(AQW 2082/01)

Ms Hanna: Three hundred and seventeen (317) applications have been received as a result of the recent Northern Ireland wide advertising campaign for Governors of Further Education Colleges in the business, industry and professions category of membership. Applications are being assessed by a Departmental panel which includes an independent assessor. Appointments will be made on 1 April 2002.

(AQW 2084/01)

Ms Hanna: The review is examining the operation and impact of the Individual Learning Account national framework as it applied in Northern Ireland. It is examining not only how far the scheme met its objectives of attracting more Northern Ireland people into lifelong learning but also, in conjunction with the other UK administrations, the circumstances leading up to the shut down of the ILA Centre system. It is vital to have a thorough understanding of these issues as I plan the way ahead. I will announce my intentions as soon as possible, bearing in mind the Programme for Government aim for new arrangements by September 2002.

(AQW 2212/01)

Ms Hanna: The annual Cabinet Office Publication, "Public Bodies" provides a range of information including expenditure for Northern Ireland Non Departmental Public Bodies. Copies of these publications have been placed in the Assembly Library and are also available on the Cabinet Office website, www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/ quangos

(AQO 866/01)

Ms Hanna: I have placed a table detailing the information requested by JobCentre area in the Assembly library as this is most reliable geographical breakdown. In Northern Ireland as a whole, 6,343 people finished employer options between April 1998 and October 2001 and 4,270 of these have remained in their New Deal job or taken up other employment. Data refers to full-time and part-time employment.

(AQO 891/01)

Ms Hanna: The support system for NI students of all ages is based on family or personal income and specific circumstances and needs. While the main source of living cost support is a student loan, from 2002 means-tested non-repayable HE Bursaries will be introduced. There are also a number of non-repayable Supplementary Allowances available, such as the Childcare Grant, Dependants Allowance and the Schools Meals Grant, which are designed to provide additional financial assistance to students with children and dependants.

(AQO 867/01)

Ms Hanna: The number of students registered at Castlereagh College’s outreach centre at Dundonald for the academic years 1997-1998 to 2001-2002 is as follows: 1,322; 1,298; 1,292; 1,155; and, 1,066.

Castlereagh has informed us that the estimated amount of overspend at the centre during the academic years 1999-2000 and 2001-02 is some £46,000 and £63,000 respectively. Information for earlier years could only be obtained at a disproportionate cost.

The Department does not collect information on the financial position of individual outreach centres. This information could only be obtained at a disproportionate cost.

(AQO 887/01)

Ms Hanna: The Department has not undertaken any specific research on levels of student satisfaction in FE Colleges. The Education and Training Inspectorate consider the student experience as part of their evaluation of learning and teaching in all colleges and individual colleges have carried out their own surveys.

(AQO 897/01)

Ms Hanna: My Department will be publishing proposals in the near future aimed at improving the levels of literacy in Northern Ireland. Officials drafting these proposals have been advised on a regular and ongoing basis by the Education and Training Inspectorate from the Department of Education. My Department has consulted with senior officers in the Department of Education on the issue of literacy to ensure that the Adult Literacy Strategy builds on the work of that Department.

(AQW 2038/01)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): The Department of Enterprise Trade & Investment currently employs some 1136 staff.

A Strategic Review of Civil Service Office Accommodation, which includes an examination of the scope for decentralisation of Civil Service jobs, is currently ongoing. Pending the outcome of the review, opportunities to relocate Civil Service jobs will continue to be examined on a case-by-case basis, as particular needs and issues arise. Where there are considered to be pressing accommodation needs or where short-term decisions are required, business cases are prepared taking full account of the current relocation policy.

(AQW 2077/01)

Sir Reg Empey: The Industrial Development Board (IDB) is continuing to work with the employment services of the Department of Employment and Learning and Coats Viyella management to obtain an orderly run down of production at Dorma Old Bleachworks. IDB will also be responding to any expressions of interest in the business from other parties to secure the best possible outcome for those affected. In addition, IDB is helping promote the factory and surrounding site to bring it to the attention of other businesses by placing it on IDB’s Property Services web site.

