(AQO 152/02)

Reply: We welcome this opportunity to clarify the distinction between a private office and a department.

There are 31 staff currently employed in our Joint Private Office. These include our Private Secretaries, Special Advisers and administrative support as well as a team handling the large volume of correspondence we receive.

Our Department has a wide range of functions which have been conferred on it by statute or added to by the Assembly from time to time. The Department’s responsibilities go far beyond that of the Prime Minister’s office or the Taoiseach’s office.

Our Department has a unique role and remit covering equality and community relations policies and programmes, economic policy and European matters it supports the Executive as a whole. Indeed much of the work carried out by our Department facilitates the business of all the other individual Ministers and their Departments in servicing the North South Ministerial Council, the British Irish Council, the Executive Secretariat, the Economic Policy Unit and the Executive Information Service.

As at 2 September there were 417 staff in post in our Department. Some 383 are directly engaged in the work of the Department. The remainder are posted to independent bodies for which the Department has responsibility to provide staffing support such as the Planning Appeals Commission and the International Fund for Ireland.

A detailed summary has been placed in the Assembly Library.

(AQO 150/02)

Reply: Most of the former site was sold to private developers when the base was closed by the MoD in 1990 and so is not eligible for consideration under the RRI package. However, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development officials have agreed to meet with the Ballyhornan District and Community Association group to explore what help may be available to them under that Department’s Rural Development Programme. In addition, proposals are being developed by the Water Service to upgrade the wastewater treatment facilities in the villages along the coast from Strangford to Ardglass, including Ballyhornan.

(AQW 109/02)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Rodgers): Please see table below. The information has been extracted from the Department’s Animal & Public Health Information System (APHIS) and shows the numbers of animals from within the Strangford constituency which were slaughtered in Newtownards abattoir and in other abattoirs in each year since 1999. In 1999, for example it can be seen that 13,816 cattle were produced within the Strangford constituency of which 2,934 were killed in abattoirs outside this area.

I hope that this provides the information you are seeking as it is not possible within APHIS to recreate historic information to show the numbers of animals on farms in preceding years.

(AQW 151/02)

Ms Rodgers: Please see table below. The information has been extracted from the Department’s Animal & Public Health Information System (APHIS) and shows the numbers of animals from within the Strangford constituency which were slaughtered in Newtownards abattoir and in other abattoirs in each year since 1999. In 1999, for example it can be seen that 13,816 cattle which had been born in the Strangford constituency were also reared to finished stage there. Most of these cattle (10,882) were slaughtered at Newtwonards abattoir within the constituency.

I hope that this provides the information you are seeking as it is not possible within APHIS to recreate historic information to show the numbers of animals on farms in preceeding years.

(AQW 170/02)

Ms Rodgers: The possibility of a financial scheme to offset the affects of this year’s adverse weather conditions remains open. However, any such scheme must first secure both EU State Aid approval and the agreement of the Executive to release the necessary funds. In both cases, concrete evidence will be required to support the argument for financial assistance. Such evidence can not be gathered until after the end of the growing season. My officials have made arrangements to meet with the EU Commission in due course to explore the options in light of the available evidence and I have written to the Executive to brief them on the situation.

In the meantime, I am actively seeking an increase in the level of advance payments of cattle premia to assist the cashflow position of farmers. A formal request has been made to the EU Commission in this respect.

(AQW 171/02)

Ms Rodgers: The existence of debt on a farm, or any other business, does not necessarily imply the existence of a problem. To a large extent, debt is incurred as farms and businesses invest in their future. Debt becomes a problem in individual cases where there are insufficient profits to service the level of debt incurred or debt is incurred to meet day-to-day running costs or living expenses. I know that some farmers will find themselves in this latter situation and I would strongly advise them to seek urgent advice from DARD’s Agricultural Advisors and from financial professionals and to speak to the organisations from which they acquired this debt.

I have no plans, nor do I have the means, nor would it to permissible under EU law, to subsidise general debt. However, much of what my Department does will assist the financial wellbeing of the industry. Examples of this include the prompt payment of subsidies, the creation of opportunities under the various strands of rural development (such as agri-environment measures), research and development and technology transfer, training and education, the opening up of beef export markets, the control of animal disease and the production of a Vision Action Plan (which I will release later this year) to take forward the work of the Vision Exercise in creating a strategic development pathway for the industry.

(AQW 172/02)

Ms Rodgers: On 10 September, I wrote to the Northern Ireland Bankers’ Association and the Northern Ireland Grain Trade Association seeking a meeting to discuss the potential cashflow difficulties which may arise on Northern Ireland farms this autumn and winter as a consequence of the unprecedented wet weather conditions and the resulting increase in input costs (for example, purchased feed) and reduced levels of output. Both organisations agreed to this request and a meeting with the Northern Ireland Grain Trade Association was held on 24 September. I hope to meet with the Northern Ireland Bankers’ Association in the very near future.

