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Friday 28 September 2001 EU Structural Funds Programmes Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail what action he has taken to improve the quality of EU Development Programmes. (AQW 52/01) The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): In order to improve the quality of the 2000-2006 round of EU Structural Funds Programmes compared with previous rounds, a number of changes have been made in their development and management. Extensive consultation took place involving a wide range of regional interests which informed the decisions taken by the Executive as to the focus and context of the Programmes. These were then refined and confirmed during our negotiations with the European Commission on the content of the Programmes. The structure and composition of the Monitoring Committees which supervise the progress of implementation of the Programmes has been changed to improve its representation and function. New Monitoring Committees structures have both a greater focus on the involvement of social partners and a more carefully balanced membership to give a broader, more local representation. These changes reflect the requirements of the new Structural Funds Regulation which places a greater emphasis on the involvement of broad partnerships in the development and monitoring of the new Structural Funds Programmes. I chair the Community Support Framework Monitoring Committee with the two Junior Ministers in OFM/DFM sitting as Deputy Chairs. The Committees will have the support of a range of working groups which can call on specialist expertise from outside their membership. The Programme Complements of the EU European Structural Funds have also been the subject of a rigorous review by their Monitoring Committees especially the mechanism for selection of projects and the development of indicators to monitor performance. The Monitoring Committee agreed the Programme Complement at the end of June 2001. Land Registers of Northern Ireland Mr James Leslie asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel, in relation to the Land Registers of Northern Ireland to detail (a) the number of entries to the Land Register which are currently outstanding (b) the number of such entries which have been outstanding for more than one year (c) the number of entries processed in each of the last three years for which figures are available; and (d) the number of items received for registration in the most recent year for which figures are available. (AQW 86/01) Mr Durkan: (a) The Registry has approximately 23,745 applications for registration awaiting processing. Approximately 15602 of these applications are overdue in terms of internal target times, which the Registry uses to monitor the progress of work (See Note 1 below). (b) Some 5457 applications are one year old. There are 1684 applications which have exceeded target times by one year. (c) No. Of entries processed; 1998 - 1999 37534 1999 - 2000 40960 2000 - 2001 40252
(d) Year 2000 - 2001 50,027 - received for registration 2,707 - rejected at reception (See Note 2 below) 47,320 - accepted for registration Note 1 The reference to entries has been assumed to relate to applications for registration. Note 2 An application may be rejected because, for example, the fees are incorrect, cheques are not lodged or signed, and/or there is incorrect documentation lodged. Aggregates Tax Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail (a) what representations have been made, on behalf of the Executive, to HM Treasury in respect of the introduction of the Aggregates Tax to Northern Ireland, and (b) the impact the tax would have on the quarry industry and local economy. (AQW 179/01) Mr Durkan: (a) Earlier this year the First Minister and Deputy First Minister met the Chancellor of the Exchequer to press the case for a derogation of the Aggregates Tax. I met with representatives of the Quarry Products Association in August to discuss their concerns and a meeting with the Financial Secretary to the Treasury is being arranged. Discussions between HM Treasury and NI continue at an official level. (b) Aggregates currently produced in Northern Ireland have an average price of around £2.60 per tonne. The £1.60 per tonne tax will increase costs by around 60% and thus reduce the competitiveness of the Northern Ireland aggregates market. Greater traffic from Southern processors penetrating the Northern Ireland aggregates market and the potential of unprocessed material being extracted in Northern Ireland, exported South and re-imported as processed materials without attracting the tax will all combine to produce harmful environmental consequences. The tax also has the adverse potential of threatening the employment levels in the quarrying and related industries. It is estimated that several thousand jobs are at risk and the losses will occur in areas where they will not easily be replaced. Health, Social Services and Public Safety Bowen's Close, Banbridge Road, Lurgan Mr Seamus Close asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 3225/00, to detail the order dates for curtains, soft furnishings and other household necessities included in the expenditure of £8000 per house for Nos. 2 and 3, Bowen's Close, Banbridge Road, Lurgan. (AQW 38/01) The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): Craigavon and Banbridge Community Health and Social Services Trust ordered the required household items on 26 February 2001. D'ordaigh Iontaobhas Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta Phobal Chreag na hAbhann agus Dhroichead na Banna na hábhair tí a bhí de dhíth ar 26 Feabhra 2001. Bowen's