IDB will continue to market the Antrim area to potential investors. In the period April 1998 to date, there have been 59 first time and 17 repeat visits by potential investors to the Antrim Borough Council area. Additionally, a package of measures is being implemented to raise the profile and marketability of the Antrim Technology Park.

In terms of support to existing companies within the Antrim Borough Council area, all IDB and Local Enterprise Development Unit (LEDU) client companies are encouraged to use the range of programmes available within my Department to improve their international competitiveness through business excellence and to increase international trade. A number of companies within the Antrim Borough Council area have made use of these initiatives including undertaking competitiveness assessments and participating on Market Access Visits to target overseas markets.

Small businesses account for 98.2% of the total business base and 57.0% of employment in the Antrim Borough. There are 58 (LEDU) businesses in Antrim actively exporting and these employ 1088 people. LEDU is working with the small indigenous businesses in Antrim borough to secure employment and deliver growth in export markets. LEDU is also working closely with Antrim Council and Antrim Enterprise Agency in respect of a number of business development and start-up programmes. LEDU has funded the development and delivery of a Fresh Start Enterprise Programme that will target those affected by redundancy.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) continues to promote investment by undertaking marketing activity and through the provision of financial assistance for marketing and development projects. The NITB will continue to work with the Councils and local tourism providers to promote tourism in the area.

(AQW 2086/01)

Sir Reg Empey: The critical factors in the assessment of viability were the levels of future work that might be available for the Dorma group, the potential interest from a new customer base and the possibility of selling the business.

The amount of business from Dorma would not have been adequate to sustain a Management Buy Out, there was insufficient interest from potential new customers and a buyer for the business could not be found.

(AQW 2087/01)

Sir Reg Empey: The key issue here is that identified by the management team that even with IDB support the projected levels of future sales from Coats Viyella are insufficient to sustain a new business and the Management Buy Out team have been unable to gain any interest from potential customers.

Having considered those factors they concluded that a Management Buy Out would not be viable.

(AQW 2088/01)

Sir Reg Empey: My Department’s policy is to respond to correspondence using the address supplied by the correspondents, adding the postcode where necessary to ensure efficient mailing. Therefore, if someone writes to my Department supplying their Townland name my officials would respond also using the Townland name as part of the address.

(AQW 2138/01)

Sir Reg Empey: InterTradeIreland (ITI) has advised me that they have developed a programme aimed specifically at helping micro-businesses develop potential to trade cross-border. Launch of this programme requires EU state aid approval, which is presently being sought.

(AQO 880/01)

Sir Reg Empey: In its draft Corporate Plan which was published on 11 February 2002, Invest Northern Ireland has made it clear that it will seek to respond to the particular challenges of helping small businesses to win an increasing share of international business in markets that are increasingly more competitive and more globally focused. Invest NI has also set as a priority the need to encourage a much higher rate of business births through the development of a more enterprising culture.

(AQW 1935/01)

The Minister of the Environment (Mr Nesbitt): [holding answer 26 February 2002]: At present, District Councils are responsible for licensing landfill sites. However, under proposed Waste Management Licensing Regulations to be made under the Waste and Contaminated Land (NI) Order 1997, this function will transfer to my Department.

In preparation for this transfer, my Department asked District Councils for information on licensed landfill sites in September 2000. A request to update this information was sent to all District Councils in January 2002. When my Department has received and collated this information, I will arrange for a copy to be sent to the Member.

(AQW 1936/01)

Mr Nesbitt: [holding answer 26 February 2002]: My Department’s two road safety agencies, the Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA) and Driver and Vehicle Licensing NI (DVLNI) were involved at the 2002 Ulster Motor Show.

The Police Service exhibition stand at the Motor Show featured the driving theory test which is provided by DVTA as part of the Department’s driver training and testing arrangements. This provided the opportunity for DVTA to make available a demonstration of the touchscreen driving theory test and reflects the close partnership between my Department and the Police Service of Northern Ireland in promoting road safety.