(AQW 174/02)

Ms Rodgers: I am aware of the interest in early retirement and new entrants schemes, which are permitted under the EU Rural Development Regulation. However, I am also conscious that questions have been raised over the value for money of such schemes and, for that reason, I commissioned a research project by Queen’s University Belfast, in association with University College Dublin, to examine the economic, social and environmental arguments for and against new entrants and early retirement schemes.

I have just received the report on this research project and am considering its conclusions. I will very shortly be sending it to the Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development together with an indication of my intentions in this matter.

(AQW 180/02)

Ms Rodgers: The overall total of staff employed by my Department at 31 March in each of the last 4 years is set out in the table below.

(AQW 256/02)

Ms Rodgers: My Department has not incurred any expenditure in respect of translations and interpretations of publications and stationery from and into the Irish Language.

(AQW 357/02)

Ms Rodgers: The possibility of a financial scheme to offset the affects of this year’s adverse weather conditions remains open. You are aware of the need for EU State Aid approval and Executive funding provision before I could commit to such a scheme and you are also aware of the strong evidence base which would be required to support the case. I can not, at this stage, indicate what might or might not be covered by any possible package. However, it is clear that the EU Commission will wish to be assured that any assistance is accurately targeted at addressing the losses incurred relative to an established baseline. The difficulty I can foresee with a re-seeding scheme would be the establishment of that baseline and showing that the level of re-seeding carried this autumn, or in the coming spring, was higher than normal. The Commission would also be keen to prevent any opportunistic behaviour whereby farmers might be encouraged, as a consequence of, or in expectation of, a re-seeding scheme, to re-seed areas which, although not damaged significantly by poaching, would, nevertheless, benefit agronomically from this rejuvenation. These are the types of issues my officials would wish to explore with the EU Commission in light of the available evidence.

(AQW 358/02)

Ms Rodgers: "Young bull" is defined in an EU Council Regulation, which deals with cattle price reporting as an "uncastrated young male animal of less than two years of age".

Bulls aged between 2 years and 30 months of age can still be slaughtered for human consumption under BSE provisions.

(AQW 396/02)

Ms Rodgers: The documentation accompanying these sheep was invalid in two respects. Firstly, the official health certificate signed by a veterinary surgeon in Scotland stated that the sheep belonged to a flock which was fully accredited under a scheme for the eradication of Maedi/Visna. This was in fact not the case although there was no way Portal staff could have known this at the time the consignment entered Northern Ireland. The factual inaccuracy only came to light when checks were made with Scottish officials subsequent to the sheep arriving at point of destination in Northern Ireland. Secondly there was a failure of the veterinarian to sign the supplementary certificate although the certificate was completed and stamped as if he had been about to sign it. The lack of signature on this document was not spotted by Portal staff.

It is not possible to test the sheep for all the diseases for which guarantees are sought. In the case of CLA and Scrapie what is needed are veterinary guarantees regarding the status of the flock of origin. In light of what appears to be very unsatisfactory certification, I feel there is good reason for my Department’s lack of confidence in the animal health status of this importation.

There is always a worry that inappropriate certification will enable animals or products which should not enter Northern Ireland to enter. This is why the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons takes a serious view of false or misleading veterinary certification. With respect to the missing signature at the portal check, my Chief Veterinary Officer has already assured me that provisions for documentary checks have already been tightened at the Portal Office.

Under EU equivalent conditions, when a re-exportation is agreed with the country of origin, it is not usually considered necessary to comply with additional certification conditions providing the animals have been kept in isolation and have not commingled with other animals in the meantime. The standstill period rules therefore are not appropriate in the Northern Ireland isolation facility in this case.

(AQO 142/02)

Ms Rodgers: The difficulty of obtaining a financial return commensurate with the labour and capital investment in agriculture is a problem with which I am very familiar and it is a concern of farmers throughout Northern Ireland. In large part, external factors such as exchange rates and developments in international commodity markets determine returns. However, my Department has a comprehensive programme of R&D, technology transfer, technical advice, training and education to help maximise returns. I would urge farmers to avail of this assistance. The Vision Action Plan will chart a way forward for the industry to underpin future viability.

(AQO 153/02)

Ms Rodgers: The purpose of the Rural Stakeholder Forum is to bring together those individuals and organisations with an interest in the role and development of the agri-food industry and wider rural society to consider the strategic issues that we must address. Its formal remit is to advise me about strategic issues in the agri-food sector and rural economy generally. I have deliberately kept this remit very broad as I do not wish to constrain the deliberations of the Forum.

