Roy Beggs MLA has highlighted the unacceptability of the Housing Executive's continuing reliance on expensive basic electricity to heat 201 of their homes and how they themselves are contributing to fuel poverty.

Roy Beggs said "I became aware of a constituent who has no option but using his 13 amp plugs to heat his home as no alternative form of heating has been provided. In response to my assembly question, they have advised me that 201 Housing Executive tenants are in a similar situation. In effect, the Housing Executive are forcing some of their tenants to pay significantly larger sums to heat their homes, therefore creating fuel poverty. I find this unacceptable given their responsibility for social housing and fighting fuel poverty through programmes such as the Warm Homes Schemes. I have tabled a further question seeking clarification on when the Housing Executive will upgrade these 201 homes to more efficient forms of heating. I believe these homes should be upgraded as a matter of priority."

The Ulster Unionist Assembly member tabled a question to the department for Social Development (AQW 4787/10) asking for a breakdown of homes under Housing Executive ownership that currently relies on Economy 7 heating and on basic electricity heating.

Basic electricity heating using conventional 13 amp plugs will incur a substantially larger fuel bill than oil or gas heating. The figures given in response to the question showed that a significant amount of homes including 102 homes in Castlereagh, 25 in Lisburn (Antrim), 17 in Carrickfergus and 15 in West Belfast were still using basic electricity heating to warm their homes.

Mr Beggs, a member of the committee for the Environment said "Basic electricity is also one of the least efficient means of heating and is therefore wasting limited energy resources and contributing to unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions."

The assembly answer also revealed that a further 11, 051 NIHE homes are heated by Economy 7.

Mr Beggs went on to say "The Economy 7 heating system is also not the most cost efficient heating option and I welcome the fact that they are continuing to phase out Economy 7 and to offer alternative forms of heating."

Note to Editor: See attached Assembly Question. (AQW 4787/10)

To ask the Minister for Social Development how many Housing Executive properties are currently reliant on (i) Economy 7 heating; and (ii) basic electricity for heating in each Housing Executive district; and what plans she has to replace these with more efficient heating systems.

The table below details the Economy 7 heating systems and basic electric heating systems in Housing Executive properties by district office. Replacement of existing heating schemes is carried out on a planned basis where Economy 7 exists in an estate undergoing heating replacements. Tenants are offered the opportunity to switch to oil or gas where available but may opt to retain Economy 7 and significant numbers do so for reasons of convenience. The Housing Executive has provisionally planned to replace a further 624 Economy 7 heating systems in 2010/11, although this will be dependant on the availability of funding. It also plans to offer replacement heating to remaining Economy 7 users over the next five years.

Roy Beggs MLA has backed the proposal from the Department of Finance & Personnel to retain rate exempt from Automatic Telling Machines (ATM's) in rural areas. The proposal will aim to give an additional incentive to rural businesses and banks to locate ATM's in rural areas, and benefit the rural community.

Roy Beggs said "If the rates exemption was abolished for rural ATMs, then we could expect to see a decline in the number of ATMs in rural communities. There is evidence that a significant amount drawn from ATM's is spent locally. The retention of ATM's will therefore play an important part in retaining rural shops and minimizing the risk of rural isolation. This would then mean that people would have to travel further to get money and in doing so incur a significant cost in travelling. This could be a significant proportion of the income of pensioners and those who are reliant on benefits."

The rural ATM rates exemption is expected to cost around £80,000. Mr Beggs said "Although the total estimated cost is relatively small, the exemption could play a critical part when a rural business is determining whether or not to retain or install an ATM."

Commenting in the wake of ATM burglaries in Northern Ireland, the UUP Assembly member said "Following the spate of ATM robberies, the future of some ATM's appears uncertain. The exemption from rates for ATM's in specified rural areas are another measure that may encourage the replacement of these ATM's and will give increased stability to some rural shops."

Roy Beggs, the UUP MLA for East Antrim has backed proposals that would see a rates deferral scheme for home owning pensioners. The proposal represents a new payment choice for owner-occupier pensioners who may not have the means to pay high rates bills or who are ineligible for rates relief or rates rebates.

Speaking in the debate at Parliament buildings on 2^nd March 2010, Mr Beggs said "Many pensioners are asset rich but income poor. They may have worked all their lives, saved, paid off homes, reared their families and their children may then have moved on. At that point, being reliant on pensions, for example, how do they continue to pay rates that may be disproportionate to their income? I welcome the regulations as they will provide an option that pensioners can consider and which may enable them to continue to live in their family homes and to defer payments."

Mr Beggs went on to add "these proposals will hopefully avoid pensioners being forced to move, saving the considerable cost involved. They will also be able to stay in communities that they have lived in all their lives in which they have made friends who could support them in later life."

The minister for Finance & Personnel stated that the scheme would only be open to those over the age of 60 and who have as least 40% equity on their homes.

Roy Beggs MLA welcomes these criteria as "there should be a minimal risk to the public purse, yet it will bring advantage to some pensioners. Therefore I support the exemption."

East Antrim Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs Jnr has welcomed progress in providing more NHS dentists in the Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus districts. These areas were indentified by the Department of Health as lacking access to NHS dentistry, and as a result Minister Michael McGimpsey announced a new contract to provide access for an additional 57,000 health service patients across Northern Ireland last year.

Roy Beggs commented:
"There has been a dearth of NHS dentists in Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey for some time now, and people have been struggling to get access to a dentist without having to go private. I am pleased that the Minister has taken positive steps to rectify this. I asked a question in the Assembly and am pleased to learn that two new practices run by Oasis Dental Care are due to open very soon at Lancastrian Street, Carrickfergus and 350 Antrim Road, Glengormley. This is excellent news and will go some way to ensure that the general public in East Antrim has access to a health service dentist."

The Ulster Unionist Party MLA asked the Minister what progress has been made in rolling out the contract awarded to Oasis Dentistry to provide more Health Service dentists; and when and where the service will be provided in the Carrickferus and Newtownabbey districts. In response Michael McGimpsey said:

"As you are aware I announced in May 2009 that the Department had awarded a tender to Oasis Dental Care Ltd for additional dental services which will result in 38 additional dentists being available in various areas of Northern Ireland. I can confirm that excellent progress has been made. The first practices in Enniskillen and Londonderry opened on Monday, 16 November 2009 and we are currently on schedule for the rest being operational within the next 3-4 months.

Subject to planning permission, it is intended that the Carrickfergus Oasis dental practice will be based at Lancastrian Street, Carrickfergus and is scheduled to open in late March 2010. The Newtownabbey Oasis dental practice will be based at 350 Antrim Road, Glengormley, Newtownabbey and is also scheduled to open in late March 2010, again subject to planning permission."

Doe Planning Service have subsequently granted approval of the change of use at Unit 3 Lancastrian street after the recent consultation meeting with Carrickfergus Borough Council.

ENDS
Note to Editor:
NIA Q&A: http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/qanda/2007mandate/writtenans/2009/100226.htm#9
Minister McGimpsey announced to award of a contract to Oasis Dental care on May 13 2009 to provide 38 additional dentists across Northern Ireland in hotspot areas. 2 are being provided in Carrickfergus and 4 in Newtownabbey.

Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has expressed his concern following a report which indicated that more than 1,000 sex crimes against children were recorded by the PSNI in Northern Ireland last year.

The UUP's children and young person's spokesperson said, "This figure is a shocking insight into the difficulties which some of our children and young people are facing on a daily basis. As we know, most abuse is unreported and so the true extent of the problem remains hidden. Undoubtedly, the real total is significantly higher.

"These figures show that three children are disclosing sexual abuse every day in Northern Ireland. Many are frightened of disclosing abuse to someone; they are scared that they will not be believed. These children need to know that help is available. Society needs to listen to these children, take their concerns seriously and give them the protection and support which they need.

"The services operated by ChildLine offer invaluable support to a child or young person who is not sure where to turn. Children can call ChildLine on 0800 1111 to talk to trained counselors who will comfort and advise them.

"Research shows that children are more likely to be sexually abused by someone who they know including family members, friends of the family and people in positions of trust than by a stranger. The recently released figures also show that girls were five times more likely to be the victims of a reported sex offence than boys.

"I will be working with my colleagues on the Policing Board to ensure that these crimes are highlighted and that the PSNI have the best policies to ensure that vulnerable young victims are dealt with sensitively and receive the best care possible. It is clear that we need to continue to raise public awareness of this insidious problem."

Roy Beggs Jnr, UUP MLA for East Antrim has welcomed the Public Accounts Committee report on the 'Performance of the Health and Social Services in Northern Ireland' and in particular welcomed recommendation 6, which calls for early intervention so that children and their parents are better informed of health issues at an earlier stage.

Roy Beggs MLA said 'Initiatives such as Sure Start can enable our children, young people & their parents in disadvantages communities, to learn about the advantages of healthy eating and regular exercise. There is much evidence linking lifestyle to health inequalities and it is important that our children and their parents are guided so that they are more likely to have healthier and longer lives.'

