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18 Apr 2006 : Column 489W—continued

Intertrade Ireland

Mr. Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland pursuant to the answer of 9 March 2006, Official Report, column 1739–40W, on Intertrade Ireland, what steps are being taken to ensure that the work force of Intertrade Ireland more closely reflects the community composition of Northern Ireland. [61628]

Angela E. Smith: The religious make up of InterTrade Ireland (ITI) shows a slight under-representation in employees from the Protestant community when compared to the community balance in the Newry and Mourne area, its primary employment catchment area. Fair participation in employment is dependent on a number of relevant factors, including workplace location. ITI has carried out an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) on its employment practices and prepared an Article 55 Report and, resulting from this work, is currently considering, in consultation with the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, the actions required to attract more job applications from the Protestant community. The InterTrade Ireland Board has approved a number of affirmative action measures.

Knives

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what research has been conducted on a system of licensing for the possession of knives in public places; and if he will make a statement. [62554]

Mr. Hanson: It is already an offence to have a knife in public without good reason or lawful authority. We are monitoring closely the consideration being given by the Scottish Executive to the introduction of a system to license the sale of non-domestic knives, and other measures to tackle knife crime in that jurisdiction.
 
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Lignite Mining

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on lignite mining in County Antrim. [63487]

Angela E. Smith: The planning strategy for Rural Northern Ireland refers to mineral reserves and states that

The policy therefore requires the Department of Environment (DOE) to identify policy areas where appropriate, in plans to protect reserves of valuable minerals, i.e. those of particular value to the economy. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) advises DOE of the minerals that are of particular value to the economy. DETI is responsible for issuing and regulating prospecting and extraction licences for all base minerals (including lignite) and petroleum. A company lodging an application for a mining licence or lease will be required to obtain planning and other statutory approvals before consideration is given to the application. Any planning application would be treated on its merits and all environmental implications considered.

In relation to County Antrim, the North East Area Plan 2002, which was adopted in August 1990, protected an area of lignite reserves between Bally money and Stranocum. The draft Northern Area Plan (NAP) 2016 published on 11 May 2005 proposes to protect a larger area between Ballymoney and Stranocum.

The Antrim Area Plan 1984–2001 adopted June 1989 has a protected area of lignite reserves on lands south west of Crumlin. The review of the aforementioned plan within the Antrim, Ballymena and Larne Area (ABL) Plan 2016, which is currently under preparation, will therefore also be required to identify the protected area where appropriate.

Long-term Sick Leave

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people in the NHS in Northern Ireland have been on long-term sick leave in each of the last three years, (a) in total and (b) broken down by grade; and how many were suffering from stress. [63467]

Mr. Woodward: The information requested is not held centrally and will take some time to collate. I will write to the hon. Member with the information as soon as it is available and place a copy in the Library.

Manufacturing Industry

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the impact of European Union enlargement on Northern Ireland's manufacturing industry. [63481]


 
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Angela E. Smith: The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) commissioned a report into the Future of Manufacturing in Northern Ireland. This report was published in March 2006 and highlighted the competitive pressures facing Northern Ireland (NI) manufacturing companies. The report also acknowledged the increased competition from new EU member states, alongside low cost competition from China, India and the Far East. While EU enlargement and globalisation provide increasing opportunities for trade, the enhanced competitive environment has direct implications for future manufacturing employment. In its policy response, DETI highlights that manufacturing will continue to play a vital role in the NI economy. The report highlighted that Government will continue to provide a range of assistance to manufacturing companies, particularly those that are innovative and enterprising.

Medical Equipment

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the most expensive piece of medical equipment is in each hospital in Northern Ireland; and how many continuous hours per day each is in operation. [63463]


 
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Mr. Woodward: The information requested is not held centrally and will take some time to collate. I will write to the hon. Member with the information as soon as it is available and place a copy in the Library.

Mental Health Services

Mrs. Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what counselling services are available for those in the Ards and North Down region with mental health difficulties. [62375]

Mr. Woodward: A range of counselling services in a range of settings are provided by professionals and the voluntary sector for those with mental health difficulties in Ards and North Down region. These include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Psychology Services, Community Mental Health Teams, Mental Health Day Hospital services and Addiction services.

Music Therapy

Mrs. Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much funding has been allocated by each health trust in the Province for music therapy services in each of the last three years. [62386]

Mr. Woodward: The information requested is as follows.
£

Trust2003–042004–052005–06Total
Homefirst Community Health and Social Services Trust6,7177,2647,38021,361
Altnagelvin Health and Social Services Trust9,0429,1054,78722,934
South and East Belfast Health and Social Services Trust01,9334,4016,334
North and West Belfast Health and Social Services Trust39,11038,39439,889117,393
Total54,86956,69656,457168,022

Mrs. Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the role of music therapy in treating individuals with autistic spectrum disorders; and if he will make a statement. [62499]

Mr. Woodward: The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to date has not undertaken an assessment of the role of music therapy in treating individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorders. It has been monitoring carefully what is happening regionally and nationally. The Department will be informed of the findings of the current music therapy projects and will consider these findings in agreeing what future action is required relating to future deployment of music therapists within the HPSS.

Mrs. Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans there are to develop music therapy services in the Province. [62500]

Mr. Woodward: The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, at present, has no specific plans to develop music therapy services throughout Northern Ireland. However, the Department is currently monitoring the work that has been taking place through the Northern Ireland Music Therapy Trust and developments UK-wide in relation to music therapy provision and is aware that there is a growing awareness of the need for music therapy services to be integral to health and social service provision. These factors will be taken into consideration when developing future plans for services.


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