Friday 27 April 2001
Written Answers to Questions (Continued)

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Education to confirm if speech therapy is provided, on a full time basis, at the Mitchell House and Fleming Fulton Special Schools under Part II of the Education (NI) Order 1996.

(AQW 2639/00)

Mr M McGuinness: The provision of speech therapy is a matter for the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

Ms Lewsley asked the Minister of Education to detail the steps (a) already taken and (b) to be taken, this year to make arrangements for ensuring, and assessing, public access to information and to services provided by the authority as required by Schedule 9 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

(AQW 2659/00)

Mr M McGuinness: Section 8 of the Department’s Equality Scheme sets out the commitment to the provision of information through effective communication within the public.

In addition my Department has given a further commitment to reassess its arrangements for providing information other than in standard form. This will be done during the first year following approval of the Scheme.

My Department will publicise widely the new revised arrangements.

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education to outline his plans to introduce legislation to address the problem of bullying in schools.

(AQO 1273/00)

Mr M McGuinness: Every school is required to have a written discipline policy which must promote selfdiscipline among pupils, good behaviour and respect for others. Bullying behaviour, as unacceptable behaviour, should be addressed by schools at the very least as part of their existing discipline policies. Many schools on a voluntary basis have developed a separate anti-bullying policy. I intend to strengthen this position by taking the next legislative opportunity to make it a mandatory requirement upon every school to have an anti-bullying policy in place and to implement it.

Ms Gildernew asked the Minister of Education to report on the work carried out by the North/ South Pupil Attendance/Retention Joint Working Group and indicate how it might impact on his Department’s New Targeting Social Need Target DE5.

(AQO 1285/00)

Mr M McGuinness: I am unable to provide specific details of the work completed so far by the North/South Pupil Attendance/Retention Joint Working Group as I am bound by the procedures of the Assembly and of the Ministerial Code which require me first to report back progress to the Executive and then by way of a Statement to this Assembly after the next sectoral meeting takes place.

I would stress that I want to hold an education sectoral meeting as soon as possible to enable the Working Groups to report back formally to the sectoral Council and so that decisions can be taken to avoid any further delay in progressing the very important issues which they have been considering.

Until the Working Group reports, it is not possible to indicate the extent to which its recommendations may contribute to the New Targeting Social Need Target D5.

Mr J Wilsonasked the Minister of Education to confirm that there is an established method of carrying out equality impact assessments within his Department and that staff have received guidance and training on this subject.

(AQO 1271/00)

Mr M McGuinness: The procedure for conducting Equality Impact Assessments is set out in the Equality Commissions Guide to the Statutory Duties.

My Department, in its Equality Scheme, has stated that it will conduct its Equality Impact Assessments in accordance with this guidance and any further guidance that may be developed by the Equality Commission.

All staff within my Department have received a copy of the Equality Scheme. Middle and senior managers within the Department have also received initial equality training. Officials are currently drawing up a detailed training plan which will include more focused training for those involved in the Equality Impact Assessment of policies.

Mr Kennedy asked the Minister of Education to explain the cause of the delay in proceeding with the consultation process on a Common Local Management of Schools (LMS) funding formula and if he will extend the consultation period to ensure adequate time for responses to be made.

(AQO 1272/00)

Mr M McGuinness: I do not consider that there was any undue delay in publishing the LMS consultation document. Sufficient time was needed to allow for prior consultation with the Assembly Education Committee in January and I am grateful for the suggestions made by members, many of which were incorporated into the final document.

The Consultation Document was published on 5 April 2001 and, as requested by the Education Committee, consultation will last for 3 months until 29 June. This deadline is dictated by the school summer break and the need to take final decisions in the Autumn to ensure that the necessary operational arrangements can be put in place for implementation by April 2002.

Mr McElduff asked the Minister of Education, in the light of the publication of the Department of Education’s New Targeting Social Need Action Plan, to detail how the work of the North/South Educational Underachievement Working Group will be used to assist in implementing the Action Plan.

