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Friday 16 November 2001 ENVIRONMENT British Midlands Move to Belfast City Airport Ms Eileen Bell asked the Minister of the Environment what assessment he has made of the consequences of British Midlands moving its flights from Belfast International to Belfast City in terms of noise levels and disturbance to local residents; and to make a statement. (AQO 367/01) The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): It will help to answer this question if I explained the background to development at the Belfast City Airport. Belfast City Airport was established at this location in 1938, but did not begin commercial transport operations until 1983. The extent of growth of the airport after 1983 and its implications for the environment formed part of the considerations during the preparation of the Belfast Harbour Local Plan 1990 - 2005 prepared under the auspices of the Belfast Urban Area Plan. The Public Inquiry into the objections to the Harbour Plan examined a number of concerns relating to the airport resulting in amendments to policies, a commitment to monitoring and proposed operational constraints to maintain the character of the airport as a regional facility. A Planning Agreement was attached to an approval for an extension to the arrivals lounge and arrivals waiting room (Ref: Z/96/0550) in 1997. It is this Agreement which still governs operations at Belfast City Airport. The main purpose of the Agreement was to ensure that the operations at the Airport would be controlled in line with the concerns addressed at the Harbour Plan Public Inquiry. Its main elements included limits on the number of Air Transport Movements in any twelve month period, limits on the number of seats on offer on scheduled flights, monitoring of noise, restrictions on the type of aircraft to be used, restrictions on night time scheduled flights and a bias in favour of approaches and take-offs over Belfast Lough Officials from my Department's met with the Belfast City Airport Authorities and were provided with an assurance that the arrival of British Midland will be accommodated, and their operations conducted, within the terms of the Agreement. Planning Applications for Single Dwellings-Co Fermanagh Mr Gerry McHugh asked the Minister of the Environment, in respect of planning applications submitted for single dwellings in rural areas of Co Fermanagh between 1997 - to date, to detail the number of applications (a) refused after initial opinion (b) granted following site meetings (c) granted after Management Board referrals (d) granted after appeal and (e) that were withdrawn. (AQW 577/01) Mr Foster: The information requested is not readily available, and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost to my Department. Areas of Special Scientific Interest & Special Protection Areas - Outer Newtownards Area Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment what plans he has to consult local people, landowners, farmers and elected representatives regarding the designation of Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and Special Protection Areas (SPA) for the outer Newtownards area. (AQW 617/01) Mr Foster: My Department is currently consulting owners and occupiers about the designation of an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) on the Outer Ards coast. Officials in Environment and Heritage Service are trying to visit every landowner that will be affected by the ASSI in order to explain the implications of the designation. These landowners will also be informed about the proposal to classify the Outer Ards coast as a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the EC Birds Directive. It qualifies for this status on account of several overwintering bird species. My officials have also made contact with both Ards and North Down Borough Councils and have offered presentations to elected members in advance of the designations being made. A presentation was recently made to councillors from the Outer Ards area. I expect the ASSI to be declared within a few weeks. All owners, occupiers and other interested parties will be notified about the ASSI and the proposal to further designate the site as an SPA. A period of three months will be allowed for representations to be made on the scientific justifications. Depending on whether there are any substantial and valid objections, I hope to be in a position to announce the classification of the SPA before the end of March 2002, to coincide with the confirmation of the ASSI. Areas of Special Scientific Interest & Special Protection Areas - Outer Newtownards Area Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment when will decisions be made regarding the designation of Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and Special Protection Areas (SPA) for the Irish Sea side of Strangford Lough and outer Newtownards area. (AQW 625/01) Mr Foster: My Department is currently consulting owners and occupiers about the designation of