Friday 15 June 2001
Written Answers to Questions (Continued)

Delayed Discharges

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the number of delayed discharges in each hospital for each of the last six months and (b) what steps she is taking to reduce the number.

(AQW 3202/00)

(a) Information on delayed discharges prior to February 2001 is only available by trust and is detailed in Table 1 below. Table 2 below gives details of delayed discharges for each hospital from the end of February onwards.

(b) Delays in discharge from hospital are a matter of concern for my Department and I have asked boards to take appropriate action to reduce these. I have also made a further £2m available to fund an additional 230 community care packages this year and my Department is monitoring the provision of these packages regularly.

(a) Níl an t-eolas ar scaoileadh amach moillithe othar roimh Fheabhra 2001 ar fáil ach de réir Iontaobhais agus tá na mionsonraí liostaithe i dTábla 1 thíos. Cuireann Tábla 2 thíos mionsonraí ar fáil ar scaoileadh amach moillithe othar do gach otharlann ó dheireadh Mhí Feabhra ar aghaidh.

(b) Is ábhar imní é do mo Roinnse moill ar scaoileadh amach othar agus d’iarr mé ar Bhoird gníomh cuí a ghlacadh chun iad a laghdú. Ina theannta seo chuir mé £2m eile ar fáil chun 230 pacáiste cúram pobail eile a mhaoiniú i mbliana agus tá soláthar na bpacáistí seo faoi mhonatóireacht rialta na Roinne s’agam.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the steps taken to provide a chiropody service, through the Ards Community Trust, for residents who are dependant on public transport in the Greyabbey village area.

(AQW 3211/00)

Ms de Brún: The vehicle used by the mobile chiropody service was out of service from 20 April to 4 May 2001. During this period patients were offered alternative appointments at chiropody clinics in Newtownards, Portaferry, Portavogie, Ballywalter and Lisbane. Domicillary visits were also offered as an alternative.

A limited use of the vehicle has been possible since 4 May, but the vehicle is still undergoing repairs and will be submitted to a vehicle test on 21 June. It is hoped that the mobile service can be fully restored following that date.

Bhí an fheithicil úsáidte ag an tseirbhís ghluaisteach chosliachta as seirbhís ón 20ú Aibreán go dtí an 4ú Bealtaine 2001. Le linn na tréimhse seo, tairgeadh coinní eile a dhéanamh d’othair le clinicí cosliachta i mBaile Nua na hArda, i bPort an Pheire, i bPort an Bhogaigh, i mBaile Bháltair agus sa Lios Bán. Tairgeadh cuairteanna iniúchta tí ina n-áit fosta.

Bhíothas ábalta úsáid theoranta a bhaint as an fheithicil ón 4ú Bealtaine ach tá deisithe á ndéanamh ar an fheithicil go fóill agus cuirfear faoi scrúdú feithicle ar an 21 Meitheamh í. Táthar ag súil go n-athchuirfear an tseirbhís iomlán ar fáil i ndiaidh an dáta sin.

Mr Close asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the date on which the contract was signed by Craigavon and Banbridge Community HSS Trust to occupy properties in Bowens Lane, Banbridge Road, Lurgan.

(AQW 3224/00)

Ms de Brún: The trust does not have a contract with the Ulidia Housing Association in respect of these properties. The tenants of these properties have an agreement with Ulidia Housing Association – a "licence to occupy" – which is standard procedure in relation to supported housing arrangements. The tenants took up residence of Nos 2 and 3 Bowens Close on 2 April 2001. The trust has agreed in principle a support agreement for the good care and maintenance of the properties with Ulidia Housing Association, which, subject to minor adjustments between the two bodies, will be formally endorsed at a meeting on 22 June 2001 of Ulidia and the trust.

