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Friday 26 April 2002 Burns Report Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) the number and names of groups he has met in relation to the consultation process for the Burns Report; (b) the number and names of groups and individuals he has arranged to meet; and (c) his plans to meet with groups and individuals who represent a wide range of views in connection with the Burns Report. (AQW 3043/01) Mr McGuinness: I am engaged in a series of meetings with key partners to listen to their views and to help to stimulate and inform a constructive debate on the issues. Nine meetings have already taken place with the following:
Further meetings have been arranged with the Governing Bodies Association, the Catholic Heads Association, the Secondary Heads Association, the Minister for Employment and Learning, the Transferor Churches, primary school principals, the Association of Head-teachers in Secondary Schools and the National Association of Educational Inspectors, Advisers and Consultants. I also intend to meet with Comhairle na Gaelscolaiochta and the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment. I have also written to all the political parties to arrange meetings over the coming weeks. Capital Funding Programme Ms Eileen Bell asked the Minister of Education if he will consider capital funding for schools for children with special educational needs outside the capital programme for other educational establishments. (AQO 1157/01) Mr McGuinness: I am content that the present arrangements for the capital funding of special schools have due regard to the needs of children in this sector. My Department tries to include at least one special school in its capital programme each year and, since 1990, eighteen special schools - representing over 37% of special schools - have benefited under these arrangements. This is a much higher proportion than for any other school sector and reflects the educational need. Five new special schools were included in the capital programmes I announced over the last three years – Donard in 2000, Strabane and Clifton in 2001, and Hillcroft and Tor Bank this year. I will of course continue to press for additional capital resources at every opportunity. Human Rights Commission Mr Conor Murphy asked the Minister of Education to outline the human rights implications for academic selection; and to make a statement. (AQO 1195/01) Mr McGuinness: I am aware that the Human Rights Commission has expressed concerns about:
and that it will be addressing these issues in its response to the current consultative process on the Burns Report. My own view is that the current arrangements are unfair, particularly for disadvantaged families and new arrangements must address this. Post-Primary Provision Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of Education what progress has been made on the consultation on post-primary provision. (AQO 1178/01) Mr McGuinness: Consultation is ongoing and will last until 28 June. My Department is using a variety of methods to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to this debate. A detailed response booklet will issue at the end of this month to schools, further education colleges, community groups and training organisations to facilitate consideration of the key issues and to help structure responses. In late May my Department will be issuing a Household Response Form to every household giving information about the review and seeking the views of the public on the key issues. A household survey is planned to gather more in-depth views from the public and we are also considering how best to get the views of young people. A summary analysis of the responses received will be published around the end of September. I am currently engaged in a series of meetings involving the key players in our education system. I am keen to listen to suggestions, build consensus and stimulate discussion of the issues during the consultation period. I must emphasise that no decisions on future arrangements have been taken. I want to hear views on the Burns proposals, modifications to those proposals or alternative arrangements. Classroom 2000 Scheme Mr Pat McNamee asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) the number of primary schools which have been equipped and connected under the Classroom 2000 Scheme; and (b) the date this process will be completed. (AQO 1194/01) Mr McGuinness: 316 primary schools will be equipped with local infrastructure and connected to the Internet under the Classroom 2000 Scheme by the end of April 2002. The target for completion of all primary schools is December 2002. Communities in Schools Pilot Project Mr Gerry McHugh asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) the impact to date of the 'Communities in Schools initiative'; and (b) if he intends to extend this initiative to other schools suffering high levels of disadvantage. (AQO 1193/01) Mr McGuinness: The Communities in Schools (CIS) Pilot Project, which involves six post-primary schools in Belfast, is seeking to implement and evaluate the benefits of CIS in these schools. The evaluation of the pilot is expected to be completed