Friday 30 March 2001
Written Answers to Questions

Mr Fee asked the Minister for Regional Development whether he plans to include all routes taken by school buses on the schedule for gritting/salting in the event of severe weather and to make a statement.

(AQW 2176/00)

The Minister for Regional Development (Mr Campbell): The review of the Department’s current policy on the salting of roads, which I have initiated, will examine the implications of salting school bus routes. I hope that the review will be concluded to enable me to report to the Assembly’s Regional Development Committee by June 2001.

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the maintenance works carried out on the Belfast to Larne railway line during the current financial year.

(AQW 2215/00)

Mr Campbell: Translink has provided the following details of maintenance work carried out on the railway line between Belfast and Larne during the period April 2000 to March 2001.

• At Cloghan Point, between Kilroot and Whitehead, 600m of jointed track was converted to Continuously Welded Rail with new rails and 400m of side worn rails were turned round.
• Some 590 broken sleepers were replaced between Whiteabbey and Larne Harbour and broken crossing timbers were replaced at Bleach Green, Whiteabbey and Magheramorne.
• Some 960 tonnes of ballast was used on track works between Whiteabbey and Magheramorne.
• Formation repairs were carried out between Whiteabbey and Kilroot and fishplate bolts were changed between Whiteabbey and Carrickfergus.
• Switches, crossing noses and insulated joint plates, were replaced on the Cross Harbour Bridge.
• Tamping, lining and ballast regulating was performed at various locations along the line. Ultrasonic testing for rail defects, maintenance work on signalling and vegetation clearance and weedspraying also took place along the line.
• In addition to required repairs to stockproof fencing, 1600m of palisade security fencing was erected at Fortwilliam, Whitehouse, Greenisland and Larne.
• Work to repair and maintain sea defences between Saltmines and Cloghan Point as well as between Whitehead and the Whitehead tunnel was performed.
• Bridge deck on a bridge at Eden was replaced and scour protection work at another bridge near Eden remains ongoing.

Mr Adams asked the Minister for Regional Development to indicate the timescale for the publication of the outcome of both phases of the M1/Westlink Public Inquiries and to make a statement.

(AQW 2233/00)

Mr Campbell: The Inspector who conducted the Public Inquiries into the Environmental Statements for Stages 1 and 2 of the M1/Westlink project has submitted his reports to my Department. These reports are both lengthy and complex and require further consideration to be given to a number of aspects of the proposals.

Officials are currently considering the Inspector’s findings and I expect to be in a position to announce by September 2001 my decision on whether or not the Department will proceed to the next stage of the project planning process. At that time, a notice will be published in the local press indicating where documentation detailing my decision, and the reasons and considerations on which it is based, may be inspected.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (a) the number of road improvements in the parliamentary constituency of Strangford in each of the last three years and (b) what cost benefit analyses have been carried out in respect of these improvements.

(AQW 2249/00)

Mr Campbell: My Department’s Roads Service carried out the following numbers of road improvements, comprising traffic management, accident remedial and other minor works schemes, within the Strangford constituency during the last three years:

• 1998/99 – 16 schemes
• 1999/00 – 8 schemes
• 2000/01 – 14 schemes

Formal cost benefit analyses are only carried out for major road schemes costing in excess of £500K. No such schemes were carried out in the Strangford constituency during the last three years.

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the outstanding maintenance work on the Albert Road in Carrickfergus, County Antrim and the estimated date when this work will be completed.

(AQW 2269/00)

Mr Campbell: My Department’s Roads Service completed a road improvement scheme at Albert Road in 1999. Following meetings with Carrickfergus Borough Council, a package of additional works was undertaken. These works were completed on 18 April 2000. Some minor defects in the scheme have been identified and will be rectified before the end of the maintenance period on 18 April 2001.

While the initial improvement works were in progress, Roads Service became aware that Phoenix Natural Gas Ltd intended to lay a service pipe in the carriageway and make service connections. As an interim measure, Roads Service surfaced the footways on Albert Road in bitumen macadam rather than asphalt, with the intention of asphalting them when the service connections were completed.

Phoenix Natural Gas Ltd have not yet completed their service connections and, as the current footway surface is in a satisfactory condition, Roads Service has no proposals to carry out further work at this time.

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Regional Development to give his assessment of the current state of the sewerage system in Whitehead, County Antrim and to make a statement.

