis – Socraíocht £3,500

Tá an tsuim a chaith gach bord agus gach iontaobhas ar chostais dlíthíochta idir 1996/97 go 1998/99 á léiriú sa tábla thíos.

Costas Seirbhísí Dlí de réir Boird agus Iontaobhais 1996 – 1999

Long-Term Sick Leave

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the number of staff in each health trust area on long-term sick leave in each of the last three years and (b) the total number of staff in the Health Service on long-term sick leave in each of the last three years.

(AQW 791/00)

Ms de Brún: The number of incidents of staff on long-term sick leave in each health and social services trust in each of the last three years ending on 31 March is shown in the table below.

The total number of incidents of staff on long-term sick leave in the HPSS, including boards and agencies, in each of the last three years ending 31 March is shown below:

Tá líon theaghmhais foirne ar shaoire bhreoiteachta fhadtéarmach i ngach iontaobhas SSS i gach bliain de na trí bliana deireanacha ag críochnú ar 31 Márta á léiriú sa tábla thíos.

Tá líon iomlán theaghmhais foirne ar shaoire bhreoiteachta fhadtéarmach sa SSSP, na boird agus gníomhaireachtaí san áireamh i gach bliain de na trí bliana deireanacha ag críochnú ar 31 Márta á léiriú sa tábla thíos:

Occupational Therapy: Waiting Times

Mr Dodds asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the current waiting times for occupational therapy visits in the North Belfast constituency and how these compare with other constituencies.

(AQW 794/00)

Ms de Brún: The information is not available in the form requested.

Níl an t-eolas ar fáil san fhoirm a iarradh.

Mr Dodds asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the amount of extra money allocated by the Eastern Health and Social Services Board to address occupational therapy waiting times in the current year.

(AQW 795/00)

Ms de Brún: The Eastern Health and Social Services Board has allocated an additional £408,000 in the current year to address occupational therapy waiting times.

Leithroinn Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Oirthir £408,000 sa bhreis i mbliana le tabhairt faoi amanna feithimh don teiripe ceirde.

Oral Health Strategy

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail what additional resources she is allocating to the implementation of her dental strategy.

(AQW 807/00)

Ms de Brún: My Department’s oral health strategy is currently being evaluated to establish whether, and if so, what, changes are needed to ensure that appropriate targets for oral health are set and what steps need to be taken to ensure that they are met. I will consider the resource implications when I receive the evaluation.

Tá measúnú á dhéanamh faoi láthair ar straitéis sláinte bhéil mo Roinne le fáil amach an bhfuil athruithe le déanamh, agus má tá, cad iad na hathruithe atá riachtanach le cinntiú go bhfuil spriocanna cuí leagtha síos don tsláinte bhéil, agus cad iad na céimeanna is gá a thógáil le cinntiú go mbainfear amach iad. Déanfaidh mé machnamh ar na himpleachtaí acmhainne nuair a gheobhaidh mé an mheastóireacht.

Reciprocal Health Care

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps she is taking to ensure that the Northern Ireland reciprocal health care arrangements with other countries are fully reciprocal.

(AQW 808/00)

Ms de Brún: The Department of Health in London negotiates the terms of reciprocal health care arrangements with other countries on our behalf. Reciprocal agreements are in place with a number of countries outside the European economic area for the provision of urgently needed medical treatment either at reduced cost or, in some cases, free of charge. Emergency medical treatment is provided on a similar basis throughout the 15 countries of the EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. In all cases visitors receive treatment on the same terms as nationals of the country being visited. People visiting other countries, or, indeed, coming here on a visit may find that the range and type of medical services available may be different or more restricted than in their own country. Therefore it is not possible to ensure full reciprocity. If I become aware of any difficulties being experienced by people from here in gaining access to health care in countries with which we have a reciprocal agreement, I will take the matter up with the Department of Health in London.

Is é an Roinn Sláinte i Londain a shocraíonn téarmaí do shocruithe cúraim sláinte ar ár son le tíortha eile. Tá socruithe cómhalartacha i bhfeidhm le roinnt tíortha lasmuigh de cheantar eacnamaíoch na hEorpa le haghaidh soláthar cóireáil liachta a bhfuil gá práinneach léi ar chostas íseal nó, i gcásanna áirithe, saor in aisce. Cuirtear cóireáil dochtúra éigeandála ar fáil ar an bhonn céanna ar fud 15 thír an Aontais Eorapaigh móide, an Íoslainn, an Lichintstéin agus an Iorua. Faigheann cuairteoirí i dtír a gcuarta i gach cás an chóireáil chéanna ar na téarmaí céanna agus a fhaigheann náisiúnaigh na tíre sin. Féadann daoine, agus iad ar cuairt i dtíortha eile nó ag teacht anall anseo ar cuairt, a fháil go bhfuil an réimse agus an cineál seirbhísí liachta atá ar fáil éagsúil leo sin nó níos teoranta ná iad sin ina dtíortha féin. Mar sin de, ní féidir cómhalartacht iomlán a chinntiú. Má fhaighim amach go bhfuil deacrachtaí ar dhaoine ón áit seo teacht ar chúram sláinte i dtíortha a bhfuil socrú cómhalartach againn leo, tabharfaidh mé an t-ábhar i gceist leis an Roinn Sláinte i Londain.

Pilot Needle/Syringe Exchange Schemes

Mr Ford asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline her plans for the implementation of pilot needle exchange schemes for heroin addicts, particularly in Ballymena; and if she will make a statement.

(AQW 934/00)

Ms de Brún: Earlier this year, my Department, in collaboration with the health and social services boards and drug co-ordination teams, secured resources to introduce pilot needle/syringe exchange schemes throughout the four health and social services boards. A co-ordinator has been appointed to the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to facilitate the process of setting up these pharmacy-based schemes.

Work is currently underway to draw up detailed implementation plans and identify pharmaceutical contractors to provide the service in the relevant areas. It is expected that training will take place during January and February, with the first schemes up and running in March 2001. Further schemes will then be rolled out, with an anticipated six or seven schemes in place by June 2001. While the exact locations for the schemes have not yet been identified, they will be targeted at areas where the need is greatest.

Níos luaithe i mbliana d’éirigh le mo Roinn i gcomhar leis na boird sláinte agus seirbhísí sóisialta agus leis na foirne comhordaithe drugaí acmhainní a fháil le scéimeanna píolóta malartaithe snáthaidí/steallairí a bhunú trí na ceithre bhordcheantair sláinte agus seirbhísí sóisialta. Ceapadh comhordaitheoir chuig an Roinn Sláinte, Seirbhísí Sóisialta agus Sábháilteachta Poiblí leis an phróiseas a ghabhann le bunú na scéimeanna seo, a bheas suite i gcógaslanna, a éascú.

Faoi láthair tá obair ar siúl le pleananna feidhmithe mionsonraithe a ullmhú agus conraitheoirí cógaisíochta a aimsiú le seirbhísí a sholáthar sna ceantair chuí. Táthar ag dréim leis go gcuirfear oiliúint ar fáil i rith mhí Eanáir agus mhí Feabhra agus go mbeidh na chéad scéimeanna faoi lán seoil i mí Mhárta 2001. Bunófar scéimeanna eile ina dhiaidh sin agus táthar ag súil go mbeidh sé nó seacht de scéimeanna ann faoi mhí Mheithimh 2001. Cé nár aimsíodh go fóill cá háit go beacht a mbeidh na scéimeanna suite, beidh siad dírithe ar na ceantair is mó riachtanas.

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