(AQW 2419/01)

Reply: Local Councils are not normally officially informed when meetings of the North/South Ministerial Council are to be held in their respective District Council area.

However, Mayors / Chairmen of Councils are usually invited to participate where there is an accompanying lunch. Over the last six months invitations have been extended to the Mayors / Chairmen of Leitrim, Antrim, Fermanagh and Ballymena councils.

(AQW 2827/01)

Reply: Publicity campaigns about public appointments have specifically targeted groups representing women and other under-represented groups, and a six monthly list of vacancies is issued to a number of organisations and published on the internet at www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/publicappointments. We are considering a review of public appointments in Northern Ireland to help determine whether the current arrangements are suitable for use by the devolved administration. The review will address a number of issues including ways of ensuring as far as possible that public bodies are as representative as possible.

In terms of increasing female participation in political life, the Sex Discrimination (Election Candidates) Act 2002 permits registered political parties to regulate the selection of candidates in order to reduce inequalities in the numbers of men and women selected as candidates of the party. The Northern Ireland provisions of the Westminster Act apply to parliamentary elections, and elections to the European Parliament, Northern Ireland Assembly and district councils. The Act does not compel parties to use such selection procedures if they do not wish to do so.

(AQO 1235/01)

Reply: As we have indicated before, we are fully committed to ensuring that all of the measures announced on 23 November last year are progressed as speedily as possible with both communities fully involved in that process. Substantial progress has already been made on a range of measures in the package and we have had extensive discussions with elected and community representatives.

We met recently with the North Belfast Community Action Project Team. They will report to us by the end of May. We look forward to receiving this report. The Project is supporting community capacity building activity in various parts of North Belfast including both Glenbryn and Ardoyne.

Over the past few weeks we have been discussing with community leaders and elected representatives how we can develop a process resulting in the sequencing of both community dialogue and the road realignment project at the Ardoyne Road/Alliance Avenue interface in the very near future.

We have engaged in an extensive consultation process with both communities on the proposed road realignment project. The consultants’ designs have been made available to both communities and officials have obtained their reactions. We now want to move this on. Having given this matter very careful and detailed consideration we would propose to bring the work forward in stages. Work to realign the road and to provide a protective screen to houses in Hesketh Park could be the first stage and this could commence immediately. We also want to have some discussion with both communities on how to provide a protective screen to houses at the Alliance Avenue/Ardoyne interface and to address concerns over sight lines. We want to discuss all these proposals with elected and community representatives and to give them an opportunity to respond. To this end we will be arranging meetings with them later this week.

We have also been exploring how facilitation might be provided to assist with the development of community dialogue. Since we became involved in this area last year, we have continually emphasised that community dialogue is the key to resolving this situation. We recognise that both communities are committed to dialogue and as we have explained in the past, we stand ready to offer assistance to move this forward. We also want to discuss this further with elected and community representatives when we meet them later this week with the expectation that community dialogue can be brought forward in tandem with the road realignment project.

(AQO 1206/01)

Reply: The last meeting of the Executive was held on 25 April. A copy of the Press Release issued following the meeting has been placed in the Assembly Library.

(AQO 1215/01)

Reply: This matter is the responsibility of the Secretary of State. The Belfast Agreement and the Northern Ireland Act require the Human Rights Commission to advise the Secretary of State on the scope for defining, in Westminster legislation, a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.

We understand that the Commission, having reflected on its initial advice and the outcome of consultation, considers that more time is required in order to consider the complex and wide ranging issues involved. We have not jointly discussed this matter with the Secretary of State. Ministers Haughey and Leslie plan to meet the Commission early next month.

(AQO 1234/01)

Reply: As indicated in the report to the Assembly on 15 February 1999, a review of the Civic Forum was to be undertaken in close consultation with the membership of the Civic Forum with a view to reporting within 12 months of the Civic Forum becoming operational.

To allow the Civic Forum to have some time to establish its working practices and ensure a more meaningful review we decided that the review should be deferred until Spring 2002.

