Friday 18 January 2002
Written Answers to Questions (Continued)

Mr Paul Berry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans are in place to provide a full-time PAM (Professions Allies to Medicine) Commissioner for the Southern Health Board.

(AQW 1270/01)

Ms de Brún: The Southern Health and Social Services Board are planning to appoint a part-time PAM Commissioning Officer. It is intended that this post will be filled by seconding a part-time officer to work at the Board 3 days a week. The Board consider that a part-time appointment will be appropriate. This secondment is due to be advertised within the next few weeks.

Tá Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Deiscirt ag pleanáil Oifigeach Coimisiúnaithe GBM a cheapadh. Tá sé beartaithe an post seo a líonadh trí oifigeach páirtaimseartha a fháil ar iasacht chun obair ag an Bhord 3 lá sa tseachtain. Is é barúil an Bhoird gur cuí ceapachán páirtaimseartha. Tá an post le fógairt taobh istigh den chéad chúpla seachtain eile.

Mr Kieran McCarthy asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, in light of the Minister of Finance and Personnel's statement of 3 December 2001, to outline her Department's definition of 'personal care' and 'nursing care'.

(AQO 555/01)

Ms de Brún: It is intended that 'nursing care' for the purpose of free nursing care will be defined in the draft legislation making provision for it. The English, Scottish and Welsh Acts provide that care delivered by a by a registered nurse will be paid for by the health service. Provision is also made that the cost of planning, supervising or delegating of care tasks to other care staff, by a registered nurse qualify for payment by the health service.

There is not at present a standard definition of 'personal care'. The inter-departmental group on personal care, which has been established at the request of the Executive to examine the costs and implications of introducing free personal care, will need to define 'personal care' for this purpose.

Tá sé i gceist go sainmhíneofar 'cúram altranais' le haghaidh chúram altranais saor in aisce sa dréacht-reachtaíocht a dhéanfaidh foráil dó. Forálann Achtanna Shasana, na hAlban agus na Breataine Bige go n-íocann an tseirbhís sláinte as cúram a sholáthraíonn altra cláraithe. Tá foráil ann fosta go n-íocann an tseirbhís sláinte as costas pleanála, maoirseachta agus tarmligean tascanna cúraim chuig foireann cúraim eile ag altra cláraithe.

Níl sainmhíniú caighdeánach ann faoi láthair ar cad is 'cúram pearsanta' ann. Caithfidh an grúpa idir-rannach ar chúram pearsanta, grúpa a bunaíodh ar iarratas ón Choiste Feidhmiúcháin le costais agus impleachtaí thabhairt isteach cúraim phearsanta a iniúchadh, 'cúram pearsanta' a shainmhíniú chun na críche seo.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, taking into consideration the additional funding provided to the Health Service, to give her assessment as to whether this will enable existing waiting lists to be eradicated.

(AQO 580/01)

The additional resources earmarked for health and social services are very welcome and will help to address some of the most pressing, immediate difficulties facing the service. However, the underlying problem is one of service capacity and it will require a sustained increase in funding over a number of years to resolve the waiting problem.

Fáiltítear roimh na hacmhainní breise a cuireadh in áirithe do shláinte agus do sheirbhísí sóisialta agus cuideoidh siad le aghaidh a thabhairt ar na deacrachtaí is práinní atá ag an tseirbhís. Is í an fhadhb bhunúsach, áfach, ná cumas na seirbhíse, agus caithfear an maoiniú a ardú go marthanach thar roinnt blianta leis an liostaí feithimh a laghdú.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how much money has been allocated by her department to tackle the problems associated with domestic violence; and to make a statement.

(AQO 545/01)

Ms de Brún: Domestic violence and its consequences are catered for through a range of health and social services provision and it is not possible to identify the costs separately. My Department also supports the work of the Women's Aid Federation on an annual basis. In 2001/02, this support will amount to £181,306 for the work being done by the Women's Aid Federation to assist women and children who are sufferers of domestic violence.

Soláthraítear don fhoréigean baile agus a iarmhairtí trí réimse de sheirbhísí sláinte agus sóisialta agus ní féidir na costais a shainiú ar leithligh. Tacaíonn mo Roinn fosta leis an Women's Aid Federation ar bhonn bliantúil. In 2001/2002 gheobhaidh an Women's Aid Federation tacaíocht de £181,306 (céad ochtó is a haon míle, trí chéád is a sé) phunta don obair a dhéanann siad le cuidiú le mná agus páistí a fhulaingíonn foréigean baile.

