Friday 1 June 2001
Written Answers to Questions (Continued)

Article 31 Applications: Timescale

Mr Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the average time it takes for an Article 31 planning case to reach a conclusion.

(AQW 2997/00)

The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): For those Article 31 applications which reached a final decision during 2000-01 financial year, the average time taken to process applications from designation to a formal decision was 141 weeks.

However, the Member will wish to note that such a broad average needs to be interpreted with care, as it includes a wide range of variation in the processing of these complex and often, by their very nature, contentious planning cases. There are essentially three different routes for progressing these major applications, namely: a Public inquiry; a Notice of Opinion (NOP) to approve; or NOP to refuse.

The majority of Article 31 cases are determined by the NOP route. Of the 27 decisions reached during 2000-01, 12 proceeded by an NOP to approve and took 135 weeks on average to process; seven followed an NOP to refuse, taking an average 137 weeks to reach a final decision. The remaining eight applications required a public inquiry and took on average 189 weeks to be determined.

If a public inquiry or a hearing on an NOP to refuse is required, jurisdiction passes to the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) .The time taken between a request to the PAC for an inquiry or hearing and receipt of the PAC report can range from 36 to 64 weeks.

Another key factor influencing the timescale for determining applications is the time taken by applicants to submit outstanding information necessary to determine the application, including Retail and Traffic Impact Assessment. Other factors which affect performance include the timely submission of environmental information, public consultation and consideration by key consultees, which is generally outside my Department’s control. Judicial review proceedings also lead to delay in the issue of decisions, which again is outside the control of the Department.

Finally, the Member will wish to note that my Department has set in place a number of measures to improve overall processing times including establishing dedicated teams within Planing Service Headquarters to process all Article 31 applications; an ongoing review of procedures; criteria for designating Article 31 cases; plus senior management priority involvement in reducing the backlog.

Recruitment: Public Advertisement

Mr Weir asked the Minister of the Environment to detail whether job vacancies within his Department are advertised in the public domain.

(AQW 3012/00)

Mr Foster: My department adheres to the NICS policy where vacant civil service posts are filled by recruitment, internal transfer or promotion of existing staff. Recruitment is normally by public advertisement, in line with the requirements of the Northern Ireland Civil Service Commissioners.

Planning Applications:
Woodburn Road/Ellis Street, Carrickfergus

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to detail all planning applications approved for the Woodburn Road and Ellis Street areas of Carrickfergus in each of the last five years.

(AQW 3018/00)

Mr Foster: I have provided a schedule which details all the planning applications which have been approved for Woodburn Road and Ellis Street in the last five years.

PLANNING APPROVALS GRANTED ON ELLIS STREET AND WOODBURN ROAD WITHIN THE LAST 5 YEARS.

Ellis Street, Carrickfergus

Woodburn Road, Carrickfergus

Planning Appeals Commission

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail, in respect of the Ards Borough Council area (a) the number of appeals that the Planning Appeals Commission has received in the years 1999-20000 and 2000-01, and of these (i) how many were successful and (ii) how many were refused.

(AQW 3024/00)

Mr Foster: In the years 1999-2000 and 2000-01 there were 46 appeals to the Planning Appeals Commission.

The breakdown is as follows:-

Allowed 18
Refused 12

In addition, 4 were withdrawn, 11 are awaiting a decision and 1 was an invalid appeal.

Notification of Vehicles Written Off

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to amend the legislation whereby the transfer of a vehicle registration mark would incorporate confirmation from an insurance company that the vehicle is a write-off.

(AQW 3026/00)

Mr Foster: The registration and licensing of vehicles are excepted matters. They are carried out in Northern Ireland by DVLNI under the terms of a formal agency agreement between DOE and the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Under an existing Code of Practice the Association of British Insurers requires their members to notify the licensing authorities when a vehicle is written off. There is no evidence of any failure to comply with the Code of Practice and there is therefore no need to change current practice.

Moreover, in order to combat vehicle fraud, there is a requirement throughout the UK for all written-off vehicles involved in the transfer of registration marks to be presented for inspection by the licensing authorities. As registration policy is an excepted matter, there is no opportunity for Northern Ireland to act unilaterally on this issue.

Zebra Mussels: Effect on Fish Stock

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail what effect zebra mussels are having on coarse and game fish stock.

(AQW 3029/00)

Mr Foster: Zebra mussels are now very abundant in Upper and Lower Lough Erne but they have not spread elsewhere within Northern Ireland. The most obvious effect has been an increase in the clarity of the water in shallow areas. This is mainly due to the fact that zebra mussels feed by filtering the water and extracting the microscopic aquatic life.

