Friday 8 June 2001
Written Answers to Questions (Continued)

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (a) what assessment he has made of the likely impact of the aggregate tax on industry and industrial development and (b) what meetings he has had with the Department of Finance regarding this matter.

(AQW 3125/00)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): I share the concern of the Industry that the proposed aggregates levy of £1.60 per tonne could have an adverse impact in Northern Ireland.

It is not possible to make a precise assessment of the impact of the tax on jobs.

The First and Deputy First Ministers met the Chancellor of the Exhequer on 24 January this year to emphasise the Executive’s concern. Subsequently, my Department and Department of Finance, in consultation with the NI Quarry Products Association, put a detailed case to the Chancellor advocating the exclusion of Northern Ireland from this levy. The Chancellor has asked for a more detailed analysis of the potential effect upon Northern Ireland and this work is presently underway.

The proposed date for the introduction of the levy is April 2002.

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to consider amending Article 41 of the Planning (NI) Order 1991 to allow monitoring of infill activities to prevent public nuisance.

(AQW 3052/00)

The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): [holding answer 5 June 2001]: I have no plans to amend Article 41 of the Planning (NI) Order 1991.

Article 41 allows for the submission of an application to determine whether operations on land, or a change of use of land requires planning permission. This Article can be used for the purposes of determining whether infill activity requires planning permission, or if it is permitted development under the Planning (General Development) Order 1993.

Where such activity is regarded as permitted development under the 1993 Order, and does not require explicit planning permission, my Department’s Planning Service has no further role to play. The detection and prevention of public nuisance is a matter for District Councils.

Where it is not regarded as permitted development, planning permission must be obtained from my Department. In such instances, any infilling activity which proceeds without permission, will be regarded as unauthorised, and enforcement action may be considered.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the representation he has received in respect of the granting of planning permission for the erection of telecommunication masts.

(AQW 3075/00)

Mr Foster: This information is not available in the format requested by the Member. My Department is currently working towards producing this information, and I will write again to the Member in due course.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of telecommunication masts erected in the years 1999-00 and 2000-01 for which full planning approval was granted.

(AQW 3082/00)

Mr Foster: During 1999/00, 60 applications for full planning approval for telecommunications masts were granted. During 2000/01 the figure was 135. In addition, my Department granted 76 and 247 prior approval applications in 1999/00 and 2000/01 respectively.

My Department does not hold information on the number of telecommunication masts erected following such approvals.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of telecommunication masts currently awaiting planning approval.

(AQW 3083/00)

Mr Foster: A total of 48 applications for full planning permission for the erection of Telecommunications Masts are currently under consideration by my Department. In addition, 62 prior approval applications are also currently under consideration.

Ground based masts up to 15 metres in height, and certain masts on buildings, are permitted development under the Planning (General Development) Order (NI) 1993 (as amended), but are subject to my Department’s prior approval as to siting and appearance. Ground based masts over 15 metres in height require full planning permission.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the steps he is taking to prevent telecommunication companies from taking advantage of the 42 day time-period for planning applications; and to make a statement.

(AQW 3097/00)

Mr Foster: My Department has introduced revised administrative arrangements for dealing with applications for telecommunications development which are subject to the 42 day prior approval procedure. The new arrangements include earlier decision making within the 42 days to ensure that decisions are received by applicants before the expiry of this period. My Department will also make greater use of fax, e-mail and recorded delivery for communicating decisions to ensure that this deadline is met.

The Member will be aware that my Department also issued a consultation paper seeking views on possible amendments to planning controls for telecommunications development. All responses have now been received and are currently under consideration. I will be consulting with the Executive Committee on the outcome of the exercise, and hope to make a statement in due course.

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to consider introducing a fast track method for listing historic buildings.

(AQW 3110/00)

Mr Foster: A fast track method of listing historic buildings in England and Wales is through issue of building preservation notices (commonly known as temporary or spot-listing). The question of whether to introduce such notices in Northern Ireland was addressed in a consultation paper ‘Proposals for Amendments to Planning Legislation in Northern Ireland’ published by my Department in March 1999. The issue remains under consideration for possible inclusion in a Planning (Amendment) Bill which I propose to introduce in the Assembly in the 2001-02 Assembly Session.

Mr Armstrong asked the Minister of the Environment to outline the criteria set down for private sector housing development; and to make a statement.

