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Friday 26 April 2002 Construction Industry Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to make a statement on the future prospects for the construction industry. (AQW 2904/01) The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Dr Farren): Following representations from the Construction Employers Federation and the Construction Industry Group I met with representatives of both bodies on 7 March to discuss a range of industry-related topics, including the industry’s workload. At the meeting, the representatives agreed that the earlier concerns about a perceived reduction in output, based on a survey of the industry’s 20 biggest contractors, was not reflected across the whole industry and that a recovery appeared to have taken place towards the end of 2001. Provisional figures in the Northern Ireland Construction Bulletin, published by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, indicate that the value of construction output for 2001, at 1995 prices and seasonally adjusted, was 69 points higher than in 2000. Rate Collection Agency Mr Alex Attwood asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what performance targets have been set for the Rate Collection Agency (RCA) for 2002-03. (AQW 2909/01) Dr Farren: For 2002-2003 the following performance targets have been set for the RCA. Output To collect 98% (or the 2001-2002 outturn if higher) of the Gross Collectable Rate (excluding Late Assessments) (forecast to be around £705m) by 31 March 2003. Efficiency To achieve a forecast unit cost of £11.44 for collecting rates per hereditament, excluding development costs for the Rates in the Millennium (RIM) and ONE Projects, representing a 1% improvement in real terms on 2001-2002. To achieve a forecast unit cost of £26.17 for processing Housing Benefit cases, excluding development costs for the RIM and ONE Projects, representing a 1% improvement in real terms on 2001-2002. Quality of Service
Financial Management
Copies of the Agency’s Corporate and Business Plan will be placed in the Assembly Library at the end of April 2002. Lands Registers Mr Alex Attwood asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what performance targets have been set for the Land Registers of Northern Ireland (LRNI) for 2002-03. (AQW 2910/01) Dr Farren: For 2002/2003 the following targets have been set for LRNI. 1. To achieve a customer satisfaction rate, based on customer surveys, of at least 75%. 2. To achieve a registration accuracy rate of at least 98.5%. 3. To process regular Land Registry dealings in an average of 20 days. 4. To process regular Registry of Deeds dealings in an average of 6 days. 5. To process regular Statutory Charges Registry dealings in an average of 15 days. 6. To process pre-completion land information applications in an average of 4 days. 7. To achieve a weighted unit cost target of £30.00 (inclusive of PFI costs). 8 To process 140 application units per member of staff per month. 9. To cover Agency costs out of fee income. Copies of the Agency’s Corporate and Business plan will be placed in the Assembly Library at the end of June. Peace I Dr Esmond Birnie asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the total spending under Peace I in (a) Belfast as a whole; and (b) each of the Parliamentary constituencies in Belfast. (AQW 2911/01) Dr Farren: Funding from the Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation was granted to project applicants throughout Belfast and Northern Ireland. The total levels of funding awarded to applicants within the Belfast City Council area and its composite Parliamentary Constituencies are attached in Annex 1. The total levels of funding awarded to applicants within all of the Belfast Parliamentary Constituencies (Belfast East, Belfast North, Belfast South, Belfast West) are attached in Annex 2. This differs from Annex 1 in that some parts of the Belfast Parliamentary Constituencies fall within other district council areas, eg Lisburn and Castlereagh. Annex 1 (A) Amounts awarded under PEACE I in Belfast City Council Area
(B) Amounts awarded under PEACE I in Belfast City Council Area by Parliamentary Constituency
Annex 2 (A) Total funding awarded under PEACE I in all Belfast Parliamentary Constituencies
(B) Amounts awarded under PEACE I by Belfast Parliamentary Constituencies
Targeting Social Need Mr Sammy Wilson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel 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 2922/01) Dr Farren: As you will be aware, New TSN is not a policy with its own budget, rather it is a theme that runs through all relevant spending programmes across all Northern Ireland departments. It means Departments changing the way they target the money they have so that more of it can be used to benefit those who are most disadvantaged. A recent study conducted by independent consultants sought to examine the implications for resource allocation arising out of the policy of New Targeting Social Need, across all central Government and its agencies in Northern Ireland. The key findings of the study are that New TSN has been enthusiastically adopted by Departments, and that, while not all change is apparent, already the thrust of public expenditure is supportive of TSN objectives. New TSN considerations are fully taken into account in reviewing the Programme for Government and its Budget, to which this Department contributes. In addition, emphasis has been made within Executive