Níl conradh ag an Iontaobhas leis an Chumann tithíochta Ulidia maidir leis na háitribh seo.Tá aontas "ceadúnas le cónaí" ag tionóntaí na n-áitreabh seo le Cumann Tithíochta Ulidia, ar gnáthghnáthamh é maidir le socruithe tacaithe tithíochta. Chuaigh na tionóntaí le cónaí in Uimh.2 & 3 Clós Bowen ar 2 Aibreán 2001. D’aontaigh an tIontaobhas ar shocrú tacaíochta i bprionsabal le Cumann Tithíochta Ulidia faoi dhea-chúram agus chothabháil na n-áitreabh, a gheobhaidh, ag brath ar mhionathruithe idir an dá chomhlacht, a fhormhuineoidh ar bhonn foirmiúil ag cruinniú idir Ulidia agus an tIontaobhas ar 22 Meitheamh 2001.

Mr Close asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, by date and value, the expenditure incurred by her Department and by the Craigavon and Banbridge Community HSS Trust in the building and furnishing of the developments currently owned by the trust at Bowen’s Lane, Banbridge Road, Lurgan.

(AQW 3225/00)

Ms de Brún: The properties are owned by Ulidia Housing Association, not Craigavon and Banbridge Community Health and Social Services Trust. Ulidia under its landlord role provided a range of standard fixtures and fittings and white goods. The trust incurred expenditure of approximately £8,000 per house on curtains, soft furnishings and other household necessities.

Is le Cumann Tithíochta Ulidia agus chan le hIontaobhas Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta Phobal Craigavon agus Dhroichead na Banna na háitribh seo. Faoina ról mar thiarna talún, sholáthraigh Ulidia réimse fearas agus córacha caighdeánach(a) agus earraí bána. Tharraing an tIontaobhas air féin caiteachas thart faoi £8,000 an teach ar chuirtíní, fheisteas bhog, agus ar riachtanais tí eile.

Mr Close asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the legal expenses incurred to date on the ongoing litigation in respect of properties in Bowen’s Lane, Banbridge Road, Lurgan.

(AQW 3226/00)

Ms de Brún: The trust is not involved in any litigation in relation to the properties at Bowen’s Close. An application for judicial review has been made in the name of a Mr Ronald Foster, 6 Bowen’s Manor in relation to a planning issue.

The trust has made a response via its legal representatives to Mr Foster’s solicitor, in relation to received correspondence. The trust is not a notice party to these proceedings.

Níl baint ag an Iontaobhas le plé dlí ar bith maidir leis na háitribh ag Clós Bowen. Cuireadh iarratas isteach le haghaidh Athbhreithnithe Dhlíthiúil in ainm an Uasail Ronald Foster, 6 Mainéar Bowen maidir le ceist pleanála.

Thug an tIontaobhas freagra, trína ionadaithe dlíthiúla, d’Aturnaetha an Uasail Foster, maidir le comhfhreagras a fuarthas. Ní páirtí fógartha sna himeachtaí seo é an tIontaobhas.

Mr O’Connor asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, taking into consideration the House of Lords’ Science and Technology Select Committee Report, of 28 November 2000, on complementary and alternative medicine, when she intends to implement the recommendations made by the Northern Ireland Association of Homeopaths, to facilitate patient access to homeopathic treatment through the Health Service.

(AQW 3240/00)

Ms de Brún: I refer the Member to my answer to AQW 2858/00.

Luaim don Bhall an freagra a thug mé ar AQW 2858/00.

Mr Beggs asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment to explain why Northern Ireland vacancy figures have been suspended from the UK national figures for over two years, and to detail the date when they will once more be included.

(AQW 3151/00)

The Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment (Dr Farren): Northern Ireland vacancy statistics were initially suspended because of computer problems and procedural difficulties. The final stages of action to correct these problems and improve the future reliability of vacancy information are nearing completion. My officials are working hard with the Office of National Statistics to secure their agreement to the revised processes and timescales to enable a reinstatement of the Northern Ireland figures in September.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment to detail what steps he has taken to tackle unemployment in each of the fishing ports in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 3257/00)

Dr Farren: The Training and Employment Agency makes its full range of services available to the unemployed in the fishing ports, including access to training and employment opportunities under the Jobskills, New Deal and Worktrack programmes.