(AQW 2272/00)

Mr Campbell: Whitehead is served by a combined storm and foul sewerage system which gravitates to a pumping station, where it is macerated, located at the eastern end of the town. The wastewater is then pumped to Blackhead and discharged to sea. Flows in excess of the pumping capacity are discharged directly to Belfast Lough through two storm overflows.

In common with other areas of Northern Ireland, the sewerage infrastructure in Whitehead has suffered from significant under investment in the past and is of considerable age. Although it has adequate capacity to cope with normal weather conditions, a number of areas are prone to out of sewer flooding during periods of heavy and prolonged rainfall.

Water Service has initiated a number of detailed assessments of the sewerage infrastructure in Whitehead to identify the extent and cost of improvements necessary to meet modern standards. These involve:

(a) a Drainage Area Study of the sewerage network. This started recently and is due to be completed in October 2002. However, given current funding levels and other priorities, it is unlikely that any general ungrading of the network identified will start before 2006;

(b) an investigation of the areas susceptible to flooding to determine if cost effective interim solutions are possible in advance of general network upgrading. The areas under investigation are Marine Parade, Lumford Avenue/Ford Cottages, Donegal Avenue and Ransevyn Estate. The consultants involved are due to report next month and it is intended that any solutions identified will be implemented by the end of 2003; and

(c) an appraisal of wastewater treatment in the Islandmagee area, including Whitehead, to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations (NI) 1995. The appraisal should be completed by late summer this year. The proposals will be carefully evaluated by Water Service and the Department of the Environment’s Environment and Heritage Service, which sets and monitors the standards for all effluent discharges. It is, however, expected that work on wastewater treatment for Islandmagee, including Whitehead, will commence in 2003 at a cost of some £2·3 million, subject to completion of all the necessary procedures, including planning approval.

Mr Fee asked the Minister for Regional Development if there is a statutory time-limit within which the builder of a private housing development is required to have completed the provision of roads, footpaths and streetlighting.

(AQW 2281/00)

Mr Campbell: There is no statutory time limit within which the builder of a private development is required to have completed the provision of roads and footpaths. However, where satisfactory completion of a street is not effected within a reasonable period from the date of occupation of houses, the Department has enforcement powers under the Private Streets (NI) Order 1980, as amended, to enable it to complete the necessary work at the expense of the builder. Such action is normally only initiated after efforts to persuade the builder to meet his obligations have proved unsuccessful, with each case being carefully considered on its merits.

The provision of street lighting in a new development is not currently a matter for the builder.

Mr Beggs asked the Minister for Regional Development to confirm that the Roads Service is reviewing the use of bus lanes and if he intends to amend current legislation to allow greater use of bus lanes by other road users during peak traffic periods.

(AQW 2346/00)

Mr Campbell: In support of the Government’s sustainable transportation policy, my Department is considering how to make best use of available road space where bus lanes are provided. At present, buses and pedal cycles are permitted to use with-flow bus lanes in Belfast and this may not be the most efficient use of the limited road infrastructure.

Taxis provide a valuable public transport service and, arising from its on-going considerations, my Department intends to advertise its intention to admit certain classes of public hire taxis to bus lanes on those roads where they are licensed to operate. Such a change in use of bus lanes will require amendments to be made to subordinate legislation.

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the income generated by pay and display car parks in the towns of (a) Larne and (b) Carrickfergus.

(AQW 2348/00)

Mr Campbell: The income generated from pay and display car parks for the period from January to December 2000 for the towns of Larne and Carrickfergus is as follows:

• Larne - £76,521
• Carrickfergus - £107,975

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail what steps he is taking to alleviate severe traffic congestion at the A2/Station Road, Greenisland junction.

(AQW 2349/00)

Mr Campbell: My Department’s Roads Service has long-term proposals to widen the A2 Shore Road between Shore Avenue and Island Park, Greenisland, which include the upgrading of the signalised junction at Station Road. These proposals will be considered, along with other major road schemes on arterial routes into Belfast, as part of the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan.

In the meantime, my Department’s Roads Service has considered a number of stand alone options for improving the A2 Shore Road/Station Road junction. These improvement options involve the acquisition of residential land, substantial accommodation works and service alterations, all of which would be relatively expensive. In addition, much of the work would be nugatory if the A2 widening scheme were to proceed.

In the circumstances, there are no immediate plans to improve the junction, although Roads Service will continue to monitor carefully its signalling arrangements.