an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) on the Outer Ards coast. Officials in Environment and Heritage Service are trying to visit every landowner that will be affected by the ASSI in order to explain the implications of the designation. These landowners will also be informed about the proposal to classify the Outer Ards coast as a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the EC Birds Directive. It qualifies for this status on account of several overwintering bird species. My officials have also made contact with both Ards and North Down Borough Councils and have offered presentations to elected members in advance of the designations being made. A presentation was recently made to councillors from the Outer Ards area. I expect the ASSI to be declared within a few weeks. All owners, occupiers and other interested parties will be notified about the ASSI and the proposal to further designate the site as an SPA. A period of three months will be allowed for representations to be made on the scientific justifications. Depending on whether there are any substantial and valid objections, I hope to be in a position to announce the classification of the SPA before the end of March 2002, to coincide with the confirmation of the ASSI. Planning Legislation Ms Eileen Bell asked the Minister of the Environment what steps are being taken to introduce legislation to empower individuals or businesses who object to planning applications; and to make a statement. (AQO 368/01) Mr Foster: I have no plans to change existing legislation in this particular respect. Procedures and arrangements are already in place within the planning system to assist third parties to make representations, lodge objections and challenge decisions. These include the neighbour notification scheme, public advertisement of applications, District Council consultation, Article 31 public inquiries for major applications, the availability of judicial review and the ability to refer matters to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration. There are also opportunities for third parties to contribute to the preparation of development plans and the development of planning policies. On 1 November 2001 my Department announced a number of administrative measures aimed at improving overall accessibility to the planning process and enhancing an open and transparent process. These include enhanced access to the planning application file; the public availability of all representations including objections and consultation responses; provision of additional information on disputed facts; public availability of Council planning application schedules; additional information on applications Deferred by Council; and the provision of reasons relating to planning application decision notices. I have examined the case for introducing third party appeals and considered carefully the benefits and costs of such a change in planning policy. The results of this examination suggest that the introduction of third party appeals would add delay and uncertainty to the planning process and would have significant resource implications for both the Planning Service and the Planning Appeals Commission. I will, however, be keeping policy on this matter under review. Mixed Oxide Plant at Sellafield Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of the Environment what discussions he has had with his ministerial counterparts in Great Britain concerning the commissioning of the Mixed Oxide Plant at Sellafield; and to make a statement. (AQO 353/01) Mr Foster: I have as yet had no discussions with my Ministerial counterparts in Great Britain on the commissioning of the Mixed Oxide Plant at Sellafield. I acknowledge the concerns that have been expressed about a range of potential safety risks from the operation of the MOX Plant. As I said in my 30 October letter to you, my officials had written to their counterparts in the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to seek confirmation that all relevant risks were fully taken into account in the MOX decision. DEFRA's reply has just been received this morning and I have asked officials to consider its terms and to provide advice. I will of course wish to be fully satisfied that Northern Ireland's interests are sufficiently protected. As you know, neither I nor my Department has any jurisdiction over the operation of the Sellafield Plant. The decision to approve the MOX Plant was taken jointly by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Secretary of State for Health. However, before BNFL can begin operations at the MOX Plant, it is required by the terms of the nuclear site licence for Sellafield to obtain the consent of the Health and Safety Executive's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate to the introduction of plutonium into the plant. I will write to the Member when I have had an opportunity to consider the DEFRA reply and the advice of officials. Dumping in the Irish Sea The Lord Kilclooney asked the Minister of the Environment if he has received an