Recommendation 6 states that 'the committee welcomes the Department's view that concentrated support, targeted at the most needy children and their parents, can reap long-term benefits. The committee recommends that DHSSPS continues to engage with relevant education authorities and primary care services to ensure that early intervention occurs and that initiatives such as Sure Start are consistent across N.I and that everything possible is done to ensure that these reach the most vulnerable children in society.'

Mr Beggs, Vice-Chairman of the PAC said 'I have had the benefit of working as a member of the Horizon Sure Start committee in Carrickfergus & Larne and I have seen the benefits to parents and their children in the local community. It is vital that initiatives like this are recognised for the long term health and education advantages that they provide to children and their parents in the qualifying areas. It is also important that the Health and Education departments work closely together to continue to champion initiatives such as Sure Start which give our children a better start in their early years.'

The Ulster Unionist Party's spokesman for children and young people's issues went on to say 'Children are significantly influenced in the 0-4 age group and increased education and health support will hold them in good stead for the rest of their lives.'

Recommendation 21 in the report states 'that the DHSS takes appropriate action to ensure that all children in preschool education are offered dental care services and oral health advice including a daily tooth brushing programme. In response to this recommendation, Beggs states 'serious tooth decay has been evident even in some pre school children. Some parents are failing to recognise the importance of a healthy diet and regular brushing of teeth, the earlier this is rectified, the better. Poor diets not only affect tooth decay but can have implications for diabetes and obesity in future years.'

ENDS

The timing of Sammy Wilson MP MLA's announcement that he is to stand down as a Belfast City Councillor has been described as 'utterly cynical' by Ulster unionist MLA for East Antrim , Roy Beggs.

It has been reported that he is stepping down to 'concentrate on the forthcoming general election[1]. He has been combining his East Antrim MP and MLA and Ministerial role with being a Belfast City Councillor to the tune of over £122,500 in combined salaries, not counted two full sets of allowances..

Roy Beggs said,

"Sammy Wilson has again shown an utterly cynical attitude and contempt for the electorate with the timing of this announcement. He is freely admitting that he is not doing this to concentrate fully on his other constituency - East Antrim, where he double jobs as an MP and MLA, or to put his focus on his role as Minister for Finance at Stormont. No, Sammy wants to spend more time trying to get re elected to Westminster ."

"The electorate will soon have their chance to give their verdict on the real double jobbing issue here- a part-time Westminster MP and Stormont Minister receiving a vast amount of salaries and allowances all on the public purse. Sammy Wilson has no credibility as a Finance Minister making budgetary cuts, and taking money out of the Health and Education funds given the drain he personally makes on public finances."

ENDS

[1] http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8511888.stm

"Mr Wilson said he decided to step aside so he could concentrate on the forthcoming general election."

Following the decision of the District Commander Superintendent Henry Irvine to further restrict policing operation from Carrickfergus Police Station, Roy Beggs MLA said, 'As a Public Representative and a Member of the Carrickfergus District Policing Partnership, I was astonished to learn of the decision to restrict policing operations from Green Street PSNI Station via an email from the media. This is particularly unsatisfactory as during previous discussions on changes to policing operations within Carrickfergus I was advised that consultation would happen prior to any further proposed changes.'

The Ulster Unionist MLA for East Antrim added, 'The PSNI have advised that the decision to restrict night time Station operations will enable PSNI Officers to carryout patrolling duties rather than having to man the Station. However, given the previous decision to redeploy most of the operational staff from Carrickfergus to Newtownabbey, we do not even have any guarantee that the redeployment will result in additional police patrols within the Carrickfergus Borough'.

Roy Beggs added 'I have written to Superintendent Irvine expressing my concern about the decision and the manner in which it has been taken, and asking him to reassess his decision.'

Speaking during a debate on public sector job location in the Northern Ireland Assembly, Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs Jnr , has pointed out that the perennial complaint from the west of the Bann about unfair distribution of public sector jobs was a myth. Using official statistics, Mr Beggs claimed that East Antrim has a valid claim for a fairer deal in regards to civil service jobs.

Speaking on the floor of the Assembly, Mr Beggs said:

"My constituency of East Antrim is ranked as one of the lowest of the 18 parliamentary constituencies when it comes to public sector jobs, having only 2·4%, or 5,171, of the 219,000 jobs listed. That already low figure is set to decrease still further, with the Department for Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) office in Larne being earmarked for closure and relocation, changes happening in the Department for Social Development (DSD), centralisation in north Belfast , and a new processing office opening in Ballymena."

Mr Beggs argued that the Bain Report on public sector decentralization had partially obscured the reality of the low level of public sector jobs in East Antrim by burying it in the Belfast travel-to-work area.

"Page 58 of the Bain report states that councils in East Antrim have among the lowest number of public sector jobs per 100 of the working age population. Larne has only 8 public sector jobs for every 100 of the working age population, Carrickfergus has 8·2, and Newtownabbey has 10·3. Those figures compare with 35·6 public sector jobs in Belfast for every 100 of the working age population, 21·8 in Omagh and 19·2 in Londonderry .

Other areas are similarly affected. For example, the Ards council area has 8·5 public sector jobs for every 100 people. Again, the issue of huge variations within each travel-to-work area was not addressed by the review. It is not only an issue for areas west of the Bann, as some of the issues also affect areas in the east of the Province."

Ulster Unionist MLA for East Antrim Roy Beggs has raised the issue of supplies of salt/grit to treat roads in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

During question time, the Minister for Regional Development, whose Department includes the Roads Service stated that, "approximately 3,500 salt bins that are provided on public roads. There have been no cutbacks to that service because of financial constraints. An ongoing top-up is available from the salt suppliers in Carrickfergus to ensure that we have enough to keep us going for as long as is necessary.

Mr Beggs raised the issue of supplies in a follow up supplementary question:
"Cutbacks in Great Britain have led to grit shortages. I accept the Minister's contention that there are no shortages here at present. Nevertheless, can he assure us that stocks remain to enable roadside gritting points to be replenished and that secondary routes, where necessary, will continue to be covered? How many days of grit stocks remain in Northern Ireland"

The Minister replied referring to the recent very cold spell, "because of the freezing weather conditions, Roads Service was using approximately 2,000 tons of grit a night. That may change if the weather alters. Roads Service was also getting 1,000 tons of grit back into the system from the suppliers in Carrickfergus. At that stage, under those conditions, it was estimated that there were enough supplies to last for another fortnight at least. However, we must bear in mind that the supply is being continuously topped up with 1,000 tons from the Carrickfergus supplier … the service that is being provided to date, on the roads and at the grit piles, will be available for the foreseeable future."

Commenting later from his office, Roy Beggs MLA added:
"In general I think that the Roads Service staff have done a sterling job in very difficult circumstances, replenishing the boxes and verge side piles in country areas. However, I do have concerns that if we have another prolonged cold spell before the end of the winter, whether there would be enough material left to grit the roads. Many of my constituents have noted that the latest material to be deposited in the grit boxes, and on the verges are screenings, not rock salt."

Ulster Unionist MLA for East Antrim Roy Beggs Jnr has expressed his concern and sympathy for the newspaper photographer Philip Coburn, a fellow native of Larne who has been seriously injured in a bomb attack in Helmand province in Afghanistan.

Mr Beggs said: "My thoughts are with Mr Coburn and his family and they come to terms with the severe injuries he has suffered in Afghanistan. My sympathy also goes out to the family of Mr Hamer the Mirror correspondent who lost his life in the same bomb attack.

This is another reminder of the highly dangerous circumstances in which journalists and news photographers have to work, when reporting where our troops are currently engaged overseas."

Unionist East Antrim MLA, Roy Beggs Jnr, has condemned a suspected arson attack at Carrick Rangers Football Club in Carrickfergus.

"An attack of this nature is totally unwarranted, and demonstrates the complete lack of respect those responsible have for others.

"While the impact on the club is likely to be huge, this incident also caused problems for neighbouring residents, given that people living at Barnhill Cottages - a residential fold - were subjected to thick smoke. Those who started the fire have caused concern to many vulnerable individuals and could have impacted on their health.

"The suggestion that this blaze was started deliberately is shocking. "While I am pleased that no one has been hurt, this is certainly a very disturbing development. For Carrick Rangers, who are due to play their next home game at the grounds in early January, this is an unfortunate start to the new year's football."

Ulster Unionist environment spokesperson, Roy Beggs , has said that we must "plot a way forward to mitigate global warming and enable us to adapt to it".

Speaking during a report on the Inquiry into Climate Change, the Assembly Environment Committee member said that, on this issue, " Northern Ireland is lagging somewhat behind".

"Recently, while watching the Met Office forecast on 'Countryfile', I was struck by the statement that this autumn was the third warmest autumn since 1914 and that rainfall in the United Kingdom in the same period was 184% of the average expected.