in Summer 2003; some initial evaluation findings are expected in Summer 2002. I would wish to consider the evaluation findings before making any decisions on the way forward. Teachers' Salaries and Conditions Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister of Education if he plans to initiate an inquiry into teachers' pay and conditions. (AQO 1179/01) Mr McGuinness: I met the Chairman and representatives of both sides of the Teachers’ Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee (Schools) on Thursday 18 April to discuss their agreed terms of reference and how an inquiry might be taken forward. I am meeting the chairman of the Education Committee tomorrow and I expect to make an announcement very soon after that. Burns Review Mr Eamonn ONeill asked the Minister of Education to outline the timescale for the implementation of any new legislation as a result of the Burns Review. (AQO 1172/01) Mr McGuinness: The need for new legislation and the timescale for implementing it cannot be determined until decisions are taken on the review of post-primary education. No decisions will be made until I have considered the responses to the consultation process. Educational Psychologists Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister of Education how many Educational Psychologists are currently employed in each Board area. (AQO 1175/01) Mr McGuinness: I refer to the answer given in response to AQW 1650/01 on the same subject. The number of educational psychologists employed in each Education and Library Board area in January 2002 was as follows:
TSN Programme Mr Sammy Wilson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail, in each of the past 5 years, (a) the percentage of her budget relating to Targeting Social Need; (b) the actual spend for TSN; (c) the number of people employed relating to TSN; (d) the number of people who benefited from these programmes; (e) the actual and practical benefits as a result of her TSN programmes; and (f) the tasks specifically undertaken and completed. (AQW 2901/01) The Minister for Employment and Learning (Ms Hanna): New Targeting Social Need is the Executive’s main policy for addressing social deprivation and has been integrated into the Programme for Government. The New TSN policy is a theme which applies to all relevant programmes and services provided by all Departments, and operates by using more of our existing resources to benefit people in greatest objective social need. TSN is not a discrete policy with its own budget. Rather it is a theme that runs through all relevant spending programmes across all Northern Ireland departments. It was for this reason that, in Spring 1999, as a necessary part of the development of New TSN, PriceWaterhouseCoopers were commissioned to survey all programmes, services and schemes across all NI Departments to locate each on a "spectrum of applicability", i.e. to state in broad terms the degree of relevance of New TSN to each. Further research commissioned by OFMDFM in 2001, which measured and assessed the relevance of all resources across Public Expenditure in Northern Ireland towards New TSN, found that less than 1% of the DEL’s budget had no relevance to TSN. The New TSN policy commits each NI Department and the NIO to develop Action Plans setting out their proposals for implementing New TSN over the three-year period beginning on 1 January 2000. This Department has been working hard to implement our New TSN Action Plan and a number of significant achievements have been made particularly in relation to reducing unemployment and increasing employability. Given the long-term aspects of the New TSN policy, the Executive ensured that evaluation was built into the policy. This commitment is made explicit in the Programme for Government and the initial evaluation is currently in train and first outcomes planned for the end of 2002. The aim of this interim evaluation is to assess the way in which New TSN is being implemented and to examine its impact with a view to informing future thinking on the policy. My Department will contribute to the evaluation which will draw on external experts to ensure objectivity. Ministers will consider the outcomes of this first comprehensive evaluation of the policy to help inform future thinking on New TSN. In addition, all final reports from the evaluation of New TSN will be made publicly accessible. Shadow Trust Organisation : South Belfast Ms Monica McWilliams asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline (a) why the Shadow Trust Organisation in South Belfast did not receive funding to allow training to continue with people who have mental health problems; and (b) what support will they receive in its absence. (AQW 2932/01) Ms Hanna: Shadow Trust applied for European Social Fund assistance from the Programme for Building Sustainable Prosperity. There was extreme competition for the substantial but finite £18.3m available for the next two years with the Department receiving 139 applications seeking £33m for the same period. A total of 57 projects were successful. My Department is unable to provide funding to offset the loss of European Funding. Enterprise, Trade and Investment Taste of