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Friday 5 October 2001 Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER Commissioner for Children Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to give an assurance that a parent's role in respect of guidance and discipline towards their child will not be put under threat by the remit awarded to the new Children's Commissioner. (AQW 103/01) Sir Reg Empey and Mr Seamus Mallon MP: Our office's consultation document on a Commissioner for Children for Northern Ireland was published on 9 August 2001. The document emphasises that parents are almost always the best people to look after children, and that the family is the main place where children's needs are met. Our proposals suggest that the Commissioner for Children should not become involved in specific, individual disputes between a child and his or her parents or guardians. Nor should the Commissioner for Children become involved in disputes between parents or guardians concerning the exercise of parental responsibility, unless, after a thorough assessment of the situation, the Commissioner believes that the interests of the child will be neglected. Responses to the consultation document are invited before 8 November 2001. Obstacles to Mobility Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail the timetable for publication of the North/South study on obstacles to mobility. (AQO 154/01) Sir Reg Empey and Mr Seamus Mallon MP: The Steering Group that was established to oversee the Study is presently considering a draft report. The report has also been circulated to Departments, North and South, for comment by 28 September 2001. It is possible that the consultants will be asked to incorporate some final changes to the text. When the report is finalised a decision will be taken on publication. The study has focused on a range of obstacles that make it difficult for people to study, work and move to live across the border, and it will propose solutions to address these barriers. Removing these barriers will assist in improving economic efficiency and will assist both parts of the Island of Ireland to enhance competitiveness. When the Steering Group is satisfied with the results of the study, it will report to an early meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council TOPAGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT Livestock and Meat Commission Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the assistance which has been given to promote Northern Ireland's lamb industry through the Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland. (AQW 132/01) The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): The Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) is responsible for the development and implementation of generic marketing initiatives for Northern Ireland (NI) beef and lamb. In addition to monies derived from levies to the LMC in respect of all cattle and sheep slaughtered in NI, the LMC's marketing activities are funded by resources obtained from the European Quality Beef (EQB) programme and the Red Meat Strategy (RMS) monies obtained from DARD and the EU Peace and Reconciliation Fund. A total of £140,280 (60% of agreed expenditure), was obtained under the EQB in the year 2000. A total of £4.9m is being spent on the RMS, which covers both beef and lamb, over a 3 year period commencing January 1999. Further funding of £125,580 (i.e. 60% funding) is currently being sought under the EC Beef Information Campaign. Promotional activity is undertaken by the LMC on a NI, GB and international basis. The benefits of such activities will relate to all producers and processors in Northern Ireland including those within the constituency of Strangford. Foot-and-Mouth Disease : Northumbria Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) the steps she is taking as a consequence of the recent foot-and-mouth outbreaks in Northumbria and (b) whether precautions taken at the ports last year are going to be reinstated. (AQW 133/01) Ms Rodgers: The recent outbreaks of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Northumbria highlight the need to maintain precautionary controls in Northern Ireland. To this end, Northern Ireland remains a "controlled area" and certain prescribed restrictions will continue to be in force while there is a risk of FMD being re-introduced from GB. Specific measures remaining in place are the 20-day standstill period for all susceptible livestock, a licensing system for the movement of sheep, separation of sheep and goats from other livestock, and the maintenance of bio-security precautions on farms. With regards to the precautions at the ports that have been in place from the start of the FMD outbreaks, these are being maintained and are constantly reviewed. In addition, there has been a ban on the import of all susceptible animals from GB since 21 February 2001 and this continues to be in place. All meat and meat products from GB can only be imported into Northern Ireland in accordance with EU legislation designed to prevent the spread of FMD. Lamb Production Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) which area of Northern Ireland produces the largest amount of lamb and (b) how much lamb is produced by that area. (AQW 134/01) Ms Rodgers: Statistics are not maintained on the geographical distribution of sheep coming forward for slaughter. However some impression of production may be gained from the attached table (Annex A) giving the numbers of ewes by each District Council and from the attached map (Annex B) showing the distribution of total sheep by District Council area. (Copies of Annex A and B are available from the Assembly Library.) Livestock and Meat Commission Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the steps being taken to ensure that the constituency of Strangford is receiving support for the promotion of it's lamb industry. (AQW 135/01) Ms Rodgers: The Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) is responsible for the development and implementation of generic marketing initiatives for Northern Ireland (NI) beef and lamb. In addition to monies derived from levies to the LMC in respect of all cattle and sheep slaughtered in NI, the LMC's