Officials from my Department, DCAL Fisheries Division, DARD Aquatic and Environmental Science Division, DRD Water Service and Waterways Ireland have set up a Zebra Mussel Control Group to assess the impact of this invasive species.

The effect of zebra mussels on fish populations will be indirect and will take some time to be fully apparent. It is expected that changes to water chemistry, bottom sediments and ultimately the fish food chain will affect fish populations to some extent.

Review of Public Administration

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to detail any timetable to review Local Government, including any period of consultation.

(AQW 3033/00)

Mr Foster: The Executive is committed to a comprehensive review of public administration in Northern Ireland. Administration of local public services will be considered as part of that review and I intend to engage the local government sector in that process at the earliest opportunity. The Executive is considering the detailed requirements for taking the review forward and these will inform the programme for consulting local government.

Illegal Dumping: Knockagh Road

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to detail his plans to tackle the problem of illegal dump sites on the Knockagh Road, Carrickfergus; and to make a statement.

(AQW 3034/00)

Mr Foster: Officials from my Department visited the Knockagh Road, Carrickfergus, site on 23 February 2001 and 19 April 2001, following receipt of a number of complaints about illegal dumping, and confirmed that a breach of the Planning (NI) Order 1991 had taken place. Enforcement action will be considered on receipt of consultation responses from a number of statutory bodies on the use of the site.

I am also aware that there is an area of agricultural land opposite 56 Knockagh Road which is being filled with inert waste for the purpose of agricultural improvement and does not require planning permission.

My Department received a complaint about illegal dumping of waste at the Slievetrue Road, Newtownabbey, site on 17 May 2001. Permission is currently awaited from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, under the foot-and-mouth guidelines, to allow my officials to carry out a site visit.

Illegal Dumping: Slievetrue Road

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to detail his plans to tackle the problem of illegal dump sites on the Slievetrue Road, Newtownabbey; and to make a statement.

(AQW 3035/00)

Mr Foster: Officials from my Department visited the Knockagh Road, Carrickfergus, site on 23 February 2001 and 19 April 2001, following receipt of a number of complaints about illegal dumping, and confirmed that a breach of the Planning (NI) Order 1991 had taken place. Enforcement action will be considered on receipt of consultation responses from a number of statutory bodies on the use of the site.

I am also aware that there is an area of agricultural land opposite 56 Knockagh Road which is being filled with inert waste for the purpose of agricultural improvement and does not require planning permission.

My Department received a complaint about illegal dumping of waste at the Slievetrue Road, Newtownabbey, site on 17 May 2001. Permission is currently awaited from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development under the foot-and-mouth guidelines, to allow my officials to carry out a site visit.

Noise Nuisance:
Prosecutions by District Councils

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of prosecutions for noise nuisance throughout the 26 district council areas.

(AQW 3050/00)

Mr Foster: My Department does not gather data on the numbers of prosecutions for noise nuisance by district councils.

Complaints of noise and vibration are dealt with by district councils under statutory nuisance powers contained in the Pollution Control and Local Government (Northern Ireland) Order 1978. Decisions to prosecute and details relating to those cases are matters for each district council.

Carrickfergus Town Walls

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to give his assessment on the state of repair of the old town walls at Carrickfergus.

(AQW 3053/00)

Mr Foster: Carrickfergus town walls, enclosing the Medieval town, were built in the early seventeenth century, replacing earlier earthen ramparts. They are of basalt stone rubble construction, on average some 6m high and 1.5m thick.

Over a distance of 350m, clockwise from Northgate to Joymount, the walls are in State Care and are in good condition. Conservation work has been carried out on this section in the past and the Environment and Heritage Service is reviewing the need for more work here.

From Northgate anticlockwise for a distance of 150m, the walls are mainly owned by Carrickfergus Borough Council and are scheduled for protection under Article 3 of the Historic Monuments and Archaeological Objects (NI) Order 1995. Continuing anticlockwise from the Albert Road/Lancasterian Street junction the remainder of the circuit of the wall has been destroyed, but it can be traced from old maps and its foundations have been located at intervals in archaeological excavations.

The wall is reasonably well preserved along the back of the properties at the east side of Albert Road. However, the condition of parts of the scheduled length of the wall along Albert Road gives rise to concern. Discussions are under way with the council about its repair.

Radar Station at Carrickfergus Harbour

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to give his assessment of the heritage value of the disused radar station at Carrickfergus Harbour.

