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8 May 2003 : Column 886W—continued
Essex Street Weapons Find
David Burnside: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the (a) origin and (b) age of the (i) timer/power units, (ii) handguns, (iii) AK47 assault rifle, (iv) ammunition, (v) telescopic sights and (vi) other equipment discovered by the police last weekend in Essex street, Lower Ormeau road, Belfast. [105535]
Jane Kennedy: On 22 March 2003 as a result of a police operation, an AKM assault rifle, a large quantity of ammunition, along with other items were discovered in Essex street, Lower Ormeau road, Belfast. A number of items have been sent for forensic examination, and at this stage it is too early to provide details as to the origin and age of the weapons, timer power units and the other items seized. Two persons have been charged in connection with this incident and police inquiries are continuing.
EU Directives
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the EU Directives and Regulations which have been implemented by his Department since 17 April 2002. [106831]
Mr. Paul Murphy: The Northern Ireland Office has not implemented any EU Directives or Regulations since 17 April 2002. The Northern Ireland Administration has implemented, within Northern Ireland, 99 1 Directives since 17 April 2002. The Northern Ireland administration ensures Directives are implemented within Northern Ireland, and as such plays a significant role in the UK's EU policy as regards EU Directives.
(26) figure as at 8 April 2003
8 May 2003 : Column 888W
The Northern Ireland administration have implemented 13 Regulations since 17 April 2002 EC Regulations are, in general, directly applicable in the member states, without the need for further incorporation into national law. However, some Regulations require UK measures to make them workable and enforceable. Some Regulations enact small or technical amendments.
8 May 2003 : Column 889W
| Department | Regulations |
|---|---|
| DARD | 2001/999 |
| 2001/1248 | |
| 2001/1326 | |
| 2002/270 | |
| DRD/DARD | The Harbour Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003. The regulations implement Council Directive 85/337/EEC (as amended by Council Directive 97/1 I/EC) in the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, in respect of certain harbour works. |
| DHSSPS (FSA) | 466/2001 |
| 563/2002 | |
| 2013/2001 | |
| 2200/2001 | |
| 256/2002 | |
| 104/2000 | |
| 2065/2001 | |
| DOE Department of the Environment (Road Safety and Vehicle Standards Division) | ECE Regulation 10—Revisions 10.01 & 10.02 |
Fibromyalgia
Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the range of services provided under the NHS to patients with fibromyalgia in Northern Ireland. [111329]
Mr. Browne: Patients suffering from fibromyalgia may experience a wide range of symptoms such as pain, fatigue, a tingling sensation in arms and legs, swelling in the joints, headaches, depression, anxiety and irritable bowel syndrome. There is no specific diagnostic test or cure for this illness and I fully appreciate how this may lead to great distress and frustration for sufferers.
As the symptoms in each sufferer vary greatly, patients receive treatment through a range of services in both the primary and secondary care settings. This may include access to rheumatology, neurology and mental health services. Management of the condition also involves self-help initiatives such as aerobic exercise programmes, relaxation therapy, and medication to treat symptoms such as painkillers or anti-depressants, and psychological interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy.
General Practitioners
Mrs. Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to increase the number of general practitioner posts in Northern Ireland. [111800]
Mr. Browne: The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety is not aware of any general recruitment difficulties associated with this group of independent contractors. Nevertheless, the position will be kept under review through the Department's workforce planning process.
Housing Maintenance
Mr. McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action will be taken to address the backlog of maintenance and improvement work to (a) Housing Executive and (b) housing association homes. [89601]
8 May 2003 : Column 890W
Mr. Browne: Maintenance and improvement of its stock is the Housing Executive's top priority and in the current financial year £113 million has been allocated for this purpose. I will continue to seek the necessary funding to ensure that the Housing Executive has adequate resources to deal with its continuing needs and priorities in this regard. The Housing Executive is at present formulating a maintenance investment strategy to re-appraise expenditure priorities over the next 10 years.
Registered Housing Associations are responsible for maintenance and major repairs work to their own properties and fund the necessary works from their own resources. There is no backlog in these areas, but housing association maintenance/improvement activities are audited on a regular basis to ensure compliance with the Department's requirements which includes the Tenants' Guarantee and the Right to Repair Scheme.
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