Friday 22 March 2002
Written Answers to Questions (Continued)

Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if there are any plans to revise Prescription and other National Health charges.

(AQW 2461/01)

Ms de Brún: I plan to increase prescription and other health service charges from 1 April 2002 in line with increases to be introduced in England and Scotland.

I propose an increase in the prescription charge of £0.10 from £6.10 to £6.20 for each quantity of a drug or appliance dispensed. The cost of prescription pre-payment certificates will rise to £32.40 for a 4-month certificate and £89.00 for an annual certificate. Charges for elastic stockings and tights, wigs and most fabric supports supplied through the Hospital Service will be increased similarly. The maximum patient charge for a single course of dental treatment begun on or after 1 April 2002 will increase from £360 to £366. Optical voucher values will increase from 1 April 2002 overall by 1.95% to help children, people on low income and certain people with complex sight problems with the cost of spectacles or contact lenses.

Regulations to increase health service charges have been laid before the Assembly and copies placed in the Library.

Tá sé de rún agam muirir oidis agus muirir eile seirbhísí sláinte a mhéadú ón 1 Aibreán 2002 ag cloí le méaduithe le bheith tugtha isteach i Sasana agus in Albain.

Tá sé molta agam méadú ar mhuirear oidis de £0.10 ó £6.10 go £6.20 do gach cainníocht druga nó do gach fearas a thabharfar amach. Ardófar costas teastais réamhíocaíochta oidis ó £32.40 ar theastas 4 mí agus £89.00 ar theastas bliantúil. Méadófar mar a gcéanna na muirir ar stocaí agus ar riteogaí leaisteacha, bréagfhoilt agus tacaí fabraice a chuirtear ar fáil tríd an tSeirbhís Otharlainne. Beidh an t-uasmhuirear othair i leith cúrsa singil cóir leighis fiaclóireachta a tosaíodh ar nó i ndiaidh 1 Aibreán 2002 méadaithe ó £360 go £366 . Méadófar luachanna ar dhearbháin optúla ón 1 Aibreán 2002 le 1.95% san iomlán le cuidiú le páistí, le daoine ar ioncam íseal agus le daoine a bhfuil fadhbanna casta radhairc acu costas na spéaclaí nó lionsaí tadhaill a íoc.

Cuireadh rialacháin chun muirir na seirbhísí slainte a mhéadú faoi bhráid an Tionóil agus cuireadh cóipeanna sa Leabharlann.

Mr Pat Doherty asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the total annual cost, including ambulance and nursing costs, for transporting patients from Tyrone County Hospital to the Erne Hospital for CT scanning; and (b) any additional expenditure which has been incurred in transporting patients for emergency scans outside normal working hours.

(AQW 2462/01)

Ms de Brún: The information requested is not available.

Níl fáil ar an eolas a iarradh.

Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what efforts are being made to tackle delayed discharges in the National Health Service.

(AQW 2463/01)

Ms de Brún: I refer the Member to my answer to AQW 2352/01.

Treoraím an Ball do mo fhreagra a thug mé ar AQW 2352/01.

Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action is being taken to support individuals who have been sexually abused.

(AQW 2464/01)

Ms de Brún: My Department provides funding to organisations which offer counselling and treatment programmes to survivors of sexual abuse. These organisations include the Nexus Institute, Belfast Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Centre, The Northern Ireland Women’s Aid Federation, Childline and the Parent’s Advice Centre who between them received a total of £473,000 in the financial year 2000/01.

As part of their child protection procedures, the Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts provide counselling in several specialist centres for children who have suffered sexual abuse. Each child who is placed on the Child Protection Register under the category of sexual abuse is the subject of a child Protection Plan. Depending on the individual child’s circumstances, the Plan will include an element of counselling and therapeutic intervention. In addition, adults who have mental health problems resulting from child sexual abuse are treated within the Health and Social Services Trusts’ mental Health Programmes. Adult survivors of child sexual abuse may be offered counselling by staff in Community Mental Health Teams. Others may be referred for specialist counselling to voluntary organisations such as the Nexus Institute and Belfast Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Centre. Survivors can also self-refer to these organisations.

Tugann mo Roinn maoiniú d’eagrais a thairgíonn cláir chomhairle agus cóireála do mharthanóirí drochíde gnéasaí. I measc na n-eagras seo tá Institiúid Nexus, Ionad Éignithe agus Drochíde Gnéasaí Bhéal Feirste, Cónaidhm Chuidiú Ban Thuaisceart Éireann, Childline, agus an tIonad Comhairle do Thuismitheoirí a fuair £473,000 san iomlán eatarthu féin sa bhliain airgeadais 2000/01.