(AQW 3062/00)

Mr Foster: The radar station is a grade B2 listed building. It was designed by Donald Shanks, Education Architect to Belfast Education Committee, as a radar school for Belfast College of Technology, and is believed to be unique.

While the building has been vandalised and has suffered water damage, the essential architectural elements are still intact. It stands as an interesting and important twentieth-century addition to the historic area around the harbour at Carrickfergus.

Finance and Personnel

Census Forms

Mr Taylor asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail (a) the percentage return of completed Census Forms and (b) his proposals to encourage the return of outstanding Census Forms; and to make a statement.

(AQW 2988/00)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): As of Friday 18 May it is estimated that over 90% of Census forms had been returned. Work continues to collect the remaining forms. To assist in this the Census Advertising Campaign will continue until the end of May and the Census Helpline will remain open until the end of June. Census Field Staff will continue to visit those households who for one reason or another have not returned their Census Form.

Nursery/Childcare Provision

Mrs Nelisasked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail when the funding for nursery/childcare provision for the community/voluntary sector will be allocated.

(AQW 2989/00)

Mr Durkan: The initial allocations of the Executive Programme Funds — announced by myself to the Northern Ireland Assembly on 2 April 2001 — did not involve the community/voluntary sector given the tight timescale. The Executive wanted to undertake a consultation package with this sector to determine the best way to meet its needs.

Work is currently under way to draw up proposals in this area for consideration by the Executive during the next allocation of Tranche II funds in September 2001.

Departmental Property:
Holywood, County Down

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail whether his Department owned property at 15 Larch Hill, Holywood, Co Down, at any stage in the last five years.

(AQW 3015/00)

Mr Durkan: Land Registers records indicate that the property at 15 Larch Hill, Holywood, Co Down has not been owned by the Department of Finance and Personnel at any stage in the last five years.

Health, Social Services and Public Safety

Royal Group of Hospitals:
Short-Term Loan

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, in respect of the accumulated operational deficit at the Royal Group of Hospitals, to detail (a) the date on which the short-term loan of £10.5 million was issued by the former Department of Health and Social Services (b) the date on which an allocation of £10.5 million was made to the Trust specifically to repay the loan (c) the date on which a further £7.7 million was made available to the Trust to eradicate the remaining operational deficit and (d) what other Trusts received assistance to eradicate their deficits.

(AQW 2975/00)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún):

(a) The cumulative short-term loan of £10.5 million to the Royal Group of Hospitals and Dental Hospital HSS Trust was issued in two stages – £4.5 million in March 1999 and £6 million in March 2000.

(b) and (c) These amounts were allocated to the Royal Group of Hospitals and Dental Hospital HSS Trust on 29 March 2001.

(d) Belfast City Hospital HSS Trust, Green Park HSS Trust, Craigavon Area Hospital Group HSS Trust, Altnagelvin Hospitals HSS Trust, the Ulster Community and Hospitals HSS Trust, Sperrin Lakeland HSS Trust and North and West Belfast HSS Trust also received assistance to clear their cumulative deficits. This was largely funded by the £18 million special allocation approved by the Executive for Trust deficits.

(a) Eisíodh an iasacht charnach ghearrthéarmach £10.5m d’Iontaobhas SSS Ghrúpa Ríoga na nOtharlann agus na nOtharlann Fiaclóireachta i ndá ghála - £4.5m i Márta 1999 agus £6m i Márta 2000.

(b) agus (c) Dáileadh na suimeanna seo ar Iontaobhas SSS Ghrúpa Ríoga na nOtharlann agus na nOtharlann Fiaclóireachta ar an 29 Márta 2001.

(d) Fuair Iontaobhas SSS Otharlann Cathrach Bhéal Feirste, Iontaobhas SSS na Páirce Glaise, Iontaobhas SSS Ghrúpa Otharlann Ceantair Craigavon, Iontaobhas SSS Otharlanna Alt na nGealbhán, Iontaobhas SSS Phobal Uladh agus Otharlann, Iontaobhas SSS Shliabh Speirín agus Thír na Lochanna agus Iontaobhas SSS Bhéal Feirste Thuaidh agus Thiar cúnamh airgid fosta lena n-easnaimh charnacha a ghlanadh. Tháinig an chuid is mó den mhaoiniú airgid seo ón dáileadh speisialta de £18m ceadaithe ag an Fheidhmeannas d’easnaimh Iontaobhas.

