Note: figures relate to a snapshot of enrolments at 1^st November 1998.

Dr Esmond Birnie asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if she will be producing a response to the University of Ulster report 'Participation Rates in Further and Higher Education'.

(AQW 1282/01)

Ms Hanna: I do not propose to produce a response to the University of Ulster report. It will be considered in conjunction with other sources of relevant information.

Dr Dara O'Hagan asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail any funding made available to Interface Europe Ltd, Craigavon for training purposes over the past two years.

(AQW 1355/01)

Ms Hanna: Interface Europe Ltd has not received any funding for training through DEL's Jobskills, New Deal or Worktrack programmes.

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Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the unemployment figures for Limavady over the last 3 years and what assessment he has made in respect of these figures.

(AQW 1171/01)

Unemployment statistics at District Council level are only available from the claimant count.

Details of claimant count unemployment in Limavady Borough Council and a comparison with Northern Ireland as a whole can be found in Table 1 overleaf.

The unemployment figure for Limavady, whilst higher than for Northern Ireland as a whole, has fallen at a similar rate.

My Department, through IDB and LEDU, and, when it is established, the new economic development agency Invest Northern Ireland, will continue to work with companies and with the Borough Council and local enterprise agencies to promote further economic activity and employment in the area.

Table 1 Number and rate of claimant count unemployed in Limavady Borough Council and Northern Ireland.

Date	Numbers Unemployed		% of the Workforce
	Limavady	Northern Ireland	Limavady	Northern Ireland
December 1998	1,207	53,952	10.9	6.8
December 1999	893	42,465	7.4	5.4
December 2000	934	39,964	7.8	5.1
December 2001	819	36,587	6.9	4.6

Critical Care Register

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (a) the number of consumers who are on NIE's Medical Care Register; (b) the number of generators supplied by NIE; and (c) contingency plans in place where demand outstrips the supply of generators to individuals on the Medical Care Register.

(AQW 1211/01)

NIE has advised that there are currently some 3,000 customers on the company's Critical Care Register. NIE uses the Register to maintain regular contact with Critical Care customers affected by planned and unplanned power outages. The main aim of the scheme, which operates 24 hours a day 365 days a year, is to provide customers with accurate and timely information about the causes of power interruptions and the likely restoration times and to discuss action which may be required to enable customers to cope with the effects of the disruptions. The vast majority of power interruptions can be managed effectively by this close personal liaison between individual customers and NIE.

On occasions NIE, following discussions with the local health agencies, may agree with customers that further assistance in the form of priority restoration action or the provision of small mobile generators is required. A total of 45 portable generators held at the 13 Customer Service Centres across Northern Ireland is available for immediate deployment which are supplemented, when required, by a further stock of 40 generators held and managed centrally. For very severe weather events contingency agreements are in place with local and national suppliers for the provision of additional generators on a hire basis. In an average week, NIE supply 5-15 generators across Northern Ireland for typically 3-6 hours duration.

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Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of the Environment if he has any plans to encourage the renovation and conversion of existing buildings within East Londonderry as opposed to new build.

(AQW 1092/01)

The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): My Department's Planning Policy Statement 6 (PPS6) entitled 'Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage' provides guidance on this matter. Policy BH 15 of PPS6 states that the Department wishes to encourage the re-use of existing buildings by sympathetic renovation or conversion for a range of appropriate uses, including tourism or recreation, small scale employment or new rural enterprises.

The policy has general application throughout Northern Ireland, and is not specific to one particular locality, such as East Londonderry.

The Regional Development Strategy for Northern Ireland 2025, recently formulated by the Department for Regional Development, supports at Strategic Planning Guideline (ENV 3.5) the retention of groups of traditional buildings in the landscape and the restoration and continued use of vernacular houses. The Department for Regional Development will be preparing a Planning Policy Statement on the Countryside. This will translate this policy guidance into operational planning policy which will form the basis of consideration of relevant planning applications.

Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment what advice he issues to district councils on the structure of public consultation regarding planning applications for (a) waste management facilities; and (b) recycling facilities.

(AQW 1161/01)

Mr Foster: Under Article 15 of the Planning (General Development) Order 1993, the Department is required to consult with relevant district councils on planning applications in their area, and take into account representations made by that council. However, the councils do not have a direct role in consulting the public on such matters. The Department does this directly through advertisement in local newspapers and by neighbour notification.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment how many planning applications for small extensions to houses have been received for each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 1165/01)

Mr Foster: Domestic extensions in Planning Service's database include Domestic Garages and Domestic Outbuildings, which include pigeon lofts.

Based on this definition, details of the number of ' Domestic Extensions' over the last 3 years are set out below:

2000 4,853

2001 5,424

Total 15,600

Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of the Environment what steps he is taking to encourage the use of period detailing in the design of (i) new buildings and (ii) replacement buildings in areas of unique townscape character.

