Friday 19 October 2001
Written Answers to Questions

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail what proportion of the £40m allocated by the Executive Funds to improve the Trans European Network is estimated to be spent on (a) dualling the Newry section of the Newry to Dundalk road (b) completing the existing dualling scheme for the A8 Larne to Belfast road and (c) upgrading the Westlink.

(AQW 218/01)

Sir Reg Empey and Mr Seamus Mallon MP: The Executive has set aside £40 million over a number of years to ensure that the strategically important Trans European Network route from Larne to the border south of Newry is developed coherently.

The Executive agreed to use the £40 m to provide specific and sufficient allocation for the existing A8 scheme, and specific and sufficient allocation for completion of the Newry/Border section, subject to the necessary procedures. A contribution would also be provided to upgrade the Westlink.

The Executive did not determine specific amounts for each of the schemes. The details, including how the relevant projects could be pursued, their phasing and procurement, will need to be explored further.

E-Government

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail the level of funding allocated to encourage and co-ordinate e-government at a local government level in the financial year 2001-02.

(AQW 255/01)

Sir Reg Empey and Mr Seamus Mallon MP: The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister has a role in promoting e-government across the whole public sector in Northern Ireland. The Department of the Environment is responsible, however, for providing most of the central funding for local government. It is a matter for each council to determine the priority of providing services electronically and allocating existing resources accordingly.

AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Leader + Programme

Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, pursuant to the European Commission's approval of the Leader and Initiative Programme in Northern Ireland, to detail her plans for the implementation of the programme during the 2001-06 period.

(AQW 327/01)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): Following negotiations with the Commission on the draft NI LEADER + Programme, which have been ongoing since November 2000, the Commission adopted the Programme which was formally approved on 21 September 2001.

The LEADER + Programme will be delivered by locally based partnerships known as Local Action Groups. The Local Action Groups will develop strategies to address the needs and opportunities in their own rural areas.

The Northern Ireland LEADER + Programme anticipates around 12 Local Action Groups. The first stage of the competitive selection process for the Local Action Groups is currently underway. The closing date for applications was 28 September and I hope to be in a position to announce the results of the selection process by the end of November 2001.

Successful Groups will then be advised of the funding allocation awarded to them for supporting projects under Action 1 of the Programme. They will be asked to prepare and submit a business plan within no more than 3 months. The business plans will detail precisely how the Groups propose to implement their strategies.

In the interim, successful Groups will be advanced a percentage of their administration budget to allow them to operate as a LEADER + Local Action Group. The Groups will be required to provide the Department with specific information before this funding is advanced.

When Local Action Groups are awarded funding from Action 1, they will become eligible to obtain a further allocation of funding from Action 2 for inter-territorial co-operation. Groups will be invited to submit inter-territorial co-operation strategies for the use of Action 2 funding to the Department within 6 months of the award of Action 1.

Following receipt, consideration and approval of the business plans by the LEADER + Monitoring Committee the Local Action Groups will be in a position to proceed with the implementation of their approved strategies and call for project applications.

All Co-operation Strategies submitted will be considered and an allocation of Action 2 Funding awarded as appropriate.

Target timetable:

Local Action Groups will have the autonomy to award grant aid to promoters of rural development projects within their respective areas under the terms of the LEADER + Programme and their approved strategies over the 2001-2006 period. Applicants wishing to obtain funding under the Programme will make application to the appropriate Local Action Group for the area.

Responsibilities of the Local Action Group will include such activities as; promotion of the programme; development work ie to issue standardised application forms and guidance notes and to assist potential project promoters in the development of suitable projects; project selection; appeals/complaints procedures; project output, result, impact and financial monitoring; programme co-ordination and management information.

The Department in consultation with the LEADER+ Monitoring Committee will be responsible for the overall management and implementation of the Programme. The Department will seek to ensure that over the period 2001-2006 the necessary management and monitoring arrangements are in place to guarantee effective implementation of the LEADER + Programme in Northern Ireland.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) the number of sheep and cattle culled as a result of foot-and-mouth disease and (b) how were the carcasses disposed of in each case.

(AQW 352/01)

Ms Rodgers: The information requested is as follows:-

There were a total of 41,911 sheep and 4,331 cattle culled in Northern Ireland as a result of foot-and mouth disease.