marketing activities are funded by resources obtained from the European Quality Beef (EQB) programme and the Red Meat Strategy (RMS) monies obtained from DARD and the EU Peace and Reconciliation Fund. A total of £140,280 (60% of agreed expenditure), was obtained under the EQB in the year 2000. A total of £4.9m is being spent on the RMS, which covers both beef and lamb, over a 3 year period commencing January 1999. Further funding of £125,580 (i.e. 60% funding) is currently being sought under the EC Beef Information Campaign. Promotional activity is undertaken by the LMC on a NI, GB and international basis. The benefits of such activities will relate to all producers and processors in Northern Ireland including those within the constituency of Strangford. Livestock and Meat Commission Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the steps being taken to ensure that the constituency of Strangford is receiving support for the promotion of it's beef industry. (AQW 136/01) Ms Rodgers: The Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) is responsible for the development and implementation of generic marketing initiatives for Northern Ireland (NI) beef and lamb. In addition to monies derived from levies to the LMC in respect of all cattle and sheep slaughtered in NI, the LMC's marketing activities are funded by resources obtained from the European Quality Beef (EQB) programme and the Red Meat Strategy (RMS) monies obtained from DARD and the EU Peace and Reconciliation Fund. A total of £140,280 (60% of agreed expenditure), was obtained under the EQB in the year 2000. A total of £4.9m is being spent on the RMS, which covers both beef and lamb, over a 3 year period commencing January 1999. Further funding of £125,580 (i.e. 60% funding) is currently being sought under the EC Beef Information Campaign. Promotional activity is undertaken by the LMC on a NI, GB and international basis. The benefits of such activities will relate to all producers and processors in Northern Ireland including those within the constituency of Strangford. Cattle Production Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) which area of Northern Ireland produces the largest amount of beef and (b) how much beef is produced in that area. (AQW 171/01) Ms Rodgers: Statistics are not maintained on the geographical distribution of cattle coming forward for slaughter. However some impression of production may be gained from the attached table (Annex A) giving the numbers of beef cows and total cattle for each District Council area and from the attached map (Annex B) showing the distribution of total cattle by District Council area. (Copies of Annex A and B are available from the Assembly Library.) Livestock and Meat Commission Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the assistance given to promote Northern Ireland's beef. (AQW 172/01) Ms Rodgers: The Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) is responsible for the development and implementation of generic marketing initiatives for Northern Ireland (NI) beef and lamb. In addition to monies derived from levies to the LMC in respect of all cattle and sheep slaughtered in NI, the LMC's marketing activities are funded by resources obtained from the European Quality Beef (EQB) programme and the Red Meat Strategy (RMS) monies obtained from DARD and the EU Peace and Reconciliation Fund. A total of £140,280 (60% of agreed expenditure), was obtained under the EQB in the year 2000. A total of £4.9m is being spent on the RMS, which covers both beef and lamb, over a 3 year period commencing January 1999. Further funding of £125,580 (i.e. 60% funding) is currently being sought under the EC Beef Information Campaign. Promotional activity is undertaken by the LMC on a NI, GB and international basis. The benefits of such activities will relate to all producers and processors in Northern Ireland including those within the constituency of Strangford. Fishing Vessel Decommissioning Scheme Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the current position with regard to the decommissioning of fishing vessels. (AQW 184/01) Ms Rodgers: I am pleased to advise that I am announcing the introduction of a £5m Fishing Vessel Decommissioning Scheme today. Tie-up Scheme Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail what steps she is taking in the current financial year to ensure a tie-up scheme is available to fishermen. (AQW 185/01) Ms Rodgers: I have not discussed the possible introduction of a tie-up scheme with colleagues in other devolved legislatures. However an assessment is being carried out on the impact in Northern Ireland of the stock recovery programmes with a view to informing future discussions with my GB Ministerial colleagues on the question of compensation. Cod Recovery Programme Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail what action has been taken by her Department to facilitate a meeting between fishermen and scientists to debate the Cod Recovery Programme. (AQW 186/01) Ms Rodgers: A meeting is being organised by my officials at which both fishing industry representatives and scientists will be present. One item on the agenda for discussion will be the Cod Recovery Programme. Port Facilities Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her plans to improve the port facilities at Portavogie, Ardglass and Kilkeel. (AQW 187/01) Ms Rodgers: In addition to the Kilkeel Integrated Development Plan, the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority have put forward a number of additional development projects at Portavogie, Ardglass and Kilkeel. Currently discussions are taking place with the Harbour Authority on these additional projects in relation to their funding and prioritisation. Recruitment to the Fishing Industry Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail what steps are being taken to help with the recruitment of fishermen into the fishing industry. (AQW 188/01) Ms Rodgers: I understand a task force involving the Sea Fish Industry Authority and fishermen's organisations in the UK has been set up to address a recruitment to the fishing industry. Its objective is to review recruitment issues for the fishing sector with the aim of arriving at a strategy for dealing with