(AQO 1307/00)

Mr M McGuinness: Until the Working Group reports formally back to the sectoral meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council, it is not possible to indicate the extent to which its recommendations may contribute to the New Targeting Social Need Target Action Plan.

The last education sectoral meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council took place on 3 July 2000. At that time none of the Working Groups, including the Special Education Working Group, had reported back to the Council. I reported this position when I made my Statement to the Assembly on 11 September 2000. A further education sectoral meeting of the Council was planned for late November last but this did not take place and thus no formal reports of the Working Group have yet been made.

I would stress that I want to hold an education sectoral meeting as soon as possible to enable the Working Groups to report back and so that decisions can be taken to avoid any further delay in progressing the very important issues which they have been considering.

Mr McNameeasked the Minister of Education to report on the progress made in implementing the recommendations made by the North/South Educational Underachievement Group.

(AQO 1282/00)

Mr M McGuinness: The last education sectoral meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council took place on 3 July 2000. At that time none of the Working Groups, including the Educational Underachievement Working Group, had reported back to the Council. I reported this position when I made my Statement to the Assembly on 11 September 2000. A further education sectoral meeting of the Council was planned for late November last but this did not take place and thus no formal reports of the Working Group have yet been made. Therefore, no progress has been possible in this important area.

I would stress that I want to hold an education sectoral meeting of the Council as soon as possible to enable the Working Groups to report back formally and so that decisions can be taken to avoid any further delay in progressing the very important issues which they have been considering.

Mr Poots asked the Minister of Education if he intends to raise the funding for primary schools given the increase in the curricular programme in that sector.

(AQO 1300/00)

Mr M McGuinness: There has been no increase to the curriculum requirements in the primary sector. Since its introduction in 1992, the statutory curriculum for the primary sector has been reviewed and reduced and there is the possibility of further reduction in the level of prescription as a result of the Curriculum Review.

The Consultation Document on the LMS Common Formula, which I launched earlier this month, discussed the balance of funding between the nursery, primary and post-primary school phases and contains proposals to give primary schools a fairer share of available resources.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to confirm the amount allocated by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to education in Northern Ireland in each of the last four financial years.

(AQO 1270/00)

Mr M McGuinness: The Chancellor of the Exchequer does not make allocations to education in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland share of increases on comparable GB or English programmes is not hypothecated and it is a matter for the Northern Ireland administration to decide on the allocation to particular Northern Ireland services. For details of such allocations to education following announcements by the Chancellor of the Exchequer I refer the Member to my answer of 2 April (AQW 2383/2000).

Mr J Kelly asked the Minister of Education if the North/South Special Education Co-ordination Group has discussed mutual accreditation of personnel for the purpose of assessing Special Educational Needs and to make a statement.

(AQO 1284/00)

Mr M McGuinness: The mutual accreditation of personnel for the purpose of assessing Special Educational Needs is not included within the work programme of the North South Ministerial Council Special Education Working Group.

The requirements for appointment as an educational psychologist in Northern Ireland are as follows:- an honours degree in Psychology; a recognised teaching qualification; at least two years qualified teaching experience; and an approved postgraduate training qualification in Educational Psychology. The postgraduate training qualification must be obtained on a course validated by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Only one postgraduate training course exists in the South, and so far this course has not obtained BPS accreditation; holders of that qualification would not therefore be eligible to practise here. I understand, however, that many educational psychologists in the Republic do hold a BPS validated qualification and, provided that they met the other requirements, they would be eligible for employment locally. Educational Psychologists trained at Queen’s University are qualified for appointment in the South.

Mr McCarthy asked the Minister of Education if he has any plans to introduce guidance for teachers on indemnity when dealing with children’s health, similar to that provided in the rest of the United Kingdom.

(AQO 1264/00)

Mr M McGuinness: During 2001/02 my Department intends to review the administrative arrangements relating to the medical needs of pupils in schools. This review will involve consideration of the issue of appropriate guidance to employing authorities and schools, similar to that produced by the Department for Education and Employment for use in England and Wales.