We have agreed draft Terms of Reference for the review and these are currently with the Civic Forum for consideration.

(AQO 1209/01)

Reply: There are no plans to introduce a Freedom of Information Bill in Northern Ireland. The Freedom of Information Act 2000 extends to Northern Ireland and will be fully in force by January 2005. The desirability of separate Northern Ireland legislation for the future will be considered in the light of experience of the operation of the Act.

(AQO 1233/01)

Reply: We recognise that the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 was an important development in outlawing discrimination against disabled people but it fell short of providing comprehensive and enforceable civil rights. We are committed to addressing this shortfall and will achieve this through implementation of the Executive’s detailed response to the recommendations made by the Disability Rights Task Force. A report on the consultation on our response is in preparation.

When we have finalised this, we will bring forward appropriate legislation to implement legislative proposals for improving disability rights.

As set out in the Programme for Government, we will establish an Interdepartmental Working Group this year under the Promoting Social Inclusion element of new TSN to develop a strategy to implement the proposals in the Executive’s response and any wider issues raised in the consultation.

Furthermore, we have asked the Equality Commission to consider further a range of issues raised by the Task Force.

(AQO 1239/01)

Reply: The National Development Plan and the Regional Development Strategy have not been jointly considered at any North/South Ministerial Council meetings.

(AQO 1224/01)

Reply: Consultation on key policy issues provides an important opportunity for the Executive to listen to and understand the needs and views of the public. Arising from our statutory equality duties we are also required to equality assess the impact of our policies and, as part of that process, to consult with those likely to be effected.

We are committed to ensuring that consultation is effective, inclusive and as meaningful as possible. We are continually looking at ways to improve our methods of consultation. We recognise that the consultation process has given rise to some difficulties both for those consulting and those consulted.

Over the next few months we will be working with officials in the Department for Social Development to explore how the consultation process might be improved. We hope to involve the Equality Commission and the voluntary and community sector in this exercise.

(AQO 1237/01)

Reply: Consultation on key policy issues provides an important opportunity for the Executive to listen to and understand the needs and views of the public. Arising from our statutory equality duties we are also required to equality assess the impact of our policies and, as part of that process, to consult with those likely to be effected.

We are committed to ensuring that consultation is effective, inclusive and as meaningful as possible. We are continually looking at ways to improve our methods of consultation. We recognise that the consultation process has given rise to some difficulties both for those consulting and those consulted.

Over the next few months we will be working with officials in the Department for Social Development to explore how the consultation process might be improved. We hope to involve the Equality Commission and the voluntary and community sector in this exercise

(AQO 1201/01)

Reply: We have been advised by the Civic Forum that a copy of all minutes of Civic Forum plenary meetings and standing committee meetings are placed in the Assembly Library when they have been agreed.

A copy of the minutes of plenary meetings and minutes of General Purpose Committee meetings [when agreed] are also made available on the Civic Forum’s Internet site. Additionally all members of the Civic Forum receive copies of the minutes of the Civic Forum’s plenary meetings.

All members of Civic Forum Committees and Project Groups receive copies of the minutes of those meetings and Civic Forum members, who are not members of Committees or Project Groups, may receive copies of the minutes of those meetings on request.

(AQO 1203/01)

Reply: We have not jointly made representations to secure refunds of dairy exports.

When world dairy commodity markets declined in 2001 we understand the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and her officials worked hard to secure increases at the EU Milk and Milk Products Management Committee meetings. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Bríd Rodgers, raised this matter with the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Margaret Beckett) and impressed on her the need to put pressure on the EU Commission to secure an increase in export refunds. In addition, in advance of the crucial EU Management Committee meeting on 24 January 2002 the Department of Agriculture and Regional Development Minister ensured that Commissioner Fischler was made aware of the importance of this matter for Northern Ireland.

We understand that Department of Agriculture and Regional Development officials have continued to lobby on behalf of Northern Ireland on export refunds for skimmed milk powder and whole milk powder and continue to keep the market situation under review in conjunction with the dairy industry.

