Friday 18 January 2002
Written Answers to Questions (Continued)

Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail (a) the cost of and (b) to whom he is providing hospitality during the month of December 2001.

(AQW 1066/01)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Dr Farren): A Christmas reception was hosted by the Minister of Finance and Personnel for Departmental officials and the invitation was extended to the Committee for Finance and Personnel. The total cost of the event was £735.

Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the areas of responsibility for each of the Peace II intermediary funding bodies.

(AQW 1206/01)

Dr Farren: Under the PEACE II Operational Programme, 13 areas of activity in Northern Ireland and 3 areas of cross-border activity in Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland have been identified for administration/management by IFBs. Overall IFBs will be responsible for almost £120 million of Programme funds.

The attached table details the Areas of Activity under the PEACE II Programme designated for delivery by IFBs, the amounts of money involved, and the organisations/consortia successful in the open tendering exercise.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel when he expects to receive the final report on the review of government office accommodation.

(AQO 542/01)

Dr Farren: It is anticipated that the Consultant's Final Report will be submitted to the Department by the end of April 2002.

Mr Tom Hamilton asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he has had occasion to request a Department to comply more fully with recommendations from the Public Accounts Committee or the Comptroller and Auditor General.

(AQO 563/01)

Dr Farren: I can confirm that neither I or my predecessor has had to make such a request. My Officials work closely with those Departments that are the subject of PAC Reports to produce Memoranda of Reply. As part of that process they will have had occasion to request that Departments comply more fully with PAC recommendations than may have been envisaged. My Department will continue to ensure that PAC recommendations are addressed as fully as possible.

Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what progress has been made on the Needs and Effectiveness Review; and to make a statement.

(AQO 582/01)

Dr Farren: The Executive agreed five evaluations for the review of expenditure covering the areas of Health and Personal Social Services, Education, Housing, Training and Vocational Education, and Financial Assistance to Industry. An additional needs and effectiveness evaluation covering the programmes of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure has also been initiated. My officials continue to work with colleagues in the Economic Policy Unit (OFMDFM) and relevant departments to examine needs and expenditure in Northern Ireland and the extent to which current policies are being delivered effectively. Final reports on the effectiveness evaluations are due by the end of May 2002.

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Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, in relation to the Food Standards Agency tests on scallop fisheries for amnesic and diarrhetic shellfish poisoning, what assessment can she make in comparing her tests with those carried out in the UK and Europe.

(AQW 1103/01)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): The reference laboratory for marine biotoxins, the Fisheries Research Services (FRS) in Aberdeen, organises regular meetings of all laboratories in Great Britain and here which undertake statutory testing for amnesic and diarrhetic shellfish poisoning. Part of the purpose of such meetings is to discuss the toxin test methods used, with the aim being to ensure a consistent approach to testing in Great Britain and here. As part of its duties, FRS also takes part in discussions on methodology at a European level.

Eagraíonn an tsaotharlann tagartha le haghaigh bitocsainí mara, na Seirbhísí Taighde Iascaigh STI in Obar Dheathain cruinnithe rialta gach saotharlainne sa Bhreatain Mhór agus anseo a thugann faoi tástáil reachtúil ar nimhiú aimnéiseach agus buinní iasc sliogach. Cuid de chuspóir na gcruinnithe seo is ea modhanna tastála tocsaine a úsáidtear, a bhfuil sé mar aidhm acu chur chuige seasmhach i dtaobh tástála sa Bhreatain Mhór agus anseo. Mar chuid dá dhualgais glacann STI páirt i bplé ar mhodheolaíocht ar leibhéal Eorpach.

Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is the current ratio of doctors per 100 beds in NHS hospitals in each Health Board area.

(AQW 1114/01)

Ms de Brún: The information requested is detailed in the table below.

¹ Figures include doctors working in Dental departments but exclude doctors working in the community.

² Total beds include beds in wards open overnight and beds reserved for day case admissions.

