States Meeting Transcript - 19th March 2024

STATES OF JERSEY OFFICIAL REPORT TUESDAY, 19th MARCH 2024

COMMUNICATIONS BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER ........................................ 8

1. Appointment of a member of the Privileges and Procedures Committee who is a member of the Scrutiny Liaison Committee .............................................. 8

1.1 Connétable K. Shenton-Stone of St. Martin (Chair, Privileges and Procedures Committee): ................................................................................ 8

2. Appointment of unelected members of the Public Accounts Committee ................ 8

2.1 Deputy I. Gardiner (Chair, Public Accounts Committee): ................................ 8

3. Appointment of elected members of the Public Accounts Committee .................. 9

3.1 Deputy I. Gardiner (Chair, Public Accounts Committee): ................................ 9

QUESTIONS ......................................................................................... 9

4. Written Questions ........................................................................... 9

1. Deputy G.P. Southern of St. Helier Central of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding the Health Funding Attitudes Poll (WQ.49/2024) .............................. 9
2. Deputy D.J. Warr of St. Helier South of the Minister for the Environment regarding empty heritage properties (WQ.50/2024) ........................................................ 10
3. Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity of the Chief Minister regarding percentage carbon reduction by 2030 (WQ.51/2024) .................................... 11
4. Deputy J. Renouf of St. Brelade of the Minister of the Environment regarding hospital and ambulance services (WQ.52/2024) ....................................................... 12
5. Deputy R.S. Kovacs of St. Saviour of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding the increase in cost of residential parking permits (WQ.53/2024) .................................... 12
6. Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding provisional moped licences (WQ.55/2024) ........................................................... 13
7. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of the Chief Minister regarding the Government Communications Directorate (WQ.56/2024) ............................................. 14
8. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of the Chief Minister regarding the Cabinet Office (WQ.57/2024) ..................................................................... 15
9. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet of St. Saviour of the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning regarding the Personal, Social, Health and Economic education curriculum (WQ.59/2024) ............................................................................ 17
10. Deputy D.J. Warr of St. Helier South of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding on the fire service and ambulance headquarters (WQ.60/2024) ................................. 18
11. Deputy B.B. De S.V.M. Porée of St. Helier South of the Minister for Justice and Home

Affairs regarding work permits (WQ.61/2024) .......................................... 19

12. Deputy D.J. Warr of St. Helier South of the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning regarding primary schools on the Island (WQ.62/2024) ................................. 19

13. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of the Chair of the States Employment Board regarding the number of staff in each Ministerial Department (WQ.63/2024) .......... 20
14. Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South of the Minister for Social Security regarding reimbursement of General Practitioners (WQ.64/2024) .................................. 22
15. Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South of the Attorney General regarding the synthetic cannabinoid 5F-MDMB-PICA (WQ.65/2024) ........................................... 23
16. Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding new psychoactive substances and the Misue of Drugs (Jersey) Law 1978 (WQ.66/2024) ............................................................................ 24
17. Deputy D.J. Warr of St. Helier South of the Minister for the Environment regarding a Town Masterplan (WQ.67/2024) ......................................................... 24
18. Deputy K.M. Wilson of St. Clement of the Chair of the States Employment Board regarding the agreement with teachers (WQ.68/2024) ................................... 24
19. Deputy K.M. Wilson of St. Clement of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding the recent IT outage in the Health and Community Services Department (WQ.69/2024) ............................................................................ 25
20. Deputy D.J. Warr of St. Helier South of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding South Hill gardens (WQ.70/2024) .............................................................. 25
21. Deputy D.J. Warr of St. Helier South of the Minister for Treasury and Resources regarding Andium properties and the review of flooring provision (WQ.71/2024) ...... 26
22. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of the Minister for the Environment regarding Offshore Wind (WQ.73/2024) ............................................................ 27
23. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of the Minister for Sustainable Economic Development regarding a tunnel between Jersey and France (WQ.74/2024) ............ 28
24. Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding the Assisted Reproduction Unit (WQ.75/2024).............................................. 28
25. Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding Island Energy (WQ.76/2024) .................................................. 29
26. Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St Lawrence and Trinity of the Minister for Children and Families regarding children in the Minister's care (WQ.77/2024) ....................... 30
27. Deputy I. Gardiner of St. Helier North of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding the Infected Blood Inquiry in the UK (WQ.78/2024) ......................... 31
28. Deputy C.D . Curtis of St. Helier Central of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding the re-use centre (WQ.79/2024).............................................................. 31
29. Deputy I. Gardiner of St. Helier North of the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning regarding finding for Highlands College (WQ.79/2024) ...................... 32
30. Deputy I. Gardiner of St. Helier North of the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs regarding temporary work permits (WQ.81/2024) ....................................... 33
31. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet of the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs regarding domestic abuse (WQ.82/2024) ...................................................................... 43
32. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet of the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning regarding prevention of domestic abuse (WQ.83/2024) ............................................ 44

5. Oral Questions ............................................................................. 45

1. Deputy G.P. Southern of St. Helier Central of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding the use of Kaftrio to treat cystic fibrosis patients (OQ.44/2024) .. 45

Deputy T. Binet of St. Saviour (The Minister for Health and Social Services): ................ 45

1. Deputy G.P. Southern : .................................................................... 45
2. Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South : .................................................. 45
3. Deputy G.P. Southern : .................................................................... 45

2. Connétable D.W. Mezbourian of St. Lawrence of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding services provided at Sandybrook Nursing Home (OQ.40/2024) .. 46

Deputy T. Binet (The Minister for Health and Social Services): ............................... 46

1. The Connétable of St. Lawrence :......................................................... 46
2. Deputy G.P. Southern : .................................................................... 46
3. The Connétable of St. Lawrence :......................................................... 46

3. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St Helier North of the Chair of the Privileges and Procedures Committee regarding the Commissioner for Standards (OQ.41/2024) .. 46