(AQW 2708/01)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): The numbers of part-time farmers in Northern Ireland in each of the last 3 years, as estimated from the June Agricultural Census, are shown below.

The figures refer to farmers who work less than 30 hours per week on their farms.

You may wish to note that these figures, and those for each of the past 20 years, are available in the statistical data sheets on the Department’s website (www.dardni.gov.uk).

(AQW 2947/01)

Ms Rodgers: My Department is involved in generic promotion of Northern Ireland products which includes financial support for the marketing of Northern Ireland red meat on the basis of its quality. In addition financial support for marketing in the pig meat sector has been provided.

I would add that there are very strict EU rules limiting the extent to which Government can support publicity campaigns which promote domestically produced goods in preference to similar goods from other parts of the EU. Consequently public funds cannot be used to endorse food produced on the basis of its region of origin.

My schedule of visits to lend support to various conferences and to local producers and food companies help to keep the characteristics of all sectors at the forefront of my Department’s considerations. Active participation at events including the Balmoral Show, the Winter Fair, European Dairy Farmers Congress and the European Seafood Exhibition are especially important as the audience crosses national boundaries. I have also met with major food retailers in Northern Ireland to encourage greater use of locally sourced products.

My Department independently and in conjunction with other Government Agencies and food related bodies promote the Northern Ireland food industry in other ways including:

• Providing a platform for individual companies to display their products at events held in Northern Ireland (IFEX), Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

• Sponsoring event organisers, such as local Agricultural Show Associations, to mount displays of Northern Ireland produce and sponsoring launches of events such as Northern Ireland Food Promotion Initiative.

• Producing publications such as the Loughry Food Business Incubation Centre brochure.

• Featuring Northern Ireland produce on the menu for Ministerial receptions such as the DARD breakfast at Balmoral Show.

• Under the Northern Ireland Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme launching a joint Marketing Initiative (Promotions) Scheme for Fisheries and a Marketing of Quality Agricultural Products Grant Scheme.

(AQW 2951/01)

Ms Rodgers: New Targeting Social Need is the Executive’s main policy for addressing social deprivation and has been integrated into the Programme for Government. New TSN policy is a theme which applies to all relevant programmes and services, and operates by using existing resources to benefit people in greatest objective social need. While a considerable amount of my Department’s activities are subject to the constraints imposed by the EU CAP and CFP I am nevertheless wholly committed to ensuring that, wherever possible, resources are directed to where they are most needed. The principles of New TSN feature prominently throughout the decision making process.

New TSN is a long-term approach. By consistently addressing the problems of those who are objectively shown to be in greatest social need, New TSN should, over time, contribute to the erosion of inequalities. In particular, New TSN addresses social need in 3 complementary ways:

• tackling unemployment and increasing employability;

• tackling social need in other policy areas;

• promoting Social Inclusion (PSI) .

The Executive adopted New TSN in June 2000, and I took full responsibility for its effective implementation in my Department. My Department has therefore been working hard to implement its New TSN Action Plan which runs for three years from 1 January 2000.

By way of example, New TSN was one of the issues which I took into account in determining that additional milk quota allocation, secured as part of the Agenda 2000 agreement, was allocated to small milk producers in 2000/01 and 2001/02.

During the past year, my Department agreed with the European Commission a new scheme of support for farmers in the Less Favoured Areas (LFA) of Northern Ireland. In meeting the European Commission’s requirements, the Department was able to produce a scheme which is consistent with, and contributes to, New TSN objectives. Payments made at 31 March 2002 total £22.98m in respect of 542,688ha of LFA land. Of this £18.17m (79%) was paid to producers in the most disadvantaged areas with the remaining £4.81m (21%) paid to those producers in the less disadvantaged areas.

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to an evaluation of the benefits and achievements of New TSN. The initial evaluation, which will be subject to external validation to ensure objectivity, is currently underway, with initial 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 report will be made publicly accessible.

My Department is currently updating its New TSN Action Plan for March 2002 to April 2003.

