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| Friday 5 January 2001 Central Administration Budget Mr Beggs asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment to detail the central administration budget for his Department in each of the last two financial years and to advise the specific functions to which any increase will be allocated; and if he will make a statement. (AQW 939/00) The Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment (Dr Farren): My Department was established in December 1999; therefore there was no central administration budget for 1998/99. The direct running cost figure in the budget for the current financial year (2000-01) is £29·9m. Student Finance Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment what steps he is taking following the Assembly vote on the report of the Committee for Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment into student finance. (AQW 950/00) Dr Farren: I was most grateful to the Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment Committee for its report and for the hard work which went into its preparation. The report was of great assistance to me in formulating my own proposals for changes to the student support arrangements. As you know, I announced my proposals to the Committee on 15 December, and I am enclosing a copy of the press release that I issued later that day containing details of my package. You will see that, while I was unable to adopt all of the Committee’s recommendations, my own proposals go a considerable way towards meeting the Committee’s concerns. I hope that despite the remaining differences between our respective approaches, the Assembly will see my package of proposals as a fair and equitable means of addressing the needs of the least well off in our society. JUDE Programme Ms Lewsley asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment to detail any plans to continue with the JUDE programme after December 2000 or if he is considering replacing it with another programme. (AQW 983/00) Dr Farren: The joint universities deaf education centre (JUDE) project is an innovative initiative aimed at supporting deaf and hearing impaired students at both universities in Northern Ireland and at improving access to higher education and ultimately employment for such students. My Department’s financial support of nearly £310,000 over three years for the initiative ended on 31 December 2000. A report on the project has been sought, and I shall wish to seek advice from the Northern Ireland higher education council (NIHEC) on the report and on whether, and in what form, there should be further departmental support for the programme. In the meantime, I understand that the universities will continue the work of the JUDE programme within their core services for disabled students. Definitions of "Urban" and "Rural" Mr Hussey asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment to state the definition of (a) "urban" and (b) "rural" used within his Department. (AQW 1066/00) Dr Farren: The Department does not use the terms "urban" or "rural" in respect of its service provision or in the presentation of its statistical data. It has not therefore experienced a need to define these terms. Departmental programmes and services are normally administered on a geographical basis by reference to a local authority, job centre, district or regional area. Manufacturing Industry: Training Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment to outline the steps he is taking to increase training levels within the manufacturing industry. (AQW 1073/00) Dr Farren: First, I have asked the Northern Ireland skills task force to advise me on the demand for labour and skills. The task force has identified a number of priority areas including manufacturing industry. A skills monitoring report and research on electronic industry skills needs will each be published early in the new year. Secondly, a number of initiatives have been introduced. Increases in places in higher and further education have been targeted on the priority skills areas. In addition, the further education colleges have been provided with additional funding to address skills issues especially manufacturing. The Jobskills programme has been focused on priority skills areas with premium funding made available to increase the number of places in manufacturing skills. Similarly, the modern apprenticeship programme has been targeted on growth areas. I am confident that the measures I have taken will increase year on year the number training for the manufacturing sector. I will, of course, through the skills task force monitor the situation to seek to meet the needs of Northern Ireland employers. New Deal Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment to (a) detail the impact of the New Deal on unemployment and (b) give his assessment of the effectiveness of New Deal and outline his plans for its improvement. (AQW 1076/00) Dr Farren: Between the date of the introduction of the New Deal for 18- to 24-year-olds in April 1998 and November 2000 there have been significant falls in the numbers of unemployed claimants who are within the target groups covered by the two main New Deals — New Deal for 18- to 24-year-olds and the New Deal for 25-plus. The numbers in the 18 to 24-year-olds group – those who are unemployed, aged between 18 and 24 and claiming jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) for six months or more – have fallen by 65% and in the New Deal 25-plus group – those who are unemployed, aged 25 or more and claiming JSA for 18 months or more – the numbers have fallen by 57%. While the fall in numbers may not be attributable solely to New Deal – for example, a percentage would probably have gained employment irrespective of New Deal — it has certainly had a significant effect. This can be demonstrated by a comparison