The Connétable of St. Martin (Chair, Privileges and Procedures Department): ................ 47 5.3.1 Deputy M.B. Andrews : ................................................................... 47

4. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet of St. Saviour of the Chief Minister regarding actions to address economic abuse in the Island (OQ.49/2024) .................................... 47

Deputy L.J. Farnham of St. Mary , St. Ouen and St. Peter (The Chief Minister): .............. 47

1. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet : .................................................................. 47
2. Deputy T.A. Coles : ....................................................................... 48
3. Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity : ............................... 48
4. Deputy H.L. Jeune : ....................................................................... 48
5. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet : .................................................................. 48

5. Deputy D.J. Warr of St. Helier South of the Minister for Housing regarding the First Steps programme (OQ.39/2024) .......................................................... 49

Deputy S.Y. Mézec of St. Helier South (The Minister for Housing): .......................... 49

1. Deputy D.J. Warr : ........................................................................ 49
2. Deputy M.B. Andrews : ................................................................... 49
3. Deputy R.S. Kovacs of St. Saviour:...................................................... 50
4. Deputy R.S. Kovacs : ...................................................................... 50
5. Deputy T.A. Coles : ....................................................................... 50
6. Deputy I. Gardiner : ....................................................................... 50
7. Deputy D.J. Warr : ........................................................................ 51

6. Deputy I. Gardiner of the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs regarding an in- committee debate on the Substance Use policy (OQ.45/2024) .......................... 51

Deputy M.R. Le Hegarat of St. Helier North (The Minister for Justice and Home Affairs): .. 51

1. Deputy H.L. Jeune : ....................................................................... 52
2. Deputy H.L. Jeune : ....................................................................... 52
3. Deputy T.A. Coles : ....................................................................... 52
4. Deputy T.A. Coles : ....................................................................... 53
5. Deputy J. Renouf : ........................................................................ 53
6. Deputy J. Renouf : ........................................................................ 54
7. Deputy I. Gardiner : ....................................................................... 54

7. Deputy H.L. Jeune of the Chief Minister regarding the publishing of gender pay gap and income ratio by Arm's Length Organisations and States-owned bodies (OQ.43/2024) ............................................................................... 54

Deputy L.J. Farnham (The Chief Minister):.................................................... 54

1. Deputy H.L. Jeune : ....................................................................... 55
2. Deputy J. Renouf : ........................................................................ 55
3. Deputy J. Renouf : ........................................................................ 55
4. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet : .................................................................. 55

5. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet : .................................................................. 56
6. Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson of St. Mary , St. Ouen and St. Peter : ......................... 56
7. Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson : ............................................................... 56
8. Deputy H.L. Jeune : ....................................................................... 56

8. Deputy J. Renouf of the Minister for the Environment regarding amendment of legislation to allow short-term holiday lets (OQ.48/2024)............................... 57

Deputy S.G. Luce of Grouville and St. Martin (The Minister for the Environment): .......... 57 5.8.1 Connétable D. Johnson of St. Mary : ...................................................... 57

9. Deputy H.L. Jeune of the Minister for the Environment regarding the development of an Energy Strategy (OQ.51/2024) ........................................................ 57

Deputy S.G. Luce (The Minister for the Environment): ........................................ 57

1. Deputy H.L. Jeune : ....................................................................... 57
2. Deputy J. Renouf : ........................................................................ 58
3. Deputy H.L. Jeune : ....................................................................... 58

10. Deputy M.B. Andrews of the Minister for Sustainable Economic Development regarding the appointment of his Assistant Ministers (OQ.42/2024) .................. 58

Deputy K.F. Morel of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity (The Minister for Sustainable

Economic Development): ................................................................ 58 5.10.1 Deputy M.B. Andrews : ................................................................ 59

11. Deputy I. Gardiner of the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning regarding updated employment terms and conditions for teaching assistants (OQ.46/2024) .... 59

Deputy R.J. Ward (The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning): ...................... 59

1. Deputy I. Gardiner : .................................................................... 59
2. Deputy K.M. Wilson of St. Clement : .................................................. 60
3. Deputy K.M. Wilson : .................................................................. 60
4. Deputy T.A. Coles :.................................................................... 60
5. Deputy J. Renouf : ...................................................................... 60
6. Deputy I. Gardiner : .................................................................... 61

12. Deputy G.P. Southern of the Minister for Treasury and Resources regarding any additional or alternative taxation considerations to meet increased demand for services in Jersey (OQ.47/2024) ........................................................... 61

Deputy E. Millar of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity (The Minister for Treasury and

Resources): ................................................................................ 61

1. Deputy G.P. Southern : ................................................................ 62
2. Deputy J. Renouf : ...................................................................... 62
3. Deputy J. Renouf : ...................................................................... 62
4. Deputy G.P. Southern : ................................................................ 63

6. Questions to Ministers without notice - The Minister for Infrastructure .............. 63

1. Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson : ............................................................... 63 Connétable A.N. Jehan of St. John (The Minister for Infrastructure):.......................... 63

1. Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson : ............................................................... 63
   2. Deputy D.J. Warr : ........................................................................ 64
   3. Deputy I. Gardiner : ....................................................................... 64

6.3.1 Deputy I. Gardiner : ....................................................................... 64

4. Deputy H.L. Jeune : ....................................................................... 65

6.4.1 Deputy H.L. Jeune : ....................................................................... 65

5. Deputy J. Renouf : ........................................................................ 65

6.5.1 Deputy J. Renouf : ........................................................................ 65

6. Deputy R.S. Kovacs : ...................................................................... 66
7. The Connétable of St. Mary : .............................................................. 66
8. Deputy K.M. Wilson : ..................................................................... 66