(AQW 2994/01)

Ms Rodgers: Land at:

(a) Desertcreat, Cookstown;

(b) Tullyhogue, Cookstown;

(c) Home Farm estate, Loughry College, Cookstown;

(d) Fairhill Street, Ballycastle; and

(e) Carnroe, Lower Bann River.

Buildings:

(a) Camus store, Coleraine.

(AQW 3114/01)

Ms Rodgers: Rivers Agency has not refused to attend a site meeting with elected representatives and others to discuss the condition of a watercourse at Prospect Road, Carrickfergus. I can assure you that the Agency wrote on 19 April to Carrickfergus Borough Council confirming that an Agency Representative will attend the site meeting scheduled on 1 May 2002.

(AQW 3285/01)

Ms Rodgers: The Forest Service is considering proposals from a number of potential purchasers and has requested more detailed information from each by 24 May. Forest Service is unable to provide a list of those (a) individuals (b) groups and (c) consortia who have submitted bids to purchase or lease Gosford Castle as it is policy on procurements not to divulge the details of commercial negotiations.

(AQO 1247/01)

Ms Rodgers: I do not believe that anyone is in a position to predict with accuracy the future of the agricultural industry anywhere in Northern Ireland. We can point to certain trends and challenges, such as the continuing reform of the CAP or changing consumer tastes and demands, which will have a profound influence on the industry. What we cannot predict, of course, are the unexpected events, such as the BSE crisis or the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease. The vast majority of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead are not, of course, unique to the industry in Northern Ireland. Therefore, what will, in large measure, determine our future success is how we respond to these pressures compared with the response of our competitors. That is why it so important that we adopt a strategic approach to our future development and prepare as best we can the meet the challenges that we can reasonably foretell, and that is why I attach such importance to the Vision exercise.

The agri-food industry in Northern Ireland as a whole currently faces many challenges. The Vision Steering Group’s task was to identify these, come forward with a Vision for the future development of the industry and make recommendations for the achievement of this Vision. This I believe it has done.

The Vision Steering Group did not attempt any area by area analysis but I believe that, if we get things right at the Northern Ireland level, this will be to the benefit of farmers in all parts of the North including South Down, Mid-Ulster, Fermanagh, Newry and Armagh.

(AQO 1213/01)

Ms Rodgers: The figures requested are £74,100 in 1999/2000, £77,800 the following year and £89,350 last year.

(AQO 1253/01)

Ms Rodgers: I fully recognise the importance of the discretionary enhancement plan element of the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme to many farmers in Northern Ireland. Indeed this has been recognised in the inclusion of a specific recommendation in the recent "Vision for the future of the agri-food industry" report, which calls for the reintroduction of capital enhancement measures.

This report has been the subject of extensive public consultation, and I hope to be in a position to announce my response to the Vision exercise in coming months. Until then, I am not in a position to give a more definitive answer about the reintroduction of this element of the ESA Scheme.

In addition, I do not wish to speculate on a likely re-opening date before all the necessary budgetary and administrative processes are in place. To do otherwise could give rise to some unrealistic expectations and I would not wish to encourage ESA Scheme participants to plan any enhancement type works before the details of what may, and may not, be claimed for are finalised.

(AQO 1205/01)

Ms Rodgers: In accordance with the Payments Profile which I published last October, balance payments under the cattle schemes are now due to commence and to be completed by the end of June.

My Department is proceeding in accordance with this timetable and will be issuing payments in the date order in which claims were received.

(AQO 1227/01)

Ms Rodgers: The Agenda 2000 Agreement contains in-built reviews of cereal support prices, milk quotas and budgetary issues. In addition, the Commission is known to be contemplating widening these reviews to include, for example, the beef regime.

Commissioner Fischler has made no secret of his desire to see a further shift in support from Pillar I (production based) to Pillar II (rural development). Also, with the WTO Doha Round underway, the CAP is likely to come under pressure for further reform of export subsidisation and the level of domestic agricultural support. Issues such as modulation and decoupling therefore are also likely to surface.

