Manifesto 2010

Introduction from Party Leader 4Key Goals at a glance 6

1 Economy 12

2 Business 16

3 Education 20

4 Health 26

5 Armed Forces 33

6 Agri-Food 35

7 Victims 39

8 Tackling Disadvantage 40

9 Community & Voluntary Sector 41

10 Valuing Older People 43

11 Energy 47

12 Housing 48

13 Energy Efficiency & Fuel Poverty 51

14 Environment 52

15 Culture 54

16 Social Security 58

17 Crime & Policing 60

18 International Affairs 65

19 Next Steps at Stormont 67

20 Westminster Reforms 69

Within the overall UK context we are committed to securing thebest deal for the people of Northern Ireland.We ask you to give usthe strongest mandate to negotiate the best deal for NorthernIreland over the Parliamentary term and in the event of a hungParliament. Such a scenario offers a once in a lifetime opportunityto obtain key strategic gains for unionism.

A vote for the DUP is a vote for:- unionist unity- strong positive Unionist leadership- the best deal for Northern Ireland at Westminster- a long-term strategy for Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland has made massive strides.There is still much tobe done.Together we can make things better.We ask for yoursupport. Lets Keep Northern Ireland Moving Forward.

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Northern Ireland has made significant progress under thestewardship of the Democratic Unionist Party.Today theDUP is the largest party in the Northern Ireland Executive

and could have a key role to play in the establishment of a UnitedKingdom Government after the General Election.

The platform we outline, as well as demonstrating our policies ona broad range of issues, will clearly form the basis for our prioritiesin the context of a hung Parliament.

There are two key themes to our campaign:

Building stability and prosperity inNorthern Ireland through improved andmore efficient local political institutions,

Directing resources in public servicestowards preventative and early interventionmeasures, and frontloading funding for thefirst few years of life.

We want tax-payers money to deliver the greatest long-termbenefits for individuals and society. Across a range of sectorswe are outlining comprehensive proposals for improving theeconomy, public services and quality of life in the UnitedKingdom, and Northern Ireland in particular.

INTRODUCTIONBY PARTY LEADERRt Hon Peter Robinson MLA

INTRODUCTION

Building stability andprosperity in Northern Irelandthrough improved and moreefficient local political institutions

Directing resources inpublic services towards preventativeand early intervention measures,and frontloading funding for thefirst few years of life.

For Unionist UnityStrong Positive Unionist Leadership

A long-term strategy forNorthern Ireland

Best deal for Northern Irelandat Westminster

Innovative High-Skilled EconomyReduced Taxes

Smaller GovernmentBetter Childcare, Primary Schools

and Youth ServicesIncreased Health Spending on Prevention

and Early InterventionVisible Neighbourhood Policing

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KeyGoals

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HEALTH: Increase spending on prevention and earlyintervention - NICE to focus more on identifying non-cost effectivepractice - Screening programme for prostate cancer - Broadenopportunities for charities and other proven providers to delivercare - Create unit to co-ordinate multiple hospital attendances ofolder people - Address failure to meet cancer waiting times -Access psychological therapies within two weeks

ARMED FORCES: Most up-to-date equipment for our armedforces - Upgrade living quarters - Dedicated hospital facility forBritish soldiers and veterans - Remembrance Day and Pride inBritain Day as public holidays

AGRI-FOOD: Maximize funding for NI from CAP - Continuesingle farm payments - Country of origin labelling - Continue banon Brazilian beef - Eradication policy against TB and Brucellosis -Facility to deal with NI poultry litter - Effective local fisheriesstrategy

COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY SECTOR: Third sectorto deliver more services - Increased collaboration betweenGovernment and faith sector - Audit of contribution of NI faithcommunity - Non-lottery funding service projects to mark Yearof Volunteering

at a glance

KEY GOALS

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ECONOMY: Innovative wealth generating export orientedeconomy - Reduced corporation tax - 5% VAT rate for construction- Special Economic Zone status for NI - Establish Invention andInnovation Institute

BUSINESS: Reduced regulatory burden on business -Improved basic skills - Overhaul public sector procurement -Single Government Department for Economy - Creating jobs -More small business start-ups - Tackle late payments

EDUCATION: Pilot Child-Parent Centres based on Chicagomodel - Extra funding in primary schools and more classroomassistants - Enhanced extended schools programmes - Increaseyouth services budget - Pupils matched to post-primary schoolon basis of ability - End special privileges for integrated andIrish medium sectors - Single body to own and promotecontrolled schools

FURTHER EDUCATION: Establish vocational sector-specifictraining centres of excellence - Assist businesses to offer highquality apprenticeships - Produce more skilled craftsmen

HIGHER EDUCATION: UK-wide review of number ofuniversities, student places and subjects offered - Remove cap onNI student numbers - Re-establish independence of universities

KeyGoals

KEY GOALS

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CRIME & POLICING: More neighbourhood police officersvisible New NI sentencing framework - Reduce legal aid bill More fixed penalties for ASB Fewer prisoners on remand Support extended pre-charge detention

STORMONT: Fewer NI Government Departments and MLAs Voluntary Coalition Abolish community designationsintroducing weighted majority voting No NI Bill of Rights Annual Performance Reports from public bodies

WESTMINSTER REFORM: Halve Whitehall spending onadvertising, external consultants and PR - Cut WhitehallDepartments by one third - Create a National Institute of PolicyEvaluation - Cut quangos

OTHER PRIORITIES: Legislate to change definition of victim- NI as global centre for renewables technology - Cut TV licence feefrom 142.50 to 50 - Prohibit high cost 0845 or 0870 numbersfor Government agencies - Gift Aid to be assumed on donationsunless opt out - Assistance for PMS savers

KEY GOALS

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OLDER PEOPLE: Increased basic state pension, linked toearnings - Full or substantial proportion of personal care frompublic purse - Individual care plans - One week respite guaranteedevery three months - Winter Fuel Payment increased andextended to cancer sufferers

HOUSING: Examine breaking up NI Housing Executive - Moreflexible Warm Homes Scheme - Single telephone point of contactfor energy efficiency and fuel poverty advice - Reform CommonHousing Selection Scheme

ENVIRONMENT: More renewable energy - Developrenewable heat sector - Achieve greenhouse gas emissionreduction obligations - Prevent species decline and habitatdestruction - More allotment provision

CULTURE: Assist Loyal Orders, bands and Ulster-Scots newstart for parades bands strategy developing Britishness feasibility study into NI National Library

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Growing the private sector is the key to economic success. It will be theprivate sector that will lead the UK into economic recovery.We needlow interest rates and must reign back public spending and investmore wisely. Spending reductions must be pursued rather than seeking toincrease taxes, though restricted spending cannot jeopardise recovery.

A key priority of the next Government must be reducing debt. Publicspending in recent decades, and particularly over the last two years inresponse to the recession, has caused the United Kingdom to be ladenwith exceptionally high levels of debt. Greater independent scrutiny ofGovernment financial management would assist in preventing similar levelsof debt arising again.

We must also become much more competitive internationally.The UK suffersfrom high levels of corporation tax and regulation. Corporation tax should besubstantially reduced to kick-start economic growth.We have a particularlystrong case in Northern Ireland for a reduction in corporation tax. NorthernIreland suffers from having a land border with another EU state and a stepchange is needed in the provinces economy. Any reduction in corporation taxfor Northern Ireland should not be on the basis of a compensating reductionfrom elsewhere or the Northern Ireland block grant.

Over time the DUP advocates progressing towards a simpler, fairer tax system,offering the prospect of releasing tens of billions from administrative savings andabolishing minor reliefs. Abolition of a myriad of deductions, allowances andincentives would reduce tax avoidance and illegal evasion.

High tax rates and exemptions cause disincentives to invest and expandbusinesses. Economic distortions would be eliminated with economic activityand job creation increasing.

Summary: Innovative wealth generating export orientedeconomy - Reduced corporation tax - 5% VAT rate for construction- Special Economic Zone status for NI - Establish Invention andInnovation Institute

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1 I ECONOMY

Economy

1 I ECONOMY

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The DUP had succeeded in having the link severed between access toborrowing under The Reform and Reinvestment Initiative and closing thegap with GB Council tax rates.That link had led to double digit rate risesearlier in the last decade.

Under Stormont control, business rates were also frozen, manufacturing ratescapped and a small business rates relief scheme introduced. Assistance wasalso given to small companies to help them during the economic downturn.

