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6 Dec 2005 : Column 1253W—continued
Drug Offences
Mr. Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people were (a) cautioned and (b) convicted in relation to a drugs offence in each district command unit in Northern Ireland, broken down by age group, in each of the last five years. [31945]
Mr. Hanson: The information requested has been placed in the Library.
Housing
David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he has taken to assist first time homebuyers in Northern Ireland. [34547]
Mr. Hanson:
The Department for Social Development provides assistance to first time buyers through the Co-ownership Scheme which helps those on marginal incomes to become home owners. The Department has recently increased its funding level by
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£23 million over the next three years to provide almost £39 million and this will help support around 2,400 applicants over the period.
The social housing house sales scheme also makes an important contribution in providing an opportunity for those in the social rented sector to become home owners. The scheme was extended to housing association tenants last year.
Cyclists
Mr. Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many cyclists were (a) injured and (b) killed in road traffic accidents in each district command unit in Northern Ireland in each of the last 10 years. [31978]
Mr. Woodward: The following tables provide details of how many cyclists were injured and killed in road traffic accidents in Northern Ireland during the period 1998—2004 (1998 being the earliest date for which this data is available and 2004 the most up-to-date data).
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Eating Disorders
Mrs. Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the number of individuals who have travelled from the Province to St. George's hospital in London for (a) assessment and (b) treatment for eating disorders in each of the last five years. [34651]
Mr. Woodward: Information on the number of individuals who have travelled from Northern Ireland to St George's hospital in London for (a) assessment and (b) treatment of eating disorders from 2000–01 to 2004–05 is outlined in the following table:
| Number of patients travelling to Northern Ireland to St. George's hospital in London for | ||
|---|---|---|
| Financial year | (a) Assessment | (b) Treatment |
| 2000–01(30) | 5 | 5 |
| 2001–02 | 12 | 3 |
| 2002–03 | 11 | 7 |
| 2003–04 | 11 | 11 |
| 2004–05 | 4 | 18 |
(30) Information for Northern Ireland Health and Social Services Board is not available for 2000–01
Source:
Health and Social Service Boards
Electronic Human Resources Services
Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will widen the Gateway Review of the Electronic Human Resources contract procurement procedure planned for December into an independent peer review of the whole process for this contract. [34414]
Angela E. Smith: The e-HR project has been subject to five reviews under the peer review process allied to the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) Gateway process:
| Date | ||
|---|---|---|
| Gate 0 | Strategic Assessment | November 2002 |
| Gate 1 | Business Justification | February 2003 |
| Gate 2 | Procurement Strategy | May 2003 |
| Gate 2a | Health Check Review | December 2003 |
| Gate 2b | Health Check Review | June 2004 |
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The peer review process has been conducted in accordance with OGC Gateway guidance, led by an OGC member of staff and supported by public sector panel members independent of the e-HR project and who are trained in carrying out Gateway Reviews.
A further three reviews will be carried out, these are:
| Date | ||
|---|---|---|
| Gate 3 | Investment Decision | December 2005 |
| Gate 4 | Readiness for Service | — |
| Gate 5 | Benefits evaluation | — |
The procurement process has been undertaken in accordance with European Union procurement law and the Department of Finance and Personnel has been guided by best procurement practice as recommended by the Office of Government Commerce and Central Procurement Directorate (Department of Finance and Personnel).
The purpose of the forthcoming Gate 3 review will be to confirm whether the recommended investment decision is appropriate before the contract is placed with a supplier or partner. It will also be to seek assurances on the processes used to select a supplier and assess whether the process has been well managed; whether the business needs are being met; that both the client and the supplier can implement and manage the proposed solution; and that the necessary processes are in place to achieve a successful outcome after a contract award.
The peer review scheduled for December will be conducted in accordance with OGC Gateway guidance and consequently will not be widened.
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