Close, Banbridge Road, Lurgan Mr Seamus Close asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the legal expenses incurred to date and the projected legal expenses in relation to the ongoing litigation in respect of Nos. 1, 2 and 3 Bowen's Close, Banbridge Road, Lurgan. (AQW 39/01) Ms de Brún: There have been no legal expenses incurred to date by Craigavon and Banbridge Community Health and Social Services Trust in respect of numbers 2 and 3 Bowen's Close. There are currently no known projected legal expenses. Níor tharraing Iontaobhas Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta Phobal Chreag na hAbhann agus Dhroichead na Banna costas dleathach ar bith air féin go dtí seo maidir le huimhreacha 2 agus 3 Clós Bowen. Faoi láthair, níl costais dhleathacha réamh-mheasta ar an eolas. National Institute of Clinical Excellence : Multiple Sclerosis Medicines Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail what policy she will pursue in relation to the recent guidance produced by National Institute of Clinical Excellence regarding the use of Beta-Interferon; and to make a statement. (AQW 42/01) Ms de Brún: The document that has recently been issued by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) represents a provisional appraisal of four medicines used in the management of Multiple Sclerosis. It is a consultation document only, and does not at this stage constitute fresh guidance on the use of beta interferon. I am aware that the draft recommendations have given rise to considerable concern about the future availability of beta interferon. I have already met with the Multiple Sclerosis Society to listen to their views and more recently, I have met with health professionals who are actively involved in the management of MS. As you may be aware, NICE guidance applies only in England and Wales, but I may wish to consider the local implications of the guidance when it is formally published later this year. In the meantime, patients with MS here will continue to receive drugs such as beta-interferon for as long as their consultant neurologist, having discussed the risks and benefits of treatment with the patient, considers that they are likely to benefit from the treatment, having taken account of the evidence of effectiveness, Departmental guidance and the guidelines of the Association of Neurologists. Is measúnacht shealadach de cheithre chógas úsáidte i láimhseáil Ilscléaróise í an cháipéis seo a d'eisigh an Institiúid Náisiúnta um Fheabhas Chliniciúil (INFC) ar na mallaibh. Níl ann ach cáipéis chomhairleach agus ag an am seo, ní thugann sí treoir úr ar bith ar úsáid beta interferon. Tá sé ar eolas agam gur thionscain na dréachtmholtaí eisithe ar na mallaibh ag an Institiúid Náisiúnta um Fheabhas Chliniciúil (INFC) an bhuairt mhór faoi infhaighteacht beta interferon sa todhchaí. Bhuail mé leis an Chumann Ilscléaróise cheana féin le héisteacht lena gcuid tuairimí agus níba dhéanaí, bhuail mé le gairmithe sláinte atá rannpháirteach go gníomhach i láimhseáil IS. De réir mar is eol duit, baineann treoir an INFC le Sasana agus leis an Bhreatain Bheag amháin, ach is féidir gur mian leat machnamh a dhéanamh ar impleachtaí áitiúla na treorach nuair a fhoilseofar go foirmiúil níos moille i mbliana í. Idir an dá linn, gheobhaidh othair anseo le IS drugaí ar nós beta interferon go fóill a fhad is a shíleann a néareolaí comhairleach, i ndiaidh dó/di baoil agus tairbhí na cóireála a phlé leis an othar, gur dócha go mbainfidh siad tairbhe as an chóireáil, i ndiaidh dó/di cruthú a héifeachtachta, treoir na Roinne agus treoirlínte Chumann na Néareolaithe a chur san áireamh. Specialist Nursing Provision : Southern Board Area Mr Paul Berry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline what plans are in place to provide a full time specialist nurse in the Southern Board Area for patients suffering from epilepsy. (AQW 66/01) Ms de Brún: I am advised that the Southern Health and Social Services Board has no plans to provide a full time specialist nurse in the Southern Board area for patients suffering from epilepsy. The Board has, however, recently provided funding to allow patients suffering from epilepsy and other neurological conditions to attend a specialist nurse-led review clinic at Craigavon Area Hospital. This clinic runs alongside the consultant neurology clinic and has the specific aim of reducing waiting times for new patients who attend the consultant clinic. In addition, the Board has also funded paediatric epilepsy nurse input into two outpatient clinics in Armagh Community Hospital and Craigavon Area Hospital. Cuirtear in iúl dom nach bhfuil sé ar intinn ag Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Deiscirt sainaltra lánaimseartha a fhostú i gceantar Bhord an Deiscirt d'othair a fhulaingíonn ó thitimeas. Chuir an Bord maoiniú ar fáil ar na mallaibh áfach chun ligean d'othair ag fulaingt ó thitimeas agus ó riochtaí néareolaíochta freastal ar chlinic athbhreithnithe, a bhfuil sainaltraí i gceannas air, in Otharlann Ceantair Chreag na hAbhann. Feidhmíonn an clinic seo in éineacht leis an sainchlinic néareolaíochta agus is í a aidhm fhollasach amannna feithimh d'othair nua a fhreastalaíonn ar an sainchlinic a laghdú. Ina theannta sin, mhaoinigh an Bord ionchur altraí ar thitimeas phéidiatraiceach i ndá chlinic éisothair in Otharlann Pobail Ard Mhacha agus in Otharlann Ceantair Chreag na hAbhann. Accident and Emergency Waiting Times Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail Accident and Emergency waiting times at acute hospitals for 1998, 1999 and 2000; and to make a statement. (AQW 74/01) Ms de Brún: This information is not collected centrally. Ní bhailítear an t-eolas