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| Friday 12 April 2002 Anti-Depressant Drugs Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what guidelines are available for health professionals regarding the prescribing of anti-depressant drugs. (AQW 2650/01) Ms de Brún: Health professionals here have access to various sources of guidance regarding the prescribing of anti-depressants. These include The British National Formulary and guidelines, which summarise the clinical guidelines for primary care. Is féidir le gairmithe sláinte anseo teacht ar fhoinsí éagsúla treorach maidir le hordú frithdhulagrán. Ina measc tá Leabhar Náisiúnta Foirmlí agus Treorach na Breataine a dhéanann achoimre ar na treoirlínte cliniciúla do phríomhchúram. Eating Disorders : Specialist Treatment Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many patients diagnosed with eating disorders are currently waiting to receive specialist treatment. (AQW 2651/01) Ms de Brún: The information requested is not available. Níl fáil ar an eolas a iarradh. Diabetes Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action is being taken in order to reduce dietary levels of fat and sugar with a view to reducing the prevalence of diabetes. (AQW 2652/01) Ms de Brún: Being overweight or obese is associated with a significantly increased risk of diabetes. A number of initiatives have been taken to address the problem for example the Health Promotion Agency has developed a community based nutrition education programme "Cook it" targeted at low income families. The Agency has also worked with the Department of Education to produce nutritional standards for school meals and organised a regional seminar on tackling overweight and obesity aimed at primary care workers last month. During June 2002, the Health Promotion Agency will be supporting the British Dietetic Association’s Weight Wise public information campaign to increase public awareness of the health risks of being overweight and to encourage dietary changes and an increased level of physical activity. In addition general practitioners and other health professionals regularly give advice on the importance of diet and physical activity, in the course of their contacts with patients. Tá baint ag raimhre agus ag otracht le i bhfad níos mó baoil ó dhiaibéiteas. Rinneadh roinnt beart le tabhairt faoin fhadhb, mar shampla, d’fhorbair an Ghníomhaireacht um Chur Chun Cinn Sláinte "Cook It", clár oideachais pobalbhunaithe ar chothú dírithe ar theaghlaigh ar ioncam íseal. Chomhoibrigh an Ghníomhaireacht leis an Roinn Oideachais chomh maith le caighdeáin chothaithe do bheilí scoile a chur amach agus d’eagraigh sí seiminéar réigiúnach dírithe ar oibrithe príomhchúraim an mhí seo a chuaigh thart le tabhairt faoi raimhre agus faoi otracht. I rith mí Mheithimh 2002, beidh an Ghníomhaireacht um Chur Chun Cinn Sláinte ag tacú le feachtas eolais phoiblí Weight Wise Chumann Bia-eolaíochta na Breataine le níos mó eolais a chur ar an phobal faoi na baoil shláinte ó raimhre chomh maith le hathruithe cothaithe agus le méadú i leibhéal na gníomhaíochta fisicí a spreagadh. Ina theannta sin, tugann dochtúirí ginearálta agus gairmithe sláinte eile comhairle go rialta ar thábhacht aiste bia agus ghníomhaíochta fisicí, le linn a dteagmhálacha le hothair. Administration Costs Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the total administration costs incurred by (i) her Department; and (ii) each Health and Social Services Board. (AQW 2653/01) Ms de Brún: The table below shows the projected administration costs of the Department, and each Health and Social Services Board for the 2002/03 year as a percentage of total expenditure.
The figures for the Department’s administration costs have been extracted from the Executive’s 2002-03 Budget Statement. Taispeánann an tábla thíos costais riaracháin réamh-mheasta na Roinne, agus gach Board Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta don bhliain 2002/03 mar chéatadán den chaiteachas iomlán.