Mr Beggs asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail what funding has been set aside for "Safer Routes to Schools" in 2001-02 and 2002-03.

(AQW 2352/00)

Mr Campbell: My Department’s Roads Service, in conjunction with some of its partners on the Northern Ireland School Advisory Group, has set aside £30K to fund the preparation of draft plans for the "Safer Routes to Schools" pilot projects during 2001-02.

The plans will identify the nature and extent of the proposed works involved in the pilot projects. No specific funds have yet been set aside in 2001-02 or 2002-03 for implementation of these works.

Mr Beggs asked the Minister for Regional Development to initiate research into the proportion of peak traffic estimated to consist of vehicles occupied only by the driver.

(AQW 2353/00)

Mr Campbell: The level of vehicle occupancy has already been identified by my Department as an area where further information is required. It is hoped that the necessary surveys will be carried out in the near future.

Mr Beggs asked the Minister for Regional Development to list the powers he can invoke in establishing safer routes to schools.

(AQW 2354/00)

Mr Campbell: My Department has powers under The Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993 and The Road Traffic Regulation (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 to implement measures which, collectively, would form the basis of a "Safer Route to School" project. These measures could include the provision of traffic calming features, cycle facilities, footways, pedestrian crossings and waiting restrictions.

Mr A Maginness asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the steps Translink is taking to prevent passengers travelling for free on the Belfast to Dublin bus route.

(AQW 2369/00)

Mr Campbell: The Belfast to Dublin express coach service is a joint operation between Ulsterbus and Bus Eireann. The licence for operating the cross border service is an international one granted to Ulsterbus and Bus Eireann together. There are no problems with the Ulsterbus operation of the service or the service provided by official Bus Eireann buses. Translink has discussed its concerns with Bus Eireann for the protection of revenue when Bus Eireann use private operators, an infrequent occurrence. Translink has been assured that steps are in place to collect the proper fares from every passenger using this service. These steps include fitting southern registered private operator vehicles with ticketing equipment and ensuring that any existing buses without such equipment are boarded by ticketing staff during the journey.

Mr A Maginness asked the Minister for Regional Development to give a breakdown of the estimated loss in revenue suffered by Translink on its Belfast to Dublin bus route.

(AQW 2370/00)

Mr Campbell: The only potential for revenue loss on the Belfast-Dublin route is whenever Bus Eireann is required to engage a private operator to provide a scheduled service on the route and whenever the private operator does not have ticketing equipment. Bus Eireann has advised Translink that steps are in place to ensure that it collects the proper fare from every passenger using the service on those buses that do not have ticketing equipment. Bus Eireann has assured Translink that there has been no material financial loss to Translink in the generation of revenue on this route. The licence for operating the cross border service is an international one granted to Ulsterbus and Bus Eireann together. Translink is satisfied that there is currently no revenue loss because of the steps taken to eradicate the potential for loss.

Mr A Maginness asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline the procedure used to assess the number of children and adult concession fares issued for rail and bus passengers.

(AQW 2372/00)

Mr Campbell: Under the Concessionary Fares Scheme, bus operators provide from their records details of the numbers of the concession fares issued to adults and children on their services.

Northern Ireland Railways is dealt with separately under the Scheme. The railways ticketing system is not yet able to provide a breakdown of fares issued to different concession groups. The numbers of adult and child concession fares are assessed by regular passenger surveys carried out by independent consultants. However, any over or under payment to Northern Ireland Railways under the Scheme is balanced by an equivalent under or over payment under the Public Service Obligation subsidy. With the introduction of a new integrated ticketing system, Northern Ireland Railways will be able to determine accurately the number of concessionary fare tickets issued.

Mr Tierney asked the Minister for Regional Development to give the average journey time for traffic travelling by road from (a) Coleraine (b) Derry (c) Strabane (d) Armagh (e) Portadown (f) Newry to Belfast where the journeys begin at 7.30 am.

(AQW 2374/00)

Mr Campbell: My Department’s Roads Service monitors journey times on routes included in the country’s Key Strategic Network annually. The table overleaf shows average journey times to and from Belfast for the locations that are listed in respect of 1999-2000.

No information is available in relation to journey times for Armagh and Portadown as they are not included in the Key Strategic Network. Also, the times listed below were compiled on the basis of average journey times during the morning peak period 07.30 to 09.15 hours (that is, not specifically beginning at 07.30 hours) and during the evening peak period 16.30 to 18.15 hours (ie, not specifically beginning at 17.30 hours).