seo go lárnach. Occupational Therapists : East Antrim Area Mr Danny O'Connor asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail what action is being taken to increase the number of occupational therapists in the East Antrim area. (AQW 82/01) Ms de Brún: I have identified £0.5m to enable Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts to increase the number of occupational therapists by at least 20 by March 2002. Homefirst Community Trust's share of the target is 3 therapists, of whom 2 will be deployed in the Larne and Carrickfergus areas. Recruitment is underway. Fuair mé £0.5m chun cur ar chumas Bhoird agus Iontaobhais Shláinte agus Sheirbhísí Sóisialta líon na dteiripithe saothair a mhéadú faoi 20 ar a laghad faoi 20 Márta 2002. Is é 3 teiripí, 2 díobh a bheidh ag obair i Latharna agus i gCarraig Fheargais, sciar Iontaobhas Phobal Homefirst den sprioc é. Tá earcaíocht ar siúl cheana féin. Occupational Therapy Waiting List Mr Danny O'Connor asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 322/99, to detail the action being taken to target patients who are waiting 15 months or more on the waiting list for occupational therapy in the East Antrim area. (AQW 83/01) Ms de Brún: Occupational therapy waiting list figures for Homefirst Community Trust show a reduction of 6 % between December 2000 and June 2001. This reduction is partly due to the implementation, in March 2001, of the recommendations of the joint Housing Executive/Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety review of the Housing Adaptation Service. Deployment of the 2 additional therapists referred to in response to AQW 82/2001 should make a significant impact in reducing waiting lists. Léiríonn figiúirí na liostaí feithimh le haghaidh teiripe saothaoir d'Iontaobhas Phobal Homefirst laghdú 6% idir Nollaig 2000 agus Meitheamh 2001. Tá an laghdú seo de bharr chur i bhfeidhm moltaí Chomhathbhreithniú an Fheidhmeannais Tithíochta/na Roinne Sláinte, Seirbhísí Sóisialta agus Sábháilteachta Poiblí ar an tSeirbhís Oiriúnú Tithíochta i Márta 2001 go pointe áirithe. Ba chóir d'fhostú 2 teiripí breise saothair a ndéantar tagairt dóibh i bhfreagra ar AQW 82/2001 tionchar mór a bheith aige ar laghdú i liostaí feithimh. Cardiac Surgery Waiting List Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail her plans to reduce the waiting list for cardiac surgery and to state whether she achieved her targets in the last financial year. (AQW 99/01) Ms de Brún: In September last year I commissioned a review of cardiac surgery. The review report has now been finalised and it is my intention to issue the report for public consultation in the near future. The Report sets out a range of recommendations aimed at reducing the waiting list and waiting times for surgery. Immediate action to improve recruitment and retention of staff, particularly nursing staff in cardiac surgery is a priority if waiting times are to be reduced. I have allocated additional funding for supernumerary nursing posts in cardiac intensive care to support the existing staff and allow additional nurses to receive the specialised training. This will help increase bed capacity and facilitate and increase in the number of operations possible. The four Health and Social Services Boards have been purchasing cardiac surgery at units elsewhere for some patients who are able and willing to travel. This practice will need to continue until the number of procedures conducted at the Royal increases. No target was set for the reduction of cardiac surgery waiting lists for the last financial year. I have set a target for the current financial year of reducing by 50% the number of people waiting more than 12 months for cardiac surgery and the elimination of such long waits by March 2003. By the end of the first quarter of the current financial year the number waiting more than 12 months for cardiac surgery had reduced by 9.5%. Choimisiúnaigh mé athbhreithniú ar mháinliacht chairdiach i mí Mheán Fómhair na bliana anuraidh. Tá bailchríoch ar an tuairisc anois, agus tá sé ar intinn agam an tuairisc a eisiúint le haghaidh comhairliúcháin phoiblí ar ball. Leagann an tuairisc réimse moltaí amach atá ag iarraidh an liosta feithimh agus amanna feithimh do mháinliacht a laghdú. Caithfidh gníomh a dhéanamh láithreach le hearcú agus coinneáil foirne a fheabhsú, go háirithe foirne altranais i máinliacht chairdiach má tá amanna feithimh le laghdú. Dháil mé maoiniú breise le haghaidh post altranais breise i ndianchúram cairdiach le tacú leis an fhoireann atá ann faoi láthair agus le ligean d'altraí breise an tsainoiliúint a fháil. Cuideoidh sé seo an líon leapacha a mhéadú agus líon na n-obráidí is féidir a dhéanamh a éascú agus a mhéadú. Bhí na ceithre bhord sláinte agus seirbhísí sóisialta ag ceannach máinliacht chairdeach in ionaid eile do roinnt othar atá ábalta agus toilteanach taisteal. Ní mór an cleachtadh seo a leanstan ar aghaidh go dtiocfaidh méadú ar líon na ngnáthamh máinliachta a dhéantar san Otharlann Ríoga. Níor leagadh sprioc amach do laghdú na liostaí feithimh do mháinliacht chairdiach don bhliain airgeadais seo caite. Leag mé sprioc amach don bhliain airgeadais seo go laghdófaí líon na ndaoine atá ag fanacht le máinliacht chairdiach le níos mó ná 12 mí faoi 50% agus go gcuirfí deireadh lena leithéid seo d'fheitheamh fada faoi Mhárta 2003. Faoi dheireadh na chéad ráithe den bhliain reatha airgeadais, tháinig laghdú 9.5% ar líon na ndaoine a bhí ag fanacht le máinliacht chairdiach le níos mó ná 12 mí. Drugs Strategy Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail her plans to combat the growing drug problem. (AQW 104/01) Ms de Brún: As well as the Drugs strategy, which was launched in 1999, a Strategy for Reducing Alcohol Related Harm was launched here in September 2000. In April 2001, a paper entitled 'Model for the Joint Implementation of the Drug and Alcohol Strategies' was presented to the Ministerial Group on Drugs for consideration. The Ministerial Group approved the model, and on 17th May it received endorsement from the Executive. The structures include all key interests including local communities and will allow for a concerted approach.