DVLNI, which seeks to ensure that only qualified drivers are licensed to drive on the public road network and, for certain categories of licence, that drivers are medically fit to drive, also had a small stand at the Show. DVLNI staff received positive feedback from members of the public who had the opportunity to obtain application forms and to resolve questions on a one to one basis. The bulk of the questions related to driver licensing topics such as, the effect of medical conditions on holding a driving licence.

My Department’s Road Safety Branch explored the possibility of an interactive stand supporting the Department’s current commercial promoting seatbelt wearing. However, due to the unavailability of the necessary simulation equipment it was decided not to proceed with this venture.

I hope this reassures the Member that my Department recognises the valuable opportunity afforded by the Motor Show to promote aspects of road safety. Each year my road safety officials consider with the Department’s publicity advisers, the most cost-effective use that can be made of the resources available for road safety education, publicity and associated public relations activity. I can assure the Member that the merits of the Ulster Motor Show as a venue for road safety promotional activity will continue to be considered in this context.

(AQW 1937/01)

Mr Nesbitt: [holding answer 26 February 2002]: I understand that you have subsequently confirmed that you meant the question to relate to evidence of maladministration rather than malpractice.

An objector may make a complaint to the Planning Service by following the Agency’s complaints procedure. If an objector is dissatisfied with the Department’s response, and considers they have suffered injustice because of maladministration by my Department, a complaint may be made to the Northern Ireland Ombudsman, supported by a MLA. The Ombudsman will normally only consider a complaint if it is made to a member of the Assembly not later than 12 months from the day on which the person aggrieved first had knowledge of the matters alleged in the complaint. However, he has discretion to accept a complaint for investigation beyond this time limit if he considers that there are special circumstances, which make it proper for him to do so.

An objector may also seek leave to judicially review the Department’s decision. The Court rules provide that an application for leave to apply for judicial review shall be made promptly and in any event within three months from the date when the grounds for the application first arose, unless the court considers that there is good reason for extending the period within which the application shall be made. In relation to planning decisions the Courts have ruled in the past that "promptly" will generally be regarded as within a period of six weeks.

(AQW 1956/01)

Mr Nesbitt: [holding answer 26 February 2002]: Spend on external consultancy services in the last 3 years was as follows:

(AQW 1958/01)

Mr Nesbitt: [holding answer 26 February 2002]: I have no plans at present to implement the proposed European Directive regarding rear-view mirrors and indirect vision systems. This proposed Directive, which has not yet been adopted by the Parliament and Council, would introduce the first mandatory harmonised requirements for type approval of mirrors and systems for indirect vision for motor vehicles for the carriage of passengers and the carriage of goods within the European Union. The UK Government has submitted technical proposals to the European Commission setting out how an upgrade of vision systems could be dealt with, within the proposed Directive.

When the proposed Directive is agreed and adopted, consideration will be given as to how it will be implemented both in Great Britain and in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 1960/01)

Mr Nesbitt: [holding answer 26 February 2002]: District Councils are the competent authorities and have responsibility for identifying the need for waste management in their area, including the most suitable methods for waste management. Councils have prepared waste management plans within a framework set down by my Department’s Waste Management Strategy published in March 2000. These have recently gone to public consultation. They will establish the need for waste management facilities, the best practical environmental option for handling waste through every stage from its generation through to reuse or disposal, and provide advice in relation to the siting of facilities.

In addition the Regional Development Strategy prepared by the Department for Regional Development provides planning guidance for the location of waste management facilities. The Planning Service is currently preparing a Planning Policy Statement (PPS 11) on waste management that will set out my Department’s policy on the location of various types of facility, including incinerators. It is intended to publish this in final form in the Spring.

(AQW 1961/01)

Mr Nesbitt: [holding answer 26 February 2002]: Targets for recovery and recycling are included in the Waste Management Strategy for Northern Ireland, which was published by my Department in March 2000. These targets include:

• recovering 25% of household waste by 2005;

• recovering 40% of household waste by 2010, of which 25% must be by recycling or composting;

• District Council Waste Management Plans to make provision for recycling or composting 15% of household waste by 2005; and

• producers to recover a minimum of 58% of packaging waste, of which at least 25% must be recycled, including at least 15% of each packaging material.