Tá an t-eolas a iarradh léirithe sa tábla thíos.

¹Clúdaíonn figiúrí doctúirí ag obair i rannóga déidliachta ach ní chlúdaíonn siad doctúirí ag obair sa phobal.

²Clúdaíonn leapacha san iomlán, leapacha i mbardaí oscailte thar oíche agus leapacha in áirithe d'iontrálacha lae.

Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what assessment she has made in relation to the number of doctors training to meet future needs.

(AQW 1116/01)

Ms de Brún: The Consultant medical workforce, across all hospital based specialties, is reviewed on an annual basis, which informs decisions on the numbers in training. The GP workforce has also been reviewed twice in the last five years.

Work is about to commence on a more comprehensive review of future medical workforce requirements. This review is expected to be completed this summer and will include an assessment of the training places required to meet service needs.

Déantar athbhreithniú ar bhonn bliantúil ar an mheitheal oibre míochaine Comhairleach, ar fud gach speisialtachta otharlannbhunaithe, a bhfuil tionchar aige ar chinní maidir leis an líon faoi oiliúint. Rinneadh athbhreithniú ar an mheitheal oibre GD dhá uair le cúig bliana anuas.

Táthar réidh le tús a chur le hathbhreithniú níos cuimsithí ar riachtanais mheitheal oibre míochaine ó seo amach. Táthar ag súil go mbeidh deireadh leis an athbhreithniú an samhradh seo agus mar chuid de déanfar measúnú ar áiteanna cuí oiliúna a bheidh de dhíth le freastal ar riachtanais sheirbhísí.

Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline (a) if there is a shortfall in the number of residential care places currently available for the elderly; and (b) if she plans to make additional resources available for more residential places.

(AQW 1118/01)

Ms de Brún: I am advised that in overall terms there does not appear to be a shortfall in the number of residential places available for the elderly but I am aware that there are difficulties in some Board areas.

I know that care providers are under financial pressure and I have already indicated that I am sympathetic to the case made for increased funding. My Department is currently exploring ways in which this issue can be effectively addressed.

Cuireadh in iúl dom nár léir go raibh laghdú, i dtéarmaí iomlána, i líon na n-áiteanna cónaithe ar fáil do sheandaoine, ach tá a fhios agam go bhfuil deacrachtaí ann i roinnt ceantar Boird.

Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil soláthraithe cúraim faoi bhrú airgeadais agus chuir mé in iúl cheana fein go raibh mé báúil leis an iarracht chun níos mó maoinithe a fháil dóibh. Tá an Roinn s'agamsa ag scrúdú dóigheanna i láthair na huaire lenar féidir tabhairt faoin cheist seo go héifeachtach.

Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to give her assessment of the A&E department at Belfast City Hospital in light of recent comments in the press.

(AQW 1137/01)

Ms de Brún: I fully appreciate the recent serious pressures faced by the Accident and Emergency department of the Belfast City Hospital. These pressures are a reflection of the high levels of demand on health and social services at present.

Many of our hospitals find it very difficult to deal with peaks in demand because of the serious underfunding of health and social services over recent years.

Against this background, I expect Boards and Trusts to collaborate to ensure the safe and effective delivery of services and I know that the staff at Belfast City Hospital are working hard to achieve this.

Is maith a thuigim na brúnna tromchúiseacha le déanaí ar an roinn Timpistí agus Éigeandála in Otharlann Chathair Bhéal Feirste. Léiríonn na brúnna na hardleibhéil éilimh ar na seirbhísí sláinte agus sóisialta faoi láthair.

Tá deacracht ag cuid mhaith dár n-otharlanna deileáil le barr-éilimh mar gheall ar thearcmhaoiniú suntasach na seirbhísí sláinte agus sóisialta le blianta beaga anuas.