Mr Ivan Davis asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps is she taking to ensure that the additional money she has received in the pre-budget statement will be used directly on patient care and not on administration.

(AQO 565/01)

Ms de Brún: I have already indicated where, in broad terms, that money will be going and some elements have been reflected in the new Programme for Government: the detailed allocation will be fully spelt out in my Priorities for Action in 2002-03 within the next couple of months. I can assure the Member that all the money will be directed to those areas where, in my judgement, it can be of most benefit to service users.

Chuir mé síos tríd is tríd ar cá rachaidh an t-airgead sin agus tá codanna de le léamh sa Chlár nua do Rialtas: déanfar na sonraí leithdháilte a leagan amach go hiomlán i mo Thosaíochtaí do Ghníomhaíocht in 2002-2003 faoi cheann cúpla mí. Dearbhaím don Chomhalta go ndíreofar an t-airgead uilig ar na réimsí sin is dóigh liomsa is fearr a rachaidh chun leasa úsáideoirí seirbhíse.

Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what assessment has she made on the extent of proposed north-south co-operation outlined in the Department of Health and Children report entitled 'Quality and Fairness - A Health System For You'.

(AQO 584/01)

Ms de Brún: I welcome the recognition in the document of the all-Ireland dimension for tackling ill-health and specifically for improving co-operation in the areas identified under the Good Friday Agreement and as outlined in my statement to the Assembly, on 3^rd December 2001, following the recent NSMC meeting on Food Safety and Health. I very much look forward to developing joint working in these areas, and to considering other areas where co-operation could yield mutual benefits for the people of Ireland, North and South.

Is maith liom go n-aithnítear sa cháipéis go bhfuil gné uile-Éireann ann i dtabhairt faoi dhrochshláinte agus go háirithe ar feabhas a chur ar an chomhoibriú sna réimsí a sainíodh i gComhaontú Aoine an Chéasta agus mar a leagadh amach i mo ráiteas don Tionól an 3 Nollaig 2001 i ndiaidh chruinniú na Comhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas le gairid ar Shábháilteacht Bia agus Sláinte. Tá mé ag dúil go mór le comhoibriú a fhorbairt sna réimsí sin agus le féachaint ar réimsí eile ina rachadh comhoibriú chun comhthairbhe do mhuintir na hÉireann, Thuaidh agus Theas.

Mr Alban Maginness asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the total increase in resources she has received since 1999.

(AQO 587/01)

Ms de Brún: I inherited a baseline for the 2000-01 financial year of £2,031 million. As a result of allocations in successive Monitoring rounds, through the Agenda for Government, and from the Chancellor's March 2000 Budget, my Department's control total eventually reached £2,157 million.

The baseline for the current financial year was set, on the new resource basis, at £2,294 million. As a result of the June and September Monitoring decisions, allocations from the Executive Programme Funds and an in-year addition of £8 million announced in the Revised Budget debate, my Department has received an additional £72 million, bringing the total 2001-02 provision up to some £2,366 million.

My Department's indicative baseline for 2002-03 was £2,456 million. The Revised Budget will increase that to £2,527.7 million. This uplift of £72 million contrasts sharply, however, with the bid for an additional £128 million which I put forward for 2002-03.

In considering all these figures, it is worth remembering that in-year additions, welcome as they are, are no substitute for longer term baseline provision against which the Service can plan with assurance.

Fuair mé le hoidhreacht bonnlíne de £2,031 (dhá mhíle tríocha is a haon mhilliún) don bhliain airgeadais 2000-2001. De bharr leithdháilte i mbabhtaí Monatóireachta leanúnacha, shroich bonnlíne rialaithe mo Roinne tríd an Chlár Oibre do Rialtas agus ó Bhuiséad Mhárta 2000 an tSainsiléara iomlán de £2,157 (dhá mhíle céad caoga is a seacht) milliún.