Mr Taylor asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (a) the estimated cost of Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the Comber by-pass and (b) the funds that have been allocated to this project in each of next three financial years.

(AQW 3005/00)

The Minister for Regional Development (Mr Campbell):The scheme to construct Stage 2 of the Comber Bypass, ie between Newtownards Road and Comber Road, is estimated to cost £3·1 million. The North Down and Ards Area Plan 1984 – 1995 contained a proposed road line (referred to as Stage 3 of the Comber Bypass) which would link Ballygowan Road to the existing Bypass. A new area plan for Ards and Down is currently being prepared and this road line will be reconsidered as part of that process. A preliminary estimate for Stage 3 is £1 million.

As you may know, the Roads Service has received Executive Programme Funds for a number of named major road schemes. Other schemes in the Roads Service Major Works Preparation Pool, including Stage 2 of the Comber Bypass, will have to be funded from the Roads Service capital works budget. These funds are not allocated to specific schemes in advance of them being admitted to the Construction Programme.

As regards the Vesting Order for Stage 2 of the bypass, the Roads Service published the Notice of Intention to Make a Vesting Order in the local press on 18 May 2001. The period for receipt of objections ends on 26 June 2001. Assuming there are no objections, the vesting process should be completed by October 2001. The Roads Service would then be in a position to invite tenders in early October 2001 and award the contract for construction in mid-December 2001. The estimated contract period of the scheme is 52 weeks.

While the 2002-03 budget is currently not sufficient to allow all major road schemes, whose statutory processes I would expect to have been completed by that time, to enter the construction programme, funding is currently available for Stage 2 of the bypass assuming the above timescale. If, however, the acquisition of the necessary land is significantly delayed (for example, by the need to hold a public inquiry), then the funding position and the timescale for the scheme would be less certain. I will, of course, be continuing to bid for additional funding to ensure that all of the schemes in the preparation pool can proceed to construction stage on completion of their statutory procedures.

Mr Taylor asked the Minister for Regional Development, in respect of the Vesting Order for the Comber by-pass, to detail (a) when will it be published (b) the estimated timescale for invitation to tender following completion of the Vesting Order (c) the estimated timescale for contractors to be on site and (d) the estimated timescale for the contract period; and to make a statement.

(AQW 3006/00)

Mr Campbell: The scheme to construct Stage 2 of the Comber Bypass, ie between Newtownards Road and Comber Road, is estimated to cost £3·1 million. The North Down and Ards Area Plan 1984 – 1995 contained a proposed road line (referred to as Stage 3 of the Comber Bypass) which would link Ballygowan Road to the existing bypass. A new area plan for Ards and Down is currently being prepared and this road line will be reconsidered as part of that process. A preliminary estimate for Stage 3 is £1 million.

As you may know, the Roads Service has received Executive Programme Funds for a number of named major road schemes. Other schemes in the Roads Service Major Works Preparation Pool, including Stage 2 of the Comber Bypass, will have to be funded from the Roads Service capital works budget. These funds are not allocated to specific schemes in advance of them being admitted to the Construction Programme.

As regards the Vesting Order for Stage 2 of the bypass, Roads Service published the Notice of Intention to Make a Vesting Order in the local press on 18 May 2001. The period for receipt of objections ends on 26 June 2001. Assuming there are no objections, the vesting process should be completed by October 2001. The Roads Service would then be in a position to invite tenders in early October 2001 and award the contract for construction in mid-December 2001. The estimated contract period of the scheme is 52 weeks.

While the 2002-03 budget is currently not sufficient to allow all major road schemes, whose statutory processes I would expect to have been completed by that time, to enter the construction programme, funding is currently available for Stage 2 of the bypass assuming the above timescale. If, however, the acquisition of the necessary land is significantly delayed (for example, by the need to hold a public inquiry), then the funding position and the timescale for the scheme would be less certain. I will, of course, be continuing to bid for additional funding to ensure that all of the schemes in the preparation pool can proceed to construction stage on completion of their statutory procedures.

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the measures in place to ensure that existing legislation permitting the introduction of 20mph speed restrictions in residential areas is consistently applied as a measure to improve pedestrian safety.