Programme Funds to ensure New TSN is given significant consideration, particularly in determining the funding of relevant programmes, projects and services. This included taking into account a positive contribution to promoting social inclusion, community development, addressing inequalities, assisting vulnerable people and groups, and deterring social exclusion. Executive Programme Funds have already provided support to Students, Victims, Travellers, community regeneration projects, the development of a public health strategy, improving the provision of education to ethnic minorities, improving support for those children at risk, and improving reading capabilities amongst our children. In the future, it is expected that the Funds will also provide support to marginalised young people, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, older people, disabled people, carers and lone parents. The Social Inclusion Executive Programme Fund has been designed to focus resources on actions against poverty, as well as on community relations and cultural diversity. The Executive has set £55 million aside for the Social Inclusion and Community Regeneration Fund over the years 2001/02 to 2003/04 of which £33.7 million has still to be allocated. Fully aware of 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. The New TSN Annual Report 2001 provides specific examples of progress across the administration over the period 1 January 2000 – 31 March 2001, and arrangements are already in place to publish the next progress report. This Department like all departments revised its New TSN Action Plans for the period April 2001 – March 2003 taking account of progress and new priorities arising through the Programme for Government. The revised Action Plans contain details on progress made towards all of the Department’s New TSN objectives and targets for the period up to 31 March 2001. Again we are up dating our Action Plan for March 2002 to April 2003. Relief from Rates Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what progress has been made in implementing the 'relief from rates for general stores etc in rural settlements' scheme, announced on 20 March 2001. (AQW 3102/01) Dr Farren: Recent impact analysis into the effect of any scheme implemented in accordance with the enabling legislation has revealed serious flaws. Many of the properties which were expected to benefit from the scheme would not do so because they are not located (as required by the legislation) within a designated small rural settlement. Moreover, the scheme would not adequately address targeting social need considerations and is unlikely to provide an effective means of sustaining rural services. This view is shared by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. As a consequence the Executive has decided recently to suspend implementation of the current scheme and consider more effective alternatives. I intend to bring early proposals before the Executive by the end of June. However, any new scheme may require primary legislation and this could have implications for the timing of introduction of any scheme. Under-Resourcing in Education Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what plans he has to provide additional funding needed to address under-resourcing in education. (AQO 1189/01) Dr Farren: My role is to bring before the Assembly the Budget plans agreed by the Executive to deliver its priorities set out in the Programme for Government, within available resources. The Assembly adopted a Budget for 2002/03 in December 2001. That Budget provided a 5% increase in provision for the Department of Education. Allocations for future years will be determined by the Executive and put before the Assembly later this year. Housing Executive House Sales Ms Pauline Armitage asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will consider returning excess capital receipts from Housing Executive house sales to the Department for Social Development instead of other Government Departments. (AQO 1154/01) Dr Farren: The planned level of spending on housing - as approved by the Assembly - already takes into account the bulk of receipts that are likely to be realised. Additional capital receipts in recent years have allowed further allocations to where the need is greatest. That can, and has included housing. For 2002/03 planned house sale receipts built into overall housing expenditure plans stand at £103m. This compares with total receipts of £98m in 2001/02. Aggregates Tax Mr Tommy Gallagher asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if agreement has been secured from the European Commission on the deferral of the introduction of Aggregates Tax. (AQO 1165/01) Dr Farren: Extraction of virgin aggregate for commercial purposes has been subject to the Aggregates Tax since 1 April 2002. However, the Pre Budget Report (November 2001) gave a partial, temporary derogation to NI for aggregate used in processing. Processed materials will be exempt from the Tax in 2002/03, and phased in until full implementation is reached by 2007/08. This measure remains subject to EU State Aid approval but HM Treasury remains confident of a successful outcome within the next few weeks. Commitment has been given by HM Treasury that the first year exemption for aggregate used in processed products in NI will be backdated to 1 April 2002. Public Private Partnerships Dr Alasdair McDonnell asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what is the progress