We want Northern Ireland to become an innovative entrepreneurial wealth-generating export-oriented economy.Tens of millions have been provided toassist in improving research capacity, foster greater internationalcollaboration, promote new and emerging technologies and stimulateresearch activity.This must continue.

We support investment in new technologies including opportunities arisingfrom the development of the green economy.We want Northern Irelandspotential for providing marine and tidal power to be fully explored.The DUPbelieves Belfast port is well-placed to tap into the offshore renewable sector.We would expand incentives for energy efficiency measures in homes.

After decades of underinvestment in infrastructure Northern Ireland needs tobuild for the future. During the Troubles money was diverted away frominfrastructure and into security and as a result Northern Ireland faced amassive infrastructure deficit. During the 1960s, under the StormontParliament Northern Ireland was at the forefront in building new roads.

Already this Assembly and Executive have made significant progress. 4.8billion has so far been invested in capital projects such as new schools, roadsand hospitals since devolution was established in 2007.The annualinvestment is more than double that of the last year of direct rule.

The resources required to finance an ambitious infrastructure packageis only one aspect of what is required to allow Northern Ireland to maximizeits competitiveness.We have also introduced fast-tracking of planningapplications which have wealth-generating potential.

Within the Northern Ireland Government, the DUP pioneered thePerformance and Efficiency Delivery Unit, and continues tacklingoverstaffing, absenteeism, poor working practices and resistance to change.We are committed to rooting out waste and cutting bureaucracy.

1 I ECONOMY

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We support a reduction in stamp duty for first time buyers and oppose raisingNational Insurance. A savings culture must be re-established in the UK, bothat macro and domestic level. More must be done to ensure banks makecredit available for small and medium size businesses.The DUP proposescutting VAT to 5% for construction work to encourage more building,employment and revenue for the Treasury.

Consideration could be given to streamlining the sums currently allocatedthrough numerous forms of child-related and family support to contributeinstead towards the provision of childcare vouchers and potentially also earlyyears and further development.

In order to be competitive we need more of our working age population tobe in employment. Elsewhere in this manifesto we outline plans for makingsecondary and tertiary education more attractive and ultimately morerewarding, and how our education system generally can better match therequirements of our economy.

Northern Irelands specific innovation and industrial heritage should bepromoted.The DUP advocates the formation of a UK Invention andInnovation Institute with a Northern Ireland base, and offering incentives tocompanies and international experts developing new products and ideas toencourage them to base their work here.

We want to see a successful UK economy, and within that nationalframework we are committed to securing the best deal for Northern Irelandseconomy.

Northern Ireland should be designated a Special Economic Zone within theUK with the potential for investors to benefit from reduced regulation, lowertaxes and other financial incentives to reduce the cost of business.We couldadopt some of the more attractive elements of the successful regeneration ofareas such as Aqaba, Jordan and Subic Bay in the Philippines.Theredevelopment of the London Docklands similarly was aided by exemptionsfrom property taxes and capital allowances.

Although taxation matters reside ultimately at Westminster, Northern Irelandwas still well placed to react to the economic downturn, limit its impact andprepare for economic recovery.The Northern Ireland Executive has set theeconomy as its top priority.

We were also able to reduce the pressure on domestic budgets by reducinghousehold bills and a hardship payment to 150,000 people.The regionalrates were frozen and water charges deferred. Additional rate relief wasprovided for pensioners as well as a lone pensioner allowance.The DUP willcontinue to strive at local level to keep district rates as low as possible.

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Our economic prospects will only improve significantly following amajor expansion in the private sector.A dynamic and innovativeeconomy is essential.Prior to the terror campaign in the early partof the last century Northern Ireland had a rich heritage of industry andinvention.Today to be successful that innovative outlook must be restored.

The DUP wants to make Northern Ireland the best place to do business,utilising and enhancing existing advantages:

World class infrastructure Low costs, e.g.rates State-of-the-art telecommunications Supply of highly educated and skilled individuals Better regulation regime Geographical location close to both USA and Europe

We must lessen existing regulatory burdens and ensure new policies donot place disproportionate pressure on entrepreneurs.The Impact on theprivate sector must be considered before introducing new legislation.

We believe there is a role for an advisory group of retailers and those inbusiness having the opportunity to provide greater guidance on theimpact of legislation, regulations, rates and employment law.

Business is the job of the business community and that Governmentsrole is, where possible, to remove the impediments to growth in oureconomy.

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Summary:Reduced regulatory burden on business - Improved basic skills- Overhaul public sector procurement - Single GovernmentDepartment for Economy - Creating jobs - More small businessstart-ups - Tackle late payments

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2 I BUSINESS

Business

2 I BUSINESS

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2 I BUSINESS

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We want to create a business environment which encourages more smallbusiness start-ups,creates more jobs,expands the tax base,increases localeconomic vibrancy and improves and retains local services and confidence.Post start-up businesses must be assisted to establish and grow.

Indigenous businesses struggling to compete with multi-nationals andglobal chains need to know that they are valued for their contribution tothe economy.We appreciate that Rates represent a larger proportion ofturnover, profit and outgoings for small businesses than larger ones.

While efforts must be intensified to attract foreign direct investment, wealso need to ensure indigenous small businesses and retailers are assistedto grow.The DUP wants to protect suppliers and sub-contractors byplacing an onus on large businesses to make payments to them within amaximum of thirty days.

Rises in electricity prices and fuel costs, often far in excess in NorthernIreland of the rest of the UK, make it more difficult to run businesses andprovide competitive prices.Treasury should give consideration tointroducing flexibility around fuel duty at times of particularly high costs.

Objectives should be set for growing our retail sector and addressing thebarriers it currently faces.We support initiatives to encourage people tobuy and produce local goods.

The DUP will examine how businesses can be incentivised, through ratesassistance or other means, to improve energy efficiency and reduce fuelcosts.

There are too many Government Departments involved in economic policyboth at Westminster and Stormont slowing decision-making leaving itmore difficult to deal with problems.A single Department should havesole responsibility for the economy.Another could be responsible for allaspects of strategic development including planning.

A key challenge is to build on the skills base in the workforce and working-age population, addressing deficits in some sectors. Improvements areurgently needed on literacy and numeracy levels.The DUP supportsworking towards the target in the Leitch Review for 95% of adults to reachfunctional literacy and numeracy by 2020.We see merit in extra incentivesbeing provided to those who invest in their staff through enhancedtraining and continuous professional development.

More must be done to match our education offering with what theeconomy demands.In Northern Ireland the 22% of the working agepopulation with no qualifications is a much higher figure than for otherparts of the UK.An effective 14-19 strategy is urgently required.

We will seek to establish better co-ordination with British representativesin the EU Parliament to ensuring funding and programmes aremaximally enterprise-focused.

The economic crisis presents opportunities for businesses to up-skill staff,pursue innovation and modernise their business practices.Businesseshave suffered in recent times as the result of reduced sales, cash flow andaccess to finance.The issue of trade credit insurance for small businessesmust be addressed.The DUP has introduced a Small Business Rate Reliefscheme.

There continue to be barriers to SMEs gaining access to publicprocurement and this must be addressed.The procurement processshould be simplified and less time-consuming.Most small companies aretendering to public bodies on contracts below the EU thresholds sopublic buyers are not bound by the usual EU requirements.

The Northern Ireland Government spends upwards of 3 billion eachyear on supplies, services and construction work.Public procurementshould be considered in the context of offering opportunities to smallerenterprises locally.We want to encourage Northern Ireland firms toexpand their capacity to bid for and win public sector contracts.

The DUP is determined to see increasing numbers of indigenous smallerenterprises competing in the public sector supply chain, providing bettervalue for money, higher levels of service and more innovative businesssolutions.

The DUP will continue to support companies to diversify into newmarkets.We must continue to develop relationships with India, Chinaand other emerging economies.

Tourism remains a key area of potential growth for the Northern Irelandeconomy. The local film industry in Northern Ireland has flourishedrecently, with the securing of a Universal Studios film and an HBO seriesworth 20 million to the local economy the latest successes.Effortsshould be made to promote the province as a premium venue for thisindustry.Supporting and expanding creative industries should be a keyfocus of the new Government.

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The best possible education provision is an essential component of anysociety.Every young person should be encouraged to fulfil theirpotential in all aspects of their lives.Both at Westminster and in theNorthern Ireland Assembly, DUP representatives will be working to ensurethe best education outcomes.