recruitment. Tie-up Scheme Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline her discussions with other devolved legislatures in relation to the introduction of a tie-up scheme. (AQW 196/01) Ms Rodgers: I have not discussed the possible introduction of a tie-up scheme with colleagues in other devolved legislatures. However an assessment is being carried out on the impact in Northern Ireland of the stock recovery programmes with a view to informing future discussions with my GB Ministerial colleagues on the question of compensation. Livestock Marts Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, in relation to foot-and-mouth disease, to detail (a) what compensation payments have been paid to the agri-business sector (b) whether payments were made to Livestock Marts and (c) whether Livestock Marts will be eligible for rate relief as a result of enforced closure. (AQW 200/01) Ms Rodgers: Compensation payments totalling around £7.2m have been made to the agri-business sector for animals and materials destroyed during the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks. Livestock Marts are not eligible for such compensation payments but, because they were prohibited from carrying on their business between 1 March 2001 and 31 July 2001, are eligible for rate relief for that period under the Help for Business Scheme. TOPCULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE Regional Motor Sports Facility for Northern Ireland Report Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to give his assessment of the recommendations contained in the report "Regional Motor Sports Facility for Northern Ireland" particularly those concerning the termination of local races such as the Carrowdore 100. (AQW 173/01) The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): I recognise that some of the recommendations of the Report are contentious but it would not be appropriate for me to offer a specific comment in advance of the further consideration that will be given to this issue by the governing bodies and Sports Council during the course of a strategic review, which should be completed by the beginning of next year. International Motor Sports Ltd Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail what expertise "International Motor Sports Ltd" has in the field of road racing. (AQW 174/01) Mr McGimpsey: International Motorsports Limited (IMS) are the commercial arm of the Royal Automobile Club Motor Sports Association (MSA), the governing body of motor sport for the United Kingdom. They have a wide spread of motor sports expertise and the variety of activities undertaken by the company include circuit safety and design, circuit operation and motor sport consultancy management. TOPEDUCATION Telecommunications Masts : School Property Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Education to make it his policy to have telecommunication masts removed from school property. (AQW 155/01) The Minister of Education (Mr McGuinness): The erection and removal of telecommunications masts is a matter for individual school authorities and I have no plans to change this. Grade Guarantees Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the total number of pupils who achieved the required 11+ grade to gain entry into the grammar school of their choice but were refused a place due to over-subscription. (AQW 166/01) Mr McGuinness: No grade guarantees admission to a grammar school. Some schools can only admit Grade A applicants; others can admit applicants with lower grades. Figures for admission to grammar school in September 2001 are not yet available. In September 2000 admissions there were 10,043 applications; 8,998 were admitted to grammar schools; 1,045 applicants did not obtain a place. Antrim Stadium : Sports Activities Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) those schools that currently use the Antrim Stadium for sports activities and (b) the amount of financial assistance he allocates to the Stadium. (AQW 203/01) Mr McGuinness: My Department does not collect any information on the use by schools of the Antrim Stadium for sports activities, nor is it responsible for funding the Stadium. Local Specialist Courses Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister of Education to make it his policy to support local specialist courses which enhance the educational provision for children, such as the MSc (Teaching Visually Impaired Learners) course at The Queens University, Belfast. (AQO 183/01) Mr McGuinness: My Department has been supporting, in conjunction with the Royal National Institute for the Blind, Queen's University, Belfast and the Education and Library Boards, a pilot project involving this M Sc course which started in September 2000 and is due to finish in August 2002. In consultation with the Boards my Department will also be considering the need for and viability of other local specialist courses. TOPEmployment and Learning Enrolment Figures Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the current enrolment figures at the Ards Institute for Further and Higher Education. (AQW 175/01) The Minister for Employment and Learning (Dr Farren): Enrolment figures for the 2001-02 academic year are not yet available. During the 2000-01 academic year there were 1,944 (737 full-time and 1,207 part-time) enrolments at the Newtownards campus of North Down & Ards Institute of Further and Higher Education. Further Education Colleges Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail what steps are being taken to attract students to enrol at the Ards Institute for Further and Higher Education. (AQW 197/01) Dr Farren: The marketing and promotion of Further Education colleges in order to attract students to enrol is a matter for each individual college. However my Department has established a Marketing Working Group to look at the wider issues surrounding the marketing of the FE sector. Student Poverty Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline what plans he has to alleviate student poverty in view of the introduction of tuition fees. (AQW 201/01) Dr Farren: Because of changes, which I introduced this year, over 50% of Northern Ireland higher education students will not pay any tuition fees at all and many more will