Mr Tierney asked the Minister for Regional Development to give the average journey time for traffic travelling by road from Belfast to (a) Coleraine (b) Derry (c) Strabane (d) Armagh (e) Portadown (f) Newry where the journeys begin at 5.30 pm.

(AQW 2375/00)

Mr Campbell: My Department’s Roads Service monitors journey times on routes included in the country’s Key Strategic Network on an annual basis. The table below shows average journey times to and from Belfast for the locations that are listed in respect of 1999/2000.

No information is available in relation to journey times for Armagh and Portadown as they are not included in the Key Strategic Network. Also, the times listed below were compiled on the basis of average journey times during the morning peak period 07.30 to 09.15 hours (ie, not specifically beginning at 07.30 hours) and during the evening peak period 16.30 to 18.15 hours (ie, not specifically beginning at 17.30 hours).

Mr Fee asked the Minister for Social Development to detail any plans to increase the provision of housing for the elderly and disabled in Newry town by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

(AQW 2280/00)

The Minister for Social Development (Mr Morrow): The Housing Executive’s current assessment of demand for additional accommodation for the elderly and disabled in Newry Town over the next 5 years, indicates a fairly low level of need. The following projects have however been identified and supported:

In 2001/02, BIH Housing Association is programmed to provide 14 new homes at Ashgrove Road for people with special needs.

In 2002/03, Fold Housing Association is programmed to provide 4 new bungalows at Cleary Crescent. These will be built to mobility standard.

In 2005/06, a Housing Association yet to be confirmed will provide 12 new bungalows at a site yet to be identified in Newry. Again all will be built to mobility standard.

In 2001/02 the Housing Executive will be refurbishing 3 vacant bungalows in Fathom Park.

In addition, adaptations to allow tenants with disabilities to remain in their own homes, will be undertaken on demand to Housing Executive and Housing Association properties. Plans are already in place to extend 17 homes, change the heating in 28 homes, install a lift in 1 home and carry out other minor works to 2 homes.

The Housing Executive will continue to support people with disabilities through private sector grants. These are demand led, but to give an indication of the possible extent of the commitment for future years, 69 grants to the value of £441k were approved in the Newry and Mourne Council area in the current year.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the steps he is taking to address the staff shortage in the Northern Ireland Housing Executive office in Newtownards and to outline the timescale of fill the vacancies.

(AQW 2300/00)

Mr Morrow: This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive whose Chief Executive has advised that offers of employment have been sent out for all 7 vacant post in this office, with expected commencement dates of 1 April 2001 for one post and 1 May 2001 for the remainder.

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Social Development to give his assessment of the Maritime Area Partnership Development in Carrickfergus and to make a statement.

(AQW 2350/00)

Mr Morrow: The Carrickfergus Maritime Area Partnership Board was established in 1995 to take forward the Comprehensive Development Scheme for the town which had been badly affected by the closure of 3 main factories in the 1980s. The Board included representatives from Carrickfergus Borough Council, Planning Service and officials from my Department.

The Scheme involves approximately 13.8 hectares of land being developed for a wide range of uses including housing, commercial, leisure and high-tech offices. There are included over 2 hectares for public and private open space. The scheme is seen as an extension to the adjacent town centre and high standards of design have been imposed.

The end value of the scheme currently exceeds £40m, with hundreds of construction jobs being generated. At the completion of the scheme up to 500 full-time and part-time jobs will have been created, and up to 500 people will live within the Waterfront Area. An additional rates income of £250,000 per annum will be generated.

The Council has also played its part in the development of the area. It is creating a new public square with its new Administration building and has also refurbished Legg Park as a civic amenity.

The development of the Maritime Area has produced some real and tangible improvements for Carrickfergus and has enhanced the quality of life and increased civic pride for all the citizens of the Borough.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail (a) the role of the Northern Ireland Tenants Action Project (b) who funds the project and (c) the composition of the Project Board.

(AQW 2360/00)

Mr Morrow: The Northern Ireland Tenants Action Project (NITAP) is an independent, voluntary sector body, whose aim is to increase the awareness of residents as to their rights and responsibilities, in order to facilitate their effective participation in addressing their communities’ housing related needs. NITAP fulfils this role by ensuring that tenant and community groups are nurtured and developed, so that they can:

i. contribute in a meaningful way to the consultation process when legislation and strategic policies are being formulated; and

ii. participate fully with the Housing Executive in the development and monitoring of those operational housing policies, programmes, services, standards etc. which affect their lives.