Mar chuid dá ngnáthaimh ar chosaint páistí, tugann na Boird agus na hIontaobhais Shláinte agus Sheirbhísí Sóisialta comhairle i roinnt sainionad do pháistí a d’fhulaing drochíde gnéasaí. Tá gach páiste cláraithe ar an Chlár Chosaint Páistí faoin chatagóir ‘drochíde gnéasaí’ curtha faoi choimirce Phlean Chosaint Páistí. Ag brath ar thosca an pháiste aonair, sa Phlean beidh gné de chomhairliú agus d’idirghabháil theiripeach. Ina theannta sin, cóireáiltear daoine fásta a bhfuil fadhbanna sláinte meabhrach acu de dheasca drochíde gnéasaí i gCláir Shláinte Meabhrach na nIontaobhas Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta. Féadann oibrithe i bhFoirne Pobail Sláinte Meabhrach comhairliú a thabhairt do mharthanóirí fásta a d’fhulaing drochíde gnéasaí nuair a bhí siad ina bpáistí. Is féidir go seolfar daoine eile chuig eagrais dheonacha amhail Institiúid Nexus agus Ionad Éignithe agus Drochíde Gnéasaí Bhéal Feirste chun sainchomhairliú a fháil. Is féidir le marthanóirí dul chuig na heagrais seo ar a gconlán féin fosta.

Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many falls among elderly and infirm patients in NHS hospitals have been recorded in each Health Board area in each year since 1995.

(AQW 2498/01)

Ms de Brún: Information is not readily available in the form requested and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Níl eolas ar fáil go réidh san fhoirm iarrtha agus ní fhéadfaí é a fháil ach ar chostas díréireach.

Mrs Annie Courtney asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many haematologists are currently employed in the Altnagelvin Area Trust.

(AQW 2506/01)

Ms de Brún: Altnagelvin Hospital Health and Social Services Trust currently employs two locum consultant haematologists.

Fostaíonn Iontaobhas Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta Otharlann Alt na nGealbhan beirt haemaiteolaithe comhairleacha ionaid i láthair na huaire.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline any difference in her policy for payments by Health Trusts to (a) statutory residential homes; and (b) private residential homes for the elderly.

(AQW 2510/01)

Ms de Brún: My policy is that quality of service and value for money must be secured in the delivery of all social services whether provided in-house or contracted out to the private or voluntary sector. Decisions about service provision should be based entirely on judgements about value and optimum outcomes for service users.

Is é an polasaí atá agam go gcaithfear cáilíocht seirbhíse agus luach do chuid airgid a chinntiú le soláthar gach seirbhísí sóisialta bíodh sin inmhéanach nó ar conradh ag an earnáil phríobháideach nó dheonach. Ba chóir go ndéantar cinneadh ar sholáthar seirbhísí bunaithe go hiomlán ar bhreithiúnais ar fhiúntas agus thorthaí optamacha d’úsáideoirí seirbhísí.

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline (a) advice which is available for the safe use of microwave ovens in food preparation; and (b) the risk of emissions of radio waves from such appliances.

(AQW 2520/01)

Ms de Brún: My Department relies on the scientific advice of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) in respect of microwave oven safety.

The FSA does not have specific guidelines on the safety of food cooked in microwave ovens but advises that, as with any method of cooking, it is important to ensure the food is cooked thoroughly so that the harmful bacteria which cause food poisoning are destroyed. Consumers should follow any guidelines provided by food or microwave manufacturers to help ensure the food is cooked properly. If food is re-heated, it should be checked to ensure that it is hot all the way through.

Radio frequency emission standards are determined by the NRPB and are set out in its 1993 Statement on Restrictions on Human Exposure to Static and Time Varying Electromagnetic Fields and Radiation. The limit (for leakage) is 5 milliwatts of microwave per square centimetre at approximately 2 inches from the oven surface. This is far below the level known to be harmful to people. Moreover, as distance from the oven increases, the level of any radiation falls dramatically-at 20 inches it is about 1/1000 of the amount at 2 inches. Manufacturers of microwave ovens must also comply with a harmonised European standard-BSEN 603335-2-90:1998.

Braitheann an Roinn s’agam ar chomhairle eolaíoch na Gníomhaireachta Caighdeáin Bhia (GCB) agus an Bhoird Náisiúnta Cosanta Raideolaíochta (BNCR) maidir le sábháilteacht oigheann micreathonnach.

Níl saintreoirlínte ag an GCB ar shábháilteacht bia cócaráilte san oigheann micreathonnach ach cuireann sé in iúl gur tábhachtach, mar atá le gach cineál cócaireachta, cinntiú go bhfuil bia cócaráilte go huile agus go hiomlán sa dóigh go bhfuil na baictéir dhochracha is cúis le nimhiú bia scriosta. Ba chóir do thomhaltóirí treoirlínte ar bith a chuireann lucht déanta bia nó oigheann micreathonnach ar fáil chun cuidiú le cinntiú go bhfuil an bia cócaráilte mar is ceart. Má tá an bia téite arís ba chóir é a sheiceáil le cinntiú go bhfuil sé te an bealach iomlán tríd.

