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Friday 1 February 2002 Students Enrolled: Mr McClarty asked the Minister for Employment and Learning, in respect of the University of Ulster, Coleraine, to detail (i) the number of full-time students enrolled and (ii) the number of student spaces available in on-site halls of residence. (AQW 1396/01) The Minister for Employment and Learning (Ms Hanna): In the 2000/01 academic year there were some 4,101 students enrolled on full-time higher education courses at the University of Ulster’s Coleraine campus. As regards student accommodation, UU, in keeping with all UK universities, is an autonomous body entirely responsible for its own policies and practices, including student accommodation. My Department, in line with practice in other UK territories, does not fund the provision of such accommodation. However I am advised by UU that it currently provides 410 bed spaces on campus, with plans to increase these to 479, while a further 562 places are available at University- managed accommodation within the Coleraine, Portstewart and Portrush Triangle. Mobile Classroom Mr Kane asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if she would consider the provision of a mobile classroom to complement the North East Institute of Further and Higher Education given the difficulties encountered with rural transport. (AQW 1427/01) Ms Hanna: The decision to purchase a mobile classroom is entirely a matter for the North East Institute from within its existing resources. Student Support Review Mrs Nelis asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what additional higher education places have been allocated to the University of Ulster at Magee Campus in response to the Student Support Review. (AQW 1463/01) Ms Hanna: 1,000 additional higher education places will be introduced on a phased basis over the academic years 2002-03 to 2004-05 as part of the Student Support Review package. My Department is presently considering how these places will be apportioned within the tertiary education sector. Managing Attendance Strategy Mrs Nelis asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what opportunities are being provided to ensure that we have enough staff to deal with health problems in the future. (AQW 1470/01) Ms Hanna: The Department is actively involved in recruiting staff at different levels and is about to introduce a revised managing attendance strategy. New Deal Mr Gibson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if she will make a statement as to the effectiveness of New Deal in reducing unemployment among young people. (AQW 1483/01) Ms Hanna: From the introduction of New Deal for 18-24 year olds in April 1998 in Northern Ireland, the number of young people in the New Deal target group claiming jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) has fallen from 6,448 to 2,418 in December 2001, a decrease of 62%. By contrast the total number of 18-24 year old people claiming JSA in Northern Ireland (target and non-target group) has fallen from 14,076 to 10,041, a decrease of 29% over the same period. Focus for Work Initiative Mr Gibson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what plans she has to help the unemployed back into work in areas of acute social deprivation. (AQW 1497/01) Ms Hanna: The recently announced Focus for Work initiative, the range of New Deal programmes, the work of the Taskforce on Employability and Long-Term Unemployment, which I chair, and my Department’s closer working relationship with the Social Security Agency are examples of ways in which I am seeking to help the most disadvantaged back to work. New Deal: West Tyrone Mr Gibson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what assessment she has made in relation to the impact of New Deal for young people in West Tyrone. (AQW 1502/01) Ms Hanna: In West Tyrone the number of young people in the New Deal 18-24 target group claiming JSA has fallen from 510 in April 1998 to 208 in December 2001, a decrease of 59%. By contrast the total number of 18-24 year old people claiming JSA in West Tyrone (target and non-target group) has fallen from 928 to 651, a decrease of 30%. Access to Work (NI) Scheme Mr Gibson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what steps she is taking to assist people who are partially sighted to overcome barriers in employment. (AQW 1503/01) Ms Hanna: Under the Access to Work (NI) scheme, a wide range of specific assistance is offered, including specialist equipment or modifications to premises or equipment required because of disability. In addition, the Department also offers the visually impaired job capability assessment, Employment Support and access to all other Departmental programmes. Information on this assistance is available from JobCentres and in audiocassette, large print and Braille formats. Youth Unemployment: Mr M Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what progress has been made in tackling youth unemployment. (AQW 1515/01) Ms Hanna: For the purposes of quotation I have taken ‘youth’ to refer to the 16-17 group. Young people aged 16 and 17 years are not normally entitled to unemployment benefit but are guaranteed a training place for which they receive a weekly training allowance of £40. My Department provides that guarantee through the Jobskills training programme, which currently has in excess of 14,000 participants. Rates of joblessness for 16 and 17 years olds in Northern Ireland have been measured by survey at around 5% for those not engaged in employment, education or training (Status 0). My Department is currently considering what additional