"Those things were both predicted in the Met Office's climate change models. We should take cognisance of its scientific evidence and the models that it uses to predict what might happen in the future; we cannot just ignore that.

"It is not enough to do nothing; clearly, we need to take action," the East Antrim UUP MLA said.

Calling for the support of all Departments in the Executive, Mr Beggs said: "There is little point in having individual silos that do not contribute to the collective change that is needed in Northern Ireland . I hope that all Departments and their Ministers, including our new Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, will recognise that climate change is a serious problem that affects us all.

"The Committee was presented with very strong scientific evidence and also heard from a range of those who are concerned about the environment, all of whom said that climate change is happening and that man is contributing to it. If we are contributing to climate change, we should take action to minimise its effect so that we mitigate it and protect future generations from the damage that we could be doing."

Ulster Unionist East Antrim MLA Roy Beggs has expressed concern that consumers are being let down by Northern Ireland 's single electricity market (SEM).

"A fully working single electricity market (SEM) should lower consumer costs. However, I am less than satisfied that the single electricity market, as it stands, has benefited consumers. Instead wholesalers appear to be reaping the benefits.

"The fact that many large-scale energy users are facing huge increases in their electricity bills, some close to 40% to 50%, is indicative of the problem.

"I welcome acknowledgement from the Enterprise Minister that this should not be the case.

"There are very real, and very worrying, consequences to this. In an economically depressed climate an additional burden of this magnitude is totally unsustainable.

"I agree with the Minister that there must be a real and meaningful look at the reasons for electricity price hikes of this size, and also welcome the fact that the regulator has announced a review.

"With so much uncertainty in the business world a measure of stability and clarity is essential."

Ulster Unionist Party MLA for East Antrim, Roy Beggs Jnr has said that a proposed new addendum to the planning policy on building in existing residential areas is welcome, but long overdue. The addendum to Planning Policy Statement 7 (PPS7) entitled, 'Safeguarding the Character of Established Residential Areas' was recently announced to the Assembly[1], and has been published for a four month consultation period. [2]

Mr Beggs said:

"This new policy which purports to deal with the issue of inappropriate developments in existing residential areas- the practice known as 'garden grabbing' is long, long overdue.

I raised this issued at Stormont over 2 years ago and received unanimous backing for my motion which called for a change in planning policy "to address the failure of strategic planning policy to protect the unique character of towns, villages and urban landscapes throughout Northern Ireland."[3]

In the intervening period, areas of distinctive residential character have continued to be subjected to what many people believe are wholly inappropriate and over developed blocks of apartments replacing single family dwellings. There have been numerous planning disputes in my constituency in hitherto settled communities from Whiteabbey, Jordanstown, Upper Road Greenisland, North Road Carrickfergus, and the harbour district in Larne to name but a few. It is a pity that Mr Poots predecessor as Environment Minister did not place the same level of priority on this issue, but nevertheless I welcome the publication of this new draft policy."

The Environment Minister said in the Assembly that " overdevelopment can lead to the erosion of an area's character, especially where the architecture, size and scale of the new development is not in keeping with that of the locality. New high-density housing can have a detrimental impact on the environment, on the amount of increased garden grabbing and the loss of green space….The addendum provides strong, clear policy, with no room for misinterpretation."

Roy Beggs MLA commented:

"I would encourage those who have an interest in this subject to read the new Addendum and send their comments into the Department. In reply to my question to him on his statement the Minister has confirmed that current planning applications in the system which have not yet been issued with an approval will be subject to the new policy, therefore this is a very significant development.[4] ENDS

[1] http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/record/reports2009/091109.htm#4

[2] http://www.planningni.gov.uk/index/news/news_policy/news_pps7_addendum2.htm

[3] http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/record/reports2007/071001.htm#9

[4] Mr Beggs: The Minister rightly points out that overdevelopment can lead to the erosion of an area's character. That is evident in the North Road in Carrickfergus, where there has been a rash of apartment applications and approvals. Will the Minister advise the House of what assessment Planning Service has undertaken to establish the proportion of current approvals that will be affected by the new addendum? Will the draft addendum have an immediate effect, as the draft version of PPS 21 did? If not, how soon will it be completed? We do not want to suffer an avalanche of applications in many sensitive areas with developers trying to get approval before the regulations are changed?

The Minister of the Environment: No current approvals will be affected, because neither the Planning Service nor the Department has powers to take back approval once it is given. Current applications are already affected by how the documents that I mentioned in my statement are interpreted. The planning policy statement proposal will give greater weight to that. In the absence of the addendum being adopted, the Planning Service will accept the proposal as a material consideration when interpreting existing policies. Therefore, when consulting with planners, councillors and other public representatives will have the opportunity to make the case that this proposal has weight, as it does. It will not take full effect until the public consultation process is concluded and I present it before the House as a final document. Nonetheless, it should influence planners' decisions.

Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has urged support for a National Lottery Funding bid by Women's Aid in Carrickfergus, Larne, Newtownabbey , Antrim and Ballymena.

"Women's Aid, located in Carrickfergus, Larne, Newtownabbey , Antrim and Ballymena has reached the final eight of the People's Millions National Lottery funding programme, and I would urge members of the community to get behind the group's funding bid.

"The project will be selected by a public vote on November 24, so it is vitally important that we show our support.

"The 'Safe Haven' project is a worthy aspiration, which will transform an area of waste land into a specialised play area for children and young people. This space will allow children and young people who have suffered from domestic violence to play, grow and learn in a safe environment.

"As we approach the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, due to take place on November 25, this is an appropriate time to demonstrate by our actions, as well as by our words, that domestic violence is unacceptable.

"The group will appear on UTV on November 24 to tell viewers more about the project and give out the number to call.

"I join Women's Aid in urging everyone to make a date in your diary and get involved, in the easiest possible way, to support their endeavours."

Responding to double jobbing MP and MLA Sammy Wilson's latest Climate Change Conspiracy outburst, Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has called upon him to concentrate on his Finance Minister's job and the budget crisis at Stormont.

Mr Beggs said:

"Sammy Wilson's rejection of the scientific fact of climate change and man's complicity in driving the increase in atmospheric CO2 continues to puzzle and amuse. He speaks at Climate Change Denial Conferences and then produces a whole raft of straw men arguments he has presumably learned at these 'gatherings'.

There certainly is a debate to be had on what the correct response to climate change by the world's governments should be. Yes the response should be well thought out, realistic and co ordinated on a global scale. But Sammy Wilson's rhetoric goes way beyond this debating point.

For a year he used the platform of being Environment Minister to propagate all sorts of discredited conspiracy theories on climate. He even quoted bogus surveys carried out by far out American think tanks heavily sponsored by the Oil industry.

He seems to think that any change in the climate is solely driven by solar variations and is cyclical in nature. That is partially true but the vast majority of scientists have concluded that solar activity alone cannot explain the unprecedented rise in global temperatures over the past few decades. The link between human activity, rising CO2 and atmospheric temperatures is not disputed by reputable climate scientists. Even if by a fluke Sammy Wilson's climate theory is right and the scientific consensus on human causation is wrong, does he not recognize that the world is running out of fossil fuel, and renewable energy must be developed to wean us off our dependency on oil?

Yet again we have Sammy Wilson MP MLA- a government Minister in charge of the Finances at Stormont- acting as if he were still a backbencher. Why is he only attacking me for going along with the scientific orthodoxy on climate change? After all his DUP party colleagues at Westminster voted in favour of the Climate Change Bill. Why, if he is so sure of his theory, has he not convinced his own party colleagues? Has he not convinced his successor as Environment Minister Edwin Poots that ice core data suggests natural variations in climate connected to the end of the last Ice Age millions of years ago? He may have difficulty, considering that Edwin does not believe in Ice Ages and says the earth is just over 6,000 years old ."

Sammy Wilson is Finance Minister at Stormont. There is a financial crisis and he is presiding over a black hole in the budget. He should be concentrating on that rather large and pressing problem, rather than desperately picking fights to keep his media profile up."

ENDS

Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs Jnr has warned the public that the DUP are already trying to wriggle out of the implications of the Kelly Report on the MP Expenses Scandal.

Recommendation 40 of the Kelly review states, "The practice of permitting a Westminster MP simultaneously to sit in a devolved legislature should be brought to an end, ideally by the time of the elections to the three devolved legislatures scheduled for May 2011."

Roy Beggs MLA said,

"The DUP have been all over the place with their policy of double jobbing- the practice of sitting in the Stormont Assembly and the Westminster Assembly at the same time. In the spring the Ulster Unionist Party put forward a motion at the Assembly calling for double jobbing to be banned . The DUP denounced us and voted against the proposal. Then during the run up to the European Election, they apparently changed their minds and under pressure from the angry response they were getting from the electorate on the doorstep, said they would end the practice .

However post that election and with the realization that the electorate is turning against the DUP, Peter Robinson recently performed another U turn and announced that they would not voluntarily end dual mandates until 2015 . They are clearly concerned that without their so called big names, no one will vote for them.