The joint implementation of both strategies is now underway. The new model includes the formation of six working groups to cover the following areas: Treatment, Education & Prevention, Communities, Information & Research, Social Legislation and Criminal Justice. The first meetings of the Working Groups are planned for November 2001. The six Working Groups will create Action Plans based on the key output areas detailed in the Joint Implementation Model. These key outputs are based on the targets contained in the Drug and Alcohol Strategies. Additional resources have been allocated to each of the four Drug Co-ordination Teams to employ an extra worker to help with the increasing workload. Recently £6.23m has been transferred to the Executive for allocation through the Drug and Alcohol Implementation Steering Group. Discussions are underway to determine how these resources can be deployed most effectively. Chomh maith le Straitéis Drugaí, a lainseáladh i 1999, lainseáladh An Straitéis Chun An Dochar A Bhaineann Le hAlcól A Laghdú anseo i Meán Fómhair 2000. Cuireadhpáipéar dár teideal 'Eiseamláir do Chomhchur i bhFeidhm Straitéisí Drugaí agus Alcóil' i láthair an Grúpa Aireachta ar Dhrugaí le haghaidh machnamh air. Cheadaigh an Grúpa Aireachta an eiseamláir, agus ar 17 Bealtaine fuair sé formhuiniú ón Fheidhmeannas. Sna struchtúir seo beidh gach eochairspéis, pobail áitiúla san áireamh, rud a cheadóidh cur chuige dian. Tá comhchur i bhfeidhm den dá straitéis faoi lánseol anois. San áireamh san eiseamláir beidh bunú sé ghrúpa oibre leis na hábhair seo a chlúdach: Cóireáil, Oideachas & Cosc, Pobail, Eolas & Taighde, Reachtaíocht Shóisialta agus Dlí Coiriúil. Táthar ag súil leis na chéad chruinnithe de na Grúpaí Oibre a reáchtáil i Mí na Samhna 2001. Cruthóidh na sé Ghrúpa Oibre Pleananna Gnímh bunaithe ar na hachair eochair-aschuir atá breactha síos san Eiseamláir Chomhchur i bhFeidhm. Tá na hachair eochair-aschuir bunaithe ar na spriocanna sna Straitéisí Drugaí agus Alcóil. Dáileadh acmhainní breise ar gach ceann de na ceithre Fhoireann Comhordaithe Drúgaí chun oibrithe breise a fhostú le cuidiú leis an ualach oibre atá ag dul i méid. Aistríodh £6.23m ar na mallaibh chuig an Fheidhmeannas le dáileadh tríd an Ghrúpa Stiúrtha ar Chur i bhFeidhm na Straitéisí Drugaí agus Alcóil. Tá díospóireachtaí faoi lánseol le haimsiú cad é an dóigh is éifeachtaí leis na hacmhainní seo a úsáid. Cardiac Surgery Procedures Ms Monica McWilliams asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail her plans to support staff in the cardiac surgical unit at the Royal Hospitals Trust to achieve the target of 1,100 cardiac surgical operations each year. (AQW 110/01) Ms de Brún: In September last year I commissioned a review of cardiac surgery to assess the level of need for these services in light of developments in interventional cardiology, emerging clinical practices and changing incidence of heart disease. The report has now been finalised and it is my intention to issue it for public consultation in the near future. The Report contains a range of recommendations aimed at increasing the number of cardiac surgery procedures performed while simultaneously maintaining or enhancing the quality of the service. Immediate action to improve recruitment and retention of staff, particularly nursing staff in cardiac surgery is a priority if we are to increase the number of procedures performed. I have allocated additional funding for supernumerary nursing posts in cardiac intensive care to support the existing staff and allow additional nurses to receive the specialised training. This will help increase bed capacity and facilitate an increase in the number of operations possible. Choimisiúnaigh mé athbhreithniú ar mháinliacht chairdiach i mí Mheán Fómhair na bliana anuraidh le leibhéal an riachtanais leis na seirbhísí seo a mheas mar gheall ar na forbairtí i gcairdeolaíocht idirghabhálach, ar chleachtais chliniciúla atá ag teacht chun cinn agus ar athrú i dtarlú galair chroí. Tá bailchríoch ar an tuairisc anois agus tá sé ar intinn agam an tuairisc a eisiúint le haghaidh comhairliúcháin phoiblí ar ball. Leagann an tuairisc amach réimse moltaí atá ag iarraidh líon na ngnáthamh máinliachta cairdí a dhéantar a mhéadú agus ag an am chéanna cáilíocht na seirbhíse a choinneáil agus a fheabhsú. Caithfidh gníomh a dhéanamh láithreach le hearcú agus coinneáil foirne a fheabhsú, go háirithe foirne altranais i máinliacht chairdiach, má táimid líon na ngnáthamh máinliachta a dhéantar a mhéadú. Dháil mé maoiniú breise le haghaidh post altranais breise i ndianchúram cairdiach le tacú leis an fhoireann atá ann faoi láthair agus le ligean d'altraí breise an tsainoiliúint a fháil. Cuideoidh sé seo an líon leapacha a mhéadú agus líon na n-obráidí is féidir a dhéanamh a éascú agus a mhéadú. Royal Hospitals Trust : Cardiac Operations Ms Monica McWilliams asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to make it her policy to require the Royal Hospitals Trust to publish monthly statistics in relation to the number of cardiac operations performed in that hospital. (AQW 111/01) Ms de Brún: I can appreciate the basis of this proposal and I will address it as part of my wider