Leagadh amach an bhonnlíne don bhliain airgeadais reatha, ar an bhonn acmhainne nua, ag £2,294 (dhá mhíle dhá chéad nócha is a ceithre) mhilliún. De thoradh chinntí Monatóireachta an Mheithimh agus Mheán Fhómhair, leithdháilte ó Chistí Chlár an Choiste Feidhmiúcháin agus breis inbhliana de £8 milliún a fógraíodh sa díospóireacht ar an Bhuiséad Athbhreithnithe, fuair mo Roinn £72 (seachtó is a dó) mhilliún breise, a d'ardaigh soláthar iomlán na bliana 2001-2002 go £2, 366 (dhá mhíle trí chéad seasca is a sé) mhilliún.

Ba £2,456 (dhá mhíle ceithre chéad caoga is a sé) mhilliún bonnlíne tháscach mo Roinne do 2002-03. Ardóidh an Buiséad Athbhreithnithe é sin go £2, 527.7 (dhá mhíle cúig chéad fiche is a seacht pointe a seacht) milliún. Is géar an chodarsnacht áfach idir an t-ardú sin de £72 (seachtó is a dó) mhilliún agus an tairiscint ar £128 (céad fiche is a hocht) milliún breise a rinne mé do 2002-03.

Agus na figiúirí sin uilig á mbreithniú, is fiú cuimhneamh nach ionann breiseanna inbhliana, siúd is go bhfáiltítear rompu, agus soláthar bonnlíne do théarma níos faide lenar féidir leis an tSeirbhís pleanáil go muiníneach ina choinne.

Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to state the number of part-time fire fighters who have transferred successfully to full-time posts in the last 5 years.

(AQO 567/01)

It is not possible for part-time fire fighters to transfer directly into the full time ranks, as this would contravene fair employment legislation. Part time firefighters wishing to become full time must therefore follow the same selection procedure as any other person applying to join the fire service.

Over the past five years, 30 part time fire fighters were successful in their applications to become full time fire fighters and this represents over a quarter of the total number of full time fire fighters appointed.

Ní féidir le trodaithe dóiteáin páirtaimseartha aistriú go díreach isteach sna haicmí lánaimseartha, mar go sáródh sé sin an reachtaíocht fostaíochta cothroime. Caithfidh trodaithe dóiteáin páirtaimseartha mar sin ar mian leo obair go lánaimseartha an nós imeachta roghnaithe céanna a leanúint agus a leanann aon duine eile a chuireann iarratas isteach chuig an tSeirbhís Dóiteáin.

Le cúig bliana anuas, d'éirigh le 30 trodaí dóiteáin ina n-iarratais le bheith ina dtrodaithe dóiteáin lánaimseartha agus is ionann sin agus breis is an ceathrú cuid de líon iomlán na dtrodaithe dóiteáin lánaimseartha a ceapadh.

Mr Arthur Doherty asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if any relocation payment would be made to consultants, should services they provide be moved to a different hospital.

(AQO 576/01)

Ms de Brún: Arrangements exist which require employers to provide assistance with removal and other expenses where employees are required to transfer to a new headquarters. Should a consultant have to travel a greater distance or move house as a result of services being moved to another hospital, then the employing Trust or Board would be required to provide assistance with travel or removal expenses.

Tá socruithe i bhfeidhm a éilíonn ar fhostóirí cúnamh a sholáthar le haistriú agus le costais eile i gcás ina mbíonn ar fhostaithe aistriú go ceannáras nua. I gcás ina mbíonn ar shainchomhairleoir taisteal níos faide nó teach a athrú de bharr seirbhísí a bheith á n-aistriú go hospidéal eile ansin bheadh ar an Iontaobhas nó ar an Bhord fostaíochta cúnamh a sholáthar le costais taistil nó aistrithe.

Mr Alan McFarland asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps she is taking to implement the European Working Time Directive in relation to junior doctors.

(AQO 578/01)

Ms de Brún: The provisions of the European Working Time Directive in relation to junior doctors are to be implemented in a series of phased stages between 18 May 2000 and 18 May 2009, with possible extensions being available to May 2012. My Department has established an Implementation Support Group on Improving Junior Doctors' Working Lives in partnership with the BMA Junior Doctors' Committee, to assist HSS Trusts in meeting the targets of the Directive.

In the early years of implementation, the Directive closely matches the provisions of the New Deal on Junior Doctors' Hours which was introduced by my Department in 1991. The initial targets, which meet fully the transpositional phases of the Directive, have been established as follows:

(i) To ensure that all Pre-Registration House Officer posts are fully compliant with the interim hours (maximum 56 actual hours per week) and rest requirements of the New Deal by August 2002; and

(ii) To ensure that all other junior doctor posts are fully compliant with their targets by August 2003.