Roy Beggs MLA has sought an update from the Roads Minister Conor Murphy on progress of the A2 improvement scheme and has been advised that consultation on the works traffic management scheme is expected to take place during the next financial year.

Roy Beggs MLA said 'I welcome the news that local businesses and council are going to be consulted on the associated traffic management during the next financial year. I hope that this will help minimize the impact of traffic congestion that is likely to happen when major construction works gets underway. Finalizing traffic management is an important stage and I hope that the scheme itself would commence shortly afterwards.

Roy Beggs MLA, asked the Minister for Regional Development:

'When the Roads Service plans to engage with the community and businesses in East Antrim regarding the traffic management scheme for road-works associated with the proposed Greenisland A2 road widening scheme.'

In response to the assembly question, Roads Minister Conor Murphy said

'My Departments Roads Service is currently developing a Temporary Traffic Management Strategy in relation to the proposed A2 Shore Road Greenisland scheme.

This process will include consultations with the businesses community and the Councils representing the area. I expect this process to be progressed over the 2010/2011 period.'

Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has welcomed the Utility Regulator's positive response to Phoenix Gas's application for a license to extend their natural gas network to Whitehead, in his constituency. Mr Beggs commented:

"I think most people have been disappointed with the slow roll out of the natural gas network since it became available in Northern Ireland. Nevertheless the imminent prospect of the arrival of a natural gas option for energy consumers in a major town like Whitehead is a major step forward."

The East Antrim MLA added,
"It is widely recognized that we are far too dependent on oil for our energy needs in Northern Ireland. Energy security and the need to diversify supply is going to be a vitally important issue in the years to come.

The expansion of the natural gas network and the development of more renewable energy alternatives is essential- both economically and environmentally- for Northern Ireland. East Antrim is geographically well placed to benefit from an extension to the natural gas network and any increase in consumer choice will have positive results in terms of lowering prices in the longer term. It is also worth noting that natural gas produces 25% less carbon dioxide than other fossil fuels and so has a less harmful impact on global warming."

ENDS

Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has raised the issue of sewage treatment at Islandmagee at question time in the Assembly.

Asking about the implementation of the EU Urban Waste Water Directive, the East Antrim MLA pointed out that in England and Wales the government insists on secondary treatment for sewage before coastal discharge for populations over 2,000. However the proposed plan for the combined populations of Ballycarry, Ballystrudder and Whitehead, a population of around 7,500 does not cater for secondary treatment as standard.

He said," To meet the urban waste water treatment directive, Northern Ireland Water does not propose to treat secondary sewage but to discharge untreated sewage from Ballycarry, Whitehead and Ballystrudder into the mouth of Belfast Lough. Is the Minister aware that the threshold in England for such amounts of water is a population of 2,000"

Mr Beggs asked the Minister to review the population threshold, "to ensure that untreated sewage will not be discharged into such an environmentally sensitive area adjacent to areas of special scientific interest and in which the Gobbins cliff path proposal is imminent in the next number of years"

In reply the Minister for Regional Development said, "I appreciate the Member's concern. He has to bear in mind the difference when it comes to the standards that are applied. He particularly referred to the standards that were adopted in Britain , which are known as the Meacher principles. Those followed a period of very substantial investment in water and sewerage infrastructure in Britain , which was something from which we did not benefit.

It is not correct to describe what is being discharged in places like Cloughfin, Whitehead, Ballycarry and Ballystrudder as raw sewage. I understand that the proposed discharge at Cloughfin, in particular, will consist of secondary treated effluent from a works at Ballycarry, along with screened waste water from Ballystrudder and Whitehead. The combined population equivalent is less than 10,000, and, as the effluent is discharged into coastal water, secondary treatment is not required."

Speaking later from his constituency office, Roy Beggs MLA said:-

"The Minister's answer was not only disappointing but inaccurate. I did not describe the proposed Cloghfin Bay discharge as 'raw sewage' but it most certainly is untreated, in the sense that, apart from the Ballycarry sewage, the rest will only be pumped through a steel mesh to remove the larger solids. If that is 'treatment' then it is of a very basic, primary type. It is disappointing that whilst the Minister freely admits we are getting a lower standard of sewage treatment compared to the rest of the UK , there is no commitment to rectify this situation. I do not find it acceptable that British citizens in this part of the United Kingdom are not benefitting from the same environmental protection afforded to our fellow citizens in GB. Also the historic lack of investment in the sewage infrastructure which the Minister alluded to, is largely down to public funds having been diverted to deal with the terrorist campaign which the Minister and his party were deeply involved in."

Roy Beggs MLA, Ulster Unionist Spokesperson for the Environment has criticised Edwin Poots for his Department's lack of progress towards meeting Northern Ireland 's carbon reduction targets. Mr. Poots commented on Northern Ireland 's progress at the launch of the UK wide Committee on Climate Change's first annual report.

In a statement Mr. Beggs said:

"Reading the Minister's statement this morning the public would have concluded that Northern Ireland is making serious progress towards reducing its green house gases by 25% in Northern Ireland by 2025".

"However, Mr. Poots's words belie the reality; his Department is abjectly failing to make the progress necessary. The Executive's own Delivery Report for 2008/09 gave progress on reducing carbon emissions a red light. This means that "the measured rate of progress is highly unlikely to lead to the achievement of the targeted outcome".

"Edwin Poots has to make up for lost ground due to the dark days of Sammy Wilson's tenure. If we are to meet our targets we must re-examine our policies, but with Sammy Wilson - a famous climate-change skeptic - in charge of the Department of Finance, questions could still be asked as to how we can be assured of the necessary Executive-wide commitment. I welcome the Committee on Climate Change's report but we should have no illusions as to how far we have to go locally.

East Antrim Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has commented on the disclosure of the 46 rural schools which are to benefit from extra gritting this winter as a result of an announcement by Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy. Only two of the schools named are in Country Antrim and none are in East Antrim . Out of 46 schools only 10 are in the state controlled sector, the rest cater for only one side of the community.

Roy Beggs MLA said;

"It is outrageous that no rural schools in East Antrim are on the list of 46 schools which are to get extra attention by Roads Service in icy weather. I find it deeply suspicious that this list has only emerged a week after the Minister made his statement to the Assembly about extra help for rural schools with gritting and clearing roads. There are serious questions which need to be answered regarding the equality implications of his policy change. I am well aware of rural primary schools in my constituency which are located off the gritting routes which encountered horrendous difficulties last winter during two cold snaps. They, however are getting no extra help, despite the Minister's hint in his statement that schools badly affected last winter would be given greater priority by improvements to Roads Service's Winter service. The accidents involving school buses on the Tureagh, Lower Ballyboley and Ballypollard Roads have apparently been disregarded.

Is it just a coincidence that the vast majority of the schools which will be given an enhanced service are in strongly Sinn Fein voting areas? More questions will be asked but I am determined that children and parents in rural parts of my constituency will not be treated as second class citizens by the Sinn Fein/DUP politbureau."

Roy Beggs, the East Antrim assembly member for the Ulster Unionist Party and DPP member in Carrickfergus has commended the efforts of the PSNI in their operation 'snapper'.

Operation 'snapper' was based on putting police resources into seizing alcohol from underage drinkers in the Carrickfergus borough area from the 1^st of June to the 1^st of September. Roy has been informed that so far there have been 56 seizures of 245 units within the 3 month time span.

Roy said 'the fact that there have been 56 seizures already by the operation snapper team would suggest that the operation is working effectively in the Carrickfergus area. I welcome initiatives that protect our young people from alcohol abuse, and the issue of alcohol abuse has been at the forefront of our minds with the case of 19 year old Garath Anderson in Bangor recently.

Mr Beggs went on to say 'as the UUP's spokesperson for children and young people, it is encouraging to think that so far 245 items of alcohol have been taken away from local youths. I would welcome further initiatives of this kind and hope that operation 'snapper' continues to go from strength to strength'.

Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has welcomed the Utility Regulator's positive response to Phoenix Gas's application for a license to extend their natural gas network to Whitehead, in his constituency.

Mr Beggs commented:
"I think most people have been disappointed with the slow roll out of the natural gas network since it became available in Northern Ireland. Nevertheless the imminent prospect of the arrival of a natural gas option for energy consumers in a major town like Whitehead is a major step forward."

The East Antrim MLA added,
"It is widely recognized that we are far too dependent on oil for our energy needs in Northern Ireland. Energy security and the need to diversify supply is going to be a vitally important issue in the years to come.

The expansion of the natural gas network and the development of more renewable energy alternatives is essential- both economically and environmentally- for Northern Ireland. East Antrim is geographically well placed to benefit from an extension to the natural gas network and any increase in consumer choice will have positive results in terms of lowering prices in the longer term. It is also worth noting that natural gas produces 25% less carbon dioxide than other fossil fuels and so has a less harmful impact on global warming."