Mrs E Bell asked the Minister of Education to give his assessment on the effectiveness of the current statementing process for children with special educational needs.

(AQO 1256/00)

Mr M McGuinness: The current system of assessment and statementing of children’s special educational needs was first introduced in 1986 and was slightly modified in 1996 and 1998 with the introduction of new special education legislation and the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs. Based on the relatively low number of appeals to the Special Educational Needs Tribunal, I have no reason to believe that there are any problems with the statementing process.

However, although consultation exercises on the new legislation and Code were carried out at the time of their introduction, the views of parents on the assessment and statementing process have never been sought and I intend to rectify this. My Department will be commissioning a research project in the near future which will seek parents’ views on the effectiveness of the process.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he intends to provide financial assistance to those in the tourist industry most affected by the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease similar to that introduced in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

(AQW 2484/00)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): The impact of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) on the tourism sector is widely acknowledged. Economic consequences are factored into risk analyses constantly reviewed by the Executive Group chaired by Bríd Rodgers. I understand that OFMDFM are researching the position on proposed financial compensation for victims of the FMD outbreak in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. My Department will be co-operating fully in this research along with other Departments, with a view to contributing to further advice to the Executive Committee on this important issue.

Dr O’Hagan asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail what progress has been made by the Tourism Working Group set up under the North/South Ministerial Council.

(AQW 2510/00)

Sir Reg Empey: The new tourism company has been registered as "Tourism Ireland Ltd". Its Board has been appointed by the North/South Ministerial Council and has met on three occasions to take forward the setting up of the company including the arrangements for offices in Dublin and Coleraine, staffing needs, the recruitment of a Chief Executive and future marketing initiatives.

Dr Dara O’Hagan asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail what progress has been made by the Implementation body, InterTradeIreland, set up under the North/South Ministerial Council.

(AQW 2515/00)

Sir Reg Empey: As I reported to the Assembly on 26 February 2001 in my Statement and subsequent debate, InterTradeIreland is up and running with its headquarters in Newry. It has undertaken already a number of activities to promote cross-border trade and business development throughout the island of Ireland. Examples include a major e-commerce event ‘Building Your E-Business’ held in June 2000 which has led to a number of projects being hosted and four roadshow events held in November 2000 attracting over 1500 business people.

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of the Environment whether he will introduce guidelines for planning applications in order to reduce adverse development of small villages.

(AQW 2463/00)

The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): I have no plans to introduce such guidelines.

Supplementary guidance on the location of new development is provided by the relevant Area Plan. For small villages, Area Plans indicate a limit of development and local planning policies. Development limits for small villages in new plans will take account of the guidance provided by the emerging Regional Development Strategy.

In assessing development proposals Planning Service also takes account of operational planning policies for specific land uses as set out in Planning Policy Statements and ‘The Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland’. Supplementary planning guidance provided by various Development Control Advice Notes, (DCANs) for specific land uses is also a relevant material consideration.

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (a) the guidelines used when planning permission is sought for making alterations to licensed premises (b) what form of environmental impact assessment is carried out on the licensed premises (c) what guidance he takes from an approved Area Plan when granting planning permission for alterations to licensed premises; and whether the Planning Office take into account representation by the Local Council when processing a planning application.

(AQW 2464/00)

Mr Foster: Development Control Advice Note No 7 – Public Houses provides guidance on the planning criteria applied when applications for this type of development are being considered. A copy of this document is attached.

The Environmental Assessment Regulations are designed to indicate the impact of major developments. Alterations to Licensed Premises do not normally fall within the scope of these regulations. Planning Service assesses the effect of proposals on local amenity through the planning application process. Consultation is undertaken with relevant public bodies as required. In particular, such applications are usually referred to the Environmental Health Department of the District Council for advice and comments.

Area Plans do not specifically address detailed operational matters such as alterations to Licensed Premises which are more appropriately dealt with through the issue of specific planning guidance.