application from Laganside Development Corporation to allow dumping in the Irish Sea and, if so, to detail the tonnage and description of material and to give his assessment of the likely impact it will have on navigation and the fishing industry; and to make a statement. (AQO 351/01) Mr Foster: My Department's Environment and Heritage Service has received an application from the Laganside Corporation for the sea disposal of 30,000 cubic metres of dredged material from the impounded tidal stretch of the River Lagan. This application is being determined under Part II of the Food and Environment Protection Act, 1985. In arriving at its determination of this application, EHS must be satisfied that sea disposal is the best practicable environmental option. I understand that the proposed disposal site for this material is at a designated disposal site in the North Channel, which was recently used by Belfast Harbour Commissioners for the disposal, under licence, of dredged material. As is the case for all applications under this Act, EHS has consulted several bodies including the Fisheries Division of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. My Department is currently considering the responses received to date. However, not all responses have yet been received. Accordingly. no decision has been taken as to whether a sea disposal licence will be granted. Best Value : District Council Services Mr David Ford asked the Minister of the Environment if he has any plans to change the proposed "Best Value" framework for improving transparency and accountability of district council services. (AQO 355/01) Mr Foster: As the Member recognises, this Bill is designed to promote transparency, accountability and consistency in the use of Council resources and in the provision of local services to Council residents and ratepayers. I have already amended my original legislative proposals in response to representations made during consultation. As a result, the Bill has been reduced from 19 clauses to 11. The truncated Bill has now passed to Committee Stage. My objectives throughout have been to create arrangements that will deliver transparency and accountability for Council residents and ratepayers and which are proportionate in not imposing excessive workload on District Councils. The Bill establishes a framework that would engage local people in consultation and would afford District Councils adequate flexibility of approach. Crucially, it makes provisions that would give ratepayers and residents assurance that the Best Value process is transparent and subject to independent audit. I believe that the Bill strikes the necessary balance. I would be disappointed if it were to be amended in ways that deprived Council residents and ratepayers of the information and independent assurance to which I believe they are entitled. Wind Farm : Limavady Mr Boyd Douglas asked the Minister of the Environment, with reference to planning application B/2000/0118/F, what assessment he has made of the environmental statement submitted in respect of the proposed "wind farm" at Altahullion Hill, Drum, Limavady. (AQO 371/01) Mr Foster: An Environmental Statement was received for an application for a wind farm development at Altahullion Hill, Drum, Limavady on 22 May 2000, and advertised on 6 June 2000. It was assessed against all prevailing planning policies and guidelines, including those laid down in the Planning Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations Northern Ireland 1999. My officials also consulted widely on the Statement. Following the initial round of consultations, my officials sought clarification on a number of points from the applicant, and re-consulted with the appropriate Agencies. Consultation responses indicated that the proposal could be approved with conditions and informatives. My Department's consideration also took into account representations made by objectors. Both the planning application and the Environmental Statement were discussed by Limavady Borough Council on 2 November 2000. Comments received from the Council on 7 November were generally in support of the proposal. On 25 June 2001, an opinion to approve this application and an associated application for an overhead power line to connect the wind farm to the National Grid, was presented to the Council. I understand that at a special meeting of the Council's Planning Committee on 13 August 2001, chaired by the Member, the Committee resolved by 9 votes to 2 to approve both applications. I am satisfied that this proposal and accompanying Environmental Statement have been very comprehensively assessed by my Department. They have also been the subject of extensive discussion and consultation with various bodies, including Limavady Borough Council. A decision notice to approve has issued, dated 5 November 2001. TOPFINANCE AND PERSONNEL Official Engagements : 7 November 2001 Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to list his official engagements for Wednesday 7 November 2001. (AQW 