(AQW 3106/00)

Mr Campbell: My Department’s Roads Service assesses potential traffic calming schemes taking into account such criteria as the accident history, the volume and speed of traffic and the local environment of the area or street being considered. These criteria are weighted and locations are assessed and scored to identify priority schemes. For example, as the reduction of road traffic accidents is the main objective of traffic calming, the accident history criterion is weighted highest with additional weighting being afforded to accidents involving vulnerable road users (ie, children and the elderly).

All traffic calming schemes are designed to reduce vehicle speeds to an average of 20 mph. Practical engineering and environmental considerations, however, influence the decision to convert these to 20 mph zones with area-wide schemes often being converted, whereas single streets would not.

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his plans to ensure railway stations are safe for public use.

(AQW 3108/00)

Mr Campbell: A report prepared for Translink in 1998 by W H Stephens & Sons on the condition of stations, halts, platforms and passenger facilities identified and made recommendations on a range of issues, including emergency lighting, external lighting, surfaces and paths, handrails and guard-rails as well as fire provisions. The A D Little Strategic Safety Review of Northern Ireland Railways recommended that the findings of the Stephens report be implemented. Translink is currently implementing these findings as part of its A D Little Implementation Plan.

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Regional Development to undertake discussions with the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company in relation to the deteriorating state of the disused railway halt at Barn, Carrickfergus.

(AQW 3140/00)

Mr Campbell: Translink has advised that it has no plans to bring the railway halt at Barn, Carrickfergus, which is quite close to the Downshire halt, back into operational use. Translink has also advised that the site has been secured in terms of access and that it does not present any problems in relation to the safe operation of rail services along the line.

Mr Beggs asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail when the Rural Transport funded service between Carrickfergus and Antrim Hospital will commence.

(AQW 3152/00)

Mr Campbell: Translink is at present unable to specify a commencement date for the service between Carrickfergus and Ballyclare which will connect with its Larne to Antrim Hospital service. However Translink hopes to introduce the service following its driver recruitment programme which is currently underway.

Mr Beggs asked the Minister for Regional Development to explain the reasons for the delay of the opening of the Rural Transport funded service connecting Carrickfergus and Antrim Hospital.

(AQW 3153/00)

Mr Campbell: Translink has advised that a shortage of drivers has delayed the start of the Carrickfergus to Ballyclare service which will connect with its Larne to Antrim Hospital service. Translink has also advised that currently they have a major driver recruitment programme under way which hopefully will resolve this problem.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his plans to encourage commuters to travel by bus.

(AQW 3158/00)

Mr Campbell: I consider that the provision of high quality bus services is essential for the development of a sustainable transport system and I am actively promoting a number of initiatives that will make travel by bus a more attractive option for commuters and others.

These include the addition of new low floor buses to the Translink bus fleet. My Department provides grant aid to Translink of £1·7 million per annum for bus replacement, and as older, less reliable buses are being phased out they are being replaced by these new style buses. I will continue to press for additional funding to assist Translink to further modernise its fleet.

In addition, the introduction of the first quality bus corridor (QBC) on the Saintfield Road approach to Belfast is proving successful with increased patronage being reported. Further QBCs, on other approaches are planned with the Eastern QBC due to commence in September. It is hoped that the Falls Road QBC will also be operational in this financial year and that proposals for the City Express will follow closely on.

Bus priority measures, such as priority traffic signalling, and allowing buses faster access to Belfast City Centre along the M1 and Westlink will also help.

Affording commuters new, modern facilities also increases the attractiveness of our bus services. New bus stations have been provided in Newry and Armagh and modern, multi-modal stations have recently been provided in Bangor and Coleraine.

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Regional Development to give his assessment of street lighting in Carrickfergus town centre which is continually malfunctioning.

(AQW 3185/00)

Mr Campbell: My Department’s Roads Service is not aware of any major on-going problems with street lighting in Carrickfergus town centre. Some recent faults have, however, occurred due to NIE supply difficulties. These affected:

• a number of street lights on Marine Highway (the fault was reported to NIE on 10 April 2001 and was repaired on 24 April 2001); and
• street lights in Market Place, Essex Street and Cheston Street (the fault was reported to NIE on 28 May 2001 and was repaired on 30 May 2001).