pay less than before. I will also introduce next year bursaries of up to £1,500 for students from less well off families. The Access Funds of higher education institutions continue to provide help for students in financial difficulties. Basic Skills Strategy Mr John Dallat asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail (a) the estimated timetable for publishing the Basic Skills Strategy; and (b) the timetable for implementing the strategy. (AQO 180/01) Dr Farren: (a) The draft strategy will be published for consultation in December 2001 and finalised in April 2002. In tandem with the consultation exercise there will be extensive pilots of the new curriculum and standards; and (b) the timetable for full implementation is September 2002. Number of Erasmus/Socrates Students Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline recent trends in the number of Erasmus/Socrates students in terms of both those coming to Northern Ireland Higher Education Institutions and those leaving to study elsewhere in Europe. (AQO 167/01) Dr Farren: In the last four complete academic years the number of Erasmus students coming to NI has remained at a fairly constant level of circa 500 each year. The number of Erasmus students leaving NI has also remained at a fairly constant level of circa 300 each year. University Places Mr Sean Neeson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail (a) the number of available places for first year undergraduate students at the University of Ulster in 2001-02; and (b) how many students have enrolled. (AQO 174/01) Dr Farren: The number of available places for first year undergraduates at the University of Ulster is 4,529. Enrolment is currently taking place so a figure is unavailable, but the University expects to fill all places. Business Renewal Programme Mr Joe Byrne asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail how many businesses in the tourist and hospitality sector have received training through the North/South training programme. (AQO 176/01) Dr Farren: I presume that the question relates to The Business Renewal Programme, which is one of three initiatives announced by the NSMC in Tourism. This programme has now been completed and a total of 74 businesses have participated, ranging from hotels, restaurants and guesthouses to cruise hire and visitor attractions. Student Accommodation Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister for Employment and Learning, what discussions he has had with the governing bodies of Universities, concerning the shortage of on-site Halls of Residence; and to make a statement. (AQO 172/01) Dr Farren: I have not held any discussions on this issue with the universities' governing bodies. In line with UK practice my Department does not provide funding for student accommodation. TOPENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT Business Start Programme Mr Boyd Douglas asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the steps he is taking to ensure job growth in rural areas. (AQW 178/01) The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): The Business Start Programme, currently in the final stages of development, is intended to target those interested in self-employment and will for the first time accommodate part-time businesses. This development is to specifically address the potential of part-time businesses in rural areas. We are working closely with DARD on the Leader+ Programme to ensure the efforts of both Departments to stimulate the rural economy are complimentary. Compensation Measures for Small Retail Businesses Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail his plans in relation to the provision of compensation measures for small businesses within South Belfast due to the influx of large supermarket developments. (AQW 199/01) Sir Reg Empey: The focus of my Department is on firms in the manufacturing and tradeable services sectors. I do not have any plans for compensation measures for small retail businesses. NI Euro Preparations Forum Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail what assessment he has made in relation to retailers and tourist promotional agencies displaying and advertising their products in Sterling and Euros; and to make a statement. (AQO 170/01) Sir Reg Empey: The initial findings of a survey, commissioned recently by the NI Euro Preparations Forum, show that there is still a worryingly low level of euro preparedness amongst Northern Ireland businesses, particularly small businesses in the retail and hospitality sector. Advice on euro preparedness including dual pricing, in euros and pounds, will be given to local businesses in a series of euro roadshows being organised by the Forum over the next few months. TOPENVIRONMENT Planning Applications : South Belfast Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail his policy with regard to the proliferation of planning applications seeking approval for the erection of apartments within the constituency of South Belfast. (AQW 165/01) The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): My Department has a duty to determine applications submitted and cannot refuse to accept or consider properly made applications. It has accordingly no control over the volume or growth of applications for any particular type of development including apartments. My Department has been endeavouring to strengthen policy coverage in dealing with proposals for new housing development within established residential areas. We consulted with the Department for Regional Development in the preparation of the Regional Development Strategy. In consequence the RDS, while supporting the need to increase brownfield housing development, also flags up the need to ensure that this does not result in 'town cramming'. The Strategy states that the aim of achieving an overall increase in town densities must not however be interpreted as a broad mandate to try and force over-developed and unsympathetic housing schemes into established residential areas. For our part, my Department has published PPS7 'Quality Housing Developments'. This 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. Policies in PPS7 state that in established residential areas proposals for housing development