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Health and Social Services Boards
Mr. Mallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations she has received in relation to the decision not to re-appoint Ms Geraldine Donaghy to the Southern Health and Social Services Board; and if she will make a statement. [14538]
Mr. Worthington: There have been a number of representations in relation to the decision not to re-appoint Ms Donaghy to the Southern Health and Social Services Board. These include three from Members of this House--Mr. Seamus Mallon, Mr. Roger Stott and Mr. Harry Barnes, two from District Councils in Northern Ireland, the Chairperson of the Southern Health and Social Services Council, the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition and 14 from other individuals and community groups.
Ms Donaghy's re-appointment has been handled in accordance with the Code of Practice and Guidelines issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. However, she remains dissatisfied with the outcome and has exercised her right of appeal to the Commissioner for Public Appointments and lodged a complaint with the Fair Employment Tribunal.
Mr. Mallon:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many out-going non-executive members of each health board in Northern Ireland were (a) re-appointed, without undergoing formal interview, (b) re-appointed after undergoing formal interview, (c) not re-appointed and not offered a formal interview and (d) not re-appointed after undergoing formal interview when the existing boards were constituted.[14539]
12 Nov 1997 : Column: 587
Mr. Worthington:
Of the appointments to Health and Social Service Boards which expired on 31 March 1997, the following were re-appointed without undergoing formal interview:
| Number | |
|---|---|
| Northern Health and Social Service Board | Nil |
| Southern Health and Social Services Board | 1 |
| Eastern Health and Social Services Board | 1 |
| Western Health and Social Services Board | 2 |
| Number | |
|---|---|
| Northern Health and Social Services Board | Nil |
| Southern Health and Social Services Board | Nil |
| Eastern Health and Social Services Board | Nil |
| Western Health and Social Services Board | Nil |
| Number | |
|---|---|
| Northern Health and Social Services Board | 1 |
| Southern Health and Social Services Board | 1 |
| Eastern Health and Social Services Board | 1 |
| Western Health and Social Services Board | Nil |
| Number | |
|---|---|
| Northern Health and Social Services Board | 1 |
| Southern Health and Social Services Board | 1 |
| Eastern Health and Social Services Board | Nil |
| Western Health and Social Services Board | Nil |
Mr. Mallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the procedures and criteria employed by the Department of Health and Social Services for the recruitment of non-executive directors of each health and social services board in Northern Ireland. [14540]
Mr. Worthington: Appointments to Health and Social Services Boards in Northern Ireland are made by the Department of Health and Social Services, subject to the approval of the Minister. When an initial term of office expires, there is no automatic right to re-appointment.
Non-executive members are not appointed as representatives of any specific group or organisation but in a personal capacity for the skills and experience they can bring to the Board. These may include relevant professional skills, management skills gained in the public, private or voluntary sectors or an ability to bring a user perspective to the Board.
12 Nov 1997 : Column: 588
The DHSS Appointment Procedures are governed by the Code of Practice and Guidelines issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments who monitors, regulates and approves their application. The main elements of the Procedures are:-
Mr. Mallon:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many non-executive directors of each health board in Northern Ireland had completed their first period of office by 31 March; and how many of these indicated their willingness to serve a further term of office. [14541]
Mr. Worthington:
The non-executive directors of Health and Social Services Boards who (a) completed their first period of office on 31 March 1997 and (b) indicated their willingness to serve a further term of office were as follows:
advertising of appointment opportunities;
job descriptions and person specifications for all posts;
a formal and open selection process based on merit;
an independent member of all interview panels; and
a formal complaints procedure.
| (a) Number | (b) Number | |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Health and Social Services Board | 1 | 1 |
| Southern Health and Social Services Board | 2 | 2 |
| Eastern Health and Social Services Board | Nil | Nil |
| Western Health and Social Services Board | 1 | 1 |
INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Micro-credit Agencies
11. Mr. Tipping: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to further the development of micro-credit agencies. [14118]
Mr. Foulkes: My Department is recognised as one of the leading bilateral donors in microfinance, which provides particular benefits to poorer people. We plan to continue to increase the level of our support, beyond the £75 million already committed.
Bilateral Debt
12. Mr. Martlew: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proposals she has made to write off the bilateral debt of the poorest countries. [14119]
Clare Short: The British Government have already written off £1.2 billion of all aid debt. On 15 September, I announced a new programme to cancel the aid debts of lower income Commonwealth countries which are committed to the internationally agreed development targets, to good government, to rooting out corruption, and applying economic policies which benefit the poor. Offers have already been made to seven countries and discussions have started with others.
Montserrat
13. Mr. Rhodri Morgan:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is her current assessment of the future habitability of Montserrat. [14120]
12 Nov 1997 : Column: 589
Mr. Foulkes:
I discussed with the Chief Scientist today the latest scientific advice. This raises further concerns about the safety of the north of the island, which will need to be assessed urgently.
14. Mr. Sayeed:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the future of the know-how fund. [14121]
Mr. Foulkes:
My Department will continue to support the countries in transition in Central and Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union through the know-how Fund. We shall seek particularly to ensure that the benefits of transition are sustainable and the needs of the poorest are properly protected.
16. Mr. Llwyd:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance had been offered to Belarus and the Ukraine from the know-how fund during the last year; and if she will make a statement. [14123]
Clare Short:
In 1996-97 the know-how fund provided around £800,000 in technical assistance for Belarus and around £9 million for Ukraine. We are concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation in Belarus and the growth of poverty in the countries of the former Soviet Union and are adjusting our programmes accordingly.
15. Mr. McAllion:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with other countries relating to the linking of international aid to records of human rights. [14122]
Clare Short:
In all my meetings I make it clear that our Government are committed to a rights-based approach to human development. My Department's particular concern is for the rights of the poor to make their voices heard and to secure the social and economic rights laid down in the universal declaration of human rights. All our work is devoted to this end.
17. Mr. Sheerman:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to develop a partnership between UNESCO and British parliamentarians. [14124]
Clare Short:
I am keen to encourage as broad a UK relationship as possible with UNESCO. I would be delighted to pursue any ideas my hon. Friend might have for strengthening parliamentary links with the Organisation.
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