6.8.1 Deputy K.M. Wilson : ..................................................................... 66

9. Deputy S.M. Ahier of St. Helier North : .................................................. 67

6.9.1 Deputy S.M. Ahier : ....................................................................... 67

7. Questions to Ministers without notice - The Minister for Social Security ............. 67

1. Deputy B.B. de S.DV.M. Porée of St. Helier South : ..................................... 67 Deputy L.V. Feltham of St. Helier Central (The Minister for Social Security): ................ 67

1. Deputy B.B. de S.DV.M. Porée : .......................................................... 67
   2. Deputy D.J. Warr : ........................................................................ 68
   3. Deputy H.L. Jeune : ....................................................................... 68

7.3.1 Deputy H.L. Jeune : ....................................................................... 68

4. Deputy G.P. Southern : .................................................................... 69

7.4.1 Deputy G.P. Southern : .................................................................... 69

5. Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson : ............................................................... 69

7.5.1 Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson : ............................................................... 69

6. Deputy I. Gardiner : ....................................................................... 69

7.6.1 Deputy I. Gardiner : ....................................................................... 70

7. Deputy R.S. Kovacs : ...................................................................... 70

7.7.1 Deputy R.S. Kovacs : ...................................................................... 70

8. Deputy J. Renouf : ........................................................................ 70

7.8.1 Deputy J. Renouf : ........................................................................ 71

9. Deputy G.P. Southern : .................................................................... 71

8. Questions to Ministers without notice - The Chief Minister ............................ 71

1. Deputy T.A. Coles : ....................................................................... 71 Deputy L.J. Farnham (The Chief Minister):.................................................... 71

1. Deputy T.A. Coles : ....................................................................... 71
   2. Deputy R.S. Kovacs : ...................................................................... 71

8.2.1 Deputy R.S. Kovacs : ...................................................................... 72

3. Deputy S.M. Ahier : ....................................................................... 72
4. Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson : ............................................................... 72
5. Deputy D.J. Warr : ........................................................................ 73

8.5.1 Deputy D.J. Warr : ........................................................................ 73

6. Deputy K.M. Wilson : ..................................................................... 73

8.6.1 Deputy K.M. Wilson : ..................................................................... 74

7. Deputy A. Curtis of St. Clement : ......................................................... 74

8.7.1 Deputy A. Curtis : ......................................................................... 74

8. Deputy I. Gardiner : ....................................................................... 74

8.8.1 Deputy I. Gardiner : ....................................................................... 75

9. Deputy H.L. Jeune : ....................................................................... 75

PUBLIC BUSINESS ................................................................................ 75

9. Scrutiny Panel constitution: Minimum size (P.94/2023) ................................ 75

9.1 Deputy M.B. Andrews : ................................................................... 76

1. Deputy M.R. Scott of St. Brelade : ........................................................ 77

2. Deputy T.A. Coles : ....................................................................... 78
3. Deputy R.J. Ward :........................................................................ 78
4. Deputy I. Gardiner : ....................................................................... 79
5. The Connétable of St. Martin : ............................................................ 80
6. Connétable M.K. Jackson of St. Brelade : ................................................ 80
7. Deputy M.B. Andrews : ................................................................... 80

10. Draft Children and Civil Status (Amendments) (Jersey) Law 202- (P.104/2023). .... 83

1. Connétable R.P. Vibert of St. Peter (The Minister for Children and Families):.......... 83

1. Deputy I. Gardiner : .................................................................... 85
2. Deputy A. Howell of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity : ............................ 85
3. Deputy S.Y. Mézec : ................................................................... 85
4. Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson : ............................................................ 86
5. The Connétable of St. Brelade : ........................................................ 86
6. The Connétable of St. Martin : ......................................................... 86
7. Deputy M.R. Ferey of St. Saviour :.................................................... 87
8. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet : .............................................................. 87
9. The Connétable of St. Peter : .......................................................... 89

LUNCHEON ADJOURNMENT PROPOSED ................................................... 90 LUNCHEON ADJOURNMENT .................................................................. 91

2. The Connétable of St. Peter : .............................................................. 91
3. The Connétable of St. Peter : .............................................................. 91

11. Draft Children and Young People (Jersey) Commencement Act 202- (P.2/2024)..... 92

11.1 The Connétable of St. Peter (The Minister for Children and Families): ................. 92

1. Deputy R.J. Ward : ..................................................................... 94
2. Deputy I. Gardiner : .................................................................... 94
3. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet : .............................................................. 95
4. The Connétable of St. Peter : .......................................................... 96

12. Cash payment at Government Sports facilities (P.10/2024) - as amended part (a) (P.10/2024 Amd.)........................................................................... 97

1. Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson : ............................................................... 98

2. Cash payment at Government Sports facilities (P.10/2024) - amendment part (b) (P.10/2024 Amd.).......................................................................... 100

1. The Connétable of St. John (The Minister for Infrastructure): ...................... 100
2. Deputy E. Millar :..................................................................... 101
3. Deputy H.L. Jeune :................................................................... 102
4. Deputy R.S. Kovacs : ................................................................. 102
5. Deputy M.R. Scott :................................................................... 103
6. Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson : .......................................................... 103
7. Deputy L.V. Feltham :................................................................ 104
8. Deputy A. Curtis : .................................................................... 104
9. Deputy J. Renouf : .................................................................... 104
10. Deputy K.F. Morel : ................................................................ 105 Mr. M. Jowitt., H.M. Solicitor General: ....................................................... 105
11. Deputy I. Gardiner : ................................................................ 105
12. The Connétable of St. Lawrence : .................................................. 106
13. Deputy S.Y. Mézec : ............................................................... 106

14. The Connétable of St. John : ....................................................... 106

3. Cash Payment at Government Sports Facilities (P.10/2024) - as amended .......... 108

1. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet : ............................................................. 108
2. Deputy K.F. Morel : .................................................................. 108
3. Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson : .......................................................... 109

13. Update of Higher Education Student Funding (P.12/2024) ............................ 111

1. Deputy I. Gardiner : ...................................................................... 112

2. Update of Higher Education Student Funding (P.12/2024) - amendment (P.12/2024 Amd.) ...................................................................................... 114

