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| Friday 12 April 2002 Office of the First Minister and Deputy First
Minister Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister Review of Public Administration Mr Barry McElduff asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail those issues affecting local government structures and responsibilities that are being considered as part of the Review of Public Administration. (AQO 724/01) The First Minister and Deputy First Minister (Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan): The Review of Public Administration will be a comprehensive and strategic examination of all aspects of public administration in Northern Ireland. The Review will focus on the way in which services are delivered to the public, and the most appropriate structure and accountability for those services. North-South Implementation Bodies Mr Peter Weir asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail (a) the current staffing levels in each of the North-South Implementation Bodies; (b) where these jobs are located; and (c) a breakdown of the fair employment statistics for the staff in each of these Bodies. (AQW 1811/01) Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: [holding answer 22 February 2002]: The information requested in respect of the six North/South Bodies is set out in the Table below. NORTH/SOUTH IMPLEMENTATION BODIES
Community Notification Laws Mr Peter Weir asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what representations it has made to HM Government to introduce community notification laws with regard to convicted paedophiles. (AQW 2267/01) Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: We have not jointly made any representations to UK Government on the introduction of community notification laws. This is a matter for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. However, we understand that the Northern Ireland Office has introduced multi-agency procedures for the assessment and management of risk for sex offenders in Northern Ireland. These procedures are based on the recommendations of a multi-agency working group comprising representatives from the police, the Probation Board for Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Prison Service, the voluntary sector, Health & Social Services Boards, Education, the Housing Executive, the Social Services Inspectorate and the Northern Ireland Office. Northern Ireland's Interests in Europe Mr Derek Hussey asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail (a) if Junior Ministers within OFMDFM have met with Northern Ireland's MEPs to discuss how the Executive can work with them to further Northern Ireland's interests in Europe; and, if so, (b) those areas of discussion. (AQW 2269/01) Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: Ministers Nesbitt and Haughey have so far had separate meetings with two of Northern Ireland’s MEPs. On 20 February 2001, Mr Nesbitt and Mr Haughey brought together a group of people with an interest in European affairs. Mr Hume MP, MEP attended and discussions related to how the Executive’s office in Brussels could be best used to promote Northern Ireland’s interests in Europe. On 23 July 2001, Mr Nesbitt and Mr Haughey met Mr Nicholson MEP. On that occasion the discussions covered the development of a strategy on European issues; identifying the key policy issues for Northern Ireland in Europe; the links with the UK Government; provision of briefings to the NI MEPs, and the setting up of the Executive’s office in Brussels and the role it should play. Ministers Nesbitt and Haughey have attempted to meet Rev Dr Paisley MP, MEP, MLA but have not yet been able to identify a mutually convenient opportunity. EU Policy Group Mr Derek Hussey asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what progress has been made by EU Policy Group towards its terms of reference. (AQW 2270/01) Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: The European Union Policy Group, an inter-departmental group chaired by the Junior Ministers, held its first meeting in April 2001. Since then it has met at regular intervals to continue to work towards identifying the most effective strategy for Northern Ireland in the European Union, and co-ordinating its implementation across departments. There are a number of activities associated with this aim, and on all of them some progress has been made by the Group. At present the Executive is considering a paper which provides the framework for a strategy towards the European Union. This paper was developed under the auspices of the European Union Policy Group. Further work will be necessary to identify and take forward key detailed policy priorities within this framework. Our plan is to bring the Strategy document, when ready, before the Executive and the Assembly. World Summit on Sustainable Development Mr David Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, pursuant to AQW 1388/01, to detail the plans for NI representation at the World Summit on Sustainable Development later this year. (AQW 2306/01) Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: We would refer the Member to our response to AQW 1592/01. Paedophiles : Increasing the Length of Sentences Mr Peter Weir asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what representations have been made to HM Government to increase the length of sentences for paedophiles. (AQW 2398/01) Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: We have not jointly made any representations to the UK Government about increasing the length of sentences for paedophiles. This is a matter for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Paedophiles : Electronic Tagging Mr Peter Weir asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail any representations made to HM Government to extend electronic tagging to paedophiles. (AQW 2402/01) Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: We have not jointly made any representations