Baineadh figiúirí do Chostais Riarcháin na Roinne ó Ráiteas Buiséid an Fheidhmeannais 2002/03. Administrative Staff Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of administrative staff employed by (i) her Department; and (ii) each Health and Social Services Board. (AQW 2654/01) Ms de Brún: My Department currently employs 678 administrative staff. The Eastern Health and Social Services Board currently has 145 administrative and clerical staff, the Northern Board has 152, the Southern Board 92 and the Western Board 81. Tá 678 d’fhoireann riarcháin fostaithe ag an Roinn s’agam faoi láthair. Tá 145 d’fhoireann riaracháin agus chléireach fostaithe ag Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Oirthir faoi láthair, 152 ag Bord an Tuaiscirt, 92 ag Bord an Deiscirt agus 81 ag Bord an Iarthair. Functions : Health Boards Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what functions are carried out by the Health Boards which could be carried out directly by her Department. (AQW 2655/01) Ms de Brún: All the functions conferred on the Department by the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972, which were delegated by the Department to Health and Social Services Boards, could be exercised by the Department. Legislation would be necessary if the Department were to exercise directly a small number of functions relating to public health and the inspection of residential homes, carried out by the Boards, but which were not delegated to them by the Department. D’fhéadfadh an Roinn na feidhmeanna ar fad a bhronnann an tOrdú um Sheirbhísí Sláinte, Pearsanta agus Sóisialta (Tuaisceart Éireann), 1972 ar an Roinn agus ar thug an Roinn údarás do na Boird Seirbhísí Sláinte agus Sóisialta ina leith a chomhlíonadh. Bheadh reachtaíocht riachtanach dá mbeadh an Roinn le roinnt bheag feidhmeanna a chomhlíonadh a bhaineann le sláinte phoiblí agus cigireacht thithe cónaithe, a dhéanann na Boird, ach nár bhronn an Roinn orthu. Functions : Health Boards Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what functions are carried out by the Health Boards which could be carried out directly by Health Trusts. (AQW 2656/01) Ms de Brún: [holding answer 14 March 2002]: All the functions carried out by Health and Social Services Boards could be carried out by Health and Social Services Trusts, by virtue of the Health and Social Services Order (NI) 1994. D’fhéadfadh na hIontabhais Seirbhísí Sláinte agus Sóisialta na feidhmeanna a dhéanann na Boird Seirbhísí Sláinte agus Sóisialta a dhéanamh de bhua an Ordaithe um Sheirbhísí Sláinte agus Sóisialta (TÉ) 1994. Northern Ireland Ambulance Service : Funding Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what funding the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received during each of the last 3 years from (i) her Department; and (ii) each of the Health and Social Services Boards. (AQW 2658/01) Ms de Brún: The information requested is as follows:
*These figures refer to the projected amounts for the last financial year. Mar a leanas atá an t-eolas a iarradh:
*Déanann na figiúirí seo tagairt do na suimeanna tuartha don bhliain airgeadais seo caite. Northern Ireland Ambulance Service : Funding Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what are the costs and benefits, if any, of funding the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service through the Area Health Boards. (AQW 2659/01) Ms de Brún: The Health and Social Services Boards are responsible for assessing the health and social care needs of their resident populations and for commissioning an appropriate range of services to meet identified needs. The formal establishment of a four Board Ambulance Commissioning Group earlier this year, will ensure a single negotiation process for the regional development of A&E ambulance services. The Ambulance Service Trust, in common with the other HPSS Trusts, receives its income from the four Boards on the basis of the volume and quality of service that Boards want to secure from Trusts. This arrangement ensures that health and social care provision remains sensitive and responsive to locally identified needs. Tá na Boird Shláinte agus Sheirbhísí Sóisialta freagrach as measúnú riachtanais shláinte agus shóisialta líon mhuintir a limistéir agus as coimisiúnú réimse ceart seirbhísí le riar ar riachtanais aitheanta. Cinnteoidh bunú foirmiúil Grúpa Coimisiúnaithe Otharchairr ceithre Bhord ní ba luaithe sa bhliain seo próiseas singil idirbheartaíochta d’fhorbairt reigiúnach seirbhísí otharchairr T & É. Faigheann Iontaobhas na Seirbhíse Otharcharr mar aon le hIontaobhais SSSP eile a ioncam ó na ceithre Bhord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta de réir méid agus cáilíocht na seirbhísí is mian le Boird Iontaobhais a sholáthar. Cinntíonn an socrú seo go bhfuil an soláthar sláinte agus cúraim shóisialta tuisceanach ar agus freagrach go fóíll do riachtanais áitiúla aitheanta. Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she has any plans to fund directly the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service from her Department so that intermediate layers of bureaucracy can be removed and that an overview of the needs of the Northern Ireland public can be made regardless of Board boundaries. (AQW 2660/01) Ms de Brún: I have no plans to change the current arrangements for funding the Ambulance Service. However, the formal establishment of a four Board Ambulance Commissioning Group earlier this year, will ensure a single negotiation process for the regional development of A&E ambulance services. Intermediate care and patient care services will continue to be commissioned at the appropriate local level to ensure that they remain responsive to local need. Níl sé ar intinn agam na socruithe reatha do mhaoiniú na Seirbhíse Otharcharr a athrú. Cinnteoidh bunú foirmiúil Ghrúpa Coimisiúnaithe Otharcharr cheithre Bhord níos luaithe i mbliana áfach go mbeidh próiseas idirbheartaíocha amháin ann d’fhorbairt réigiúnach sheirbhísí otharcharr T&É. Coimisiúnófar seirbhísí cúraim idirmheánaigh agus cúraim idirmheánaigh othar ag an leibhéal áitiúil cuí go fóill le cinntiú go mbeidh siad freagrach do riachanais áitiúla fós. Laboratory Services : SHSSB Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how she will ensure the temporary transfer of laboratory services from South Tyrone Hospital to Craigavon Area Hospital will not have a detrimental effect on the care of patients from the South Tyrone area. (AQW 2667/01) Ms de Brún: I am advised that the Southern Health and Social Services Board and Trust have taken steps to ensure that the temporary transfer of laboratory services has not affected the quality of patient care. For example, South Tyrone has online access to the laboratory at Craigavon Hospital, ensuring that laboratory results are available quickly to clinicians. Specimens can be transported urgently when required, and arrangements are in place to ensure that laboratory results are available for out-patient clinics. Cuireadh in iúl dom go ndearna Bord agus Iontaobbhas Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Deiscirt bearta le cinntiú nach raibh tionchar ag aistriú sealadach seirbhísí saotharlainne ar cháilíocht chúram othar. Mar shampla, is féidir le Tír Eoghain Theas teacht ar an tsaotharlann in Otharlann Chreag na hAbhann ar an idirlíon, ag cinntiú go bhfuil torthaí saotharlainne ar fáil go gasta do dhochtúirí. Is féidir eiseamail a iompar go práinneach más gá iad, agus tá socruithe i bhfeidhm le cinntiú go bhfuil torthaí saotharlainne ar fáil do chlinicí éisothair. Temporary Transfer of Laboratory Services Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she will end the temporary transfer of laboratory services from South Tyrone Hospital to Craigavon Area Hospital in order to reduce the additional running costs of maintaining the service on the Craigavon Area Hospital site. (AQW 2668/01) Ms de Brún: My priority is to ensure that the Southern Health and Social Services Board and Trusts provide safe and effective services. The temporary transfer of laboratory services from South Tyrone Hospital was necessary following the withdrawal of training recognition from the hospital in 2000. Is í mo thosaíocht le cinntiú go soláthraíonn Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Deiscirt agus Iontaobhais seirbhísí slána agus éifeachtacha. Bhí aistriú sealadach seirbhísí saotharlainne ó Otharlann Thír Eoghain Theas riachtanach i ndiaidh chealú aitheantais oiliúna ón otharlann i 2000. Temporary Transfer of Laboratory Services Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety when the laboratory service, which was temporarily transferred to Craigavon Area Hospital, will be relocated back to South Tyrone Hospital. (AQW 2669/01) Ms de Brún: The temporary transfer of laboratory services from South Tyrone Hospital was necessary following the withdrawal of training recognition from the hospital in 2000. Laboratory services are inherently linked with hospital structure and have to be considered in the context of decisions about the overall development of hospital services. Any major changes to laboratory services need to take full account of the outcome of the wider strategic review currently underway. They cannot proceed in advance of key decisions as to the future of role of current