of the Review into the use of Public Private Partnerships in Northern Ireland. (AQO 1192/01) Dr Farren: I am pleased to report that the Working Group established to carry out the review into the use of Public Private Partnerships has now met the PfG target deadline for completion of March 2002. The report is currently being considered by the Executive and expected to be published in mid-May for public consultation. Following this consultation the Executive will determine by September this year a policy framework on PPPs in Northern Ireland as set out in the Programme for Government. Women's Groups : Funding Mrs Annie Courtney asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what is the current position in securing funding for women's groups in light of the changing criteria of the Community Fund and Peace II Programme. (AQO 1155/01) Dr Farren: I am aware of the difficult funding position that Women’s Groups face following the change in priority of the lottery backed Community Fund. If these groups present a case through a sponsor department, the issue can be considered alongside other departmental pressures in the Budget 2002 process. The PEACE II Programme is governed by equality principles and targeted on areas, sectors and groups adversely affected by the conflict, including women and women’s groups. Also specific Peace II measures targeted at women include Measure 1.5 "Positive Action for Women" which is targeted at women wishing to re-enter the labour market, and Measure 2.3 "Skilling and Building the Social Economy" includes Women’s Centres among its target groups. Townland Names Mr Kieran McCarthy asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail his policy on the use of townland names in departmental correspondence. (AQO 1169/01) Dr Farren: The practice within my Department is to use townland names when this information is supplied by the correspondent. A Common Address File project, a partnership between Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland, Valuation and Lands agency in this Department and Royal Mail is working to establish a definitive index of addresses for use throughout the public and private sectors. One aim of the project is to ensure that the new system will include townland names for every address. The latest bulletin on the Project indicates that a draft CAF should be available this Summer which, following validation and award of a contract to implement, could produce a system by the Spring of 2003. Executive Programme Funds Mr Eamonn ONeill asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to outline (a) if the review into the Executive Programme Funds has been completed; and (b) when the next call for bids will be invited. (AQO 1166/01) Dr Farren: The Review of the Executive Programme Funds has just been completed and the recommendations were agreed at the Executive Meeting on 18 April. We will now be inviting bids under three Funds - a newly created Innovation and Modernisation Fund, the Social Inclusion/Community Regeneration Fund as well as departmental bids under the Children’s Fund. Separate arrangements are being put in place for the Children’s Fund. Bids under the current round of the Infrastructure Fund are due for submission today. Health, Social Services and Public Safety Building Maintenance Budget Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is the building maintenance budget for her department in each of the last 3 years. (AQW 2413/01) The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): The Department of Finance and Personnel holds the maintenance budget for office buildings used by all Departments. Consequently, no direct expenditure is incurred by my Department on building maintenance. In relation to the HPSS estate, the costs of maintaining buildings are met by HSS Trusts and there is no specific building maintenance budget held by my Department. Coinníonn an Roinn Airgeadais agus Pearsanra an buiséad cothabhála d’fhoirgnimh oifige a úsáideann gach Roinn. Mar thoradh, níl airgead díreach caite ag an Roinn s’agam ar chothabháil foirgneamh. Maidir le heastát na SSPS, díolann Iontaobhas SSS as costais chothabháil foirgneamh agus níl buiséad ar leith cothabhála dírí ag an Roinn s’agam. Mental Health Services Mr Paul Berry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what progress has been made in improving the treatment of mental health patients in each Board area. (AQW 2729/01) Ms de Brún: All Health and Social Services Boards have reported developments in inpatient and community mental health services, including the development of residential facilities and a range of community service developments as alternatives to hospital admissions. Further service development will take place to meet local need, having regard to the resources available. Thuairiscigh gach Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta forbairtí i seirbhísí othar cónaitheach agus sláinte meabhrach pobail, san áireamh forbairtí áiseanna cónaithe agus réimse forbairtí seirbhísí pobail mar mhalairtí d’iontráil otharlainne. Tiocfaidh tuilleadh forbartha le freastal ar an ghá áitiúil, ag cur san áireamh na háiseanna ar fáil. Prescription Fraud Mr Paul Berry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the number of prescription fraud cases that have been brought to the Small Claims Court; and (b) how many people have been prosecuted between 1997-2002 as a result. (AQW 2759/01) Ms de Brún: (a) Since it became fully operational in January 