provision needs to be made for these young people and has recently introduced a pilot within Jobskills to test alternative ways of re-engaging with this group. New Deal Mr Weir asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what impact the New Deal programme has had on long-term unemployment in North Down. (AQW 1537/01) Ms Hanna: Since the introduction of New Deal in Northern Ireland in April 1998, the number of people in the New Deal 18-24 year old target group claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) in the North Down constituency has fallen from 196 to 80 in December 2001, a decrease of 59%. During the same period the number of people in the New Deal for the over 25 target group in the North Down constituency has fallen from 534 to 169, a decrease of 68%. By contrast the total number of people claiming JSA in the North Down constituency (target and non-target groups) has fallen from 2042 to 1306, a decrease of 36% over the same period. New Deal 50 plus Mr M Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what steps she is taking to reduce long-term unemployment in males aged between 50-64. (AQW 1599/01) Ms Hanna: New Deal 50 plus is available to people aged 50 and over who have been receiving specified benefits for 6 months or more. It offers help from a Personal Adviser, an Employment Credit and a Training Grant. In addition, New Deal 25+ offers work experience and training to eligible Jobseekers aged over 50. New Deal Mr M Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail how much her Department has spent in relation to the New Deal programme from its inception to date. (AQW 1600/01) Ms Hanna: From April 1998 to December 2001 the Department has spent over £75 million on New Deal. The total spend includes Departmental Running Costs of £20·7m. New Deal Mr M Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what effect the New Deal scheme has had on long-term unemployment in South Belfast. (AQW 1601/01) Ms Hanna: From the introduction of New Deal in April 1998 in Northern Ireland, the total number of people in the New Deal target groups claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) in South Belfast has fallen from 1,267 to 354 in December 2001, a decrease of 72%. By contrast the total number of people claiming JSA in South Belfast (target and non-target group) has fallen from 3,147 to 1,875, a decrease of 40%. Postgraduate Studies in Human Rights Mr McElduff asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what action she proposes to take to ensure grant assistance is provided for students undertaking post-graduate studies in human rights. (AQO 667/01) Ms Hanna: Each year my Department makes available some £4 million to Queen’s University and the University of Ulster for research and for certain approved courses of full-time study leading to higher degrees. The allocation of awards across the various disciplines is made on the advice of the Department’s Postgraduate Advisory Board. It is then for the universities to allocate these awards to each faculty and to select, by competition, the students who will receive them. Work Permits Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the process and criteria for the issue of employment permits in Northern Ireland. (AQW 1674/01) Ms Hanna: Work permits in both Great Britain and Northern Ireland are issued under the Immigration Act 1971. In Northern Ireland they are processed by my Department using the same criteria as are used in Great Britain by the Home Office. Work permits allow employers based in Northern Ireland to employ people who are not nationals of a European Economic Area country and who would not otherwise be entitled to work in Northern Ireland. The aim of the system is to strike a balance between enabling employers to recruit or transfer skilled workers from abroad and protecting job opportunities for workers resident in the European Economic Area. Only an employer based in Northern Ireland (or a representative, such as a solicitor or other agent, acting on behalf of the employer) may apply for a work permit to employ a person to work in Northern Ireland. A copy of the current guidance note for employers which gives a full explanation of the process and eligibility criteria used has been placed in the Assembly Library. Work Permits Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail, by constituency, the number of employment permits issued in each of the last 5 years. (AQW 1675/01) Ms Hanna: The information is not readily available in the form requested. Information available from the 1 April 1999 is as follows: Financial year No of permits issued
Monitoring Rounds Mr J Kelly asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to explain (a) why her Department has released approximately £51 million in the monitoring rounds in this financial year; and (b) the steps she is taking to improve financial forecasting within her Department. (AQW 1707/01) Ms Hanna: (a) The Department’s release of expenditure budget in this year’s monitoring rounds was £21·2 million. This properly recognises that student loans are not expenditure but Capital Assets and the amount of £19·1 million allocated to the Department in monitoring rounds. The principal sources of surrenders were New Deal and Jobskills. In New Deal reduced demand, staff shortages and non-notification of some eligible unemployed have led to lower participation this year. Reduced demand, a higher qualification standard leading to lower performance payments and unit cost reductions have enabled release of Jobskills budget. (b) As part of the Department’s preparation for the Budget, Jobskills and New Deal budgets