hospitals. Bhí aistriú sealadach seirbhísí saotharlainne ó Otharlann Thír Eoghain Theas riachtanach i ndiaidh chealú aitheantais oiliúna ón otharlann i 2000. Tá seirbhísí saotharlainne ceangailte go nádúrtha le struchtúr otharlainne agus ní mór machnamh a dhéanamh orthu i gcomhthéacs socruithe déanta faoi fhorbairt iomlán seirbhísí otharlainne. Caithfidh athrú mór ar bith do sheirbhísí saotharlainne toradh an athbhreithnithe straitéisigh níos leithne ar siúl faoi láthair a chur san áireamh go hiomlán. Ní féidir leo dul ar aghaidh roimh shocruithe tábhachtacha faoi ról otharlanna na haimsire seo sa todhchaí. Waiting Lists Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline (a) the number of people currently on Health Service patient waiting lists; and (b) how this figure compares to the same date last year. (AQW 2700/01) Ms de Brún: As at the end of December 2001, there were 57,704 patients waiting for inpatient admission. This compares to 50,416 at December 2000. This information is published in my Department’s quarterly waiting list bulletin, which is available in the Assembly Library. Ó dheireadh Mhí na Nollag 2001, bhí 57,704 othar ag fanacht le hiontráil othair chónaithigh. I gcompáraid leis seo bhí 50,416 ag an Nollaig 2000. Foilsítear an t-eolas seo i mbileog nuachta ar liostaí feithimh ráithiúil na Roinne s’agam, atá ar fáil i Leabharlann an Tionóil. Bed-Blocking Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what impact 'bed-blocking' has had on the Health Service waiting lists in the last year. (AQW 2701/01) Ms de Brún: It is not possible to establish the precise impact of delayed discharges on waiting lists. In general terms, however, the capacity of the hospital service to treat new patients, either in terms of planned (elective) procedures or medical admissions can be reduced if hospitals are coping with significant numbers of inpatients who are medically fit for discharge, but cannot leave hospital until suitable community care arrangements are put in place. Ní féidir tionchar díreach na moille i scaoileadh amach daoine ar liostaí feithimh a mheas. Is féidir cumas na seirbhíse otharlainne le hothair nua a chóireáil, bíodh sin trí mhodhanna (roghnacha) pleanáilte nó trí ghlacadh isteach míochaine, a laghdú de ghnáth áfach má tá otharlanna ag déileáil le líon mór othar cónaitheach atá folláin go leor le scaoileadh amach, ach nach féidir leo an otharlann a fhágáil go dtí go mbeidh socruithe cuí cúraim phobail curtha i bhfeidhm. Advertisement and Promotion of Tobacco Products Mr John Kelly asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if she intends to ban the advertisement and promotion of tobacco products. (AQW 2706/01) Ms de Brún: I am determined that the advertisement and promotion of tobacco products should be banned without unnecessary delay. The Westminster Government has recently agreed to take a Private Member’s Bill controlling the advertising and promotion of tobacco products through the House Of Commons. I welcome this development and, having carefully considered the matter, have concluded that our interests are best served by inclusion in the Bill. My officials will carefully monitor the Bill’s progress through the House of Commons and will also monitor recent legislative changes in the South. Táim diongbháilte gur chóir fógraíocht agus cur chun cinn táirgí tabac a chosc gan aon mhoill neamhriachtanach. Chomhaontaigh Rialtas Westminster le déanaí Bille Príobháideach a rialaíonn fógraíocht agus cur chun cinn táirgí tabac a thabhairt trí Theach na dTeachtaí. Fáiltím roimh an bhforbairt sin agus, tar éis machnamh cúramach ar an ábhar, tháinig mé ar an tuairim gur fearr a chomhlíonfar ár leasanna trína bheith san áireamh sa Bhille sin. Déanfaidh m'oifigigh monatóireacht chúramach ar dhul chun cinn an Bhille trí Theach na dTeachtaí agus déanfaidh siad monatóireacht chomh maith ar athruithe reachtaíochta a tharla le déanaí sa Deisceart. Herceptin Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many women in Northern Ireland qualify for the drug Herceptin. (AQW 2754/01) Ms de Brún: The information requested is not available. Níl fáil ar an eolas a iarradh. Residental and Nursing Homes Mr Paul Berry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of (a) residential homes; and (b) nursing homes in each Board area. (AQW 2756/01) Ms de Brún: This information is detailed in the table below. These figures are also published in the annual Community Statistics publication, which is available in the Assembly Library.
Tá an t-eolas léirithe sa tábla thíos. Tá na figiúirí seo foilsithe san fhoilseachán bliantúil Staitisticí Pobail atá ar fáil i Leabharlann an Tionóil.