response to the Cardiac Surgery Review report, on which I will be consulting shortly. Tig liom bunús an mholta seo a thuiscint agus rachaidh mé i gceann air mar chuid de m'fhreagairt níos fairsinge ar Thuairisc an Athbhreithnithe ar Mháinliacht Chairdiach, ar a mbeidh mé ag dul i gcomhairle ar ball. Reducing Alcohol Related Harm Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail those measures she is taking to combat alcoholism among young people. (AQW 113/01) Ms de Brún: Last autumn, I launched the Executive's Strategy for Reducing Alcohol Related Harm. This commits us to three broad objectives: firstly, to encourage a sensible approach to drinking; secondly, to promote effective treatment services; and thirdly, to protect individuals and communities from the damage that alcohol misuse can cause. In April 2001, a paper entitled 'Model for the Joint Implementation of the Drug and Alcohol Strategies' was presented to the Ministerial Group on Drugs for consideration. The Ministerial Group approved the model, and on 17th May it received endorsement from the Executive. The structures include all key interests including local communities and will allow for a concerted approach. The joint implementation of both strategies is now underway and the new model includes the formation of six working groups to cover the following areas: Treatment, Education & Prevention, Communities, Information & Research, Social Legislation and Criminal Justice. The six Working Groups will create Action Plans based on the key output areas detailed in the Joint Implementation Model. These key outputs are based on the targets contained in the Drug and Alcohol Strategies. Under the Alcohol Strategy, work will be taken forward to develop a health promotion and education programme targeted at children and young people, as well as providing training for teachers, other educators and youth workers. As one element in implementing the Alcohol Strategy, we will be reviewing the adequacy of the current controls on underage purchasing. Where they are clearly inadequate, we will work with the relevant parties to strengthen them. Lainseáil mé an Fómhar seo caite an Straitéis Chun An Dochar A Bhaineann le hAlcól A Laghdú de chuid an Fheidhmeannais. Geallann seo dúinn do thrí chuspóir: sa chéad áit, cur chuige siosmadach a spreagadh i dtaobh ólacháin, sa dara háit, seirbhísí éifeachtacha coireála a chur chun cinn; agus sa tríú háit daoine aonair agus pobail a chosaint ar an damáiste is féidir a bheith ann mar gheall ar mhí-úsáid alcóil. In Aibreán 2001 cuireadh páipéar dar teideal 'Eiseamláir do Chomhchur i bhFeidhm na Straitéisí Drugaí agus Alcóil' os comhair an Ghrúpa Aireachta ar Dhrúgaí chun machnamh a dhéanamh air. Cheadaigh an Grúpa Aireachta an eiseamláir, agus ar 17 Bealtaine fuair sé formhuiniú ón Fheidhmeannas. Sna struchtúir beidh eochairspéiseanna agus pobail áitiúla san áireamh a cheadóidh cur chuige dian. Tá comhchur i bhfeidhm den dá straitéis faoi lánseol agus san áireamh san eiseamláir beidh bunú sé ghrúpa oibre leis na hachair seo a chlúdach: Coireáil, Oideachas & Cosc, Pobail, Eolas & Taighde, Reachtaíocht Shóisialta agus Dlí Coiriúil. Cruthóidh na sé Ghrúpa Oibre Pleananna Gníomhachta bunaithe ar na achair eochair-aschuir atá breactha síos in Eiseamláir Chomhchur i bhFeidhm. Tá na hachair eochair-aschur bunaithe ar na spriocanna sna Straitéisí Drúgaí agus Alcóil. De réir na Straitéise Alcóil, tabharfar an obair le clár cur chun cinn sláinte agus oideachais dírithe ar pháistí agus ógánaigh a fhorbairt, chomh maith le oiliúnit a sholáthar do mhúinteoirí, oidí eile agus oibrithe óganaigh. Mar ghné amháin le Straitéis Alcóil a chur i bhfeidhm déanfaimid athbhreithniú ar leorgacht na rialaithe láithreacha ar cheannach ólachán faoin aois dhleathach. Mura leor iad ar bhealach suntasach, oibreoimid leis na páirtithe bainteacha chun iad a neartú. Multiple Sclerosis : Drug Treatment Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail whether the new drugs for Multiple Sclerosis, Beta Interferon and Copaxone, are available within any of the health boards. (AQW 120/01) Ms de Brún: Beta Interferon and Copaxone are currently available within the four Health and Social Services Boards here for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. Patients here with Multiple Sclerosis currently receive Beta Interferon and Copaxone if their consultant neurologist, having discussed the risks and benefits of treatment with the patient, considers that they are likely to benefit from the treatment, having taken account of the evidence on effectiveness, Departmental guidance and the guidelines of the Association of Neurologists. Tá Beta Interferon agus Copaxone ar fáil faoi láthair laistigh de na ceithre Bhord Sláinte, Seirbhísí Sóisialta agus Sábháilteachta Poiblí anseo chun Ilscléaróis a chóireáil. Faigheann othair anseo le hIlscléaróis Beta Interferon agus Copaxone i láthair na huaire má mheasann a néareolaí comhairleach, i ndiaidh dó/di baoil agus tairbhí na cóireála a phlé leis an othar, gur dócha go mbainfidh an t-othar tairbhe as an chóireáil, i ndiaidh dó/di cruthú a héifeachta, treoir na Roinne agus treoirlínte Chumann na Néareolaithe a chur san áireamh. Multiple Sclerosis : Drug Treatment Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the criteria for the distribution of the new Multiple Sclerosis drugs, Beta Interferon and Copaxone, within the local health trusts. (AQW 121/01) Ms de Brún: I refer the Member to the answer given to AQW 120/2001. Luaim don Bhall an freagra a thug mé ar AQW 120/2001. TOPSewage Treatment Works : Portaferry Mr Kieran McCarthy asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will ensure that the