Sa chomhthéacs seo, tá mé ag dúil go gcomhoibreoidh Boird agus Iontaobhais le soláthar sabháilte agus éifeachtach seirbhísí a chinntiú agus tá a fhios agam go bhfuil an fhoireann in Otharlann Chathair Bhéal Feirste ag obair go dian leis seo a bhaint amach.

Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what specialist provision exists for the hospitalisation of young people experiencing mental health problems.

(AQW 1149/01)

Ms de Brún: The Young Peoples Centre currently provides specialist provision for adolescents experiencing mental health problems. Young people can also be admitted to general adult psychiatric beds, based on clinical need.

Cuireann Ionad na nÓgánach soláthar ar leith d'ógánaigh ar fáil atá faoi thionchar fadhbanna sláinte meabhrach. Bunaithe ar riachtanas cliniciúil, is féidir le hógánaigh a ghlacadh isteach chuig leapacha síciatracha ginearálta aosacha.

Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 2520/00, what assessment has she made in respect of the interim report on the trial in 20 hospital audiology departments in England on the provision of digital hearing aids by the Health Service.

(AQW 1162/01)

Ms de Brún: Interim evaluation reports from the Institute of Hearing Research on the provision of digital hearing aids show that, based on small samples, people with digital hearing aids are reporting improvements in hearing, and that people with digital aids are wearing them more. This is encouraging news.

Taispeánann tuairiscí measúnaithe eatramhacha ón Institiúid um Thaigdhe Éisteachta ar sholáthar áiseanna digiteacha éisteachta, bunaithe ar shamplaí beaga, go dtuairiscíonn daoine a chaitheann áiseanna éisteachta go bhfuil feabhas tagtha ar an éisteacht, agus go gcaitheann daoine, a bhfuil áiseanna digiteacha acu, níos minice iad. Is scéala spreagtha seo.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she has any plans to implement free nursing and personal care in line with that provided by the Scottish Executive.

(AQW 1166/01)

Ms de Brún: As I have announced, it is my intention to introduce free nursing care in nursing homes here from October 2002, subject to the passage of the necessary legislation through the Assembly. In relation to personal care, the Executive has requested that an interdepartmental group be set up to examine the implications and costs of introducing free personal care here, taking account of the Scottish Care Development Group's report, which was published in September. The interdepartmental group will ensure a detailed and considered examination of this issue is undertaken, before fully informed decisions can be made.

Mar a d'fhógair mé, is é mo rún altranas saor in aisce a thabhairt isteach i dtithe altranais anseo ó Dheireadh Fómhair 2002, ag brath ar phasáiste reachtaíochta cuí tríd an Tionól. I dtaca le cúram pearsanta, d'iarr an Feidhmeannas go nbunófaí grúpa idir-roinne chun impleachtaí agus costais theacht isteach cúraim phearsanta atá saor in aisce anseo a scrúdú, ag cur san áireamh tuairisc Ghrúpa Forbartha Cúraim na hAlban, a foilsíodh i Mí Mhéan an Fhómhair. Cinnteoidh an Grúpa idir-roinne, go ndéanfar mionscrúdú agus mionmhacnamh ar an cheist, sular féidir cinní atá eolach go hiomlán a dhéanamh.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what funding will be made available to the Ulster Community and Hospitals HSS Trust to deal with winter pressures.

(AQW 1167/01)

Ms de Brún: A total of £1.18 million has been allocated in the current financial year to the Ulster Community Hospitals Trust to help deal with winter pressures and strengthen community services.

Dáileadh suim £1.18 milliun sa bhliain airgeadais seo ar Iontaobhas Otharlanna Pobail Uladh le cuidiú leo deileáil le brúnna geimhrimh agus le seirbhísí pobail a neartú.

Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 816/01, to indicate the types and cost per type of analogue hearing aids currently approved for provision by the Health Service.