Initially all carcases were burnt on site. As numbers increased the carcases of infected premises continued to be burnt and the carcases from precautionary cull sites were rendered.

GDP in 2000

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what is the contribution of agriculture to the GDP for the year 2000-01 (or nearest year available) and what is the average for the previous five years.

(AQW 354/01)

Ms Rodgers: Agriculture's contribution to GDP in Northern Ireland in 2000 was, provisionally, £464 million, or 2.6 per cent of the total. The average for the five years 1995-1999 was £547 million, or 3.5 per cent.

Cull of Lambs in South Armagh, Ardboe & Cushendall

Mr Paul Berry asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of store and fattening wether lambs which were included in the cull in South Armagh, Ardboe and Cushendall.

(AQW 397/01)

Ms Rodgers: The Department does not have the information requested on the number of store and fattening lambs culled. However the total number of sheep culled as a result of FMD was 41,911.

CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE

Clay Pigeon Shooting

Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to name the recognised governing body for clay pigeon shooting in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 326/01)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): The Sports Council recognises both the Ulster Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (UCPSA) and the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC). The UCPSA retains the franchise for selecting competitors to represent Northern Ireland in the Commonwealth Games and other International competitions and the BASC promotes the activity of Clay Pigeon Shooting.

EDUCATION

Transport for Educational Purposes in Rural Areas

Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister of Education if he has taken any steps to liaise with his colleague, the Minister for Employment and Learning, over the provision of transport for educational purposes for both school children and adults in rural areas.

(AQW 323/01)

The Minister of Education (Mr McGuinness): My Department will shortly be reviewing transport policy and will liaise with the Department for Employment and Learning in relation to the transport of pupils in further education.

Draft Programme for Government

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education what steps has he taken to secure additional funding to deliver his objectives outlined in the Draft Programme for Government.

(AQW 356/01)

Mr McGuinness: As part of its collective decisions on the Draft Budget for 2002/03, the Executive is proposing that an extra £20.5m be allocated to the Education budget compared to previous plans, giving an overall increase of 4.8% over the current year.

New Capital Build

Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to the Draft Public Expenditure Plans 2002-03 announced on 25 September 2001, to detail how much will be invested in new capital build.

(AQO 254/01)

Mr McGuinness: The Draft Public Expenditure Plans for 2002-03 announced on 25 September provide £106 million for schools' capital works. This amount is to cover new capital build, on-going capital works and other areas of capital expenditure. The new capital build programme will be determined early next year in light of the funds likely to be available in 2002-03 and subsequent financial years.

Joined-Up Government

Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister of Education what steps he has taken to further the aim of "joined-up government" as set out in the Programme for Government.

(AQO 289/01)

Mr McGuinness: My Department's responsibility for the education of children and young people has always required us to identify and develop those connections with the work of other Departments and agencies which will lead to real improvement in our services. The wide range of collaborative activity in which we are currently involved will enable us to play a full part in realising the Executive's aim.

School Transport

Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of Education what discussions he has held with the education and library boards concerning the provision of school transport; and to make a statement.

(AQO 266/01)

Mr McGuinness: My Department is in regular contact with the education and library boards concerning the provision of home to school transport.

Most recently my Department has sought the views of the boards on the Environment Committee's report on 'Transport Used for Children Travelling To and From School', and will take account of these views in its response to the Committee.

Pupil Teacher Ratios

Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister of Education to make a statement on pupil/teacher ratios in primary and post primary schools.

(AQO 272/01)

Mr McGuinness: The 2000/01 pupil:teacher ratio in primary schools was 20.2 and in post-primary schools was 14.5.

Under Local Management of School (LMS) arrangements, decisions on the number of teachers to be employed in any school are a matter for the school's Board of Governors, taking account of curricular and other requirements and the level of resources available.

Conference on Human Rights in Education

Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister of Education if there has been any feedback from the conference on Human Rights in Education; and to make a statement.

(AQO 282/01)

Mr McGuinness: Feedback received so far from the conference on Human Rights in Education held on 26 September 2001 has been very positive. As I said in my address to the Conference, my Department intends to produce a post-conference report which will focus on the issues raised by those who attended and took part in the Conference Workshops. In light of this, I will be considering what further needs to be done to raise the profile of human rights issues in education.