Recruitment: Public Advertisement

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail whether job vacancies within her Department are advertised in the public domain.

(AQW 2980/00)

Ms de Brún: Vacant civil service posts are filled by recruitment, internal transfer or promotion of existing staff. Recruitment is normally by public advertisement, in line with the requirements of the Civil Service Commissioners.

Líontar folúntais do phoist sa státseirbhís trí earcaíocht, aistriú inmheánach foirne nó trí ardú céime a thabhairt don fhoireann atá ann faoi láthair. Trí fhógraí poiblí a dhéantar earcaíocht de ghnáth, de réir iarratais Choimisinéirí na Státseirbhíse.

Dialysis Provision: Altnagelvin Hospital

Mrs Nelis asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail her plans to increase the provision of dialysis treatment at Altnagelvin Hospital to avoid the need for seriously sick people having to travel to Omagh for treatment; and to make a statement.

(AQW 2990/00)

Ms de Brún: The Regional Medical Services Consortium, which brings together the four Health and Social Services Boards, is currently considering the need to review the provision of dialysis here to ensure we are keeping pace with needs.

Tá an Cuibhreannas Seirbhísí Réigiúnacha Leighis, a bhfuil na ceithre Bhord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta le chéile air, ag déanamh machnaimh ar an ghá le hathbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar sholáthar scagdhealaithe anseo le cinntiú go bhfuilimid ag coinneáil suas le riachtanais.

Child Abuse

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the steps she is taking to develop a strategy to reduce the level of child abuse in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 2995/00)

Ms de Brún: Child abuse is being tackled on a number of fronts. The Department’s core strategy is based on interagency co-operation through the four Area Child Protection Committees. The goal is to build partnerships across all agencies that are working together to create a better and safer future for children. A revision of guidance for the interagency handling of child abuse is under way. The publication entitled ‘Co-operating to Safeguard Children’ will be available for equality assessment consultation in June.

In addition, Health and Social Services Boards received an extra £10 million in 2000-2001 for the development of quality services for children. The reduction of physical and sexual child abuse is amongst the range of issues which are being addressed as part of the development of services by Boards and Trusts.

My Department also continues to fund the Our Duty to Care project, within the Volunteer Development Agency. The Project provides support, information and training for voluntary organisations and community-based groups working with children based on the Our Duty to Care guide.

On a continual basis my Department operates a Pre-employment Consultancy Service. This service, which has been in operation for more than 20 years, allows employers and voluntary organisations to check the suitability of those applying to work with children as a safeguard against abuse. In order to strengthen current arrangements I will be bringing forward proposals for a Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults Bill.

My Department is also represented on the Joint Working Group on Child Protection established by the North/South Ministerial Council. One of the aims of the group will be the development of a mechanism for the reciprocal identification of people considered to be unsuitable for working with children.

Táthar ag tabhairt faoi íde ar pháistí ar roinnt dóigheanna. Tá príomhstraitéis na Roinne bunaithe ar chomhoibriú idirghníomhaireachta tríd na ceithre Choiste Ceantair um Chosaint Páistí. Is í an aidhm páirtíochtaí a chruthú trasna na ngníomhaireachtaí uile atá ag obair le chéile chun todhchaí níos fearr agus níos sábháilte a chruthú do pháistí. Tá athbhreithniú treorach do láimhseáil idirghníomhaireachta íde ar pháistí á dhéanamh. Beidh an foilseachán dar teideal ‘Ag Comhoibriú le Páistí a Chosaint’ ar fáil do chomhairliú ar mheasúnú comhionannais i Meitheamh.

Ina theannta sin, fuair Boird Shláinte agus Sheirbhísí Sóisialta £10 milliún breise i 2000-2001 le seirbhísí ardcháilíochta do pháistí a fhorbairt. Tá an laghdú in íde fhisiciúil agus ghnéasach ar pháistí i measc an réimse cheisteanna atá á ndéileáil leo ag Boird agus ag Iontaobhais mar chuid d’fhorbairt seirbhísí.

Leanann an Roinn s’agamsa ar aghaidh fosta an tionscadal ‘Our Duty to Care’ a mhaoiniú laistigh den Ghníomhaireacht Fhorbairt Saorálaithe. Tugann an tionscadal tacaíocht, eolas agus oiliúint d’eagraíochtaí deonacha, agus do ghrúpaí pobalbhunaithe ag obair le páistí, bunaithe ar an treoir ‘Our Duty To Care’.