(AQW 3135/00)

Mr Foster: All planning applications for residential development are expected to conform to the concepts and approach outlined in the ‘Quality Initiative’ announced by the then Minister for the Environment in January 1996. The Initiative requires the Department to secure a higher quality of design, layout and landscaping for new residential development, incorporating formal open space, walks and cycleways and supporting public transport provision, with more planting and greater comprehensive planning and design of sites.

Since the launch of the Initiative my Department has produced a number of documents, which provide detailed policies and guidance for the delivery of quality and sustainability in new residential development. These include:

Planning Policy Statement 1: ‘General Principles’ incorporates the Quality Initiative and the need for good design together with sustainable development and mixed use in residential developments.

Planning Policy Statement 7 ‘Quality Residential Developments’ (PPS7), which has been published in draft consultation form, sets out the Department’s policies for achieving quality in new residential developments and highlights that the key themes of quality and sustainability must be demonstrated to secure planning permission. PPS7 also outlines how my Department will secure the necessary standards through the planning process by a comprehensive approach to the planning of an area, including the requirement for Design Concept Standards or Concept Master Plans for all residential development proposals. The Statement is expected to be published in final form during the summer.

‘Creating Places – Achieving Quality in Residential Developments’, published in May 2000, provides supplementary guidance and is recognised as the principal practical guide for intending developers in the design of all new housing areas, covering issues such as site analysis, overall design strategies and detailed design requirements.

In addition, my Department is preparing a revised version of Development Control Advice Note 8 – ‘Small Unit Housing – New Development in Existing Residential Areas’ to provide intending developers with guidance on development on brownfield sites in urban areas, and housing development within established residential areas.

I consider that these documents, and the emerging Regional Development Strategy being prepared by the Department for Regional Development, will provide clear guidance on the requirements for the delivery of quality residential development.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the steps he is taking to ensure that local opinion is taken fully into consideration in the siting of telecommunication masts.

(AQW 3137/00)

Mr Foster: Current procedures already allow for public opinion to be taken into consideration in the siting of telecommunications masts. My Department advertises all applications for telecommunications masts, whether they be full planning applications, or Prior Approvals under the Prior Approval system as laid down in Part 17 of the Planning (General Development) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 1998.

Prior approval applications are notified to the appropriate District Council, which is given an opportunity to comment within the statutory period. Full applications are referred to the appropriate District Council in the same way as any other proposal. All representations received by my Department are taken into account when making a decision.

The Member will be aware that my Department also issued a consultation paper seeking views on possible amendments to planning controls for telecommunications development. All responses have now been received and are currently under consideration. I will be consulting with the Executive Committee on the outcome of the exercise, and hope to make a statement in due course.

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to give his assessment of Fisherman’s Quay, Carrickfergus in terms of heritage value.

(AQW 3141/00)

Mr Foster: Fisherman’s Quay in Scotch Quarter, Carrickfergus is of considerable maritime heritage importance. It was built in the 1830s to serve the local fishing community. Few contemporary quays survive in such a good condition.

Arrangements are being made for a full survey of the quay by the Environment and Heritage Service of my Department by autumn 2001. When the survey report is available consideration will be given to the Quay’s statutory protection, either as a listed building or as a scheduled historic monument.

There are extensive documentary references to Fisherman’s Quay which I have asked EHS officials to copy to the Member for information.

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to give his assessment of Amblers Mill, Carrickfergus in terms of heritage value.

(AQW 3142/00)

Mr Foster: Amblers Mill is not currently listed. The Environment and Heritage Service of my Department has recently commissioned an historical and architectural survey of the property. The survey report will be considered in detail before a decision is taken on whether the building meets listing criteria.

Any proposal to list the building would be subject to consultation with the Historic Buildings Council and Carrickfergus Borough Council.

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of archaeological digs currently being undertaken by the Environment and Heritage Service.

(AQW 3143/00)

Mr Foster: Three archaeological excavations are currently being undertaken by the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) of my Department, at Greencastle and Sketrick Castle, County Down, and at Portmuck, County Antrim.

In order to ensure high standards all archaeological excavations are required to be licensed by my Department under the Historic Monuments and Archaeological Objects (NI) Order 1995. In the year to 31 March 2001, 80 excavation licences were issued. Of these, 63 were issued for developer-funded excavations, 12 for EHS excavations, and 5 for university-based excavations. Since 1 April 2001, 12 excavation licences have been issued, 9 for developer-funded excavations and 3 for EHS excavations.

Summary reports on all excavations are published annually, and may be obtained from EHS.

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to detail when he plans to implement a financial package for retiring councillors who have given long years of service to local government.