(AQO 136/02)

Ms Rodgers: The Seasonal Agricultural Workers’ Scheme is intended to allow students on 3rd level courses to broaden their knowledge and earn money in their university vacation time. It is operated by the Home Office and the only involvement of my Department has been in arranging to have the Scheme extended to Northern Ireland last year.

Two sponsoring organisations - Concordia and HOPS (GB) are involved in the actual operation of the scheme in Northern Ireland. Their role is to liaise with contact universities, to vet student applications, to place students with employers, to look after the interests of students, to ensure that their accommodation is of a reasonable standard, and to ensure that wage rates are properly applied.

My Department is not involved in assessing the visa conditions and employment rights of the students – this is carried out by the sponsoring organisations.

(AQO 165/02)

Ms Rodgers: I can understand the distress caused to residents affected in Taylor’s Avenue by the recent flooding. I can assure you that the Rivers Agency has carried out a full investigation of the problem and the scope for remedial action.

Rivers Agency, as the lead Agency, in conjunction with the Department of Regional Development Water and Roads Services, is commissioning a wider study of drainage infrastructure in the Carrickfergus urban area. This will include Taylor’s Avenue, which is in the Sullatober Water Catchment.

Separately, the Rivers Agency intends to undertake interim flood alleviation measures in the Sullatober Water catchment.

(AQO 172/02)

Ms Rodgers: When welcoming the publication of the Centre for Cross Border Studies Report, ‘The Foot and Mouth Crisis and the Irish Border’ earlier this year I highlighted the work of the North South Ministerial Council in developing closer co-operation on animal health issues for the island as a whole.

Many of the recommendations contained in the Centre for Cross Border Studies Report will be addressed through the development of an All-Island Animal Health Strategy under the auspices of the NSMC.

The independent review of our handling of the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in 2001 which I commissioned in February was published 26 July 2002. I will be reporting to the Assembly on my response to the recommendations contained in the review in the coming weeks. I am aware that the review team draw heavily on the work of the Centre for Cross Border Studies as part of their examination of the outbreak and have carried forward some of the recommendations into their own report.

I am content that the work of the NSMC alongside action emanating from the review of the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in Northern Ireland is the best way to deliver the mutual benefits and advantages that can accrue from developing an All-Island approach to Animal Health and related issues. As the Centre for Cross Border Studies Report acknowledges, this work was started in November 2000, three months before the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak.

(AQO 129/02)

Ms Rodgers: Currently there is ability at UK level to consider such matters and in these circumstances I am not sure what remit a Fair Price Commission would have. I nevertheless agree that the prices paid to farmers at present are causing great concern. I would also ask you to note that under the Northern Ireland Act 1998 the regulation of anti-competitive practices and agreements, abuse of dominant position, monopolies and mergers are all reserved matters.

(AQO 158/02)

Ms Rodgers: I received the research report into the feasibility of a new entrants scheme/early retirement scheme for farmers on 16 September 2002.

I am studying this report and, in a week or so, I will send a copy to the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development together with a letter outlining my initial reactions.

(AQO 151/02)

Ms Rodgers: In the review of the Common Fisheries Policy, my over-riding aim is to balance fisheries management with measures to exercise a viable fisheries industry for Northern Ireland.

We embarked on an extensive consultation exercise with interested parties on the Commission’s proposals for the review of the Common Fisheries Policy. This included both written consultation and roadshows in Portstewart and Newcastle where there was the opportunity of those participating to make their views known, and to meet further with officials. The views of those who have commented will inform my negotiating position throughout the Review. To ensure local interests are taken on board, I have opened early discussions with senior Commission Officials and with my Ministerial colleagues in Great Britain. I have attended, and will be present during the autumn at Fisheries Council meetings where this subject is on the agenda. It is my intention to continue to work hard on behalf of the local industry. Whilst we support measures to assist the decline in fish stocks, we must balance this with support for fishery-dependent communities to address the socio- economic impact of current and future policies.

(AQW 17/02)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr McGimpsey): I was appalled by what happened before the Soccer match at Windsor Park on Wednesday 21 August 2002 and, most particularly, the sectarian death threat against Neil Lennon, which I have publicly condemned. The episode is symptomatic of wider problems confronting, not just Soccer, but society in Northern Ireland as a whole. I believe that the most constructive way of dealing with the issue, as it affects football, is through the present Soccer Strategy process under which concerted efforts are being made to address all the difficulties facing the game, including sectarianism.

Finally, I would point out that the Sports Council is responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland including financial support to governing bodies such as the Irish Football Association (IFA). The IFA itself has already publicly denounced what happened to Neil Lennon on 21 August. In addition, it is strongly committed to an anti-sectarian policy and has made good progress through its ‘Football for All’ campaign which is, in turn, supported by the Sports Council.