(AQW 1170/01)

Mr Foster: 'Areas of Townscape Character' are designated because they have an identifiable character which is distinguishable from surrounding development through a combination of historical context, urban grain, street pattern, building blocks, height and massing, architectural style, building lines, views, public space, patterns of movement, landscape, topography and the nature of uses and activities.

Architectural style is only one of the range of criteria associated with such designations. Therefore, the use of period detailing in a new proposal may not necessarily address the identified character of an Area of Townscape Character. It is also important to leave room for individual creative expression, and to address contemporary concerns in architecture.

While my Department does not wish to be too prescriptive about 'period detailing' in new and replacement proposals, it will continue to ensure that whatever particular character is identified in an Area of Townscape Character, will be reflected and enhanced in the consideration of development proposals.

Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of the Environment what plans he has to limit development and exploitation on high visibility sites in scenic locations.

(AQW 1173/01)

Mr Foster: My Department is aware of the importance of protecting our scenic areas from inappropriate development, including visually prominent buildings, and has a number of policies in place to control such development and to protect such areas

'A Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland' (PSRNI) is the main Policy Document for the control of development in the countryside. Policy DES 4, which relates to Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), states that such areas are not only of high scenic quality but often of wildlife importance and rich in both cultural and architectural heritage. The objectives of an AONB designation are to conserve/enhance the natural beauty or amenity of the area and its wildlife, while ensuring that public access is provided. Countryside Assessments, which are produced as part of my Department's Development Plan process, assist in the consideration of each designated AONB to identify distinctive local landscape character types and their potential for protection, enhancement or limited development.

My Department has published the Northern Ireland Landscape Character Assessment 2000 which identified 130 landscape character areas throughout the region. This document provides a valuable database to inform the development of planning policies in development plans.

Policy DES 5 of the PSRNI stipulates that planning permission will be granted for the erection of a building on a site which can be visually integrated into the landscape ensuring that it does not spoil any scenic aspect or detract from the visual appearance of the countryside. The policy does go on to state that a new building will not be acceptable if, when viewed from surrounding vantage points, it occupies a prominent, skyline or, top of slope/ridge location.

Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of the Environment what plans he has to promote vernacular architecture for tourism development within East Londonderry.

(AQW 1174/01)

Mr Foster: Design principles for all types of development, including tourism-related developments, are set out in "A Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland". This guidance relates to developments both in urban or rural settings. In the countryside generally and particularly in designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, developers and architects are encouraged to design new buildings that respect, and where appropriate, reflect, the traditional architectural styles.

In addition, where appropriate, in towns, villages and the open countryside, my Department positively encourages the re-use of vernacular buildings for appropriate purposes, including those related to tourism, as a means of contributing to sustainable development and encouraging social and economic regeneration. Such buildings contribute directly to tourism, as they are suitable for renovation to self catering accommodation. Guidance on this matter is contained in Chapter 9 of Planning Policy Statement 6 'Planning and the Built Heritage'.

My Department's Environment and Heritage Service co-ordinates European Heritage Open Days - a Council of Europe initiative, which increases appreciation, and understanding of the built heritage through free-access visits to historic monuments and buildings throughout Northern Ireland. This has wide appeal for locals and tourists alike. As part of the programme for European Heritage Open Days 2002, theEnvironment and Heritage Service will be working with the Foyle Civic Trust to increase visitation to vernacular buildings within the East Londonderry area.

The Member will be aware that my Department has recently commenced work on the preparation of the Northern Area Plan. Any need to enhance existing policies, in response to particular local needs in the Plan Area, can be considered in the context of the new Plan.

Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to AQW 3034/00 and AQW 3035/00, to detail what progress has been made to stop illegal dumping on the Knockagh Road, Carrickfergus.

(AQW 1198/01)

Mr Foster: Further to my previous replies, I can confirm that Planning officials have now sought the advice of the Environment & Heritage Service's Water Quality Unit, and the Department for Regional Development's Roads Service, in relation to the illegal dumping being carried out at the Knockagh Road, Carrickfergus.

Investigations have also been undertaken to establish the ownership of the land in question, and the whereabouts of the landowners.

Attempts to resolve the matter by negotiation and agreement have proved unsuccessful, and formal enforcement notices will be served on the landowners this week, requiring the removal of waste materials and the restoration of the site.

Mr Gerry Kelly asked the Minister of the Environment to detail any plans to erect a telecommunications mast on the grounds of Cavehill Bowling and Lawn Tennis Club, on the North Circular Road and 642-644 Antrim Road.

(AQW 1207/01)

Mr Foster: My Department received an application for 'Prior Approval' determination on behalf of Hutchinson 3G UK Ltd on 2 November 2001, in respect of the erection of telecommunication apparatus at the Cavehill Bowling and Lawn Tennis Club. Prior approval was refused on 14 December 2001. My Department has received no further applications to date.