(AQW 3265/00)

Mr Foster: I have had a number of approaches on the question of financial reward in recognition of the long-term contribution of councillors from, among others, "The National Association of Councillors".

There is, however, no commitment included in the Programme for Government to deal with this issue and indeed no legislation available for such a scheme.

However I believe that the question of reward to councillors for long years of service is an important issue and that it should be considered as part of the proposed review of the public sector which will, of course, have local government as a very significant element.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to give his assessment of the impact of the current outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease on the rural economy of Northern Ireland.

(AQW 2874/00)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): It is too soon to take a definitive view of the full consequences of the outbreaks of foot-and- mouth disease for the rural economy or the wider economy in Northern Ireland. Impacts vary across sectors and localities and the situation is still developing. A better perspective will emerge later in the year as the tourist season progresses. The Economic Taskforce established in the OFMDFM will continue to monitor the economic effects of FMD.

Mr Kennedy asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to outline the reasons for the delay in the enactment of The Rates (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 and to confirm the steps he is taking to make it fully operational.

(AQW 3032/00)

Mr Durkan: The 1998 Order (which came into operation on 1 April 1999) provided only the broad enabling power to introduce a relief scheme. It did not provide specific details of a scheme. The Executive, earlier this year, decided to bring forward the scheme as quickly as possible and not to await the outcome of the rating policy review. Consequently, on 20 March, I was able to announce that work on the scheme would continue with a target implementation date of 1 October 2002. To date 512 rural settlements have been identified with boundaries delineated on maps. A sample survey has been completed to identify eligible properties within these settlements and an estimate made of the revenue loss. Work is continuing on refining criteria, rules and procedures for the scheme and associated subordinate legislation will be brought forward later this year. Consultation with the District Councils is also planned.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to give his assessment of the impact of the budget on the income of pensioners.

(AQW 3063/00)

Mr Durkan: The Executive Committee’s "Programme For Government" makes clear the commitment to supporting the elderly. The Budget for 2001-02 has a beneficial impact on the income of the elderly. Firstly, maintaining parity with the Social Security system in Great Britain will provide numerous benefits for the elderly such as the Minimum Income Guarantee and the Age Related Pension Increases. On top of this, the Budget also has provision for the introduction of free travel for the elderly on public transport from 1 October 2001.

There are also other measures, outside the scope of Public Expenditure, which have been adopted such as the Age Related Tax Allowances for pensioners.

Ms Morrice asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to explain the delay in finalising the tendering procedure for the Intermediary Funding Bodies for Peace II and to detail when the Intermediary Funding Bodies will be informed as to the outcome of their tender bids.

(AQW 3087/00)

Mr Durkan: I indicated in my answer to an earlier Assembly Question on this subject on 23 April 2001 that the tendering exercise would not be completed until May 2001. The tendering procedures were completed within this timetable and any organisation which responded to the advertisement for Intermediary Funding Bodies under PEACE II will be informed individually, in writing, of the outcome of its tender bid and a Press Release placing this information in the public domain will be issued no later than 8 June 2001.

Mr Hussey asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to give his assessment of the fall in Northern Ireland’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the period 1995-99.

(AQW 3092/00)

Mr Durkan: The nominal and real Gross Domestic Product for Northern Ireland over each of the last five years are detailed in the table below. Real GDP figures were rebased to 2000/01 prices. During this period the NI economy continued to grow in both real and nominal terms.

^P Provisional

Mr Beggs asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to review the need to establish a monitoring system to identify District Council areas from which there were fewer applications for EU grants than could have been expected.

(AQW 3115/00)

Mr Durkan: Future applications for EU Structural Funds assistance will include details of relevant postcodes which will provide information to allow the profile of applications from individual District Council areas to be monitored over the lifetime of the Programmes.

Mr Beggs asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel whether the Intermediate Funding Bodies administering Peace II funding will be required to proactively seek applications from areas meeting the criteria but from which there is a lack of successful funding applications.

(AQW 3116/00)

Mr Durkan: The distribution of funding by all the programmes implementing bodies will be determined by the extent to which project promoters are able to demonstrate how their projects address the Programme’s overall objectives, as well as the relevant Priority and Measure – level objectives, and target areas, sectors and groups adversely affected by the conflict in Northern Ireland. It is expected that implementing bodies will give every assistance to ensure that all sectors of the population participate fully in the Programme and where community infrastructure is weak, action will be taken to address this.

Mr Beggs asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to advise when he expects to announce the Intermediate Funding Bodies selected to administer Peace II funding and what monitoring systems will be used to ensure equality in the distribution of funds.