Of particular concern to Northern Ireland are:

• the consequences for producers of any further changes to the support prices for beef, cereals or milk;

• the impact on exports to third countries of further reductions in EU export refunds, especially for beef and dairy products;

• the impact on milk producers of any decision to abolish milk quotas after 2008; and

• the effects on farm incomes of any proposals such as modulation or decoupling affecting direct producer payments.

In general, an important priority in future negotiations will be to try to ensure that any re-orientation of the CAP is suitable to the requirements of agriculture and the protection of the viability of local communities in Northern Ireland.

(AQO 1252/01)

(a) Meat from Third Countries, including that from developing Countries, may enter the Food Chain but must do so in accordance with EU Regulations governing intra-community trade.

(b) Beef from Third Countries must be labelled in accordance with Beef Labelling Rules.

(AQO 1226/01)

Ms Rodgers: I believe the principles of collaboration amongst farmers and the integration of farmers and processors to meet the requirements of a rapidly evolving market place is key to the competitiveness of the agri-food industry in Northern Ireland. To assist the agri-food sector to meet this challenge my Department has in particular encouraged the development of farmers co-operatives. Since 1995 £1 million of financial assistance has been awarded to 16 projects approved under the Marketing Development Scheme for activities involving producer co-operation. Also earlier this month I launched a new EU Marketing of Quality Agricultural Products Grant Scheme. Support under this Scheme is available towards the establishment, expansion or merger of a collaborative marketing group, including co-operatives, and I am seeking to increase the funding available for this purpose.

(AQO 1246/01)

Ms Rodgers: I do not believe that anyone is in a position to predict with accuracy the future of the agricultural industry anywhere in Northern Ireland. We can point to certain trends and challenges, such as the continuing reform of the CAP or changing consumer tastes and demands, which will have a profound influence on the industry. What we cannot predict, of course, are the unexpected events, such as the BSE crisis or the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease. The vast majority of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead are not, of course, unique to the industry in Northern Ireland. Therefore, what will, in large measure, determine our future success is how we respond to these pressures compared with the response of our competitors. That is why it so important that we adopt a strategic approach to our future development and prepare as best we can the meet the challenges that we can reasonably foretell, and that is why I attach such importance to the Vision exercise.

The agri-food industry in Northern Ireland as a whole currently faces many challenges. The Vision Steering Group’s task was to identify these, come forward with a Vision for the future development of the industry and make recommendations for the achievement of this Vision. This I believe it has done.

The Vision Steering Group did not attempt any area by area analysis but I believe that, if we get things right at the Northern Ireland level, this will be to the benefit of farmers in all parts of the North including South Down, Mid-Ulster, Fermanagh, Newry and Armagh.

(AQO 1229/01)

Ms Rodgers: In response to the first part of your question about diversification I can advise you that under the Peace II Programme farmers, and members of farm families, will have opportunity to diversify. This programme, which will open for applications later this year, will be delivered through a change management programme involving re-skilling.

My officials are presently developing a new competence development programme to help farmers and farm families consider and develop alternative enterprises utilising farm resources.

Conversion of land from agriculture to forestry is another diversification option open to farmers. The Woodland Grant Scheme offers grants toward costs of establishing woodland and the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme pays an annual premium over 10 or 15 years to compensate for the loss of income from converting agricultural land to woodland.

There may also be diversification opportunities under the Rural Development Programme, and there is scope for farmers to benefit from the Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme under the Collectives/Co-operatives and sectoral initiatives. The EU LEADER+ Initiative may also be able to provide support to assist certain farm diversification projects.

Likewise, the Natural Resource Rural Tourism Measure may be able to provide support for farmers in the Sperrins, Fermanagh, Mournes, Antrim Glens and Coast and South Armagh to diversify into tourism.

Turning to the second part of your question, I can advise you that assistance is available under the Woodland Grant Scheme for the establishment on suitable sites of approved clones of willow, poplar and alder intended for short rotation coppice for renewable energy purposes. Whether or not the coppice has been cut, the stumps must continue to be present and satisfactorily maintained throughout a 10 year period to qualify for grant. Grant will be £600 per hectare for non set-aside land and £400 per hectare for set-aside.