1. Deputy R.J. Ward (The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning):............ 115
2. Deputy J. Renouf : .................................................................... 118
3. Deputy T.A. Coles :................................................................... 119
4. Deputy I. Gardiner : .................................................................. 120
5. Deputy M.R. Scott :................................................................... 124
6. Deputy S.Y. Mézec : .................................................................. 124

7. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet : ............................................................. 125
8. Deputy R.J. Ward : .................................................................... 126

3. Update of Higher Education Student Funding (P.12/2024) - as amended .............. 129

13.3.1 Deputy I. Gardiner : .................................................................. 129

ARRANGEMENT OF PUBLIC BUSINESS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS................... 131

14. The Connétable of St. Martin (Chair, Privileges and Procedures Committee):......... 131

ADJOURNMENT ................................................................................. 131

[9:30]

The Roll was called and the Dean led the Assembly in Prayer. COMMUNICATIONS BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER

The Bailiff :

There is nothing under A.

APPOINTMENT OF MINISTERS, COMMITTEES AND PANELS

1. Appointment of a member of the Privileges and Procedures Committee who is a member of the Scrutiny Liaison Committee

The Bailiff :

We come on therefore to elections. In accordance with Standing Order 122, the Assembly is due to appoint a member of the Privileges and Procedures Committee, who is also a member of the Scrutiny Liaison Committee. In accordance with Standing Order 122(9), I therefore invite the chair to make the nomination for a member of the P.P.C. (Privileges and Procedures Committee) in those circumstances.

1.1   Connétable K. Shenton-Stone of St. Martin (Chair, Privileges and Procedures Committee):

I would like to propose Deputy Louise Doublet for the Privileges and Procedures Committee. The Bailiff :

Is the nomination seconded? [Seconded] Are there any other nominations? Very well, Deputy Doublet is thus appointed.

2. Appointment of unelected members of the Public Accounts Committee The Bailiff :

In accordance with Standing Order 124, the Assembly is due to appoint an unelected member of the Public Accounts Committee. Under that Standing Order, the chair is obliged to give 14 days' notice of nominations, and other members are then able to provide alternative nominations at least 2 clear working days before the meeting. No other such nominations were received, so I invite Deputy Gardiner , as chair, to make her nominations.

Deputy I. Gardiner of St. Helier North :

I just would like to raise because in this Standing Order, I have first the nomination for 2 elected members and after 2 unelected members; I am happy to do either way.

The Bailiff :

The way I have it is the other way round.

Deputy I. Gardiner :

I am just making sure that we also have the nomination for the elected members. The Bailiff :

We are dealing with the unelected members.

2.1   Deputy I. Gardiner (Chair, Public Accounts Committee):

I would like to appoint Mr. Graeme Phipps and Mr. Philip Taylor to be unelected members on the Public Accounts Committee. The 2 gentlemen served at the Public Accounts Committee from 2022, and they were reinvited to join this Public Accounts Committee.

The Bailiff :

Are those nominations seconded? [Seconded]  As there are no other nominations, they are duly appointed as unelected members to the Public Accounts Committee.

3. Appointment of elected members of the Public Accounts Committee The Bailiff :

In accordance with Standing Order 123(7), the Assembly is due to appoint an additional elected member of the Public Accounts Committee. In accordance with that Standing Order, I invite the chair of the P.A.C. (Public Accounts Committee) to make her nomination.

3.1   Deputy I. Gardiner (Chair, Public Accounts Committee):

I would like to appoint 2 elected members to the Public Accounts Committee: Deputy Kristina Moore and Deputy David Warr .

The Bailiff :

Are those nominations seconded? [Seconded] Are there any other nominations? If there are no other nominations, then they are appointed as members of the P.A.C.

QUESTIONS

4. Written Questions Deputy I. Gardiner :

I would like to ask to refer back Written Question 80. I believe there are some inaccuracies, and I have discussed with the Minister, and he accepted that it would be good to review. So I would like to refer it back.

The Bailiff :

Which question is that?

Deputy R.J. Ward of St. Helier Central :

Can I just make clear that what I actually said was if you feel that the question is wrong, it is the right thing to do to refer it back. I cannot confirm or not whether the numbers are correct, but if a Deputy believes the question is wrong, I have done it myself, it is exactly the right thing to do.

The Bailiff :

You have invited that the question is referred back to you. Clearly you will consider it and see what information is incorrect, and that must be right. Written Question 80, so it is number 29 on the Order Paper.

1. Deputy G.P. Southern of St. Helier Central of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding the Health Funding Attitudes Poll (WQ.49/2024)

Question

Regarding the funding of Health and Community Services, and following the previous Minister's response to WQ.244/2023, will the Minister provide his assessment of the results to the Health Funding Attitudes Poll and detail his plans for the following –

1. the financing of future options;
2. the engagement of the Government with Healthcare Providers; and

3. reforms, if any, proposed for the Health Insurance Fund?

Answer

I am reviewing the results of the Health Funding Attitudes Poll and the future funding options, and I will share my assessment as soon as I am able to do so:

1. As set out in WQ.244/2023 the health funding attitudes poll was undertaken in 2023 and received 1,144 valid responses. It was undertaken to help inform the development of future funding options for the Island's health care system.
2. It is anticipated that there will be initial discussions with health care providers in Q2 to Q3 2024 to help inform the development of those options prior to consideration by the Assembly.

Any options will clearly involve careful consideration of any potential changes to the Health Insurance Fund given its importance to Jersey's health funding system and the need to invest in prevention, primary care and community-based services if we ensure the future sustainability of our health and care system, and protect the health and wellbeing of islanders.