Review of Post Primary Education

Mr Gerry McHugh asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) when he intends to publish the Review of Post Primary Education and (b) the timescale for implementing the Review's recommendations.

(AQO 292/01)

Mr McGuinness: I expect shortly to receive the report of the independent review body and I will want to undertake the widest possible consultations on the issues it raises before bringing any proposals for change.

Education for Mutual Understanding

Mr John Kelly asked the Minister of Education what is being done in schools to raise awareness of issues such as unequal development, poverty and conflict within and between countries.

(AQO 288/01)

Mr McGuinness: The Curriculum here includes a number of compulsory cross-curricular themes. One such theme: Education for Mutual Understanding (EMU), is about fostering self-respect, respect for others, and the improvement of relationships between people of differing cultural traditions.

One of the key objectives of EMU is Understanding Conflict, where pupils learn about and understand the nature of conflict within and between societies, the reactions to conflict and the reduction of conflict. Pupils will learn about, in particular, the nature of conflict here, and will compare possible reasons for this with possible reasons for conflict in other parts of the world.

Through the cross-curricular theme of Economic Awareness pupils will also learn about imbalances between nations, in trade and living standards, and the effect of economic development on the living standards in different countries.

The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) are currently undertaking a review of the curriculum here and they will be considering how these issues will be incorporated into the new curriculum in the context of local and global citizenship.

Education for Mutual Understanding

Ms Pauline Armitage asked the Minister of Education to outline his plans to encourage school visits to museums and cultural exhibitions to promote mutual understanding and community relations at a young age.

(AQO 253/01)

Mr McGuinness: Schools have for years visited museums and cultural exhibitions to promote mutual understanding and community relations at a young age. This is currently facilitated under the Schools' Community Relations Programme. I will continue to encourage these visits.

Sex Education

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education to explain why board representatives, local churches and MLA's were not consulted in the formulation of the curriculum on sex education.

(AQO 250/01)

Mr McGuinness: Sex education is a particularly sensitive issue and as such a wide range of groups were consulted prior to the production of the Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) guidance for both primary and post primary schools. Copies of the draft proposals were sent out to Education and Health Boards, Churches, schools, CCMS, teachers unions and many other organisations and individuals.

While the guidance has only been issued recently, the consultation process took place prior to the devolution of powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly on 2 December 1998. The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) did, however, place a public notice in a local newspaper on 17 November 1998 inviting comments from interested individuals, groups and organisations.

Education for Mutual Understanding

Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Education to outline his plans to develop further a community relations programme through Education for Mutual Understanding (EMU) at both primary and secondary level; and to make a statement.

(AQO 260/01)

Mr McGuinness: The Schools' Community Relations Programme is designed to promote community relations in schools at primary and secondary level and to provide a valuable dimension to EMU in the curriculum. The Programme has now been in place for some fifteen years and, while during that time it has made a valuable contribution to enhancing relationships between different types of school, my Department has commissioned a Review, to ensure that it is continuing to meet its objectives in full. When the Review's final report is to hand, I will wish to consider the best way forward.

EMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING

University of Ulster Access to Library Facilities

Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if he will ensure that students who have to travel from the Magee Campus to Jordanstown for books, could be facilitated at the local campus.

(AQW 313/01)

The Minister for Employment and Learning (Dr Farren): The University of Ulster, like all universities in the UK, is an autonomous body responsible for its own policies and procedures. As such, I cannot intervene in its internal operations.

My officials have consulted Library staff in the University who have stated that the Library provides a comprehensive range of services to facilitate off campus access. Staff there will be more than happy to provide details of what is available and to investigate the cause of your concern if you would care to provide them with more information.

Foundation Degree Pilot Programmes

Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if he will (a) give details of the pilot project to replace HNDs, (b) which colleges are running the pilot and (c) how many students have enrolled.

(AQW 314/01)

Dr Farren: (a) I assume that the Member is referring to the Foundation Degree pilot programmes which are being delivered by university led consortia involving FE colleges and employers and are in leading edge industries such as Information Technology disciplines.

(b) Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education

East Antrim Institute of Further and Higher Education

Newry & Kilkeel Institute of Further and Higher Education

North Down & Ards Institute of Further and Higher Education

North East Institute of Further and Higher Education

North West Institute of Further and Higher Education

Omagh Further Education College

(c) Seventy full-time and sixty part-time students have enrolled for the 2001/02 Foundation Degrees courses. Foundation Degrees are not viewed as replacing HNDs; they are different from HND/HNC(s) because of the "Core" elements they contain which include specific skills training underpinned by rigorous academic learning; employer involvement in delivering work relevant skills; and that the degrees should be transferable and must provide a route for students to progress to honours degree level.