(AQO 1249/01)

Ms Rodgers: I do not believe that anyone is in a position to predict with accuracy the future of the agricultural industry anywhere in Northern Ireland. We can point to certain trends and challenges, such as the continuing reform of the CAP or changing consumer tastes and demands, which will have a profound influence on the industry. What we cannot predict, of course, are the unexpected events, such as the BSE crisis or the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease. The vast majority of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead are not, of course, unique to the industry in Northern Ireland. Therefore, what will, in large measure, determine our future success is how we respond to these pressures compared with the response of our competitors. That is why it so important that we adopt a strategic approach to our future development and prepare as best we can the meet the challenges that we can reasonably foretell, and that is why I attach such importance to the Vision exercise.

The agri-food industry in Northern Ireland as a whole currently faces many challenges. The Vision Steering Group’s task was to identify these, come forward with a Vision for the future development of the industry and make recommendations for the achievement of this Vision. This I believe it has done.

The Vision Steering Group did not attempt any area by area analysis but I believe that, if we get things right at the Northern Ireland level, this will be to the benefit of farmers in all parts of the North including South Down, Mid-Ulster, Fermanagh, Newry and Armagh.

(AQO 1248/01)

Ms Rodgers: I do not believe that anyone is in a position to predict with accuracy the future of the agricultural industry anywhere in Northern Ireland. We can point to certain trends and challenges, such as the continuing reform of the CAP or changing consumer tastes and demands, which will have a profound influence on the industry. What we cannot predict, of course, are the unexpected events, such as the BSE crisis or the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease. The vast majority of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead are not, of course, unique to the industry in Northern Ireland. Therefore, what will, in large measure, determine our future success is how we respond to these pressures compared with the response of our competitors. That is why it so important that we adopt a strategic approach to our future development and prepare as best we can the meet the challenges that we can reasonably foretell, and that is why I attach such importance to the Vision exercise.

The agri-food industry in Northern Ireland as a whole currently faces many challenges. The Vision Steering Group’s task was to identify these, come forward with a Vision for the future development of the industry and make recommendations for the achievement of this Vision. This I believe it has done.

The Vision Steering Group did not attempt any area by area analysis but I believe that, if we get things right at the Northern Ireland level, this will be to the benefit of farmers in all parts of the North including South Down, Mid-Ulster, Fermanagh, Newry and Armagh.

(AQW 2952/01)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): My Department has two credit cards in use. These are held by the Permanent Secretary, and my Private Secretary.

During the financial year ended 31 March 2002, the total amount charged to each card was as follows:

There are no other public body credit cards used by my Department, including executive agencies, non-departmental public bodies, cross-border bodies, and other funded bodies.

(AQW 2995/01)

Mr McGimpsey: The Department currently has its headquarters within the Interpoint building in central Belfast. The Accommodation and Construction Division of the Department of Finance and Personnel is responsible for this building and will respond in respect of Interpoint.

DCAL has responsibility for the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland at Balmoral Avenue, Belfast, the Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland at Stranmillis Road, Belfast, and three Inland Waterways and Inland Fisheries properties at Bushmills, Movanagher Fish Farm in Kilrea and Riversdale in Co Fermanagh, and I confirm that all parts of my Department’s estate are used purely for departmental or related ancillary purposes.

(AQW 3033/01)

Mr McGimpsey: The total budget available in the first year of the youth development programme (January - March 2002) was £100,000. The actual budget spent was £56,675 and this was used for four main purposes:

• to appoint a development officer at the Sports Council to plan and administer the scheme;

• to help sustain existing high quality youth and community football schemes already in operation in Northern Ireland in the short term;

• to ensure that the Irish Football Association, Irish Football League and senior clubs receive guidance and direction on the long-term management and delivery of successful youth and community football development programmes and;

• to ensure that essential equipment is accessible to youth and community football development centres in Northern Ireland as soon as they are established.