with the fall, over the same period, in the numbers of those claiming JSA who were not eligible for either of the two main New Deals, which totalled only 6%. The significant fall in claimant numbers and the generally positive findings from the initial phases of the extensive programme of evaluation which is in progress demonstrate that New Deal has been very effective in assisting unemployed people in Northern Ireland back into the workforce. There is, however, always room for improvement and my Department is continuously seeking ways to improve New Deal and tailor it to meet the specific needs of Northern Ireland. For example, in the new year, in partnership with the basic skills unit, my officials will be introducing new initiatives in the area of basic skills, which will help in the identification and assessment of basic skills needs. A team has also been set up to review the needs of those who face multiple barriers to employment, and further training will be provided for all New Deal personal advisers covering areas such as basic skills and action planning. On a national level, a restructured New Deal for 25-plus will be introduced from April 2001 incorporating a number of suggestions for improvement, covering all of the New Deals, I made recently to the GB Minister, Tessa Jowell. The most significant of these is the increase in the intensive activity period from 13 weeks to up to 26 weeks. Work is also under way on the restructuring of the New Deal for 18- to 24-year-olds, although this is still at a relatively early stage of development. In addition to the two main New Deals, improvements are also being made to the smaller, voluntary, but equally important New Deals. For example, following successful pilots in a number of areas, from April 2001, the New Deal for Disabled People will be rolled out across Northern Ireland to cover all claimants to incapacity benefits, on a purely voluntary basis. I can assure you that I will keep New Deal under review and ensure that it continues to assist unemployed people in Northern Ireland back into the workforce.
Draft Regional Transport Strategy Mr McNamee asked the Minister for Regional Development when he intends to meet with the Minister for the Environment and Local Government in the Republic of Ireland to discuss the draft regional transport strategy. (AQW 895/00) The Minister for Regional Development (Mr Campbell): In my statement to the Assembly on 4 December 2000 I indicated that it is my intention to meet with my counterparts in the Republic of Ireland when diary commitments permit. They are the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Noel Dempsey, and the Minister for Public Enterprise, Mary O’Rourke. Rainfall Trends Mr Gibson asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline the changes he has identified in rainfall trends which will require additional flood management planning. (AQW 908/00) Mr Campbell: Water Service is carrying out 105 area drainage studies to determine the improvements required to reduce the risk of flooding and meet environmental objectives. Historical information on rainfall levels is being taken into account in these studies. Water Service and Roads Service also use rainfall forecast information to assist with operational planning including the response to major incidents such as flooding. The identification of changes in rainfall trends, however, is a long-term process. At present there is no scientific data available to indicate a conclusive change in the weather pattern. However, research by the Meteorological Office into rainfall patterns generally is continuing. The results of this research will be used by my Department to determine whether any changes are necessary to current infrastructure design standards. Central Administration Budget Mr Beggs asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the central administration budget for his Department in each of the last two financial years and to advise the specific functions to which any increase will be allocated; and if he will make a statement. (AQW 936/00) Mr Campbell: The Department for Regional Development’s central administration budget meets the salary, general administrative and other costs of all staff other than those employed in roads and water functions. The following information is the total for each of the last two financial years:
The draft Budget for 2001-02 provides an increase in the Department’s overall allocation for administration costs. This will help meet inflationary pressures as well as the costs of additional staff to take forward important new work — for example, in transport. West Belfast: Arterial Routes Mr Maskey asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail any plans he has to upgrade arterial routes in West Belfast. (AQW 965/00) Mr Campbell: With the exception of the proposed M1/Westlink improvements, my Department’s Roads Service has no plans to upgrade arterial routes in West Belfast. These proposed improvements, if implemented, will have an effect on the usage of other roads and are expected to relieve congestion on parallel routes, including those in West Belfast. The longer-term transportation and road infrastructure needs of the Greater Belfast area, including West Belfast, will be addressed as part of the Belfast metropolitan area plan, work on which is due to commence towards the end of 2000-01. In the meantime, as part of my Department’s policy to develop a more balanced and integrated transport system in Northern Ireland, Roads Service, in conjunction with Translink, proposes to introduce a quality bus corridor on the Falls Road/Andersonstown Road route during 2001-02. The scheme will reserve an existing lane over much of the length of this route for the exclusive use of buses and taxis. Sewage Treatment Works Mr P Doherty asked the Minister for Regional Development if, in relation