2001, the Counter Fraud Unit, which is based in the Central Services Agency, has taken over 300 civil cases to the Small Claims Court, involving patients who have wrongly claimed to be exempt from paying for their prescription and dental treatment charges. In each case, a Court Judgement has been obtained for the payment of the unpaid charges. (b) No criminal prosecutions took place during the period 1997 – 2002. It is intended that the new criminal offence of evading Health Service charges introduced in the Health and Personal Social Services Act (NI) 2001 will be used to facilitate the prosecution of cases, where a pattern of fraud can be established. The relevant regulations are scheduled to come into effect in June 2002. (a) Ó tháinig sé i bhfeidhm go hiomlán in Eanáir 2001, thug an tAonad Frithchalaoise, atá bunaithe sa Ghníomhaireacht Seirbhísí Lárnacha, breis agus 300 cás sibhialta chuig an Chúirt Mhionéileamh, a bhaineann le hothair a d’éiligh ar bhonn mícheart go raibh siad saor ar oideas agus mhuirir fhiaclóireachta a íoc. I ngach cás fuarthas Breithiúnas Cúirte leis na muirir gan íoc a íoc. (b) Níor tharla aon ionchúiseamh coiriúil le linn 1997-2002. Tá sé beartaithe go n-úsáidfear an cion coiriúil nua, muirir Sheirbhís Sláinte a sheachaint san Acht um Sheirbhísí Sláinte agus Pearsanta Sóisialta (TÉ) 2001, chun ionchúiseamh cásanna a éascú nuair is féidir an patrún calaoise a léiriú. Tá na rialacháin bhainteacha sceidealta le teacht i bhfeidhm i Meitheamh 2002. Crossroad Carers Mr Paul Berry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to explain (a) why Crossroad Carers in the Southern Board Area are paid an hourly (spot) rate of £7.56, whereas in the Eastern Board the rate is £9.62 per hour; and (b) any action being taken to address the inequality. (AQW 2816/01) Ms de Brún: The hourly rate offered by the Trusts within the Southern Health and Social Services Board area to Crossroads for its services was consistent with that offered to other independent providers of domiciliary care within the area. The Eastern Health and Social Services Board has advised that each Trust within its area negotiated separately with Crossroads, and that rates agreed by each Trust may vary. No action is planned. B’ionann an ráta uaire a thug Iontaobhais laistigh de cheantar Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta do Crossroads ar son a sheirbhísí agus sin a tairgeadh do sholáthróirí neamhspleácha cúram baile laistigh den cheantar. Chuir Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Oirthir in iúl dom go ndearna gach Iontaobhas idirbheartaíocht aonair le Crossroads, agus is féidir go mbeadh éagsúlacht idir na rátaí a d’aontaigh gach Iontaobhas. Níl gníomh ar bith beartaithe. Diabetics Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the number of diabetics, per Board area, for each of the last 3 years; and (b) the respective diabetic categories. (AQW 2828/01) Ms de Brún: The information requested is not available. Níl fáil ar an eolas a iarradh. Osteoporosis Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, by Board area, the number of (i) males; and (ii) females who suffer from osteoporosis. (AQW 2829/01) Ms de Brún: Information is not available in the form requested. Níl an t-eolas ar fáil ar an dóigh iarrtha. Private Independent Hospital Sector Ms Monica McWilliams asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of Health Service patients being dealt with by the private independent hospital sector. (AQW 2830/01) Ms de Brún: The information requested is not available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. Níl an t-eolas a iarradh ar fáil agus ní féidir é a fháil ach ar chostas díréireach. GP Fundholding Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 2180/01, why she had no meeting with the British Medical Association prior to 9 January 2002 to learn of its views and concerns of her proposed structures to replace GP Fundholding. (AQW 2831/01) Ms de Brún: Prior to 9 January 2002, I met with representatives of the General Practitioners Committee (GPC) of the BMA on 3 August 2000 as part of my listening exercise prior to the publication of the consultation paper Building the Way Forward in Primary Care and with the Chair of the GPC, BMA on 25 January 2001. On the latter occasion, discussions focussed on the proposed structures for primary care set out in the consultation paper. Roimh 9 Eanáir 2002, bhuail mé le hionadaithe Choiste GnáthDhochtúirí (GPC) den BMA ar 3 Lunasa 2000 mar chuid de mo chleachtadh éisteachta roimh fhoilsiú an pháipéir chomhairlithe Ag Tógáil an Bhealaigh chun Tosaigh i bPríomhchúram agus le Cathaoirleach an GPC, BMA ar 25 Eanáir 2001. Ar an ócáid dheireanach, bhí an plé dírithe ar na struchtúir mholta do phríomhchúram leagtha amach sa pháipéar comhairlithe. Hot Fire Training Unit Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the cost of providing a hot fire training unit at Northern Ireland Fire Brigade Training Centre, Boucher Crescent; (b) the number of times it has been used since its purchase; (c) the number of times it has been used since 6 July 2001; and (d) any alternative which is being provided. (AQW 2832/01) Ms de Brún: The cost of providing the hot fire training unit at Boucher Crescent was £56,691.The unit was built on-site in July 2001 and has been used 28 times. The Fire Brigade are looking at alternative sites for the unit, but to date nothing suitable has been found. As an interim measure they are currently considering an