The Sports Council plans to carry over the remaining balance of £43,325 from year 1 into year 2 (April 2002 – March 2003) so that sufficient funding will be available to meet the long-term administration and delivery costs of the scheme which is currently being developed in conjunction with the Irish Football Association.

(AQW 3034/01)

Mr McGimpsey: I regard the youth football development programme being administered by the Sports Council as an important means of addressing the sporting, health and educational needs of young people and local communities across Northern Ireland. I also believe that the programme, now being established, will contribute significantly to improving the image of football in Northern Ireland and to the development of the sport as a whole, both of which are key objectives identified within the Soccer Strategy process.

The success of the scheme, however, depends very much on the quality of the coaching and community programmes that will be provided at grass roots level, and the extent to which they genuinely reflect community needs. To this end, I would expect that the programme, including any application process, will be as open as possible so that resources are ultimately channelled to those best placed to deliver the most effective results on the ground.

(AQW 3036/01)

Mr McGimpsey: Following my Department’s publication of the Advisory Panel’s report, the IFA and IFL formed a joint group to discuss how matters might be taken forward in the light of the Advisory Panel’s recommendations, particularly those in relation to the governance of football, including the structure and management of the Irish League. More recently, my Department has engaged the services of a consultant to facilitate the group’s discussions. I am aware that the group has recently presented proposals to its respective constituent bodies and is currently awaiting responses to these before moving on to finalising a more detailed plan. It would be prudent on my part to await this plan before making any comment or assessment.

(AQW 3045/01)

Mr McGimpsey: The Department’s equality scheme lists at annex D the groups and individuals that will be consulted as part of any equality impact assessment. This list was compiled using the criteria determined by the Equality Commission’s guidance, approved by a former Secretary of State, on the implementation of the statutory duties, which states: "Consultation must be carried out with relevant interest groups as well as the Equality Commission, other public bodies, voluntary, community, trade union and other groups with a legitimate interest in the matter".

The Department is committed to ensuring that consultation is effective, inclusive and meaningful. The consultation process has difficulties for both those consulting and those consulted. The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, in conjunction with Departments, will be exploring how to improve the consultation process. It is hoped to involve the Equality Commission together with the voluntary and community sector in this quest to better the consultation process.

(AQW 3070/01)

Mr McGimpsey: As indicated in my reply to AQW 2621/01 the Charter Group is currently finalising central policy guidance on implementing the European Charter. It had been intended to submit the draft policy guidance to the Executive meeting on 16 May 2002 for approval. Unfortunately, this timetable has now slipped. It will be a matter for the Executive to decide what circulation to give to the policy document.

(AQW 3071/01)

Mr McGimpsey: My responses to AQW 2621/01 and AQW 3070/01 explain the process and time scale for providing a paper to the Executive explaining the action which the devolved administration has in hand to meet UK commitments in relation to the European Charter. As indicated, it is a matter for the Executive to inform the Foreign Secretary on how the Charter is being implemented by the devolved administration. In the circumstances you will appreciate that it would not be appropriate to make an overall position paper available before the Executive has had the opportunity to inform the Foreign Secretary.

(AQW 3072/01)

Mr McGimpsey: The Interdepartmental Charter Group held its inaugural meeting on 8 February 2001.

(AQO 1245/01)

Mr McGimpsey: I share the Member’s desire to see the Navan Centre reopened as soon as possible, and my Department has been working with the trustees and other interested parties to secure that outcome.

In order to determine if the Centre has a viable future, my Department is supporting the preparation of a business plan that will show how the facility might operate in the future. In addition, we are meeting the Centre’s security and maintenance costs for a limited period to defer it going into liquidation.

My Department remains committed to seeing the Navan Centre reopened and continues to do what it can to achieve this.

(AQO 1220/01)

Mr McGimpsey: My Department is unaware of any plans to promote our shared European heritage in relation to either the medieval epics of Guillaume d’Orange or the early Irish church.