2. Deputy D.J. Warr of St. Helier South of the Minister for the Environment regarding empty heritage properties (WQ.50/2024)

Question

Regarding the vacant homes with listed status, identified by the Empty Home Service, will the Minister advise what action, if any, he is taking to ensure that these heritage properties are not lost as a result of remaining un-occupied and not being maintained?

Answer

It is important to state at the outset that the listing of a building or place does not impose any statutory obligations of maintenance upon owners.

Retaining historic buildings in a viable use is, therefore, key to their retention and ongoing maintenance. In this respect, the existing framework of policy and guidance, established by the Minister and provided by the bridging Island Plan and supplementary planning guidance about managing change in the historic environment, encourages and enables proposals that allow for the establishment and maintenance of viable uses which are compatible with the special interest of listed buildings.

In the case of listed vacant homes, my historic environment officers provide expert advice about how best they might be brought back into use in a way that sustains their special interest whilst meeting modern standards and expectations of a decent home.

Powers do exist, under the  Planning and Building (Jersey) Law 2002, to require the proper maintenance of land and the repair of ruinous or dilapidated buildings to prevent damage to the amenities of the Island. These powers relate to all buildings and land, and not just to those which may be listed; and are vested in the Chief Officer, not the Minister. They are also limited to the maintenance or repair of a building: they do not and cannot require a building's occupation or use. Their use cannot require or guarantee, for example, the use of a vacant home as a consequence of it being repaired or maintained.

As Minister, it is my intention to explore how best to develop policy and guidance that might ensure a viable future for heritage at risk, including vacant listed homes. This might include the provision of specific support for owners of listed buildings, to better understand why listed homes might be vacant, and what issues need to be addressed to enable them to be brought back into use and maintained, together with the potential use of existing legal provisions. The effective implementation of any such package of measures may require the provision of additional financial and professional resources, which would need to be identified as an integral part of this work.

3. Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity of the Chief Minister regarding percentage carbon reduction by 2030 (WQ.51/2024)

Question

Will the Chief Minister detail which specific incentives and regulations he considers essential to support Jersey achieving a 68% carbon reduction by 2030 and fulfilling its international obligations?

Answer

The Climate Emergency remains a priority for this Government and the Council of Ministers remains committed to the ambitious emission reduction targets set out in the Carbon Neutral Roadmap (CNR) and our commitment to the Paris Agreement. The CNR contains the policies considered necessary to meet the emission reduction journey and contains a mix of incentives and regulation.

The focus remains on addressing the two biggest sources of the Island's greenhouse gas emissions as these will have the greatest impact on achieving our emission reductions. These are on-Island transport and building heating.

The Carbon Neutral Roadmap outlines a number of policies to support the transition away from fossil fuel use in road transport and heating our homes and workplaces.

The policies in the first phase of delivery 2022-2025 of the Carbon Neutral Roadmap concentrate on encouraging early adopters of low carbon technology and helping businesses to upskill and transition to new products and services. Two incentive schemes have been launched and will continue to be supported:

• The Low Carbon Heating Incentive provides up to £5,000 match funding (and up to £10,000 for those meeting the low-income criteria) to assist with the replacement of oil and gas heating systems with heat pumps and other low carbon solutions. At the end of January 2024, 220 applications have been received. In addition, a new contractor quality scheme and training provision has been facilitated to ensure that local contractors are in a position to be able to install low carbon technology.

• The Electric Vehicle Incentive provides funding of up to £3,500 towards the cost of an electric vehicle that is new to Jersey. To date, the Scheme has received 356 applications. In addition, a separate charger incentive provides up to £350 towards the cost of an electric charge point.

The short-term incentive programme outlined above is partnered with a medium-term regulatory framework to continue to bring down emissions by transitioning out of fossil fuels. The Minister for the Environment and I will consider the timescales for the implementation of this programme, balancing the need for regulation with the competing pressures currently faced by Islanders.

4. Deputy J. Renouf of St. Brelade of the Minister of the Environment regarding hospital and ambulance services (WQ.52/2024)

Question

Will the Minister outline his proposed timetable to regulate hospital and ambulance services under the Regulation of Care (Jersey) Law 2014; and state when he expects an inspection of these services to occur?

Answer

A draft Law to amend the Regulation of Care (Jersey) Law 2014 to extend the remit of the independent Jersey Care Commission to regulate and inspect hospital and ambulance services is at an advanced stage of development.

I anticipate that a full public consultation on the draft Law will be launched by April 2024. This consultation will run for between eight to twelve weeks. Feedback received during the consultation will then be considered and the draft Law will be finalised before being lodged in the States Assembly.

Subject to the views of the Scrutiny Panel, the draft Law could be lodged by the end of September and debated by December 2024. If the States Assembly approves the draft legislation, it would require royal assent and to be registered in the Royal Court before it may be brought into force.

Once the legislation is brought into force, services must register with the Jersey Care Commission within 6 months. It is for the Commission to determine when and how it will inspect these services, but I hope that they will be in a position to inspect hospital and ambulance services in Quarter 3 of 2025.

5. Deputy R.S. Kovacs of St. Saviour of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding the increase in cost of residential parking permits (WQ.53/2024)

Question

Will the Minister explain the rationale for the proposed 10.1% increase to the cost of residential parking permits, as outlined in R&O.3/2024, following a recent increase in July 2023; and detail what consideration has been given, if any, to the impact these increases will have on those already struggling with the ever- increasing cost of living?

Answer

St Helier's Residential Parking Zone (RPZ) permits are defined in a Road Traffic Order and any price increase requires agreement from the Infrastructure Minister before it is amended by Order. The timing of this requires the Parish of St Helier to submit any proposed price changes by November each year which, in turn, means the most recent RPI figures available – which are for September 2023.

Under the terms of the RPZ agreement between the Department of Infrastructure and the Parish, the minimum value of receipts from RPZ permits must cover all associated costs of running the RPZ scheme; these running costs include the enforcement, maintenance and administration of the scheme and associated roads. This was the underlying reason for the increase to RPZ prices for this year and why annual increases are generally linked to RPI.