It provides groups with appropriate training, advice on sources of funding and support in their formative years and further as required.

My Department and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive provide core funding on a 50/50 basis. On occasion, the organisation has obtained funds from other sources for special projects.

The composition of the Management Committee is as follows:

• two officials from the Department for Social Development’s Housing Management Branch;
• two officials from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive;
• one official from the NI Federation of Housing Associations; and
• three nominees from the Central Community Advisory Group, which itself, comprises representatives from tenant and community groups.

Mr Fee asked the Minister for Social Development what is the maximum level of Housing Benefit available to an eligible private sector tenant in each District Council area in each of the last five years.

(AQW 2397/00)

Mr Morrow: There are many factors taken into account when determining an appropriate level of Housing Benefit, the size of household, the type of property and whether or not it is considered suitable in terms of size for the household, the amount of rent charged and the local reference rent. In view of all these variables it is simply not possible to give an overall maximum figure for Housing Benefit in each District Council area.

Mr Carrick asked the Minister for Social Development if the Job Grant is to be introduced in Northern Ireland and what arrangements are being made to fund it.

(AQW 2470/00)

Mr Morrow: As in Great Britain, the Job Grant, which was announced by the Chancellor in his Spring 2000 Budget, will be introduced in Northern Ireland from April 2001. The Grant will be a non-taxable single £100 transitional payment for people who move from welfare to work, provided they meet certain conditions. Funding of £410,000 has been made available by HM Treasury to meet the costs of the Grants in 2001-02.

In Northern Ireland, as in Great Britain, the benefit systems will be used to make the Grant payments. However, since the broad powers to make such payments are, under current legislation, vested in Northern Ireland in the Department of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment, my Department will be taking the necessary steps to bring the Grant under social security legislative provisions. Authority to pay the Grants will therefore rest on the forthcoming Budget Act which will cover 2001-02 Main Estimates. In the meantime an amount has been secured through the Vote on Account process to make the Grant payments from April 2001.

Mr O’Connor asked the Minister for Social Development to give assistance to low income families for the provision of Low Energy Light Bulbs in an attempt to reduce their electricity costs.

(AQO 1146/00)

Mr Morrow: Under the existing Domestic Energy Efficiency Scheme, every qualifying household receives 2 low energy light bulbs. I plan to increase this to 4 under new energy efficiency scheme. Other organisations, such as NIE, also offer low energy light bulbs either free or at discounted rates.

Mr Cobain asked the Minister for Social Development to detail what progress has been made towards the eradication of fuel poverty.

(AQO 1184/00)

Mr Morrow: I and my officials have already explained in some detail to members of the Social Development Committee, and in response to previous Assembly Questions, the measures that are being taken and are proposed to be taken to tackle fuel poverty.

However, I wish to advise the Assembly that I will be making a public announcement tomorrow that the new initiative to address fuel poverty will be known as the "Warm Homes" scheme. From 1 April 2001 there will be a three-month-lead in period before physical installation measures to the homes of the fuel poor commence on 1 July 2001. During this time the new Scheme Manager, which I am pleased to announce is the Eaga Partnership, will undertake steps to put in place the scheme infrastructure. Applications from eligible householders will also be accepted and home assessments carried out.

Warm Homes will provide low-income householders with improvements in their insulation and heating standards. I appreciate that there has been concern about the inadequacy of the grant levels but I have allowed some flexibility in the grant to ensure that no householder is disadvantaged, particularly in the rural communities where contractors’ costs can be higher.

Northern Ireland has joined with other UK regions to bring an end to fuel poverty, as far as practicable by the year 2010. This will be a formidable undertaking for Northern Ireland. However, Warm Homes is a sign of our commitment to address this very serious situation.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Social Development Committee, Assembly Members and all those organisations that took the time to write to my Department for their support in implementing the new Scheme.

Mr Douglas asked the Minister for Social Development to detail what procedures and checks are in place to ensure that adequate cross-community participation is achieved within bodies funded by his department, both at employee and management board level.

(AQO 1162/00)

Mr Morrow: My Department’s policy is to promote and encourage cross-community participation where this is practicable. The Department funds a wide range of organisations and various checks and procedures are followed to ensure cross-community participation both at employee and management board level. If the Member is aware of any particular case I will of course investigate it.