537/01) The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): I met with Departmental officials to discuss : Review of Office Accommodation and the policy on Dispersal of Civil Service Jobs Review of Rating Policy. Noble Indicators Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what assessment he has made of the Noble indicators, in terms of its level of accuracy and fairness, particularly towards disadvantaged rural groups, and if she has any plans to change the indicators. (AQW 568/01) Mr Durkan: The Multiple Deprivation Measures for Northern Ireland were developed by Mike Noble following an inclusive consultation process. The underlying indicators were chosen to provide a comprehensive and consistent assessment of deprivation across both urban and rural areas. They are considered to provide more direct and therefore more reliable measures of deprivation and are based on the most up-to-date information available at the time. The Measures are designed to respond flexibly to the range of need in both urban and rural areas. They are acknowledged widely as an improvement on previous approaches and there are no plans to change them. Ground Rents Act 2001 Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel when he intends to bring the Ground Rents Act 2001 into operation. (AQW 569/01) Mr Durkan: The Consultation process has now been completed and the Ground Rents Scheme should be operational by March 2002. GAP Funding re Peace II Dr Esmond Birnie asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if the recent arrangements to extend the "gap funding" allocated by the EU Special Support Programme for Peace & Reconciliation makes provision for those groups who did not apply for "Gap funding" when it first became available. (AQW 570/01) Mr Durkan: On 5 October I announced that the existing arrangements for funding provided to projects under the PEACE II Programme from last April to the end of October would be extended for a further 3 months to the end of January next year to assist projects in the community and voluntary sector which are already in receipt of Gap Funding. These arrangements were extended in recognition of the fact that it will be some weeks before applications are processed and funds are allocated to projects on the ground. These new arrangements do not make provision for those Groups who did not apply for the Gap Funding when it first became available. Full applications under the Programme will be open to any Project/Group whether in receipt of Gap Funding or not. Some Departments and Intermediary Funding Bodies have already issued calls for projects and others plan to do so over the coming weeks. Funds should be awarded to projects from December/January onwards. Aggregates Tax Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to outline (a) any discussions with Rt Hon Paul Boateng, Financial Secretary HM Treasury, in respect of the impact that Aggregates Tax could have on quarry producers in Northern Ireland and (b) what assessment he has made on the economic consequences on the introduction of this tax. (AQW 578/01) Mr Durkan: On the 23 October 2001, I met with the Rt Hon Paul Boateng, Financial Secretary (HM Treasury) to outline the adverse impact of the tax in Northern Ireland and discuss how the problem could be addressed. I am continuing to correspond with the Financial Secretary with the aim that some amelioration of the tax will be granted. I believe that the introduction of the tax will not achieve the desired environmental benefits and will result in local quarrying and related industries becoming less competitive relative to their RoI counterparts and this would result in substantial job losses. TOPHEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY Budget Allocations : Tyrone County and Erne Hospitals Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the internal budget allocations for each year from 1991-01 at (a) Tyrone County Hospital and (b) the Erne Hospital. (AQW 340/01) The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): The Department does not set budgets for individual hospitals or Trusts. Rather it allocates resources to Boards who in turn agree the level and quality of care to be delivered by local Trusts and the consequent resources required. The systematic production of budgets for individual hospitals is a matter for the Trusts concerned. Sperrin Lakeland Trust has advised me that the budgets for the Tyrone County and Erne Hospitals since the Trust's establishment in 1996 were as follows:
Notes The budget allocations for the Tyrone County and Erne Hospitals are based on reported management information and uses the specialty % analysis for each of the hospital sites in the financial years concerned. The figures are inclusive of both recurring and non-recurring allocations, and include the budgets for the laboratory and other contracts which are attributable to both hospitals. Ní shocraíonn an Roinn buiséid d'otharlanna nó d'Iontaobhais aonair. Is é an rud a dhéanann sí go ndáileann sí acmhainní ar Bhoird a chomhaontaíonn leibhéal agus cáilíocht an chúraim a sholáthróidh Iontaobhais áitiúla agus na hacmhainní iarmhartacha a bheidh de dhíth. Is ceist do na hIontaobhais dá bhfuil i gceist í socrú córasach a dhéanamh ar bhuiséid d'otharlanna aonair. Chuir Iontaobhas Shliabh Speirín agus Thír na Lochanna in iúl dom gurbh iad seo a leanas buiséid Otharlann Chontae Thír Eoghain agus Otharlann na hÉirne ó bhunú an Iontaobhais i 1996:
Nótaí Bunaítear na buiséid dáilte ar Otharlann Chontae Thír Eoghain agus ar Otharlann na hÉirne ar eolas tuairiscithe bainistíochta agus úsáideann siad an anailís speisialtachta chéatadáin do gach suíomh otharlainne sna blianta airgeadais lena mbaineann siad. Cuireann na figiúirí dálaí timthriallacha agus neamhthimthriallacha araon san áireamh, agus cuimsíonn siad na buiséid don chonradh saotharlainne agus do chonarthaí eile atá ag an dá otharlann araon. Vacant Posts : Tyrone County and Erne Hospitals Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail all current staff shortages at (a) Tyrone County Hospital and (b) the Erne Hospital. (AQW 348/01) Ms de Brún: Details of the number of vacant posts in Tyrone County and Erne Hospitals at 12 October 2001 is set out below:
The Sperrin Lakeland HSS Trust has stated that they are actively seeking to fill the vacant posts, which are at various stages of the recruitment process. Tá mionsonraí fán líon folúntas postanna in Ospidéal Contae Thír Eoghain agus in Ospidéal na hÉirne amhail an 12 Deireadh Fómhair 2001 leagtha amach thíos:
Tá sé ráite ag Iontaobhas Speirín, Tír na Lochanna go bhfuil siad gníomhach ag iarraidh na postanna folamha a líonadh, táthar ag staideanna éagsúla den phróiseas earcaíochta. Official Engagements : 7 November 2001 Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to list her official engagements for Wednesday 7 November 2001. (AQW 538/01) Ms de Brún: On the morning of 7 November I opened "Having Your Say", a conference organised by Praxis held in the Balmoral Conference Centre, Belfast. In the afternoon I visited a Healthy Living Partnership. Ar mhaidin an 7 Samhain, d'oscail mé comhdháil "Ag Fáil Do Chead Cainte" a eagraíodh ag Praxis agus a tionóladh in Ionad Comhdhála Balmoral, Béal Feirste. Sa tráthnóna, thug mé cuairt ar Pháirtíocht Mhaireachtáil Shláintiúil. Fire Authority Appointments Mr Paul Berry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety was her equality impact assessment met when appointing the Chairman and vice Chairman of the Fire Authority. (AQW 541/01) Ms de Brún: Equality impact assessments are not carried out on specific public appointments, but I am satisfied that the public appointments process used by my Department both generally and in the specific case of the appointment of the Chair and Vice Chair of the Fire Authority complies fully with the guidance of the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Ní dhéantar measúnú tionchair ar chomhionannas ar cheapacháin phoiblí ar leith, ach tá mé sásta go ndéantar próiseas na gceapachán poiblí úsáidte ag an Roinn go ginearálta agus i gcás cheapadh Chathaoirleach agus Leas-Chathaoirleach an Údaráis Dóiteáin, go ndéantar go hiomlán de réir treoir Oifig an Choimisinéara um Cheapacháin Phoiblí é. Fire Authority Appointments Mr Paul Berry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if the procedure to appoint public representatives to the Fire Authority has changed to include an interview as part of the selection process. (AQW 542/01) Ms de Brún: The Fire Services (Amendment) Order 1998, which came in to force from 1 October 2001, provides all District Councils with an equal opportunity to nominate for membership of the Board. Accordingly, each District Council was asked for nominations resulting in 26 nominations for 8 places. The Commissioner for Public Appointments' advice was that interviews of the 26 nominees would be the fairest and most appropriate way of assessing the suitability of these nominees for appointment. Interviews for the eight District Council Members have now concluded and I will make an announcement on who they will be as soon as possible. District Council Appointees by the previous sponsoring Department of the Fire Authority, the (then) Department of the Environment, were not interviewed as part of the selection process. Níor chuir an roinn roimh ré a rinne urraíocht ar an Údarás Dóiteáin (An iarRoinn Comhshaoil) iarrthóirí faoi agallamh do Bhord an Údaráis ceaptha ó Mheán Fómhair 1997. Is gnáthchleachtas sa Roinn Sláinte, Seirbhísí Sóisialta agus Sábháilteachta Poiblí é áfach iarrthóirí le ceapadh d'fhorais phoiblí a chur faoi agallamh. Úsáideadh an prionsabal seo, atá ar aon dul leis an Chód Cleachtais eisithe ag an Choimisinéir um Cheapacháin Phoiblí, i gceapadh na mball nua go léir do Bhord an Údaráis Dóiteáin ó 1 Deireadh Fómhair 2001. Maidir le hionadaithe na Comhairle Ceantair ar an Bhord, den 8 ionadaí roimhe sin, d'ainmnigh Comhairle Chathair Bhéal Feirste 4 ionadaí, agus d'ainmnigh Cumann na nÚdarás Áitiúil na 4 ionadaí eile. D'athraigh Ord (Leasú) na Seirbhísí Dóiteáin 