Ulster Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline any future funding arrangements which have been made available for the 'Taste of Ulster' initiative. (AQW 2807/01) The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Sir Reg Empey): No future funding arrangements have yet been put in place. The Board of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) will only be able to consider further financial support to Taste of Ulster when the overall funding of Taste of Ulster is more evident. The Board of NITB has made a payment of £10,000 in January 2002 to assist Taste of Ulster to continue their activities until end March 2002. Taste of Ulster Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline (a) if the 'Taste of Ulster' guide will continue to be published on an annual basis; and (b) if it will be available free of charge at all entry points into Northern Ireland. (AQW 2808/01) Sir Reg Empey: The Taste of Ulster guide will be produced by June 2002 with 60,000 copies to be produced. Funding for the production of the guide in future years has not been agreed. I understand from Taste of Ulster that the latest guide will be available on the same basis as before, including free distribution at entry points. Taste of Ulster Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if the 'Taste of Ulster' guide will continue to fulfil its role in benchmarking quality eating establishments through its independent inspection scheme. (AQW 2809/01) Sir Reg Empey: Inspections to allow the compilation and issue of the new guide (June 2002) have now been completed. The capability of Taste of Ulster to continue to fulfil its current role will depend on appropriate funding being available. Discussions are ongoing with Taste of Ulster regarding possible future funding. Taste of Ulster Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the events/activities in which 'Taste of Ulster' will be involved in the next 12 months. (AQW 2810/01) Sir Reg Empey: Taste of Ulster is planning to be involved in the European Food Fair in Brussels in late April/May. NITB is not aware of any plans to participate in any other events over the next 12 months as this would be dependent on future funding. Windfarm : Tunes Plateau Site Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline the potential benefits of the proposed offshore wind farm at Portstewart in relation to (a) tourism; (b) the economy; (c) energy directives; and (d) global expertise in renewable energy. (AQW 2843/01) Sir Reg Empey: It is not yet clear if a competent developer will come forward to acquire a lease to develop a windfarm on the Tunes Plateau site. Firm assessments of the benefits and impacts which the proposed project may present can only be undertaken once a detailed project plan is agreed with a developer. The proposed project represents a potential £200m investment in marine and electrical engineering and it is envisaged that the majority of steel structural, and foundational works for the project could be carried out in Northern Ireland. The site characteristics will require any future developer to operate at the upper limit of current technical capability and this experience would demonstrate the capability of Northern Ireland in a major offshore development. Northern Ireland is required to contribute to the UK target on renewable energy which was set to meet EU commitments. This proposed project will offer a major boost to any efforts to contribute as much as is practicable to those targets in a manner which meets the requirements of EU Directive 2001/77/EC. Experience in other parts of Europe has already shown that an engineering project of this nature often attracts significant positive interest from visitors to the area surrounding the windfarm. It will not be possible to fully assess the potential impact of this project on tourism until a detailed project plan has been submitted by a developer, although clearly it will be important to address any negative aspects as they become known. Windfarm Portstewart Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how he intends to alleviate community fears over the proposed offshore wind farm at Portstewart with specific regard to (a) environmental exploitation; (b) coastal zone impact; (c) the proximity to a designated area of outstanding natural beauty; and (d) house prices in northern coastal locations. (AQW 2844/01) Sir Reg Empey: If this proposed project does eventually proceed any developer will be required to complete a full assessment of the impact which the windfarm will potentially have on the environment (as required by the Food & Environmental Protection Act). This process will specifically address concerns over the marine ecology and ensure that any negative impact identified is responsibly dealt with. The onshore elements of the project will be covered by planning legislation and will be subjected to the same rigorous analysis and public scrutiny as any other development plan of this size and importance. It is my intention to ensure that the local community at all levels is kept fully informed of plans as they become clear. Officials in my Department and any developer will agree a consultation plan covering key stages