to the sewage treatment works at Hunters Crescent, Omagh, he will (a) explain the delay in deciding its future, (b) confirm the existence of plans to add to the structure of the works; and if he will make a statement. (AQW 973/00) Mr Campbell: In the light of the representations made to me at meetings on 27 September 2000 by members of Omagh District Council and local residents, Water Service is presently carrying out further detailed costings and land valuations on the council’s preferred site. I wish to consider all of these complex issues very carefully, and I would hope to be in a position to make an announcement next month on the way ahead. Pending the construction of the new works, it is proposed to improve the operational performance of the existing works at Hunter’s Crescent by the installation of reed beds and new screening and ancillary equipment including storm tanks and pumps. These improvements will help to minimise the risk of flooding and will improve effluent quality. The estimated cost is in the order of £1·5 million, and it is expected that the work will commence in the autumn of 2001. The carrying out of these improvement works will not have a bearing on the selection of the site for the new works. Rail Services (Newry to Belfast) Mr Fee asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline his plans to (a) upgrade the Translink rail service between Newry and Belfast, (b) introduce a timetable suitable for commuters travelling from Newry to Belfast and arriving in time to start work at 9.00 am, (c) provide information for passengers at unmanned stations and (d) improve the number, quality and comfort of railway carriages. (AQW 1022/00) Mr Campbell: Translink has advised that there are no plans at present to upgrade the rail service between Newry and Belfast. The service runs on modern, continuously welded track that was installed as part of the upgrade of the Belfast-Dublin rail line. There is already a rail service specifically directed at commuters departing from Newry at 7.25 am, and arriving at Great Victoria Street at 8.37 am and Belfast Central Station at 8.48 am. Translink has also advised that plans to provide information for passengers at unmanned stations are included in a project to enhance or replace the long-line public address system. In addition, all unmanned halts are regularly inspected to ensure timetable information is available. However, as Translink suffer significant levels of vandalism at unmanned halts this information can frequently be destroyed. On 18 December 2000 the Assembly approved £19·6 million additional revenue for the railways in 2001-02. This will allow for the purchase of new trains to replace the existing class 80 trains. Translink considers that the quality, comfort and reliability of these trains will greatly exceed the current stock once their commissioning is completed. However, Translink currently has no plans to increase the overall number of trains on the Newry to Belfast line, as new stock will simply replace existing stock. Railway Network Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline his policy in relation to the railway network in Northern Ireland. (AQW 1099/00) Mr Campbell: I remain committed to maintaining and developing the rail service in Northern Ireland. Ideally I would like to see the current network not only retained, but expanded with modern trains providing a frequent service on upgraded track. The £19·6 million additional resources for the railway network approved by the Assembly on 18 December 2000 will now allow work to begin on an investment programme. This will bring the existing core network and rolling stock up to modern safety and quality standards in accordance with the consolidation option outlined in the railway task force’s interim report. Public Transport (Carrickfergus To Mallusk) Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide public transport from Carrickfergus to Mallusk to facilitate residents taking up employment in the Mallusk area. (AQW 1194/00) Mr Campbell: Translink has informed me that it has plans to introduce a service between Carrickfergus and Mallusk to be financed by the rural transport fund, but as yet details have not been finalised. The service will be advertised in the local press. Newry Bypass Upgrade Mr Fee asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline his plans to upgrade the Newry bypass to dual carriageway standard. (AQO 513/00) Mr Campbell: My Department’s Roads Service is in the process of commissioning a route feasibility study to identify the best option for upgrading the stretch of the A1 from Beech Hill to Cloghogue roundabout. The study will examine options for:
The preferred option will be considered for inclusion in the Roads Service 10-year forward planning schedule of major works which is due to be published next year. Recycled Aggregates Mr Hussey asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the volume of recycled aggregates (a) available in Northern Ireland and (b) used in Northern Ireland in works undertaken by or on behalf of his Department in each of the past five years. (AQO 526/00) Mr Campbell: My Department has no information on the volume of recycled aggregates available in Northern Ireland, nor does it keep detailed records of the volumes of such materials used by it or its contractors. My Department does, however, seek to recycle materials where it is cost effective to do so. Toome Bypass Mr McClelland asked the Minister for Regional Development to confirm that the Toome bypass road project will proceed as planned. (AQO 520/00) Mr Campbell: I can confirm that my Department’s Roads Service is continuing to progress this project through the necessary statutory procedures and, assuming there are no objections to the vesting order and that funds are available for the project, work on site will commence early 2002.