(AQW 1175/01)

Ms de Brún: There are 52 different types of analogue hearing aid currently available through the Health Service. The type of hearing aid provided depends on whether a person has a mild/moderate, moderate/severe, or severe/profound hearing loss. The cost per type of hearing aid ranges between £36.50 to £140.79.

Tá 52 sórt éagsúil áise analóige éisteachta ar fáil faoi láthair ar an tSeirbhís Sláinte. Braitheann an áis éisteachta a sholáthraítear ar cé acu atá lag-éisteacht éadrom/mheasartha, mheasartha/ghéar, nó ghéar/iomlán ag duine nó nach bhfuil. Tá costas an sórt áise éisteachta sa réimse ó £36.50 go £140.79.

Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how she intends to promote healthy lifestyles to improve the future health of young people.

(AQW 1196/01)

Ms de Brún: My Department will promote healthy lifestyles through the Executive's "Investing for Health" strategy which will be published shortly.

Within the "Investing for Health" framework, my Department will produce an action plan on tobacco and strategies on promoting mental health and teenage pregnancy and parenthood. It will also review current strategies on food and nutrition and physical activity and promote existing strategies on alcohol and drug misuse.

Cuirfidh an Roinn s'agam stíleanna maireachtála sláintiúla chun cinn trí straitéis an Fheidhmeannais "Infheistíocht sa tSláinte" a foilseofar gan mhoill.

Laistigh den chreatlach "Infheistíocht sa tSláinte" soláthróidh an Roinn s'agam plean gníomhaíochta ar thobac agus ar straitéisí ar shláinte meabhrach agus toircheas i ndéagóirí agus tuismíocht a chur chun cinn. Déanfaidh sé athbhreithniú ar straitéisí faoi láthair ar bhia agus chothú agus ar ghníomhaíocht fhisiceach agus straitéisí faoi láthair ar alchól agus mí-úsáid drugaí a chur chun cinn.

Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to make a statement in relation to the discharge of patients from hospital to nursing home care in West Tyrone.

(AQW 1216/01)

Ms de Brún: I am advised that the Sperrin Lakeland Health and Social Services Trust, which covers West Tyrone, has experienced few problems placing people in nursing homes following their discharge from hospital. At present there are 2 patients in Tyrone County Hospital awaiting discharge and placement and the Trust is confident that these placements can be arranged.

Tugadh comhairle dom gur tearc fadhb a bhí ag Iontaobhas Slaínte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta Thír Lochanna Speirín, a chlúdaíonn Tír Eoghain Thiar, ag fáil áiteanna do dhaoine i dtithe altranais a fháil i ndiaidh dóibh a scaoileadh amach ón otharlann. Faoi láthair tá 2 othar in Otharlann Thír Eoghain ag fanacht le scaoileadh amach agus áit a fháil agus tá an tIontaobhas muiníneach gur féidir na háiteanna a shocrú.

Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the percentage of referred cancer patients seen within 14 days in Northern Ireland in relation to Government targets.

(AQW 1217/01)

Ms de Brún: The targets referred to in this question relate only to breast cancer waiting times for urgent referrals by GPs for specialist outpatient appointments. During the quarter ending 20 September 2001, 95.9% of patients with suspected breast cancer were seen by a specialist in 14 days or less.

Ní bhaineann na spriocanna a ndéantar tagairt dóibh sa cheist seo ach le hamanna feithimh ailse cíche d'atreoruithe práinneacha ó Ghnáthdhochtúirí le haghaidh coinní speisialtóireachta éisothair. Le linn na ráithe ag críochnú 20 Meán Fómhair 2001, chuaigh 95.9% d'othair a measadh go raibh ailse chíche orthu chuig saineolaí taobh istigh de 14 lá nó níos luaithe ná sin.

Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what assessment she has made in relation to private nursing home care in West Tyrone.