Tá Seirbhís Chomhairlithe Réamhfhostaíochta ag an Roinn s’agamsa a fheidhmíonn ar bhonn leanúnach. Ligeann an tseirbhís seo, tá ag feidhmiú le níos mó ná 20 bliain anuas, d’fhostóirí agus d’eagraíochtaí deonacha fóirsteanacht iad siúd ag cur iarratas isteach le hobair le páistí a sheiceáil mar chosaint in éadan íde. Leis na socruithe reatha a neartú beidh mé ag tabhairt moltaí chun tosaigh do Bhille Chosaint Páistí agus Daoine Fásta Lagchuidithe.

Tá ionadaíocht ón Roinn s’agamsa ar an Chomhghrúpa Oibre ar Chosaint Páistí bunaithe ag an Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh-Theas. Is é ceann d’aidhmeanna an ghrúpa meicníocht a fhorbairt d’aithint chomh- mhalartach daoine a shíltear mífhóirsteanach le hobair le páistí.

Use of Private Hire Taxis

Mr Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 2674/00, to detail the reasons for the wide comparative diversity of spending across the trust boards.

(AQW 3007/00)

Ms de Brún: Trusts are required to deliver the services for which they are responsible in the most effective and cost efficient manner. There is a variety of reasons for the diversity of spending on taxi services across the Trust boards. These include the geographical area served by the Trust; the range and nature of the services provided by the Trust; the size of the population served by the Trust; whether the Trust is a community or hospital Trust; and the availability of in-house transport or ambulance services.

Éilítear ar Iontaobhais an tseirbhís as a bhfuil siad freagrach a sholáthar sa dóigh is éifeachtaí agus is costas- éifeachtaí. Tá fáthanna éagsúla ann don chaiteachas éagsúil ar sheirbhísí tacsaí ar fud Bhoird na nIontaobhas. Ina measc tá an limistéar ar a riarann an tIontaobhas, réimse agus saghasanna na seirbhísí soláthraithe ag an Iontaobhas, méid an daonra ar a riarann an tIontaobhas, cé acu gur Iontaobhas pobail nó otharlainne é an tIontaobhas nó nach é, agus infhaighteacht seirbhísí inmheánacha iompair nó otharcharr.

Use of Private Hire Taxis

Mr Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 2674/00 and 2675/00, to detail whether any Trust Boards have failed to adhere to the appropriate criteria for the use of private hire taxis by Trust Boards; and to make a statement.

(AQW 3008/00)

Ms de Brún: Trusts must have measures in place to assess the use of private hire taxis against the appropriate criteria.

Only the Causeway Health and Social Services Trust has advised that they have failed to adhere to the appropriate criteria for the use of private hire taxis. That Trust has advised that the taxis used through its Transport Department conform to all appropriate criteria for the use of private taxis. However, the Trust’s Child and Community Care Directorate also use taxis and the hire of these taxis has not fully conformed to the criteria set out in the Regional Transport Manual for HPSS. The Trust is currently seeking to rectify this situation and considering placing all taxi requirements under the responsibility of its Transport Department where full compliance is in operation.

Níor chuir ach Iontaobhas Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Chlocháin in iúl gur theip orthu cloí leis na critéir chuí d’úsáid tacsaithe príobháideacha.

Chuir an tIontaobhas sin in iúl go ndéarna na tacsaithe úsáidte trína Roinn Iompair de réir na gcritéar cuí uile d’úsáid tacsaithe príobháideacha. Úsáideann Bord Stiúrtha Chúram Páistí agus Pobail an Iontaobhais tacsaithe fosta áfach, agus níl fáil na dtacsaithe seo déanta go hiomlán de réir na gcritéar leagtha amach sa Lámhleabhar Réigiúnach Iompair do na SSSP. Tá an tIontaobhas ag iarraidh an riocht seo a chur ina cheart faoi láthair agus ag déanamh machnaimh ar chur riachtanas tacsaithe uile faoi chúram a Roinne Iompair, áit a bhfuil géilleadh iomlán i bhfeidhm.

Organ Donations

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail what action she is taking to highlight the need for organ donors.

(AQW 3028/00)

Ms de Brún: There is a growing need for organ donations and I am anxious to encourage more people to join the organ donor register. I shall be supporting a number of local events, the first of which will take place next month, to promote the register over the next year. I shall also be endorsing NHS publicity for the register. I supported the recent ‘Belfast Telegraph’ campaign encouraging people to consider becoming organ donors. My Department displays posters and leaflets encouraging people to join the organ register at a range of public buildings, including Health Centres, hospitals, dental surgeries, libraries and District Council Offices; and also recently issued 6,000 leaflets to civil servants.