The Planning Service takes account of all representations made in relation to planning applications. Its procedures allow Councils to request deferral of consideration for site or office meetings in order to allow further representations on applications to be made. All matters raised are given very careful consideration before the Council is reconsulted. Further consultation with statutory consultees on specific matters raised is undertaken where necessary.

The purpose of this Advice Note is to give general guidance to intending developers, their professional advisors and agents. It is designed to provide advice on the planning criteria to be applied when an application for this form of development is being considered. It should be stressed that the note is not a specific statement of Departmental policy but rather one of advice and guidance. Each application or appeal is treated on its merits and the application of the guidance given to a particular case is always a matter calling for judgement. Any legal views stated in this note have no statutory force and should not be relied upon as an authoritative interpretation of the law. A list of other current notes in this series can be obtained from Divisional Planning Offices or from Planning Service Headquarters

Mr McLaughlinasked the Minister of the Environment to detail what progress has been made by the Environment Working Group set up under the North/ South Ministerial Council.

(AQW 2517/00)

Mr Foster: The Environment sectoral group of the Council has met on three occasions, the most recent being at Belle Isle in County Fermanagh on 23 February.

These meetings have been developing and implementing a work programme to address the seven environmental areas for enhanced co-operation mandated by the inaugural plenary meeting of the Council on 13 December 2000.

I am required by the Northern Ireland Act 1998 to make a statement to the Assembly following each meeting. I last reported on the work of the Environment sectoral group on 12 March 2001. The Assembly Official Report for that date contains a transcript of my statement. This remains the most up to date report of progress in taking forward the North/South Ministerial Council work programme of environmental co-operation.

Mr Bradley asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to a determination of the Planning Service issued on 21 February 2001 (P/2001/0056), to explain why a telecommunications mast is being constructed at Corgary, Newry.

(AQW 2546/00)

Mr Foster: This is a very complex case. The background to it is that the developers have implemented a prior approval issued by the Planning Service on 12 June 2000 for a telecommunications mast. A further application for prior approval for additional antennae on this mast was granted on 30 October 2000.

However, when development first started on this site in December 2000, it was brought to the attention of the Planning Service that both applications had been advertised with the wrong address. The approvals which issued also included the wrong address. In order to rectify the situation, the developers were asked to stop work on the site and to submit a fresh prior approval application.

All work on site ceased, and a fresh application was received on 11 January 2001, although the developers’ stated position was that they considered the previous approvals to be valid. The fresh application was advertised with the correct address. There was significant opposition to this proposal. It was refused on 21 February 2001 on the grounds that "the proposal is detrimental to the visual amenity of the area, as the proposed site is prominent, open and exposed, and lacks any features which would allow this development to be satisfactorily integrated into the local landscape".

However, the developers recommenced work on the site on 26 March 2001, and a mast has now been erected. The developers’ position is, as previously stated, that they have implemented the 12 June 2000 approval.

Legal advice was sought on this matter. The advice received is that the Department has no grounds for challenging the 12 June 2000 approval. However, I have asked officials to consider if other options might be available in this case, and to report back to me as a matter of urgency. I will consider what action may be taken when this further advice is received.

I have also asked for a comprehensive report on all aspects of this case to ensure that lessons are learned from it, and that weaknesses in procedures are identified and corrected.

Mr McGrady asked the Minister of the Environment to detail his timetable to introduce legislation for mutual recognition in respect of driving penalties incurred by Northern Ireland licence holders in Great Britain.

(AQW 2554/00)

Mr Foster: I am not in a position to provide a definitive timetable for the introduction of legislation for mutual recognition in respect of penalties for driving offences incurred in Great Britain by holders of a Northern Ireland driver’s licence.

My Department is currently undertaking public consultation, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions in London, on proposals for mutual recognition of these penalties between Northern Ireland and Great Britain and the closing date for receipt of comments is 4 May 2001.