of the project as soon as a developer declares an interest in the lease of the site. There is no information on how any project of this kind would impact on house prices. Counterfeit Goods Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what progress he has made in combating trade in counterfeit goods. (AQW 2845/01) Sir Reg Empey: My Department’s Trading Standards Service, (TSS), is active in enforcing the provisions of the Trade Marks Act 1994 and the Trade Descriptions Act 1968. TSS activities are concentrated on high street retailers where consumers would not expect to find counterfeit goods for sale. In the past six months TSS officers have carried out seizures of counterfeit goods (some 2100 articles) at 22 premises. As a result, several files are being prepared for submission to the Department of the Director of Public Prosecutions with a recommendation to institute legal proceedings against the alleged offenders. As TSS is not the only organisation involved in combating trade in counterfeit goods, on 3 April 2002, it organised and hosted an event where several leading trade mark proprietors demonstrated methods for identifying counterfeit goods to a number of Northern Ireland’s enforcement agencies. TSS will continue to be proactive in this area of work. Senior officials from my Department participate in an inter-departmental group set up under the Organised Crime Task Force with the aim of co-ordinating the work being done in departments on tackling fraud. My officials will have a particular focus on combating trade in counterfeit goods. Windfarm Portstewart Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (a) the potential benefits to the Northern Ireland energy consumer of the proposed offshore wind farm at Portstewart; and (b) the timetable for implementation of the proposed scheme. (AQW 2853/01) Sir Reg Empey: Northern Ireland is totally dependent upon imported fuels for the generation of electricity. The major benefits of renewable and sustainable energy rest in the development and use of a natural, environmentally friendly, indigenous resource which strengthens the future resilience of the energy system in Northern Ireland and offers greater choice to the consumer. The implementation timetable included in the agreement for lease issued by Crown Estates during the tender process requires a developer to install 50 megawatts (approx 15 turbines) in each of 3 summer seasons commencing 2005. Motor Vehicle Insurance Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of insurance companies currently offering motor vehicle insurance to drivers in Northern Ireland. (AQW 2854/01) Sir Reg Empey: It is not possible to provide definitive estimates of the number of insurance companies currently offering motor vehicle insurance to drivers in Northern Ireland for two key reasons. Firstly, company information is collected on the basis of the Standard Industrial Classification (1992) and a separate code for motor insurance does not exist. Secondly, many companies based outside NI (and indeed outside the UK) will offer insurance to NI drivers and information on these companies is not available. However, the latest figures from the September 1999 Census of Employment showed that there were 81 businesses with employees in Northern Ireland in the industrial category ‘Insurance and pension funding, except compulsory social security’ and a further 181 businesses in ‘Activities auxiliary to insurance and pension funding’. NITB Chairman Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if the Chairman of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Mr Roy Bailie, has had his contract extended, and if so, on what basis. (AQW 2863/01) Sir Reg Empey: Mr Bailie’s term of office as Chairman of NITB was extended for 6 months at the end of his first term from 1 July 1999 to 31 December 1999. This was to ensure that the NITB remained at full strength during the transitional period from direct rule to devolution and was in line with the general policy of appointments to public bodies at that time. Mr Bailie was subsequently reappointed for a second 3 year term of office expiring on 31/12/02. The extension and reappointment were made in line with Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA) Guidelines. Targeting Social Need Mr Sammy Wilson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail, in each of the past 5 years, (a) the percentage of his budget relating to Targeting Social Need; (b) the actual spend for TSN; (c) the number of people employed relating to TSN; (d) the number of people who benefited from these programmes; (e) the actual and practical benefits as a result of his TSN programmes; and (f) the tasks specifically undertaken and completed. (AQW 2902/01) Sir Reg Empey: New TSN was initially developed under direct rule. Following the devolution and the restructuring of the six Northern Ireland Departments into the present eleven Departments, New TSN was formally adopted by the Executive in June 2000. At that time, I assumed full responsibility for the effective implementation of the policy within DETI and the following information therefore relates to the period from 2000 onwards. New TSN Activity DETI’s New TSN Action