Feidhmeofar forálacha na Treorach Eorpaí um Uaire Oibre maidir le dochtúirí sóisearacha i sraith céimeanna céimithe idir 18 Bealtaine 2000 agus 18 Bealtaine 2009, agus d'fhéadfadh síniú a bheith ar fáil go Bealtaine 2012. Bhunaigh mo Roinn Grúpa Taca Feidhmithe ar Fheabhas a Chur ar Shaol Oibre Dochtúirí Sóisearacha i gcomhar le Coiste na nDochtúirí Sóisearacha de chuid an BMA le cuidiú le hIontaobhais SSS le spriocanna na Treorach a chomhlíonadh.

I mblianta tosaigh an fheidhmithe tagann an Treoir go dlúth le forálacha an tSocraithe Nua d'Uaire Dochtúirí Sóisearacha a thug mo Roinnse isteach i 1991. Tá na chéad spriocanna, a chomhlíonann go hiomlán céimeanna aistrithe na Treorach bunaithe, mar seo a leanas:

(i) lena chinntiú go gcomhlíonann gach post Oifigeach Tí RéamhChláraithe go hiomlán uaire idirthréimhseach (uasmhéid 56 uair sa tseachtain) agus riachtanais scíthe an tSocraithe Nua faoi Lúnasa 2002; agus

(ii) lena chinntiú go bhfuil gach post eile dochtúir shóisearaigh ag comhlíonadh a spriocanna faoi Lúnasa 2003.

Mr Eugene McMenamin asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what proportion of her budget is spent on prescription drugs.

(AQO 579/01)

Ms de Brún: The amount earmarked to be spent on prescription drugs in primary care in the financial year 2001/02 is £264 million, which represents 11.2% of my total budget.

Is é £264 (dhá chéad seasca is a ceithre) mhilliún an méid a cuireadh in áirithe le caitheamh ar dhrugaí oidis sa phríomhchúram sa bhliain airgeadais 2001/2002; is ionann sin agus 11.2% (aon déag pointe is a dó faoin chéad) de mo bhuiséadsa.

Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide an update on steps she is taking to promote the use of the Pre-Employment Consultancy Service (PECS).

(AQO 557/01)

Ms de Brún: My Department has written to every existing user of the Pre-Employment Consultancy Service reminding them of the need to refer to the Department the names of all individuals who are considered unsuitable to work with children, and who meet the criteria for inclusion on the PECS register.

In addition a PECS Working Group has been established to develop an awareness raising strategy which will be aimed at users of PECS, but also at parents and children themselves. The Working Group includes representatives from Education, Social Services, NIO, NSPCC and Barnardos. The awareness strategy will, of course, need to take account of developments in relation to the Protection of Children & Vulnerable Adults Bill which is due to be introduced in the Assembly during this Session.

A review of the guidelines and documentation which underpin PECS is also being carried out. The aim of the review is to establish if the system can be simplified in any way to make it easier to use.

Scríobh mo Roinn chuig gach úsáideoir den tSeirbhís Chomhairliúcháin Réamhfhostaíochta ag cur i gcuimhne dóibh gur gá cur chuig an Roinn ainmneacha na ndaoine sin uilig a mheastar a bheith mí-oiriúnach le hobair le páistí agus a chomhlíonann na critéir le háireamh ar Chlár PECS.

Lena chois sin, bunaíodh Grúpa Oibre PECS le straitéis ardaithe feasachta a fhorbairt a bheidh dírithe ar úsáideoirí PECS agus ar pháistí agus ar thuismitheoirí fosta. Sa Ghrúpa Oibre tá iondaithe ó Oideachas, Seirbhísí Sóisialta, Oifig Thuaisceart Éireann, NSPCC agus Bernados. Ar ndóigh, tabharfaidh an straitéis feasachta aird ar fhorbairtí maidir leis an Bhille um Chosaint Leanaí agus Aosach Leochaileach atá le tabhairt os comhair an Tionóil le linn an tSeisiúin seo.

Tá athbhreithniú á dhéanamh fosta ar na treoirlínte agus ar an cháipéiseacht is bonn le PECS. Is é aidhm an athbhreithnithe féachaint an bhféadfaí an córas a shimpliú in aon tslí a dhéanfadh níos fusa é ó thaobh úsáide.