In addition, the Roads Service is aware that there are two street lights in both Market Place and in High Street with supply failures. These faults have been reported to NIE.

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Regional Development to give his assessment of works carried out at Marshallstown Road/Red Brae Road to alleviate severe flooding in the area.

(AQW 3186/00)

Mr Campbell: Following heavy rainfall last autumn/ winter, my Department’s Roads Service has carried out drainage works on Marshallstown Road and Red Brae Road to assist storm water to discharge from the carriageways. These works included the redirection of storm water to an adjacent road culvert, the construction of a manhole and the installation of new and larger inlets to gullies on Marshallstown Road. Some minor improvements were also carried out to the inlets of gullies on Red Brae Road. These drainage works should help to alleviate the flooding problem in this area.

Further works will, however, be necessary to prevent storm water run-off from agricultural and commercial land in the vicinity of Sullatober Lane from flowing onto Marshallstown Road. Roads Service officials are in continued discussions with the relevant landowners regarding the provision of additional drainage facilities.

Mr Kennedy asked the Minister for Regional Development, in respect of the Regional Development Strategy, to give serious consideration to the re-opening of the rail link between Portadown and Armagh which could, in turn, act as the gateway to a rail link to Monaghan and the West of Ireland.

(AQW 3194/00)

Mr Campbell: My Department is preparing a ten-year regional transportation strategy (RTS) for Northern Ireland. This will set out the longer term strategy for the delivery of transport policy. The strategic role for railways will be considered in the development of the RTS and specific line improvements or additions will be considered in more detail as part of the development of transport plans.

Translink, however, currently has no plans to reinstate the rail link between Portadown and Armagh. The funding that was allocated to railways in the Budget approved by the Assembly on 18 December 2000, is required to implement the consolidation option in the Railways Task Force Report. This involves expenditure on the core network which excludes the discontinued rail link between Portadown and Armagh. I should also point out that, to re-open this rail link, very substantial investment would be required both in terms of providing the infrastructure and also meeting the subsequent operational costs.

Mr Armstrong asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (a) his policy on road maintenance, in particular the repair of pot-holes, and (b) any performance criteria used by the Roads Service regarding the estimated time for the repair of such faults.

(AQW 3203/00)

Mr Campbell: The structural integrity of the road network is a key objective and the top priority of my Department’s Roads Service.

In support of this objective the Roads Service undertakes a programme of inspections of all roads and footways for defects, including potholes. The frequency of these inspections depends on the type of road and the volume of vehicular or pedestrian traffic. Town centres and major traffic routes are inspected monthly while all other roads and footways are inspected at either 2 or 4 monthly intervals.

Defects are categorised according to severity, traffic volume and location, ie, urban or rural, and Roads Service duly monitors the response times for repairs against the performance criteria as set out below:-

• between 50 mm and 100 mm deep on heavily trafficked urban roads* and footpaths**; and
• over 100 mm deep on all roads and footpaths (except on lightly trafficked rural roads).

Repair or make safe within 5 working days of detection, 90% of defects:

• between 20 mm and 50 mm deep on heavily trafficked roads* and footpaths**;
• between 50 mm and 100 mm deep on all roads and footpaths (except heavily trafficked urban roads and footpaths and lightly trafficked rural roads); and
• over 100 mm deep on lightly trafficked rural roads.

* Traffic Volume > 5000 vehicles per day.
** Footways in towns & city centres

Mr Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the funding allocated in each of the last five financial years for the maintenance of roads, excluding major road schemes, in the Ards Borough Council area.

(AQW 3214/00)

Mr Campbell: I would refer the Member to the response given by the former Regional Development Minister, Mr Peter Robinson, on 7 July 2000 to his earlier Written Assembly Question AQW 733/99.