Cinneann an BNCR caighdeáin astaithe minicíocht raidió agus tá siad leagtha amach ina Ráiteas ar Choisc maidir le Neamhchosaint Dhaonna ar Réimsí Leictreamaighnéadacha agus ar Radaíocht Statach a Athraíonn de réir Ama. Is é 5 milleavata de mhicreathonn i ngach ceintiméadar cearnach ag 2 orlach go garbh ó dhromchla an oighinn an teorann (don sceitheadh). Tá an méid seo i bhfad faoin leibhéal is eol a bheadh dochrach do dhaoine. Lena chois sin, de réir mar a mhéadaíonn an t-achar ón oigheann, titeann leibhéal na radaíochta go suntasach – ag 20 orlach is 1/1000 den tsuim atá ann ag dhá orlach. Ní mór d’oighinn mhicreathonnacha cloí le caighdeán comhréitithe Eorpach-BSEN 603335-2-90:1998.

Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to state that (a) all cars in the Northern Ireland Fire Service fleet comply with current health and safety regulations; (b) they are clearly identified and marked as emergency vehicles; and (c) they have 'Fire' signs permanently fitted to the roofs.

(AQW 2522/01)

Ms de Brún: The Chief Fire Officer has confirmed that all cars in the Fire Service fleet now comply with Health and Safety regulations.

Although all Fire Authority cars are fitted with two-tone horns, they do not have any permanent fixed overt markings identifying them as Fire Service vehicles. They are however equipped with detachable flashing light systems which officers can use en route to emergency incidents.

Discussions are on going between the Fire Brigades Union and the Fire Authority on the use of permanent livery and fixed light bars on cars, but the Union is concerned that clearly marking them as Fire Service vehicles could result in attacks when attending incidents.

Chinntigh Príomh-Oifigeach na Seirbhíse Dóiteáin go gcloíonn gach carr i gcabhlach na Seirbhíse Dóiteáin le rialacháin Shláinte agus Shabháilteachta.

Cé go bhfuil carranna go léir an Údaráis Dóiteáin feistithe le hadharca dhá thuin níl marcálacha soiléire buana orthu a léiríonn gur feithiclí na Seirbhíse Dóiteáin iad. Tá córais inscartha soilse splancarnacha iontu inar féidir le hoifigigh a úsáid agus iad ar a mbealach go teagmhais éigeandála.

Tá caibidlí ar siúl idir Cumann na mBriogáidí Dóiteáin agus an tÚdarás Dóiteáin ar úsáid fheistis bhuain agus bharranna feistithe soilse ar charranna, ach tá an Cumann buartha dá gcuirfí marcálacha soiléire na Seirbhíse Dóiteáin ar na fheithiclí, d’ionsófaí iad agus iad ag dul chuig teagmhais.

Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the total value of contracts awarded by the Northern Ireland Fire Service to Navigator Blue in the last 5 years; and (b) if these contracts were tendered for and awarded to the lowest bidder.

(AQW 2525/01)

Ms de Brún: Navigator Blue was first chosen in 1998 to provide the Fire Authority with media services and has been paid as follows: -

The contract for media services was awarded to Navigator Blue following presentations by four companies drawn from the 1998 select tendering list of the Northern Ireland Office. Navigator Blue’s selection was based on the presentation to the Fire Authority’s Evaluation Panel chaired by an Authority Board member. Price was not used as a criterion for selection, as the successful consultants are paid a commission based on the cost of the advertising procured.

The Fire Authority has recently sought tenders for the future provision of media services and the closing date for receipt of tenders is 23 April 2002. A new contract will be awarded shortly after that date.

Roghnaíodh Navigator Blue ar dtús i 1998 le seirbhísí meán a sholáthar don Údarás Dóiteáin agus íocadh astu mar atá léirithe thíos:-

Rinneadh an conradh le haghaidh seirbhísí meán le Navigator Blue i ndiaidh léiriúchán déanta ag ceithre chomhlacht roghnaithe ó roghliosta tairisceana Oifig Thuaisceart Éireann i 1998. Bhí roghnú Navigator Blue bunaithe ar an léiriúchán curtha faoi bhráid Phainéal Measúnaithe an Údaráis Dóiteáin a raibh ball de Bhord an Údaráis ina Chathaoirleach air. Níor úsáideadh an praghas mar na critéir le haghaidh an roghnaithe, mar go n-íoctar coimisiún don chomhlacht a n-éiríonn leis bunaithe ar chostas na fógraíochta déanta.

D’iarr an tÚdarás Dóiteáin ar thairiscintí ar na mallaibh do sholáthar seirbhísí meán sa todhchaí agus is é 23 Aibreán 2002 an dáta deiridh a ghlacfar le tairiscintí. Déanfar conradh nua ar ball i ndiaidh an dáta sin.

Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the total cost of the Northern Ireland Fire Service Command and Control System; and (b) if the system is now installed and fully operational in all fire stations.

(AQW 2526/01)

Ms de Brún: The total cost of the Fire Service Command and Control system including telephony is £2,895,000.

Although the system hardware has been installed in all Fire Stations there have been software problems regarding system access at Retained Fire Stations. It is expected that the system will be fully operational by 1 April 2002.

Is é £2,895,000 an costas iomlán ar chóras Rialú agus Cheannas an Udaráis Dóiteáin, córas teileafóin san áireamh.

Cé go bhfuil crua-earraí an chórais curtha isteach i ngach Staisiún Dóiteáin bhí fadhbanna bogearraí ann maidir le rochtain chórais ag Staisiúin Dhóiteáin Choinnithe. Táthar ag dúil go mbeidh an córas i bhfeidhm go hiomlán roimh 1 Aibreán 2002.

Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the number of dogs under the control of the Northern Ireland Fire Service; (b) the total cost of training the dogs and their handlers; and (c) the current duties carried out by both dogs and handlers.

(AQW 2527/01)

Ms de Brún: The Northern Ireland Fire Brigade currently has two dogs trained to search for and detect the use of hydrocarbon accelerants.

The total cost of training the dogs and their handlers was £33,147 of which Zurich Insurance, which provides sponsorship for the dogs, paid £28,545.

The duties of the dogs and their handlers are as follows :-

Faoi láthair, tá dhá mhadra ag Briogáid Dóiteáin Thuaisceart Éireann oilte le luasairí hidreacarbóin a chuardach chomh maith lena mí-úsáid a fháil amach.

Ba é £33,147 costas iomlán oiliúint na madaí agus a gcoimhéadaithe ar íoc Zurich Insurance, a théann in urra ar na madaí, £28,545 de.

Seo a leanas dualgais na madaí agus a gcoimhéadaithe:

Dr Esmond Birnie asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what contribution is the North-South Ministerial Council making to combat cancer in Northern Ireland.

(AQO 1064/01)

Ms de Brún: The cancer consortium, which links the health and research communities, North and South, with the NCI in the US, is an outstanding practical example of co-operation. The North South Ministerial Council is fostering the cancer consortium collaboration. Through the consortium, the research and development office has already secured two jointly funded, three-year epidemiology fellowships, which are linked to the Belfast and the Southern cancer registries. The close co-operation and collaboration of the registries will, for the first time, make data available on the incidence of cancer throughout the island of Ireland. The consortium is also fostering a scholar exchange programme among the three partners, as well as a major clinical trials initiative. The latter will enable cancer patients throughout the island of Ireland to participate in clinical trials.

Co-operation is underway in assessing new technologies such as PET scanning for imaging and telesynergy equipment to facilitate data transfers between centres. Discussions are also underway to assess how best to treat rare cancers for which neither Dublin or Belfast have sufficient throughput to be maximally effective.

A major review of radiotherapy/oncology services has started in the South and we have been invited to provide technical input. This will offer the opportunity for consideration of how co-operation could be increased between our two health services especially with respect to accessibility to services for those living in remote rural areas.

Is eiseamláir phraiticiúil den chéad scoth an cuibhreannas ailse den chomhoibriú, a nascann na pobail shláinte agus thaighde ó Thuaidh agus ó Dheas leis an NCI sna Stáit Aontaithe. Tá an Chomhairle Aireachtá Thuaidh Theas ag cur comhoibriú an chuibhreannais chunn cinn. Tríd an chuibhreannas, fuair an oifig taighde agus forbartha cheana dhá chomhaltas éipidéimeolaíochta trí bliana chomh-mhaoinithe a bhfuil nasc acu le clárlanna Bhéal Feirste agus an Deiscirt. Cuirfear, den chéad uair, an dáta ar fáil trí dhlúthchomhar agus chomhoibriú ar theagmhas ailse ar fud oileán na hÉireann. Tá an cuibhreannas ag cothú clár malartaithe scolairí i measc na dtrí comhpháirtithe mar aon le mórthionscnamh trialacha cliniciúla. Cuirfidh trialacha cliniciúla ar chumas othair ailse ar fud oileán na hÉireann bheith páirteach i dtrialacha ailse.

Tá comhoibriú ar siúl ar mheasúnú teicneolaíochtaí nua amhail scrúdú PET d’íomháú agus trealamh Teilisineirgeise chun aistriú sonraí idir na hionaid a éascú. Tá caibidlí ar siúl fosta le measúnú a dhéanamh ar an dóigh is fearr le hailsí annamha a chóireáil, ailsí nach bhfuil ionaid i mBaile Átha Cliath nó i mBeal Feirste eolach go leor orthu le bheith uaséifeachtach.