will not be permitted where they would result in unacceptable damage to the local character, environmental quality or residential amenity of these areas. It also requires proposals for new residential development to take account of the specific circumstances of each site, and developers, in preparing layouts, will have to have greater regard to the site context, in particular the characteristics of land form and the townscape or landscape setting, and the need for these elements to be integrated into the overall design concept. PPS7 also makes provision for Development Plans to identify local design requirements for new residential development. I also understand that the Department for Regional Development intends to provide further guidance on this subject through a proposed Regional Planning Policy Statement, 'Housing in Settlements'. My Department is also in consultation with that Department on the preparation of this Statement, which is expected to issue for public consultation early next year. My Department has also published for public consultation a draft Development Control Advice Note 8 on small unit housing development. This sets out supplementary planning guidance to intending applicants on the Department's planning policies as they apply to proposals for apartment and other small unit housing development within established residential areas. Finally, my Department has started work on a new Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan. This will consider the scale and location of new housing development in the South Belfast area. We hope to publish an Issues paper for consultation and discussion later this year. The plan preparation process will afford the opportunity for the public to raise locational issues for consideration by the Plan team. TOPFINANCE AND PERSONNEL EU Structural Funds : North Belfast Mr Nigel Dodds asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the amount of EU structural funds that were spent in the constituency of North Belfast in each year from 1997 to 2001. (AQW 168/01) The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): The amount of EU structural funds that were spent in the constituency of North Belfast were:
1. Figures are not finite as expenditure on PEACE I still on-going. 2. *In 1997 £7,171,603 of total spend fell under the Single Programme Document and relates to the Belfast Sewerage Treatment Works Stage 3. TOPHEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY Health Service : Private Sector Involvement Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail any evaluations that have been or are currently being carried out in respect of the benefits of private sector involvement in the Health Service. (AQW 108/01) The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): Evaluation of private sector involvement in the provision of health and social services is undertaken to explore the potential for private investment in specific projects. The private sector offers only one of the options for procurement in the health and social services and a detailed financial evaluation is made to demonstrate value for money and transfer of risk against procurement from within the public sector. Déantar measúnú ar pháirt na hearnála príobháidí i soláthar seirbhísí sláinte agus sóisialta le hionchas na hinfheistíochta príobháidí i scéimeanna ar leith a scrúdú. Ní hí an earnáil phríobháideach ach ceann de na roghanna leis na seirbhísí sláinte agus sóisialta a sholáthar agus déantar mionmheasúnú airgeadais le luach an airgid agus aistriú an bhaoil in éadan soláthair ó laistigh den earnáil phoiblí a léiriú. Home Helps Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of home helps currently employed by each Trust. (AQW 151/01) Ms de Brún: The information is detailed in the table below. Figures refer to the quarter ending June 2001. Home Helps by Trust
1. This relates to the number who worked during the quarter. Miondealaítear an t-eolas seo sa tábla thíos. Baineann figiúrí leis an cheathrú ag críochnú Meithimh 2001. Cuiditheoirí Baile De Réir Iontaobhais
1Baineann seo leis an líon a d'oibrigh le linn na ceathrún. Home Helps Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail how many home helps are provided for the purpose of making hot food. (AQW 152/01) Ms de Brún: This information is not collected centrally. Ní bhailítear an t-eolas seo go lárnach. MRI Scans Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the number of patients currently awaiting MRI scans and (b) what action is being taken to cut the waiting time. (AQW 153/01) Ms de Brún: (a) At 1 August, 2130 patients were awaiting MRI scans. (b) A number of measures have been taken to reduce waiting times for MRI scans for patients. Last December, I initiated an Imaging Modernisation Programme which identified, as a key priority, the expansion of MRI provision. I also announced funding for an MRI scanner at Altnagelvin Hospital and the procurement process for this scanner is now under way, with tenders and evaluation due shortly. The New Opportunities Fund's decision earlier this year to fund an additional three MRI scanners, which will be sited at the Ulster, Antrim, and Craigavon Area Hospitals, will also have a significant effect. In the meantime, a mobile MRI unit had been providing a scanning service for the Northern and Western Board areas to help reduce waiting lists there. Additional scanning capacity from a mobile unit is also continuing at the Royal Victoria Hospital. (a) Ar 1 Lúnasa, bhí 2130 othar ag fanacht ar scantaí MRI. (b) Rinneadh roinnt beart le hamanna feithimh le haghaidh scantaí d'othair a laghdú. I mí na Nollag anuraidh, chuir mé tús le Clár Nuachóiriú Íomhánna, a shonraigh fairsingiú soláthar MRI mar phríomhthosaíocht. D'fhógair mé maoiniú fosta do scanóir MRI in Otharlann Alt na nGealbhán agus tá an próiseas leis an scanóir seo a fháil faoi lánseol anois, le tairiscintí agus measúnú le teacht ar ball. Beidh tionchar mór fosta ag cinneadh Chiste Deiseanna Nua, a rinneadh níba luaithe i mbliana, le trí scanóir MRI breise a bheidh suite in Otharlann Uladh, Aontroma agus Chreag na hAbhann, a mhaoiniú. Idir an dá linn, bhí ionad gluaisteach MRI ag soláthar seirbhíse scanta do cheantar Bhord an Tuaiscirt agus an Iarthair