Water Service will provide a new sewerage treatment works in Portaferry on a site away from residential properties. (AQW 40/01) The Minister for Regional Development (Mr Campbell): A new Wastewater Treatment Works will have to be provided for Portaferry by 31 December 2005 in order to meet the requirements of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations (NI) 1995. Water Service is currently in the process of selecting a site for the proposed Works, using its normal site selection criteria. Water Service is aware from public meetings and correspondence, of the strength of local feeling about the two sites recommended by the Environmental Analysis and the apparent preference by many residents for the site known as Site 2, which is adjacent to the Walter's Rocks. No final decision has been taken regarding the siting of the proposed works, and indeed none can be taken until all the required studies have been completed. The studies will include detailed environmental impact assessments of the two recommended sites and Site 2, which will closely examine environmental issues, including those influenced by distance from existing properties. Ultimately, it will be for Planning Service to decide whether to grant planning approval for the chosen site, and the planning process will provide a further opportunity for individuals and other interested parties to comment on the proposal. However, irrespective of which site is eventually chosen, the scheme will be designed sensitively and will incorporate measures aimed at mitigating any adverse impact on the environment Significant public consultation on the siting of the Works has already taken place and I understand that Water Service has arranged to make a presentation to the Ards Borough Council External Affairs and Planning Committee on Tuesday 9 October 2001. I can assure you that the views and concerns of the public and their representatives will be taken into account along with all the other relevant factors in the final decision on the siting of the Works. Control of Dwellings in the Countryside Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail when he intends to bring forward a policy statement on dwellings in the countryside; and to make a statement. (AQW 41/01) Mr Campbell: I recognise the difficulties currently being experienced in rural areas and acknowledge fully the importance of countryside issues. Those issues have been highlighted in the Rural White Paper in Great Britain, the work of the Rural Task Force in the UK and the recently published Rural Development Programme Strategy 2001-2006 of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. As far as the policy in relation to the control of dwellings in the countryside is concerned that is a matter for the Minister for the Environment. My role, and that of the Department for Regional Development, is, in the context of the Regional Development Strategy, to provide regional planning guidance for the countryside. Following the Assembly's agreement of the Regional Development Strategy my Department, in consultation with DOE, DARD and other Departments will commence work on preparing regional planning guidance on matters affecting the countryside. That guidance will include the issue of dwellings in the countryside. Finally, it is important to note that the preparation of this guidance constitutes a significant body of work and will involve a wide and detailed consultation with all the major stakeholders. Given the likely extent and scope of this work I anticipate that it will be completed by September 2003. Road Infrastructure : West Tyrone Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his plans to improve the road infrastructure of West Tyrone. (AQW 54/01) Mr Campbell: My Department's Roads Service plans to undertake a number of major and minor road schemes to improve the road infrastructure in West Tyrone. The major road schemes are the construction of bypasses of Newtownstewart and Strabane (Stage 2) and a throughpass of Omagh (Stage 3). Work on the former scheme (estimated cost £8M) commenced in August 2001 and is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete. Subject to the successful completion of the necessary statutory procedures and the availability of funds, Roads Service hopes to start work on the Strabane Bypass (estimated cost £4M) in early 2002 and on the Omagh Throughpass (estimated cost £5M) in early 2003. Also, you will be aware from my recent letter that Roads Service has identified a number of other major works schemes which will be assessed for possible inclusion in its 10-Year Forward Planning Schedule. The schemes include some in West Tyrone and the Chief Executive of Roads Service will write to you shortly to seek your comments on those schemes. In addition to the above major works schemes, Roads Service delivers an annual programme of minor works schemes, such as transportation, accident remedial, traffic calming and minor road improvement schemes. In the current year, Roads Service plans to spend some £600,000 on minor works in the West Tyrone area. Public Transport to Airports Mr David McClarty asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to improve the availability of public transport between Belfast International and Belfast City Airports and the North and North West areas. (AQW 72/01) Mr Campbell: Airporter, a private company, operates a stage carriage service from Londonderry, serving both Belfast International Airport and Belfast City Airport. This service is provided under a Road Service Operator's Licence issued by the Department of the Environment and currently consists of six services in each direction, Monday to Friday, three