Thosaigh athbhreithniú mór ar sheirbhísí raiditeiripe/oinceolaíochta sa Deisceart agus iarradh orainn ionchur teicniúil a sholáthar. Tabharfaidh sé seo deis dúinn machnamh a dhéanamh ar an dóigh ar féidir comhoibriú idir an dá sheirbhís sláinte a mhéadú go háirithe maidir le sroicheadh seirbhísí dóibh siúd a chónaíonn i gceantair iargúlta tuaithe.

Mr Tom Hamilton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how and to what extent will patient care be improved through the introduction of local health and social care groups.

(AQW 2552/01)

Ms de Brún: Even in the early stages of their development, Local Health and Social Care Groups will have considerable potential to improve patient care. From the outset, they will receive budgets for primary care development, which they will control and for which they will determine their own spending priorities. They will be able to use these budgets to fill identified gaps in local services both at primary care and at community level. The extent to which Groups are successful in improving patient care will, consequently, depend on the decisions they themselves take and how they deploy the resources available to them.

Before they take on budgets for commissioning services, which they will be able to do from 1 April 2003, Groups will contribute to Health and Social Services Board commissioning decisions, reflecting the local dimension. Through this involvement in the commissioning process, Groups will have further opportunities to bring about improvements in the delivery of services to patients.

Go luath ina bhforbairt fiú, beidh cumas iontach ar Ghrúpaí Áitiúla Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta a gcúram d’othair a fheabhsú. Ón tús, gheobhaidh siad buiséid d’fhorbairt phríomhchúraim, a stiúrfaidh siad agus ar a ndéanfaidh siad cinneadh faoi thosaíochtaí a gcaiteachais féin. Beidh siad ábalta na buiséid seo a úsáid le bearnaí aitheanta i seirbhísí áitiúla a líonadh ar an leibhéal príomhchúraim agus pobail araon. Ar an ábhar sin, braithfidh a mhéad a éireoidh leis na Grúpaí cúram othar a fheabhsú ar na socruithe a dhéanfaidh siad féin agus ar an dóigh a n-úsáidfidh siad na hacmhainní a bheidh ar fáil dóibh.

Sula bhfaighidh siad na buiséid, a gheobhaidh siad ó Aibreán 2003, chun seirbhísí a choimisiúnú, beidh Grúpaí ábalta cur le socruithe Bhoird Shláinte agus Sheirbhísí Sóisialta ar choimisiúnú, ag léiriú na gné áitiúla díobh. Trína rannpháirtíocht sa phróiseas coimisiúnaithe seo, beidh tuilleadh deiseanna ag na Grúpaí feabhas a chur ar sholáthar na seirbhísí d’othair.

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Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 1556/01, where the incident happened, referenced by Central Claims Unit as R/07/04/0317/2000, including road name and road designation.

(AQW 2176/01)

The Minister for Regional Development (Mr Robinson): The location of the incident leading to claim reference number R/07/04/0317/2000 is now, after investigation known to be the Far Circular Road which is the B 517. The claimant in this instance however identified the location as the Killyman Road which is how it was recorded by the Department’s Central Claims Unit. Similarly, there were 7 other claims made arising from the same defect on the same day but none of the claimants identified the location as the Far Circular Road all referring to either the Killyman Road or Circular Road. As a result of this latest information the answer to part (c) of AQW 1556/01 is now 8 claims in the year 2000.

Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the latest available figures for (a) passenger kilometre journeys per annum carried by (i) Northern Ireland Railways; (ii) Ulsterbus; and (iii) Citybus; and (b) the asset value of rolling stock currently held by (i) Northern Ireland Railways; (ii) Ulsterbus; and (iii) Citybus.

(AQW 2245/01)

Mr Robinson: Translink has advised that some 227.1 million passenger kilometres were travelled by train in 2000/01. During the first 6 months of 2001/02, some 106 million passenger kilometres were travelled by train. Similar statistics are not available for bus passenger kilometres for Ulsterbus and Citybus. However, Translink has advised some 66.7 million bus kilometres were travelled in 2000/01 accounting for 67.1 million passenger journeys. During the first 6 months of 2001/02, total bus kilometres travelled were 32.3 million, accounting for 29.4 million passenger journeys.

Translink has also advised that the Net Book Value of rolling stock currently held by its operating companies, Northern Ireland Railways, Ulsterbus and Citybus is £19.7 million, £25 million and £13.6 million respectively.

Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (a) the reason why the Enterprise express train has an Iarnród Éireann engine attached to it and (b) what has happened the original Enterprise train engine.

