§ Ms SouthworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what performance targets have been set for the Department of the Environment's Environment and Heritage Service in 1998–99. [42908]
§ Marjorie MowlamFor 1998–99, the following performance targets have been set for the Environment and Heritage Service.
Volume of Output
Bring about a 10 per cent. reduction in the number of 'high' and `medium' severity water pollution incidents by the year 2000 on 1996 figures.Establish regulatory systems under the Waste and Contaminated Land (NI) Order 1997 for the registration of carriers, enforcement provision, fly tipping and special waste.Produce for the Department a draft Waste Management Strategy by October 1998.Declare 17 Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI).Submit proposals for the classification of three Special Protection Areas under the EC Birds Directive.Complete the fieldwork for the NI Countryside Survey 2000 by December 1998.Schedule 70 historic monuments to bring the total to 1,365.313WComplete the resurvey of historic buildings in 24 wards.Redesign the EHS home page and establish a regular updating system by 31 December 1998.Quality of Customer Service
Provide a round the clock response for all water pollution incidents reported and begin investigation of such incidents within 24 hours.Respond to 90 per cent. of written inquiries or requests for information within 15 working days.Issue 85 per cent. Water Act consents, wildlife licences, ASSI and scheduled monument consents within the timescales quoted in our Customer Service Guides.Efficiency
Achieve 3 per cent. efficiency gains on running cost expenditure.Set specific unit cost targets for 1999–2000 for outputs.Monitor and maintain expenditure within cash limits.