Mrs Nelis asked the Minister for Social Development to (a) explain the delay in the implementation of the Pilot Housing Scheme for Travellers and (b) outline when the expected transfer of sites from local Councils to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive will commence.

(AQO 1167/00)

Mr Morrow: In relation to the 4 Group Housing Schemes it had originally been intended to commence work on these by the end of the current financial year. However because of difficulties with regard to the acquisition of the necessary land and the completion of the statutory processes, matters which were entirely outside my control, it has been necessary to revise this target.

It is my Department’s intention, as set out in the report – New Policy on Accommodation for Travellers – that responsibility for council owned Traveller sites should transfer to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. However, this requires legislation and the necessary provisions will therefore be included in the proposed new Housing Bill.

I wish to make it clear however that my Department remains committed to fulfilling its obligations as regards the provision of Group Housing schemes and the transfer of responsibility for serviced sites from District Councils to the Housing Executive.

Mr B Hutchinson asked the Minister for Social Development to outline his developed action plans for regeneration and community development in relation to the inter-departmental drugs strategy and to make a statement.

(AQO 1165/00)

Mr Morrow: The Northern Ireland Strategy for Tackling Drugs Misuse recognises the importance of involving local communities in addressing drugs misuse, particularly for people living in the most disadvantaged areas of Northern Ireland. The forthcoming strategies for regeneration and community development which I will be issuing for consultation over the next few weeks will identify the importance of supporting at neighbourhood level action to tackle the problems associated with drugs and alcohol abuse.

Mr Molloy asked the Minister for Social Development to explain how cold weather payments are determined in relation to any given post code area.

(AQO 1177/00)

Mr Morrow: Cold Weather Payments are made when the average temperatures in an area are, or are forecast to be, at or below zero degrees Celsius for a period of seven consecutive days. Information on average temperatures is provided by the Meteorological Office in relation to weather stations which are linked to postcodes.

The postcodes and the weather station to which they are linked are set out in the Social Fund Cold Weather Payment Regulations. The allocation of weather stations to post code areas is decided by the Department after thorough consultation with the Meteorological Office to ensure that weather stations are as representative as possible of the conditions in the areas they cover.

Mr McGrady asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the steps he will take to extend the Winter Fuel Payment to other groups apart from those in receipt of Retirement Pension and to make a statement.

(AQO 1148/00)

Mr Morrow: Winter Fuel Payments are not related to receipt of benefits. They are intended to help other people with their additional costs and need for fuel. The scheme has been extended this winter to include both men and women aged 60 and over and the need to be in receipt of a qualifying benefit has been removed. There are no plans to extend the scheme further.

Ms Gildernew asked the Minister for Social Development, in the light of recent difficulties facing the racing industry, whether he will reconsider his decision not to introduce Sunday racing and on-course betting.

(AQO 1163/00)

Mr Morrow: My main priority at this time is the reform of legislation on housing as included in the legislative programme for the current Assembly session. In view of this, and taking account of the ongoing gambling review in Great Britain, which may have implications for Northern Ireland, I have no plans to bring forward proposals to amend the gambling legislation to allow Sunday on-course betting at this time.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the steps he is taking to prevent deaths from Hypothermia among the aged and disabled in view of the high costs of fuel and energy in Northern Ireland.

(AQO 1159/00)

Mr Morrow: I am concerned about the number of deaths annually as a result of cold related illness. For my part, I am introducing a new energy efficiency scheme, which will provide a comprehensive package of energy efficiency measures, including thermostatically controlled heating systems, for those on low incomes. In addition, the Housing Executive’s Disabled Facilities Grant will provide adaptations, including heating, for qualifying householders and NIE is running a scheme for cavity wall insulation for the disabled. Furthermore, the Housing Executive’s fuel heating policy will, in due course, replace all inefficient heating systems, such as solid fuel roomheaters and Economy 7, which tend to be costlier than natural gas or oil.

Mr Poots asked the Minister for Social Development if he has any plans to make social security tribunals/ hearings more user friendly.

(AQO 1172/00)

Mr Morrow: Responsibility for Social Security Appeal Tribunal Hearings rests entirely with the Office of the President of Appeal Tribunals, and the member may wish to write to the President with details of his concerns. However, if the Member has any particular concerns about the administation of the Social Security System, I will be very happy to investigate them.

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