(AQW 2327/01)

Mr Robinson: The Enterprise Service between Belfast and Dublin is a service operated jointly between Northern Ireland Railways and Iarnrod Eireann. Translink have advised that of the four Enterprise liveried locomotives in existence, two are owned by Northern Ireland Railways and two owned by Iarnrod Eireann. These locomotives are used interchangeably on the Belfast to Dublin route. However, two of them, one Northern Ireland Railways and one Iarnrod Eireann, are currently out of service undergoing major engine repairs and maintenance. As a result an Iarnrod Eireann liveried locomotive is in use on the route hauling one of the three Enterprise trains that operate each day.

Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 2020/01, what steps will he take to investigate traffic flow at the Tamlaght Road roundabout on the Omagh throughpass with particular regard to peak flow periods.

(AQW 2364/01)

Mr Robinson: Officials in my Department’s Roads Service have advised me that the Omagh Throughpass generally operates well, although at peak periods there is some congestion at the Tamlaght Road roundabout, in common with many other urban locations. Despite this, I understand that journey times on this important route are very much better than they were before Stages 1 and 2 of the Throughpass were built. I look forward to further journey time improvements if the statutory approvals and funding can be secured to construct Stage 3 of this road.

The construction of Stage 3 is expected to alter traffic flows in the town, including those in the vicinity of the Tamlaght Road roundabout. In these circumstances, my Department’s Roads Service believe it to be more appropriate to wait until after Stage 3 has been completed and traffic patterns have settled down before undertaking a traffic study. Meanwhile, our Divisional traffic engineers are continuing to monitor the performance of the junction.

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of 'Hippo Bags' that have been distributed by the Water Service to conserve water usage during each of the past 3 years.

(AQW 2365/01)

Mr Robinson: The promotion of the use of Hippo bags is one of the initiatives recommended in Water Service’s Water Efficiency Plan. Hippo bags are issued to customers on request, free of charge. Over the past three years, 21,700 Hippos bags have been issued to customers as follows:-

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister for Regional Development what steps is he taking to raise public awareness of the cost savings and environmental benefits resulting from the use of the 'Hippo Bag', supplied by the Water Service.

(AQW 2366/01)

Mr Robinson: In April 2000, Water Service published its Water Efficiency Plan to promote the efficient use of water through the actions of Water Service and its customers. One of the water saving initiatives recommended by the Plan is the use of Hippo bags.

Around 30% of all water supplied to domestic properties is flushed down the toilet. Most toilets do not require a full cistern to flush effectively. The Hippo bag is a flexible plastic bag, which can be inserted into a toilet cistern. Because it can retain up to 3 litres of water each time the toilet is flushed, it reduces the volume of water used for flushing purposes. It is best suited to cisterns that have a minimum capacity of 9 litres.

Hippo bags are issued to customers on request, free of charge. This approach has been taken because market research in Great Britain and customer surveys in Northern Ireland indicate that only 20% of Hippo bags would be installed if mailed directly to all customers.

The use of Hippo bags has been promoted in a wide range of leaflets produced by Water Service. During 2000 and 2001 leaflets, explaining how to use water wisely and the steps that can be taken by individuals to save water, were issued to every property in Northern Ireland. One of these leaflets was dedicated entirely to explaining the benefits of installing a Hippo bag. The use of Hippo bags has also been promoted in the water audit leaflets for the home, school, business and agricultural premises. These leaflets are being displayed in public buildings including libraries and post offices.

Water Service has a Water Bus which visits schools to enhance the awareness of pupils about water and wastewater services. Hippo bags are issued to all pupils who visit the Water Bus. Schools are encouraged to carry out a water audit prior to visits to demonstrate how water savings can be achieved. Agricultural shows, garden festivals and the Ideal Home Exhibition have also been used to raise public awareness and promote water efficiency measures, including the use of Hippo bags.

Over 37,000 Hippo bags have been issued since 1997. Water Service will continue to examine opportunities to further promote their use. Hippo bags will be issued to all government buildings within the next 3 months. A leaflet, which provides advice on dealing with bogus callers and using water wisely, is currently being distributed to every property in Northern Ireland.

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline (a) the total number of properties that are serviced by the Water Service; and (b) the total number and percentage of 'Hippo Bags' that have been issued to these properties.

(AQW 2367/01)

Mr Robinson: Water Service provides a water supply to some 735,000 domestic, agricultural, commercial and business properties. To date, 37,000 Hippo bags have been issued to customers upon request. This represents 5.1% of total properties served by a water supply.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister for Regional Development what measures such as traffic calming measures, is he taking to reduce accidents due to speeding.

(AQW 2387/01)

Mr Robinson: My Department is committed to the aim of reducing the number of accidents on our roads. In this regard a partnership approach is essential if the problem is to be addressed effectively. While the Department of the Environment’s road safety responsibilities relate to education, publicity and the co-ordination of road safety policy, my Department is responsible for road safety engineering measures. Other parties also have important roles to play, including the police in terms of enforcement, and also all road users.