Ms Mary Nelis asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the costs to the health service of the treatment of road accident causalities over the past three years; and to make a statement.

(AQO 544/01)

Ms de Brún: The information requested is not available.

Níl fáil ar an eolas a iarradh.

Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if funding was diverted from the Southern Board to increase spending on Executive projects and away from mainstream services.

(AQO 574/01)

Ms de Brún: Executive Programme Funds allocations are additional to the funding provided under the standard budgetary procedures. There is no question of the Southern, or any other Area Board, being required to divert resources in order to take forward EPF projects.

Tá Cistí Chlár an Choiste Feidhmiúcháin sa bhreis ar an mhaoiniú a sholáthraítear faoi na nósanna imeachta caighdeánacha buiséid. Níl sé i gceist ar chor ar bith go mbeadh ar Bhord an Deiscirt ná ar aon Bhord Ceantair eile acmhainní a aistriú le tionscadail an Chláir a chur chun cinn.

Mr Eamonn ONeill asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how she will ensure that the distribution of health resources will be on the basis of need rather than in relation to which Trust has the largest deficit from the previous year.

(AQO 591/01)

Ms de Brún: The Department allocates funding to the Health and Social Services Boards using a capitation formula which is designed to allocate resources fairly between Boards taking account of differential need. Boards are then responsible for funding Trusts to meet the costs of the services they provide. In fulfilling that responsibility they endeavour to ensure, as far as possible, that their resources are deployed equitably across the populations.

Under the revised resource accounting and budgeting regime all Trusts have to break even in year, and to take steps, where costs are forecast to exceed income, to achieve financial balance. At the end of the last financial year the Assembly provided on a one off basis, additional monies to address the historic deficits that had arisen due to the inadequate funding made available to the HPSS under previous administrations. These have now been effectively addressed and robust financial monitoring arrangements have been put in place to ensure as far as possible that Trusts live within the resources available.

Leithdháileann an Roinn maoiniú do Bhoird Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta trí foirmle caipitíochta a ceapadh le hacmhainní a leithdháileadh go cothrom ar Bhoird, ag cur riachtanas difrealách san áireamh. Tá na Boird freagrach ansin as maoiniú a dhéanamh ar Iontaobhais le freastal ar chostais na seirbhísí a sholáthraíonn siad. Agus iad ag comhlíonadh na bhfreagrachtaí sin, déanfaidh siad a ndícheall le cinntiú go n-imscartar a gcuid acmhainní go cothrom thar daonraí.

Faoin chóras athbhreithnithe cuntasaíochta acmhainní agus buiséid caithfidh gach Iontaobhas a bheith ar chóimheá sa bhliain agus céimeanna a ghlacadh má deirtear roimh ré go rachaidh costais thar ioncam le cóimheá airgeadais a bhaint amach. Ag deireadh na bliana deiridh airgeadais sholáthair an Tionól ar bhonn aon uaine breis airgeadais le aghaidh a thabhairt ar na heasnaimh stairiúla a bhí ann cionnas nár cuireadh go leor maoiniú ar fáil do SSSP faoi riaracháin roimhe seo. Tá aghaidh anois tugtha orthu sin, agus cuireadh socruithe airgeadais láidre i bhfeidhm lena chinntiú go mairfidh Iontaobhais chomh fada agus is féidir laistigh de na hacmhainní atá ar fáil.

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the number of reviews that have been initiated by her Department or its agencies since devolution; and (b) the number that were ongoing when she took office.

(AQO 575/01)

Ms de Brún: Since the establishment of the Executive in December 1999 I have initiated 6 major reviews. My department has also initiated a further 15 professional reviews/studies. Some 23 reviews/studies have been initiated by HSS Boards, Trusts and Agencies. 14 reviews, of which 12 were departmental, were ongoing at December 1999.

Ó bunaíodh an Coiste Feidhmiúcháin i Nollaig 1999 chuir mé sé mhórathbhreithniú ar bun. Tá 15 athbhreithniú/staidéar eile ar bun ag mo Roinn. Tá thart ar 23 athbhreitniú/staidéar ar bun ag Boird, Iontaobhais agus Gníomhaireachtaí SSS. Bhí 14 athbhreithniú, ar bhain 12 acu leis an Roinn, ar bun faoi Nollaig 1999.