Plan sets out the Department’s New TSN objectives and targets for the three-year period beginning on 1 January 2000. The Plan covers a wide range of activity aimed at effectively targeting people and areas in greatest need but with a particular focus on reducing unemployment and increasing employment opportunities for the unemployed and long-term unemployed. As you will be aware, New TSN is not a policy with a specific budget but rather a theme that runs through all relevant spending programmes, seeking to ensure that we make best use of existing resources and maximise the impact of existing spending programmes in support of those who are in greatest objective social need. Moreover, New TSN is not only about targeting resources, but also about targeting efforts and seeking to deliver programmes and services in ways which are more helpful to those in need. On this basis, it is impossible to meaningfully reduce New TSN activity to a single expenditure figure. However, in order to provide some illustration of the impact which New TSN has had on expenditure in disadvantaged areas, the following table details monies which DETI and its agencies have allocated to companies in New TSN areas during the period 2000/01 - 2001/02:
* Figure based on an annual survey of LEDU client companies and relates to the net change in employment within client base over the calendar year. As part of its commitment to New TSN, DETI has also introduced new monitoring arrangements to increase our knowledge of the impact of government assistance to companies on the labour market and, in particular, on the unemployed. The initial findings are due to published within the next month or two. Evaluation of New TSN In line with the commitment made in the Programme for Government, a major OFMDFM-led evaluation of the initial impact of new TSN policy across all Departments is currently in train with the first outcomes due by the end of 2002. DETI will, of course, contribute fully to the evaluation, drawing on external experts to ensure objectivity. Progress to Date In the meantime, DETI’s New TSN Action Plan for the period April 2001 – March 2003, (published on 21 March 2002) contains details on progress made towards all of the Department’s New TSN objectives and targets for the period up to 31 March 2001 as well as information on our updated objectives and targets for 2001-2003. A further progress report is currently being prepared and will be published later this year. Aerospace Industry Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what steps he is taking to encourage research and development in the aerospace industry. (AQW 2903/01) Sir Reg Empey: My Department recognises the importance of research and development across all industry in Northern Ireland. Similarly, innovation will be a keynote for Invest Northern Ireland and this will be manifest in the promotion of innovation in all its aspects, the stimulation of higher levels of R&D and improvements in knowledge transfer. My Department, previously through IRTU and now through Invest NI, promotes a range of programmes aimed at supporting and enhancing local research and development capability and capacity. Since 1995 support of £2.5 million has been provided to support a range of research projects and capability building in the aerospace sector. I understand that the Northern Ireland Aerospace Consortium, which works for the mutual benefit of over 95% of Northern Ireland's Aerospace capability, is continuing to liaise with Invest NI on a range of R&D initiatives in the aerospace sector. Knowledge Transfer Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what steps he is taking to promote 'knowledge transfer' between the university sector and industry. (AQW 2905/01) Sir Reg Empey: The Department has actively promoted "knowledge transfer" between the universities and industry, with the goal of strengthening the technology base of businesses enabling them to become more competitive at an international level. ‘Knowledge transfer’ has been enhanced through a range of measures. Major infrastructural improvements, including the current Centres of Excellence programme and preceding Technology Development Programme, continue to establish industrially focussed, university research centres which enhance the competitiveness of both established and emerging businesses. This significant and ongoing investment will further develop Northern Ireland’s ability to carry out research aimed at wealth creation, cross-sectoral collaboration and technology transfer. The Department has been involved in the creation of Business Incubator facilities. Established incubator units include those at the University of Ulster's Magee and Coleraine campuses with well-developed plans for further facilities. The Networking Programme encourages both industrialists and academics to access knowledge, capability and international contacts by assisting with travel costs. Since 1995 the programme has assisted approximately 700 visits. The START programme aims to promote the transfer of knowledge and technology from the university research base to local industry and since 1995 £10.6 million has been provided to 37 projects. TCS (formerly known as