Roads Service undertakes an annual programme of traffic calming measures in urban areas where there is a history of road traffic injury accidents. The aim of this programme is to reduce the number and severity of accidents by reducing vehicle speed.

Roads Service also takes into account the history of road accidents in drawing up its ongoing programme of accident remedial schemes, which are aimed specifically at improving the safety performance of the public road network.

The control of speed is a crucial element in the fight against road casualties in the coming years. Roads Service is examining ways by which modern technology can be applied through, for example, the use of variable message signs at certain locations to encourage traffic to comply with the relevant speed limit.

Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline (a) any plans he has to include the Knockmore line in any future Belfast-Antrim-Lisburn circular service; and (b) when such a scheme would be implemented.

(AQW 2415/01)

Mr Robinson: The Regional Development Strategy recognises the long term potential for the creation of a circular passenger rail service on the Belfast-Bleach Green-Antrim-Lisburn-Belfast section of the railway network. Subject to economic conditions being conducive this option could be an important element in the enhancement of our transportation network in the longer term. However, there are no plans at present to develop this circular service.

If the Assembly decides that the Antrim to Knockmore line should be closed it will be mothballed so that it can be re-opened in the future either for resumption of the present type of service or for a circular service.

Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister for Regional Development, in light of his decision to discontinue services on the Antrim-Knockmore railway line, to give details of a proposed bus timetable provision.

(AQW 2416/01)

Mr Robinson: I have not decided to discontinue services on the Antrim to Knockmore railway line. In accordance with Section 60 of the Transport Act (NI) 1967 such a decision cannot be taken until a proposal to that effect has been approved by the Assembly.

In the meantime, a combination of train and bus substitution services will continue, as detailed in the recently published Equality Impact Assessment. A full bus substitution service will be provided by Translink if and when the Assembly takes a decision to discontinue train services on the Antrim-Knockmore line.

Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to erect safety barriers along the central reservation of the M2 near Templepatrick.

(AQW 2417/01)

Mr Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service has an ongoing programme of works to replace the central earth mound along our motorway network with safety barriers. The current contract on the M2 Motorway extends from Sandyknowes to Walkmill Bridge, which is approximately 1.4 kilometres from the Templepatrick Interchange and should be completed before 31 March 2002.

The next stage of the replacement works, from Walkmill Bridge through the Templepatrick Interchange, to the Parkgate Bridge, is programmed for 2002/03 and will be extended on to the Rathbeg roundabout if finances permit. The overall replacement programme will be completed in stages over a number of years, progress being dependent on the availability of funding.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline the road building proposals which are being considered by his department; and to make a statement.

(AQW 2426/01)

Mr Robinson: The attached Appendix lists road schemes which are included in my Department’s Major Works Construction Programme and Major Works Preparation Pool. Schemes in the former are currently under construction and schemes in the latter are those which the Department hopes to construct or to commence within the next 5 years or so.

In addition, you and other elected representatives will be aware – from correspondence you received from my predecessor and the Roads Service Chief Executive dated 26 September and 11 October 2001 respectively – that Roads Service is preparing a 10-year Forward Planning Schedule. The Schedule will include major road schemes which it is expected could be started within the 10-year period of the Department’s Regional Transportation Strategy.

The list of schemes to be assessed for possible inclusion in the Schedule is currently being finalised and I hope to publish details of the schedule later this year.

Appendix

MAJOR WORKS CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME

• Tillysburn Railway Bridge

• Motorway Telecommunications and Control (Phase II)

• A5 Newtownstewart Bypass

• A2 Limavady Bypass

• A5 Strabane Bypass (Stage II)

• M1 Bann River Bridge Strengthening

• M1 Dunmurry Bridge Strengthening

MAJOR WORKS PREPARATION POOL

• A6 Toome Bypass

• Comber Bypass (Stage II)

• Skeoge Link, Londonderry

• Motorway Telecommunications and Control

• Rathfriland Road Junction on the A1 at Banbridge

• A8 Belfast to Larne Road

• Hillsborough Road Junction on the A1 at Dromore

• A1 Loughbrickland to Beech Hill

• Cairnshill Park and Ride, Belfast

• A5 Omagh Throughpass (Stage III)

• A4 Belfast to Ballygawley Road, at Eglish and Cabragh near Dungannon

• M2 Crosskennan Slip-Roads at Antrim Area Hospital

• Westlink and M1 Motorway

• A1 Newry to Border

• Further Quality Bus Corridors, Belfast

• Foyle Bridge Strengthening

• Bann River, Bridge Strengthening, Portadown

• M2 Over Bridges Strengthening

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (a) the amount of private capital; and (b) public capital required to fund the strategic transport plans within the Regional Development Strategy for Northern Ireland 2025.