Whilst it is appreciated there maybe concern in relation to the level of increase given the current economic climate, it may also be helpful to reassure members that the proposed annual cost of RPZ from May 2024 will be between £220.18 and £441.67 and that the average cost of a St Helier RPZ permit will still represent good value when compared to a Season Parking Ticket.

I am also aware that the Constable of St Helier is currently leading a formal review of the Parish's RPZ Scheme.

6. Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding provisional moped licences (WQ.55/2024)

Question

Is the Minister aware that some fast food businesses operating in Jersey are employing delivery drivers with only provisional moped licences, and if so, what action, if any, does he propose to take?

Answer

To ride a moped or light motorcycle legally, article 20 of the Road Traffic (Jersey) Law 1956 requires that the rider shall have attained 16 years of age in the case of a moped and 17 years of age in the case of a light motorcycle. Article 4 of the same law requires that a person shall not drive a motor vehicle of any class or description on a road unless they are the holder of a licence authorising them to do so.

Article 1 of the same law provides that the interpretation of the licence means a licence to drive a motor vehicle granted under article 4 and includes a "Provisional licence". Additionally, in the case of a moped or light motorcycle, article 35 of the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Jersey) Order 2003 states that it is a condition that they have successfully passed a Basic Training course referred to as Compulsory Basic Training (CBT).

From speaking to local companies, it is understood it is common practice for fast food businesses operating in Jersey (and the UK) to employ delivery drivers who have a provisional licence, CBT, are 18 years or more of age, and are suitably insured to carry out deliveries.

Under the Road Traffic Law (Jersey) 1956, the Minister for Infrastructure's duty is to set standards for training for driving licences for the categories of vehicles permitted to circulate on the Island's roads.

The operation of businesses and conditions of employment are governed by Jersey's employment laws, including the Health and Safety at Work (Jersey) Law 1989.

Context

Motorcyclists are not permitted to circulate on the Island's roads without being the holder of a driving licence for the relevant category of vehicle and passed their Compulsory Basic Training (CBT).

Motorcycle provisional licence holders are permitted to ride unaccompanied whilst displaying L- plates.

It is understood some companies supply company motorcycles and with insurance. Where the company owns the motorcycle, it is understood nationally that it is common industry practice to put an L-plate on every motorcycle as this is not an offence, whereas riding without, if required to do so, is. This enables all employees to ride all motorcycles.

Companies would be expected to carry out a "risk assessment" in line with their employer's duties under the Health and Safety at Work (Jersey) Law 1989; this may include task-specific training ahead of allowing riders to carry out their deliveries.

7. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of the Chief Minister regarding the Government Communications Directorate (WQ.56/2024)

Question

In respect of the Government Communications Directorate, will the Chief Minister detail –

1. the revenue expenditure budget for the period 2019 to 2023; and
2. the number of employees within the Directorate and a breakdown of their pay grades?

Answer

(a)

The revenue expenditure budget for the last 4 years is as follows: 2019: £1,746k

2020: £1,609k

2021: £2,383k

2022: £2,491k

2023: £2,594k

(b)

There are 34 individuals centrally funded by the Office of the Chief Executive in the Communications Directorate. Their grades are listed below:

There are a further 6 individuals who are funded by other Departments (Children, Young People, Education and Skills; Health and Community Services, and Infrastructure and Environment) but fall under the Director of Communications as Head of Profession. Their grades are listed below:

8. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of the Chief Minister regarding the Cabinet Office (WQ.57/2024)

Question

Further to the response to Written Question 4/2024, will the Chief Minister provide a breakdown by pay grade of the number of employees who work in the Cabinet Office?

Answer

The Cabinet Office brings together the functions of three previous Government departments:

• Chief Operating Office,

• Office of the Chief Executive, and

• Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance

As of 5th March 2024, there are 640 public servants currently employed by the Cabinet Office (614.92 Full Time Equivalents) and 5 vacancies. The below table outlines the headcount and FTE by each previous Government Department to help illustrate the split between each area. Please note that there are positions included in the below table that whilst controlled by the Cabinet Office are funded by other Government departments.

9. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet of St. Saviour of the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning regarding  the  Personal,  Social,  Health  and  Economic  education  curriculum (WQ.59/2024)

Question

Will the Minister state whether new guidance for the secondary school Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education curriculum will be published for the Island and, if so, will he also –

1. state when the document will be published;
2. provide a timetable for the introduction of the new guidance to schools, pupils and families of pupils;
3. state what training, if any, will be provided to teachers and school support staff;
4. describe any actions planned to ensure the families of pupils understand what their children are learning;
5. state what role, if any, the Jersey Curriculum Council (JCC) has had in the development of the guidance; and
6. advise whether there are any plans to make similar changes to the primary school PSHE education curriculum guidance?

Answer

1. The publication of the PSHE guidance is subject to the new Ministers review, after the next Curriculum Council meeting on March 13 2024. As there was not a Ministerial presence at the last Curriculum Council meeting the document did not get Ministerial sign off at the end of 2023.
2. The timetable for the introduction of the new guidance will be agreed at Curriculum Council.
3. Any training will be discussed and agreed at Curriculum Council.
4. Normal practice is that schools update families of any relevant areas of PSHE that will be taught at the appropriate time.
5. The former Minister and lead office of the JCC met with the Jersey Youth Parliament. The JCC lead officer in 2023, Kate Sugden, led on the writing of the guidance document. She worked in close collaboration with the Jersey Youth Parliament and with student representatives from schools who were present and fed back to the council on November 30

2023.

6. There are no plans to provide similar guidance for the Primary PSHE Curriculum, as this is considered fit for purpose and appropriately resourced in schools.

10. Deputy D.J. Warr of St. Helier South of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding on the fire service and ambulance headquarters (WQ.60/2024)

Question

Will the Minister advise how much has been spent on maintaining the existing fire service and ambulance headquarters in the last 5 years, and state when a decision will be made to build new facilities at Rouge Bouillon?