Teaching Company Scheme) supports partnerships between companies and universities for their mutual benefit. Northern Ireland currently has 54 active programmes. The Department has also part funded the Manufacturing Technology Partnership which draws upon the expertise of the Universities to provide advice and support for Small and Medium Enterprise’s (SME’s). Shipbuilding Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he will make a statement on the future of shipbuilding in Northern Ireland. (AQW 2906/01) Sir Reg Empey: Harland and Wolff have submitted a draft business plan to restructure its shipbuilding and engineering activities to reflect current market circumstances. The plan revolves around the sale of existing land which is surplus to future shipbuilding requirements in order to raise the funds necessary to carry through the restructuring proposals. The land issue is primarily a matter for the Department for Regional Development. Discussions are continuing between the relevant parties in order to establish an agreement which will produce an outcome which is in the best interests of the people of Northern Ireland. Unsolicited Faxes Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what research has been undertaken on systems to allow people to opt out of receiving unsolicited faxes; and to make a statement. (AQW 2933/01) Sir Reg Empey: As far as I have been able to establish there is no current technology capable of distinguishing between faxes which an individual or corporate body would wish to receive and those which they would not. However, it is illegal, under the Telecommunications (Data Protection and Privacy) (Direct Marketing) Regulations 1998, for a company to send to an individual or a corporate body, faxes conveying material for direct marketing purposes, if the individual or corporate body has notified that company that they do not wish to receive such material. They can register with the Direct Marketing Association’s Fax Preference Services (telephone: 0845-0700-702) to stop companies sending them unsolicited faxes. Additionally, these Regulations make it illegal for a company to send faxed material for direct marketing purposes to an individual, unless that individual consents to the receipt of such material. If problems persist after registering with the Fax Preference Services, complaints should be referred to the Information Commissioner’s Office at Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF (telephone: 01625-545745). Under the Northern Ireland Act 1998, telecommunications is a reserved matter (paragraph 29 of Schedule 3) and therefore, falls outside the responsibility of the Assembly. I will, nonetheless, keep the situation surrounding unsolicited faxes under review. Consumer Protection Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what steps he is taking to improve consumer protection. (AQW 2934/01) Sir Reg Empey: The Northern Ireland Executive, in its Programme for Government, has given a commitment to develop and publish a Consumer Strategy for Northern Ireland. On 7 March I issued, for consultation, a draft Consumer Strategy for Northern Ireland with a closing date for responses of 10 May 2002. The Consumer Strategy is designed, in particular, to deliver, better educated consumers, a consumer protection framework that deals effectively with unfair trading, a strong cohesive consumer voice at the heart of Government, enhanced access to consumer advice and protection and protection services, including a new consumer helpline, consumer support programmes which target the most disadvantaged areas, communities and individuals and joined-up Government thinking and activity on consumer affairs. My Department’s draft Corporate Plan, as well as containing the commitment to the strategy, proposes the development of effective sustainable consumer affairs policies, which are aligned with key developments both in Great Britain and Europe. This I believe will ensure that Northern Ireland’s consumers are afforded a level of support and protection at least on a par with the rest of the United Kingdom. Also, as part of the Corporate Plan, Trading Standards Service will deliver a programme of services designed to protect both consumers and responsible businesses against sharp practice. In doing so, it will seek to raise public awareness and understanding of the Trading Standards Service, targeting in particular the most deprived areas, communities and people. Broadband Communications Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what progress is being made in relation to his targets for broadband communications. (AQW 2935/01) Sir Reg Empey: Consistent with the Programme for Government, the Executive’s endorsement of telecommunications strategy, and my recent statement to the Assembly, a range of initiatives are being pursued. These include the development of both a Call for Proposals addressing local access, and a notice seeking Expressions of Interest for Flagship projects. Subject to EU State Aid clearance, the Call for Proposals and Expressions of Interest will issue later this year. In addition, utilising funding from the DTI Broadband Fund, my Department is working with both the public and private