araon chun liostaí feithimh ansin a laghdú. Tá áis bhreise scanta á soláthar go fóill fosta ó ionad gluaisteach in Otharlann Ríoga Victeoiria. Telecommunication Masts : Hospital Properties Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to make it her policy to have telecommunication masts removed from hospital properties. (AQW 154/01) Ms de Brún: The research programme recommended in the Stewart Report, to which I referred in my previous answer (AQW 2236/00), is going ahead and I will keep this issue under review in the light of the research findings. Tá an clár taighde molta i dTuairisc Stíobhaird, a ndearna mé tagairt di sa fhreagra roimh ré a thug mé ar (AQW 2236/00), faoi lánseol agus coinneoidh mé an cheist seo faoi athbhreithniú mar gheall ar thorthaí an taighde seo. Sperrin Lakeland Trust : Occupational Therapists Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 3538/00, to indicate if additional occupational therapists have yet been deployed on housing adaptation assessments by the Sperrin Lakeland Trust and, if so, how many. (AQW 160/01) Ms de Brún: Sperrin Lakeland Trust advises that additional occupational therapists have not yet been deployed on housing adaptation assessments. It expects two additional therapists to be in post by the end of January 2002. Cuireann Iontaobhas Speirín Tír na Lochanna in iúl nár cuireadh teiripeoirí saothair breise isteach ar mheasnúnuithe ar oiriúnú tithíochta go fóill. Tá sé ag súil go mbeidh beirt bhreise de theiripeoirí fostaithe roimh dheireadh Eanáir 2002. Doctors Rev Robert Coulter asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail her policy on determining how many doctors, by specialty, are trained in teaching hospitals for employment in the Health Service. (AQW 167/01) Ms de Brún: The Department determines the numbers of doctors in higher specialist and GP vocational training to assure the supply of consultants and GPs. The Department conducts regular reviews of consultant and GP numbers, examines levels of demand and seeks specialist advice on future developments with a view to matching output from the training programmes with the HPSS requirements for career grade doctors. An Roinn a dhéanann cinneadh ar líon na ndochtúirí i sainoiliúint níos airde agus in oiliúint ghairmiúil ghnáthdhochtúra chun soláthar lianna comhairleacha agus gnáthdhochtúirí a chinntiú. Déanann an Roinn athbhreithnithe rialta ar líon na lianna comhairleacha agus na ngnáthdhochtúirí, scrúdaíonn siad leibhéil na ráchairte agus iarrann siad ar chomhairle ó shaineolaithe ar fhorbairtí amach anseo de gheall ar aschur ó na cláracha oiliúna a mheaitseáil le riachtanais na SSSP do dhochtúirí grád gairme. Homefirst Community Trust Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety whether she could confirm that Homefirst Community Trust has been instructed to live within its means and no further overspend or bail out monies allowed and, if so, to detail the Trust's contingency plans to live within their existing budget. (AQW 236/01) Ms de Brún: All Trusts must achieve financial stability and live within the resources available so that my Department, like others, does not spend more than its Departmental expenditure limit. Several Trusts, including Homefirst Community Trust, have been involved in the preparation of financial Contingency Plans to achieve this aim. My Department is currently evaluating these plans and, since they have not yet been approved, it would be inappropriate of me to detail the proposals at this time. Ní mór do na hIontaobhais uile seasmhacht airgeadais a bhaint amach agus gan a mála bheith níos mó ná an soláthar atá ar fáil, sa dóigh nach gcaithfidh an Roinn s'agamsa, cosúil le Ranna eile, níos mó ná a cailc Rannach chaiteachais. Bhí roinnt Iontaobhas, Iontaobhas Phobal Homefirst san áireamh, páirteach ag ullmhú Pleananna Teagmhasacha airgeadais leis an aidhm seo a bhaint amach. Tá an Roinn s'agamsa ag measúnú na bpleananna seo faoi láthair agus ar an ábhar nár formheasadh go fóill iad, bheadh sé mícheart domsa mionchuntas a thabhairt ar na moltaí ag an am seo. TOPREGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (a) any meetings he has had with the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) in the past twelve months and (b) any planned meetings with NIIRTA in the next six months. (AQW 114/01) The Minister for Regional Development (Mr Campbell): In the last year I received one request for a meeting with Northern Ireland Independent Retail Association. That request was conveyed to me in a letter from Brian Gray the Chief Executive of the Association on 21 May 2001. In my reply of 6 June, I confirmed that I would be willing to meet a delegation from the Association, but because of diary pressures I explained that it was unlikely that a meeting would be arranged before the summer break. I suggested, therefore, that officials from the Department would meet with the Association to listen to their views on issues across the retailing spectrum and to brief them on the new regional planning policy guidance for Retailing and Town Centres. I understand that a meeting took place on 21 August and it followed up two previous meetings on 14 November 2000 and 27 February 2001. All of these meetings were constructive. The last meeting in particular was timely in providing the Department with valuable input from the Association, prior to the preparation and commissioning of the retail research project, which will ultimately shape future policy. Officials have kept me informed of these discussions. Although I have not yet arranged a meeting with the Association, I will take the opportunity of updating it on the progress of the retail research project, which is due to be completed around March next year. The Association, along with other interested parties in the sector, will have an opportunity to comment on the outcome of the research project. Finally, may I take the opportunity of saying that it is extremely important that my officials and I continue to listen to the views of all stakeholders in preparing and formulating the key policy guidance flowing from the RDS. Northern Ireland Independent Retail Association Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail any requests received for meetings with the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Association in the past twelve months. (AQW 115/01) Mr Campbell: I would refer the member to the answer that I gave to AQW 114/01. Car Parks Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of car parks owned and operated by his Department in each Roads Service Division. (AQW 126/01) Mr Campbell: I have answered Written Assembly Questions AQW 126/01, AQW 127/01, AQW 129/01 and AQW 130/01 together. The details requested in these questions are contained in the attached table. CAR PARKS OWNED AND OPERATED BY DRD ROADS SERVICE