(AQW 160/02)

Mr McGimpsey: The National Lottery is a reserved matter and overall responsibility rests with the Secretary of State for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport in London (DCMS). The National Lottery Act 1998 sets out the good causes, which may receive money from the National Lottery Distribution Fund (NLDF) and the percentage of the total due to them.

My Department is however concerned that Arts and Sport do not receive an equitable share of the National Lottery Distribution balance - a view shared by the devolved administrations in Wales and Scotland. Accordingly, in conjunction with the Scottish and Welsh offices, my Department is currently working on the final draft of a paper which sets out the case to DCMS for increasing the percentage share to Arts and Sport from 2.8% and 2.6% respectively to 4.5%. The recently launched review of the National Lottery will also present an opportunity for the devolved administrations to press forward this case.

(AQW 161/02)

Mr McGimpsey: The provision of quality information resources to communities is core to the Public Library Service. Libraries provide a range of services, both within the library and in the community, to satisfy their users’ needs. The range and depth of provision depends on the size of the library and the community it serves.

I am pleased to say that the Public Library Service has risen to the challenge of the electronic revolution and, through the Electronic Libraries project, has taken the opportunity to develop services in a new and exciting way. The project aims to create a modernised public service that will deliver cost-effective services to meet present and future needs. It will enhance the provision of information resources to communities and help bridge the digital divide between the information rich and the information poor.

The project will provide personal computers for public use in all branch libraries; a computerised library management system to operate in all libraries including mobile libraries; an electronic libraries portal or gateway to a wide range of quality-assured information sources; modern IT systems for use by the staff in libraries; and a range of associated services, e.g. fax services.

Library users will have access to the same range of library services in every public library in Northern Ireland, regardless of size or location, including the ability to request books held by any branch and have them delivered to their local library. They will have access to the world wide web and information on CD ROMs and have the use of office software such as word processing.

You may be aware that a Review of the Public Library Service has also been ongoing and has been examining the extent to which the Service is currently fulfilling its aims and to create an agreed vision for the future. A Report on the Review is nearing completion.

(AQW 190/02)

Mr McGimpsey: There has been no detailed analysis carried out to estimate the increase in visitor spending which may result should Belfast’s Capital of Culture bid be successful. However one of the key objectives within the bid is to increase tourism to Belfast and Northern Ireland by at least 1.6 million visitors (based on 2000 visitor figures of 1.6 million) i.e. to double visitor numbers to 3.2 million by 2008. In addition there is also a target to increase discretionary overnight stays by 10%.

Visitor spend is currently £88m per annum in Belfast alone and we would therefore expect this to double in line with visitor numbers.

(AQO 141/02)

Mr McGimpsey: Promoting awareness of Ullans and Ulster-Scots cultural issues throughout the island of Ireland is primarily a matter for Tha Boord o Ulstèr-Scotch. Tha Boord’s work includes liaising with groups to promote development and capacity building.

I understand that to date Tha Boord has provided £32,177 and offered an additional £34,112 to groups in West Tyrone with an Ulster-Scots language or cultural dimension.

(AQO 138/02)

Mr McGimpsey: District Councils have a statutory responsibility under the Recreation and Youth Service (NI) Order 1986 to secure the provision of adequate facilities for recreational, social, physical and cultural activities in their respective areas. The Order allows them to make by-laws to regulate admission charges to such facilities. My Department has no direct responsibility over the admission charges applied by District Councils.

(AQO 171/02)

Mr McGimpsey: The NI Events Company does not have specific criteria relating to festival events. Each event is assessed on its merits in relation to the overall criteria with particular emphasise on the applicant providing 50% of project funding, international media coverage, as a measure of positive image, social cohesion and generating economic benefits. A number of other factors are also taken into consideration such as tourism potential, jobs created and level of other public funding.

It is not the role of the Events Company to provide funding for core costs or local performers for festivals. Where funding has been provided for Festivals it has been specifically to enhance the international profile of the event through internationally renowned performers and subsequent media coverage.

(AQO 135/02)

Mr McGimpsey: I cannot comment on the success of this year’s festival as the organisers final report has not been received by the Arts Council. I am led to believe from previous festivals that Féile An Phobail is regarded as one of the most successful community festivals in Europe.

(AQO 174/02)

Mr McGimpsey: It is not anticipated that the Belfast bid will result in the loss of funds for arts projects in counties Down and Armagh or indeed any other county. While the rules governing the competition for designation as European Capital of Culture require a bid from a city it has always been recognised that the Belfast bid should be considered within the context of a region of culture. Indeed a successful bid would be a tremendous boost for the development of arts and culture throughout Northern Ireland.

(AQW 6/02)

The Minister of Education (Mr M McGuinness): Details of expenditure by case in respect of legal action taken and defended by my Department in the financial years 1999/2000, 2000/2001 and 2001/2002 are attached.