were reviewed. These two budgets decline respectively in the coming year compared to this year and they will be reviewed again both in year and during preparations for the Spending Review. Actual spend will continue to be led by demand which can rise as well as fall. East Down Institute, Downpatrick: Mr McGrady asked the Minister for Employment and Learning when funding will be made available to replace the East Down Institute in Downpatrick; and to make a statement. (AQO 659/01) Ms Hanna: No funding commitment can be given at this time. The scheme, which is considered a high priority by my Department, continues to be considered in the light of available resources, taking into account other priorities in the Further Education Sector. However, in furtherance of the overall project the Department has funded the purchase of an adjacent site to the Institute in Downpatrick. Jobskills Mr R Hutchinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what assessment she has made in relation to the 8-week extension to job skills training credits and the ability of participants to complete key skills qualifications. (AQO 704/01) Ms Hanna: Jobskills frameworks involving the full range of key skills were only introduced from September 2001 and the 8-week extension to training periods, which applies from that date, was agreed after consultation with training providers. It is too early to fully gauge the ability of participants to achieve key skill qualifications. However in view of the representations made in respect of key skills I have decided, as a temporary arrangement, that young people who entered Jobskills in the 1999/2000 intake will be permitted to progress in their training without the Key Skills qualifications. Research Assessment Exercise Mr Byrne asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to comment on the ratings achieved by Northern Ireland universities under the Research Assessment Exercise. (AQO 694/01) Ms Hanna: The Northern Ireland universities performed extremely well in the Research Assessment Exercise with results confirming that research undertaken is of world class quality. The work of over three-quarters of staff are in units rated as containing research of international standard. This is a significant achievement. Springvale Project Mr Maskey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to provide a progress report on the Springvale Campus project in West Belfast. (AQO 690/01) Ms Hanna: The University of Ulster and the Belfast Institute are working in partnership and with my Department to take the Springvale project forward. The outline business case for the Private Finance Initiative test of the main campus is due to be presented to the Department in February 2002. The expected date for completion of the construction of the Community Outreach Centre is February 2002. A full planning application has been lodged for the Applied Research Centre and the expected date of completion is May 2003. The second draft of the academic plan is being developed by the two institutions in support of the initial objectives for the campus and will be available shortly for consultation. The responses from the community to the first draft of the plan provided valuable community perspectives which have been analysed and included in the second draft. Adult Literacy Strategy Mr Fee asked the Minister for Employment and Learning when she intends to bring forward a strategy to address the levels of literacy and numeracy difficulties among adults. (AQO 692/01) Ms Hanna: A Strategy paper aimed at improving adult literacy in Northern Ireland has been prepared and will be published for consultation in late February or early March. Teacher Training Colleges: Mr S Wilson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning how much has been spent on capital expenditure, in the last 5 years on (a) St Joseph’s; (b) St Mary’s; and (c) Stranmillis teacher training colleges. (AQO 689/01) Ms Hanna: During the period April 1996 to March 2001, the Department provided £1,389,520 in capital funding to St. Mary’s and £2,776,859 to Stranmillis. St Joseph’s Training College ceased to exist in 1985 when it was amalgamated with St. Mary’s to form a single site college on the Falls Road campus. IT Graduates Mr McFarland asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what assessment she has made in respect of the adequacy of the annual output of IT trained graduates and technicians relative to likely levels of demand in the electronics engineering sector. (AQO 685/01) Ms Hanna: Recent research suggests that there is unlikely to be a shortage of IT graduates over the next 5 years, however there is a shortage of electronic engineers, particularly at the graduate and technician levels. My Department is addressing these shortages by increasing the number of higher and further education places, introducing a graduate engineering conversion programme and establishing Centres of Excellence in ICT and computing and electronics, including at North Down and Ards Institute of Further and Higher Education. Timber Technology Mr Armstrong asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if she will undertake to support training initiatives in the new timber technology. (AQO 699/01) Ms Hanna: My Department supports training in timber technology at various levels across Further Education in Northern Ireland. In particular there is specialist provision at Higher National Diploma level at the Upper Bann Institute of Further and Higher Education. I will be meeting representatives of Magherafelt Business Forum in the near future to discuss the issue with them. Enterprise, Trade and Investment