(AQW 3117/00)

Mr Durkan: A press release will be issued tomorrow, 8 June 2001 by the Special EU Programmes Body, the Managing Authority for PEACE II, announcing the outcome of the tendering procedures for Intermediary Funding Bodies. Monitoring of the Programme will be carried out by the Programmes Body, under the supervision of the Monitoring Committee, and the Programmes Body will develop adequate evaluation procedures, tools and indicators to ensure that the horizontal principle of balanced intervention/equal opportunities is fully respected in the delivery of the Programme.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail (a) what recent meetings he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding the introduction of the aggregate tax and (b) what steps he will be taking to alleviate the impact of this tax.

(AQW 3124/00)

Mr Durkan: I have not met the Chancellor on this issue however the First Minister and Deputy First Minister raised the issue of the aggregate levy on behalf of the Executive at a meeting with him on 24 January. They subsequently provided a detailed exposition of the case for a Northern Ireland exemption from the tax in early March. Discussions with Treasury are continuing at official level with a view to securing an appropriate derogation to alleviate the impact of the tax here.

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to consider giving Rate Relief to Irish League Clubs during the close season.

(AQW 3144/00)

Mr Durkan: I have no plans to give Rate Relief to Irish League Clubs during the close season. The Review of Rating Policy, which is currently underway, will look however at the need for and application of all existing reliefs.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the meetings she has had with representatives of other governments concerning anti-drugs initiatives.

(AQW 3045/00)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): Through the Ministerial Group on Drugs I have met with the NIO Minister, Adam Ingram, on three occasions to discuss our Drug Strategy and action to reduce drug related harm.

My officials have met and discussed drug related issues with their counterparts in the rest of Ireland and in England, Scotland and Wales.

Tríd an Ghrúpa Aireachta ar Dhrugaí, bhuail mé leis an Aire OTÉ Adam Ingram trí huaire lenár Straitéis Drugaí agus lenár mbearta leis an dochar bainteach le drugaí a laghdú, a phlé.

Bhuail mo chuid oifigeach lena gcomhghleacaithe sa Deisceart, i Sasana, in Albain agus sa Bhreatain Bheag agus phléigh siad ceisteanna bainteach le drugaí leo.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to give her assessment of the financial cost in this and the next financial year of providing residential care for pensioners.

(AQW 3048/00)

Ms de Brún: The most recent expenditure figures show that £123·5 million was spent on this in 1999/00. This figure was uplifted for inflation and pay increases in 2000-01 and 2001-02 by 2.5-3.5% and 3.5-5.0% respectively. The budget for this year also provided for additional expenditure of some £2 million for additional community care packages, a significant proportion of which will be used for residential and nursing home care. A further £3·9 million has been made available to take account of the capital limit changes. The increase for this sector next year has not yet been agreed, but it will include an additional £9 million to take account of the introduction of free nursing care.

Taispeánann na figiúirí caiteachais is déanaí gur caitheadh £123·5 milliún ar seo i 1999/00. Ardaíodh an figiúr seo mar thoradh ar bhoilsciú agus ar ardú pá i 2000-01 agus 2001-02 le 2·5-3·5 agus 3·5-5·00% faoi seach. Sholáthair buiséad na bliana seo do chaiteachas breise de £2 mhilliún do phacáistí breise cúraim phobail; caithfear cuid nach beag de seo ar chúram cónaithe agus tí altranais. Cuireadh £3·9 milliún breise ar fáil le hathruithe teorainn chaipitil a chur san áireamh. Níor socraíodh ardú don bhliain seo chugainn don earnáil seo go fóill, ach glacfaidh sé £9 milliún san áireamh toisc teacht isteach cúram altranais saor in aisce.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to give her assessment as to whether the anti-drugs strategy is meeting the objectives and targets that have been set.

(AQW 3071/00)

Ms de Brún: Since the launch of our Drug Strategy in August 1999, we have made good progress towards delivering its overall aims and objectives.

All of the 36 projects funded from the resources allocated to support the Drug Strategy are well underway and many are starting to see the benefits of their work. Interim reports have been received from the projects and examples of early benefits include the uptake of the Needle Exchange scheme, the participation of over 1200 parents in education and awareness sessions in the NHSSB area and the official opening of the 10-bed inpatient addiction unit, scheduled for June. The five Education and Library Board projects are established and working in schools; voluntary and statutory partnerships are working well within the North Down and Ards and Newtownabbey areas; and projects in Irvinestown, Strabane, Derry, Lurgan and Antrim are in place and making an impact in their areas.