Central Administration Budget Mr Savage asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the central administration budget for his Department in each of the last two financial years and to advise the specific functions to which any increase will be allocated; and if he will make a statement. (AQW 943/00) The Minister for Social Development (Mr Morrow): The central administration costs for my Department in the current financial year and the next financial year are as follows:
The proposed budget of £16·3m for 2001-02 includes an increase of £0·7m to meet the cost of pay/price increases. Domestic Energy Efficiency Scheme Mr R Hutchinson asked the Minister for Social Development if, following the end of the consultation period on the Domestic Energy Efficiency Scheme, he will detail (a) the number of submissions received (b) from whom they were received and (c) his proposals to eradicate fuel poverty in Northern Ireland. (AQW 954/00) Mr Morrow: Consultation on the proposals for the new Domestic Energy Efficiency Scheme, announced in July 2000, concluded at the end of September 2000. Forty-six responses were received from: Northern Ireland Housing Executive – Energy Social Security Agency Omagh District Council Magherafelt District Council Eastern Health and Social Services Board British Medical Association NIO Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Ballymoney Borough Council Council for Energy Efficiency Development Down District Council Craigavon Borough Council Phoenix Natural Gas DCI Energy Control Ltd Oma-Wrap Home Insulation Ltd Northern Ireland Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux Bryson House Northern Ireland Electricity Armagh and Dungannon Health Action Zones Bryson House – Installers Gingerbread Rural Community Network (NI) Building Research Establishment (BRE) Abbey Insulation Ltd Northern Ireland Tenants Action Project Age Concern (Londonderry) North Down Borough Council EAGA Partnership NEA (National Energy Action) Housing Rights Service Western Regional Energy Agency & Network Rural Development Council Northern Ireland Environment Link National Saving Energy Ltd Royal National Institute for the Blind Energy Saving Trust Northern Ireland Consumer Committee for Electricity General Consumer Council Belfast City Council - Health and Environmental Newry and Mourne District Council Northern Ireland Housing Executive – Chief Executive Department for Social Development - Statistics and Chartered Institute of Housing in Northern Ireland Ards Borough Council Northern Ireland Housing Council Age Concern Northern Ireland The Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Suggested amendments to the proposals are currently being considered, and I anticipate this exercise will be concluded by the end of February when I will announce details of any proposed changes to the scheme. Domestic Energy Efficiency Scheme Mr R Hutchinson asked the Minister for Social Development when he last met with representatives of the EAGA Partnership to discuss the operation and further development of the Domestic Energy Efficiency Scheme; and if he will make a statement. (AQW 955/00) Mr Morrow: EAGA Partnership is the manager of the current Domestic Energy Efficiency Scheme (DEES), and my officials meet with them regularly to discuss performance and operational issues. In regard to the development of the new DEES programme, meetings took place with representatives of EAGA in May and November this year. Fire Authority Report (Culmore Gardens) Mr Maskey asked the Minister for Social Development to confirm if he has received a fire authority report, as requested by the Housing Executive, into a fire at Culmore Gardens, Andersonstown and if so what are the details. (AQW 964/00) Mr Morrow: I have not received or asked for a copy of a report. Since this is a Housing Executive property, the chief executive, as accounting officer for that organisation, is responsible for establishing the causes of damage to its property. The chief executive has confirmed that the Housing Executive has received a report of fire in relation to this property. I understand that the fire was most likely caused accidentally by a child using either matches or a lighter. The alarm was raised by the activation of the mains-powered smoke alarm. Home Purchases: Housing Executive Mr Maskey asked the Minister for Social Development to provide a breakdown by constituency of home purchases under the special purchases of evacuated dwellings (SPED) and acquisition of suitable houses (ASH) schemes within the past 12 months. (AQW 966/00) Mr Morrow: The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has advised me that in the 12 months ending 30 November 2000: a. 79 houses have been bought under the scheme for the purchase of evacuated dwellings (SPED). A breakdown of the information is only available by Housing Executive district and that information is as follows; b. there have been no acquisitions in the past 12 months under the acquisition of satisfactory houses (ASH) scheme. |