Roy Beggs MLA, who has highlighted to the Roads Service a pattern of collisions with the North Road railway bridge, has welcomed the reassessment by the Road Service and their decision to refresh the faded bridge warning paintwork and to install additional warning signs.

Roy Beggs MLA said "The Roads Service has now decided to repaint the bridge and enhance the warning signage on the approach to the North Road railway bridge. Given the history of collisions with the bridge I am pleased that the Roads Service has recognised that a relatively small investment in paint work and warning signs could prevent an accident. A lorry striking the Railway could endanger lives and damage the railway infrastructure and so cause significant disruption to commuter traffic on the Larne to Belfast Railway line".

Roy Beggs who recently witnessed a collision with the Bridge drew the poor warning signage of a low bridge to their attention but they initially indicated that they were generally satisfied with the signage.

In a letter to Mr Beggs in August the road Service had said 'the approaches to the bridge had been inspected and in general the bridge is well signed in both directions and the signs had been placed at locations were it is possible for high sided vehicles to take avoiding action. As a result of the inspection one of the signs shall be replaced and our Maintenance section has been asked to arrange the work".

Roy Beggs MLA had been dissatisfied with the reply, and had forwarded onto the Road Service pictures of the poor state of the paint work and signage.

Subsequently in a reply to Mr Beggs the Roads Service has stated;

"The faded paintwork referred to will be refreshed as part of our ongoing maintenance programme. Our Maintenance section is presently discussing the necessary traffic management arrangements with their contractor and the work will be carried out when these arrangements have been finalised. With regards to the warning signage on the bridge itself, one of these signs is in the process of being replaced.

In addition the warning signage on the bridge, a diversionary route avoiding the low bridge has been signed on both approaches to the bridge. Warning signs have also been provided on both the A2 and B90 approached to North Road, with additional warning signs being provided in a further 3 locations on each approach to the bridge".

In addition the Roads Service has indicated that in conjunction with the Ordinance Survey of Northern Ireland have produced a map entitled. 'Low Bridges in Northern Ireland' which is available on the internet at www.roadsni.gov.uk/index/whatwedo/whatwedo-lowbridges

£9M of public funds have been used so far to purchase properties to enable the scheme to widen of the A2 at Greenisland to proceed. The information is contained in a written answer to a question placed at Stormont by East Antrim UUP MLA Roy Beggs.

Mr Beggs asked the Minister of Regional Development, who is in charge of the roads system, "to detail all properties on the A2 Greenisland widening scheme that have been vested to date and what budget has been set aside for the vesting of properties during 2009/10 and 2010/11".

The answer explained that properties have not been vested as such bur acquired under 'blight legislation' which allows for the acquisition of properties where the owner cannot sell the property at market value because of the proximity of the road scheme. "So far Roads Service has acquired 23 properties with a total cost of approximately £9M."

The Assembly answer goes on to say that "no budget has been identified at this time for the vesting of properties during 2009/10 and 2010/11."

Commenting from his constituency office in Carrickfergus, Roy Beggs MLA sai, "It is important that this scheme progresses without further delay and undue extra costs. I am concerned at the lack of budgeting mentioned in the answer, but what a pity this road scheme was not planned and implemented years ago in a more stable economic climate."

ENDS

East Antrim MLA Roy Beggs Jnr has said he is disappointed that the new Northern Ireland Environment Agency (part of the DoE) has not insisted on secondary treatment for a planned new sewage system serving the combined populations of Ballycarry, Ballystrudder and Whitehead.

In a written response to a letter from the Ulster Unionist MLA, Environment Minister Edwin Poots has confirmed that remodeling has taken place and "is satisfied that the modeled level of treatment meets the requirements of the receiving water".

Roy Beggs said, "Earlier in the year, after concerted lobbying from local representatives and the Islandmagee Community Association, the NI Environment Agency found that the plan from NI Water to pump screened sewage from Ballystrudder, Ballycarry and Whitehead into the North Channel was unacceptable from an environmental point of view. NIW were asked to produce remodeled options for both primary[1] and secondary waste water treatment. In the Minister's reply to me the nature of the re modeling is unclear and in addition the Environment Agency has failed to fulfill its promise to consult with the local community through the Community Association. This in my opinion is a failure of both the Agency and ultimately the Minister who is accountable for its decisions. I will be asking more questions about the decision making process in this case in the Assembly.

There needs to be a clear explanation given by the Minister why primary treatment - sewage that is only screened through a mesh before discharge into the sea - is acceptable in Islandmagee when it would not be in England and Wales according to an earlier Departmental reply I received."[2]

Planning applications have been submitted for an expansion of the Ballystrudder Waste Water Treatment Works,

Roy Beggs said "Whilst the prospect of the end to discharges into Larne Lough must be welcomed, the opportunity to provide secondary treatment has not be taken up. It seems that the NIEA and the Environment Minister are content to dispose of raw sewage off our coast line. Whilst Northern Ireland Water have promised to extend the outfall pipe from 350m to 500m from the shore at Cloughfin Bay, the liquid which flows out from this pipe will not have been treated to remove harmful bacteria and pollutants. The proposal is that sewage treatment for Ballystrudder will merely consist of screening to remove solids. The final sewage outlet is in a picturesque location adjacent to ASSI's, the famous Gobbin cliffs and the popular Blackhead path and it should have a higher standard of sewage treatment."

ENDS

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sewage_treatment

[2] See attached Assembly Q&A AQW3716/09 19 January 2009

East Antrim Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has received assurances from Post Office Limited about the future of services in Ballycarry. A fire at the former Post Office in the village last December has led to the temporary closure of the branch.

Now in a letter responding to concerns raised by Roy Beggs about the lack of post office services in Ballycarry, a senior official has said that an alternative location and a potential partner is being actively sought.

Mrs Jane Lynskey from Post Office Limited has written to Mr Beggs from their Watford HQ :
"We do acknowledge the inconvenience that may be caused by the current absence of Post Office services in Ballycarry, especially to our elderly and less mobile customers and we fully understand the concern felt within the whole community. I also appreciate that there are no suitable public transport links between Ballycarry and the nearest alternative Post Office branches, which is regrettable.

Please be assured, however that it remains our intention to restore Post Office services to this area and we have been working hard for some time to identify a suitable solution. Indeed, I am pleased to inform you that we a re currently working with a potential partner with suitable premises who can provide Post Office services on out behalf to the local community."

Responding to this news, Roy Beggs MLA said:
"It is encouraging that Post Office are being pro-active in identifying alternative Post Office arrangements for Ballycarry although the fine detail has yet to emerge. It has nevertheless been disappointing that they are still not in a position to restore services to the village although I have been assured that I will be kept advised of developments in due course."

Roy Beggs, the UUP MLA for East Antrim has contacted the Head of External Relations in Northern Ireland for Royal Mail, to express concern at the possibility of Carrickfergus Post Office moving further from the Town Centre.

Royal Mail advised the Assembly member that -

"There is a lot of rumour and speculation regarding the future of Carrickfergus Post Office. The current position is that the Co-Op have given us a commitment to keep the Post Office at its current location for one year - this will be part of any deal with a buyer.

It may be that the new retailer will want to retain the Post Office beyond that point and we will be looking at this and other options over the coming month"

In response, Roy said "The comment from Royal Mail ensures that the current location of the post office is secure for at least 12 months and it will then be up to Sainsbury's to decide if they want to keep the post office on their premises. I can not think as to why this would not be the case as the post office would provide extra custom to the retailer, as it has with Co-Op.''

"At this stage we should treat the rumour as nothing more than that''

Ulster Unionist Environment spokesman Roy Beggs MLA has said that the revelation that a new Planning Service on line application system is 3 years overdue and £7M over budget is a symptom of a deep malaise with the current planning system in Northern Ireland .

Mr Beggs said;
"Questions about the delay and cost of implementing the e-PIC system have been raised by the Environment Committee on which I serve at Stormont. It is yet another example of a public sector IT project that is running late and is over budget. Unfortunately this issue is just one symptom of the deep malaise with the planning System in Northern Ireland .

Successive Ministers at the DoE since the restoration of devolved government have failed to address the single most debilitating factor in the system: that is the lack of public confidence in the planning process.

Whilst individual planning officers are often hard working professionals, the system they work in lacks transparency, is confusing to the general public and lacks democratic accountability.

There has been a complete lack of leadership by the Ministers responsible for the Department. Finally a near 200 page consultation paper has been issued on the reform of the planning system. This must be used as the catalyst to effect real and meaningful change. In less than 2 years planning is meant to come back as a local government function in the new 'Super Councils'. It is absolutely vital that out of the current review a system emerges which is clear, transparent, democratically accountable and which gains widespread public confidence."

Roy Beggs MLA who himself witnessed a lorry that was temporarily stuck below the North Road railway bridge has called for the Roads Service to review and improve the warning signage for this low railway bridge.