Tá an gá do dheontais orgán ag méadú agus tá mé ar bís le níos mó daoine a spreagadh le dul ar an chlár deontóirí orgán. Beidh mé ag tacú le roinnt imeachtaí áitiúla, a mbeidh an chéad cheann ann an mhí seo chugainn leis an chlár a chur chun cinn le linn na bliana seo chugainn. Beidh mé ag droimscríobh poiblíochta na SNS don chlár fosta. Thacaigh mé le feachtas deireanach an Belfast Telegraph ag spreagadh daoine le bheith ina ndeontóirí orgán. Cuireann an Roinn s’agamsa póstaeir agus bileoga eolais ar taispeáint ag spreagadh daoine le dul ar an chlár orgán ag réimse foirgneamh poiblí, Ionaid Shláinte, otharlanna, clinicí fiaclóireachta, leabharlanna agus Oifigí Comhairle Ceantair san áireamh, agus ar na mallaibh, sheol sí 6,000 bileog eolais chuig státseirbhísigh.

Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment

Recruitment: Public Advertisement

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment to detail whether job vacancies within his Department are advertised in the public domain.

(AQW 2983/00)

The Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment (Dr Farren): Vacant posts in the Department of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment are filled by recruitment, internal transfer or promotion of existing staff. Recruitment is normally by public advertisement, in line with the requirements of the Northern Ireland Civil Service Commissioners.

North Down and Ards Institute
of Further and Higher Education

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment to detail the estimated start date for the construction of an extension to the Newtownards College of Further Education and to detail what extra facilities will be available as a result of this extension.

(AQW 2992/00)

Dr Farren: My Department has not received any specific proposal to address accommodation deficiencies at the Newtownards site of the North Down and Ards Institute of Further and Higher Education.

Regional Development

Reduction of Public Bodies or Quangos

Mrs Carson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the action he intends to take to reduce the number of public bodies or quangos under the control of his Department.

(AQW 2868/00)

The Minister for Regional Development (Mr Campbell): Consideration of the number and role of public bodies in Northern Ireland will be a key aspect of the Review of Public Administration. Pending the outcome of this Review, I will continue to monitor the role, responsibilities and effectiveness of the public bodies under the control of my Department to ensure value for money in the use of public resources.

Public accountability must be a key factor in this consideration.

Free Travel for Pensioners:
Mossley West Station

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline his policy to ensure that the ability to increase passenger numbers, offered by the introduction of "free travel for pensioners", is not denied to residents in Newtownabbey wishing to use the station at Mossley West.

(AQW 2879/00)

Mr Campbell: Translink hope to have Mossley West Station open by 1 October 2001, the date for the introduction of free travel for older people. Elderly residents in the area should, therefore, be able to enjoy free travel on both trains and buses from 1 October. In addition elderly people will be able to travel free on the bus service they provide for the Mossley area. For example, there is a total of 43 daily services on weekdays and 30 services on Saturdays between Mossley and Belfast.

Street Lighting Function: Downpatrick

Mr McGrady asked the Minister for Regional Development to undertake to retain street lighting consultancy within the Downpatrick Regional Roads Service Division; and to make a statement.

(AQW 2897/00)

Mr Campbell: You will be aware that, in my letter to you dated 22 May 2001, I advised that my Department’s Roads Service has decided to proceed with the restructuring of its Street Lighting function. Roads Service believes that this restructuring is necessary to provide the most efficient and effective service delivery. The decision was taken following consultation with Trade Union Side.

Belfast to Larne Railway Line:
Maintenance Costs

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 2215/00, to detail the total cost of this maintenance.

(AQW 2948/00)

Mr Campbell: Translink has advised that the costs of the maintenance work carried out on the Belfast to Larne railway line during 2000/01 totalled £472,554. Of this amount £261,036 was incurred on work to the track, £107,116 on signalling, £97,021 on structures, £3,786 on defences and £3,595 on crossings.

Road Safety for Children

Mr Fee asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the discussions that are taking place between his Department and the Department of Education regarding initiatives to improve road safety for children walking to school.

(AQW 2961/00)

Mr Campbell: My Department’s Roads Service has recently established a Northern Ireland School Travel Advisory Group which is made up of representatives from Roads Service, the Department of Education, the Education and Library Boards, the Health Promotion Agency, Translink, the Department of the Environment’s Road Safety Education Unit, the Police, School Teachers and parent group representatives.