1998, a thosaigh ag feidhmiú roimh na ceapacháin ó 1 Deireadh Fómhair, é seo chun comhdheis a thabhairt do na Comhairlí Ceantair uile ionadaithe a ainmniú do bhallraíocht an Bhoird. Mar sin de, iarradh ar gach Comhairle Ceantair ionadaithe a ainmniú agus tháinig 26 ainmniú do 8 áit as. Ba í comhairle an Choimisinéara um Cheapacháin Phoiblí go gcuirfí agallamh ar na 26 ionadaí ainmnithe mar gurbh í seo an dóigh ba chothroime agus ba chuí le hoiriúnacht na n-ainmnitheach seo do na ceapacháin a mheasúnú. Tá na hagallaimh do na 8 Comhairleoir críochnaithe anois agus déanfaidh mé fógairt, a luaithe agus is féidir, ar na hionadaithe ceaptha. Members of Fire Authority Mr Paul Berry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the membership of the current Fire Authority. (AQW 543/01) Ms de Brún: The Board of the Fire Authority comprises of a Chair, a Vice-Chair and 15 other members. Of the 15 other members, 8 are elected representatives (councillors) appointed from nominations made by District Councils. The remaining 7 members are appointed from those members of the general public who have expressed an interest in being considered for public appointment, who meet the person specification for the posts and who have undergone an interview in connection with appointment to the posts. The current membership of the Fire Authority is:- Miss Ann McLaughlin (Chair) - appointed 1 October 2001 for 4 years Mr Patrick Bradley (Vice Chair) - appointed 1 October 2001 for 4 years Mrs Rosemary Craig - re-appointed 1 October 2001 for 2 years Mrs Pamela Kane - re-appointed 1 October 2001 for 2 years Dr Sheelagh McRandal - re-appointed 1 October 2001 for 2 years Professor Jim Shields - re-appointed 1 October 2001 for 2 years Mr John Ross - re-appointed 1 October 2001 for 2 years Mr John McCosker - appointment extended for 3 months to 31 December 2001 Interviews for eight District Council members have now concluded and I will make an announcement on who they will be as soon as possible. Ar Bhord an Údaráis Dóiteáin tá Cathaoirleach, Leas-Chathaoirleach agus 15 ball eile. De na 15 ball eile, is ionadaithe tofa (comhairleoirí) iad 8 díobh ceaptha arna n-ainmniú ag Comhairlí Ceantair. Tá na 7 ball eile ceaptha ó na daoine sin sa phobal a chuir a suim in iúl sna ceapacháin phoiblí, a chomhlíon na bunriachtanais leagtha amach do na poist agus a raibh agallamh acu bainteach leis na ceapacháin do na poist. Seo a leanas ballraíocht an Údaráis Dóiteáin i láthair na huaire:- An Iníon Ann McLaughlin (Cathaoirleach) ceaptha ar 1 Deireadh Fómhair 2001 do 4 bliain An tUasal Patrick Bradley (Leas-Chathaoirleach) ceaptha ar 1 Deireadh Fómhair 2001 do 4 bliain Rosemary Bean Craig athcheaptha ar 1 Deireadh Fómhair 2001 do 2 bliain Pamela Bean Kane athcheaptha ar 1 Deireadh Fómhair 2001 do 2 bliain Dr Sheelagh McRandal - athcheaptha ar 1 Deireadh Fómhair 2001 do 2 bliain An tOllamh Jim Shields - athcheaptha ar 1 Deireadh Fómhair 2001 do 2 bliain An tUasal John Ross - athcheaptha ar 1 Deireadh Fómhair 2001 do 2 bliain An tUasal John McCosker - a bhfuil a cheapachán sínte le 3 mí go dtí 31 Nollaig 2001.
Tá na hagallaimh don ochtar ball ó na Comhairlí Ceantair críochnaithe anois agus déanfaidh mé fógairt, a luaithe agus is féidir, ar na hionadaithe ceaptha. Fire Authority Appointments : Interview Panel Membership Mr Paul Berry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the members of the interview panel for the appointment of the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Fire Authority. (AQW 544/01) Ms de Brún: Interviews for the posts of Chair and Vice Chair of the Fire Authority took place on 28, 29 and 31 August 2001. The interview panel, constituted in accordance with the Department's Public Appointment Procedures, was made up as follows: Mr Don Hill - Deputy Secretary, DHSSPS, Panel Chair Mr Jeremy Beech - former Chief Fire Officer for Kent Dr Christine Kennedy - Independent Panel Member Bhí agallaimh ann do na poist mar Chathaoirleach agus Leas-Chathaoirleach ar 28, 29 agus ar 31 Lúnasa 2001. Ar an phainéal agallaimh, tionólta de réir Ghnáthaimh Cheapacháin Phoiblí na Roinne: An tUasal Don Hill - Leas-Rúnaí, RSSSSP, Cathaoirleach An tUasal Jeremy Beech - iarPhríomh-Oifigeach Dóiteáin do Kent Dr Christine Kennedy - Ball Neamhspleách den Phainéal Members of Fire Authority : Attendance Mr Paul Berry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the names and (b) the attendance records of all members who attended meetings of the Fire Authority over the past four years. (AQW 545/01) Ms de Brún: There were 73 ordinary and special meetings of the Fire Authority over the past 4 years. Attached are the names of the Authority members over that period and details of the number of meetings attended by each.
* Resigned from Fire Authority 25 January 1999 ** Ceased to serve on Fire Authority 31 March 1999 *** Resigned from Fire Authority 24 March 1998 **** Ceased to serve on Fire Authority 1999 Bhí 73 gnáthchruinniú agus cruinniú speisialta den Údarás Dóiteáin ann thar na 4 bliain seo a chuaigh thart.