It is intended that these targets will become mandatory at the first Strategy review in 2003, once further studies of waste arisings and consultation have established that they are achievable.

The Strategy sets targets for reduction in the volumes of industrial and commercial wastes and of biodegradable municipal wastes going to landfill. It is implicit that increased recycling and composting levels (along with reductions in waste arisings) will be essential to the achievement of these targets.

(AQW 1983/01)

Mr Nesbitt: Northern Ireland generally enjoys good air quality. Air quality monitoring indicates that no site has exceeded air quality limit values (standards), established under current Northern Ireland regulations, since 1992 and air quality has continued to improve since 1997 for the main pollutants of concern.

The framework for achieving air quality improvements in Northern Ireland is the Air Quality Strategy for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, published in January 2000. The Strategy sets objectives for eight main air pollutants to protect health. These pollutants are benzene, 1,3-butadiene, carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particle (PM10) and sulphur dioxide.

Measurements of nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and particulate matter (PM10) at the Belfast monitoring site show significant downward trends in hourly mean concentrations. Annual mean figures for nitrogen dioxide and PM10 are also showing a significant downward trend. Historically, Northern Ireland has experienced problems with measured concentrations of sulphur dioxide (SO2), primarily because of the dependency on solid fuel for home heating. However, in recent years, monitoring in Belfast has shown a sharp decline in both annual mean and hourly averaged concentrations. There have been no breaches of the EC Directive limits for smoke and sulphur dioxide in Northern Ireland since 1992.

Lead concentrations have fallen dramatically since the reduction of the lead content of leaded petrol in 1986 and the introduction of unleaded petrol in 1987. Whilst lead is not monitored on an on-going basis in Northern Ireland, a report on the monitoring of metals around industrial sites published in 2001, concluded that the Air Quality Strategy objective standard was not exceeded at any monitoring location.

There are no significant trends in benzene concentrations at the Belfast South monitoring site. The annual mean for 1,3-butadiene indicates a slight downward trend. Levels of both pollutants are well below Air Quality Strategy objective limits.

(AQW 1984/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The Minister of the Environment has no involvement in relation to appointments to local Strategic Partnership Boards. Council representation is entirely a matter for each district council.

(AQW 1985/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999, implement the requirements of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC). The Directive aims to minimise the amount of packaging generated and to decrease the tonnage going to landfill sites.

The Regulations impose on producers, obligations to recover and recycle packaging waste and related obligations in order to attain targets set in the Directive. My Department will shortly be issuing a consultation document on proposals to increase these targets for 2002.

The European Commission has carried out a review of the Directive and is proposing a substantial increase to recovery and recycling targets for Member States for the years 2003 to 2006. A consultation paper will issue in Northern Ireland in due course seeking views on these proposals.

The major obstacle to increasing levels of recycling in Northern Ireland is the lack of local recycling infrastructure and of markets for products containing recycled material.

The Waste Management Advisory Board established as part of the implementation of the Northern Ireland Waste Management Strategy, is working with my Department to establish a Market Development Programme for recylates.

The focus of the Programme will be to stimulate local demand for recycled materials by promoting the uptake of products, developing specifications and encouraging Government Departments, District Councils and major business in Northern Ireland to support recycling through their purchasing policies.

My Department is also grant aiding, from European Funding, a number of projects, involving recycling household waste, which will assist District Councils in meeting waste recycling targets.

(AQW 1986/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The information requested is not readily available, and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost to my Department.

(AQW 2009/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The Non-Departmental Public Bodies sponsored by the Department of the Environment are:

• Local Government Staff Commission;

• NI Local Government Officers’ Superannuation Committee;

• Historic Buildings Council;

• Historic Monuments Council;

• Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside;

• Northern Ireland Review Body (Driver, Operator and Vehicle Licensing).