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Mr David McClarty asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will undertake to introduce cultural and informational signage (a) within Coleraine town centre; and (b) on roads approaching Coleraine, including the A26.

(AQW 1094/01)

The Minister for Regional Development (Mr Robinson): My Department's policy in respect of the provision and extent of tourist, cultural and information signing (ie "brown signs") in Northern Ireland has been agreed by Roads Service and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. The policy requires that applications for signing to tourist attractions or facilities must first be endorsed by the Tourist Board. Thereafter, Roads Service is responsible for the design, extent and siting of the signs. The operator of the attraction or facility is liable for the costs involved in any agreed signing provision.

I should add that the policy provides that such signing will be the minimum required to provide clear guidance to the attraction for visitors. Where clear guidance is given by existing direction signage, brown signs are not considered necessary until the general area of the attraction is reached.

In this context I understand that all relevant tourist attractions along the Antrim Coast Road, within Coleraine town centre and on the roads approaching them are currently signed, where applications have been made to and approved by the Tourist Board. However, if you believe there are omissions, you may wish to contact the Tourist Board directly.

Mr David McClarty asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will undertake to introduce information tourist signage on the A2 Antrim Coast Road.

(AQW 1095/01)

Mr Robinson: My Department's policy in respect of the provision and extent of tourist, cultural and information signing (ie "brown signs") in Northern Ireland has been agreed by Roads Service and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. The policy requires that applications for signing to tourist attractions or facilities must first be endorsed by the Tourist Board. Thereafter, Roads Service is responsible for the design, extent and siting of the signs. The operator of the attraction or facility is liable for the costs involved in any agreed signing provision.

I should add that the policy provides that such signing will be the minimum required to provide clear guidance to the attraction for visitors. Where clear guidance is given by existing direction signage, brown signs are not considered necessary until the general area of the attraction is reached.

In this context I understand that all relevant tourist attractions along the Antrim Coast Road, within Coleraine town centre and on the roads approaching them are currently signed, where applications have been made to and approved by the Tourist Board. However, if you believe there are omissions, you may wish to contact the Tourist Board directly.

Mr David McClarty asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to upgrade street furniture, in particular, signage, street lamps and waste bins in small towns and villages within East Londonderry.

(AQW 1124/01)

Mr Robinson: Whilst my Department's Roads Service is responsible for the provision of road traffic signage and street lighting, the provision of waste bins within the East Londonderry constituency is the responsibility of Coleraine and Limavady Borough Councils

Subject to the availability of the necessary funding, Roads Service hopes to carry out the following street lighting improvements within East Londonderry by the end of the 2002/2003 financial year:

Coleraine Borough Council Area

Garvagh Main Street Upgrading

Rosemary Place and Willow Drive, Coleraine Upgrading

Pates Lane (at Norris Bros), Coleraine Additional

Kinora Terrace, Portstewart Upgrading

Drumeen Drive/Glebeview, Garvagh Additional

Bridge Street, Kilrea Upgrading

Damhead Road, Fishloughan Additional

Mark Street, Portrush Upgrading

Ramore Head Car Park, Portrush Additional

Ardina Road, Articlave (extend lighting to speed limit) Additional

Limavady Borough Council Area

Feeny (extend lighting on main road to speed limits) Additional

Gorteen Crescent, Limavady (rear no. 24) Additional

Drumachose Park, Limavady (front nos. 116 - 120) Additional

Edenmore Park, Limavady Upgrading

Drumachose Park, Limavady (rear adopted paths) Additional

A review of signing on the approaches to and from Limavady is currently underway to meet the changes that will result from the construction of the Limavady Bypass.

In addition to the above, Roads Service undertakes, as necessary, response maintenance of road traffic signage and street lighting items as a result of faults identified during routine inspections and those reported by members of the public.

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development if he was consulted in relation to the erection of telecommunication masts on the roadside verges of the A1 and A2, and if he gave approval for the land to be utilised in this way.

(AQW 1157/01)

Mr Robinson: My Department's Roads Service was consulted by the Department of Environment's Planning Service in respect of planning applications for the erection of 2 telecommunication masts to the rear of the footway on the A2 Newry Road, at the following locations:

30 metres west of the entrance to Warrenpoint Docks, and

200 metres north west of Gilbert Ash, Warrenpoint.