Regrettably, because of changes to internal financial systems arising from the reorganisation of Roads Service in 1999-2000, figures for the years 1999-2000 and 2000-01 are not yet available on a council area basis.

Mrs Carson asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 2709/00 and AQW 2711/00, to detail the criteria used by the Roads Service when assessing traffic impact and adequate parking facilities for proposed planning applications for extensions to licensed premises.

(AQW 3227/00)

Mr Campbell: My Department’s Roads Service, when assessing traffic impact and adequate parking facilities for proposed planning applications for extensions to licensed premises, applies the policy contained in Planning Policy Statement (PPS 3) ‘Development Control: Roads Considerations’ published by the Department of the Environment’s Planning Service. A copy of this document has been placed in the Assembly Library.

PPS 3, which was produced in conjunction with the Roads Service, details those matters which will be taken into account in determining planning applications involving any development which affects the public road network and road safety.

Mr Hussey asked the Minister for Regional Development to liase with his ministerial counterpart in the Republic of Ireland on the condition of the road surface of the C67A Castlederg to Strabane Road which lies within the Republic of Ireland.

(AQW 3230/00)

Mr Campbell: I understand that the section of road in question is the responsibility of Donegal County Council. Officials from my Department’s Roads Service have been in contact with the Council and, whilst no work is programmed on this section of road, the Council will arrange for the road to be inspected.

Mrs Courtney asked the Minister for Regional Development if he has any plans to review rural planning to assist individuals who would hope to build housing within the rural environs.

(AQO 1622/00)

Mr Campbell: The draft Regional Development Strategy (RDS) which is nearing completion will include a Spatial Framework for Rural Northern Ireland. The RDS will provide strategic guidance for the development and maintenance of a strong and vibrant rural community, contributing to the overall well being of Northern Ireland. It will include strategic guidelines to encourage; the diversification of the rural economy, the maintenance of a living countryside with a strong network of rural service centres, the creation of an accessible countryside with a responsive transport network; and the continuation of an attractive and unique rural environment managing the use of rural resources in a more sustainable manner.

It is recognised that there is a need to review the existing rural planning strategy to address the current problems facing the rural community. As part of the implementation of the RDS the Department for Regional Development intends to commence the preparation of a new Regional Planning Policy Statement (RPPS) on "The Countryside". This proposal has been included for action as part of the Programme for Government.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister for Social Development to detail discussions he has had with voluntary organisations in respect of a benefits’ take-up campaign.

(AQW 3154/00)

The Minister for Social Development (Mr Morrow): As part of its Targeting Social Need Programme the Social Security Agency has met with a number of voluntary organisations to explore ways of encouraging take-up of benefits. Work will continue in this area to ensure that everyone is aware of, claims and receives their proper benefit entitlement.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of CSA appeals outstanding as at 30 April 2001; and to make a statement.

(AQW 3156/00)

Mr Morrow: There were approximately 95 CSA appeals outstanding at 30 April 2001. The total includes:

• 45 appeals not yet submitted by CSA to the Appeals Service (TAS); and
• 50 appeals submitted by the CSA but not yet arranged for hearing by the Appeals Service.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister for Social Development to detail his proposals to improve pensions for those pensioners with (a) modest savings and (b) modest occupational pensions.

(AQW 3172/00)

Mr Morrow: It is planned that from 2003 pensioners with modest savings and pensioners on modest occupational pensions will benefit from the introduction of the Pension Credit. It will significantly increase the income of retired people, aged 60 and over, who have small pensions or savings, and reward them for their thrift. For the first time, pensioners who have been prudent and planned for retirement will be rewarded rather than penalised as they are under the current system. A consultation document detailing the proposals was published on 9 November 2000. The consultation period ended on 28 February 2001, and the overall design of pension credit is still being considered in light of the responses to the consultation exercise.

Mr Fee asked the Minister for Social Development to detail what progress has been made on the proposed External Cyclical Maintenance Scheme for Drumalane Park, Newry.

(AQW 3179/00)

Mr Morrow: This is an operational matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The scheme has been approved to proceed. A date of possession is currently being arranged with the contractor and it is anticipated the scheme will start later this month.