engineering solution to reduce smoke emissions and permit unrestricted burning at Boucher Crescent. Ba é £56,691 an costas chun ionad dóiteáin the a sholáthar ag Corrán Boucher. Tógadh an t-ionad seo ar shuíomh i Mí Iúil 2001 agus úsáideadh é 28 uair. Tá an Bhriogáid Dóiteáin ag cuardach suíomh eile don ionad, ach go dtí seo níor thángthas ar rud ar bith oiriúnach. Mar bheart idirlinne tá siad ag déanamh machnaimh ar réiteach innealtóireachta chun astuithe toite a laghdú agus dó gan srian a cheadú ar Chorrán Boucher. Northern Ireland Fire Brigade Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the criteria for providing breathing apparatus training, re-training and refresher courses for (a) retained personnel; and (b) full-time personnel within the NI Fire Service. (AQW 2833/01) Ms de Brún: All firefighters must be fully trained in the use of breathing apparatus and all existing operational personnel in the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade (both retained and wholetime firefighters) have successfully completed a Breathing Apparatus Wearers Course. A programme of refresher courses is currently ongoing and scheduled to finish by November 2002. Additional ad hoc breathing apparatus training and exercises are undertaken at Station level. Is gá do gach comhraiceoir dóiteáin bheith oilte go hiomlán chun gaireas análaithe a úsáid agus d’éirigh le gach duine ag feidhmiú faoi láthair le Briogáid Dóiteáin Thuaisceart Éireann (comhraiceoirí coinnithe agus lán-aimseartha araon) i gCúrsa Caiteoirí Gaireas Análaithe. Tá clár cúrsaí athnuachana ag dul ar aghaidh faoi láthair agus táthar ag dúil go gcríochnóidh siad faoi Shamhain 2002. Déantar cleachtaidh agus oiliúint ghairis análaithe bhreise go neamhfhoirmiúil ag leibhéal an Staisiúin. Waiting Lists Ms Monica McWilliams asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 1898/01, why no assessment has been made regarding the relationship between Health Service waiting lists and the extent of private practices of some consultants. (AQW 2852/01) Ms de Brún: There are no indications that waiting lists are growing as a result of consultants devoting more time than is appropriate to private work, therefore I do not feel an assessment is necessary. Níl táscairí ann go bhfuil liostaí feithimh ag fás mar thoradh ar lianna comhairleacha ag caitheamh níos mó ama ná mar is cuí ar obair phríobháideach, mar sin de, ní shílim go bhfuil measúnú de dhíth. Translation Costs Mr Sam Foster asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the cost to her Department of providing a translation service, both written and verbal; and (b) how many required home-help hours could be provided for such a cost. (AQW 2857/01) Ms de Brún: Since the establishment of the Executive, my Department has spent a total of £218,831.63 on translating written material from English into a number of other languages, including Irish and Chinese. The cost of the translations service does not impact on patient care, including the provision of home helps, since it is paid for out of the administration budget, which is separate from the budget for patient services. The Department does not provide a verbal translation service. Ó bhunú an Fheidhmeannais, chaith mo Roinn £218,831.63 ar aistriú ábhair scríofa ó Bhéarla go roinnt teangacha eile, go Gaeilge agus go Sínis chomh maith. Níl éifeacht ar bith ag costas na seirbhíse aistriúcháin ar chúram othar agus ar sholáthar cuiditheoirí baile mar go n-íoctar í as an bhuiséad riaracháin atá scartha ón bhuiséad do sheirbhísí othar. Ní chuireann an Roinn seirbhís aistriúcháin bhéil ar fáil. Osteoarthritis Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, by Board area, the number of (i) males; and (ii) females who suffer from osteoarthritis. (AQW 2864/01) Ms de Brún: Information is not available in the form requested. Níl an t-eolas ar fáil ar an dóigh iarrtha. W&G Baird Ltd Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 2525/01, to detail, for the last 4 financial years, the total value of the Northern Ireland Fire Service printing contracts carried out by W & G Baird Ltd and procured through 'Navigator Blue'. (AQW 2865/01) Ms de Brún: The value of the printing contracts carried out by W & G Baird Ltd and procured through "Navigator Blue" for the last 4 financial years were 1998/99 Nil, 1999/00 £11,625, 2000/01 £31,121, and 2001/02 £16,625. Ba é Náid i 1998/99, £11,625 i 1999/00, £31,121 i 2000/01, agus £16,625 i 2001/02 luach na gconarthaí clódóireachta déanta ag W & G Baird Ltd agus faighte trí "Navigator Blue" do na 4 bliain airgeadais deireanach. Fire Authority Cars Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 2446/01, to outline (a) if she is concerned that detachable flashing light systems constitute a danger to other road users, especially when clipped to vehicles travelling at high speed, and (b) when ongoing discussions with the Fire Brigade Union on this matter are likely to be concluded. (AQW 2866/01) Ms de Brún: There is no evidence to suggest that detachable flashing light systems used by Fire Service vehicles en route to emergency incidents constitute a danger to otherroad users. The systems comply with current Road Traffic Regulations and similardevices are used by the other emergency services. A further meeting between the Fire Brigade and the Fire Brigades Union is due to take place in May to try to reach agreement on fitting fixed light bars to cars. Níl fianaise ar bith ann le léiriú go bhfuil na córais inscartha solais