Acute Hospitals Review Mr Gerry McHugh asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety when she intends to publish her proposals in relation to the Acute Hospitals Review. (AQW 2790/01) Ms de Brún: Following consideration of the outcome of the initial consultation and after discussion at the Executive, proposals on the way forward can be put out for full public consultation and consideration by the Assembly. It is hoped that final decisions can be taken in the course of 2002. I ndiaidh breithniú a dhéanamh ar thoradh na chéad chomhchomhairle agus i ndiaidh plé ag an Choiste Feidhmiúcháin, is féidir moltaí faoin bhealach chun tosaigh a chur faoi chomhchomhairle phoiblí agus faoi bhreithniú an Tionóil. Táthar ag súil gur féidir na cinntí deireannacha a ghlacadh le linn 2002. Acute Hospitals Review : Cost Mr Gerry McHugh asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what has been the cost to her Department to date of the Acute Hospitals Review. (AQW 2791/01) Ms de Brún: The cost to date of the work associated with the Acute Hospitals Review Group is £613,194. This figure includes salaries, commissioned research, expenses and the cost of printing, distributing and consulting on the Review Group’s report. The work of the Review Group is now complete. Work on the Acute Hospitals Review is continuing within my Department. Is é £613,194 costas na hoibre go dtí seo bainteach le Grúpa Athbhreithnithe ar Ghéarotharlanna. San áireamh leis an fhigiúr tá tuarastail, taighde coimisiúnaithe, costais agus costas maidir le priontáil, dáileadh agus comhairliú ar thuairisc an Ghrúpa Athbhreithnithe. Tá obair an Ghrúpa Athbhreithnithe críochnaithe. Tá obair an Ghrúpa Athbhreithnithe ar Ghéarotharlanna ag dul ar aghaidh laistigh den Roinn s’agam. Acute Hospitals Review Mr Gerry McHugh asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if her proposals in relation to the Acute Hospitals Review will address the siting of the new hospital in the south-west. (AQW 2792/01) Ms de Brún: I can confirm that the question of a new hospital in the Fermanagh/Tyrone area will be addressed in a Consultation Paper which can issue following discussions at the Executive. Is féidir liom a chinntiú go rachfar i ngleic leis an cheist faoi otharlann nua i gceantar Fhear Manach/Thír Eoghain i bPáipéar Comhairlithe is féidir a eisiú i ndiaidh caibidlí leis an Fheidhmeannas. Valuation and Lands Agency : Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital Site Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if the Valuation and Lands Agency have drawn up a disposal strategy for the Sperrin Lakeland Trust in regard to land at its Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital site in Omagh; and, if so, to detail the strategy. (AQW 2798/01) Ms de Brún: The Valuation and Lands Agency (VLA) has drawn up a disposal strategy for the land owned by the Department at the Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital site but has not drawn up a strategy in relation to land owned by Sperrin Lakeland Trust at this site. This strategy envisaged disposing of the 184½ acres over a 5-year period, commencing in 1999/2000 and finishing in 2004/2005. This phased approach is designed to maximise sales proceeds by not flooding the market. To date disposal action has been commenced or completed for 44 acres. This includes 12 acres on long-term lease to Omagh District Council, who are considering buying out their interest. The major disposal has been 18 acres to Drumragh Integrated College in order to build a new school. Other completed or impending disposals include sales to Housing Associations who are housing former hospital patients, the buy out of a Lease by Omagh Riding Group for the Disabled, and the provision of a site for a new children’s home for the Trust. Rinne an Ghníomhaireacht Luachála agus Tailte (VLA) straitéis le talamh ar leis an Roinn é suíomh Otharlann Thír Eoghain agus Fhear Manach a dhíol ach níl straitéis curtha le chéile maidir leis an talamh ag an suíomh seo ar le hIontaobhas Speirín Tír na Lochanna é. Bhí súil ag an straitéis seo fáil réitigh de 184½ acra thar thréimshe 5 bliain, ag tosú i 1999/2000 agus ag críochnú i 2004/2005. Tá an cur chuige céimithe seo deartha chun uasmhéid díolacháin a bhaint amach trí mhargadh báite a sheachaint. Go nuige seo cuireadh tús leis an ghníomh díola nó tá sé críochnaithe maidir le 44 acra. Áirítear leos seo 12 acra ar léas fadtéarmach do Chomhairle Cheantair na hÓmaí atá ag déanamh machnaimh ar a hábhair suime a cheannach thar barr amach. Ba é an mórdhíol a rinneadh ná 18 acra le Coláiste Imeasctha Drumragh chun scoil úr a thógáil. I measc na ndíolachán eile a cuireadh i gcrích nó atá idir lámha tá díolacháin le Cumainn Thithíochta atá ag cur iarothair otharlainne i dtithe, ceannach thar barr amach Léasa ag Grúpa Marcaíochta na hÓmaí do dhaoine Míchúmasacha agus soláthar suímh úir do theach páistí ar son an Iontaobhais. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Mr Ivan Davis asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, by Board area, (a) the number of children waiting for a paediatric assessment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); and (b) the level of resources available to address the need for paediatric assessment for ADHD. (AQW 2801/01) Ms de Brún: The information requested is not available. Níl fáil ar an eolas a iarradh. Coastal Erosion Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development to consider co-operating with other Departments to address coastal erosion and the impact it has upon land owners. (AQW 2192/01) The Minister for Regional Development (Mr Robinson): There are long-standing inter-Departmental arrangements in place for undertaking essential protection works arising as a consequence of coastal erosion. My Department is, for example, responsible for the structural integrity of roads, including footways and promenades, which have been adopted into the public road network and are affected by coastal erosion. I have recently advised the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Brid Rodgers, that, if necessary, my Department is willing to co-operate with her Department and others in confirming the respective roles of Departments in this regard. Improve A20 : Newtownards to Portaferry Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development what steps will he take to improve the A20 from Newtownards to Portaferry due to the large number of serious accidents resulting in death and injury in the last few years. (AQW 2337/01) Mr Robinson: I can assure the Member that my Department’s Roads Service is committed to reducing the number of accidents on our roads. In this regard a partnership approach is vital 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, as well as road users themselves. In this context and in order to make optimum use of the limited resources available, Roads Service maintains the roads and investigates locations where accident clusters have been identified. While no accident clusters have been identified along the A20 Newtownards to Portaferry road, a number of schemes have been carried out over the last 3 years to improve safety along the road:
In addition, Roads Service is assessing the feasibility of a more substantial bend realignment scheme at Ballygarvin, which if viable, will be considered for future inclusion in their minor works programme. While no other improvement works are proposed for this road at this time, I can assure the Member that Roads Service will continue to keep the road under review. Road Safety : M2 Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister for Regional Development what measures he aims to take to improve road safety on the M2 following a rise in recent attacks on vehicles. (AQW 2418/01) Mr Robinson: Recently there have been a spate of attacks from bridges and all such attacks must be condemned by the whole community. Unfortunately they are not new, nor are they confined to the M2. There is also a widespread problem of stone throwing from the roadside, which can have equally serious consequences for those using the roads. I can assure you that my Department’s Roads Service and the Police treat these incidents very seriously and that the matter is being kept under constant review. The agreed conclusion at present is that engineering measures such as the erection of screens on bridges should only be implemented as a last resort. This is also the view of our counterparts in Great Britain where similar problems have existed for some time. In the meantime we feel that better answers to this difficult social problem lie in areas such as enhanced enforcement together with strong community leadership and education. Silent Valley Reservoir Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail, in percentage terms, the usage and leakage of water exiting daily from the Silent Valley Reservoir. (AQW 2448/01) Mr Robinson: The volume of water drawn from the Silent Valley reservoirs is normally in the region of 143 megalitres per day (M1/day). However, draw off fluctuates on a daily basis as a result of a range of factors including customer demand and the availability of water from other sources. The draw off is being kept to a minimum at present, consistent with other operational needs, in order to conserve the water supplies in the reservoirs. It is estimated that unaccounted for water (or leakage) amounts to some 54 M1/day in the Silent Valley distribution system including customers’ pipework. Water Service intends to invest £25 million over the next four years to reduce leakage to economic levels across Northern Ireland by 2006. This will involve a reduction of some 20 M1/day in the Silent Valley distribution system. Damaged to Motor Vehicles : Inferior Roads Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of claims that have been made against his Department, between 1 January 2001 and 31 January 2002, for damage to motor vehicles as a result of inferior roads. (AQW 2449/01) Mr Robinson: During the 13 month period 1 January 2001 to 31 January 2002 there were 2,197 claims lodged against the Department relating to damage to motor vehicles on the public roads. These claims were lodged due to a variety of reasons, including occasional defects and, on a number of occasions, to the actions of other parties carrying out works on the