(AQW 2427/01)

Mr Robinson: The Regional Development Strategy for Northern Ireland 2025 sets out the long-term transportation vision for the region. The Regional Transportation Strategy which is currently being prepared and which will cover the initial 10-year period of the 25-year Regional Development Strategy, will identify transportation investment priorities and consider potential sources of alternative funding.

The Proposed Regional Transportation Strategy, which I announced in the Assembly on 4 February, is out for consultation until 16 April 2002. It seeks to make significant progress in the medium term towards achieving the 25-year transportation vision.This Proposed Strategy would require additional funding of £950 million above the reference case, or "existing funding level continued" over the next 10 years. The reference case funding of £2099 million is public expenditure.

The Proposed Strategy illustrates one way in which this required additional funding of £950 million might be raised. Private Sector funding of £325 million plus £80 million in Developers’ Contributions is assumed to be potentially achievable along with an additional £545 million of public funds.

Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister for Regional Development what recent decisions he has made in respect of the future plans for the roads infrastructure in West Tyrone.

(AQW 2428/01)

Mr Robinson: Subsequent to my answer to your Written Assembly Question (AQW1888/01) dated 21 February 2002, I have not made any recent decisions about future plans for the roads infrastructure in West Tyrone. As I explained at that time, a number of major works schemes in West Tyrone are currently being considered for possible inclusion in the Roads Service 10-Year Forward Planning Schedule. I hope to publish details of the schemes which will be included in that Schedule later this year following the Assembly’s consideration of the draft Regional Transportation Strategy.

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline (a) the negotiations he has undertaken with his Ministerial counterpart in the Republic of Ireland to discuss the development of the Newry/Dundalk Road; and (b) what assurances can he give that the design and standard of the through road will be similar on both sides of the border.

(AQW 2447/01)

Mr Robinson: I have not been involved in any negotiations with my Ministerial counterpart in the Republic of Ireland about the proposed Newry to Dundalk link road scheme.

The development of the scheme is controlled by the Newry to Dundalk Link Road Project Board which comprises representatives from my Department’s Roads Service, the National Roads Authority and Louth County Council. The Project Board meets regularly to oversee progress on the scheme.

Roads Service officials have advised me that, whilst there might be some minor differences in the cross-section layout of the road north and south of the Border, the standard of the road will be fundamentally the same throughout. It will be an all-purpose dual carriageway with grade separated junctions.

Ms Eileen Bell asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the timetable for the development of a roundabout at the Craigantlet crossroads.

(AQW 2451/01)

Mr Robinson: I understand that the provision of a roundabout at Craigantlet crossroads was one of a number of schemes considered for inclusion in the programme of minor road works for the North Down area, at a meeting with the Council in November 2001.

In the event the Council chose to give their support in priority terms to the improvement of the complex junction known as Six Road Ends on the A48 Newtownards to Donaghadee road. This scheme, together with other more minor proposals, will account for the limited funding available for such works in this area over the next two years.

It is therefore unlikely that the Craigantlet scheme can be considered again before 2004, when it will have to compete for inclusion in the minor works programme with any other worthwhile schemes.

The Member will appreciate that there are many more aspirations and demands for road schemes than there are resources to meet them. It is in this context of limited resources that difficult decisions have to be made in prioritising schemes.

Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQO 935/01, what assessment has been made of unauthorised water loss from the system via illegal tapping of water pipelines.

(AQW 2480/01)

Mr Robinson: In order to protect the quality of the water supply, all connections to watermains must be authorised by Water Service and carried out by authorised personnel. Water Service has well established procedures in place to ensure that these requirements are complied with. However, the watermains distribution network comprises some 25,000 kilometres of underground pipework and it is recognised that, despite these procedures, unauthorised connections can occur.

Consistent with UK Water Industry practice, Water Service includes an estimate of 0.1% of total water production for losses due to unauthorised connections.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development what is the building maintenance budget for his Department in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 2481/01)

Mr Robinson: In addition to normal office accommodation, which is the responsibility of DFP, my Department’s Roads and Water Services have functional and specialised buildings such as depots, stores and laboratories.

The maintenance budgets (excluding rates) for these buildings for the periods in question were:-

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Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development if he will include in the application form for Disability Living Allowance information to permit direct contact with hospital consultants to determine eligibility for this benefit.

(AQW 2516/01)

The Minister for Social Development (Mr Dodds): The facility already exists on Disability Living Allowance claim forms for a customer to provide the name of their hospital consultant. Hospital consultants will be contacted if sufficient information is not available from other sources.

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development, in respect of the draft Housing Bill 2002, if a new points system will be introduced to address the housing needs of single, divorced and separated parents who have visitation rights for their children.

(AQW 2517/01)

Mr Dodds: The Common Selection Scheme, rather than legislation, determines allocations of social housing tenancies. The scheme is currently being evaluated, and the results of the evaluation will be summarised and circulated for consultation during April/May 2002.

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