Friday 25 January 2002
Written Answers to Questions

Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister
Agriculture and Rural Development
Culture, Arts and Leisure
Education
Employment and Learning
Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Environment
Finance and Personnel
Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Regional Development
Social Development

Mr Gibson asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister to make a statement on its policy for assisting the victims of terrorism.

(AQW 849/01)

Reply: [holding answer 15 January 2002]: In July 2001 the Department established a victims unit to take forward work to raise awareness of, and co-ordinate activity on, issues affecting victims across the devolved administration and an inter-departmental working group on victims, chaired by the Junior Ministers, Dermot Nesbitt and Denis Haughey, who have specific responsibility for victims issues, has been established and meets at regular intervals.

In recent months junior Ministers, Nesbitt and Haughey, have met with representatives of over 30 victims’ groups to hear their views.

Earlier this year research was commissioned into the current level of service provision to victims. A summary of that report has recently been sent to all those who took part in the exercise along with an action plan indicating how the findings might be taken forward. A copy of the report and the action plan are available on the internet at www.victimsni.gov.uk and copies have also been placed in the Assembly Library. The research will also help to inform the development of a victims’ strategy aimed at providing high quality help and services to address the needs of victims.

In August 2001 a consultation paper on a victims’ strategy was issued which sought views on both the strategy itself and on a number of specific questions asked throughout the paper. The consultation period ended on 9 November 2001 and the responses are currently being considered. It is envisaged that the strategy will be published and in place early in 2002 and will cover the period up until 2004.

In addition, Peace II contains a specific measure for victims with funding of £6.67 million, of which £1.67 million comes from the Executive. The victims unit has been working on the development of this measure and the first call for applications was made recently.

Mrs Carson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what measures are being looked at in strengthening the development of east-west links.

(AQO 633/01)

Reply: The development of relations and co-operation on an east-west basis has been identified as one of the Executive’s priorities under the Programme for Government. The main mechanism for doing so is the British-Irish Council, which was established under the Belfast Agreement to promote the harmonious and mutually beneficial development of the totality of relationships among the peoples of these islands.

The sectoral areas currently covered by the British- Irish Council are environment, drugs, knowledge economy, social inclusion, transport, tourism and health with a focus on telemedicine.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding and supplementary agreements between the UK Government, Northern Ireland Executive, Scottish Executive and Welsh Assembly, a Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC), which comprises representatives of the above administrations, has been established. The Committee’s role is to consider non- devolved matters that impinge on devolved responsibilities and vice-versa.

This forum can also consider devolved matters where all parties agree that there is mutual benefit in discussing their respective treatment in the different parts of the UK.

In the coming year, we intend to take forward work in the Joint Ministerial Committee on issues including health, poverty, the knowledge economy and Europe.

A number of the Northern Ireland Departments have extensive east-west links at all working levels with their counterparts in Whitehall, Scotland and Wales. These links are across a wide range of topics and some examples are agriculture, animal health, veterinary matters, trade, industrial research and technology, energy issues, information age initiative, water issues and cultural and linguistic ties.

Mr Hussey asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail its commitment to use "plain English" in all aspects of Government.

(AQO 648/01)

Reply: For the past 10 years all public service providers in Northern Ireland have been encouraged to provide information which is easy to read and understand by using plain language.

The public service improvement unit encourages public service bodies to make use of organisations that have a particular expertise, such as the Plain English Campaign and Plain Language Commission, in the use of clear, customer-friendly information.

The Equality Directorate, in consultation with relevant groups, is developing guidance on making information more accessible to those members of our society most at risk from exclusion.

The Equality Directorate intends to publish good practice guidelines for widespread public consultation during 2002.

Mr McElduff asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister what items will be discussed at the next meeting in institutional format with Mr Brian Cowen, Minister for Foreign Affairs.

(AQO 609/01)

Reply: As the joint communiqué from the first NSMC Institutional Format meeting held on 17 December 2001 confirms, the next meeting in this format will be held in the South of Ireland in April 2002. The agenda for this meeting has not yet been agreed.