Composition of FE Governing Bodies

Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if he has any plans to extend the composition of FE governing bodies to include the community voluntary sector and trade unions.

(AQW 315/01)

Dr Farren: The term of the present Governing Bodies of further education colleges expires on 31 March 2002. My Department is presently considering the arrangements for their reconstitution which will be taken forward in accordance with the Further Education (NI) Order 1997. Schedule 3 of the Order sets out the composition of a Governing Body. Fifty percent or more are persons engaged or employed in business, industry or any profession. Other members are the Principal; one or two staff members elected by the staff; one student elected by the students, two persons nominated by the ELB for the area in which the college is situated; and not more than 2 persons co-opted by the other members. My Department intends to review governance of FE colleges during the next term of the governing bodies.

Travelling Community

Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister for Employment and Learning how many members of the Travelling Community are enrolled at FE colleges and Institutes of Higher Education and what steps have been taken to encourage members of the Travelling Community to access third level education.

(AQW 316/01)

Dr Farren: In 2000/01 no students declared themselves as being from the Travelling Community at the FE colleges and the University of Ulster. Queens' University, St Mary's University College and Stranmillis University College will collect this information from 2002/03. My student support proposals, especially the introduction of means-tested bursaries and my support for a range of actions by the universities are designed to enhance the opportunities of those from disadvantaged backgrounds to access higher education on an equal basis. A number of activities are in place across the further education sector related directly to the needs of the Travelling community using funding under the Access Initiative Fund as well as the Basic Skills Unit's Innovation Fund.

NVQ Level 2

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to advise of the percentage of students who gained NVQ level II and were subsequently successful in gaining full time employment with their original training providers.

(AQW 325/01)

Dr Farren: My Department does not collate data in respect of trainees who progress to employment with their original work placement provider. The latest figures, as at July 2001, indicate that of those young people who started training during the period April 1999 to March 2000 and had gained a NVQ Level 2, 68% have subsequently been successful in gaining full-time employment. That figure includes 52% who progressed to employment in a Modern Apprenticeship.

ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT

Aerospace Sub-Contract Work

Mr Jim Wilson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he intends to put in place any contingency plans to extend support to companies which depend largely on sub-contracted work from the aerospace sector.

(AQW 332/01)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): LEDU and IDB, in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Aerospace Consortium, are liasing closely with those client companies which may be affected by the recent events in the United States and will consider how best their support programmes may be used to maintain their competitiveness at this difficult time.

LEDU is currently monitoring events and is in close contact with all key subcontractors to both Bombardier and the global aerospace industry to ascertain the current and future impacts of the developments, post September 11. LEDU is actively liaising and working with the Northern Ireland Aerospace Consortium to develop a way forward for the industry.

IDB has written to the Prime Minister urging him to introduce measures which would mitigate against some of the job losses recently announced by Bombardier Shorts, and which in turn would ease the pressures on the local sub-contract network.

Any business issues being raised are being actioned.

ENVIRONMENT

Display of Election Posters : West Tyrone

Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to AQW 117/01, what monitoring has been carried out by his officials in the Derg Electoral area, West Tyrone and to detail the outcome of the correspondence with individuals, party or parties who were in breach of the relevant regulations.

(AQW 306/01)

The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): As I previously explained, my Department wrote to political parties on 22 June 2001 and 2 July 2001 reminding them of the statutory regulations for the display of election posters, including the requirement that they must be removed within 14 days of the close of the relevant poll.

Monitoring of breaches of the regulations is largely based on specific complaints and requests for the removal of the posters. I am not aware of any complaints regarding a breach of the relevant regulations in the Derg Electoral area.

However, if the Member is aware of posters still being displayed in the Derg Electoral area, and wishes to provide my Department with details, I will be happy to ensure my officials follow the matter up.

Landfill

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of the Environment what action is he taking to reduce the proportion of waste that is put into landfill; and to make a statement.

(AQW 351/01)

Mr Foster: My Department published a comprehensive Waste Management Strategy for Northern Ireland in March 2000.