I recently announced that we would be putting in place new arrangements for the joint implementation of both our Drug Strategy and Strategy for Reducing Alcohol Related Harm. The new model includes the establishment of working groups to develop action in specific areas including Communities, Treatment, Education and Prevention, Research and Information, Social Legislation and Criminal Justice.

We have secured additional resources of over £6m from April 2002 to enable a continued and reinforced focus on implementing our Strategy and taking forward action to tackle drug misuse here.

I am content that good progress has been made but I am also aware that much remains to be done and I am putting in place the mechanisms to make this happen.

Ó seoladh ár Straitéise Drugaí i Lúnasa 1999, bhí dul chun cinn maith déanta againn chun a h-aidhmeanna agus a cuspóirí iomlána a chomhlíonadh.

Tá na 36 tionscadal uile, maoinithe ó acmhainní dáilte le tacú leis an Straitéis Drugaí, ag dul ar aghaidh go maith agus tá cuid mhór díobh ag feiceáil tairbhí a gcuid saothair anois. Fuarthas tuairiscí eatramhacha ó na tionscadail agus i measc na samplaí de thairbhí luatha tá toiseacht na scéime Malartú Snáthaide, rannpháirteachas breis agus 1200 tuismitheoir i seisiúin oideachais agus eolais i gceantar BSSST, agus oscailt oifigiúil ionaid andúil 10 leaba d’othair chónaitheacha, socruithe don Mheitheamh. Tá tionscadail na gcúig Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne bunaithe anois agus ag éirí leo i scoileanna; tá páirtíochtaí deonacha agus reachtúla ag éirí go maith leo laistigh de cheantair an Dúin Thuaidh, na hAirde agus Bhaile na Mainistreach; agus tá tionscadail i mBaile an Irbhinigh, sa Srath Bán, i nDoire, sa Lorgain agus in Aontroim i bhfeidhm agus tá éifeacht acu cheana féin ina gceantair féin.

D’fhógair mé ar na mallaibh go mbeinn ag cur socruithe nua i bhfeidhm do chomhchur i bhfeidhm ár Straitéise Drugaí agus ár Straitéise do Laghdú sa Dochar Bainteach le hAlcól araon. Cuimsíonn an chreatlach nua seo bunú grúpaí oibre le beart a fhorbairt i réimsí ar leith, Pobail, Cóireáil, Oideachas agus Cosc, Taighde agus Eolas, Reachtaíocht Shóisialta agus Ceart Coiriúil san áireamh.

Chinntigh muid acmhainní breise de bhreis agus £6m ó Aibreán 2002 chun cuidiú linn díriú ar aghaidh agus níos treise ar chur i bhfeidhm ár Straitéise agus ar bheart a thabhairt chun tosaigh le tabhairt faoi mhí-úsáid drugaí anseo.

Tá mé sásta go ndearnadh dul chun cinn maith ach tá a fhios agam fosta go bhfuil cuid mhór eile le déanamh go fóill agus mar sin de, tá mé ag cur na meicníochtaí i bhfeidhm leis seo a dhéanamh.

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, by parliamentary constituency, the number of patients currently awaiting cardiac surgery.

(AQW 3089/00)

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

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

Mr Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 2765/00, to detail whether any Trust Boards have failed to adhere to the appropriate criteria in payment of travel expenses and subsistence allowances claimed by Trust Board Chief Executives for the financial year 2000-01.

(AQW 3094/00)

Ms de Brún: Trusts annual accounts are subjected to external audit. Any issues of concern are advised to Trusts in Management Letters and Internal Control Reports. The Management Letters and Reports for 2000/2001 are not due until 31 October 2001.

Tá cuntais bhliantúla Iontaobhas faoi réir iniúchta eachtraigh. Cuirtear ábhair bhuartha ar bith in iúl d’Iontaobhais i Litreacha Bainistíochta agus i dTuairiscí Stiúrtha Inmheánaigh. Ní thiocfaidh na Litreacha agus Tuairiscí Bainistíochta do 2000/2001 amach go dtí an 31 Deireadh Fómhair 2001.

Mr Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW2765/00, to detail the reasons for the wide comparative diversity of spending across the Trust Boards.

(AQW 3095/00)

Ms de Brún: The amount spent by each Trust on mileage expenses and subsistence allowances is dependent on a number of factors. Trusts have different business responsibilities, different geographical coverage and distribution of facilities and different issues to address. It is for each Trust to determine how much travel is required for the efficient and effective running of its business.