Moyle Interconnector Mr Neeson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the benefits to NI electricity consumers from the sale of electricity generated by the Moyle Interconnector to the Republic of Ireland. (AQW 1432/01) The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): Traders using the Moyle Interconnector to transmit electricity from Scotland to the Republic of Ireland are required to pay interconnector capacity charges. Receipts from these charges are offset against the allowed revenue in respect of the use of its transmission system which NIE is entitled to recover from customers in Northern Ireland. This benefit to customers is expected to grow as the use of the interconnector increases. Moyle Interconnector Mr Neeson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what capacity of electricity generated by the Moyle Interconnector is expected to be distributed (a) in Northern Ireland; and (b) in the Republic of Ireland. (AQW 1433/01) Sir Reg Empey: Capacity on the interconnector is made available to the electricity market through publicly advertised capacity auctions conducted by the System Operator Northern Ireland under the supervision of the independent Office for the Regulation of Electricity and Gas (OFREG). The results of the initial auctions to allocate the energy equivalent of 125MW of capacity under the contract to NIE and third party rights to interconnector capacity were published by OFREG on 30 November 2001 and 13 December 2001 respectively and are available on the OFREG website. Successful bidders are entitled to sell the capacity purchased at auction to customers in Northern Ireland or elsewhere. Broadband Telecommunications: Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what progress has been made in extending broadband telecommunications to West Tyrone. (AQW 1446/01) Sir Reg Empey: Telecommunications is a privatised and nationally regulated industry and the provision of broadband services is a matter for the telecommunication operators. However the Executive in the Programme for Government recognised the need for Government to work with the private sector to encourage the provision of broadband services widely across Northern Ireland. There are a range of broadband technologies and each has to be considered in light of the case for use. My Department’s e-Solutions Centre can provide guidance to companies on what is most appropriate. Satellite technology presents one means by which rural areas such as West Tyrone can obtain access to broadband services and I recently announced a programme of support for SMEs in rural areas to assist them with set-up and first year costs. ADSL Broadband Mr McMenamin asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, pursuant to AQW 581/01, to explain the differential in the charge between ADSL fixed line and ADSL satellite broadband services. (AQW 1459/01) Sir Reg Empey: While OFTEL regulate the price of wholesale ADSL broadband, there is no regulation over the price of retailed ADSL services. Consequently, in a privatised market, it is up to the operator to set what he feels to be the market-driven commercial rate. Broadband satellite technology is now sufficiently mature as to offer a viable, albeit more expensive, alternative to ADSL. Satellite telecommunications have the advantage of providing broadband services which are unrestricted by physical, geographic and terrestrial access restrictions, and are now available in Northern Ireland from a range of licensed telecommunication operators. At today’s prices the cost of most satellite offerings available in Northern Ireland is approximately twice that for ADSL. Attracting Manufacturing Business: Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what assessment he has made of attracting manufacturing business to West Tyrone. (AQW 1464/01) Sir Reg Empey: The downturn in leading global economies, exacerbated by the events of September 11, has resulted in an unprecedented reduction in available mobile inward investment opportunities. In addition the average size of projects in employment terms has also reduced significantly. Our competitors are also experiencing these factors. The technology communications and aerospace sectors have been particularly badly affected. Levels of business investment have fallen steeply as companies have either postponed or abandoned proposals. The depth and duration of the global downturn is uncertain although it is likely that investment opportunities will continue to be depressed in the longer term. This will lead to a smaller number of projects being secured in Northern Ireland as a whole. IDB has been encouraging potential investors to locate in areas such as West Tyrone but they have largely chosen to locate in or close to the Belfast and Londonderry conurbations where they believe the densities of population reduce their investment risk, particularly in terms of people. However, IDB continues to explore new ways to promote inward investment from both new and existing investors into areas such as West Tyrone and is working particularly closely with local stakeholders to determine how best to market and promote the area. Notwithstanding these challenges IDB recently announced the development of a new 30,000 sq. ft. Multi-Purpose Advance Building for Strabane which will be a valuable facility for prospective investors. Previously, in December 2000 I announced a new £1·3m inward investment in Strabane. This was by the ROI based company, Fabplus Ltd, who purchased IDB’s former advance factory in Strabane to manufacture sprinkler systems in a project that is expected to create 30 new manufacturing