The Strategy sets challenging targets which are necessary to achieve sustainable waste management through the controlled reduction of landfill, waste minimisation and a significant increase in recycling and recovery. It also restricts landfill capacity to essential interim needs while District Councils prepare, and then agree with my Department, Waste Management Plans for an integrated network of recycling and recovery facilities.

The Plans will determine how Councils propose to meet the Strategy's targets for reductions in the quantity of industrial, commercial and biodegradable municipal waste going to landfill.

Increased recycling is a key alternative to landfill. My Department is working to address the main barriers to recycling which are a shortage of local markets for recycled products and a lack of reprocessing infrastructure.

The Waste Management Advisory Board, recently set up by my Department, will oversee the introduction of a Market Development Programme to stimulate demand for recycled materials and products.

A Northern Ireland Waste Arisings Report published last month by my Department's Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) concluded that that the most commonly used waste management option for waste produced by industry and commerce is still landfill.

To help companies to reduce the amount of waste which goes to landfill, guidelines have been produced by the EHS, entitled 'Guidelines for Company Reporting on Waste'; they describe the steps a business can take to measure, manage and report on the environmental impact of its waste.

Council Meetings

The Lord Kilclooney asked the Minister of the Environment what guidelines he has given about the conduct of district council monthly public meetings, is he aware that members of the NUJ are concerned that they cannot report these public meetings in full, due to the increasing tendency of the minutes of council meetings being classified as "confidential".

(AQW 360/01)

Mr Foster: Sections 23, 27 and Schedule 2 of the Local Government Act (NI) 1972 provide for admission of the public to council meetings. District Councils may determine, by resolution, whether meetings should be open or otherwise. There may be times when openness might not be in the best interest of the council or the public, due to the confidential or sensitive nature of the business or proceedings. No guidelines have issued from my Department on this subject. It is entirely a matter for individual councils to determine the most appropriate format.

Landfill Sites & Dangerous Waste

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of the Environment to make a statement in respect of the regulation of landfill sites and to outline his policy on the disposal of dangerous waste.

(AQW 364/01)

Mr Foster: In Northern Ireland there are three necessary approvals required to operate a landfill site. These are planning permission under the Planning Order (Northern Ireland) 1991, a discharge consent under the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 and a disposal licence under the Pollution Control and Local Government (Northern Ireland) Order 1978.

Any conditions attached to the above approvals are monitored and enforced by the Planning Service, the Environment and Heritage Service and District Councils respectively.

With regard to the disposal of dangerous waste, the 1978 Order makes it an offence to deposit controlled waste anywhere but on a licenced site and in accordance with any conditions applying to that particular site. The district councils operate the licencing controls and it is their duty to ensure adequate arrangements are made for the disposal of all controlled waste in their districts. In addition, controls are in place under the Special Waste Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998 requiring the keeping of records in connection with the safe management of special waste and also on restricting the mixing of different categories of special waste with waste which is not special.

General Exchequer Grant

Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to his Department's letter, Ref LGD 3/4/01, to local district councils, to detail (a) the effect of his proposal to relocate £2m from the resources element of the General Exchequer Grant across all 26 district councils, in terms of the local penny rate using 2001-02 data and (b) if he would reconsider this proposal.

(AQW 368/01)

Mr Foster: (a) The likely effect of the proposal to relocate £2m, on individual district councils which qualify for the resources element of the General Exchequer Grant, is detailed in the table below in terms of local penny rates for 2001-2002

(b) The draft budget for 2002-2003 is currently out for consultation. All comments received will be considered and the position will be reviewed as necessary.

District Council	Proposed reduction (in penny rate terms)
Antrim
Ards	2.37p
Armagh	2.72p
Ballymena
Ballymoney	2.65p
Banbridge	2.50p
Belfast
Carrickfergus	2.56p
Castlereagh
Coleraine
Cookstown	2.73p
Craigavon
Derry	2.83p
Down	2.91p
Dungannon	2.44p
Fermanagh	2.12p
Larne
Limavady	2.32p
Lisburn
Magherafelt	2.25p
Moyle	2.60p
Newry & Mourne	2.82p
Newtownabbey
North Down
Omagh	2.55p
Strabane	2.44p

Planning Stop Notices

Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of the Environment how many prosecutions have been brought for failure to comply with planning stop notices in each of the last three years.