Mr Fee asked the Minister for Social Development to detail how much has been spent, to date, by the Housing Executive on the tendering procedure in respect of the External Cyclical Maintenance Scheme for Drumalane Park, Newry.

(AQW 3180/00)

Mr Morrow: This is an operational matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The cost of tendering this scheme, which includes checking and clearing the tender, is not readily available as such costs are included within the overall cost of tendering for all schemes and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Mr Fee asked the Minister for Social Development when he expects the contract to be awarded for the External Cyclical Maintenance Scheme at Drumalane Park, Newry.

(AQW 3181/00)

Mr Morrow: This is an operational matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The contract for this scheme has been awarded and it is due to start on site later this month.

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Social Development to detail what steps he is taking to fulfil the demand for three bedroom ground floor new build accommodation in the public sector.

(AQW 3184/00)

Mr Morrow: Three bedroom bungalow or flat social housing is normally only provided in specific need situations, such as where a family member requires the use, or possible use, of a wheelchair; to replace existing three bedroom ground floor accommodation; or in rural areas for flexibility or to comply with Planning Service requirements. In general, bungalow or ground floor flat accommodation is normally only provided for the elderly or for those suffering a physical disability.

The majority of general needs families can be accommodated in two storey housing. The Department encourages Housing Associations to provide such homes in Lifetime Homes standard, which incorporates design features to make the dwelling more flexible, convenient, safe and accessible. These design features reduce the need for later adaptations and cater for tenants with a variety of permanent and temporary disabilities.

The Housing Executive, as the arbiter of housing need in the Province, is responsible for collating the need for all types of accommodation. Where there is an identified need for three bedroom ground floor provision, that need is factored into the design of new Housing Association accommodation.

If the member has a specific query, perhaps he could write to me.

Mr McHugh asked the Minister for Social Development whether there are any pockets of poverty in rural areas where Working Family Tax Credit take-up is relatively high but Income Support take-up is relatively low.

(AQW 3206/00)

Mr Morrow: The Department does not hold figures on the take-up of Income Support and is unable to provide any information on Working Families Tax Credit which is a reserved matter administered by the Inland Revenue.

Ms McWilliams asked the Minister for Social Development if he intends to extend financial assistance granted to Housing Executive tenants in respect of damage caused by sectarian attacks to private homeowners.

(AQW 3223/00)

Mr Morrow: There are no plans to extend financial assistance to private homeowners for damage to their property following sectarian attacks. Private homeowners would be expected to have private insurance cover for damage to their homes. They also have recourse to the Compensation Agency.

The Housing Executive does assist private homeowners who have suffered following intimidation/civil unrest by making available temporary accommodation including transport costs, furniture storage facilities, wind and watertight repairs to damaged homes and temporary securing of properties.

In addition, the Housing Executive upon written recommendation by the RUC, can purchase an owner- occupier’s house under the special purchase of evacuated dwellings (SPED) scheme thereby enabling these homeowners to relocate quickly.

I think you will agree that the Housing Executive already extends a wide range of measures to private owners, bearing in mind that NIHE resources are fully committed in respect of the rest of its activities.

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Social Development to give his assessment of the NICVA/ Camelot Link Awards; and to make a statement.

(AQW 3238/00)

Mr Morrow: I was delighted to attend and speak at the 15th NICVA/Camelot Link Awards Gala in the Europa Hotel, Belfast on Wednesday 30 May.

These awards provide charitable organisations with the opportunity to say a very public thank you to a range of companies, employees and individuals for their past support and to encourage them to continue investing their time, skills and resources in the community. The level of support provided by private business and the statutory sector is reflected by the 120 nominations from every sector of the business community.

I was pleased to be able to lend my own congratulations to the achievements of all those who were nominated for awards and, in particular, to those who won. Active citizenship is clearly alive and well in Northern Ireland and these awards offer an ideal opportunity to celebrate and promote what can and is being done. They also serve as an incentive to others in the business community to engage with the voluntary and community sectors as there are incalculable benefits for both.

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