Mr Maskey asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister what progress has been made in bringing forward a cross-departmental strategy to tackle racial inequalities as outlined in the Programme for Government.

(AQO 625/01)

Reply: Work on the development of the race strategy is ongoing and will be brought forward during 2002, with subsequent implementation.

There will be a full and open consultation on the document before it is finally agreed by the Executive Committee.

Mr McClarty asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister to detail the areas of the needs and effectiveness programme that account for substantial public spending.

(AQO 642/01)

Reply: The Executive have commissioned work on needs and effectiveness evaluations on programmes in health, education, housing, training and vocational education and financial assistance to industry. These five areas account for some 70% of planned public spending in Northern Ireland. A further review is examining the programmes relating to culture, arts and leisure.

In addition to these six evaluations, major reviews of agriculture and regional transportation will also provide a basis for the future work on considering investment in these areas.

Mr Dalton asked the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister what discussions have been held with Her Majesty’s Government in regard to a state award being struck for the Northern Ireland Fire Service.

(AQO 595/01)

Reply: Consideration of the question of a state award for the Northern Ireland Fire Service is being taken forward by our Department. A discussion has taken place between officials of the Department and the Ceremonial Secretariat of the Cabinet Office to consider the process which would be involved in taking forward a proposal for such an award.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she has any plans to assist the dairy farming industry as a result of the EU Commission’s reduced export refunds on dairy products.

(AQW 1303/01)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): I appreciate the importance of the dairy sector to the Northern Ireland agrifood industry and that it is heavily reliant on export markets. Therefore when export refunds on dairy products were reduced by the EU Milk and Milk Products Management Committee I asked my officials to lobby strongly at future meetings for these to be restored. Some progress was made at both the November and December Committee meetings but it is clearly not enough. I met with industry representatives earlier this month to discuss the seriousness of the situation and agree with their view that a substantial increase in export refunds is needed quickly. Following that meeting I lobbied for the support of other Agriculture Ministers throughout the UK. I have also ensured that Commissioner Fischler was made aware of the issues and the need for further increases to stimulate market demand. I trust that further increases in export refunds will be achieved at the next meeting of the Committee and that this will help to improve returns to dairy farmers.

Mr Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to state the number of cattle herds for which movement has been restricted as a result of (a) tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks; and (b) brucellosis outbreaks.

(AQW 1314/01)

(a) Currently the number of cattle herds for which movement has been restricted as a result of TB outbreaks is 2,568; and

(b) Currently the number of cattle herds for which movement has been restricted as a result of brucellosis outbreaks is 190.

Mr Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the amount of milk quota that has been transferred from the UK to Northern Ireland in each of the past 10 years.

(AQW 1317/01)

Ms Rodgers: The table below shows the amount of milk quota permanently transferred from Great Britain to Northern Ireland; the amount transferred from Northern Ireland to Great Britain and the net amount transferred to Northern Ireland.

Figures are not available for earlier years. In this respect you will wish to note that the Rural Payments Agency (previously known as the Intervention Board) assumed responsibility for maintaining the milk quota register on 1 April 1994 and statistics are only available from that date. Also prior to 1 April 1993 the transfer of wholesale quota between regions of the UK was not permitted.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to make a statement on the problems facing hill farmers in west Tyrone.

(AQW 1371/01)

Ms Rodgers: Many of the problems facing hill farmers in west Tyrone are similar to those facing farmers elsewhere in Northern Ireland and beyond. They have their origins in the constantly evolving nature of markets, economies, social trends and consumer tastes and preferences, both nationally and internationally, and in the support and trade policy agenda of the major trading blocs and nations.

For the most part, these are matters over which governments have little or no direct control, and most certainly not the Northern Ireland Executive. That is why it is so important that we devise strategies for coping with the challenges, and the opportunities, that change inevitably brings. This is, to a very large extent, what the vision exercise is all about and why I attach such importance to it.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she has any plans to improve the controls over the importation of meat; and to make a statement.