Braitheann an méid a chaitheann gach Iontaobhas ar chostais mhíleáiste agus ar liúntais chothaithe ar roinnt fachtóirí. Tá freagrachtaí éagsúla gnó, limistéir éagsúla thíreolaíochta, roinnt éagsúla áiseanna agus ceisteanna éagsúla le dul i gceann ag Iontaobhais. Tá gach Iontaobhas é féin freagrach as an mhéid taistil atá de dhíth lena ghnó féin a reáchtáil go tíosach agus go héifeachtach a chinneadh.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to upgrade the Accident and Emergency Unit at Ards Hospital to alleviate the demand for Accident and Emergency services at the Ulster Hospital.

(AQW 3100/00)

Ms de Brún: The Ulster Hospital came under particular pressure recently and, in response, the Eastern Board and the Ulster Hospitals Trust agreed a package of measures to be put in place immediately. These involved providing additional staff and beds within the hospital to relieve pressure on the Accident and Emergency Department, and a range of other initiatives. These proved successful and the additional measures were stepped down. Following a further sharp increase in the number of patients awaiting admission, the Trust has now re-introduced these measures.

The Minor Injuries Unit at Ards Hospital and the Accident and Emergency Department at the Ulster Hospital will maintain their current services until I have considered the Acute Hospitals Review Group report, which is expected in the near future.

Bhí brú áirithe ar Otharlann Uladh ar na mallaibh agus, mar fhreagairt ar sin, chomhaontaigh Bord an Oirthir agus Iontaobhas Otharlanna Uladh réimse beart le cur i bhfeidhm láithreach. Ina measc seo bhí cur ar fáil foirne agus leapacha breise laistigh den otharlann leis an bhrú ar an Roinn Timpistí agus Éigeandálaí a mhaolú chomh maith le réimse tionscnamh eile. Bhí siad seo rathúil agus níor cuireadh na bearta breise i bhfeidhm. I ndiaidh méadaithe ghéir i líon na ndaoine ag fanacht le dul isteach inti, tá an tIontaobhas anois i ndiaidh na bearta seo a thabhairt isteach.

Coinneoidh an tIonad Mionghortuithe in Otharlann na hAirde agus an Roinn Timpistí agus Éigeandálaí in Otharlann Uladh na seirbhísí atá acu faoi láthair go mbeidh machnamh déanta agam ar thuairisc an Ghrúpa Athbhreithnithe ar Ghéarotharlanna, a mbeifear ag súil léi ar ball.

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail what action she will take to ensure hygiene standards are maintained at Altnagelvin Hospital.

(AQW 3112/00)

Ms de Brún: Cleaning services at Altnagelvin are contracted out and standards are monitored by the contractor, by a nominated Trust officer and by the Central Services Agency. In line with the commitment given in Priorities for Action, standards against which all acute Trusts will benchmark the cleanliness of their facilities, are to be issued shortly.

Tugtar seirbhísí glantóireachta in Alt na nGealbhán le déanamh ar conradh, agus déanann an conraitheoir, oifigeach ainmnithe Iontaobhais, agus an Lár- Ghníomhaireacht Seirbhísí monatóireacht ar chaighdeáin. De réir an ghealltanais tugtha in Tosaíochtaí le hAghaidh Gnímh, tá caighdeáin ar a chaithfidh Iontaobhais ghéarotharlann uile glaineacht a n-áiseanna a chomhlíonadh, le heisiúint ar ball.

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail what action she will take to ensure patient care standards are maintained at Altnagelvin Hospital.

(AQW 3113/00)

Ms de Brún: The standards of patient care at Altnagelvin are closely supervised by ward managers and clinical services managers. These standards are also subject to periodic audit.

I have made it clear that I expect every effort to be made to maintain safe and effective services in our hospitals. Where problems arise regarding care standards, I expect hospital management to take immediate and effective action.

Bainisteoirí bardaí agus seirbhísí cliniciúla a choinníonn súil ghéar ar na caighdeáin chúram othar in Alt na nGealbhán. Tá na caighdeáin seo de réir iniúchta thréimhsiúil fosta.

Chuir mé in iúl go soiléir go bhfuil mé ag brath ar chách gach iarracht a dhéanamh seirbhísí sábháilte agus éifeachtacha a choinneáil inár n-otharlanna. Má bhíonn fadhbanna ann maidir le caighdeáin chúraim, beidh mé ag brath ar lucht stiúrtha na hotharlainne beart láithreach agus éifeachtach a dhéanamh.