public roads. Congestion Tax Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development if there are plans to instigate a congestion tax on roads similar to proposals in the UK. (AQW 2511/01) Mr Robinson: My Department has no immediate plans to introduce a congestion tax on roads in Northern Ireland. However, in developing the consultation paper on "A Proposed Regional Transportation Strategy for Northern Ireland", published in February 2002, my Department considered a range of travel demand management and revenue raising mechanisms. Since the initial consultation stage of the Strategy, there has been broad support for the principle of road user charging, provided revenue is reinvested in transportation infrastructure and services, and subject to consideration of the economically disadvantaged, the adverse impacts of diverted traffic, and equity and social inclusion issues. Studies undertaken on the introduction of road user charging in Belfast suggest that it is a potentially viable option, and this will be considered further during the development of the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan. In the meantime, my Department will closely monitor the impact of any such road user charging initiatives when they are introduced in other parts of the United Kingdom. Downpatrick to Newry Road : Upgrade Mr Eamonn ONeill asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to upgrade the Downpatrick to Newry road. (AQW 2512/01) Mr Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service has carried out a number of upgrading schemes costing some £620,000 comprising road realignment, junction improvement and safety measures on the A25 Downpatrick to Newry road over the last 5 years. A further scheme, costing £50,000, to provide a footway at Kilcoo is programmed for the next financial year. These upgrades are in addition to improvements arising from schemes in the ongoing structural maintenance and resurfacing programme. Banbridge to Newcastle Road : Upgrade Mr Eamonn ONeill asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to upgrade the Banbridge to Newcastle road. (AQW 2513/01) Mr Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service has carried out a number of upgrading works, costing some £715,000, on the section of the A50 between Banbridge and Castlewellan over the last 5 years. These schemes comprised road realignment, junction improvement and safety measures. A further scheme, costing £18,000, to improve the Gargarry Road junction is programmed for the next financial year. These works are additional to improvements arising from schemes in the ongoing structural maintenance and resurfacing programme. Promenade Road, Portstewart : Foul and Stormwater Sewers Mr David McClarty asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline if he intends to offer compensation to businesses which have experienced a decrease in revenue as a result of the sewerage improvement scheme and resultant Promenade Road restrictions in Portstewart. (AQW 2514/01) Mr Robinson: Water Service is replacing foul and stormwater sewers in Portstewart at a total cost of £2.7 million. The scheme is being taken forward in four phases. Phases 1 to 3 are complete. Phase 4, which is estimated to cost £650,000 started on 11 October 2001 and is due to be completed in early July this year. Throughout the scheme, Water Service has liased closely with the public, local businesses and statutory authorities to limit the effects of pipelaying in the town. At all times access for parking was available and pedestrian access to shops was maintained. This major scheme will directly benefit many people in Portstewart as well as the environment generally. All reasonable steps were taken by the Department to ensure that disruption to businesses and the public during the works is minimised as much as possible. I have no plans therefore to offer compensation for any loss of profit which may have occurred during the works. Promenade Road, Portstewart : Foul and Stormwater Sewers Mr David McClarty asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline (a) the timetable for the completion of the sewerage improvement scheme in Portstewart; and (b) the completion date for road resurfacing. (AQW 2515/01) Mr Robinson: Water Service is replacing the foul and storm water sewers in Portstewart at a total cost of £2.7 million. The scheme is at an advanced stage and is due to be completed in early July 2002. Road resurfacing commenced at The Promenade on 11 March 2002 and is due to be completed just before Easter. The work, which is being carried out by Roads and Water Services, involves the provision of a new surface on The Promenade and Harbour Road from the Diamond to Atlantic Circle. The permanent reinstatement of other roads, in which sewers and watermains have been replaced, will be completed by early July 2002. Upgrading Roads : South Armagh Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to upgrade the following roads (a) Cluster Road, Newtownhamilton; (b) Whiterock Road, Newtownhamilton; (c) Ballintemple Road, Whitecross; and (d) Markethill Road, Newtownhamilton, given their current condition. (AQW 2533/01) Mr Robinson: My Department’s Roads Service intends to carry out the following planned maintenance work in 2002/03:
Roads Service does not intend to carry out any planned maintenance work on either Ballintemple Road or Markethill Road, but three sections of the latter road have been identified for possible inclusion in the 2003/04 resurfacing programme (estimated cost £70,000). All of the above roads will, of course, continue to be routinely inspected by Roads Service and any necessary response maintenance work will be carried out as appropriate. Unauthorised Road Alterations Mr Tom Hamilton asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline (a) the sanctions Roads Service can impose against people carrying out unauthorised road alterations; and (b) if Roads Service has authorised the roadworks taking place at the junction of the Ballyrogan Road/Belfast Road at Dundonald, and if not, what action will be taken. (AQW 2550/01) Mr Robinson: Where road alterations constitute an offence under the Roads (NI) Order 1993, my Department may prosecute the offender. My Department’s Roads Service has advised me that the work carried out at the junction of Ballyrogan Road and Belfast Road, was unauthorised. I understand that, whilst the work did not damage the carriageway, Roads Service had concerns about the manner in which the verge had been left. This matter was drawn to the attention of the individual who had carried out the work and he immediately effected the necessary repairs. He was also advised that he should have obtained Roads Service’s consent before undertaking the original work. In light of the above, Roads Service has concluded that it would not be an appropriate use of public resources to initiate a prosecution in this particular case. Far Circular Road, Dungannon Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 2177/01, in respect of the Far Circular Road, Dungannon, what criteria rendered the 8 claims lodged in 2000/01 unsuccessful. (AQW 2559/01) Mr Robinson: The 8 claims lodged in 2000/01 in respect of the Far Circular Road, Dungannon all related to the same defect and occurred on the same day, 28 November 2000. Entitlement to compensation from the Department in such circumstances however is not automatic. While Article 8 of the Roads (NI) Order 1993 allows motorists to claim compensation, it also provides the Department with a defence against a claim if it can show that it operated a reasonable system of inspection and repair of the road in question. That stretch of road had been inspected regularly on a 2 monthly cycle. The last inspection prior to the accident was on 25 September 2000 when no defects were noted. While the next inspection took place on 29 November 2000, such flexibility in the application of the inspection cycle has been accepted as reasonable by the Courts in Northern Ireland. The Department also responds promptly to public complaints about defects on the road. A complaint about this defect was made on 28 November 2000 at 17.45 after which it was inspected and a temporary repair made that evening. The criterion therefore for turning down these claims is that the systems of regular inspection and repair and of responding to public complaints had been fully complied with on this occasion. Regional Development Strategy : Legislation Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to AQW 2241/01, to clarify the obligations which have been placed on a Department or Departments to introduce legislation as part of the implementation of the Regional Development Strategy for Northern Ireland 2025. (AQW 2576/01) Mr Robinson: Further to my answer to AQW 2241/01, the Regional Development Strategy does not impose an obligation on a department or departments to introduce legislation as part of its implementation. The Strategic Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 and the proposed amendment to that Order, which I will bring forward in the Strategic Planning Bill, provide the legal framework within which the implementation of the Regional Development Strategy will proceed. In fulfilling their statutory obligation under the Strategic Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, it will be a matter for departments to determine what, if any, new legislation is required in pursuance of their own policies and programmes. Vandalism on Bus Shelters Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of attacks on bus shelters in the Greater Belfast area, including Newtownabbey. (AQW 2577/01) Mr Robinson: My Department’s Road Service is aware of 657 acts of vandalism on bus shelters in the Greater Belfast area since the 1 January 2001 that have required repairs. The level of these repairs can range from minor items to replacement of all of the glass panels. Under Road Service’s current bus shelter contract, all of the above repairs are the responsibility of the shelter provider, Adshel. There is no cost to the public purse in relation to the provision, repair or general maintenance of bus shelters during the period of this 15 year contract which was awarded on 1 January 2001. 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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