Footnotes (1) Includes car parks owned and leased by Roads Service. The car parking tariffs in these car parks are determined by Roads Service. (2) Includes car parks managed by external contractors on behalf of Roads Service. (3) Roads Service also leases one car park in Southern Division which is free to members of the public. Car Parks Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of pay and display car parks operated by his Department in each of the Roads Service Division. (AQW 127/01) Mr Campbell: I have answered Written Assembly Questions AQW 126/01, AQW 127/01, AQW 129/01 and AQW 130/01 together. The details requested in these questions are contained in the attached table. CAR PARKS OWNED AND OPERATED BY DRD ROADS SERVICE
Footnotes (1) Includes car parks owned and leased by Roads Service. The car parking tariffs in these car parks are determined by Roads Service. (2) Includes car parks managed by external contractors on behalf of Roads Service. (3) Roads Service also leases one car park in Southern Division which is free to members of the public. Car Parking Facilities Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of on-street car parking facilities operated by his Department in each of the Roads Service Division. (AQW 128/01) Mr Campbell: My Department's Roads Service provides on-street car parking facilities in all cities, towns and villages throughout Northern Ireland. These facilities are provided with and without restrictions. Charged on-street car parking facilities are, however, only provided by Roads Service Eastern Division in Belfast. These facilities comprise 1360 charged car parking spaces in 92 streets in the city centre. Car Parks Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of barrier operated car parks operated by his Department in each Roads Service Division. (AQW 129/01) Mr Campbell: I have answered Written Assembly Questions AQW 126/01, AQW 127/01, AQW 129/01 and AQW 130/01 together. The details requested in these questions are contained in the attached table. CAR PARKS OWNED AND OPERATED BY DRD ROADS SERVICE
Footnotes (1) Includes car parks owned and leased by Roads Service. The car parking tariffs in these car parks are determined by Roads Service. (2) Includes car parks managed by external contractors on behalf of Roads Service. (3) Roads Service also leases one car park in Southern Division which is free to members of the public. Car Parks Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of free car parks owned by his Department in each Roads Service Division. (AQW 130/01) Mr Campbell: I have answered Written Assembly Questions AQW 126/01, AQW 127/01, AQW 129/01 and AQW 130/01 together. The details requested in these questions are contained in the attached table. CAR PARKS OWNED AND OPERATED BY DRD ROADS SERVICE
Footnotes (1) Includes car parks owned and leased by Roads Service. The car parking tariffs in these car parks are determined by Roads Service. (2) Includes car parks managed by external contractors on behalf of Roads Service. (3) Roads Service also leases one car park in Southern Division which is free to members of the public. Railway Halt at Scarva Mr George Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail any steps being taken by Translink to upgrade the rail station at Scarva and to develop its use by rail travellers from Banbridge and the surrounding area. (AQW 138/01) Mr Campbell: Translink has advised that while it will continue to maintain the railway halt at Scarva to a safe operational standard, it has no plans to upgrade it. Translink will, however, continue to monitor passenger demand for upgrading the halt and developing its use. Helm Corporation Limited Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (a) the number of staff from Helm Corporation Limited working within Roads Service and (b) how many of those have been successful in gaining employment directly with Roads Service. (AQW 139/01) Mr Campbell: (a) There are currently four staff from Helm Corporation Limited working in Roads Service - two are employed on a part-time consultancy basis and the other two are employed as an interim arrangement to cover vacant accountancy posts; and (b) No-one from Helm Corporation Limited has been successful in gaining employment directly with Roads Service. Helm Corporation Limited Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail how much money was paid to Helm Corporation Limited in the last five years. (AQW 140/01) Mr Campbell: In the last five years, Roads Service has paid a total of £700K to Helm Corporation Limited for its services. Helm Corporation Limited Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of Roads Service staff who are currently on secondment to Helm Corporation Limited. (AQW 141/01) Mr Campbell: There are currently no Roads Service staff on secondment to Helm Corporation Limited but I understand that 2 members of staff, on career breaks, have been working with their company. Liscurry Gardens, Strabane Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 56/01, to detail, including dates, the action that Roads Service has taken to persuade the developer to complete the necessary works at Liscurry Gardens, Strabane; and to make a statement. (AQW 159/01) Mr Campbell: In addition to carrying out site visits and convening several meetings with the developer of Liscurry Gardens, my Department's Roads Service has written to the developer on eight occasions to remind him of his responsibility to complete the outstanding road works within the development so that the roads can be adopted. The letters were dated 28 February 1991, 7 October 1991, 11 November 1991, 22 February 1993, 