Mrs Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail what action she will take to ensure hospital administration involving patient transfers will be streamlined at Altnagelvin Hospital.

(AQW 3114/00)

Ms de Brún: Responsibility for hospital administration procedures covering patient transfers lies with the Trust. I expect all Trusts to put in place safe and effective patient transfer arrangements. The issue of patient care services is being addressed as part of the work flowing from the Strategic Review of Ambulance Services which was completed last year.

An t-iontaobhas amháin atá freagrach as modhanna riaracháin otharlainne le hothair a aistriú. Tá mé ag brath ar iontaobhais uile socruithe sábháilte agus éifeachtacha d’aistriú othar a chur i bhfeidhm. Táthar ag tabhairt aghaidhe ar sheirbhísí cúraim othair mar chuid den obair a bhí mar thoradh ar an athbhreithniú straitéiseach ar sheirbhísí otharcharr a críochnaíodh anuraidh.

Mr Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 2840/00, to detail when the Ministerial Group on Drugs will meet with the Central Co-ordinating Group for Action Against Drugs.

(AQW 3118/00)

Ms de Brún: I refer the Member to my answer to AQW 3122/00.

Luaim don Bhall an freagra a thug mé ar AQW 3122/00.

Mr Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail current development plans for the Tyrone County Hospital, Omagh.

(AQW 3119/00)

Ms de Brún: The Acute Hospitals Review Group will report in the near future on the development of hospital services. In advance of that report, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the future provision of acute hospital services in any area.

Tabharfaidh Grúpa Athbhreithnithe na nGéarotharlann tuairisc ar fhorbairt seirbhísí otharlainne ar ball. Roimh an tuairisc sin, ní bheadh sé ceart domsa trácht ar sholáthar seirbhísí géarotharlainne amach anseo i gceantar ar bith.

Mr Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 2840/00, to explain why the Ministerial Group on Drugs has not met with the Central Co-ordinating Group for Action Against Drugs.

(AQW 3122/00)

Ms de Brún: As established by the Executive, the Ministerial Group on Drugs and the Central Co-ordinating Group for Action Against Drugs (CCGAAD) form a co- ordinated approach to dealing with the drugs issue. CCGAAD reports regularly to the Ministerial Group and its is overseen by it. There is no current need for a meeting between them.

Bunaithe ag an Fheidhmeannas, tá cur chuige comhordaithe ag an Ghrúpa Aireachta ar Dhrugaí agus ag an Ghrúpa Comhordaithe Láir um Bearta in éadan Drugaí (GCLBÉD) ina ndéileáil leis an cheist drugaí. Tugann GCLBÉD tuairisc go rialta don Ghrúpa Aireachta a ndéanann maoirseacht air. Faoi láthair, ní gá cruinniú a bheith eatarthu.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to 2780/00, to detail the steps she is taking to ensure that her Departmental Capital Budget will have sufficient resources in order to cover the oustanding £12 million for the Ulster Hospital Redevelopment Programme and to confirm that the £10 million already allocated will be ringfenced for this matter.

(AQW 3138/00)

Ms de Brún: My Department has been assessing the Strategic Development Plan for the Ulster Hospital submitted by the Ulster Community and Hospital HSS Trust. I will have to consider all the issues, including funding, and I will announce my decision on the proposals as soon as possible.

The £10 million allocated to my Department from Executive Programme Funds has been set aside for investment in the Ulster Hospital between now and 2003-04. In addition the Programme for Government identified £2m to address urgent issues within the redevelopment. Once the necessary Business Cases are approved I will want to see how far these resources will allow progress on Phase II of the Trust’s Strategic Development Plan. As far as possible, I will be aiming to cover the balance of the cost of the redevelopment programme agreed with the Trust from within the capital budget available to me but, as appropriate, I will bid for the necessary resources to ensure that the work is fully completed.

Bhí an Roinn s’agamsa ag measúnú an Phlean Straitéisigh Forbartha d’Otharlann Uladh curtha isteach ag Iontaobhas SSS Phobal Uladh agus Otharlann. Beidh orm machnamh a dhéanamh ar na ceisteanna uile seo, maoiniú san áireamh, agus fógróidh mé mo chinneadh ar na moltaí a luaithe agus is féidir.