(AQW 1373/01)

Ms Rodgers: Imports of meat from member states and third countries are governed by the Fresh Meat (Import Conditions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1997, which require imports to be in accordance with EU Directives 72/461/EEC and 72/462/EEC as amended. These Directives lay down rules concerning the health problems affecting intra-community trade, require that meat has been obtained from animals slaughtered in approved establishments and provide that all imports must be accompanied by any certificate or document required for any of the purposes of the Regulations.

Trade in meat coming from Great Britain is subject to licensing under the Landing of Carcases and Animal Products Order (Northern Ireland) 1985 (as amended).

Meat imports are also subject to veterinary checks. For those imported from member states and Great Britain the checks will be carried out at point of destination. However imports from third countries are carried out at border inspection posts and must undergo full documentary, identity and physical checks and such checks must be paid for.

Since the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Great Britain imports of meat have been subject to additional controls in line with the relevant EC decisions. I have also increased staffing levels substantially at both Northern Ireland border inspection posts and I plan to continue with these levels in order to maintain the controls on imports.

My officials are currently considering a publicity drive to make people travelling abroad more aware of their responsibilities in the possible threat to the Northern Ireland economy when bringing meat and dairy products back into Northern Ireland.

I have no plans at present to increase the controls on the import of meat.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what assessment she has made of how the mid-term review of the common agricultural policy will be affected by the enlargement of the EU; and to make a statement.

(AQW 1374/01)

Ms Rodgers: EU enlargement is one of the factors that will bring pressure to bear for a significant reform of the CAP at some point in time. Whether this occurs at the mid-term review of the Agenda 2000 agreement is open to question. Accession negotiations with prospective members of the European Union are ongoing. It is expected that the first full agreements will not be completed until the end of this year at the earliest. Therefore, it is difficult to give a precise indication at this time as to the effect of enlargement on the CAP, particularly as negotiations are only now starting to deal with the difficult and complex chapters associated with food and agriculture.

Initial proposals from the EU Commission on the mid-term review of the Agenda 2000 agreement are not expected until the middle of this year. Obviously, the Commission will be mindful of influences such as enlargement and the WTO negotiations when making these proposals, but it will also be acutely aware of the variable political appetite for reform among the existing 15 member states. In making its proposals, the Commission will not wish to prejudice its position in the enlargement and WTO talks. Whatever it proposes will obviously be the subject of considerable discussion and negotiation among the existing member states. Given these unknowns, it is not possible at this time to give an assessment of the impact of enlargement specifically on the mid-term review.

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the measures taken to prevent illegal dumping on forestry land.

(AQW 1381/01)

Ms Rodgers: In order to deter illegal dumping Forest Service protects and maintains boundaries around forest land owned by it and co-operates with the Department of the Environment in the same regard in respect of its lands. Where Forest Service staff become aware of the dumping of waste or of items left these are removed as quickly as possible in the interests of health and safety and because it can attract the attention of others seeking to dump illegally.

Within the Forest Service by-laws there is a penalty of up to £100 for anyone who drops or leaves rubbish, refuse or litter.

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to extend the amount of forestry land available for public walkways.

(AQW 1382/01)

Ms Rodgers: The Forest Service manages around 75,000 hectares of land. The service operates an open access policy and the public is encouraged to make use of most of this land for recreational, sporting and educational purposes. There are something like 2 million visits to state forests each year. In addition, through its community woodland supplement the Forest Service gives support to the development by private owners of woodlands for recreational use.

A review of forest policy is examining all aspects of strategic forestry development, including the potential for increased use of existing forests and for forest expansion to more effectively meet the economic, environmental and social needs of the community. I am keen for forests to become more widely accessible and used both by tourists and local people.

It is expected that a draft policy paper will be issued for public consultation before the summer of 2002. Through this process I look forward to considering representations from all stakeholders, including MLAs.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps she has taken to increase export refunds to encourage EU export of milk powder.