(AQW 1218/01)

Ms de Brún: At present there are 8 registered nursing homes in the Omagh and West Tyrone area. Most of these homes provide general nursing beds and 2 homes make provision for elderly mentally infirm residents. The Sperrin Lakeland Health and Social Services Trust has found this level of provision to be sufficient to deal with the present demand and has experienced no problems in relation to places for people with specific care needs.

Tá 8 teach altranais chláraithe i gceantar na hOmaí agus Thír Eoghain Thiar. Soláthraíonn an chuid is mó de na tithe seo leapacha ginearálta altranais agus cuireann 2 teach áiteanna do sheandhaoine a bhfuil tinneas meabhreach orthu ar fáil. Is leor leibhéil an tsoláthair seo de réir Iontaobhas Seirbhísí Sóisialta Thír Lochanna Speirín le deileáil leis an éileamh faoi láthair agus níor mhothaigh siad go raibh fadhbanna ann maidir le háiteanna do dhaoine le riachtanis chúraim ar leith.

Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail in each of the last 3 years (a) how many written complaints have been received in respect of clinical treatment in hospitals; and (b) how much has been paid out in settlements for clinical negligence claims by the health service.

(AQW 1226/01)

(a) This information is detailed in the table below.

Written complaints in regard to clinical treatment (1) 1998/99 - 2000/01
1998/99	976
1999/00	1,029
2000/01	1,035
(1) These figures refer to complaints regarding clinical diagnosis,
treatment and care (quality) and treatment and care (quantity).

(b) This information is detailed in the table below.

Amounts paid in settlements for clinical negligence claims, 1998/99 - 2000/01
1998/99	£12,286,000
1999/00	£4,859,000
2000/01	£9,409,000

It should be noted that not all written complaints in regard to clinical treatment, as defined here, will lead to claims for compensation, nor will all claims for compensation have been preceded by a written complaint.

(a) Tá an t-eolas seo léirithe sa tábla thíos.

Gearáin scríofa maidir le cóireáil chliniciúil (1) 1998/99 - 2000/01
1998/99	976
1999/00	1,029
2000/01	1,035
(1) Tagraíonn na figiúirí seo do ghearáin maidir le diagnóis, cóireáil
agus cúram (cáilíocht) agus cóireáil agus cúram (cainníocht) cliniciúil.

(b) Tá an t-eolas seo léirithe sa tábla thíos.

Suimeanna íoctha i socruithe faoi choinne éilimh maidir le faillí cliniciúla, 1998/99 - 2000/01
1998/99	£12,286,000
1999/00	£4,859,000
2000/01	£9,409,000

Ba chóir tabhairt faoi deara nach dtiontóidh gach gearán scríofa maidir le cóireáil chliniciúil, mar atá curtha síos anseo, ina éileamh cúitimh, nó ní fíor le rá go dtiocfaidh gearán scríofa roimh gach éileamh cúitimh.

Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail how many people have contracted lung cancer through smoking in the last year for which figures are available.

(AQW 1227/01)

Ms de Brún: Information for the calendar year 1996 indicates that 850 people were diagnosed with lung cancer here. Information was available on the smoking habits of 586 of these people, and of these 552 (94.2%) were current or ex-smokers.

Tugann an t-eolas don bhliain iomlán 1996 le fios gur diagnóisíodh 850 duine le hailse scamhóige anseo. Bhí eolas ar fáil ar nósanna caite tobac 586 de na daoine seo, agus orthu siúd ba chaiteoirí nó b'iarchaiteoirí tobac 552 (94.2%) iad.

Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline (a) if she has any plans to introduce widespread screening for prostate cancer; and (b) the age screening would begin.

(AQW 1229/01)

Ms de Brún: I refer the member to my answer to AQW 2344/00.

Treoraím an ball do mo fhreagra ar AQW 2344/00.

Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is the average waiting time for lung cancer surgery in each HSS Trust.

(AQW 1230/01)

Ms de Brún: Currently the Royal Group of Hospitals Trust is the only Trust here which carries out lung cancer surgery. Waiting time for surgery ranges from 4 to 8 weeks.