Strong foundations are essential to a good education.The DUP advocatestargeting resources in the early stages of education.We are determinedthat there should be a stronger focus on intervening at an early stage.

Childcare provision should be standardised across the UK with anexpanded range of providers. In order to improve the quality of childcare,consideration should be given to extending elements of the mainlandtransformation fund for those working in the sector across to NorthernIreland.

The DUP advocates piloting in major cities on the mainland some Child-Parent Centres based on successful ones in Chicago, with a view tocomparing their outcomes alongside existing SureStart programmes.Child-Parent Centres provide comprehensive educational and familysupport to economically disadvantaged children and their parents, andevaluations have been very positive.

The guiding principle of the Chicago programme is that by providing a stablepre-school learning environment, in which parents are active and consistentparticipants in their child's education,success at school will follow.

We support the investment of extra funding in primary schools and theprovision of more classroom assistants.Every effort should be made to

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Summary: Pilot Child-Parent Centres based on Chicago model -Extra funding in primary schools and more classroom assistants -Enhanced extended schools programmes - Increase youth servicesbudget - Pupils matched to post-primary school on basis of ability- End special privileges for integrated and Irish medium sectors -Single body to own and promote controlled schools

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3 I EDUCATION

Education

3 I EDUCATION

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The excessively rigid national curriculum prevents schools from adaptingteaching methods to the needs and skills of students.Schools should havethe right to choose how they should design the balance ofvocational/occupational and academic subjects, as long as they achievespecific academic standards. Increased freedoms could be offered in linewith growing success.

The DUP supports streamlining and reducing bureaucracy within theadministrative structures in education, which has the potential to deliversavings extending to tens of millions of pounds.Uniform standards andconsistency can be ensured from the centre but there must be influence atlocal level to encourage innovation and initiative.

It is essential that in any reorganisation of arrangements in NorthernIreland all sectors are treated equitably.The DUP opposes existing privilegesfor integrated and Irish medium schools which have a detrimental impacton other schools.Teachers should have equal opportunities to work in allsectors, particularly if a single employing authority is to be created.The DUPadvocates a single body both to own and promote controlled schools as themost effective model and one which offers equality with other sectors.

Those working in education have endured an unprecedented amount ofchange in recent years.Such change must be phased and appropriatelyplanned.

We oppose the Stormont Education Ministers ideologically-drivencampaign against preparatory departments of grammar schools, whichwould actually cost the public purse more and restrict parental choice.

Proper recognition should be given to the contribution of our specialschools.The DUP supports a radical overhaul of the Ministers proposals forreforming SEN provision which have been rejected by parents of childrenwith special needs.

The DUP rejects the Ministers desire to broaden the definition of SEN toinclude social factors, and firmly believes that it is those with the mostsevere special needs where our resources should be prioritised.We believethat an annual review of provision for individuals should be retained, andare committed to ensuring an improved and modernised service whichprovides better outcomes for those with special needs.

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ensure class sizes in primary schools are as small as possible.

The DUP wants to see investment in extended schools programmeswhich has dropped by more than 30% from 14.2 million in 2007-8 toless than 10 million in 2009-10.However we want more focusedoutcomes for these programmes and believe they should particularlyseek to improve literacy and numeracy.The DUP would also explore thepotential to develop new schemes in Northern Ireland, run by volunteers,to help disadvantaged children improve key literacy and numeracy skills.

Youth work plays a vital role in the development of many young people.The DUP would advocate extra resources being made available for youthservices, while making greater demands on achieving measurableoutcomes.

The DUP wants to enhance discipline in schools, and we supportprincipals being able to take prompt disciplinary measures against pupilsfor inappropriate behaviour.Means of incentivising and improving theperformance of staff should be explored.We support schools beinggranted freedoms to attract, retain and provide extra training andprofessional development for high-performing staff.A review should beconducted locally of teacher training and Continuing ProfessionalDevelopment in numeracy and literacy.

The DUP has sought to preserve and promote grammar schools inNorthern Ireland.We believe Boards of Governors both in NorthernIreland and the mainland should be permitted to determine admissionscriteria.We recognize that the ending of academic selection in GreatBritain has coincided with a marked fall in intergenerational mobility.

The academically gifted should be stretched throughout their learningand this ought to include an academically-oriented education whichincludes grammar schools.We need high achievers and a well-educatedhighly-skilled workforce.

Not everyones gifts and talents will be academic so a tailored system ofschools is necessary to offer an education appropriate for each youngperson.Each pupil has different abilities and skills, and they should bematched to the most appropriate schools for their individual needs.Forthose who do not wish to pursue an academic path, more attractivevocational opportunities must be available.

The DUP will continue working to deliver a single robust form ofassessment under the auspices of the Department of Education inNorthern Ireland for matching pupils to the most appropriate post-primary school.

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Youth unemployment costs the Northern Ireland economy 1.6 millionper week.A major hurdle is encouraging these young people to engageand participate.What is offered must be tailored to be attractive andrewarding.

Intervention is needed at an early stage before they disengage.Familysupport for vulnerable individuals and households can assist as well asintensive nurturing and support at transition stages.

HIGHER EDUCATION

The DUP proposes a high level review involving academics, leaders ofindustry and public sector specialists to determine how our UK-widehigher education profile can best complement the future developmentof our country.This review would make proposals around the range ofsubjects offered and the optimal number of university places andinstitutions to augment our economy and society.

Institutions would be encouraged to specialize with a focus onparticular sectors which could result in a reduction in the number ofcourses some universities offer.Too many universities are currentlyoffering merely more of the same.

The DUP advocates the removal of the cap on student numbers inNorthern Ireland which results in artificially elevated entrancerequirements.Consequently many students are forced away fromNorthern Ireland to study and many obtain employment and settleelsewhere.Those who wish to pursue a university education particularlyfrom disadvantaged backgrounds should not be deterred by fees.

The DUP supports increasing the commercialisation of intellectualproperty from Northern Irelands university and company research base.

A medium term goal of the DUP is to see our universities having theirindependence restored, much like the situation which pertained prior tothe First World War.The best universities in the world are theindependent universities in the United States, which far outperform thestate-funded institutions of mainland Europe.

Academic institutions need independence to flourish and would then bebetter placed to attract private donations.The DUP would require,alongside greater autonomy, universities to raise funds to assist studentsneeding financial support.

Summary: UK-wide review of number of universities, studentplaces and subjects offered - Remove cap on NI student numbers- Re-establish independence of universities

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FURTHER EDUCATION

The DUP wants to see significant investment in new apprenticeships andsupports the creation of sector specific training centres of excellence.Apprenticeships must be of higher quality and we must make it easier forbusinesses to offer them, through providing incentives, reducingbureaucracy and making inspections simpler.Groups of smallerbusinesses should be encouraged to join together to offerapprenticeships.

Currently too many apprenticeships are not completed, often through nofault of the trainee.We want to see every apprentice who commencestraining guaranteed that training. In the event that a company can nolonger deliver what was intended, an alternative must be foundelsewhere to allow that young person to receive the experience required.

We produce only a fraction of the skilled craftsmen and technicians thatmainland European nations do, yet our companies are competing againstthose countries in a global marketplace.

Individuals must have the skills to secure and hold down employment.One fifth of young people in Northern Ireland leave school unable to readand write while twice as many have poor numeracy skills.The DUPsupports the target in the Leitch Review for 95% of adults to reachfunctional literacy and numeracy by 2020.

Barriers to obtaining a job or training must be removed as we seek toreduce the numbers economically inactive.The cycle of unemploymentover multiple generations within some families must be broken.

We must increase skills and career choices in STEM subjects and increaselinks with local industry to promote technology and science.Consideration should be given to the feasibility of establishing atechnology institute in Northern Ireland.

A key group to address is those recently left school, not in education,employment or training.One in five people aged between 16 and 24years in Northern Ireland currently fall into this category, adding up to47,000 young people.The number of benefit claimants under the age of25 has risen by more than 90% in just one year.Those under 25 are fourtimes more likely to be unemployed than those aged 25+.

Summary: Establish vocational sector-specific training centresof excellence - Assist businesses to offer high qualityapprenticeships - Produce more skilled craftsmen

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In line with international research the DUP advocates frontloadingfunding for the first few years of life in order to give young people thebest prospects in life.Earlier in this manifesto we have outlined oursupport for piloting Child-Parent Centres like those which have provedsuccessful in Chicago.