splancarnaigh úsáidte ag feithiclí na Seirbhíse Dóiteáin ar a mbealach go teagmhais éigeandála contúirteach d’úsáideoirí bóthair eile. Comhlíonann na córais na Rialacháin reatha Tráchta Bóthair agus a macasamhail de ghléasanna úsáidte ag na seirbhísí éigeandála eile. Beidh cruinniú eile ar siúl idir an Bhriogáid Dóiteáin agus Ceardchumann na mBriogáidí Dóiteáin i mí na Bealtaine le teacht ar chomhaontú ar ghléasú solasbharranna dobhogtha ar charranna. Sure Start Programme Mr Séamus Close asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what evaluation she has made of the Sure Start Programme. (AQW 2869/01) Ms de Brún: In terms of evaluating Sure Start, the Department has devised a methodology for a regional evaluation of the local Sure Start programme and the evaluation process is currently underway. It is expected that findings emerging from this regional evaluation will be ready towards the end of autumn this year. Maidir le Sure Start a mheastóireacht, dhear an Roinn modheolaíocht le haghaidh meastóireachta réigiúnaí ar an chlár Sure Start agus tá an próiseas meastóireachta idir lámha faoi láthair. Táthar ag dúil go mbeidh na torthaí a eascraíonn as an mheastóireacht réigiúnach ann ag deireadh an fhómhair i mbliana. Sure Start Programme Mr Séamus Close asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail which Sure Start Programme areas have incidences of (a) low birth weight and (b) teenage pregnancies as selection criteria. (AQW 2872/01) Ms de Brún: Whilst many of the Sure Start projects would have incidences of low birth weight and teenage pregnancies, these would not have been the only criteria applied as a means of selecting projects. Each project was required to provide an assessment of the overall extent to which children in the area were failing to fulfil their potential and provide hard evidence to illustrate the particular problems of young children and their families in the community. Cé go mbeadh teagmhais meáchan íseal breithe agus toircheas sna déaga ag mórán de thionscadail Sure Start ní hiad sin na critéir amháin a chuirtear i bhfeidhm mar bhealach le tionscadail a roghnú. Iarradh ar gach tionscadal measúnú a chur ar fáil ar cá mhéad a bhí na páistí sa cheantar ag cliseadh lena lánachmhainneacht a bhaint amach agus fianaise chrua a sholáthar le fadhbanna na bpáistí óga agus a dteaghlach sa phobal a léiriú. Sure Start Funding Mr Séamus Close asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what geographical areas can apply for Sure Start funding. (AQW 2873/01) Ms de Brún: When Sure Start was introduced here the aim of the programme was to give a better start in life to pre-school children facing the greatest disadvantage. Childcare Partnerships were therefore asked to identify suitable localities within their area and to support potential applicants in these areas to enable them to submit sustainable bids. As a result, Sure Start projects here operate across a wide geographical spread and there is a reasonable mix of projects across urban and rural settings with approximately one-third of the projects located in rural areas. Nuair a tugadh Sure Start isteach anseo ba é aidhm an chláir tús níos fearr a thabhairt sa saol do pháistí réamhscoile a bhí faoin mhíbhuntáiste is mó. Iarradh ar Pháirtíochtaí Cúram Páistí mar sin áiteanna ina gceantar féin a aimsiú agus tacú le hiarrthóirí féideartha sna ceantair seo le cur ar a gcumas tairscintí inbhuanaithe a chur isteach. Mar thoradh air, tá tioscadail Sure Start ag feidhmiú ar fud réimse leathan geografaíochta agus tá meascán measartha tionscadal ann in áiteanna urbacha agus tuaithe agus tá thart ar aon tríú de na tionscadail lonnaithe i gceantair thuaithe. Sure Start Programme Mr Séamus Close asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what selection criteria is applied in the assessment of areas to receive Sure Start funding. (AQW 2874/01) Ms de Brún: When the Sure Start programme was introduced here each of the four Childcare Partnerships was tasked with assessing Sure Start applications in their own particular area and making recommendations to the Department on how they would allocate their share of the overall funding for the programme. Childcare Partnership Assessment Panels assessed all applications on their content using the core aims of Sure Start as criteria, and, in addition, used key indicator data to identify ward areas of highest need. Nuair a tugadh an clár Sure Start isteach anseo ba é an dualgas a bhí ar gach ceann de na ceithre Páirtíochtaí Sure Start iarratais ina gceantair féin a mheasúnú agus moltaí a dhéanamh don Roinn ar an dóigh a ndáilfí a sciar den mhaoiniú iomlán ar son an chláir. Rinne Painéil Mheasúnaithe Páirtíocht Cúram Páiste measúnú ar gach iarratas agus ar a raibh istigh iontu ag úsáid croí-aidhmeanna Sure Start mar chritéir agus ar a bharr bhain siad úsáid as eochairshonraí táscaire leis na toghcheantair leis na riachtanais is mó a aimsiú. Sure Start Programme Mr Séamus Close asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what assessment she has made of the Sure Start Programme. (AQW 2875/01) Ms de Brún: We are investing in Sure Start to give a better start in life to pre-school children facing the greatest disadvantage. The ultimate aim is to have all our children ready to make the most of the opportunities in school and later life. I believe that Sure Start provides an opportunity to groups in the statutory, voluntary and community sector that are already providing excellent services for