Roy Beggs MLA said 'Over the years there has been a number of lorries that have crashed into the North Road railway bridge and it is clear that the signage is insufficient. Such accidents could have a cumulative effect on this public infrastructure and could ultimately endanger both road and rail traffic users.

I have therefore contacted the Roads Service requesting that they review the condition of the bridge and ensure that all necessary improvements are made and in particular there are much clearer warning signs which will hopefully prevent further repeats of lorries colliding with the railway bridge.'

Ulster Unionist MLA for East Antrim, Roy Beggs, has met PSNI commanders in Larne to discuss the police response to a recent increase in burglaries in the town, and the police's handling of a controversial protest demonstration outside several houses in the town.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Beggs said:

"The police have a difficult path to tread. We all want them to pursue those who break the law and secure convictions, yet at the same time we want them to respect our individual rights. Likewise, while we have a right to peaceful protest, there are restrictions as to how we behave in such circumstances.

"Let there be no doubt that there are sinister elements in our society who have a vested interest in undermining the police."

Referring to recent events, the East Antrim MLA said:

"I have been assured that where evidence is available, the police will not hesitate to make arrests. It is absolutely vital that the public continue to support the police and to assist them by providing the evidence needed to secure convictions in a court of law.

"There is community pressure to convict those involved in the recent spate of burglaries, and the police must not be hindered in their work."

Mr Beggs had an in depth discussion of the handling of the recent demonstration which took place at various locations in the Craigyhill area. The meeting in Larne PSNI Station with Chief Inspector Ryan Henderson and Inspector Noel Rogan was also attended by local UUP councillor and DPP member, Andy Wilson.

The Ulster Unionist MLA added;

"The police handing of the demonstration has been the subject of much media attention. Given the wider context, and following in-depth discussions with the local commander, I believe that the police acted in an appropriate way to minimize the chances of public disorder and the potential for violence. The matter is being fully investigated by the Police Ombudsman and I await any comments they may make with interest.

"The demonstration itself cannot be condoned in anyway. It was dangerously close to the sort of vigilantism which resulted in the vicious assault and near murder of an innocent man in Craigyhill on July 11. Mob rule cannot be allowed in a democracy, and I would totally condemn any threat subsequently made to the families targeted.

"The only agency equipped to deal with crime and disorder is the police, and they deserve the unqualified support and assistance of the entire community."

Roy Beggs Ulster Unionist MLA has welcomed the news that Sainsbury's will be investing in a new Carrickfergus Store and so giving consumers greater choice and competition.

Roy Beggs said, "I am pleased that Sainsbury's have decided to invest in what was the former Co Op Store and create additional choice for consumers. It has been evident for some time that new investment was needed in the Co Op Store

I am pleased that Sainsbury's has indicated that they will be offering employment to all existing staff and that they intend creating additional jobs opportunities in Carrickfergus. I am sure that consumers will be pleased to have greater choice of retail opportunities. With the nearest Sainsbury's Store being a considerable distance away in Belfast or Ballymena there is the potential of retaining more consumers locally and attracting others.

Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has urged everyone to take normal precautions to restrict the spread of Swine Flu, but warned that everyone must be aware of the potential for the virus to mutate and become more harmful later in the year.

He said,
"Few people in Northern Ireland have contracted the swine flu virus so far compared with other regions in the UK , with 58 cases confirmed in NI at the end of last week. However given its rapid spread elsewhere it is inevitable that the virus will spread widely here too. As ever, care must be taken with the young, the elderly and those suffering with other health issues.

Everyone should follow the official health service advice to avoid spreading the virus, that is: 'Wash your hands regularly, and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze, then put the tissue in a bin - catch it, bin it, kill it'. "

The official advice states:
"To avoid spreading the virus, people who think they have swine flu should stay at home and take simple measure to alleviate symptoms, and if they still are concerned, contact their GP. People can also go online and check their symptoms on www.nidirect.gov.uk , or call the Northern Ireland swine flu helpline on 0800 0 514 142 (9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday). Information is also available on the swine flu information line 0800 1 513 513.

Roy Beggs said, "It is also essential at this stage that the government prioritizes resources to help the Health Service prepare for dealing with a potentially more serious situation should the virus mutate.

We need to be prepared for every eventuality in relation to swine flu to ensure that the public has access to the right treatment. Obviously this requires the necessary funding from the Stormont Executive."

Roy Beggs MLA has backed a campaign launched by Ofcom to help keep children and young people safe online during the summer holidays.

The Ulster Unionist Party spokesperson for Children and Young People said 'The internet offers a range of opportunities for child development and also is a good source of learning. However, it is important that the internet and the content available to the children via the internet is monitored. Children are often more computer literate than their parents. The Ofcom initiative will offer parents and carers the opportunity to get information and obtain the right skills to be able to monitor their children in the online environment.'

According to Ofcom Two thirds of 5-7 year olds have internet use at home, rising to three quarters of 8-11 year olds and over four fifths of 12-15 year olds. Of these, one fifth of 5-7 year olds use the internet without adult supervision, as do almost half of 8-11 year olds and two thirds of 12-15 year olds. Add to this the fact that over one third of 12-15 year olds access internet via their bedrooms and the problem of internet supervision and the potentially harmful content being viewed increases.

'Where possible a compute should be located in a common area so that parents can visually monitor the computer activity' added Roy Beggs, MLA for East Antrim.

The main thing that the Ofcom campaign is trying to achieve is for the opportunity for young people to be able to access the internet safely. One way that this can be achieved is for parents and carers to read or watch ofcom's guide. The guide can be located on http://www.ofcom.org.uk/advice/guides/media/

The Ulster Unionist Party spokesperson for Children and Young People said 'The internet offers a range of opportunities for child development and also is a good source of learning. However, it is important that the internet and the content available to the children via the internet is monitored. Children are often more computer literate than their parents. The Ofcom initiative will offer parents and carers the opportunity to get information and obtain the right skills to be able to monitor their children in the online environment.'

According to Ofcom Two thirds of 5-7 year olds have internet use at home, rising to three quarters of 8-11 year olds and over four fifths of 12-15 year olds. Of these, one fifth of 5-7 year olds use the internet without adult supervision, as do almost half of 8-11 year olds and two thirds of 12-15 year olds. Add to this the fact that over one third of 12-15 year olds access internet via their bedrooms and the problem of internet supervision and the potentially harmful content being viewed increases.

'Where possible a compute should be located in a common area so that parents can visually monitor the computer activity' added Roy Beggs, MLA for East Antrim.

The main thing that the Ofcom campaign is trying to achieve is for the opportunity for young people to be able to access the internet safely. One way that this can be achieved is for parents and carers to read or watch ofcom's guide. The guide can be located on http://www.ofcom.org.uk/advice/guides/media/

Comments by Roy Beggs MLA on the Plastic Bags issue:

We must welcome the work being done by many local retailers and organisations such as NIIRTA, to restrict the numbers of unnecessary plastic bags but there is a need to go further. We must find practical methods to further discourage the use of the free, instantly disposal, plastic bag. If we are to protect our environment we must end this scurge of our towns, our countryside and of our seas.

We must ensure that any system of incentivising customers end the use of the disposal plastic big will be easy to administer and will not place an undue burden particularly given the pressures on smaller retailers at this time. In addition we must examine how any monies raised from such a levy would be reinvested. Enabling local councils to invest this money back into other green initiatives in their local communities would ensure further community buy in to such a proposal.

The Assembly's Environment Committee were recently given an interim briefing on the development of a Private Members Bill on discouraging the use of disposal bags. I am pleased that the member who had proposed a motion in the Assembly has taken my suggestion of attempting to legislate on the matter rather than ending with the meaningless assembly motion which does not result in actions.

Whilst I welcome the proposal in principle, more information is required and I look forward to the Private Members Bill being further developed and the possibility of legislation to deal with the matter.

Roy Beggs MLA has welcomed the announcement of the Skillsafe Scheme, which will offer assistance in the form of training allowances for apprentices to the manufacturing and engineering industries in East Antrim.

In the Assembly, Roy Beggs MLA sought clarification about the scheme and asked 'Will the Minister outline reasons for his decision to concentrate on assisting the manufacturing industry and, in particular, the engineering and tradeable services?

In response, the Minister for Employment and Learning Sir Reg Empey said 'To us, it seemed the sector most vulnerable and facing the greatest number of redundancies. The member knows that in his constituency and in others, companies such as FG Wilson, Wrightbus, and Michelin, and a large number of other smaller manufacturing and engineering companies, up and down the province, have been shedding labour.'

Roy Beggs said 'It is heartening to see the Minister put into place schemes such as Skillsafe, which will provide financial help to apprentices who are on reduced weekly hours in the current economic climate.'

'It is also good to note that Minister Empey would consider more schemes like Skillsafe in the future 'If there were clear evidence that it needs to be broadened'. I believe that the scheme will provide a much needed boost to companies in East Antrim and to workers in our constituency.'

The Ulster Unionist MLA went on to say 'It is important that we retain skills so that we can take opportunities which will arise when economic fortunes improve.'