The DUP supports increased investment in health promotion and diseaseprevention, and raising spending on preventative and early interventionmeasures.

The real way to prioritise public health is through strategic and fundingprioritization driven by Ministers.The DUP considers the commitment topublic health of the Minister for DHSSPS in Northern Ireland to be littlemore than cosmetic.The establishment of yet another health body, thePublic Health Agency with 220 staff and annual management costs of15.2 million, has resulted in vast numbers of staff doing exactly thesame jobs within a re-titled organization.

As well as benefiting the individual, investment early also makes sensein terms of avoiding greater costs further down the line.We wantinvestment in interventions that will at least pay for themselves. In orderto ensure that funding is not wasted on ineffective interventions, wesupport consideration being given to the formation of a NationalInstitute of Policy Evaluation based on the experience of Washington

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Summary:Increase spending on prevention and early intervention -NICE to focus more on identifying non-cost effective practice -Screening programme for prostate cancer - Broadenopportunities for charities and other proven providers to delivercare - Create unit to co-ordinate multiple hospital attendancesof older people - Address failure to meet cancer waiting times -Access psychological therapies within two weeks

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4 I HEALTH

Health

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cost-effective early detection and intervention for diabetes

instill particularly in young males at school the development ofemotional skills, empathy, coping skills, resilience and help-seekingstrategies

daily tooth brushing programme for pre-school children

discourage the use of transfats

presumed consent for organ donation.

Opportunities should be freed up for charities and other providers with aproven track record to deliver services.The third sector has much to offerin social care provision in areas such as mental health, dementia, learningdisability and acquired brain injury.

A Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reformcommissioned report stated in 2008 that different firms andorganizations have different strengths in delivering different types ofservices.This points to a mixed economy model.

The Cabinet Office in its paper Partnership in Public Services, an ActionPlan for Third Sector Involvement, states We in Government positivelyencourage the involvement of third sector organisations in the designand delivery of public services.

DBERR research found there are clear benefits to both users andtaxpayers with academic literature typically indicating cost savings fromtendering to be between 10 and 30% including when the in-house trustwon the bid with no adverse effect and sometimes an improvement inservice quality.

In an increasingly stringent financial climate this approach can bringhuge savings, protect services and ensure any surplus is re-invested inservice provision.Every opportunity to do this should be investigated.

In order to release savings through more efficient practice the DUPadvocates:

stronger incentives and penalties to maximise generic drug prescribing

a refocused, improved and expanded programme of computerizedcognitive behaviour therapy which if enacted properly offers potentialsavings of close to 10 million in Northern Ireland

screening for and treatment of malnourishment

alternatives to oral contraceptives

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State Institute of Public Policy.The Social Research Unit at Dartington hasalready carried out some valuable work in this country on evidence-basedpolicy around health and development of children.

We support a shift in emphasis of the work of the National Institute forHealth and Clinical Excellence to focus more on identifying existingpractice which is not cost-effective as well as that which offers good value.

In order to improve public health the DUP supports:

introduction of a national screening programme for males at risk ofdeveloping prostate cancer

research into the potential benefits from establishing a routine screeningprogramme for abdominal aortic aneurysm in those aged fifty and above

minimum pricing for alcohol.Englands Chief Medical Officer hassuggested 50 pence per unit.Consumption of alcohol has doubled in thelast forty years and is directly linked to affordability.Alcohol is now 69%more affordable than in 1980.So-called happy hoursand two for onediscounts should be discouraged

effective smoking prevention strategy with prompt access to cessationservices

initiatives to reduce levels of smoking especially amongst young femalesand those from disadvantaged backgrounds

smoking in cars with children should be outlawed.Evidence shows thatpassive smoke is significantly more toxic in a car than at home, and this isan offence in other parts of the world

multi-agency response to obesity focussing on natural opportunities toinfluence behaviour during key stages in peoples lives such as early life,leaving home, pregnancy, becoming a parent and through peer groupinfluences

20mph speed limits in specific built up areas

establish more cycle lanes

no junk food adverts on television before the watershed

expand school sports facilities and playing fields, with floodlights forevening use

specific school nurse dedicated to each school

consideration of merits of providing a nutritious school meal for allyoung pupils

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swift action to address failure to meet target waiting times for cancertreatment

benchmark trustsperformance in Northern Ireland on cancer survivalrates with Great Britain

intensive visiting programmes by health professionals to at risk familieswith young children

capacity in psychology developed to allow patients to access therapywithin two weeks

one weeks respite guaranteed every three months for carers

new processes for the transition to adult services of older children withlearning difficulty

consistency across the province in response to emergency calls toambulance service

encourage greater opportunities for general practitioners with specialinterests

renewed focus on serious long-term high cost illness

greater use of technology including telemedicine and access to medicalrecords

consideration of investment in telecare to seek to reduce risks, respondrapidly, assist in management of conditions, reduce unnecessary costsand delay people from having to enter a nursing or residential home

promote self management programmes for those with chronicconditions empowering patients to deal with the long-term nature oftheir illness

pilot self-referral for physiotherapy to improve costs, outcomes andworkload

greater use of the knowledge of pharmacists to free up generalpractitioner time.Currently family doctors can spend five hours per weekon repeat prescriptions.Pharmacists could play a greater role with repeatprescriptions and initiating some prescriptions such as basic creams forexample

a more responsive accessible medicines management service to helpcut wastage- 1.5 billion is lost each year on account of patients failingto inform practitioners of difficulties taking particular medications

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prescribing new drug treatments for hypertension, advanced breastcancer and dementia.

The NHS continues to serve us incredibly well after more than six decades.It comprises some of the most dedicated and highly-skilled staff. It can beempowered to do even better though.There are still inefficiencies.Ourhealth service is more expensive than countries in Europe, yet on manymeasures not as effective.Staff are persistently working at maximumcapacity often with staff shortages and at risk of burnout.Access to newtechnologies can be restricted and care is not uniform.

It is increasingly difficult to meet consumer expectations as costs ofproviding services rise.Efforts at reform have followed a managerial,bureaucratic approach rather than bottom up innovation.The NHS must befreed to fulfil its true potential.

Not everyone reports having a good experience.Individuals who fall intothis category should be provided genuine choice and permitted to opt out.Currently those from poorer backgrounds have no choice.Only those whocan pay have the opportunity to look elsewhere.

The DUP wants to address that inequity and will explore means, such as apersonal rebate, which would permit those on low incomes to have thesame opportunity as the better off to seek alternative treatment fromanother Trust or provider if dissatisfied.

The NHS currently uses independent contractors extensively to reducesurgical waiting lists for example.However, any DUP proposals wouldguarantee full preservation of the founding principles of the NHS includinguniversal access to publicly funded health care and redistribution ofresources to assist the less well-off.

The DUP wants to release the NHS from the top down approach to fundingand management.We support power being shifted away from theSecretary of State, Ministers and officials into the hands of patients.

The DUP also advocates:

an action plan to improve maternity provision across Northern Ireland

investigation into impact challenging central targets for initial outpatientassessment are having on waiting times for a second appointment

establishing a unit to co-ordinate multiple hospital attendancesparticularly for older people to be minimally disruptive and tailored to therealities of daily life

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Our armed services deserve our immense gratitude.They arerenowned, and indeed sought-after, throughout the world. Ourdefence budget should be protected.The very least that weshould be doing is ensuring that they are fully equipped for battle.They deserve to have their professionalism properly remunerated andshould expect a decent quality of life when they return from duty.

Significant investment is required to upgrade living quarters for ourforces and their families.Tens of thousands of soldiers homes havefallen into disrepair after they were sold by the MoD to the privatesector in a 1.6 billion deal. A National Audit Office report found thatone third of families moving into service properties complained thattheir new homes were filthy and two in five were unhappy with thegeneral condition of the property.

Breaches of deployment rate guidelines must be avoided in order toreduce family separation and potential family breakdown.

Families who lose loved ones deserve the fullest support fromthe Government. Unfortunately we hear of situations wherecommunication with the next of kin of soldiers lost in Afghanistanhas been unsatisfactory.This must improve.

Specialist bereavement counselling should be available to first degreerelatives, and independent legal advice offered to bereaved familiesto support them through the inquest process.

An independent Advisory Committee on Military Deaths should beestablished, and extra training provided to coroners on Armed Forcesprocedures to assist in investigating operational or training deaths.