(AQW 374/01)

Mr Foster: This information is set out below:

1999 - 2

2000 - 0

2001 - 0 (to date)

Planning Enforcement Notices

Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of the Environment how many prosecutions have been brought for breaches of planning enforcement notices in each of the last three years.

(AQW 375/01)

Mr Foster: This information is set out below:

1999 - 11

2000 - 9

2001 - 10 (to date)

Redevelopment : Glassmullin, Belfast

Ms Sue Ramsey asked the Minister of the Environment if he is aware of any plans for the redevelopment of the football pitches at Glassmullin, Andersonstown, Belfast.

(AQW 377/01)

Mr Foster: My Department is not aware of any plans for redevelopment of the site.

General Exchequer Grant

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to outline his plans for the General Exchequer Grant for local councils and will he confirm his commitment to the same level of funding as provided in the last financial year.

(AQW 381/01)

Mr Foster: The Department has a commitment in the Programme for Government to review the statutory formula for calculation of the resources element of the General Exchequer Grant to district councils, to take account of relative socio-economic disadvantage. A consultation paper setting out proposals for a new methodology issued on 21 September 2001. Primary legislation will be required to introduce any change in the existing arrangement, therefore, a new formula could not be operational before 2003/2004. General Exchequer Grant provision in the current financial year amounts to £44.7m - £19m for the resources element of the grant; and £25.7m for the derating element. As the Executive was faced with difficult choices in relation to the allocation of funds to accommodate other priorities, its draft budget for 2002/03 reduces the previous indicative allocation of £19.5m to £17.5m for the resources element and provides £27.7m to compensate councils in full for the costs of derating. General Exchequer Grant for 2002/03 is therefore, set at £45.2m compared to the total grant of £44.7m in the current financial year. The Executive's draft budget for 2002/03 is currently out for consultation.

General Exchequer Grant

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of the Environment what the proposed £2m cut in the Resources Grant payable to district councils, coupled with the revised Local Government Funding Formula, will mean in monetary terms to each one of the twenty-six local authorities.

(AQW 386/01)

Mr Foster: The impact of the reduction of £2 million in the previous indicative allocation for 2002/2003, using those district councils which qualify for the resources element of General Exchequer Grant this year, is illustrated in the table below. This is reflected in the Executive's draft budget, which is currently out for consultation. On 21 September 2001 a consultation paper issued, containing proposals for a new methodology to distribute the resource element of the General Exchequer Grant. It has no significance for allocations next year. Any new formula will require primary legislation and could not be operational before 2003/2004.

Planning Applications

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment if he will make it his policy to introduce planning regulations, similar to the Republic of Ireland, whereby planning applications are automatically approved if they are not processed within two months.

(AQW 387/01)

Mr Foster: I have no current plans to introduce new planning regulations as the Member suggests. This proposal would represent a major change in Departmental policy and practices which, in Northern Ireland, differ significantly from those in operation in the Republic of Ireland.

Programme for Government : Green Issues

Mr Edwin Poots asked the Minister of the Environment what steps he is taking to ensure all departments include "green" procurement policies in the Programme for Government.

(AQW 393/01)

Mr Foster: Prior to devolution the then Northern Ireland Departments and their Agencies were committed to greening their operations as part of the UK Greening Government Initiative.

This Initiative encouraged Departments to improve their environmental performance in housekeeping a range of activities, including their procurement arrangements. In keeping with this, the Green Guide to Suppliers of Goods and Services to Northern Ireland was issued to all departments and suppliers to provide guidelines on the integration of environmental objectives into the procurement process.

As part of the Initiative a Model Policy Statement was developed for use by departments in setting their environmental commitments.

A Northern Ireland Model Policy Statement for Greening Government Operations was also developed and circulated for discussion to the then NI Departments in April 1999. This Initiative was however overtaken by devolution.

In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government "to develop proposals for implementing improvements in public procurement" the Department of Finance and Personnel, as lead Department for public procurement policy, initiated a review of procurement policy in November 2000.

The Review report is currently out for public consultation, ending on 30 November. Among the recommendations is a proposal that the current Northern Ireland Model Policy Statement should be reissued with the support of the Executive and encouragement to put it into operation in each Department.