Is é Iontaobhas an Ghrúpa Ríoga Otharlann an t-aon Iontaobhas anseo faoi láthair a dhéanann máinliacht ar ailse scamhóige. Bíonn agaí feithimh faoi choinne máinliachta idir 4 agus 8 seachtain.

Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the role of private health care providers in the Health Service.

(AQW 1231/01)

Ms de Brún: The major role for private health care providers in the health service is currently in the provision of private nursing home facilities. There are 266 private nursing homes, providing almost 9400 places for HPSS users. Just under 90% of those focus on general nursing care for the elderly. The remainder meet more specific needs for groups such as the elderly mentally infirm or those with learning disabilities.

In terms of hospital services, the local private sector is very small but, in working to reduce waiting lists, the HPSS makes good use of private capacity here and in other centres such as Glasgow and Dublin. There is a need, however, to consider the impact of this on the overall resources available.

Maidir le seirbhísí otharlainne, tá an earnaíl phríobháideach áitiúil iontach beag, ach tríd an obair chun liostaí feithimh a laghdú baineann na SSSP úsáid mhaith as acmhainn phríobháideach anseo agus in ionaid eile amhail Glaschú agus Baile Átha Cliath. Tá gá ann áfach leis an tionchar seo a mheas ar na háiseanna ar fad atá ar fáil.

Mr Ivan Davis asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she would consider keeping a central register to record assaults and injuries sustained by staff which are not recorded by the NI Police Service in (a) A&E Departments; and (b) children's homes.

(AQW 1242/01)

Ms de Brún: There are no plans for introducing a central register for recording assaults on and injuries sustained by staff in the HPSS. Each employing authority already has mechanisms in place for the recording of accidents and untoward incidents, including assaults on staff, which may or may not result in personal injury.

All such records in children's homes are subject to monitoring and inspection by the independent visitor appointed by the authority responsible for the home and by the relevant Health and Social Services Board's Registration and Inspection Unit.

Níl sé beartaithe clár lárnach do chlárú ionsaithe agus gortuithe ar fhoireann na SSSP a thabhairt isteach. Tá gnáthaimh i bhfeidhm ag gach údarás fostaíochta cheana féin do chlárú timpistí agus timpistí as an tslí, chomh maith le hionsaithe ar an fhoireann, ar féidir gortú pearsanta teacht astu nó nach féidir.

Tá a leithéid de chláir go léir i dtithe páistí faoi réir monatóireachta agus cigireachta ag an chuairteoir neamhspleách ceaptha ag an údarás atá freagrach as an teach agus ag Ionad Cláraithe agus Cigireachta an Bhoird chuí Shláinte agus Sheirbhísí Sóisialta.

Rev Robert Coulter asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm (a) the current position and purpose of the Royal Victoria Hospital Endowment Fund; and (b) that the fund will finance research fellowships.

(AQW 1243/01)

Ms de Brún: The Royal Victoria Hospital General Fund was established to enhance patient welfare and to provide for clinical research.

The balance of the fund at the close of the last financial year was £1,932,047. The fund has been used to support research fellowships and will continue to do so.

 Bunaíodh Ciste Ginearálta Otharlann Ríoga Victeoiria le feabhas a chur ar leas an othair agus le taighde cliniciúil a sholáthar.

Is é fuílleach an chiste ag deireadh na bliana airgeadais anuraidh ná £1,932,047. Baineadh úsáid as an chiste chun tacú le comhaltachtaí taighde agus leanfar leis seo.

Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety when the new unit for cancer services in the Belfast City Hospital will be complete and operational.

(AQW 1244/01)

Ms de Brún: The completion and operational dates cannot be specified at this time. The business case for the Regional Cancer Centre has recently been approved by the Department of Finance and Personnel. My officials are working closely with the Belfast City Hospital Trust to conclude the PPP process and determine the funding and timetable of the project.