Following this, and depending on progress on preparation of equivalent parallel legislation in Great Britain, I would expect to be able to publish legislative proposals for introduction to the Assembly by 31 March 2002.

Mr Fee asked the Minister of the Environment to give his assessment of the contribution speed cameras have made to road safety.

(AQW 2564/00)

Mr Foster: Speed cameras have proven to be an extremely effective tool for reducing road casualties in high risk areas.

Excessive or inappropriate speed remains a major cause of road collisions and was the principal factor in more than 40 deaths and approximately 350 serious injuries on Northern Ireland’s roads last year.

The RUC introduced mobile speed cameras in 1997. Their presence on certain roads, together with associated road signs, and the application of penalty points for speeding offences have had a positive effect on reducing traffic speeds. I have no doubt that use of speed cameras will play an increasingly important part in reducing road casualties.

I have also noted the very positive early results from the pilot scheme which began in Great Britain last year. This allows the installation and operation of speed cameras and associated activities to be funded from speeding fines. My officials will liaise with the RUC and other departments on the application in Northern Ireland of the lessons learned in this pilot scheme.

Mr Wells asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the steps he is taking to prevent further erosion of Newcastle beach.

(AQW 2577/00)

Mr Foster: I have no powers to prevent the erosion of Newcastle beach.

Coastal erosion in general can impact on the responsibilities of several Departments, in addition to my own, including the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department for Regional Development. It can also affect the interests of District Councils, in terms of protecting their promenades, marinas and other amenities.

I understand that studies commissioned by Down District Council have indicated that much of the erosion of sand from the beach at Newcastle has been caused by the progressive rock armouring of the seafront. Although these measures provide flood protection to the promenade and the Newcastle Centre, they are thought to have contributed to the problems of sand erosion.

I further understand that the Council is proposing to construct groynes at the beach in an effort to redress the problem of sand erosion. These structures are likely to require consents from my Department and may also require planning permission. Although I fully understand why such measures may be proposed, my Department will want to be satisfied that their construction will not have any adverse effects on sand movement elsewhere within the wider Dundrum Bay area.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of the Environment to outline his policy on the reform of local government finance.

(AQW 2626/00)

Mr Foster: My Department is currently reviewing the formula for distribution of the resources element of General Exchequer Grant, payable to district councils, to take account of relative socio-economic disadvantage. An equality impact assessment of a proposed new formula is nearing completion and a consultation paper should issue next month. The Department is also reviewing arrangements for the payment of allowances, pensions and gratuities to councillors. A comprehensive reform of local government finance would have to be associated with the wider review of public administration.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail his plans to give greater protection to areas of outstanding natural beauty.

(AQW 2653/00)

Mr Foster: My Department has powers under the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (NI) Order 1985 to designate Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). AONBs are landscape areas that are recognised as being of distinctive character and special scenic value. They are often popular for recreation and tourism. Designation enables my Department to make proposals for conserving the natural beauty of the area and for promoting its enjoyment by the public.

Since 1985, 4 such areas have been designated, namely: the Mournes; the Causeway Coast; the Antrim Coast and Glens, and the Ring of Gullion.

Other areas of countryside in Northern Ireland, some of them previously designated under earlier legislation that carried no management powers, would also warrant designation as AONBs under the 1985 legislation. However, progress on designating these areas has been slow, mainly because insufficient resources had been allocated to this area of work.

I acknowledge the increasing need to take active steps to manage and co-ordinate recreation, tourism and conservation matters in the areas concerned. This is important in ensuring their long-term sustainability.

I have therefore asked my officials to prepare a report on the issues surrounding the designation of the remaining AONBs. I expect to receive their report shortly. I will also wish to have the benefit of the views of the Assembly Environment Committee in considering the way forward.

I should emphasise that I will not be able to give any commitments on further designations until I am satisfied that sufficient resources will be available to enable those commitments to be met.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the steps he has taken to reduce the number of road accidents in the last three years.