Answer

The total spend on maintaining the existing ambulance headquarters in the last five full budget years has been £222,364, broken down as follows:

A condition survey was undertaken in 2022 and sets out the phased program of works to the current building to maintain its operational capability. As part of the States approval of the 2023-2026 Govt Plan,

£1.7m was allocated to Infrastructure & Environment to enable Jersey Property Holdings (JPH) to undertake the necessary works, commencing in 2024-2027.

The Jersey Fire and Rescue Headquarters at both Town and West have previously been managed and maintained  by  Jersey  Home  Affairs  Department  directly.  This  means  that  the  total  spend  on maintaining the existing Fire Service headquarters in the last 5 years has been, from a Jersey Property Holdings perspective, nil cost.

However, as part of the Island Estate Strategy 2021-35, the Jersey Property Holdings team has now consolidated the Town and Western HQ back into JPH as per the Corporate Landlord Model. As of 1 January 2024, JPH will now be responsible for the maintenance and reactive aspects of the buildings in line with our corporate service level agreement.

A detailed briefing is being scheduled with the relevant Ministers on the project to replace the current Fire and Ambulance stations with new facilities, whilst also providing additional space for the Rouge Bouillon Primary school for its redevelopment.

The briefing will be led by senior officers to provide Ministers with the detailed analysis and evidence base for discussion to agree a viable solution that ensures all needs are met and which provides a clear direction on the future of the Rouge Bouillon site.

It is expected that a decision will be made on the future new facilities at Rouge Bouillon by the end of July 2024.

11. Deputy B.B. De S.V.M. Porée of St. Helier South of the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs regarding work permits (WQ.61/2024)

Question

In light of the response to a Freedom of Information request entitled Work permits granted from 2019 onwards', that 331 temporary work permits were extended in 2023, will the Minister provide a breakdown of this figure by the type of permit extended and by the sector in which the permits applied?

Answer

Work permits extended in 2023, broken down by sector as below:

12. Deputy D.J. Warr of St. Helier South of the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning regarding primary schools on the Island (WQ.62/2024)

Question

Regarding primary schools on the Island, will the Minister detail for the last 5 years how many year 1 and year 2 classes were available at each school and how many students were in each class?

Answer

Due to the size of the data table, this is available at the following link – /assemblyquestions/2024/wq.62-2024.pdf

Please note the data uses the spring term census as our most recent dataset. The census database holds year group numbers, not class sizes, but we have included the number of classes in each year group for information.

It should be noted that census data provides a useful snapshot, but that numbers can fluctuate throughout the term/academic year.

13. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of the Chair of the States Employment Board regarding the number of staff in each Ministerial Department (WQ.63/2024)

Question

Will the Chair state the number of staff currently employed in each Ministerial department at Civil Service Grade 11 and above?

Answer

The below table outlines all employees on a Civil Service Grade 11 or higher, split by Department and Directorate.

Please note that there are positions that whilst they are controlled by the areas as shown below, may be funded by other Government departments.

For  context,  Grade  11  and  above  roles  include  Allied  Health  Professionals,  Social  Workers, Designated Safeguarding Leads, Psychologists, Physios, and Education Welfare etc.

*The Cabinet Office brings together the functions of three previous Government departments which are still reported on separately in our system:

• Chief Operating Office,

• Office of the Chief Executive, and

• Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance

14. Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South of the Minister for Social Security regarding reimbursement of General Practitioners (WQ.64/2024)

Question

Will the Minister detail the services for which General Practitioners are able to claim reimbursement from the Government?

Answer

The reimbursements below are supported by the Health Insurance Fund:

- Medical Benefit (Statutory benefit, paid in respect of a GP face to face consultation,

surgery and home visit)

- Contracted Medical Benefit (enabled by contract, paid in respect of a GP face to face surgery consultation)

- Children's Service (Free general practice surgery consultations and telephone consultations paid in respect of all general practice practitioners and including common services such as blood tests)

- Health Access Scheme (Reduced General Practice charges for people with a low income across a wide range of services and paid in respect of all general practice practitioners)

- Allied Health Care Professionals Activity Fees (subsidy for nurse, paramedics, pharmacist and Health Care Assistant consultations, face to face, surgery and home visit)

- Remote Consultation Fee (Subsidy for telephone or video link consultations paid in respect of all general practice practitioners)

- Cervical Screening (fully funded service)

- Flu vaccination (fully funded service)

- Wage Support Scheme (payment to the practice towards the cost of employing nurses, paramedics, pharmacists or Health Care Assistants)

- Jersey Quality Improvement Framework (Payment for achieving clinical and organisational targets)

In addition to these reimbursements, other departments make payments for services delivered by General Practice or individual GP practitioners, including (but not limited to) childhood immunisation service, 6- month baby check service, Shelter GP Clinic, Forensic Medical Examiner, Safeguarding Lead.

15. Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South of the Attorney General regarding the synthetic cannabinoid 5F-MDMB-PICA (WQ.65/2024)

Question

Will H.M. Attorney General state whether the synthetic cannabinoid 5F-MDMB-PICA is a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs (Jersey) Law 1978; and will he provide details of the 2 offences recorded in relation to this substance in the response to the Freedom of Information request entitled Drug convictions in 2022 and 2017 to 2021' that was published in December 2023?

Answer

The synthetic cannabinoid 5F-MDMB-PICA (methyl-2-(1-(5-fluoropentyl)indole-3-carboxamido)- 3,3- dimethylbutanoate) is a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs (Jersey) Law 1978 ("1978 Law").

It is controlled under Class B, Part 2 of the Second Schedule to the 1978 Law by virtue of being a compound structurally related to 1-pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole (JWH-018) with the following modifications. Replacement of the methanone linking group with a carboxamide group and replacement of the 1-naphthyl ring with 1-hydroxy-1-oxopropan-2-yl with further substitution of fluorine in the pentyl chain and a trimethylmethyl group in the 1-hydroxy-1-oxopropan-2-yl structure.