to the UK Government about to extend electronic tagging to paedophiles. This is a matter for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Victims Groups : Funding Mr Paul Berry asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to outline their strategy and current funding allocation to help victims groups remain sustainable, therefore continuing work with innocent victims of the Troubles. (AQW 2485/01) Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: Responsibility for core funding of victims’ organizations is currently with the Northern Ireland Office. On 11 December 2001 the Northern Ireland Office announced, among other things, the allocation of £3 million to be spent over the next two years to extend the Core Funding Scheme for victims groups. Pending the evaluation of the current Core Funding Scheme, no decisions have yet been taken as to how the new scheme might be administered or what the eligibility criteria for the scheme might be. Following a wide ranging consultation exercise, our department has developed a cross-departmental strategy to deliver practical help and services for victims which will be published in the very near future. The strategy will, among other matters, address the issues of funding and sustainability. Community Relations Unit Mr Peter Weir asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail the work of the Community Relations Unit within the last year. (AQW 2644/01) Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: The aims of the Community Relations Unit are to increase cross-community contact and co-operation and to encourage mutual respect, understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity. Its main functions are to provide funding to promote better community relations purposes, to formulate community relations policy, and to provide advice to Ministers on community relations matters. During the past year, its main work has been:
Promoting Social Exclusion Report on Travellers Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to give an update on the Promoting Social Inclusion Report on Travellers. (AQO 1080/01) Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: Work on the development of the Executives strategic response to the Promoting Social Inclusion Report on Travellers is at an advanced stage. We have consulted on the recommendations in the PSI Working Group report on Travellers. These recommendations cover a number of issues including Traveller health, education and accommodation. Our officials consulted with Traveller representative organisations on how best to carry out a consultation process with Travellers and ensured that Travellers were consulted in a culturally appropriate manner. Victims Unit Mr Paul Berry asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to outline (a) the role and remit of the Victims Unit; and (b) its staffing levels and running costs on a yearly basis. (AQW 2722/01) Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan: The overall aim of the Victims Unit is to raise awareness of, and co-ordinate activity on, issues affecting victims across the devolved administration. This includes the development of a cross-departmental victims’ strategy. The Unit also has responsibility for delivering on the commitments given in relation to victims of the conflict by the Executive in its Programme for Government. The Unit, which was established in June 2000, currently comprises 5 staff with annual running costs of approximately £135,000. Agriculture and Rural Development BSE Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the incidences of BSE in (a) 1998; (b) 1999; (c) 2000; and (d) 2001. (AQW 2547/01) The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): The incidence of BSE in each of the years 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 is detailed in the table below:-
*includes 54 cases identified as a result of TSE surveillance programme **includes 40 cases identified as a result of TSE surveillance programmes Cod Closure Box Mr Tom Hamilton asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) if the Scottish Parliament has introduced a Cod Closure Box in West of Scotland waters; (b) if the exclusion applies to the Northern Ireland fishing fleet; and (c) if such exclusion is compatible with an EU Directive to refuse West of Scotland closures in respect of cod catches. (AQW 2548/01) Ms Rodgers: The Scottish Executive have introduced legislation to close part of the Firth of Clyde for the period 14 February to 30 April to assist the recovery of cod stocks. This closure applies to all UK fishery vessels, including those from Northern Ireland. Whilst the compatibility of this closure legislation with EU Directives is a matter for the Scottish Executive, I understand they are not aware of any such Directives. Funding Research Programme Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to fund high quality research institutions to address the future sustainability of the agricultural industry. (AQW 2567/01) Ms Rodgers: My Department currently funds a research programme in agri-food that is conducted in house by DARD Science Service and underpins one of my Department’s objectives of sustaining the future of the agriculture industry. The research conducted is of high national and international standing as evidenced by the fact that the outputs of such research are regularly published in the international, refereed, scientific literature and by the fact that a significant proportion of it is conducted in collaboration with other national and international scientific institutions. I recently commissioned a review of the arrangements for agricultural R&D in Northern Ireland and the outcome of this is due at the end of April. Nitrate Vulnerable zones Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what assistance has she offered land-owners who have had their land designated as nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs). (AQW 2568/01) Ms Rodgers: The three NVZs in Northern Ireland were designated in 1999 following a detailed scientific survey of nitrate levels in both ground and surface waters throughout Northern Ireland, in accordance with the provisions of the EU Drinking Water Directive. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment’s Environment and Heritage Service, provided farmers in the designated NVZs the opportunity to receive an information pack and a farm visit to help them understand what was required of them in practical terms. Advisory booklets and recording sheets were issued to 83 farmers, 21 of whom requested and received on-farm advisory visits. Tuberculosis and Brucellosis Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) measures she is taking to prevent further outbreaks of tuberculosis and brucellosis and curtail the spread of the diseases in the constituency of Newry and Armagh; (b) the number of current cases; and (c) their location. (AQW 2583/01) Ms Rodgers: (a) Under the Brucellosis control programme in Northern Ireland herds in the highest incidence areas of Enniskillen, Newry and Armagh are tested every year while herds in all other areas are tested every 2 years. Following identification of Brucellosis infection all reactors are removed for slaughter and movement restrictions are immediately placed on the infected premises prohibiting cattle movements onto or off the premises except directly to slaughter. The Department then carries out an epidemiological risk assessment of the entire herd and where this assessment indicates a risk of infection the Department will remove and slaughter the remaining breeding animals in the herd. An intensified testing regime is then applied around the infected premises through herds contiguous to the infected herd (inner ring herds) being restricted and tested immediately and subsequently at 4 monthly intervals. Herds in the outer ring, that is, herds contiguous to the inner ring, are tested immediately and at 4-monthly intervals. Movement restrictions will continue to apply for a specified period of time depending on the individual circumstances and until the Department is satisfied that the risk of disease is removed. Concerns at the level of Brucellosis have led us to take a number of additional measures. Within the last year my Department has introduced a blood sampling programme for cows being slaughtered under the Over Thirty Month Scheme and a bulk milk sampling programme. In relation to Tuberculosis there is an extensive programme of identification and removal of infected animals combined with control on movements. All herds are tested annually and all animals that show a positive result to the test are slaughtered. In-contact cattle considered at serious risk of being infected are also slaughtered. Movement restrictions are placed on infected herds and herds are investigated for the source of infection including the testing of herds contiguous to a breakdown and deemed to be at risk plus forward and backward tracing of suspect animals. My Department has recently taken steps to help reduce the time taken for removal of reactors from farms. The Department has appointed three new valuation officers and an additional slaughter plant for OTMS reactor cattle has been brought on board. In addition policy reviews of both Tuberculosis and Brucellosis are currently underway and we are looking at all aspects of the control measures for both diseases and considering whether or not further or different measures might be introduced. (b) The number of herds currently restricted due to Brucellosis infection in the Armagh DVO area is 66 and in the Newry DVO area is 99 and the number of herds currently restricted due to Tuberculosis infection in the Armagh DVO area is 314 and in the Newry DVO area is 370. (c) In relation to the location of these current cases, the release of this information is governed by the Data Protection Act and I cannot therefore provide specific information on individual disease outbreaks without the written consent of the herdowners concerned. BSE Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many BSE cases have been found in animals born after 1998. (AQW 2594/01) Ms Rodgers: One case of BSE has been found an animal born after 1998. The case was identified earlier this year as a result of the TSE surveillance testing programme of casualty animals. The animal concerned was over 30 months of age and would not therefore have entered the food chain. Agricultural Office : Trillick, Co Tyrone Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide a progress report on the future of the Agricultural Office in Trillick, Co Tyrone. (AQW 2610/01) Ms Rodgers: These premises are rented monthly and while the landlord has advised that he has other plans for the property, he has not asked the Department to vacate them on a specific date. I have initiated consideration of the options of either relocation to other premises or closure with the service being provided by other offices in the area. Before taking a decision on this, I want to reflect on the cost and staffing considerations on the one hand and the needs and alternatives for the local community on the other. I will wish to consult widely with interested parties. I do not anticipate taking any final decisions on this matter just yet, as I need to allow sufficient time for a full assessment. Nitrate Vulnerable Zones Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she has any plans to designate more areas as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) and, if so, what consultation has taken place with the relevant landowners. (AQW 2612/01) Ms Rodgers: Responsibility for implementing the 1991 EC Nitrates Directive in Northern Ireland lies with the Department of the Environment. The designation of areas of land as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs), which is a consequence of the Directive, is the joint responsibility of the Department of the Environment and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The Minister for the Environment announced on 8 March 2002 that DOE officials will be reviewing the results of monitoring networks to assess the impacts of nitrate losses on diffuse pollution. It is intended that this review should be concluded later this year. No further NVZ designations can be announced until this review is completed, and consequently no consultation has taken place with landowners. Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the extent of her authority over the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority. (AQW 2625/01) Ms Rodgers: The Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority was established under the Harbours Act (Northern Ireland) 1970 and the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority Order (Northern Ireland) 1973. Whilst this latter legislation was initially made by the then Ministry of Commerce for Northern Ireland the functions were transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture for Northern Ireland in 1973. This latter has now become the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. As a Non Departmental Public Body, the Authority is subject to agreeing with the Department such areas as its future expenditure plans, the setting of operational targets and performance indicators. In addition it is required to produce an Annual Report and Accounts and is subject of a periodic review of its role, functions and performance. Fishing Vessel Decommissioning Scheme Dr Esmond Birnie asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she has any plans to modify the Fishing Vessel Decommissioning Scheme in light of the form of the schemes adopted in England and Scotland. (AQW 2635/01) Ms Rodgers: I have no plans to modify the Fishing Vessel (Decommissioning) Scheme (Northern Ireland) 2001, which was introduced primarily to reduce fishing effort on fragile whitefish stocks in the Irish Sea, whilst improving the economic viability of the remaining Northern Ireland fleet. Imported Meat Mr Sammy Wilson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) her policy to ensure that the provenance of imported meat is clearly stated; and (b) the steps she has taken where misleading or absent information is discovered. (AQW 2640/01) Ms Rodgers: Inspections of imported meat from Third Countries are carried out at the Border Inspection Posts in accordance with EU regulations. Where discrepancies are discovered in the accompanying documentation a detention notice is issued under the Products of Animal Origin (Import and Export) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998. Consignments not in compliance with the requirements for entry into the EU may be ordered to be destroyed, re-exported or referred for processing for animal feed. EC Beef Labelling Rules require all beef and veal marketed within and between Member States to bear a traceability code, provide details relating to country of birth, rearing, slaughter and cutting together with the licence number of the slaughter and cutting premises. Enforcement of beef labelling is carried out in abattoirs, cutting plants and other DARD supervised premises by inspectors from the Department’s Quality Assurance Division and in other premises by Environmental Health Officers of local District Councils using powers provided by The Beef Labelling (Enforcement) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001 (the "Enforcement Regulations"). The Enforcement Regulations create offences and penalties for non-compliance and provide powers requiring the removal from sale of such beef and veal. Where labelling information is found to be absent or misleading, immediate corrective action is required by the operator. Tullaghmurray Lass Mr Sammy Wilson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (a) to give a detailed report on the recent tragedy in Kilkeel; and (b) what assessment she has made of further improvements that could be made to Kilkeel harbour entrance. (AQW 2641/01) Ms Rodgers: The loss of the ‘Tullaghmurray Lass’ was a terrible tragedy and I would wish again to extend my sympathies to Mrs Greene, her family and all who were affected by the loss. Following the report that the ‘Tullaghmurray Lass’ was missing there was an extensive search carried out involving local fishery vessels, the Royal Navy and Irish Navy and the Department’s Fishery Protection Vessel, the ‘Ken Vickers’. It was not until recently that the vessel was found by the ‘Ken Vickers’. The Marine Accident Investigation Board are continuing their investigation into the cause of the loss. On the subject of the entrance to Kilkeel Harbour, there are proposals which would remedy the current difficulties - essentially by the replacement of the existing harbour by a new outer harbour. The cost of such a project is put at around £25m-£30m and would need to be subject, amongst other things, to a full economic appraisal. Even if all goes well funding for the project will have to compete with other bids on the public purse. In addition, the Department have been working with the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority to agree their capital expenditure plans over the next few years. They envisage expenditure of some £7.9m, of which around £6.5m is in relation to projects at Kilkeel. Farm Waste Management Facilities : Grants Available Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what grants are currently available for farmers wishing to improve their farm waste management facilities and if there are any plans to introduce new grants in the future. (AQW 2645/01) Ms Rodgers: I can advise you that I have secured an allocation of £6.1 million from Executive Programme Funds for a targeted Farm Waste Management Scheme. The proposed Scheme is aimed at minimising farm source pollution, which is contributing to water quality problems. It will give capital assistance towards repair projects to slurry tanks which are considered as being able to deliver a