(AQW 2658/00)

Mr Foster: I have held my current responsibilities for road safety since devolution occurred in December 1999. These responsibilities include road safety education publicity as well as strategic co-ordination of the activities of the local road safety agencies. Roads engineering is the responsibility of the Department for Regional Development, while enforcement is principally a matter for the RUC.

Since taking up my responsibilities, I have secured additional funding to allow me to increase the number of Road Safety Education Officers from 11 to 21. This increase will provide additional support for teachers in promoting road safety. The additional Road Safety Education Officers will also allow new initiatives to be introduced, including a pilot Driver Improvement Scheme (as an alternative to conviction for certain types of motoring offence), Practical Child Pedestrian Safety Training at the roadside and monitoring the safe fitting of child safety restraints.

I have also secured a 40% increase in the resources for road safety publicity. This will allow me to intensify my Department’s campaigns targeted on the main causes of road fatalities and serious injuries. I have launched two new campaigns - "Slowdownboys" in January 2000 to address the problem of excessive speeding, particularly by young male drivers; and the award-winning "Shame" in November 2000 to reinforce the anti-drink driving message. Indications are that these campaigns are having a beneficial affect on the attitudes of road users.

On 2 May 2001, with the support of the Executive Committee, I published a consultation document seeking views on a new Road Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2010. This was prepared in collaboration with other Departments and the RUC. Consultation will be followed by preparation of a new Strategic Road Safety Plan for Northern Ireland to 2010 which will set out the long-term targets for reductions in road casualties and detail the measures to be taken to achieve them.

Finance and Personnel

European Programmes: Interim Funding

Mr Kennedy asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail what steps he is taking to sustain the activities and functions of community groups and rural community networks until such time as the new European Programmes and Community Initiatives are fully operational.

(AQW 2462/00)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): I announced in a statement to the Assembly on 12 February 2001 that the Executive had agreed that Departments should be authorised to make advance payments to projects where they judge that there is a very strong likelihood that the project will be eligible for funding and successful in an application under the new round of Structural Funds support. An advertisement was placed in the local newspapers on Friday 16 March 2001 with a closing date for applications of 12 April 2001. Interim funding will be provided if the project sponsors undertake to submit a full application for funding to the appropriate EU Programme once the necessary implementation arrangements are in place. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) will also consider applications within the framework of the new round of the Rural Development Programme. Interim funding can be given where that Department is satisfied that there is a very strong likelihood that the project will be successful in an application under the new Programme.

Mr Fee asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the average length of time taken to process applications for Housing Benefit to cover charges by the Rates collection Agency.

(AQW 2472/00)

Mr Durkan: The average length of time taken to process new claims, not requiring additional information to allow them to be assessed, in the year 1st April 2000 to date is just under 28 working days (27.86). The Agency is currently meeting the performance target set for this aspect of its work.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to confirm (a) that civil servants are required to retire at the age of 60 (b) that job advertisements state that applications from all suitably qualified people are welcome irrespective of age (c) if both these positions are compatible and (d) whether the compulsory retirement age at 60 breaks section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

(AQW 2480/00)

Mr Durkan: All civil servants are currently required to retire at age 60 with the exception of those with preserved rights, namely those below the Executive Officer grade who were in post on 31 March 1996.

The NICS has established a normal age of retirement and this is stated in the job specifications which are provided to all applicants. Within that policy the NICS seeks to avoid age discrimination and therefore job advertisements state that applications are welcome irrespective of age.

It is not incompatible for an organisation to set a normal age of retirement within which applications for job advertisements are welcome irrespective of age.

Section 75 of the 1998 Act places obligations on Public Authorities, in carrying out their functions, to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity across a range of categories of which age is one. Having a compulsory retirement age is not inconsistent with these obligations.

Mr Fee asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will introduce measures to ensure that an enforcement action is not initiated on a client by the Rate Collection Agency while their Housing Benefit application is still being processed.