Ní féidir dátaí críochnaithe agus dátaí oibríochtúla a léiriú ag an am seo. Cheadaigh An Roinn Airgeadais agus Pearsanra cás gnó an Ionaid Ailse Reigiúnaigh ar na mallaibh. Tá m'oifigigh ag obair go dlúth leis an Iontaobhas Otharlann Chathair Bhéal Feirste le deireadh a chur leis an phróiseas PPP agus maoiniú agus clár ama an tionscadail a chinntiú.

Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the steps which she has taken to make nursing a more attractive career option.

(AQW 1247/01)

Ms de Brún: The level of interest in nursing as a career option has remained consistently high over a number of years. Queen's University received a total of 1588 requests for application packs for the September 2001 intake of student nurses. 1362 applications were returned for the 372 places available. 186 offers have already been made for the March 2002 intake of 200 students. The University of Ulster received 347 applications for the September 2001 student intake, 260 applicants met the minimum entry criteria and the commissioned intake of 150 places was met in full.

From 1 April 2002 nursing staff in general will receive a pay increase of at least 3.6%. For Nursing Auxiliaries pay will be increased by up to 4.3% with further incentives to achieve NVQ qualifications and progress their careers. For Nurse Consultants increases worth up to 6.6% will be made to reflect their new responsibilities. In addition, stand-by and on-call allowances will be increased by 50% with Psychiatric Lead and Regional Secure Allowances increasing by 32%.

There are significant opportunities for continuing professional development and extension of roles for nurses within the HPSS and my Department provides substantial funding to support them.

Bhí an leibhéal suime in altranas mar shlí bheatha ard go seasta thar tréimhse roinnt blianta. Fuair Ollscoil na Banríona 1588 iarratas san iomlán le haghaidh pacáistí iarratais do ghlacadh isteach ábhar altraí i Meán Fómhair 2001. Fuarthas 1362 iarratas ar ais do na 372 áit ar fáil. Tairgeadh 186 áit cheana féin den ghlacadh isteach 200 mac léinn i Márta 2002. Fuair Ollscoil Uladh 347 iarratas do ghlacadh isteach mac léinn i Meán Fómhair 2001, chomhlíon 260 iarrthóir na híoschritéir iontrála agus líonadh go hiomlán an glacadh isteach coimisiúnaithe de 150 áit do mhic léinn.

Ó 1 Aibreán 2002, tiocfaidh méadú 3.6% ar a laghad ar phá na foirne altrachta i gcoitinne. Tiocfaidh méadú 4.3% ar phá Chúntóirí Altrachta, agus spreagfar iad a thuilleadh chun cáilíochtaí NVQ a bhaint amach agus chun a slite beatha a chur chun cinn. Tiocfaidh méadú suas go 6.6% ar phá Chomhairleoirí Altrachta de réir a bhfreagrachtaí nua. Ina theannta sin, tiocfaidh méadú 50% ar liúntais na foirne ar aire agus ar dualgas agus méadófar Liúntais na Sábháilteachta Réigiúnaí agus Príomhliúntais Shíciatrachta faoi 32%.

Tá deiseanna maithe ann anois le haghaidh forbartha leanúnaí gairmiúla agus do mhéadú i rólanna altraí laistigh de na SSSP, agus tugann an Roinn s'agamsa maoiniú tábhachtach chun tacú leo.

Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of (a) private residential homes; (b) private nursing homes; and (c) local authority residential homes, in each Trust area.

(AQW 1249/01)

Ms de Brún: This information is detailed in the table below. These figures are also published in the annual Community Statistics publication, which is available in the Assembly Library and on my Department's website.

Tá an t-eolas seo léirithe sa tábla thíos. Foilsíodh na figiúirí san fhoilseachán bliantúil Staitisticí Pobail, atá ar fáil i Leabharlann an Tionóil agus ar líonláithreán na Roinne s'agam.