(AQW 1398/01)

Ms Rodgers: In recognition of the deteriorating market situation I asked my officials to lobby strongly for increased export refunds for milk powders at the November and December EU Milk and Milk Products Management Committee and welcome the increases which were announced. Since then I have met with industry representatives to hear at first hand of the seriousness of the situation. It is clear that while the increases to date have been helpful a further substantial increase is needed. I therefore lobbied for the support of the other Agriculture Ministers at our recent meeting. I have also ensured that Commissioner Fischler was made aware of the seriousness of the situation. My officials will continue to press the Northern Ireland case at the regular Management Committee meetings in Brussels. I can assure you that it is my objective to secure a further increase in export refunds for milk powders.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how long will it take the farming community to upgrade their records to meet the criteria for the date-based export scheme.

(AQW 1423/01)

Ms Rodgers: Currently, approximately 57% of cattle in Northern Ireland already meet the criteria for the date-based export scheme. The remainder will not become eligible due to late notification of births or movements, or lack of dam survival confirmation. Record keeping does not form part of the eligibility criteria.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many farmers meet the criteria to export under the date-based export scheme.

(AQW 1424/01)

Ms Rodgers: Technically, virtually every cattle farmer in Northern Ireland could potentially avail of the date- based export scheme (DBES). The criteria for the Scheme is based on individual animal eligibility and therefore any producer could have both DBES eligible and ineligible cattle in his herd at any given point in time.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps she is taking to ensure farmers keep the correct records to enable them to export under the date-based export scheme.

(AQW 1425/01)

Ms Rodgers: Maintenance of farm records is not a precondition of eligibility for the date-based export scheme, which is based on traceability information held on the APHIS computer database. Farm records are however an important element of the system enabling producers to notify the Department accurately of births, deaths and movements.

Department officials encourage producers to notify these events promptly and accurately by providing them with information registered on APHIS. The recent launch of the Rural Portal Service, which provides farmers with direct access to APHIS records for their herds, is a significant example of this commitment. The Department also carries out inspections at markets, abattoirs and on farms to monitor compliance.

Mr Wells asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what progress has been made in implementing a drainage scheme for the Ballynahinch River.

(AQW 1435/01)

Ms Rodgers: I am pleased to confirm that a flood alleviation scheme on the Ballynahinch River commenced on 4 June 2001 was completed by Rivers Agency on 17 August 2001.

The completed scheme will significantly reduce the risk of flooding to properties previously affected in 1997.

Mr Wells asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide an update on her plans to carry out a drainage scheme on the Burren River in the vicinity of Newcastle.

(AQW 1437/01)

Ms Rodgers: I am pleased to confirm that a viable scheme has been identified to alleviate the recurrent flooding problem from the lower reaches of the Burren River. Rivers Agency is proceeding with the design and is currently engaged in discussions with landowners, statutory authorities and various interest groups, prior to public exhibition of the scheme. Works are programmed to commence in 2003 but adherence to this programme is dependent on agreements being achieved among a diversity of interested parties.

Mr Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline (a) the reason for the delay in the payment of suckler cow premiums which were due in November 2001; and (b) what action she proposes to take to ensure future prompt payment of all subsidies.

(AQW 1445/01)

Ms Rodgers: The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s annual profile of premia payments for 2001-02 set out the timetable for the payment of agriculture subsidies. In relation to 2001 suckler cow premium, the profile indicated that claims received up to the end of September 2001 would be paid between mid November and 31 December 2001 with subsequent claims payable within three months of receipt.

Payments of suckler cow premium have been made as follows:

• 82% of claims received up to the end of September were paid by 31 December 2001.

At 18 January 2001:

• 62% of claims received in October 2001 were paid;
• 20% of claims received during November 2001 were paid:
• 6% of claims received in December 2001 were paid.

Under European Commission Regulations premium may only be paid when a claim has been validated in accordance with EC legislation and strict scheme rules.

To ensure that the payment of subsidies operates smoothly I have asked the Department to carry out an assessment of the present arrangements and for any necessary further improvements to be put in place as a matter of urgency.