in each direction on Saturday with 2 in each direction on Sunday. I understand that the Department of the Environment would consider any request for an increase in service frequency if such a request were made by the existing operator. Any such request would obviously only be made if there was sufficient passenger demand. Translink also provide very frequent services from the North and the North West to both airports, via Belfast. As with all its services, Translink will continue to monitor the demand for airport services. Again, any possible service enhancements would only be considered if there was sufficient passenger demand. Electronic Signage : M1 Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail when the new electronic signage along the M1 will become operational. (AQW 95/01) Mr Campbell: I assume that this question relates to the work that is presently being undertaken by my Department's Roads Service to erect electronic signs on the central median of the M1 motorway between Belfast and Moira. This work is part of an ongoing Roads Service project to extend driver information and motorway control along the motorway network. It is expected that the new signs will become operational during early November 2001. Public Transport : Mid Ulster Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister for Regional Development to make it his policy to increase the provision of public transport to elderly people living in isolated areas of Mid Ulster. (AQW 97/01) Mr Campbell: I readily acknowledge the importance of public transport to elderly people living in isolated rural areas. My Department seeks to address their needs through the Rural Transport Fund, which aims to improve access for rural dwellers to services and facilities. Through the Fund my Department has provided revenue support for additional Ulsterbus services in rural areas, including 14 routes in the Mid Ulster area. The Fund also supports four Rural Community Transport Partnerships in the Mid Ulster area which provide complementary services to the public transport network. The Partnerships operate community car schemes, group hire and door to door minibus services. From 1 October 2001 my Department will fund free travel on scheduled public transport services for those aged 65. This will also contribute to improving the mobility of elderly people in the Mid Ulster area. Utilities Road Works Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister for Regional Development, in light of continuous and repeated road works by various agencies and private contractors, to detail (a) whether his Department has enforced re-instatement penalties and, if so, what revenue has been generated. (AQW 98/01) Mr Campbell: There is no specific legislation which allows my Department to apply reinstatement penalties where utilities have not completed their road works to the required specification. No revenue has therefore been generated by this means. Free Travel Scheme : Disabled War Pensioners Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail whether the Free Travel Scheme for senior citizens will be extended to include disabled war pensioners irrespective of their age. (AQW 125/01) Mr Campbell: All war disabled pensioners currently qualify for half fare travel on public transport. From 1 October war disabled pensioners over 65 will qualify for free travel, in common with all other people over 65. War disabled pensioners under 65 will, unlike most other disabled people under 65, continue to qualify for half fare travel. However, I have already indicated that I intend to carry out a review of the Concessionary Fares Scheme within the next year to consider how it could be extended, if the Assembly allocates the necessary additional resources. Priority Road Schemes Mr Ivan Davis asked the Minister for Regional Development to list his priority road schemes costing more than £2 million that are budgeted for in the current and subsequent financial year. (AQW 191/01) Mr Campbell: I should explain that expenditure on major road schemes is generally spread over a number of years because of the time required to acquire land and to carry out design and construction work. In 2001/02 and 2002/03, my Department's Roads Service has budgeted for expenditure on the following major road schemes each costing more than £2M: SCHEMES WITHIN THE CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME
SCHEMES ANTICIPATED TO COMMENCE CONSTRUCTION (SUBJECT, WHERE APPROPRIATE, TO THE COMPLETION OF NECESSARY STATUTORY PROCEDURES)
*Executive Programme Funds have been allocated specifically to these schemes. I should point out that, if there is undue delay in the completion of statutory procedures for any of the above schemes which have not been allocated Executive Programme Funds, their progression into the Construction Programme will be dependent on the funding position at that stage. In addition, expenditure on design work for a number of other major road schemes costing more than £2M will be incurred during the period in question. TOPUrban Regeneration : Funding Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister for Social Development what steps he is taking to widen access to regeneration finance. (AQW 53/01) The Minister for Social Development (Mr Morrow): My Department is currently engaged in an extensive consultation process on a new comprehensive strategic approach to urban regeneration across Northern Ireland, focusing on the renewal of neighbourhoods experiencing the most serious social and economic deprivation. The strategy acknowledges that some communities have been unable to benefit fully from previous urban regeneration initiatives because of a lack of capacity