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Summary:Most up-to-date equipment for our armed forces -Upgrade living quarters - Dedicated hospital facility forBritish soldiers and veterans - Remembrance Day and Pridein Britain Day as public holidays

Armed Forces

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32

reduced number of Caesarean births

expansion of intermediate care to avoid individuals being in hospitalunnecessarily and frequent re-admissions

better access to wheelchairs

shorter stays in hospital - A recent review found 30-40% of inpatients didnot need to be in hospital and had been admitted unnecessarily or wereforced to stay too long.Similar results were obtained from a Californianstudy which suggested that looking after patients at home cost only halfas much as in an acute setting.

more day care and day hospitals

ensure emphasis on clinical considerations is uppermost with children incare in aftermath of Baby P case rather than targets

more timely access to anti-TNF therapies for rheumatoid arthritis

oppose extension of 1967 Abortion Act to Northern Ireland

more exacting targets for treatment times in Accident and EmergencyDepartments with associated extra resourcing to meet patientexpectations

faster assessment and provision of care needs

improve compliance with hygiene standards following critical RQIAreport

study into differential productivity in comparable hospitals

protections for those with autism and their families contained within theWestminster Autism Act should be translated across to Northern Ireland asa minimum baseline, and built upon in the Northern Ireland Assemblyutilising the key local knowledge available

promote simple language to enhance communication with patients andrelatives

greater delivery of end of life care in primary and community settingsrather than secondary care

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Northern Ireland is still a largely rural community.The agri-foodsector is one of our key industries and we believe that itsfuture will be vital to the development of our economy as weseek to move forward out of the current global recession.

The food and drink sector in Northern Ireland is worth almost 3billion per annum to the economy. In the current economic climate itis one of the few sectors to exhibit significant growth. Last yearoutput from the agri-food sector grew by more than 10% employingthousands of people in both primary production and food processing.

The Democratic Unionist Party believes that rural communities faceparticular issues and through devolution we have brought forward avastly improved rural planning policy which has been hugelysignificant for rural communities right across Northern Ireland. OurMembers on the Stormont Agriculture Committee have beeneffective on issues such as TB, forestry and dioxins.

At Westminster our Members of Parliament have been pressing theGovernment to assist the local industry. We successfully secured areassurance from Government that they had no plans to changeAgricultural Property Relief on conacre land. At a European level wehave been lobbying the European Commission to ensure that thereform of the Common Agricultural Policy does not adversely affectlocal farmers.

The DUP is fully committed to ensuring that rural communities arevibrant and sustainable and that our agricultural industry continuesto be the backbone of our countryside.

6 I AGRI-FOOD

Summary:Maximize funding for NI from CAP - Continue single farmpayments - Country of origin labelling - Continue ban on Brazilianbeef - Eradication policy against TB and Brucellosis - Facility todeal with NI poultry litter - Effective local fisheries strategy

Agri-Food

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It is important to ensure the NHS priority treatment system isfunctioning appropriately for veterans injured in service. Considerationshould be given to establishing a dedicated hospital facility for Britishsoldiers and veterans where they would be surrounded by fellowveterans with a better understanding of their condition and path torecovery.

All ex-service personnel should be given comprehensive advice aboutmental health conditions and information on where assistance can beaccessed promptly. More effective prevention and early interventionmeasures must be introduced to tackle mental health conditions anddrug and alcohol abuse.

Funding should be identified for research into the impact of duty ofcare breaches on veterans suffering long-term health consequencesfrom the Gulf War and nuclear testing.

The DUP supports a specific Government Minster being designated asMinister for Veterans.

The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme should be kept undercontinual independent review.We must seek to prevent povertyamongst veterans and their widows.War Pension payments should notbe taken into account when means testing for benefits.

Pressure should be exerted on mobile phone companies who continue tocharge members of our armed forces away in conflict, despite thembeing prohibited from bringing their phones with them into a war zone.

The DUP has wholeheartedly supported Armed Forces Day and seniormembers have been prominent in efforts to assist the Help the Heroescampaign.We understand that discussions have taken place withinGovernment about increasing the number of annual public holidays inthe UK.The DUP would propose Remembrance Day as a prime date forconsideration.We also support the idea of a Pride in Britain publicholiday.

We must make it easier for members of our armed forces to have theopportunity to vote. If candidates are nominated only eleven daysbefore polling day, it does not permit sufficient time for postal ballotpapers to be printed, sent to personnel deployed overseas and returnedin time for counts. Amendments should be made to the timetables sonominations occur earlier and members of our armed forces have theopportunity to participate fully in the democratic process.

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CLEAR LABELLINGThe DUP believes that consumers should be allowed to make the mostinformed choice possible when deciding what food they eat.This shouldinclude food sold not only in the retail sector but also within therestaurant and catering industry which increasingly accounts for moreof the overall food sold.

Over the last two years, the Stormont Government has beingencouraging local processors to export food products outside NorthernIreland to GB, Europe and onto the global stage. This drive for increasedexports was significantly enhanced by the weakening of the value ofthe sterling currency compared to the Euro. The DUP supports clearlabelling of country of origin for food. Local farmers should also have alevel playing field and not have to compete with imports produced atmuch lower welfare and production standards. The DUP will continue tolobby for the ban on Brazilian beef being retained until it meetsstandards expected of producers farming within Northern Ireland.

TACKLING ANIMAL DISEASEThe problems of bovine TB and Brucellosis are not simply measured interms of the impact they have on agricultural production but in the veryreal costs placed upon the public purse in tackling these diseases.

The Northern Ireland Audit Office report on the control of Bovine TB inNorthern Ireland has found that a total of 199 million was spent ondisease control over the ten years to March 2006.This spending hascoincided with a change of policy within DARD from one which existedfrom 1964 of aiming to eradicate the disease to that from the mid-1990s of simply controlling TB infection in the province.

We believe a new approach must be taken, not just to tackle, buteradicate both Bovine TB and Brucellosis.There are clear lessons to belearned from the strategy adopted by the Welsh Assembly Governmentthrough a policy of:Find It, Deal with the source of infection, Stamp itout, and Stop it from coming back.

We cannot continue spending tens of millions of pounds of publicmoney tackling only part of the problem. A holistic approach isnecessary which can deal with the problem quickly and tackle allsources of infection.

RURAL ENVIRONMENTThe farming community, together with assistance from the NorthernIreland Executive, has spent millions of pounds to ensure that the localindustry meets more stringent regulations coming from Europe. The

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The Common Agricultural Policy underpins primary production withinNorthern Ireland. Without a continuation of funding coming intoNorthern Ireland through the CAP, farmers could not afford to producethe raw material for the food processing sector or maintain and protectour rural landscape. The DUP will lobby and make sure decisions at alllevels of government-Stormont,Westminster and Europe - are in thebest interests of Northern Ireland. The DUP has concerns over thestance that both the Conservatives and Labour Party have taken overreforming the Common Agricultural Policy. The incoming Governmentat Westminster will be responsible for making key decisions regardingthe shape of the CAP post 2013.

The DUP supports:

Maximising the level of funding coming to Northern Ireland fromEurope via the CAP

Continuing to support farmers directly through single farm payments

Regional flexibility within the UK on deciding how payments will bemade to farmers

Minimise top-slicing of farmers payments to fund wider ruraldevelopment programmes or budget shortfalls

Introduction of measures to prevent extreme price volatility for theagri-food sector as it is more exposed to world markets.

Sufficient time to allow both farmers and processors to adapt tomarket liberalisation

Level playing field for all farmers across Europe

Amount of bureaucracy connected to the CAP being kept to aminimum.

FOOD SECURITYWith an increasing world population, more land being used to growenergy crops and more extreme weather patterns globally, we cannotrely on other regions of the world to supply the food required for theUK. The DUP believes that the UK Government should place greateremphasis on food security and less reliance on the importation of foodfrom other regions of the world. Food security needs to be further upthe political agenda in Europe when discussions are taking placeregarding the future of agricultural policy.

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The DUP was determined to address the disgraceful legacy of thelast number of decades when the needs of victims wereoverlooked or ignored. From the establishment of devolvedgovernment the DUP set about implementing fundamental reform ofthe sector introducing a new ten year strategy, establishing the VictimsCommission and the Forum and working towards a new delivery servicetailored to meet individual, family and group needs.