In addition Roads Service received 2 informal enquiries about land ownership in respect of the possible erection of masts along the A1 Belfast Road at the Corgary Road and Glenn Road junctions.

I understand that these are the 4 locations about which you recently contacted Roads Service directly.

I should explain that the telecommunications companies involved are licensed by the Department of Trade and Industry under the Telecommunications Act 1984 and have a statutory right to place apparatus within the public road boundary in accordance with the Telecommunications Code and the Telecommunications (Street Works) NI Order 1984.

In assessing the planning applications, Roads Service can only consider matters that affect the safety and convenience of road users. As the proposed positioning of the masts in question satisfy its requirements, Roads Service offered no objections to the applications.

In respect of the 2 informal enquiries, Roads Service has not been consulted about any planning applications lodged for the erection of masts at these sites.

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development how he intends to address the sewerage problems in the area of Warrenpoint Road, Rostrevor.

(AQW 1158/01)

Mr Robinson: A recent closed circuit television survey revealed a blockage in the sewer in Warrenpoint Road, Rostrevor. This has been cleared. A further survey will be carried out on the foreshore section of the sewer to establish if any remedial work is required on that section.

The sewers will be replaced as part of a major scheme to upgrade the sewerage network in Rostrevor. This is due to start in the Autumn of this year at a cost of £500,000.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the traffic volumes on the A2 Shore Road at the following locations (a) Shore Road - Whiteabbey Station Road junction; (b) Shore Road - Jordanstown Road junction; (c) Greenisland Station Road - Shore Road junction; and (d) Trooperslane Road - Shore Road junction.

(AQW 1187/01)

Mr Robinson: My Department's Roads Service does not have details of traffic volumes at the junctions specified in the question. However, average two-way weekday traffic flows are available for the following locations on the A2 Shore Road:

A2 Shore Road, just south of Jordanstown 31,611 vehicles per day

A2 Shore Road between Trooperslane and Carrickfergus 27,078 vehicles per day

(near the Marine Business Park)

These figures, taken in 2001, are the most up to date counts available.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development what steps he will take to encourage a greater use of the rail facilities between Belfast and Larne; and to make a statement.

(AQW 1188/01)

Mr Robinson: Translink is seeking to encourage greater use of the Belfast to Larne railway line by improving the infrastructure and by promotional activity. The recently completed refurbishment of Carrickfergus station has increased its attractiveness for passengers and the planned renewal of the track between Whitehead and the Bleach Green Junction should provide faster and more comfortable journeys. Translink is also seeking to provide more park and ride facilities along the line to encourage greater use by car drivers. As part of a generic campaign for the whole railway network, Translink operates a range of special fares on the Larne line, including unlimited day travel and two for one promotions. Translink will continue to consider appropriate opportunities to market this line so as to encourage its greater use.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the traffic volume on the B90 at its junctions with the (a) A80 Larne Road; (b) Carntall Road; (c) Doagh Road at Mossley Bridge; (d) Monkstown Road; and to make a statement.

(AQW 1191/01)

B90 Old Carrick Road, south of its junction with Monkstown Road 11,969 vehicles per day

B90 Old Carrick Road, north of its junction with Monkstown Road 11,969 vehicles per day

B90 Upper Greenisland Road, south of its junction with Woodburn Road 10,398 vehicles per day

The first three junctions listed in your Question No. AQW 1191/01 (ie, junctions with the A8 Larne Road, Carntall Road, and the Doagh Road at Mossley Bridge) are on the B59 Doagh Road. The only available traffic volume information for the B59 Doagh Road is east of Carntall Road, where the average two-way weekday traffic flow is 11,632 vehicles per day.

These traffic volumes, taken in 2001, are the most up to date counts available.

Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail how the methodology of allocation of roads maintenance funding addresses the issue of allocating a transport infrastructure per capita figure of 27.4 metres per person in rural areas compared to 3.9 metres per person in the Belfast Metropolitan Area and 5.5 metres per person in other urban areas.

(AQW 1199/01)

Mr Robinson: As my predecessor advised in answer to your earlier Written Assembly Question (AQW 158/01) on 15 October 2001, the funds available for road maintenance are allocated by my Department's Roads Service across district council areas using a range of weighed indicators of need tailored to each of the 13 road maintenance activities (eg, resurfacing of motorways and trunk roads, resurfacing of non-trunk roads, carriageway patching, surface dressing, winter service, etc).