Roads Service officials are in close liaison with Department of Education officials and other members of the Group to encourage and support Safer Routes to Schools pilot projects. These projects will assist and encourage young people to travel to and from school in safety, using modes of transport other than the private car.

Traffic-Calming Schemes

Mr Hussey asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail, by constituency, traffic-calming schemes (a) applied for and (b) due to be implemented in this financial year.

(AQW 2971/00)

Mr Campbell: My Department’s Roads Service does not maintain information on traffic-calming schemes on a parliamentary constituency basis.

The table below, however, shows the number of requests for traffic-calming schemes received by Roads Service in 2000/01 on a district council basis:

Note: The requests marked * above were received in the 2000 calendar year and not the 2000/01 financial year.

The table below shows the number of schemes (on a district council basis) that Roads Service has identified for possible inclusion in its 2001/02 traffic-calming programme:

Note: The schemes listed above are being progressed through the relevant statutory procedures, including public consultation. At this stage it is not possible to identify those schemes which will actually be initiated during the current financial year.

Recruitment: Public Advertisement

Mr Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development to confirm whether it is normal practice to advertise job vacancies within his Department in the public domain.

(AQW 2982/00)

Mr Campbell: In the Department for Regional Development, as in all other Government Departments, vacant civil service posts are filled by recruitment, internal transfer or promotion of existing staff. Recruitment is normally by public advertisement, in line with the requirements of the Northern Ireland Civil Service Commissioners.

Traffic-Calming Measures:
Victoria Road, Carrickfergus

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Regional Development to give his assessment of traffic-calming measures on the Victoria Road, Carrickfergus.

(AQW 2985/00)

Mr Campbell: The objective of traffic-calming measures is to improve driver behaviour and control speed to a level in keeping with the surrounding urban environment. Victoria Road is an important link road between Larne Road and Prince Andrew Way in Carrickfergus. In autumn 1998, following extensive consultations with local residents, my Department’s Roads Service introduced various traffic-calming measures along this road in the form of two mini roundabouts and a number of traffic islands and pedestrian refuges. Roads Service considers that these measures are working satisfactorily and has no plans to implement further measures.

Public Liability Claims: Vehicle Damage

Mr Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development to give a breakdown of the public liability claims lodged against his Department in respect of damage to vehicles by District Council area for the years 1999- 2000 and 2000-01.

(AQW 2993/00)

Mr Campbell: I regret that the number of vehicle damage public liability claims lodged against the Department by District Council area is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Public Liability Claims: Vehicle Damage

Mr Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 2649/00, to detail the number of public liability claims for damage to vehicles by District Council area for the years 1999-2000 and 2000-01.

(AQW 2996/00)

Mr Campbell: I regret that the number of vehicle damage public liability claims lodged against the Department by District Council area is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Review of Speed Restriction Zone: Killen

Mr Hussey asked the Minister for Regional Development to consider extending the speed restriction zone at Learmore Road, Killen, Castlederg, to incorporate the new community hall development at Killen.

(AQW 3017/00)

Mr Campbell: My Department’s Roads Service, in conjunction with the RUC, has recently reviewed the position of the speed limit in Killen. It has been decided to extend the existing limit to include the access to the new community hall. The necessary legislative process is now being initiated and, if there are no objections, the proposed extension will be in place within the next few months.

Traffic Volumes:
Ellis Street/Woodburn Road, Carrickfergus

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the measures that Roads Service has taken to cope with the additional traffic generated in Ellis Street and Woodburn Road, Carrickfergus, over the last five years.

(AQW 3019/00)

Mr Campbell: While my Department’s Roads Service has not carried out any measures to cope with the additional traffic generated in Ellis Street/Woodburn Road, Carrickfergus, over the last five years, I am pleased to advise you that alterations to the existing road layout are planned for the junction of Davy Street/Ellis Street where it meets Irish Quarter West. This work is included in the Roads Service 2001-02 traffic management programme of works. Also, Roads Service is currently investigating the need to improve the junction of Woodburn Road and Prospect Road.

I should explain that Roads Service continuously monitors traffic flows on main routes throughout the road network. Traffic volumes on other routes are monitored, as necessary, to enable Roads Service to make informed decisions on maintenance or other improvements that may be required. Traffic flows on Ellis Street/Woodburn Road are not, therefore, monitored on a regular basis and specific information for this route is not available over the last five-year period. Roads Service did, however, undertake a traffic survey in Ellis Street in December 2000 to provide information for a Carrickfergus Borough Council Air Quality Review. This survey recorded an average two-way daily traffic flow of 10,700 vehicles.