(AQO 1212/01)

Mr McGimpsey: Since December 1999, my Department has issued 6 documents for public consultation.

The quantifiable costs relating to the preparation, printing, and distribution of these documents over the period is just under £64,000.

This figure excludes staff costs that cannot be separately identified.

(AQO 1242/01)

Mr McGimpsey: The National Lottery is a reserved matter under the functional responsibility of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure acts as agent of DCMS in relation to the receipt and distribution of the proceeds of the National Lottery by the Sports Council.

Decisions on the allocation of the Sports Lottery fund are a matter for the Sports Council based on recommendations from its Lottery Committee. Such decisions are also made against set criteria drawn up by the Council having regard to Policy Directions issued to it by my Department on behalf of DCMS. Funding decisions by the Sports Council are made independently of myself and my Department and I do not seek any input to the process before decisions are made. My role and my Department’s role is in agreeing the strategic context for such decision making whether it be in respect of capital or recurrent grant.

(AQO 1218/01)

Mr McGimpsey: My Department currently spends around £440k per annum on running the Public Angling Estate. This is used to maintain and improve existing angling facilities, develop new facilities and also to stock and bailiff the Department’s waters. I have recently obtained funding to employ four additional industrial staff, which will speed up the maintenance programme. I have also submitted a bid to the Executive Programme Infrastructure Fund for £1.5m to upgrade and improve the Public Angling Estate.

Furthermore, to encourage anglers, I have not increased the license fees or permit charges for this year’s angling season and concessionary licence fees have been introduced for disabled anglers.

I have also obtained £1.5m from Executive Programme Funds to buyout the Commercial Salmon Nets and while this is primarily a conservation measure to improve salmon stocks, it should also assist angling.

The Department continues to commit funds to the salmon hatchery at Bushmills where angling clubs can bring brood fish from their rivers for rearing of eggs and fry which are then returned to their native river to improve the stock of fish.

The Department has also been successful in obtaining approximately £5m over the next 4 years for a Water Based Tourism Measure under Peace II which will be used for Angling Development and Water Recreation Projects. I cannot be precise about what share of this will be available for angling as that will depend on the quality of the applications submitted.

(AQO 1211/01)

Mr McGimpsey: My Department through the North South Language Body, the Arts Council, Iomairt Cholm Cille (ICC), Museums and Galleries, and the Education and Library Boards supports a range of measures. These measures contribute to promoting tolerance in relation to linguistic diversity, are in accordance with the Belfast Agreement and meet commitments in respect of culture under Article 12 of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.

They include Arts Councils grant support programmes which have assisted the development of facilities and artistic programmes; Foras na Gaeilge funding for Irish language culture and arts as detailed in its Business Plan; cultural activities organised and funded by ICC, and Irish language collections in libraries.

(AQO 1219/01)

Mr McGimpsey: I refer to your Assembly Question (AQO 1219/01) and to my written response of 19 March 2002 to your Assembly Question (AQO 1057/01). Since I wrote officials in my Department have organised a preliminary meeting with the Royal National Institute for the Deaf for 29 April 2002. The intention is to explore terms of reference for the Working Group and begin to draw up a work programme.

(AQO 1221/01)

Mr McGimpsey: I do not have any plans to give a block grant to Derry City Council for distribution to arts projects. Funding for arts projects is made available through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and it is the responsibility of the sponsors of each project to make application under the Arts Council’s programmes.

Arts projects can also access funding from their local District or Borough Council.

(AQO 1202/01)

Mr McGimpsey: When you asked in March 2001 about library provision in Bangor, I reported that exploratory discussions had taken place between the South Eastern Education and Library Board, North Down Borough Council and the developers of the Queen’s Parade site about the possible inclusion of library facilities in the development. Since then the developer has made no further approaches to the Board on this matter.

However, the Board is currently finalising an economic appraisal, which will set out the various options for library provision in Bangor including the seafront development, upgrading the existing Carnegie Library on the Hamilton Road and building a new library on a greenfield site. The appraisal is expected to be completed shortly.