sectors to stimulate a range of innovative feasibility schemes and private actions designed to extend broadband to areas currently considered commercially non-viable. My Department has also launched the SME Satellite Broadband Programme; developed the "Broadband for Business" campaign; held a series of roadshows for local industry (including a presentation in Omagh); and developed the "broadbandforbusiness.com" website to support industry. My officials are also liaising with the Office of the Government Commerce on the technical and procurement issues surrounding the proposal to better aggregate the public sector demand for broadband. Work Related Accidents Mr Mick Murphy asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline policies designed to reduce the number of major work-related accidents. (AQO 1181/01) Sir Reg Empey: This question has been referred to me for response as my Department has responsibility, through the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), for health and safety at work matters. HSENI’s vision is simple and clear. It is to see that the risks to peoples’ health and safety arising from work activities are effectively controlled thereby contributing to the overall economic and social well-being of our community. HSENI strives to realise its vision through its four key policies relating to promotion, information, inspection and regulation. All of these policies are aimed at reducing the number of incidents of work-related illness and injury. HSENI recently conducted a public consultation on its draft Corporate Plan for 2002 – 2005 and intends to publish its final Plan on 17 May. Average Wage Levels Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail, in each of the last 10 years, the average wage levels in Northern Ireland and how they compare with the UK. (AQW 2965/01) Sir Reg Empey: The average gross weekly earnings of full–time adult employees whose pay was unaffected by absence for each year since 1991 are as follows:
Gas Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if a licence has been granted for the provision of gas for domestic and commercial use in Comber and, if not, what steps he is taking to ensure that residents of Comber have similar opportunities. (AQW 2972/01) Sir Reg Empey: A licence for the provision of gas for domestic and commercial use has not been sought for the Comber district. The development of the gas industry to districts such as Comber is primarily a matter for private sector gas companies who can apply to the Director General of Gas for Northern Ireland for a gas licence. Mistaken Clamping Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail how many cases of mistaken clamping have taken place in the past year as part of the DVLNIs campaign to clamp down on car tax evasion. (AQW 2661/01) The Minister of the Environment (Mr Nesbitt): In the period 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002, 786 vehicles were clamped. One vehicle was clamped in error. Disposal of Fridges and Freezers Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the amount of money allocated by each local district council as part of this year's local rate, to cover the disposal of fridges and freezers. (AQW 2812/01) Mr Nesbitt: District councils’ allocation for 2002/2003 to cover the cost of the disposal of fridges and freezers is included in their budget for Environmental issues, generally under the cost centres for refuse collection/refuse disposal. Figures are not available, to provide the precise detail requested. Equality Legislation Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the amount of money allocated by each local district council as part of this year's local rate, to meet their obligations under equality legislation. (AQW 2813/01) Mr Nesbitt: Most district councils make financial provision to meet their obligations under equality legislation, within their overall budget for corporate management. The level of analysis sought is not available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. Fixed Speed Cameras Ms Jane Morrice asked the Minister of the Environment if he will undertake to introduce legislation to allow money raised from speeding fines to pay for fixed speed cameras; and to make a statement. (AQW 2820/01) Mr Nesbitt: Arrangements for extending to Northern Ireland the new funding arrangements for the use of fixed speed cameras recently introduced in Great Britain are currently under consideration. My Department has appointed consultants, with experience of the Great Britain scheme, to assist in the development of a business case for introducing the new funding arrangements in Northern Ireland. The consultants are expected to report by June 2002. The business case will examine the legislative, funding and organisational arrangements necessary for the introduction of the scheme. It will take account of the complexities arising from the different administrative structures in Northern Ireland, as well as the legal and constitutional arrangements under which some of the functions involved have been transferred to the devolved administration while others remain excepted or reserved to the United Kingdom Government. Until the business case