The methodology used does not directly take account of the length per person of the transportation infrastructure in any particular area. Typical indicators used to allocate funds for maintenance purposes include, however, the carriageway area and the condition and amount of travel on the network.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the traffic volumes on the B90 at its junctions with (a) Greenisland Station Road; (b) Trooperslane Road; (c) Woodburn Road; (d) Prospect Road - New Line; (e) North Road, Carrickfergus; and to make a statement.

(AQW 1204/01)

B90 Old Carrick Road, south of its junction with Monkstown Road 11,969 vehicles per day

B90 Old Carrick Road, north of its junction with Monkstown Road 11,969 vehicles per day

B90 Upper Greenisland Road, south of its junction with Woodburn Road 10,398 vehicles per day

The first three junctions listed in your Question No. AQW 1191/01 (ie, junctions with the A8 Larne Road, Carntall Road, and the Doagh Road at Mossley Bridge) are on the B59 Doagh Road. The only available traffic volume information for the B59 Doagh Road is east of Carntall Road, where the average two-way weekday traffic flow is 11,632 vehicles per day.

These traffic volumes, taken in 2001, are the most up to date counts available.

Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (a) when the Water Service will replace sections of water mains along Island Road, Attical, Kilkeel BT34 4ST; and (b) the commencement date of this work.

(AQW 1212/01)

Mr Robinson: Water Service proposes to replace the watermains at Island Road, Attical Bog Road and Attical Road, Kilkeel at an estimated cost of £225,000. Work is scheduled to start towards the end of next month and the Island Road part of the scheme should be complete by the end of May.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development what assessment he has made in relation to (a) the current signage; and (b) the introduction of further signage to highlight the location of the Borough of Newtownabbey.

(AQW 1234/01)

Mr Robinson: My Department's Roads Service provides direction signs to a number of distinct destinations within the Borough of Newtownabbey, such as Whiteabbey, Ballyclare and Glengormley.

I would, however, refer the Member to the response given to him, on 29 September 2000, by my predecessor, Mr Gregory Campbell, regarding a similar Written Assembly Question [AQW 106/00]. As Mr Campbell explained at that time, the provision of signing to identify the Borough Council's boundaries is a matter for the Council, subject to planning and safety needs being met.

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline steps he will take to introduce internationally recognised signage for the Caravan Park at Loughshore Park, Jordanstown.

(AQW 1235/01)

Mr Robinson: My Department's policy in respect of the provision and extent of tourist, cultural and information signing (ie "brown signs") in Northern Ireland has been agreed jointly between Roads Service and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. The current policy limits the provision of tourist signing to visitor accommodation, including caravan parking, outside built-up areas where the national speed limits apply. Signing to individual premises within towns and villages is not permitted.

The caravan park at Loughshore Park does not meet the requirements for tourist signing and there are no exceptional circumstances in terms of traffic management problems to justify such signing. I understand, however, that the caravan park is owned and operated by Newtownabbey Borough Council and that the Council's existing sign at the entrance to the Park does not indicate the availability of the caravan park. The Council might, therefore, wish to investigate the possibility of erecting a sign within their property, indicating the presence of the facility. The sign, which may be subject to planning approval, would be readily visible from the adjacent A2 Shore Road.

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 3152/00, to advise when the Rural Transport Funded bus service from Carrickfergus to Antrim Hospital will commence.

(AQW 1251/01)

Mr Robinson: I have been informed by Translink that following the successful recruitment of a driver, the new service which will operate between Carrickfergus and Ballyclare will commence on 4^th February 2002 and link in with the existing Larne to Antrim Hospital service.

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 690/01, to outline when the installation of new rail track will commence on the Larne to Belfast railway line, which will improve the journey time between East Antrim and Belfast.

(AQW 1252/01)

Mr Robinson: The section of track between Yorkgate station and Bleach Green Junction was renewed as part of the scheme to re-open the Belfast to Antrim line via Bleach Green. The section between Bleach Green and Whitehead is due to be renewed. However, I cannot give any firm indication of when the work will start until I receive Translink's Corporate Plan for the period 2002 to 2005. Currently there are no plans to renew the section between Whitehead and Larne Harbour as the Assembly has not yet allocated any funds for such work.

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