(AQW 2497/00)

Mr Durkan: The policy of the Rate Collection Agency is not to take enforcement action when a claim for Housing Benefit has been submitted until the application has been assessed. It is therefore regrettable that seven cases out of a total of 15,000 were lodged with the Enforcement of Judgements Office since 1997 while a claim for Housing Benefit was being assessed. The Agency has put procedures in place to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail (a) the number of women’s centres that were directly funded by the Peace and Reconciliation Programme (b) that these centres will continue to be funded and (c) if Peace II funding will be made available to these groups.

(AQW 2506/00)

North/South Ministerial Council:
Special EU Programmes Body

Mr Maskey asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail what progress has been made by the Special European Union Programme Body set up under the North/South Ministerial Council.

(AQW 2518/00)

Mr Durkan: In accordance with its statutory responsibilities under the establishing legislation for North/ South Implementation Bodies the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) has made the following progress:-

The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) has been involved in the negotiation of the PEACE II Operational Programme together with the Finance Departments and the European Commission, and has worked closely with the Finance Departments and the Commission to finalise the text of the Operational Programme. It has taken the lead in preparing the draft PEACE II Programme Complement to be submitted to the Programme Monitoring Committee for approval.

The Body has been holding workshops at sub-regional level to develop guidelines for the implementation of the Priority 3 of the PEACE II Programme by the new Local Strategy Partnerships.

A tendering process is currently being overseen by the SEUPB to appoint Intermediary Funding Bodies (IFBs) to distribute and administer grants for particular activities with set objectives under the Programme. The responses to the call to tender are currently being evaluated by the Body and the selection process is scheduled to be completed in May 2001.

The Programme Monitoring Committee, which is chaired by the Chief Executive of the SEUPB, met in interim format on 20 December 2000. The first meeting of the formally constituted Monitoring Committee will take place on 30 April.

The SEUPB will be the Managing Authority for the PEACE II Programme.

The SEUPB prepared detailed draft Programme proposals on 15 November for the INTERREG IIIA Programme. These draft proposals were approved by NSMC for submission to the European Commission as a basis for negotiation. The Commission confirmed the admissibility of the proposed Programme on 1 February. The Commission’s comments on the Programme proposals are expected soon and the formal negotiation process will begin shortly thereafter. The SEUPB will be directly involved in the negotiation of the Programme proposals with the Finance Departments and the European Commission.

The Body will carry out the functions of both the Paying Authority and Managing Authority for the INTERREG IIIA Programme.

The SEUPB has also been working with the relevant Lead Departments North and South regarding the draft proposals for EQUAL, LEADER+ and URBAN II Community Initiatives which were approved by NSMC in November 2000 and submitted to the European Commission as a basis for negotiation.

The Body has been proactive in monitoring the progress of PEACE I and INTERREG II Programmes to ensure that the legal deadline to achieve full spend ie 31 December 2001 is achieved.

The Body has reviewed all of the EU Programmes contained in the respective Community Support Frameworks North and South to identify areas of North/South activity within the Common Chapter. This exercise will form the base information for the Common Chapter database which will allow the Body to monitor and report on the level of increased co-operation across a wide range of sectors.

In accordance with the requirements of Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, the SEUPB has recently completed the consultation process and a final draft version of the Body’s Equality Scheme was approved by NSMC on 9 April for submission to the Equality Commission for formal approval. The SEUPB has also been developing a New Targeting Social Need Action Plan which was approved by NSMC at its meeting on 9 April.

The Special EU Programmes Body has established 3 offices located in Belfast, Omagh and Monaghan.

The Body has produced a Corporate and Business Plan for the period 2000-2003 which was approved by NSMC at the sectoral meeting on EU Programmes on 15 November 2000. The Body has completed the first set of accounts for the period December 1999 to December 2000 which were submitted for joint audit to the respective Comptroller and Auditor General Offices North and South on 1 April 2001.

An initial staffing structure and complement of 25 staff was approved for the Body by NSMC in June 2000. This staffing structure is currently under review.

The permanent Chief Executive of the Body, Mr John McKinney, was appointed on 1 February 2001.

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