has been completed and considered by the departments and agencies involved, in particular the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Department for Regional Development, I am not in a position to advise whether legislation will be required and, if so, whether my Department will be responsible for introducing it. Enforcement Officers and Cases : Backlog of Cases Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to AQW 2627/01, what action he intends to take to address the backlog of cases. (AQW 2908/01) Mr Nesbitt: My response to your earlier question indicated that there were 2,849 current cases and that 1,485 cases had been cleared in the last year. A high number of current cases is not unusual, since enforcement action is often a lengthy and complex process. However, a number of steps have, or are, being taken which should improve case processing. New staff are being recruited to tackle the backlog of planning applications and deliver the other targets set out in the Programme for Government, and management structures within Divisional Planning Offices are being strengthened. That will enable more time at managerial level (SPTO and above) to be devoted to enforcement work. In addition, in a number of offices, the initial investigation of alleged planning infringements is undertaken by staff within development control teams. One enforcement team, in Belfast Division, has been enhanced by an additional member of staff. Overtime is also being used, where appropriate. The adequacy of the resources allocated to enforcement is kept under review, and is being considered as part of a Review of Planning Fees, on which I propose to consult later in the year. Finally, I am aiming to strengthen the enforcement powers available to the Department in the forthcoming Planning (Amendment) Bill and to simplify and streamline the enforcement process. New Targeting Social Need Mr Sammy Wilson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail, in each of the past 5 years, (a) the percentage of his budget relating to Targeting Social Need; (b) the actual spend for TSN; (c) the number of people employed relating to TSN; (d) the number of people who benefited from these programmes; (e) the actual and practical benefits as a result of his TSN programmes; and (f) the tasks specifically undertaken and completed. (AQW 2921/01) Mr Nesbitt: New Targeting Social Need (New TSN) is the Executive’s main policy for addressing social deprivation. It is a key element of the Programme for Government. New TSN does not have a budget, rather it is a policy that runs through all relevant spending programmes and services provided by departments. It operates by using more of our existing resources to benefit people in objective social need. The New TSN Action Plan for the period January 2000 to March 2003 sets out the Department’s objectives for ensuring that issues of social need and exclusion are at the forefront of policies and operational programmes. A key objective is the current review of the £19.5 million resources element of the General Exchequer Grant to take account of socio-economic disadvantage. The Department has many regulatory functions and the scope for targeting resources is limited. However, we can help people in social need in other ways. For example, the Planning Service objectives are designed to encourage development in areas of disadvantage. The Department is working hard to implement the Action Plan objectives. A full report of progress is included in the Department’s revised Action Plan for 2001/2003, which can be accessed at the Department’s website, www.doeni.gov.uk. A further updating of the Action Plan is underway. The Programme for Government contains an explicit commitment to an evaluation of the benefits and achievements of New TSN, which is a long-term policy. The initial evaluation, which will be subject to external validation to ensure objectivity, is currently in train with first outcomes planned for the end of 2002. The aim of this interim evaluation is to assess the way in which New TSN is being implemented and to examine its impact with a view to informing future thinking on the policy. My Department will contribute to the evaluation. The final reports of the evaluation will be made publicly accessible. Abandoned Vehicle Legislation Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to outline (a) the timescale for the review of abandoned vehicle legislation contained in the Pollution Control and Local Government (NI) Order 1978; and (b) when the amended legislation will be made law. (AQW 3009/01) Mr Nesbitt: (a) The review of the abandoned vehicle legislation contained in the Pollution Control and Local Government (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 is currently underway and is expected to be completed by the end of June this year. (b) Pending the outcome of the review, and in light of the need to give priority in the deployment of my Department’s resources to the transposition of EC Directives, no commitment can be given at this stage as to when any amending legislation might be brought forward. 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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