Cuireadh an £10 milliún a dáileadh ar an Roinn s’agamsa ó Chistí Chlár an Fheidhmeannais i leataobh d’infheistiú in Otharlann Uladh idir anois agus 2003/04. Ina theannta sin d’aimsigh Clár um Rialtas £2m le dul i gceann ceisteanna práinneacha laistigh den athcóiriú. A luaithe agus a cheadófar na Cásanna Gnó is mian liom a mhéad agus a chuideoidh na hacmhainní seo le dul chun cinn ar Chéim II de Phlean Straitéiseach Forbartha an Iontaobhais a fheiceáil. Beidh mé ag iarraidh fuílleach chostas an chláir athchóirithe aontaithe leis an Iontaobhas a ghlanadh a mhéad agus is féidir ó laistigh den bhuiséad caipitil ar fáil dom, ach, mar is ceart é, déanfaidh mé tairiscint ar na hacmhainní atá riachtanach le cinntiú go gcríochnófar an obair go hiomlán.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 2779/00, to detail (a) how the figure of £2 million was determined and (b) what monies will be allocated to the Ulster Hospital Trust to cover their costs in drafting the Strategic Development Plan.

(AQW 3139/00)

Ms de Brún: The Strategic Development Plan drawn up by Ulster Community and Hospitals Trust included a proposal to provide 20 additional adult beds to enable the hospital to cope with increasing workloads. The optimal solution identified in the Plan is reinstatement of the former Jaffe Ward at an estimated cost of £1.95m. The budget of £2 million identified in the Programme for Government to finalise and begin implementation of a plan to modernise the Ulster Hospital was based on that figure.

The development of capital investment proposals is a normal business matter for Trusts and my Department does not intend to provide any funding directly to the Trust in respect of developing their Strategic Development Plan.

Sa Phlean Straitéiseach Forbartha dréachtaithe ag Iontaobhas Phobal Uladh agus Otharlann, bhí moladh le 20 leaba a sholáthar do dhaoine fásta chun cur ar chumas na hotharlainne déileáil le hualaí oibre atá ag dul i méid. Is é an réiteach is fearr aitheanta sa Phlean, athchur ar fáil an iar-Bharda Jaffe ar chostas measta ar £1.95m. Bunaíodh an buiséad de £2 milliún, curtha i leataobh i gClár um Rialtas leis an dlaoi mhullaigh a chur ar phlean chun Otharlann Uladh a nuachóiriú agus le tús a chur lena chur i gcrích, ar an fhigiúr sin.

Is gnáthcheist ghnó d’Iontaobhais í forbairt mholtaí infheistíochta caipitil agus níl sé ar intinn ag an Roinn s’agamsa maoiniú ar bith a thabhairt go díreach don Iontaobhas maidir le forbairt a bPlean Straitéisigh Forbartha.

Mr Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 2548/00, to detail (a) the resources allocated to diabetes services by each Health Board in each of the last five years and (b) the percentage of the Board’s overall budget that this represents in each case.

(AQW 3149/00)

Ms de Brún: The information requested is not available.

Níl an t-eolas a iarradh ar fáil.

Mr Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 2548/00, to detail her proposals to establish a central register of diabetes sufferers.

(AQW 3150/00)

Ms de Brún: There are currently no plans for a central register of diabetes sufferers. However, there is a paediatric diabetes register, held by the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health in Queen’s University Belfast, on behalf of the local Diabetes Study Group.

Moreover, 60% of adult patients with diabetes receive more than half their routine diabetic care in general practice. In a recent survey here, 96% of practices indicated that they have an active register of people with diabetes. Two thirds of these registers are computerised and it is hoped that the project on Data Retrieval in General Practice will facilitate the development of a more complete record of diabetes sufferers at general practice level.

Níl sé ar intinn faoi láthair clár lárnach d’fhulangaithe diaibéitis a dhéanamh. Tá clár diaibéitis phéidiatraicigh ann áfach ag an Roinn Eipidéimeolaíochta agus Sláinte Poiblí in Ollscoil na Banríona, Béal Feirste, ar son an Ghrúpa áitiúil Staidéir Diaibéitis.

Ina theannta sin, faigheann 60% d’othair aosacha le diaibéiteas níos mó ná leath dá ngnáthchúram diaibéiteach i gclinicí. I suirbhé a rinneadh anseo ar na mallaibh, chuir 96% de chlinicí anseo in iúl go bhfuil clár gníomhach de dhaoine le diaibéiteas acu. Tá dhá thrian de na cláir seo ar ríomhairí agus táthar ag súil go gcuideoidh an tionscadal ar Fháil ar Ais Sonraí i gClinicí le forbairt chláir níos iomláine d’fhulangaithe diaibéitis i gclinicí.

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