The DUP through the Department of Finance and Personnel more thandoubled the funding available to victims in this three year budgetperiod meaning far more money than ever to address the needs ofvictims with 15 million being made available next year. This allocationhas led to an increase in funding in every area of victim support. All corefunded groups have had budget increases and we have doubledfunding to schemes for individual victims and their families through theNorthern Ireland Memorial Fund supporting carers, short breaks andhardship grants. Since devolution hardship grants have been deliveredto those victims registered with the Memorial Fund every Christmas.

Over the course of this year alone 500 projects were funded through theDevelopment Grant Scheme. Amongst the hundreds of projects wereopportunities for training, support for older people and youth,counselling and befriending. The new Equipment Scheme has providedalmost 500,000 for computers, tables, chairs, kitchens and other basicneeds to 72 groups supporting victims.

Our Private Members Bill on changing the direct rule definition of avictim is ongoing and moving steadily through the legislative process.The consultation overwhelmingly supported the need for change.

The new Victims Service will place a greater emphasis on individualassessment and tailored packages. Groups will be supported to meetthe identified needs of victims and their families. Following significantchange this is a new era for victims - they are finally being given therecognition they deserve.

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DUP supports in principle the development of a single site to deal withpoultry litter in Northern Ireland.

The DUP believes that efforts to cut carbon and other greenhouse gasemissions in Northern Ireland will present both threats andopportunities for agriculture. We support experimental research beingcarried out to benchmark emissions from farming systems in NorthernIreland and develop new methods in agriculture to minimise emissionsand promote the Northern Ireland food industry.

The DUP believes that much of the waste produced both in agricultureand the food processing sector can be used to support the productionof renewable energy. The DUP supports a 40% target for the amountof energy produced from renewable sources. The DUP believes thatfarmers should be assisted in helping Government meet its ambitiousrenewable energy target, mindful that it must not significantlyincrease the cost of electricity to business or domestic users.

FISHERIESNorthern Ireland's fishing industry employs nearly 1,500 people andannually contributes 100 million to the local economy from arenewable resource. Fisheries policy is dictated from Europe. Thecommand and control approach pursued by the European Commissionhas by their own admission failed Northern Ireland's fishing industryboth at sea and on shore. While our fishermen and other industryworkers often feel abandoned, the DUP will not desert them.

DUP representatives at Stormont,Westminster and the EuropeanParliament will continue to support and lobby for:

The decentralisation of EU Fisheries Policy.

Direct involvement in local and regional fisheries management by ourfishermen.

A fundamental review of fish stock assessments in the Irish Sea.

The delivery of a meaningful restructuring package for the entireindustry, including a fishing vessel decommissioning scheme.

The promotion of an economically and environmentally sustainablefishing industry and aquaculture sector.

Inclusion of the industry at the heart of discussions on any futureNorthern Ireland Marine Bill.

Victims

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Northern Ireland has the largest community and voluntarysector relative to all other regions of the UK.This sectorprovides support right in the heart of communities workinghand in hand with statutory agencies and Government to delivervital services and facilities to those who need them most.

Many of these critical services could not be delivered without thecommunity groups, workers and volunteers who give their experienceand hard graft to produce valuable impacts not only directly to theindividuals and families they help, but also to the wider community.

The sector has experienced significant growth over the last decadeand it is critical that in an inevitable period of restricted publicspending we do not lose the experience, standards and good practicethat has been developed and the services to the community. Movingforward it will be essential to work closely and collaborate on acommunity-wide basis to ensure continuation and sustainability.Thiswill inevitably mean changes in working practices and existingprovision to prevent inter-community competitiveness developing tothe detriment of the community we serve.Working together is thebest way to ensure the existence of these critical services over thenext number of years.

The DUP wants to continue to work closely with the sector.Theinvaluable role groups play must be protected and, where possible,

CommunityandVoluntary Sector

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SECTOR

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Summary:Third sector to deliver more services - Increased collaborationbetween Government and faith sector - Audit of contributionof NI faith community - Non-lottery funding service projectsto mark Year of Volunteering

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Unfortunately there are still significant parts of our provinceblighted by poverty and deprivation. In some of these areas,those from both sides of the community divide feel they haveexperienced little benefit from the peace process.The DUP is particularlyconcerned about the often overlooked deprivation within Ulster'sProtestant Unionist and Loyalist communities.The long held myth thatpoverty was most prevalent within nationalist and republican areaswhilst unionist parts of the province were all affluent has been dispelled.

As loyalist communities come out of conflict and through transformation,it is critical that positive steps forward are underpinned by thedevelopment of these communities. Strong, vibrant PUL communitieswill give their people a real sense of hope and present opportunities forthese areas which are disadvantaged today to thrive tomorrow.

The DUP reaffirms our commitment to tackle child poverty and wants tosee the development of comprehensive strategies aimed at lifting ourdeprived communities out of poverty and creating genuine opportunitiesfor people of all ages. We know this will not be easy but we support thecreation of interventions to concentrate on:

addressing head-on inequalities in health, education, housing,financial awareness and skills

engender a greater sense of community encourage social economy enterprises establish suitable and sustainable funding streams overcome funding imbalances value the work of faith based organisations obtain non-public sector assistance and expertise understand the importance of community leadership utilise existing infrastructure and develop new infrastructure grow community capacity repair the unravelled fabric of our society improve the appearance of local environments.

The DUP wants to work in partnership with local people to improve areasof disadvantage.

TacklingDisadvantage

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The Democratic Unionist Party has consistently sought to assistolder people. Concessions to pensioners from a DUP FinanceMinister under the domestic rating review are assisting manyof those on low and fixed incomes.The lone pensioner allowance ishaving a dramatic impact on a significant number of pensionersrate bills, keeping nearly 7 million in the pockets of 25,000 peopleaged 70 and above.

Todays state pension is too low to bring pensioners above thepoverty line without significant supplementation through privatemeans.We believe an increased basic state pension, ideally linkedwith earnings, should be introduced with immediate effect.

Pensioner poverty is 5% higher in Northern Ireland than the restof the United Kingdom. Increases in the prices of food, gas, oil andelectricity have also impacted on older people.We support asubstantial increase in the Winter Fuel Payment to reflect highenergy prices.

Pension payments fail to take into account the extra costs incurredas a result of having a disability. It is unacceptable that those with adisability are disadvantaged when they become pensioners.

Applications for benefits such as pension credit for example shouldbe much less stressful.The DUP supports a single telephone numberbeing available to dealing with all benefit enquiries and applications.

Valuing OlderPeople

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Summary:Increased basic state pension, linked to earnings - Full or substantialproportion of personal care from public purse - Individual care plans- One week respite guaranteed every three months - Winter FuelPayment increased and extended to cancer sufferers

9 I COMMUNITY& VOLUNTARYSECTOR

42

enhanced. As funding opportunities become more restricted we wantto provide help and guidance where and when needed.

The DUP supports the development of a meaningful and constructiveconcordat between the Government and the third sector in NorthernIreland that not only recognises the value of the sector but alsoidentifies how this important relationship can be enhanced.The DUPis concerned that uncertainty about funding streams for voluntaryand community groups can undermine the good work going onacross Northern Ireland. Our experience tells us that certainty offunding can be as important as the quantity, and we want to seefunding decisions taken at the earliest opportunity and for funding tobe committed for longer periods.

With 2011 being European Year for Volunteering, this should be usedto recognise the vital contribution volunteering makes to communitylife.The DUP advocates public sector employees being granted a dayor days from work next year to participate in a service project.

FAITH GROUPS Faith groups play a key role in hard to reach communities oftenwhere statutory services prove ineffective. A small local individualisedservice is often preferable to that of a large organisation considereddistant and impersonal.

The DUP is keen to see increased collaboration between Governmentand the faith sector.We have brought a motion to the floor of theAssembly and continue to press for an audit of the contribution of thefaith community to be carried out in Northern Ireland.The DUP iskeen to find means of providing funding to organisations which areopposed to applying for lottery funding.

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enhance services for older people to ensure that these services areintegrated, person-centred and well-staffed; that the dignity of theindividual is promoted; that information is communicated effectively topatients and relatives by health professionals and that inpatientsreceive a nutritional diet.That is what people should expect from theirservices.

Two thirds of hospital beds are occupied by those over the age of 65.More intermediate care should be offered to allow patients to return totheir own homes and minimise rebound hospital admissions.

The recommendations of the Bamford Review of Mental Health shouldbe implemented. Approximately 24,000 people currently suffer dementiain Northern Ireland, and this figure is expected to climb to 50,000 by2051. Health and social care costs for dementia of 200 million willdouble within twenty years.We need to be well-equipped to treat andsupport these individuals. A comprehensive dementia strategy forNorthern Ireland is required.