jobs. In addition, through "Invest North West" IDB is co- operating closely with Industrial Development Authority (IDA) in a joint marketing initiative to promote the North West, including Strabane Council area as a single region for inward investment. Hi-tech Business Mr Gibson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what steps he is taking to encourage the growth in hi-tech businesses. (AQW 1465/01) Sir Reg Empey: The Department’s agencies are working closely with hi-tech businesses on an individual and sectoral basis to encourage growth and competitiveness. The range of measures being used include quality and export initiatives, incubation facilities, R&D, skills development and facilitating access to broadband telecommunications services. Activities to attract inward investment in this sector are also being actively pursued. Bombardier in Montreal Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what assurances did he seek from Bombardier in Montreal in relation to the future of the aircraft industry in Northern Ireland. (AQW 1467/01) Sir Reg Empey: At my meeting with Bombardier in Montreal I sought and obtained assurances that Bombardier was committed to maintaining a strong integrated design and engineering capability in Belfast which would enable it to compete effectively for new aircraft projects. ADSL Satellite Mr McMenamin asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how many people or companies have subscribed to ADSL satellite in Northern Ireland since its introduction. (AQW 1468/01) Sir Reg Empey: In a privatised industry information relating to numbers of people or companies taking up ADSL or broadband satellite services is a commercially confidential issue. However OFTEL publish figures relating to the uptake of ADSL at a national level, which indicates that there are 130,000 users across the UK. OFTEL do not publish figures at a regional level, nor do they publish any figures relating to broadband satellite take-up. Broadband satellite services from a number of suppliers have been offered in Northern Ireland since autumn 2001. Industrial Research and Technology Unit (IRTU) understand the number of local companies using satellite broadband is currently less than 100. Since its launch on 15 January the Department’s SME Broadband Satellite Programme has received requests for application forms from 48 companies. Coats Viyella, Randalstown Mr Clyde asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what discussions he has had with the IDB in relation to the proposed local management buy-out at the Coats Viyella Home Furnishings plant in Randalstown; and to make a statement. (AQW 1479/01) Sir Reg Empey: A procedure is in place with IDB to provide me with prompt notification on matters of public interest arising from events in the industrial sector and through that process I am fully aware of the details of this case. On Wednesday 16 January officials met with senior Coats plc and local Dorma management and a process is underway with the objective of securing the best possible outcome for the business and its employees. Trends in Inward Investment Mr Hussey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to make a statement on changes in trends in inward investment into Northern Ireland over the past 6 months, and to give his assessment of future trends. (AQW 1486/01) Sir Reg Empey: The downturn in leading global economies, exacerbated by the events of September 11, has resulted in an unprecedented reduction in available mobile inward investment opportunities and their size, in employment terms, has also reduced significantly. These factors are also being experienced by our competitors. The technology communications and aerospace sectors have been particularly badly affected. Levels of business investment have fallen steeply as companies have either postponed or abandoned proposals. The depth and duration of the global downturn is uncertain although it is likely that investment opportunities will continue to be depressed in the longer term. This will lead to a smaller number of projects being secured in the short to medium term. Unemployment Figures: Mr McElduff asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the unemployment figures in both Omagh and Strabane District Council area in each of the last 4 years; and to make a statement. (AQO 668/01) Sir Reg Empey: Claimant count unemployment figures for Omagh District Council in the last four years were 1,840 (December 1998), 1,324 (December 1999), 1,301 (December 2000) and 1,239 (December 2001). Corresponding figures for Strabane District Council were 1,768; 1,309; 1,368; and 1,257. My Department and, once established, Invest Northern Ireland, will continue to work with companies in the area to promote further economic activity and employment. Euro Preparations Forum Mr M Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what guidance and advice has been issued to businesses and the tourist industry in relation to the introduction of the euro currency. (AQO 662/01) Sir Reg Empey: The Northern Ireland Euro Preparations Forum has been actively implementing a regional euro preparations strategy designed to help local businesses, particularly SMEs, prepare to trade in the euro. Guidance and advice has been provided through articles in the local media, mailshots to businesses, regional roadshows, guidance publications and the Forum website (www.euroforum-ni.org.uk). A British Tourist Authority Booklet "The euro – A guide for small tourism businesses" has also been distributed to the local tourism and hospitality sector. Trade Mission: Hong Kong and China Mr R Hutchinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline the uptake of any business opportunities as a result of the trade mission to Hong Kong and China in November 2001. (AQO 706/01) Sir Reg Empey: Twenty-seven companies participated in the recent trade mission to China which I joined in Beijing. Information on the levels of business generated from the mission is still being gathered but to date a number of companies have reported actual sales of £2·14 million and potential sales of £8 million. Inward Investment: Mr McGrady asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what further action is being taken to promote inward investment to the Business Park located on the Belfast Road, Downpatrick. (AQO 660/01) Sir Reg Empey: From April 2001 to 31 December 2001 IDB arranged a further 5 visits by potential inward investor companies to Down Business Park; and discussions are currently taking place with property developers regarding the provision of modern flexible business space in the Park. Introduction of the Euro Mr Byrne asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline the economic implications for businesses, particularly along the border as a result of the introduction of the Euro; and to make a statement. (AQO 657/01) Sir Reg Empey: The introduction of the euro provides both challenges and opportunities for Northern Ireland businesses. Economically, local businesses now face a situation where exchange rate risk has been reduced, and where greater price transparency of goods and services exist across the eurozone. In border areas, where many NI businesses have long traded on a dual currency basis, the euro will in effect be simply replacing the Irish punt in business dealings. The outlook for NI businesses, whose prices remain competitive and have prepared to trade in euro, is promising. The situation for local companies exporting to the eurozone would be further improved should the euro appreciate relative to Sterling. Inward Investment Mr Armstrong asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (a) the current position of attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDO); and (b) how this may be affected by the creation of the new agency, Invest Northern Ireland (INI). (AQO 677/01) Sir Reg Empey: (a) In this financial year there has been an unprecedented reduction in new inward investment opportunities, caused by the global economic downturn and the events of September 11; and (b) Invest Northern Ireland’s strategic principles will include a continuing focus on inward investment with all the benefits which this brings to the local economy. Harland and Wolff Mr McCarthy asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline the current position regarding orders at Harland and Wolff. (AQO 673/01) Sir Reg Empey: The current order book at Harland and Wolff is focused on construction of the two RoRo vessel contracts which is expected to maintain employment into the first quarter of this year; and the company is making substantial efforts to win new orders. Enforcement Action: Mr Wells asked the Minister of the Environment how many buildings have been demolished as a result of enforcement action taken by the Planning Service since 1973. (AQW 1439/01) The Minister of the Environment (Mr Foster): The information requested is not readily available, and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost to my Department. EuroBob Mr Hussey asked the Minister of the Environment to detail any application he has made to the European Commission ‘EuroBOB’ campaign (IP/01/1694) against drink driving. (AQW 1488/01) Mr Foster: My Department has not made an application to the European Commission to implement the EuroBob concept in Northern Ireland. The ‘EuroBob’ campaign is modelled on a character launched in Belgium in 1995 in a joint campaign by the Belgium Road Safety Institute (IBSR) and the Belgian Brewers’ Association (CBB). The campaign aims to raise public awareness of the need to have a designated driver who does not drink and who is responsible for driving the rest of the party home safely. In May 2001, the Belgian Minister of Transport wrote to Member States seeking their support in identifying non-government organisations as potential partners who might implement the EuroBob campaign, on a national basis in their country, possibly with EU funding. The letter noted that it was IBSR’s intention to write to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. The UK replied to the effect that the Portman Group which, on behalf of the UK drinks industry, seeks to promote sensible drinking and reduce alcohol-related harm, has operated a similar scheme - known as ‘I’ll be Des’ (for designated driver) - in the United Kingdom since December 1999. Contact details for the Portman Group were also provided. I am not aware of any application having been made by a qualifying organisation to extend the EuroBob initiative to the United Kingdom. General Exchequer Grant: Mr Gibson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail any plans he has to introduce a deprivation factor in the formula used to distribute central government finance to local authorities. (AQW 1526/01) Mr Foster: The proposed formula for distribution of the resources element of General Exchequer Grant contains measures to address the additional needs of district councils, generated by deprivation. The main adjusting factors introduced are the Noble indicators of income deprivation and employment deprivation. This is in line with the Department’s New Targeting Social Need (TSN) Objective No 6, contained in the New TSN Action Plan Report ‘Making it Work’, which was published last year. |