children and families to work together in partnership to provide a more integrated and co-ordinated support system for families in disadvantaged areas. Táimid ag infheistiú i Sure Start le tús níos fearr saoil a thabhairt do pháistí réamhscoile faoin mhíbhuntáiste is mó. Is é an aidhm sa deireadh ná ár gcuid páistí uile a bheith réidh leis an chuid is féarr a dhéanamh de na deiseanna sa scoil agus sa saol níos moille anonn. Creidim go soláthraíonn Sure Start deis do ghrúpaí san earnáil reachtúil, dheonach agus pobail atá ag soláthar seirbhísí den scoth cheana do pháistí agus do theaghlaigh le hobair le chéile i bpáirtíocht chun córas tacaíochta níos comhtháite agus níos comhórdaithe do theaghlaigh i gceantair faoi mhíbhuntáiste a sholáthar. Health Budget Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action has she taken to ensure £23.9 million is returned to the Health Budget from the Minister of Finance and Personnel. (AQW 2876/01) Ms de Brún: The Minister of Finance and Personnel has indicated that the £23.9 million technical reduced requirement from my Department’s budget, together with remaining room to manoeuvre from the February Monitoring round, will be used to augment the Executive Programme Funds and to address some immediate funding issues early in the current financial year. My Department will submit a strong case for a significant share of the resources to be made available to meet pressing needs within the HPSS. Thug an tAire Airgeadais agus Pearsanra le fios go n-úsáidfí an £23.9 milliún don riachtanas laghdaithe teicniúil ó bhuiséad mo Roinne mar aon leis an fhuílleach airgid eile ó bhabhta Monatóireachta mhí Feabhra, le cur le Cistí Cláir an Fheidhmeannais agus le tabhairt faoi roinnt ceisteanna láithreacha maoinithe go luath sa bhliain reatha airgeadais seo. Cuirfidh mo Roinn cás láidir isteach faoi choinne sciar mhóir de na hacmhainní a chuirfear ar fáil le riar ar riachtanais mhóra laistigh de na SSSP. Underspend Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what areas of the Health Service will she target with the £23.9 million underspend in the Department's budget. (AQW 2877/01) Ms de Brún: I refer the Member to my answer to AQW 2876/01. Treoraím an Ball do mo fhreagra a thug mé ar AQW 2876/01. Fire Authority Dogs Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 2527/01, if the duties detailed are being carried out by the two Fire Authority dogs, 'Storm' and 'Ben' since their acquisition; and to make a statement. (AQW 2885/01) Ms de Brún: Two dogs, trained in the detection of Hydrocarbon Accelerants were accepted into the Fire Brigade in July 1999 and have been used since for fire investigation, community education and arson awareness programmes. Since October last year, due to the promotion of his handler, "Ben" has not been fully utilised. However, the Fire Brigade is currently in the process of appointing a replacement handler. Glacadh dhá mhadadh, oilte le Luasairí Hidreacarbóin a fháil amach, isteach sa Bhriogáid Dóiteáin in Iúil 1997 agus ó shin úsáideadh iad do chláracha ar fhiosrú tine, ar oideachas an phobail agus do chláracha eolais ar choirloscadh. Ó Dheireadh Fómhair anuraidh, mar gheall ar ardú céime a choimhéadaí, níor baineadh úsáid iomlán as "Ben". Tá an Bhriogáid Dóiteáin ar tí comharba a choimhéadaí a cheapadh i láthair na huaire áfach. Suicide Prevention Mrs Annie Courtney asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if a separate and specific strategy for suicide prevention, which is not part of the overall strategy for mental health promotion, is being established in the light of recent figures in the north-west. (AQW 2886/01) Ms de Brún: A separate strategy for suicide is not being produced since it is important to deal with the risk factors of suicide as part of a broader approach to mental and emotional health. The proposed strategy for mental health promotion will include a specific section on preventing suicide. Níl straitéis eile d’fhéinmharú á cumadh mar go bhfuil sé tábhachtach le déileáil le fachtóirí an bhaoil ó fhéinmharú mar chuid de chur chuige níos fairsinge do shláinte meabhrach agus mhothúchánach. Sa straitéis mholta um chur chun cinn sláinte meabhrach beidh mír ar leith ar an dóigh le cosc a chur le féinmharú. Speech Therapists Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, by Board area, the number of speech therapists employed. (AQW 2891/01) Ms de Brún: The information requested is detailed in the table below. Speech Therapists1 by Board Area At 31 December 2001
1 Figures exclude bank staff that maintain service delivery by covering staffing shortfalls and fluctuating workloads 2 WTE – Whole Time Equivalent Tá an t-eolas iarrtha léirithe sa tábla thíos. Teiripeoirí Urlabhra1 de réir Bordcheantair ar 31 Nollaig 2001
1 Ní chuimsíonn na figiúirí oibrithe ionaid a choinníonn soláthar na seirbhísí ag dul ar aghaidh leis an easpa oibrithe agus le hualaí athraitheacha oibre a chlúdach. CLA – Coibhéis Lánaimseartha Chiropodists Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the current number of chiropodists employed by the Health Service; and (b) the breakdown of chiropodists employed in each Board area. (AQW 2925/01) Ms de Brún: The information requested is detailed in the table below. Chiropodists employed by Board area – December 2001
1 Whole Time Equivalent Tá an t-eolas a iarradh léirithe sa tábla thíos. Coslianna fostaithe de réir Bordcheantair – Nollaig 2001