Information is crucial for older people about their medical condition andprognosis. Details should be reinforced regularly using different meansincluding leaflets. Care must be taken to ensure family members are alsofully informed where appropriate.

The World Health Organisation recognizes that palliative careincorporates physical, psychological and spiritual needs and it isimportant that all elements are properly resourced.Three quarters ofpeople indicate that they would prefer to die at home, and this must berespected as services are commissioned.Those in receipt of such careshould be informed about benefits available to them and given soundadvice around finance and other personal matters as they plan for theend of their life.

66% of people have identified fear of crime as being the main problemfacing older people today. It is essential that older people feel safe andsecure in their homes. Crimes against older people and the fear of crimethey experience must be reduced. Fear of crime also has implications forthe psychological and emotional wellbeing of our older population. Astrong integrated community safety strategy is necessary for olderpeople.

Free transport has been provided by the Northern Ireland Government tothose aged sixty and above, those registered blind and war disabledpensioners. Also those in receipt of the mobility component of DisabilityLiving Allowance or who have had a driving licence refused or revokedon medical grounds have only to pay half fares.

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70% of those aged 65 plus identified keeping warm in winter as thebiggest problem they face. 34% of Northern Ireland households areconsidered to be in fuel poverty compared with 11.5% in England.The DUP is rightly proud of having introduced the Warm HomesScheme in 2001 and welcomes the fact that it has helped over 70,000households in Northern Ireland to obtain insulation and heatingassistance.We advocate a more flexible approach to the Scheme sothose with oil or gas boilers can receive repairs or upgrades.

The current funding of care is extremely complex and poorlyunderstood by the public. It must be simplified and made moreequitable.The DUP is committed to the provision of universal freepersonal care.

However if Ministers from other parties continue to resist this, webelieve doing nothing is unsustainable and that consideration shouldbe given to measures including examining the system whichoperates in Japan where a substantial fixed proportion of domiciliaryor care home costs is supplied through the public purse with theremaining small set percentage being made up by the individual.

We believe homeowners should be protected from having to selltheir houses and move into residential care to afford high care costs.It is essential that no individual requiring care has to wait longer thanabsolutely necessary for a care package to be put in place. Eachindividual should have an individual care plan.

One in eight people over the age of sixty years is a carer, of which onein three carry out more than fifty hours caring per week.We believethat the restriction preventing those receiving a pension fromobtaining Carers Allowance should be re-examined.The Allowancecurrently offers considerably less than the minimum wage. Carersmake a massive contribution to Northern Ireland society. It isestimated that they save the Northern Ireland Government over 3.2billion annually, equivalent almost to the total NHS spend in theprovince. Much of their efforts are taken for granted with a lack offinancial, emotional and physical support.

Many carers are unaware of their entitlement to an assessment oftheir needs. Authorities are supposed to notify all carers of their rightto such an assessment.The lack of respite care is a major problem formany families.We believe carers should be guaranteed at least oneweeks respite every quarter.

The Democratic Unionist Party tabled and secured support last yearfor an Assembly motion calling for the Minister to:reconfigure and

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With the availability of fossil fuels in decline and prices volatile,addressing our energy needs for the future is increasinglyimportant.With Northern Ireland at the end of the pipeline and almost totallydependent on imported fuels, the urgency of improving our energysituation not just for consumers but also to improve businesscompetitiveness is more acute here.Yet, Northern Ireland hastremendous, virtually untapped energy potential especially inrenewables.

Over recent months the DUP has encouraged the development of therenewable sector by changing planning laws and increasing support forrenewable technologies and the value of Renewable ObligationCertificates.

Under the Ministerial leadership of the DUP in the Department ofEnterprise,Trade and Investment, Northern Ireland is developing a longterm energy strategy.

The DUP supports:

Developing a low carbon, secure energy mix

Greater interconnection between Northern Ireland, Great Britain,Republic of Ireland and Europe to underpin the security of supply

Capitalising on our inherent renewables potential through harnessingwind, tidal, energy from waste and geothermal energy sources

Enhancing our grid infrastructure to allow for the developmentof renewables

Establishing Northern Ireland as a global centre for the developmentof renewables and smart grid technology

Extending the natural gas network

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The Rural Community Networks Ageing and Rural Poverty report foundthat 71% of older people regarded access to public transport as a keydisadvantage facing older people living in rural communities.The RuralDevelopment Council discovered that only one in five rural households iswithin 13 minutes of a bus stop.

A SmartPass is not relevant for community transport and more needs tobe done to improve the access of older people in isolated rural areas topublic transportation.The DUP supports greater investment and moreinnovative, flexible approaches to the delivery of services to meet thetravel and social needs of those older people who are most isolated.Adequate, affordable and appropriate transport should be available to allolder people to help prevent isolation and ensure they can participatefully in society.We support the promotion of programmes to maintainthe skills and confidence of older drivers.

It is important that we properly recognize the significant contributionolder people make to society.They have acquired considerable and variedknowledge, experience and skills through their life experience. Initiativessuch as PRIME (Princes Initiative for Mature Enterprise) which helppeople over the age of fifty set up in business for themselves should beencouraged.

The Northern Ireland Government has carried forward plans to appointan Older Persons Commissioner. Public consultation ended in Januaryand in the interim period an Older Persons Advocate has been in place.

3% of older people have been found to suffer elder abuse in NorthernIreland but this is undoubtedly an underestimate since those withdementia or living in a care home were not included in the study. Morerobust evidence on abuse is needed and the case for legislation toprotect vulnerable older people from abuse should be examined.

Post offices remain a lifeline for older people particularly in rural areas. Itis important that our network of post offices is retained. Situating otherservices in post offices can contribute to them surviving as sustainablecommunity hubs.

Older people can be refused insurance, access to financial services andeven medical treatment. Denial of access to medical screening ortreatment will lead to their condition deteriorating and ultimately higherhealth costs. In Scotland the See the Person not the Age campaign haspromoted the positive aspects of ageing.We want to see older peoplereceive the protection they deserve and having the opportunity to play afull and active role in the community in Northern Ireland.

Energy

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In recent times, housing issues have rarely been out of the headlines.Stories about record house prices were quickly followed by others onthe impact of the bursting of the property bubble.Owning or renting a safe, secure and high standard home is such afundamental matter for most people that it requires ever-improvingGovernment policies to ensure, in so far as is possible, stability in allhousing sectors.

Attaining the dream of having a home of your own has becomeincreasingly difficult for many on account of factors such as the lack ofavailable mortgage finance or the low supply of social housing with awaiting list of nearly 40,000.

The construction sector is also a key element of the Northern Irelandeconomy and while no one wants to see the return of an artificialproperty bubble, the sector needs an urgent boost.

The DUP supports:

Seeking more sustainable sources for financing and delivering socialhousing including private equity finance, stock transfer and block leasing

Examining the scope for breaking up the Northern Ireland HousingExecutive into a strategic housing authority, and a body withresponsibility for the landlord and possibly a development function - thiscould allow the estimated 3 billion of assets held by NIHE to be used tofinance new build, repairs, maintenance and other importantprogrammes like Supporting People.

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Summary:Examine breaking up NI Housing Executive - More flexibleWarm Homes Scheme - Single telephone point of contact forenergy efficiency and fuel poverty advice - Reform CommonHousing Selection Scheme

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Northern Irelands fuel poverty problems are well documented.With about half of households suffering from the effects of fuelpoverty, Northern Ireland has the worst levels in the whole of theUnited Kingdom.

The effects of fuel poverty are far reaching, impacting on all aspects of ahouseholds well-being including health and educational achievement.Last winter saw the number of older people in Northern Ireland dyingfrom the cold climb again, the highest increase in almost a decade.

Erratic energy costs and low incomes are major contributing factors tofuel poverty which tends to afflict vulnerable groups such as pensionersand single parents most. Around half of people in fuel poverty are agedover 60 and over 40% of households in fuel poverty have children.

The recognised poor level of energy efficiency in homes is a key area ofconcern. Despite the success of many policy interventions such as theWarm Homes Scheme, there is still significant scope for improving theenergy efficiency of homes in all tenure types in Northern Ireland.