Neither the Local Government Staff Commission nor the NI Local Government Officers’ Superannuation Committee, receive grant from the Department, but as both handle substantial public funds, Accounting Officers have formally been designated. They are, therefore, required to conform with the guidance on reported fraud issued by the Department of Finance and Personnel.

The other bodies are advisory, with no executive functions, so the guidance on reporting fraud to the Comptroller and Auditor General is not relevant to them.

(AQW 2061/01)

Mr Nesbitt: It is not possible to answer this question. Compliance with regulations is an integral part of the planning process. My Department has a statutory duty to ensure that all planning proposals comply with regulations, and the time required to ensure compliance cannot be described as delaying the process.

(AQW 2062/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The Planning Service of my Department regularly consults the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) on planning applications which may have implications for the conservation of the natural or built environment. The EHS staff who deal with this work have other duties also.

It is my objective to ensure that, in processing planning applications, my Department not only does so effectively, but also in a way that maintains a balance between the development needs of the region and the protection of the natural and built environment.

Some of the relevant functions in EHS have benefited from the additional resources allocated to my Department since devolution. However, resource issues are kept under continual review and, in this respect my officials have been examining the present arrangements for handling planning applications. I expect to receive advice soon. I will then decide, in the context of the 2002 Spending Review, whether or not I need to seek additional resources for this work.

(AQW 2064/01)

Mr Nesbitt: Information about these widespread bird species is derived from surveys co-ordinated by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), which are supported by the Environment and Heritage Service of my Department.

The figures quoted appear to relate to the UK as a whole. Information from Northern Ireland for the early part of this period is very sparse. Recent information, since 1994, is more reliable and does not suggest that there is any continuing decline in Northern Ireland. Indeed, since 1994 blackbird numbers have increased significantly.

My Department’s Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) is participating in a UK-wide action plan for the Song Thrush. The main purpose of this plan is to improve our understanding of the causes of the decline and, through the Agriculture Departments, to influence land-use management.

For Blackbird and House Sparrow, EHS is continuing to support the BTO surveys with a view to monitoring the population of these species in Northern Ireland. At the moment I do not consider there are grounds for undertaking any further targeted action for these species, although they too may well benefit from changes in land-use management.

(AQW 2066/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The application for planning permission for the Gocean Lodge Development scheme was received on 24 November 2000. Down District Council has not been consulted yet with an opinion on this application, as my Department has not completed its consideration of the proposal. Additional information in the form of an addendum to the Environmental Statement submitted with the proposal has been requested from the applicant, in light of deficiencies identified with the original Statement.

The application will be determined following receipt of the Addendum and full consideration of the proposal by my Department, including any additional comments received after advertisement of the Addendum and re-consultation with statutory consultees on its content.

(AQW 2070/01)

Mr Nesbitt: Sewage treatment works in Northern Ireland are subject to the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive which seeks to ensure that the discharges from such works do not cause pollution. The Directive will apply progressively to all works, with full implementation required by the end of 2005.

In accordance with the Directive, my Department’s Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) sets standards, for discharges of treated sewage effluent, , at a level designed to protect the aquatic environment.

EHS monitors compliance with these standards annually. Details of discharge standards for sewage treatment works, and the extent of compliance with these, are available on a public register held by EHS. A report on DRD’s Water Service’s compliance during 2001 is being prepared by EHS for presentation to the Environment Committee. It is expected to be available by April 2002 and I will arrange for a copy to be sent to the Member.

Investigations to assess the impact of sewage on water quality have focused on individual stretches of river that have caused concern to EHS as a result of information derived from routine monitoring and sampling. This has included visual examination and biological and chemical monitoring of rivers and streams. EHS also assesses the impact of intermittent discharges, such as overflows from sewage systems, which may occur, for example, during very heavy rainfall. Bacteriological monitoring has also been carried out on coastal waters to assess the impact of coastal discharges.