1 Coibhéis Lánaimseartha Equitable Funding : EHSSB/Down Lisburn Trust Mr Eddie McGrady asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what discussions she has had with the Chairman and Members of the Eastern Health and Social Services Board and the Down Lisburn Trust regarding the need to ensure equitable funding across the EHSSB Trusts; and to make a statement. (AQW 2943/01) Ms de Brún: I have had no formal discussions as yet with the Chairman and Members of the Eastern Health and Social Services Board (EHSSB) or the Down Lisburn Trust regarding the matters raised. However, the Chairman of the Eastern HSS Board and the Chairman of Down Lisburn Trust have recently offered to meet with me in order to discuss the issue. Níl raibh cainteanna foirmiúla agam go fóill beag le Cathaoirleach agus Baill Bhord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Oirthir (BSSSO) nó Iontaobhas an Dúin / Lios na gCearrbhach i dtaca leis na hábhair a tógadh. Bíodh sin mar atá, chuir Cathaoirleach Bord SSS an Oirthir agus Cathaoirleach Iontaobhas an Dúin / Lios na gCearrbhach cuireadh orm le gairid bualadh leo chun an cheist a phlé. Accommodation for Children Ms Patricia Lewsley asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline (a) any emergency provision existing for young people aged 14 to 17 who suddenly find themselves homeless as a result of a domestic crisis; and (b) if she is aware of any voluntary/non-statutory agency currently meeting this need. (AQW 2944/01) Ms de Brún: Under the Children (NI) Order 1995 Health and Social Services Trusts are required to provide accommodation for any child in need who requires it. Children aged under 16 would normally be accommodated either with a foster carer or in a children’s home, a small number of which are run by non-statutory sector providers. Young people aged 16 and over may be placed in accommodation run by voluntary agencies, which include the Simon Community, Foyer, Starting Point or other local groups dealing with homeless people. Bed and breakfast accommodation has also been used for those aged 16 and over. De réir an Oird Pháistí (TÉ) 1995 ní mór d’Iontaobhais Shláinte agus Sheirbhísí Sóisialta cóiríocht a sholáthar do pháiste ar bith in ánas ar a bhfuil sí de dhíth. De ghnáth, chuirfí páistí faoi 16 d’aois faoi chúram feighlí altrama nó i dteach páistí a reáchtálann soláthraithe ón earnáil neamhreachtúil roinnt bheag díobh. Is féidir go gcuirfear páistí níos sine ná 16 bliain d’aois i gcóiríocht reáchtáilte ag gníomhaireachtaí deonacha amhail Simon Community, Foyer, Starting Point nó ag grúpaí áitiúla eile a dhéileálann le díthreabhaigh. Úsáideadh cóiríocht leaba agus bricfeasta fosta dóibh siúd a bhí 16 bliain d’aois nó níos sine chomh maith. Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Services Mr Mark Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, by Board area, the level of funding for drug treatment and rehabilitation services in each of the last 5 years. (AQW 2960/01) Ms de Brún: The information requested is not available. Níl fáil ar an eolas a iarradh. Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital Site Mr Derek Hussey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 2363/01 and AQW 2798/01, to explain the disparity between these answers. (AQW 3003/01) Ms de Brún: The apparent disparity arises in relation to land at Sperrin Lakeland between the 120 acres referred to in AQW/2363/01 as HPSS&PS estate not used for HSS&PS or related ancillary purposes; and the 184½ acres referred to in AQW/2798/01 as being land owned by the Department at the Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital site. As stated in AQW/2798/01, 44 acres of the 184½ acres owned by the Department are in 6 disposal lots which are being, or have been, disposed of. In addition there are 20 acres in four plots which are still closely linked with HSSPS activities. These four plots are: 1. Playing fields of 7 acres within the hospital site which are used by teams from both the hospital and Drumragh College. 2. A piece of ground in close proximity to the Trust addiction centre. 3 & 4 A disused railway embankment and an adjoining small plot of grazing land which are close to villas being vacated by the Trust and which cannot be regarded as surplus to HSSPS requirements until acceptable access arrangements and alternative possible uses have been determined. Titeann amach an difear soiléir maidir le talamh i Speirín Tír na Lochanna idir na 120 acra a ndéantar tagairt dóibh in AQW/2363/01 mar eastát na SSSP&SP nár úsáideadh do chuspóirí na SSS&SP nó coimhdeacha bainteach leis; agus na 184½ acra a ndéantar tagairt dóibh in AQW/2798/01 mar thalamh ar shuíomh Otharlann Thír Eoghain agus Fhear Manach ar leis an Roinn é. Mar a dúradh in AQW/2798/01, tá 44 acra de na 184½ acra ar leis an Roinn iad i 6 luchtóg indíolta atá le díol nó atá díolta. Ina theannta sin, tá 20 acra i gceithre luchtóg a bhfuil baint dhlúth acu go fóill le gníomhaíochtaí na SSSSP. Seo a leanas na ceithre luchtóg: 1. Páirceanna imeartha 7 acra laistigh le shuíomh na hotharlainne atá úsáidte ag oibrithe ón otharlann agus ó Choláiste Dhroim Rátha. 2. Píosa talaimh cóngarach d’ionad andúilíochta an Iontaobhais. 3 & 4 Claífort iarnróid gan feidhm agus píosa beag talaimh innnilte atá sínte leis atá cóngarach do vileanna atá á bhfágáil ag an Iontaobhas agus nach féidir a mheas mar neamhriachanach do na SSSSP go dtí go mbeidh socruithe inghlactha déanta ar a n-úsáid agus ar a n-úsáidí féideartha eile. 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. |