beneficial reduction in the risk of effluent escaping into watercourses. My Department is currently engaged with the Department of Environment’s Environment and Heritage Service in establishing those rivers, tributaries or headwater catchments that are most in need of remedial action, and where pollution from agricultural sources is considered to be the greatest contributory factor. It is anticipated that some 1,500 farmers will benefit initially from this Scheme. It is hoped, subject to the Scheme receiving favourable uptake and achieving its objectives, that it could be extended to further catchments in subsequent years as funding provision permits. You may wish to note that these figures, and those for each of the past 20 years, are available in the statistical data sheets on the Department’s website (www.dardni.gov.uk). However, before the Scheme can be formally announced, my Department must obtain State Aids approval from the EU Commission, and whilst this work is at an advanced stage, I am not yet in a position to give a definitive date for the opening of the Scheme. I will, of course, be advising the Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development in due course of the detail of the proposed scheme and seeking their agreement to the necessary legislation to enable the scheme to open. The introduction of an environmental on farm capital grant scheme, inter alia, to help address point source pollution, was one of the recommendations in the Vision Report on the Future of the Agri-Food industry. I am currently considering the outcome of the consultation exercise on the report before developing an Action Plan. The question of further grants to improve farm waste management facilities will be considered in that context. BSE The Lord Kilclooney asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of BSE cases in (a) each of the past 5 years; (b) January and February 2002; and to make a statement. (AQW 2672/01) Ms Rodgers: The number of BSE cases in each of the past 5 years, January and February 2002 is detailed in the tables below. The first table shows the number of cases identified through the normal reporting of BSE suspects (passive surveillance). The second table includes those cases identified through passive surveillance together with a breakdown of cases recorded after the introduction in 2000 of active surveillance testing for Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies.
With the introduction of the surveillance programme, the Department is actively testing for BSE in high risk categories and it is therefore not unexpected for an increase in the number of BSE cases detected. Full-time Farmers Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of full-time farmers for each of the last 3 years. (AQW 2683/01) Ms Rodgers: The numbers of full-time farmers in Northern Ireland for each of the last 3 years, as estimated from the June Agricultural Census, are shown below. 1999 - 21,536 2000 - 20,534 2001 - 20,169 The figures refer to farmers who work at least 30 hours per week on their farms. You may wish to note that these figures, and those for each of the past 20 years, are available in the statistical data sheets on the Department’s website (www.dardni.gov.uk). Imported Meat : Standards Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if beef sourced in Argentina, Brazil and other non-EC sources meets the same stringent standards as expected of farmers in Northern Ireland. (AQW 2693/01) Ms Rodgers: Yes, the meat has to meet full EU standards. Meat may only be imported into the EU from establishments and countries specifically approved by the EU through Food Veterinary Office inspections. The meat must comply with the import conditions of the EU and be certified as doing so. An import certificate must accompany all consignments and the meat marked with the country and establishment of origin Inspections of imported meat from Third Countries are carried out at the Border Inspection Posts in accordance with EU regulations. Where discrepancies are discovered in the accompanying documentation or physical problems with the consignment observed a detention notice is issued under the Products of Animal Origin (Import and Export) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998. Consignments not in compliance with the requirements for entry into the EU may be ordered to be destroyed, re-exported or referred for processing for animal feed. EC Beef Labelling Rules require all beef and veal marketed within and between Member States to bear a traceability code, provide details relating to country of birth, rearing, slaughter and cutting together with the licence number of the slaughter and cutting premises. For beef imported from a Third Country where all of the above information is not available the label must include the wording "Origin:Non-EC" and "Slaughtered in [name of third country]". Any additional claims made on the label relating to characteristics, production methods or regional origin etc must be approved in advance by DARD under the Beef Labelling Scheme. Such claims are subject to regular audit by an approved independent third party verifier. Stress in the Rural Community Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action is she taking to address rural stress among land-owners and farmers. (AQW 2744/01) Ms Rodgers: I am very conscious of the increased levels of stress in the rural community especially due to the financial pressures in farming over recent years and last year’s outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease. In November 2000 I announced the allocation of a sum of money to help alleviate stress in rural areas and the following has been achieved:
I am now building on the work that has been done and have agreed the establishment of the ‘Rural Support’ network that should help to give a strategic framework to future developments. The initial funding is being provided jointly by my Department and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. Botulism Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps has she taken to allay fears to the public of an outbreak of botulism. (AQW 2745/01) Ms Rodgers: Officials from my Department have been liaising closely with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in relation to deaths in cattle where it is suspected that the deaths may have been due to botulism. Only type C toxin has been identified in cattle deaths in Northern Ireland and since type C is not recognised as a threat to public health the risk to the public is considered to be very low. My Chief Veterinary Officer recently stated publicly that there was very little risk to public health from the type of toxin involved in bovine deaths. However as a precautionary measure the Food Standards Agency has put in place measures to ensure that meat and milk from affected farms does not enter the food chain until at least 14 days have elapsed since the last case on farm. Disability Sport NI : Funding Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what level of finance has been given to Disability Sport NI in each of the last 3 years. (AQW 2430/01) The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): Details are as follows:
Local Film Industry : Equal Representation of Religious Communities Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what representations have been made to the local film industry to address equality in representation of both religious communities in Northern Ireland. (AQW 2530/01) Mr McGimpsey: DCAL’s policy for film and television is guided by the Northern Ireland Film and Television Commission (NIFTC), a company limited by guarantee, with a Board of sixteen directors drawn from all sections of the community in Northern Ireland. The NIFTC’s new ten year strategy has been drafted in the context of DCAL’s ongoing commitment to equality of opportunity and equal access for people from all sections of the community to the arts and culture. The strategy highlights the NIFTC’s commitment to supporting and mirroring the Government’s underpinning policies of cultural diversity and social inclusion. All the NIFTC’s training and production schemes apply rigorous equal opportunities and fair employment criteria. I am satisfied that all projects submitted to the NIFTC for funding from public sources will have exactly the same assessment criteria applied to them. National Lottery's Community Fund Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what action is being taken to persuade the National Lottery's Community Fund to retain women as a priority area for funding. (AQW 2558/01) Mr McGimpsey: The National Lottery is a reserved matter and overall responsibility rests with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in London (DCMS). Therefore it is not appropriate for the Minister to issue direct guidance on this matter. The Community Fund can solicit applications to pursue strategic objectives and I am aware that women and women’s groups could potentially be grant beneficiaries under a number of strategic areas. In the last financial year April 2000 – March 2001 over 43% of all Community Fund grants were awarded to projects that defined their beneficiaries as ‘ families, lone parents and children or women or girls’. The value of these awards totalled £5.079m, which represented over 36% of last year’s budget. Council of Europe Charter for Regional or Minority Languages Mr Gerry Adams asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to AQW 397/00, when he expects to publish the action plan for the implementation of Part III of the Council of Europe Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. (AQW 2621/01) Mr McGimpsey: My Department chairs an Interdepartmental Charter Group to co-ordinate implementation of the Charter. This group includes representatives from all NICS Departments, the Northern Ireland Court Service, HM Customs and Excise, Departmental Solicitor’s Office and the Inland Revenue. Its remit is to provide Departments and the devolved administration with advice on implementing the Charter and preparing progress reports; monitor implementation of the Charter; advise on resource implications; and develop guidance for Departments. The group has met on four occasions. The Charter Group is currently finalising central policy guidance on implementing the European Charter. The draft policy guidance will be submitted to the Executive meeting on 16 May 2002 for approval. It is for individual Departments to decide how to implement the Charter within their areas of responsibility. All Departments will be asked to provide DCAL with information on how they are implementing the provisions of the Charter applicable to them. My officials will prepare an overall position paper for the Executive to inform the Foreign Secretary of how the Charter is being implemented by the devolved administration. The Foreign Secretary will inform the Council of Europe of the UK’s activities in line with its commitments, by 1 July 2002. Council of Europe Charter for Regional or Minority Languages Mr Gerry Adams asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to AQW 397/00, to account for the delay in publishing an action plan for the implementation of Part III of the Council of Europe Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. (AQW 2622/01) Mr McGimpsey: My response to AQW 2621/01 explains the process and time scale for providing a paper to the Executive explaining the action which the devolved administration has in hand to meet UK commitments in relation to the European Charter. The delay has been due to pressure on resources and the complex nature of the relevant issues which involve all Departments. External Link Disclaimer: The Northern Ireland Assembly does not exercise any editorial control over the websites listed above and therefore cannot be held responsible for the information, products or services contained therein. |
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