Mr Neeson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will make a statement on rural proofing.

(AQO 632/01)

Ms Rodgers: My Executive Colleagues and I remain fully committed to the principle of rural proofing, which was, of course, referred to in last year’s Programme for Government. I have recently written to my Executive Colleagues outlining the proposals for the procedures to implement this policy effectively. I am confident that as soon as agreement on these proposals has been reached, the inter-departmental group, which I will chair, will hold its first meeting.

Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what specific measures is she introducing to assist the farming community of west Tyrone in achieving viability and sustainability.

(AQO 604/01)

Ms Rodgers: My Department provides a very extensive range of practical and financial help and support to the agricultural industry throughout Northern Ireland and these benefit the farmers of west Tyrone in the same way that they benefit farmers elsewhere. Examples include business and technical advice, training and education, animal disease control and eradication, research and development and technology transfer, to name but a few. The administration of support payments to farmers amounting to some £200 million per annum is a further graphic illustration of the work of my Department in support of the industry. The Department also operates measures such as the rural development programme which aims to identify the widest possible range of opportunity and need in rural areas and to respond to this through community, sectoral and agribusiness activities. For example, the natural resource rural tourism initiative will aim to develop sustainable tourism in five of Northern Ireland’s disadvantaged rural areas, one of which is the Sperrins. You will also be aware that I announced a £2 million package under the Programme for Government for a beef quality initiative which will be particularly relevant to farmers in areas such as west Tyrone where suckler calf production is a major enterprise. I am hopeful that it will be possible to commence implementing this particular initiative in early spring.

Mr McGrady asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what assessment she has made of the annual quota allocations for each fish species as a result of the December 2000 European Council of Ministers’ meeting; and to make a statement.

(AQO 598/01)

Ms Rodgers: This was a long and arduous council, particularly as we were faced with proposals for extremely severe cuts in stocks including those of particular interest to the local industry. I do believe however that the best possible deal for Northern Ireland was obtained in the circumstances. I was successful in obtaining an increase in the nephrops total allowable catch from the proposed 14,175 tonnes to 17,790 tonnes.

This was no mean achievement bearing in mind that the European Commission proposal was for a 25% cut in this total allowable catch and their reluctance to accept any increase because of their view that the by catch in this fishery includes stocks under threat. In addition increases above the Commission’s proposals were obtained for such stocks as Irish Sea cod, plaice, sole and haddock.

Whilst I have not made an individual assessment of each fish species for which total allowable catches were agreed I would regard the outcome as successful particularly for Irish Sea cod and during the negotiations I was most grateful for the support of my Ministerial Colleagues from England and Scotland and from the Republic of Ireland. However, at the end of the day the need to conserve fish stocks has to be balanced with the need to protect the industry and during these negotiations I was determined to achieve that balance.

Turning to assistance for the industry, I have already introduced a £5 million fishing vessel decommissioning scheme, the results of which have recently been made known. In addition I have recently announced the availability of some £15 million to fund four new schemes to assist the local industry. These are the improvement of facilities at Northern Ireland fishing ports; support for aquaculture; processing and marketing of freshwater and marine products; and promotion of fishery products. I would also hope in the not too distant future to announce further assistance schemes including those on safety training and for improvement in the quality and marketability of fish on board fishing vessels.

Mr Leslie asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the valuation basis used in determining compensation for sheep slaughtered as a result of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in south Armagh and the Glens of Antrim.

(AQO 622/01)

Ms Rodgers: Part II of Schedule 2 to the Diseases of Animals (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 provides for payment of compensation for animals slaughtered because of foot-and-mouth disease.

Under Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Diseases of Animals (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 where an animal slaughtered was affected with foot-and-mouth disease the compensation payable shall be the value of the animal immediately before it became affected. In every other case compensation shall be the value of the animal immediately before it was slaughtered.

Valuation is determined between the owner of the animal and a Department valuation officer. If they fail to agree a valuation the owner has recourse to independent valuation.

Mr A Doherty asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development when she expects to publish her new forestry strategy; and to make a statement.