As regards 642-644 Antrim Road, Belfast, my Department received an application for 'Prior Approval' determination on behalf of BT Cellnet Ltd on 6 September 2001. My Department confirmed 'Prior approval' on 1 November 2001. My Department has received no further applications to date.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment if he has any plans to convene a meeting with interested groups around Larne Lough to review and discuss the future of its special protection areas (SPA); and to make a statement.

(AQW 1208/01)

Mr Foster: I have no current plans to meet with interested groups concerning Larne Lough's designation as a Special Protection Area. I am aware that there has been a number of contacts in recent years between my officials in Environment and Heritage Service and local groups including the Friends of Larne Lough, concerning a range of environmental matters.

I understand that my officials have found these meetings to be positive and helpful in fostering an awareness of the importance of the conservation interests at Larne Lough.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to AQW 866/01 and AQW 867/01, to detail how the Environment and Heritage Service intends to protect the badger sett.

(AQW 1256/01)

Mr Foster: The badger sett on the development site at Cloughey is protected by Article 10 of the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985. Under that Article, it is an offence to kill or injure a badger, or to disturb a badger whilst it is in its sett, or to damage, destroy or obstruct access to a badger sett.

Officials of the Environment and Heritage Service have informed the developer of his legal obligations and have suggested measures that he should take in order to comply with the law. These measures include the construction of a reinforced concrete deck which completely bridges the badger sett and is designed to carry all access traffic and services into the site. The measures also include a requirement that no development or disturbance of the ground surface take place within 25 metres of the badger sett entrances and that any fencing on site allows for passage of the badgers to and from their foraging areas.

EHS will monitor the development, but enforcement would be a matter for the Police Service.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (a) the relevant European legislation which will apply to the disposal of cars after 1 April 2002; and (b) any financial assistance available for local district councils to implement the new legislation.

(AQW 1274/01)

Mr Foster: In relation to (a), the relevant European legislation is the EC End of Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive (2000/53/EC). The Directive aims to reduce the amount of waste arising from scrapped vehicles. All Member States are required to transpose the Directive into national legislation by 21 April 2002.

It is unlikely that the UK will be in a position to introduce legislation implementing the Directive by the due date. However, a public consultation has already taken place in Northern Ireland as part of the UK exercise carried out in August 2001.

In light of the responses to the consultation document, discussions are continuing within Whitehall, led by the Department of Trade and Industry, to determine the best legislative and implementation options. My officials are closely involved in those discussions, including the costs in implementing the Directive.

In relation to (b), I have no plans at present to provide any additional financial assistance to local district councils for this purpose. It is not expected that implementation of the Directive will impose any new obligations on District Councils. However, concerns have been expressed that, depending on final decisions on implementation, there could be an increase in abandoned cars that could lead to additional costs for Councils. It is also likely that the costs of disposal will increase. I will bear the funding issue in mind as implementation options and associated costs become clearer.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail, by district council area, the number of cars which have been disposed of by local district councils in each year of the past 5 years.

(AQW 1275/01)

Mr Foster: The information sought is not held centrally by my Department and therefore I am unable to provide the information requested.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (a) the cost per unit that local district councils presently incur through the disposal of abandoned cars; and (b) the estimated future cost per unit following the implementation of new legislation on 1 April 2002.

(AQW 1276/01)

Mr Foster: The information sought at (a) is not held centrally by my Department and therefore I am unable to provide the information requested.

In relation to (b), I refer the Member to the answer to AQW 1274/01. The future cost of disposal is unknown but it is likely to increase in relation to existing costs.

The legislation to implement the Directive will be subject to public consultation; this will include publication of a regulatory impact assessment that will address associated costs.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to AQWs 928/01, 929/01 and 930/01, to detail (a) the timescale for the publication of guidelines on the disposal of fridges and freezers for local district councils in light of EC Regulations 2037/2000; and (b) if financial assistance will be provided to local district councils to comply with these regulations.

(AQW 1277/01)

Mr Foster: (a) My officials have prepared draft guidance on the storage of waste refrigeration units awaiting disposal. This guidance has now been issued to all Councils for consideration.

(b) I am aware of the difficulties caused by the EC decision to extend the Regulation on Ozone Depleting Substances to the disposal of domestic refrigeration equipment.

I also appreciate that the necessary technology to deal with disposal, in line with the requirements of the Regulation, is not presently available anywhere in the UK or the Republic of Ireland. Storage is therefore the only short-term option. I am also aware that storage and disposal of these units will have operational and cost implications for District Councils.

My officials have been working to estimate the quantity of fridges involved and identify the likely additional financial burden which might be faced by the local authorities.

At this preliminary stage it is estimated that the number of units likely to be dealt with in Northern Ireland may be in the range of 60,000/80,000 per annum. This figure may change when more detailed information becomes available.

Unfortunately there are no specific funds earmarked for this purpose in the DOE budgets for this year or next. However I shall do all that I can to secure some financial assistance for Councils, bidding to DFP as necessary and taking account of the levels of assistance being made available in GB.

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