to contribute to, and engage effectively in, the renewal process. The strategy recognises the specific problems and disadvantages of these communities and will seek to direct efforts and resources at those objectively defined as being in the greatest need. I would welcome the Member's contribution to the debate on the future direction of urban regeneration policies and programmes in Northern Ireland. However, my Department continues to work closely with other regeneration programmes and organisations, such as the International Fund for Ireland and the European Union, not only to maximise access to funding by those most in need but to maximise the impact of that funding. Leckpatrick Gardens, Artigarvan, Strabane Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the Housing Executive's plans in regard to unoccupied and boarded up house units in Leckpatrick Gardens, Artigarvan, Strabane. (AQW 57/01) Mr Morrow: The Chief Executive of the Housing Executive has advised me that an estate strategy, which will include a range of options, is being formulated for the area and it should be available within the next 4 months. Housing Executive Properties : Newtownards Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail how many three bedroom bungalows are currently owned by the Housing Executive in Newtownards. (AQW 61/01) Mr Morrow: The Chief Executive of the Housing Executive has advised me that it owns 99 three bedroom bungalows, and 14 three bedroom ground floor flats in the Newtownards District. Housing Executive Properties : Newtownards Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of applicants who have applied for Housing Executive three bedroom bungalows in Newtownards over the last three years. (AQW 67/01) Mr Morrow: The Chief Executive of the Housing Executive has advised me that the information you require for this period is not available. However, I am advised that at present, there are a total of 17 households on the Newtownards District waiting list requiring 3-bed ground floor accommodation. Of these, 8 are new applicants and 9 are seeking a transfer from existing accommodation. Urban Regeneration Mr Danny O'Connor asked the Minister for Social Development to detail how much was spent on urban regeneration by district council area in each of the last three years. (AQW 80/01) Mr Morrow: Expenditure on urban regeneration by district council area in each of the last three financial years is set out in the accompanying table.
The above covers expenditure on a range of urban regeneration programmes and schemes supported by my Department through mainstream funding and contributions from other sources such as the European Union and International Fund for Ireland The figures do not include programmes and schemes funded under the auspices of the Northern Ireland Partnership Board that has a broader remit than urban regeneration. Improvements and Upgrading to Private Sector Housing Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister for Social Development to detail his plans to make additional resources available to assist in carrying out improvements and upgrading to private sector housing. (AQW 105/01) Mr Morrow: This is a matter for the Housing Executive, which sets the budget for private sector grant aid each year, taking account of anticipated demand for grants and existing commitments. The grants budget for the current financial year is £42m. TOPPaper Used in Parliament Buildings Mr David Ford asked the Assembly Commission to detail the steps it is taking to reduce the amount of paper used in Parliament Buildings. (AQW 75/01) The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Mrs Eileen Bell): I am responding to you on behalf of the Assembly Commission. It is unclear from your question whether you wish to have detail on the Commission's current policy and practice on the recycling of paper or the use of information technology and therefore I have attempted to address both issues. On the 26th June 2001 the Assembly Commission approved a Recycling and Energy Management Strategy which included detailed proposals for the recycling of paper. Guidelines on recycling arrangements within Parliament Buildings (copy attached) issued to Members and staff on the 3 July 2001. In addition, the Printed Paper Office, as the largest distributor of printed material within the Northern Ireland Assembly, advise that papers provided through the Stationery Office are manufactured from 100% post consumer waste and meet the Nordic Swan Classification for environmental friendliness. The use of Information Technology by the Assembly, its members, their staff and the staff of the Assembly Secretariat is widely facilitated and encouraged. Email is the main vehicle for written communications within the Assembly and the Intranet and Internet services offer alternative (to paper) means of disseminating information about Assembly business to internal and external users respectively. The planned development of the Intranet will further reduce the dependency on the use of paper by offering electronic forms services for the transacting of business e.g. requests for information, supplies and services, expense claims etc. The Internet will also offer alternative means of communication between the Assembly and public. The Assembly Commission's Information Strategy, set out in the paper titled 'The Assembly's Vision for Exploiting Information', sets the scene for the increased use of electronic media for the dissemination of information both within and out with the Assembly. A copy of the Commission's Information strategy is attached for your information. I hope this response addresses the issues which you have raised. |