Ulster Unionist MLA for East Antrim, Mr Roy Beggs, has pressed the DSD Minster and expressed concern over the possible relocation of civil service social security office jobs from Larne, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey, as a further debate rages over proposals to strip Larne of its DARD office.

Speaking during Assembly questions, Mr Beggs asked: "The Minister is aware from the consultation of the concern about the relocation of back office jobs from offices in Larne, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey. She mentioned clustering - will the minister outline in more detail how that will affect existing employees in Larne, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey who, potentially, face moving?

"Will those jobs move gradually, or ultimately migrate, to Ballymena"

Highlighting East Antrim's dearth of civil service employment, he said there is "great concern that jobs are migrating to Belfast or Ballymena".

The minister affirmed that "no decisions will be taken … until we determine the outcome of the pilot exercise in the north area".

Speaking later from his constituency office, Roy Beggs MLA said "The Social Security Minister, Margaret Ritchie has announced her intention to implement her proposals subject to successful pilot in the Northern region. This is effectively a stay of execution over her proposal to move back office jobs away from Larne, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey, subject only to a successful pilot in the Northern region. Ominously a new social security processing center for Ballymena has also been announced."

I have been highlighting for a long period of time that East Antrim has not got its far share of civil servant jobs and have articulated these concerns in numerous consultation responses and on the floor of the Northern Ireland Assembly. The Social Security proposals will create even more disparity."

In answer to a recent Assembly question the Finance minister revealed to Mr Beggs that in the past 5 years over £2m has been spend on up-grading the Crown Buildings in Larne and £1.7m on the Carrickfergus refurbishment. In addition if vacated, recurrent building costs of £358,000 and £213,011 respectively will be incurred until a new tenant is be found, which would be difficult in the present economic climate. Roy Beggs said, "It is not in the public interest to pay for job relocation out of East Antrim and for DSD and DARD to continue to pay hundreds of thousands of pounds per year for vacant offices. I will continue to press ministers on these matters and I hope that they will appreciate the arguement that I am making."

ENDS

Roy Beggs MLA is the newly appointed chair of the all Party Assembly Group on the Community and Voluntary Sector and is pictureed with Seamus McAleavey, NICVA Chief Executive and Francis McCandless, Policy Director.

Roy Beggs said "I was pleased to assist in establishing a new All Party AssemblyGroup for the Community and Voluntary Sector and appreciate Assembly Members electing me as chair of the group".

Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs and Cllr Andy Wilson, have met senior department of Agriculture officials at their Belfast headquarters about the proposal to close the Larne Agricultural Office and has argued for the Crown Buildings site to be included as a DARD Direct office and the retention of the 27 local jobs.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Beggs said:

"As the only local representative to have responded to DARD during the original DARD Direct consultation I sought a follow up meeting several months ago. I am pleased that the meeting with the Department finally took place and believe that it was a useful meeting to strengthen the argument for the retention of the Larne DARD Office."

The Department have agreed the location of all other DARD direct office but are continuing to analyse the best location to place a DARD Direct office to cover both the South and East Antrim regions and have considered Larne, Ballyclare, Antrim, Dundrod, Mallusk and Lisburn.

The Ulster Unionist MLA, who is a member of the Public Accounts Committee said,

"The Department of Agricultural officials do not seem to have fully taken into consideration the fact that over Ã'£2m has been spent up-grading the Larne crown Buildings over the past 5 years. This means that it already meets Disability Access Standards and it could easily be converted to a DARD Direct office at minimal cost. Significant public funds would be required to rent and invest in a brand new facility elsewhere. Additional relocation travel costs would also have to be incurred for those staff who would be able to relocate.

During the course of the meeting, I highlighted that DARD themselves describe 24 of the 27 staff in the Larne Office as being "non-mobile", ie part time or administrative staff. Any proposal to relocate the office would be devastating to staff as well as the local farming community who would have to travel further to receive the service."

In written answer from the Minister for Finance and Personnel has confirmed to me that, "In the event that any Department decides to vacate a property then the vacating department must meet the accommodation costs of the property until it can be re-occupied or disposed of". The Officials did not appear to be aware of this advice from the Department of Finance and Personnel.

Given that DSD are also considering relocating staff from Larne and Carrickfergus offices to Ballymena, finding any appropriate tenant to take up the lease would be difficult. They will now have to factor in the ongoing costs of retaining the Larne Building on top of any rental cost of any alternative site that they might consider. I would hope that this will improve the chance of retaining DARD jobs in Larne."

Mr Beggs added:

"The Department of Agriculture, like any other government agency is charged with using public money wisely and their decisions have to stand up to scrutiny in terms of providing value for money. The senior officials have been left with a wider set of factors to consider before they make a recommendation to the Minister. In the meeting I also reiterated the fact that Larne and East Antrim in general is poorly served in terms of public sector job locations, and that a relocation of DARD jobs away from Larne would make this situation even worse. The bottom line is that the Larne DARD office serves a wide population of farmers in East Antrim, it is widely used and appreciated, and could be easily expanded into a DARD Direct office at minimal cost to the public purse."

ENDS

Friday 23 January 2009

Written Answers to Questions

Government Buildings in Larne and Carrickfergus

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel, in the event that the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department for Social Development relocate staff from Government buildings in Larne and Carrickfergus, (i) which Department will have to pay for the maintenance of the vacant offices; (ii) the amount of funding that has been spent on each of these offices, in the past five years; and (iii) his assessment of the quality of accommodation of these offices currently. (AQW 3718/09)

Minister of Finance and Personnel: DARD and DSD currently occupy three buildings in Larne and Carrickfergus:

1. Portal Inspection Office - Redlands Road, LARNE, BT40 1AH

(occupied solely by DARD)

2. Crown Buildings , 59 Pound Street, LARNE BT40 1SH

(DARD share this accommodation with DSD - it is both a Jobs & Benefits Office and a Divisional Veterinary Office)

3. Carrickfergus Jobs & Benefits Office, 1 Davy Street,

Carrickfergus, Co Antrim, BT38 8TJ.

(occupied solely by DSD)

In the event that any Department decides to vacate a property then the vacating department must meet the accommodation costs of the property until it can be re-occupied or disposed off.

The amount of funding that has been spent on each of these offices, in the

last five years is as follows;-

Resource Capital

Carrickfergus JBO = Ã'£213,011 / Ã'£1,704,000

Larne JBO/DVO = Ã'£ 358,040 / Ã'£2,035,000

Larne Portal Office = Ã'£ 137,000 Ã'£31,000

The three buildings are considered to be in good repair.

Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs along with Jim Nicholson MEP and Councillor Andrew Wilson have met with the Director of B9 Energy, David Surplus, to discuss the economic opportunities arising from the renewable energy agenda. B9, the Larne-based renewable energy company, is a recognised international leader in the field and a key player in the emerging Global Wind Alliance.

Roy Beggs MLA said, "B9 Energy are a local Larne company who initially specialised in Wind farms. Theyare now developing a wide range of renewable energy solutions from anaerobic digestion to Marine tubines. They are leaders in the renewable energy field and providing renewable energy and associated job opportunities today. Mr. Nicholson said, "In an uncertain world, with much of our energy supplies dependent on regions plagued by instability, the case for developing renewable energy is overwhelming. Renewables such as wind and tidal power are an important part of Europe's plan to promote energy security - ensuring that our sources of energy are secured against market and political instability.

"The economic opportunities offered by the environmental challenges we face must also be embraced. Too often, the environmental debate is framed in a way that wrongly suggests we have to choose between economic growth and environmental protection. B9 is a fantastic example of how responding to environmental challenges can be an economic opportunity for Northern Ireland.

"With B9 as an international leader in the field of green energy, and a cluster of Northern Ireland firms now established on the international stage for their expertise in this area, there is a significant economic opportunity awaiting the Northern Ireland Executive. If the Executive genuinely embraces the need for promoting the renewable energy agenda, B9 and other Northern Ireland renewable energy companies have the vision and skills to ensure that our region reaps the economic benefits.

"All of this takes place against the background of the pressing need to respond to climate change. B9 demonstrates that the market works in providing both answers to the climate change challenge and delivering innovation and economic growth".

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Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has said that DUP Minister Arlene Foster is showing good sense calling for investment in renewable energy technologies but said that it was a shame her good sense was not mirrored in her colleague, Environment Minister Sammy Wilson.

"Arlene Foster's position has widespread support from the other parties in the Assembly, but only patchy support within the DUP, for it seems Sammy's line is popular with his party colleagues. This is despite the DUP manifesto commitment to support the introduction of a climate change bill at Westminster and year on year targets to achieve reduced carbon emissions. It seems in the DUP manifesto commitments count for nothing."