Faoi iamh tá ainmneacha bhaill an Údaráis Dóiteáin le linn na tréimhse sin agus sonraí ar líon na gcruinnithe ar fhreastail gach ball orthu.
* D'éirigh sé as an Údarás Dóiteáin ar 25 Eanáir 1999 ** D'éirigh sé as seirbhís ar an Údarás Dóiteáin ar 31 Márta 1999 *** D'éirigh sé as an Údarás Dóiteáin ar 24 Márta 1998 **** D'éirigh sé as seirbhís ar an Údarás Dóiteáin sa bhliain 1999 Number of Fire Fighters Mr Paul Berry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, by gender and religious afiliation, the number of full time fire fighters recruited by the Fire Authority over the past three years. (AQW 549/01) Ms de Brún: Since 1 January 1999, a total of 113 full time fire fighters were recruited by the Fire Authority. The gender and perceived religious affiliation of the recruits were Male 109; Female 4; Protestant 55; Roman Catholic 47; Other 11. Ó 1 Eanáir 1999, d'earcaigh an tÚdarás Dóiteáin 113 comhraiceoir lánaimseartha dóiteáin san iomlán. Seo a leanas miondealú ar chineál agus ar reiligiún na n-earcach: Fir: 109; Mná: 4; Protastúnaigh: 55; Caitlicigh Rómhánacha: 47; Eile: 11. Caesarean Births Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of caesarean births carried out in each health board in each of the past five years and, of these, the number carried out at the (i) mothers request and (ii) the doctor or consultant's request. (AQW 551/01) Ms de Brún: Information on numbers of live births by Caesarean Section in each Board is detailed in the table below.
Information on whether these operations were carried out at the request of the mother or doctor is not collected. Mionléirítear eolas sa tábla thíos ar líon na mbreitheanna beo déanta le Gearradh Caesarach i ngach Bord.
Ní bhailítear eolas ar cé acu a rinneadh na hobráidí seo ar iarratas na máthar nó an dochtúra nó nach ndearnadh. Requests for Wheelchairs : EHSSB Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the number of requests for wheelchairs in the Eastern Health and Social Services Board area over the past five years and (b) the number which have been allocated. (AQW 552/01) Ms de Brún: Wheelchairs are ordered by Community Health and Social Services Trusts from the Regional Wheelchair Service to meet the assessed needs of individual users. The numbers of wheelchairs ordered and supplied in the relevant years are as follows:
Ordaíonn Iontaobhais Shláinte Pobail agus Sheirbhísí Sóisialta cathaoireacha rothaí ón tSeirbhís Réigiúnach Chathaoireacha Rothaí le riar ar riachtanais mheasúnaithe úsáideoirí aonair. Seo a leanas líon na gcathaoireacha rothaí ordaithe agus soláthraithe bainteach leis blianta thíos:
Wheelchair Allocations Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action has been taken by the Eastern Health and Social Services Board area to ensure persons not allocated a wheelchair were provided with other options. (AQW 553/01) Ms de Brún: The mobility needs of people who do not meet the criteria for the provision of a wheelchair are assessed and individual solutions, including the provision of a wheelchair on a temporary basis, are explored. Measúnaítear riachtanais shoghluaisteachta na ndaoine nach gcomhlíonann na critéir do sholáthar cathaoireach rothaí agus scrúdaítear réitigh aonair, soláthar cathaoireach rothaí ar bhonn sealadach san áireamh. Wheelchair Allocation Over Past Five Years Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of wheelchairs available for allocation within the Eastern Health and Social Services Board area in each of the past five years. (AQW 554/01) Ms de Brún: While Community Health and Social Services Trusts hold small stocks of basic wheelchairs for urgent temporary issue, wheelchairs are otherwise ordered and supplied to meet the assessed needs of individuals. The numbers ordered and supplied in the relevant years are set out in the response to AQW 552/01. Cé go bhfuil stórtha beaga cathaoireacha bunaidh rothaí ag Iontaobhais Shlainte Pobail agus Sheirbhísí Sóisialta d'eisiúint phráinneach shealadach, ordaítear agus soláthraítear cathaoireacha rothaí le riar ar riachtanais mheasúnaithe dhaoine aonair de ghnáth. Tugtar an líon ordaithe agus soláthraithe i rith na mblianta lena mbaineann siad sa fhreagra ar AQW 552/01. |
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