EHS has taken account of household discharges in a wide range of water quality and catchment initiatives. This resulted, for example, in the identification in 1994 of the Lough Erne and Lough Neagh catchments as being sensitive to eutrophication under the terms of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. Inner Belfast Lough, the tidal River Lagan, and the Quoile Pondage were identified as sensitive areas in 2001. As a result, nutrient reduction is, or will be, in place, where it is required by the Directive, at sewage treatment works within the designated areas.

(AQW 2124/01)

Mr Nesbitt: A copy of the 20 January 2002 letter from the Ballyhalbert Residents Group addressed to Mr Ward, Divisional Planning Office, Downpatrick was received by my predecessor, Mr Foster, on 29 January 2002.

My Department replied to this letter on 21 February 2002. The reply provided details of the current status of all the major planning applications in the Ballyhalbert and local district area.

I can assure the Member that my Department will give careful consideration to these applications and any future proposals for the area, and ensure that they are processed in accordance with prevailing planning policies and all other material considerations.

(AQW 2139/01)

Mr Nesbitt: The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 implement the requirements of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC). The Directive aims to minimise the amount of packaging generated and to decrease the tonnage going to landfill sites.

The Regulations impose on producers targets for the recovery and recycling of packaging waste. The targets act as an incentive on business to reduce the amount of packaging produced. The Department will shortly be issuing a consultation document seeking views on proposals to increase these targets for 2002 in line with GB. A further consultation paper will issue in due course seeking views on EC proposals, following a review of the Directive, to increase targets substantially for the years 2003 to 2006.

Packaging is closely linked to the product it contains and the actual needs of the consumer. Companies must strike a balance between less packaging and the need to use sufficient packaging to ensure safety and hygiene.

My Department has published ‘Guidelines for Company Reporting on Waste’ to assist business. In addition the Waste Management Advisory Board has recently set up a Business Forum for Waste Minimisation.

The Industrial Research and Technology Unit of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment also provides advice and organises Waste Minimisation Clubs for businesses.

(AQW 2141/01)

Mr Nesbitt: My Department is currently working on a policy for our Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and other protected landscape designations.

A discussion paper was sent to the Environment Committee for consideration last autumn. The committee replied recently, raising a number of further questions. Officials are addressing these and will reply to the Committee shortly.

When I have had the benefit of the Committee’s further advice, I intend to issue a statement on the way forward. In this statement, I plan to outline what further AONB designations I intend to bring forward, in County Fermanagh and elsewhere in Northern Ireland. I will also indicate the likely timetable.

(AQW 2163/01)

Mr Nesbitt: My Department has notified the following non-governmental organisations in connection with the designation of Outer Ards as an Area of Special Scientific Interest and Special Protection Area:

Royal Society for Protection of Birds
Ulster Wildlife Trust
Friends of the Earth
British Association for Shooting and Conservation
Rural Development Council
Northern Ireland Agriculture Producers Association
NI Birdwatchers Association
Ulster Museum
NI Federation of Sub Aqua Clubs
Ulster Farmers Union
Conservation Volunteers NI
North East Lobster Fishermen’s Co-operative Society
NI Fish Producers Organisation
NI Fishery Harbour Authority
Ulster Angling Federation
NI Seafood Ltd
NI Environment Link
NI Sports Council
Northern Ireland Electricity
British Telecom

All known owners and occupiers of land within the designated area have also been notified.

I understand that a number of persons claiming to hold rights within the designated area may not have been formally notified. My officials are arranging to serve notification on those parties recently identified, allowing three months for representations to be made. For others previously notified it remains the case that representations needs to be made by 15 March 2002.

Unless there are no substantial and valid objections, it remains my Department’s intention to classify the SPA before the end of June 2002, at the same time as the ASSI is confirmed.

(AQW 2253/01)

Mr Nesbitt: As previously explained by my predecessor, Mr Foster, the development plans for 33 Massey Avenue have been modified so that the ‘no development zone’ around the badger sett will remain intact and unaffected by the proposed development.

In the Cloughey case, a time restriction was required on the timing of the work activity because the access to the site has to be constructed across the ‘no development zone’. However, in the Massey Avenue case no restriction will be required on the period in which work may be carried out as no development will take place within the ‘no development zone’.