The DUP supports:

Establishing one single telephone point of contact for all energyefficiency and fuel poverty advice

The adoption and development of an Energy Assistance Packageapproach to maximise the number of people in Northern Ireland whowould receive good energy efficiency advice and assistance

More flexibility in the Warm Homes Scheme to allow for repairs andupgrades of existing broken or inefficient oil and gas heating systems

The introduction of a Boiler Scrappage Scheme for Northern Ireland

Extension of the gas network throughout Northern Ireland

13 I ENERGY EFFICIENCY

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EnergyEfficiencyand Fuel Poverty

12 I HOUSING

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Enhancing the powers of housing associations to allow them to play agreater role in developing, for example, mixed tenure housingdevelopments

Increased focus on the housing needs of the vulnerable including theelderly and disabled, ensuring processes are more sympathetic to theirparticular needs

Looking at the scope for reforming the current Common HousingSelection Scheme

Continue to encourage financial institutions to keep lending especiallyto first time buyers

The introduction of a light touch, mandatory registration scheme forprivate landlords

Keeping a balance between investment in social housing new build andthe maintenance of existing stock

Well-resourced private sector grants scheme

Reduction in level of VAT payable on repairs and maintenance ofproperties

Greater assistance for first time buyers including increased support forCo-Ownership scheme

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We aim to secure 40% of electricity consumption fromrenewable sources by 2020.This has been assisted byincreasing the number of Renewable Obligation Certificates forsmall scale renewable energy generation and making changes to theplanning laws associated with renewable energy.Over the next decadesignificant investment is required in the electricity grid to meet this veryambitious target.The DUP believes that renewable heat isunderdeveloped and we are examining means to support thedevelopment of this sector.

We must make our contribution to upholding international agreementsto cut carbon emissions.We will work to improve air quality, reduce ourcarbon footprint and decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 25% below1990 levels by 2025.Northern Ireland's public sector organisationsaccount for over 5% of the province's total energy use.We support effortsto reduce the carbon footprint of the Government estate.

Over the last 5 years considerable investment has taken place onfarms to ensure that Northern Ireland meets the nitrates and groundwater directive coming from Europe.The DUP supports further researchto develop farming techniques that reduce the carbon footprint andmethane output from the Northern Ireland livestock sector.The DUP areexploring ways to support anaerobic digestion on farms in NorthernIreland.

The DUP supports biodiversity protection and wishes to prevent speciesdecline and habitat destruction.We are keen to see recent loss of wildlifearrested by 2020 and support the retention and restoration of nativeforests and peatlands.The DUP is keen to facilitate the expansion ofallotment provision.

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Summary:More renewable energy - Develop renewable heat sector - Achievegreenhouse gas emission reduction obligations - Prevent speciesdecline and habitat destruction - More allotment provision

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Environment

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Culture is an essential part of the mix that affirms who we are. Thepreservation, development and promotion of our rich culture bothwithin Northern Ireland as a region within the United Kingdomand nationally across the United Kingdom is the determined goal of theDemocratic Unionist Party.

The DUP has worked to promote and develop the roles of the LoyalOrders, marching bands and Ulster-Scots heritage.The DUP has ensured:

there will be no Irish Language Act,

a new start and new structure for resolving parades, a timetable forcompletion of new parades legislation, and that the ParadesCommission will be gone by the end of the year,

de-Rating of Orange Halls,

new compensation arrangements for attacked halls,

Stormont providing greater funding for the Twelfth and other Orangeactivities,

reform of the Community Festivals Fund with money being taken fromrepublican festivals and redirected to Orange events,

secured 1million benefiting 40 Orange Halls,

funding to purchase instruments for marching bands,

funding for musical tuition,

recognition of marching bands as Northern Irelands largest provider ofcommunity arts

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Summary:Assist Loyal Orders, bands and Ulster-Scots new start forparades bands strategy developing Britishness feasibility study into NI National Library

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15 I CULTURE

Culture

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The DUP believes that Northern Ireland should be properly recognised inthe National Libraries network.We advocate the Department of Culture,Media and Sport in co-operation with our local Department of Culture,Arts and Leisure and the existing network of five national libraries toundertake a feasibility study into establishing a sixth National Library, inNorthern Ireland.

The future development of new media will play a key role in thedevelopment of culture in its various manifestations. The DUP wishes tosee Northern Ireland at the forefront of these new developmentsbuilding on the IT base that has developed as well as harnessing thetalent of our young people.

The DUP will seek to end Northern Irelands exclusion from the CreativeMedia Funds made available by the Department of Culture Media andSport to England, Scotland and Wales.

The DUP is unconvinced of the merits of devolving broadcasting policy toany part of the United Kingdom, so will oppose measures to devolvebroadcasting policy to Stormont.

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Stormont working with Bands Forum to develop strategy for futuredevelopment including areas such as support, raising standards, linkingwith schools and accessing media,

reform of Ulster-Scots Agency to aid delivery to grassroots communityprojects,

additional 1million to Ulster-Scots Agency,

working for equality between Irish and Ulster-Scots culture.

This work will continue in the months ahead.Past problems aroundparading must be overcome if Northern Ireland is truly to move forward.Opposition to parades was used as a political tool and those responsiblecannot now abdicate themselves.We believe the Parades Commissionactually increased the problems surrounding parades rather than helpingto provide a solution, and therefore we set it as a negotiating target tohave the Commission abolished.

We want to see a new start on parades with a new framework.Paradesare a vital part of the cultural life of Northern Ireland and we believe theyshould be one of our greatest tourist assets.

The DUP proposes the establishment of a body to encourage discussionand debate around the diversity and development of the British identitypast, present and future.This work could be supplemented by agrassroots interaction programme to forge practical, cultural, social andeconomic linkages at community level by fostering and entrenchinglinkages across the United Kingdom between educational bodies, youthand community groups, local authorities, media and public bodies.

This would address the imbalance in Northern Ireland in wide-rangingand dedicated support being available for cross-border activities but alack of support for cross-channel linkages.

Furthermore the DUP wishes to see all parts of the United Kingdom haveproper access to the cultural wealth of the nation.Too much of ourcultural wealth is held permanently in museums in London, and often inits storerooms rather than on display.Likewise the collections held inScotland,Wales and Northern Ireland too rarely leave.The DUP advocatesa programme of touring exhibitions and exchanges across the UK.

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Northern Ireland receives in excess of 3 billion annually insocial security benefits. This assistance helps thousands ofpeople to deal with difficulties in their lives whether as a resultof unemployment, disability or illness.

The DUP wants to see our social security system reformed further sothat people who are able to work can get back into employment, andour societys most vulnerable are assisted.The DUP is particularlysupportive of enhancing the entitlements received by older peopleand those suffering from long term illnesses.

The DUP wants to see:

An increase in the basic state pension

A rise in the Winter Fuel Payment

The extension of the Winter Fuel Payment to cancer patients

The mainstreaming of hospital based benefit advice services forthose with long term illness

Greater recognition of the contribution of carers

Recognition of the needs of those with autism when applying forbenefits

Continued improvements to the efficiency of benefit processing

Increased investment in benefit awareness and uptake campaigns

Simplification of benefit application forms

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16 I SOCIAL SECURITY

Social Security

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Policing and justice are areas where prevention and earlyintervention are crucially important.The devolution of policingand justice on 12th April restored powers, the removal of whichcaused unionists to collapse Stormont back in 1972.They have alwaysbeen considered essential by Unionists for any Northern Irelandlegislature.

Aside from the important symbolism, local control providesopportunities to improve services for the community.The financialsettlement secured means hundreds of millions of pounds extra toensure frontline policing is properly resourced and that any emergencycosts will be met from the mainland. Specifically it has meant thepreservation of an extra 1,200 officers.

A local Minister will now be responsible to local voters for decisions, andscrutiny will be enhanced through a new Assembly committee.We havethe opportunity to develop a new sentencing framework for theprovince, and can create offences tailored to Northern Irelandsparticular circumstances. Local powers will allow us to adapt ourcriminal law more quickly rather than lagging behind England andWales.We will be able to set our funding priorities for the criminaljustice system.

The DUP is committed to ensuring that members of the public receive afirst class policing service from the PSNI.The independence of the policeand judiciary is essential.The DUP is determined to see both crime and

Summary:More neighbourhood police officers visible New NIsentencing framework - Reduce legal aid bill More fixedpenalties for ASB Fewer prisoners on remand Supportextended pre-charge detention

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CrimeandPolicing

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counsels appear more frequently in Northern Ireland than Englandand Wales.

The delays in the criminal justice system and the high number ofprisoners on remand must be addressed. Northern Ireland current