In a recent influential report by Nicholas Stern and Alex Bowen from the Grantham Research Institute, exploiting renewable energy was identified as scoring high in terms of both economic and climate change benefits. Harland and Wolff is already assembling large wind turbines under the goliath cranes in its building dock, and is seeking to expand its proportion of that work. The market for climate change technologies is expected to grow consistently over the next 50 years. Roy Beggs pointed out that this is an area where Northern Ireland's expertise in engineering and manufacturing can be applied to the benefit of the local economy and the global environment.

Roy Beggs MLA, Ulster Unionist Party Spokesperson on the Environment has criticized the DUP for sending out confused and mixed messages concerning Climate Change and their commitment to Executive targets. Commenting on remarks made by Alistair Ross MLA on a recent Assembly debate about the 'Act on CO2' advertising campaign, Mr. Beggs has claimed the DUP are befuddled on this issue.

In a statement Mr. Beggs said:

"Alistair Ross has succinctly highlighted the problem that his Party faces when it comes to climate change. On the one hand he actively defends Sammy Wilson for his opposition to the 'Act On CO2' advertising campaign, but on the other he defends the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Investment for implementing local initiatives to conserve energy and reduce harmful emissions".

"He has missed the point that Sammy's opposition to these adverts is not based on any great belief in local accountability, but on the fact that he does not believe in man-made climate change. The letter he wrote to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change illustrates this fact. According to Minister Wilson's arguments there would be no need for Arlene Foster or the Executive to take any action on renewables or green house gas emissions.

If we follow the logic of Minister Wilson's arguments the targets to reduce CO2 emissions set out in the Programme for Government, and which the Executive is obliged to meet, are meaningless; Alistair Ross and most of his Party colleagues appear to be very confused on this issue".

Roy Beggs, East Antrim MLA has condemned the dissident republican murderous attack in Antrim and has called on all committed to democracy to recognise that MI5 and the Special Reconnaissance Regiment have a key role to play in helping to prevent such violent attacks and to assist in bringing those responsible to Justice.

Roy Beggs, Ulster Unionist MLA said

"Clearly there is a need for all who are committed to the democratic settlement which resulted in the power sharing NI Assembly with its North South and East West links to follow the logic through. All must support authorised legal actions to gather information on those who are trying to destroy and drag us back to our troubled past."

"Following the recent increase in threat assessment by the PSNI, we had SDLP and SF politicians criticising the news that undercover intelligence is being gathered by the Special Reconnaissance Regiment. Conveniently they appeared to ignore the threat that dissident Republicans have to life in NI, despite the Omagh bomb, the recent 300lb Castlewellan bomb find and a number of other attacks on police officers."

"In complaining about this covert monitoring service, they also fail to recognise the range of support that exists within the UK to try to protect us all against those who continue to have a lust for blood. The PSNI is responsible for policing in NI. MI5 are the UK's counter intelligence service and they continue have an active role as a result of the violent attacks by dissident Republicans."

Gerry Adams said "There should be an end to actions like the one in Antrim……. Sinn Fein has a responsibility to be consistent. The logic of this is that we support the police in the apprehension of those involved in last nights attack. "

Roy Beggs MLA said

"SF appear to be slowly evolving their view on their former colleagues. They will need to go further with practical actions to help identify those responsible. The SDLP must recognise that to call for the dissidents to end their activity is not enough in itself and that the PSNI need additional support of specialist intelligence services."

Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs Jnr has described the issue of sewage treatment and coastal discharge proposals for Whitehead, Ballycarry and Ballystrudder as being a test case for the new Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

Mr Beggs explained:

"The NI Environmental Agency is responsible for licensing and approving sewage disposal facilities provided by Northern Ireland Water. As such they have asked NI Water to look again at their proposals to discharge sewage with only rudimentary primary treatment into the North Channel at Cloghfin Bay, Islandmagee.

This process is at a crucial phase and I hope that the Environment Agency will told firm to the line that NI Water must deliver a scheme which is both 'future proofed' and does not risk further pollution along the coastline at Whitehead and Islandmagee. This is, I believe, a test case for the credibility of the new agency."

The Ulster Unionist MLA noted the admission in a recent Assembly answer by Environment Minister Sammy Wilson that Northern Ireland's legislation for discharging sewage into the sea is not as stringent as the law pertaining in the rest of the United Kingdom.

Mr Beggs said, "We have been told that because the combined population of the catchment areas served by the new scheme is under 10,000 'secondary' treatment before discharge is not mandatory.

However, in response to questions I have tabled in the Assembly the Minister has admitted that "In England and Wales, secondary treatment is a policy requirement for all works discharging to coastal waters serving a p.e. (population equivalent) of greater than 2000."

My response to that is local people deserve the same level of environmental protection as the rest of the UK, and secondary treatment should be provided before coastal discharge off Islandmagee."

Following the Assembly Environment Committee's vote of no-confidence in Minister Sammy Wilson, UUP Environment Spokesperson Roy Beggs MLA has called on the Minister to either commit himself to protecting the environment or to resign.

Mr. Beggs said, "the ridiculous charade of an Environment Minister arguing against combating climate change is hurting Northern Ireland. Our fellow citizens in the rest of the United Kingdom are looking on with disbelief as Sammy Wilson uses his ministerial position as a platform to promote his anti-environment views. The United Kingdom - all of the United Kingdom - has a responsibility to address climate change and reduce Co2 emissions. Instead, Sammy Wilson is promoting an 'ourselves alone' approach, isolating Northern Ireland from the rest of the United Kingdom.

"The Assembly's Environment Committee vote of no-confidence in Sammy Wilson as Environment Minister cannot go unheeded. The Minister must now consider his position. He is left with only two possibilities - stop using his position to promote anti-environment views or resign.

"This is now the second example in recent weeks of an Executive Minister taking unilateral action on the basis of extremist ideological views. First it was Catorina Ruane and her ideological crusade against grammar schools. Now it is Sammy Wilson, with his war against science and the environment. This is the reality of an Executive dominated by the DUP and Sinn Fein".

See interviews on BBC Newsline:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsline/content/articles/2009/02/12/sammy_reserve_feature.shtml

Roy Beggs MLA has castigated Invest NI's predecessor, the IDB (Industrial Development Board) for its role in the loss of significant public funding invested in Valence Technology over a period spanning 11 years, during which the IDB ignored key lessons from the 1984 De Lorean PAC Report.

Roy Beggs said 'If the vast amounts of money that had been committed to Valance Technology had been invested into locally based companies in the Larne, Carrickfergus or Newtownabbey areas, then it would have been put to better use and could have contributed to an increase in their productivity and competitiveness.'

The reports on Valence Technology show that there were concerns from day one as to whether the company had a viable business plan. In fact, the NIAO (Northern Ireland Audit Office) flagged up problems with the Valence business plan in 1993 but the IDB carried on regardless.

Roy Beggs MLA, UUP vice chair of the Public Accounts Committee said 'From the onset of the investment project with Valence Technology, it was evident that there were issues for all to see. It beggars belief that the IDB invested vast amounts of money into such a high risk project and a company without a proven track record while going completely against the Gibson and De Lorean reports.'

The Investment Market Analysis indicated the project was 'best for the adventurous'. Mr Beggs said 'this clearly shows that the project was of a high risk and that guidance offered to the IDB had fallen on deaf ears.'

Valence Technology had a legal case taken against it for providing false information to its shareholders which led to a £30 million out-of-court payout. The Ulster Unionist MLA went on to say 'This shows that all was not well within the company. This makes the IDB's decision to increase funding on two occasions even more confusing.'

In conclusion, Roy Beggs said 'Let's hope that Invest NI will take note of the IDB's failings and that the same mistakes are not being repeated.'

Roy Beggs MLA who has been pressing for the up-grading of the Larne line trains to a similar level operated elsewhere in Northern Ireland has been advised that the signing of the contract for new trains is expected to occur by the end of this March.

Roy Beggs MLA said, 'It is great news for the East Antrim area that the contract is expected to be signed by the end of March . The new and improved trains that will be made available to the Larne line will be of great benefit to the local residents. It will allow increased reliability and provide a service for all.'

In an answer to an assembly question proposed by Roy Beggs, The Minister for Regional Development Mr Conor Murphy stated 'I intend to make an announcement about the award of contract prior to the end of this financial year and I can confirm good progress has been made. The first of the batch of 20 trains is scheduled to be introduced to passenger service by 2011 with the final set in 2013. This will allow the old trains currently in service on the Larne line to be replaced.'

In response to Mr Murphy's timescale for new trains, Roy Beggs MLA said 'With work on the widening of the A2 Shore Road due to commence in 2011 at the earliest, the up-grading of the trains will provide commuters with another option of getting to work at a time when increased traffic congestion due to construction could be expected.'

The Ulster Unionist assembly member goes on to say, 'The Portadown, Bangor and Londonderry Lines have witnessed growth in passenger levels by around 25 % since they received their upgraded trains. This shows us that the new trains have been welcomed by commuters with open arms. The up-grading of the Larne line trains will provide an increase in rail capacity that will benefit East Antrim greatly.'