(AQO 636/01)

Ms Rodgers: I intend to publish a consultation paper before the summer of 2002. The paper will seek comment on those issues where forestry can make a contribution to the economic, social and environmental development of Northern Ireland, within the limits of what we can afford.

Mr McElduff asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she has made representations to the Minister of the Environment to remove rural planning hurdles which might hinder development projects emanating from the ‘vision’ strategy document.

(AQO 608/01)

Ms Rodgers: The vision report covers a lot of ground and has a large number of Recommendations. I do not wish to comment on specific issues until I have completed my assessment of the report as a whole and had an opportunity to consider the views of all stakeholders. The consultation period has been extended to 31 January 2002. However, I can say that, where appropriate, I will consult with my Executive Colleagues on aspects of the plan relevant to their responsibilities.

Mr Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what assessment she has made in respect of animal health issues, of farmlands being used by security forces and protest groups.

(AQO 601/01)

Ms Rodgers: Our assessment of the risk of disease spread from the security forces and protest groups entering farmland suggests that this is relatively low compared to other forms of transmission. While it is theoretically possible for people to transmit disease it is much more likely that disease is spread by direct contact between animals or by movement of infected material by wildlife. The primary means of infection for the two major diseases, tuberculosis and brucellosis, are inhalation in the case of tuberculosis and direct contamination with the fluids surrounding aborted foetuses and afterbirths of infected cows or heifers in the case of brucellosis. My Department has a code of practice for preventing the introduction or spread of animal and poultry disease. While the guidelines set out in the code are designed primarily for Department officials visiting farms or crossing agricultural land they have been made available to the security forces.

Mr M Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what progress has been made to provide assistance to farmers in order to avail themselves of IT equipment.

(AQO 628/01)

Ms Rodgers: Effective use of the new technology depends not only on farmers having access to the equipment but also on developing the skills to use the equipment and having readily available the applications and software of relevance to their business. My Department has been active in all these areas.

We have, for example, been able to assist some farmers obtain funds from LEDU and through various rural development initiatives to purchase computers for use in the farm business.

I have also provided, using Agenda for Government funding, open access computers for farmers at the three DARD Colleges and at up to 30 locations throughout the Province. The locations were specified by UFU and NIAPA. This provides access to computers and the internet for those farmers who do not have suitable IT equipment on the home farm.

DARD Colleges provide a range of courses for farmers and farm families in the use of computers and Greenmount College has developed a substantial and innovative internet site. This pioneering work forms the basis of the rural portal (www.ruralni.gov.uk) which I launched last week.

This work will continue to support the industry in making effective use of this new technology.

Mr McHugh asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline if there is a need for those entering farmland to adhere to DARD disease control regulations to avoid the spread of bovine notifiable diseases.[R]

(AQO 599/01)

Ms Rodgers: Our assessment of the risk of disease spread from the security forces and protest groups entering farmland suggests that this is relatively low compared to other forms of transmission. While it is theoretically possible for people to transmit disease it is much more likely that disease is spread by direct contact between animals or by movement of infected material by wildlife. The primary means of infection for the two major diseases, tuberculosis and brucellosis, are inhalation in the case of tuberculosis and direct contamination with the fluids surrounding aborted foetuses and afterbirths of infected cows or heifers in the case of brucellosis. My Department has a code of practice for preventing the introduction or spread of animal and poultry disease. While the guidelines set out in the code are designed primarily for Department officials visiting farms or crossing agricultural land they have been made available to the security forces.

Mr Ford asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to make a statement on the uptake of the countryside management and organic farming schemes.

(AQO 630/01)

Ms Rodgers: The countryside management scheme came into effect on 20 March 2001. Since then 341 applicants have entered into management agreements with the Department, a further 130 applicants have been offered management agreements in December 2001 and DARD expects to offer agreements to a further 700 applicants in the next few months. Under the terms of the scheme, first payments are made following completion of each year’s undertakings. It is also intended that the countryside management scheme will re-open to new applications later in 2002 and annually thereafter.