Traffic Volumes:
Ellis Street/Woodburn Road, Carrickfergus

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Regional Development to give his assessment of the increase in traffic on Woodburn Road and Ellis Street, Carrickfergus in the last five years.

(AQW 3020/00)

Mr Campbell: While my Department’s Roads Service has not carried out any measures to cope with the additional traffic generated in Ellis Street/Woodburn Road, Carrickfergus, over the last five years, I am pleased to advise you that alterations to the existing road layout are planned for the junction of Davy Street/Ellis Street where it meets Irish Quarter West. This work is included in the Roads Service 2001/02 traffic management programme of works. Also, Roads Service is currently investigating the need to improve the junction of Woodburn Road and Prospect Road.

I should explain that Roads Service continuously monitors traffic flows on main routes throughout the road network. Traffic volumes on other routes are monitored, as necessary, to enable Roads Service to make informed decisions on maintenance or other improvements that may be required. Traffic flows on Ellis Street/ Woodburn Road are not, therefore, monitored on a regular basis and specific information for this route is not available over the last five-year period. Roads Service did, however, undertake a traffic survey in Ellis Street in December 2000 to provide information for a Carrickfergus Borough Council Air Quality Review. This survey recorded an average two-way daily traffic flow of 10,700 vehicles.

Traffic Calming Measures:
Ellis Street/Woodburn Road, Carrickfergus

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Regional Development to introduce traffic calming measures for Woodburn Road and Ellis Street in Carrickfergus.

(AQW 3021/00)

Mr Campbell: My Department’s Roads Service has advised me that Woodburn Road/Ellis Street is an important link road between Marine Highway and Middle Road in Carrickfergus. Traffic-calming measures, in the form of central road markings, right turn lanes and traffic islands, were provided along this link road in May 1995. While one of the most effective traffic-calming measures is the road hump, such treatment is normally only considered for residential streets where the main objective is to reduce vehicle speeds to approximately 20 mph. Road humps are not considered to be appropriate on Woodburn Road/Ellis Street as they may cause congestion and delays on this link road and encourage drivers to seek alternative routes through nearby residential streets.

Recruitment of Industrial Staff:
Water Service, Conlig

Mr Shannonasked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his plans to offer permanent positions to those casual workers presently employed by the Water Service in Conlig, Bangor.

(AQW 3025/00)

Mr Campbell: In recruiting permanent industrial staff, Water Service complies with the Northern Ireland Civil Service recruitment procedures of selection on merit on the basis of fair and open competition. These procedures take account of relevant employment and equality legislation.

Water Service is therefore unable to offer permanent positions to existing casual industrial staff, but such staff can apply for any advertised permanent post providing they satisfy the requirements specified in the advertisement.

Roads Maintenance Budget

Mr C Murphyasked the Minister for Regional Development to outline the criteria for the allocation of the roads maintenance budget for each region.

(AQW 3039/00)

Mr Campbell: The roads maintenance budget available to my Department is allocated across the four Roads Service divisions on the basis of need, using a range of weighted indicators tailored to each maintenance activity. For example, the indicators used to allocate funds for the resurfacing of the non-trunk road network take account of the amount of travel on the network, the condition of the network and the carriageway length and area in each division. Each division employs these indicators when apportioning its allocation across district council areas within the division.

Social Development

Recruitment: Public Advertisement

Mr Weir asked the Minister for Social Development to detail whether job vacancies within his Department are advertised in the public domain.

(AQW 2984/00)

The Minister for Social Development (Mr Morrow): Vacant civil service posts are filled by recruitment, or by internal transfer or promotion of existing staff. Recruitment is normally by public advertisement, in line with the requirements of the Northern Ireland Civil Service Commissioners.

Cancer Patients: Benefit Claims

Mr Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of cancer patients at Belvoir Park Hospital who have been turned down for Disability Living Allowance and Incapacity Benefit in the financial years 1999-2000 and 2000-01.

(AQW 2994/00)

Mr Morrow: The Social Security Agency does not hold this information and it could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Occupational Therapy: Referrals

Mr Hussey asked the Minister for Social Development to give his assessment on the number of outstanding occupational therapist referrals in respect of private sector housing.

(AQW 3042/00)

Mr Morrow: The Occupational Therapy (OT) service is the responsibility of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSS&PS). However, the Housing Executive has advised that, at 3 March 2001 the number of private sector referrals to the OT service was 2,207.

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