16 January 1995, 6 February 1995, 10 June 1998 and 19 September 2001. I am now pleased to report that, subsequent to the most recent letter, the developer contacted Roads Service to advise that he will carry out emergency remedial works commencing on 1 October 2001 and begin work on the other outstanding road works by the end of October 2001. Ednagee Road, Castlederg : Resurfacing Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 3539/00, to explain why the scheme to resurface Ednagee Road, Castlederg has not yet commenced. (AQW 161/01) Mr Campbell: Officials in my Department's Roads Service have advised that the scheme to resurface Ednagee Road did not commence as originally programmed because of plant difficulties experienced by the contractor. I understand that these difficulties have now been resolved and that the contractor hopes to carry out the scheme in early October 2001. TOPSOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Accommodation : 15/16 Year Olds Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister for Social Development to detail what accommodation is available for 15/16 year old children who are put out of their own homes. (AQW 162/01) The Minister for Social Development (Mr Morrow): While the Housing Executive has responsibility for housing the homeless it does not provide accommodation specifically for 15/16 year olds. As a general rule under the Housing Selection Scheme an applicant must have attained the age of 18 years at the date of application. There are however, some exceptions to the general rule where an applicant is aged at least 16 and: a. is leaving care; b. is a person, in relation to whom a duty is owed under Article 46 of the Children (NI) Order 1995; c. has a dependant child or children; d. is married with no children; e. the applicant has an essential need for specific, independent living accommodation, because without that particular accommodation, the Applicant will have to refuse: 1. a specific offer of substantial training; or 2. a specific offer of employment Other accommodation for under 18's may be provided by voluntary sector bodies for example Barnardos Leaving Care Project, Simon Community, Starting Point, Mulholland House and Christians Providing Care. There are a number of on-going initiatives in particular the supported Lodgings Scheme which operates in the Craigavon/Banbridge Health and Social Services Trust area. In addition a small number of 16 year olds may get accommodation from other social Housing providers. The need for further provision of this type of 'supported' accommodation, the development of joint protocols between housing providers, Social Services and the voluntary sector are key issues under the Housing Executive's review of its Homelessness Strategy which was launched, for consultation, on 24 September. Housing Executive : Waiting List Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of people, within the Housing Executive District of Castlereagh, who appear on the waiting list for housing as a result of intimidation. (AQW 189/01) Mr Morrow: This is a matter for the Housing Executive, but I am advised that the number is 22. House Sales : Belvoir Estate, Belfast Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of Housing Executive houses that have been sold within the Belvoir Estate, Belfast. (AQW 190/01) Mr Morrow: This is a matter for the Housing Executive, but I am advised that the number sold is 689. Glenalva Family Unit : Funding Dr Esmond Birnie asked the Minister for Social Development to increase the level of funding made available to the Salvation Army's Glenalva Family Unit in order to provide for childcare assistance. (AQW 193/01) Mr Morrow: My Department does not fund this project. Housing Executive : Workforce Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister for Social Development to detail, by gender, the religious breakdown of the administrative workforce in the Housing Executive. (AQW 213/01) Mr Morrow: As you will appreciate the collection of data relating to religion is a sensitive issue and is collected solely to meet an employer's monitoring obligations. The table below shows the position at 1 August 2001. The figures comprise permanent salaried staff and include staff seconded out as well as those staff on career break.
Housing Executive : Code of Conduct Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister for Social Development to state whether he has sought legal opinion regarding what organisations should be declared as secret societies under section 7.6 of the Housing Executive's "Code of Conduct". (AQW 214/01) Mr Morrow: I have not sought a legal opinion, nor has the Housing Executive, which drew up the Code. That particular paragraph was taken directly from the model Code of Conduct for Local Authorities prepared by the Local Government Management Board, now Local Government Employers Organisation. The Local Government Staff Commission has also adopted this provision as part of the model which it recommends to Local Authorities within Northern Ireland. Housing Executive : Recruitment Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister for Social Development, in respect of the recent Level 4 (publicly advertised) recruitment exercise in the NI Housing Executive, to detail (a) how many persons applied for these posts; (b) how many male Protestants applied for these posts; (c) how many persons were successful; and (d) how many male protestants were successful. (AQO 161/01) Mr Morrow: While this is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive you will also appreciate that the collection of data relating to religion is a sensitive issue and is collected solely to meet an employer's monitoring obligations. The impact of the level 4 recruitment exercise on the composition of the Housing Executive's workforce as a whole, will be reflected in the annual monitoring return to the Equality Commission. I can, however, tell you that the total number of applicants was 1,325. Of these, 30% were male, 13% were male Protestant and 11% of the male Protestants were successful. The number of successful male Protestant applicants was broadly proportionate to the numbers applying. TOP |
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