The report also recommends the establishment of a new Procurement Board, responsible for the development of public procurement policy. The Board would be tasked with keeping under review the procurement element of the Model Policy Statement.

World Heritage Site

Mrs Annie Courtney asked the Minister of the Environment what plans he has to ensure that the City Walls within Derry City Council area are recognised as a world heritage site.

(AQO 331/01)

Mr Foster: World Heritage Sites in Northern Ireland are a matter for my Department. However, lead policy responsibility within the UK for the operation of UNESCO's World Heritage Convention, and therefore for World Heritage Site nominations, lies with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

The current United Kingdom 'Tentative List' of World Heritage Site nominations was published by DCMS in June 1999. It contained twenty-five nominations, of which one, Mount Stewart Gardens, is in Northern Ireland.

The Tentative List is expected to remain current for some years. There are therefore no plans to seek recognition of the City Walls within the Derry City Council area as a World Heritage Site.

FINANCE AND PERSONNEL

Civil Service Absenteeism

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel, pursuant to AQW 3658/00, to estimate the additional funds that would be available for public expenditure in Northern Ireland if absenteeism levels in the Northern Ireland Civil Service followed British employee averages.

(AQW 276/01)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): I would refer to my answer to Assembly Question 277 / 01, in relation to the comparability of absenteeism figures. I would also point out that reduced absenteeism levels would mainly contribute to better performance rather than directly saving funds.

Civil Service Absenteeism

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel, pursuant to AQW 3658/00, how civil service rates of absenteeism compare to CBI's surveys on absenteeism in the private sector.

(AQW 277/01)

Mr Durkan: The overall absence rate for the NICS was 6.8% during 2000/2001 against the comparable figure of 6.9% for 1999/2000. NICS figures are calculated in terms of the percentage of available working days lost per staff year (224 days). The figures available from the CBI's postal survey on absenteeism do not provide for meaningful comparison. First they represent absenteeism across the UK in a range of private sector organisations of varying sizes. They are calculated on a different basis from the NICS and do not allow for factors such as the gender/ age profile of an organisation and volume of part-time working to be taken into account. These have been shown to have an impact on absenteeism rates. The CBI's Survey also identifies that company size is a key determinant of absence rates with the smallest firms having an absence rate some 40% less than the largest.

Scrutiny of Departmental Budgets

Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what steps are being taken to enable the Assembly and its Committees to be in a position to undertake an effective scrutiny of Departmental budgets to ensure that the actions funded meet the priorities set out in the Draft Programme for Government and constitute value for money.

(AQO 279/01)

Mr Durkan: The earlier start to this year's PFG and Budget processes, as compared to last year, has facilitated greater scrutiny of the draft PFG and Budget and will enable the Assembly to examine the links between the priorities of the Executive, departmental aims and the funds allocated to each department to achieve agreed objectives and targets.

Scrutiny of these processes and related documents, viewed alongside the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General, will enable the Assembly and its Committees to be in a better position to ensure the actions funded meet PFG priorities and constitute value for money.

Senior Civil Service Review

Mr Pat McNamee asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to outline the terms of reference for the Senior Civil Service Review.

(AQO 262/01)

Mr Durkan: The Review Team has been asked "to review the effectiveness of current policies, practices and procedures concerning appointment to and promotion within the NI Senior Civil Service to ensure that they:

• Facilitate the business objectives of Ministers and NI Departments by providing for the timely and efficient filling of posts with appropriate staff;
• Promote the NICS goal to be fully representative of the community which it serves by tackling under-representation in the NICS as quickly and as effectively as possible ;
• Address any identified obstacles to fair participation by all sectors of the community; and
• Match best practice in other major public private sector bodies in Northern Ireland and beyond;

And to examine the roles of officials and Ministers in each stage of the selection process and to consider the appropriate element of independent involvement, taking account of the statutory role of the Civil Service Commissioners, in recruitment and selection processes; and to make recommendations."

Draft Budget Allocation

Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what discussions he has held with the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety about the proposed budgetary allocation for the provision of health and social services; and to make a statement.

(AQO 265/01)

Mr Durkan: I met with the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety as part of a series of bilateral discussions with Ministerial colleagues prior to the Executive finalising the draft budget allocations. The draft budget presented to the Assembly on 25 September is the outcome of thorough discussions between Ministers and represents the collective decisions taken by the Executive on 20 September.

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