The organic farming scheme came into effect on 1 March 2001. There are 72 scheme participants, which is only half the number anticipated by this stage. This is due mainly to the effects of the foot-and-mouth disease situation, which meant that necessary on-farm inspections by organic sector bodies could not take place. However we anticipate increased interest in the scheme in 2002.

Mr Davis asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to consult with her colleague in Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in respect of a potential application to build a potato chip production plant in Northern Ireland, and to outline if such a plant would attract grant aid.

(AQO 635/01)

Ms Rodgers: When the new processing and marketing grant scheme opens my Department will call for applications. At that stage we will work closely with Department of Trade and Industry agencies, IBD and LEDU who are co-funders of worthy projects. I can not indicate approval of the potential project the Member has outlined until a detailed application has been received and fully assessed.

Mr Armstrong asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if Northern Ireland falls within the scope of any investigations being carried out by the European Union anti-fraud unit in respect of alleged overpayments of compensation to farmers whose herds suffered foot-and-mouth disease.

(AQO 618/01)

Ms Rodgers: There were no overpayments of compensation for animals slaughtered because of the disease. Animals were individually valued by the Department’s valuation officers and owners signed Statements of Valuation agreeing to the valuations of their animals. Following valuation animals were kept under supervision until they were slaughtered, thus there was no possibility that animals could be removed from owners’ premises following valuation.

However an inspection team from the European Veterinary Fund Audit office recently visited Northern Ireland, as part of their audit of the UK’s claim to the EU for a financial contribution towards the cost of compensation paid for animals slaughtered because of foot-and-mouth disease. The audit team’s report has not yet been received.

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to AQO 449/01, what practical steps is he taking to ensure that a 50-metre swimming pool will be a central part of the Centre of Excellence at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown; and to make a statement.

(AQW 1232/01)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): I refer the Member to the answer I gave on AQW 1259/01 which confirmed that current plans are to provide a 50 metre swimming pool at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown as part of the Sports Institute for Northern Ireland.

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to AQW 1091/01, to give a breakdown of monies spent by the South Eastern Education and Library Board for public libraries under their control, in each of the past five years.

(AQW 1305/01)

Mr McGimpsey: The following table gives a breakdown of expenditure by the South Eastern Education and Library Board on the public libraries under its control over the last five years.

Mr M Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline (a) any plans he has to provide resources for the development of youth football; and (b) how he intends to allocate these resources.

(AQW 1312/01)

Mr McGimpsey: I recently obtained £1.6 million over the next three years from the Executive Programme Funds to assist in the development of youth football in Northern Ireland. It is my intention that this money should be distributed to football through the Sports Council. The Sports Council is therefore drawing up plans for the allocation of this funding at the moment and I anticipate that the Sports Council’s plan will be finalised within the next few weeks.

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if his Department or any of its agencies retains a list of names of the people who signed the Ulster Covenant in 1912.

(AQW 1336/01)

Mr McGimpsey: The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) holds the original signatures of the Ulster Covenant. They are set out on approximately 47,150 forms (usually 10 names to each form) within the Ulster Unionist Council archive (PRONI Ref D/1327). There is no separate list of the signatures.

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to list the documents that his Department possesses in relation to the 1912 Ulster Covenant.

(AQW 1337/01)

Mr McGimpsey: The documents in relation to the 1912 Ulster Covenant are held by the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. The main archive is the Ulster Unionist Council archive D/1327. There is also relevant information in the following papers:

*The total figure for 1999/00 is less than shown in the response to AQW 1091 as the Board has submitted a revised figure.

• The Northern Ireland Information Service archive (INF/7A)
• Abercorn (D/623)
• Carson (MIC/665)
• Craigavon (D/1415)
• Joseph Cunningham (D/1288)
• H Mongtomery Hyde (D/3084)
• 7th Marquess of Londonderry (D/3099)
• Sir Robert Lynn, MP (D/3480/59)
• Ellison Macartney (D/3649)
• Joshua Peel (D/889)
• Colonel Saunderson (MIC/281, T/2996)
• Ulster Women’s Unionist Council (D/2688, D/1098)

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how much money was allocated to the Ulster Cycling Federation in each of the last three years.

(AQW 1339/01)

Mr McGimpsey: The Sports Council recognise the Ulster Cycling Federation (UCF) as the governing body for the sport of cycling in the province. The UCF have had the following funding allocated in the last three years.

The Northern Ireland Cycling Federation, as an unrecognised governing body, do not qualify for Sports Council Exchequer funding support, although they are eligible to apply for Sports Lottery assistance.

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how much money was allocated to the Northern Ireland Cycling Federation in each of the last three years.

(AQW 1340/01)

Mr McGimpsey: The Sports Council recognise the Ulster Cycling Federation (UCF) as the governing body for the sport of cycling in the province. The UCF have had the following funding allocated in the last three years.

The Northern Ireland Cycling Federation, as an unrecognised governing body, do not qualify for Sports Council Exchequer funding support, although they are eligible to apply for Sports Lottery assistance.

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he has any proposals to introduce a two-bag limit for salmon within inland waterways, in particular, the Lough Neagh and Upper Bann system.

(AQW 1354/01)

Mr McGimpsey: I can confirm that approval has been given to a proposal by the Fisheries Conservancy Board to introduce a two fish daily bag limit for rod caught salmon within the board’s area, which includes Lough Neagh and the Upper Bann system. The bag limit will apply from 1 June to the end of the annual fishing season. During the period from 1 March to 31 May all salmon caught must be returned immediately to the water. The by-laws will come into operation on 1 March 2002.

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what plans he has to enhance inland fishing in the Carrickfergus Borough Council Area.

(AQW 1383/01)

Mr McGimpsey: There are limited opportunities to enhance inland fisheries in the Carrickfergus Borough Council area due to the lack of rivers and loughs. However the Department has four waters in the area which form part of the public angling estate and plans have been drawn up to improve and further develop waters such as Lough Mourne, the Woodburn Reservoirs and the Marshallstown Reservoir. Furthermore consideration is being given to other sources of funding such as the Executive Programme funds.

Regardless of the above, routine maintenance and improvement work is constantly ongoing in the public angling estate and the Department has recently constructed a disabled anglers car park at Middle South Woodburn reservoir. Moreover some work has already begun, in co-operation with the Water Service, to provide extensive disabled facilities at Marshallstown; Upper, Lower and Middle, South and North Woodburn. This will include access and fishing stands for the disabled as well as some tree planting and a new car park at North Woodburn, which should improve road safety and vehicle security.

Mr McGrady asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what plans he has to provide funding to district councils for the development of sports and recreational facilities; and to make a statement.

(AQO 596/01)

Mr McGimpsey: The responsibility for securing adequate facilities for social, physical and cultural activities, under Article 10 of the Recreation and Youth Service (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, lies with district councils.

In addition, statutory responsibility for the development of sport rests with the Sports Council for Northern Ireland. To date the Sports Council has made a sum of approximately £44.9 million available from the Sports Lottery Fund to capital projects, of which £9.8 million has been awarded to district councils.

My Department is, through the cultural forum, working with district councils to assist them with the development of local cultural strategic plans. These plans will be used to assist access to funding sources including that available under the Peace II programme.

Mr McElduff asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what advice or instructions he has given to each Government Department to promote the use of the Irish language in public life.

(AQO 607/01)

Mr McGimpsey: My Department advised Ministerial Colleagues of the provisions of Part III of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages which the devolved administration could apply to Irish. The Department chairs an interdepartmental group which is developing advice on implementing the Charter. On 6 July 2001 my Department issued to Departments model interim guidance on the use of Irish in official business. This was intended to help Departments understand and meet the minimum requirements of Part III Article 10 of the European Charter. Further draft model guidance will be submitted to the Executive early this year. Furthermore, my Department responds as appropriate to requests from other Departments for advice on specific issues and regularly contributes to consultative exercises.

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