With regard to the two cases referred to in the Freedom of Information request, 2 defendants were sentenced in the Magistrate's Court, for 1 month and 6 months respectively, for having 5F-MDMB- PICA in their possession at HMP La Moye.

16. Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding new psychoactive substances and the Misue of Drugs (Jersey) Law 1978 (WQ.66/2024)

Question

Will the Minister state the total number of new psychoactive substances that have been added to the Misuse of Drugs (Jersey) Law 1978 since 2016?

Answer

More time is needed to prepare a comprehensive response to this Question. I will certainly commit to releasing this information in due course once a review of the Law and its associated amendments has been reconciled against minutes from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs.

17. Deputy D.J. Warr of St. Helier South of the Minister for the Environment regarding a Town Masterplan (WQ.67/2024)

Question

Further to the withdrawal of Development of Town Masterplan' (P.9/2023), and the comments on the proposition presented by the previous Council of Ministers, will the Minister detail what proposals, if any, the present Government has to develop a Town Masterplan; and if there are no such proposals, will the Minister explain why not?

Answer

The Government recognises that planning for the future of Town is critical to the sustainable development of the island and Ministers propose to develop a Plan for Town.

This will provide a tool to plan comprehensively and positively for the delivery of change in the Town of St Helier; and will focus on the key deliverables over the remainder of this term of government.

18. Deputy K.M. Wilson of St. Clement of the Chair of the States Employment Board regarding the agreement with teachers (WQ.68/2024)

Question

Will the Chair detail the pay and terms agreement that has been reached with teachers, any matters that remain unresolved, and the timeline for ongoing discussions and a complete resolution to the situation?

Answer

Teachers were awarded as follows:

• 2024 = 8 per cent (consolidated)

• 2025 = a guarantee of (September 2024) RPI plus 1 per cent (consolidated) (or 2 per cent, whichever is greater)

• 2026 = a guarantee of (September 2025) RPI plus 1 per cent (consolidated) (or 2 per cent, whichever is greater)

• A one-off £1,500 (non-consolidated) payment in consideration that Teachers and CYPES

officers will work collaboratively to support the development of the strategic plan for Education Reform.

Officers and Union Representatives are working in partnership to review the Teachers' Terms and Conditions, specifically and as a priority working hours. This work is expected to be complete by September 2024.

19. Deputy K.M. Wilson of St. Clement of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding the recent IT outage in the Health and Community Services Department (WQ.69/2024)

Question

Further to the recent major IT outage in the Health and Community Services Department, will the Minister explain –

1. what work, if any, is being undertaken to improve the quality of IT services in the department;
2. how many patient safety incidents were recorded as a result of the IT outage; and
3. what action, if any, is being taken to prevent a major IT outage recurrence?

Answer

Further to the IT incident which affected users across the Health and Community Services Department on Friday 23rd February, I can confirm that –

1. There is an ongoing programme of works to upgrade IT services in the Health and Community Services Department and to digitise services as part of the Digital Health programme. I have committed to share the results of the ongoing investigation and any mitigation plans with the Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel as soon as possible.
2. There were no patient safety incidents recorded as a result of the IT incident. A total of 34 planned appointments needed to be rescheduled; 24 Outpatient and 10 elective surgery appointments were rescheduled by the following Thursday.
3. The Chief Information Officer and his staff are working closely with the third-party provider to identify the root cause of the problem that arose following the update to their software, and a large amount of systems diagnostic data are currently being examined. In addition, an increased level of oversight and control has been implemented in relation to any further changes or updates that may threaten to affect technical services moving forward.

20. Deputy D.J. Warr of St. Helier South of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding South Hill gardens (WQ.70/2024)

Question

Following complaints on social media by members of the public, will the Minister advise whether there are any plans to address the state of repair of the public park at South Hill gardens, Mount Bingham and, if not, why not?

Answer

INITIAL REPAIRS FOLLOWING STORM CIARÁN

Storm Ciarán caused significant damage to South Hill Park and La Collette Gardens. During the storm, 30 mature trees were damaged or came down. These trees, and their associated roots and stumps, have been cleared and areas relevelled for replanting. There has been damage to paths and steps from falling trees and the large vehicles required to remove them. Safety repairs to the paths and walls are underway, with these repairs being completed to a level that allows safe access to the public.

HISTORIC PARKS RESTORATION

Initial proposals for restoration of South Hill Park and La Collette Gardens were developed in 2022. These have not been developed further due to a lack of available funding for further design work and construction. A request for funding through the Government Plan 2024 – 2027 was made. However, no funding was allocated.

The Department is now considering how this project can be progressed with funding allocated either from Infrastructure Rolling Vote – Public Realm' funding identified in the Government Plan or a separate request for funding through the Government Plan 2025 – 2028.

21. Deputy D.J. Warr of St. Helier South of the Minister for Treasury and Resources regarding Andium properties and the review of flooring provision (WQ.71/2024)

Question

Further to the adoption of Provision of carpets in Andium Homes properties' (P.34/2023), as amended, will the Minister advise whether the reviews of policies relating to the provision of flooring as standard in all properties and to the reuse of carpets after cleaning have been completed and, if so, what the outcomes of the reviews were and what next steps will be taken?

Answer

The review of policies relating to the provision of flooring as standard in all social housing properties and the reuse of carpets after cleaning was completed by the end of 2023, as per the requirement of the proposition.

The outcome of the review highlighted that the policies surrounding provision of flooring as standard reflect the complexities of such provision, identifying key issues of waste, equity and cost. All providers seek to reuse flooring where practical and Andium now retain flooring in vacating properties for potential reuse subject to inspection to ensure standard. Additionally, Andium have indicated a willingness to consider providing flooring across all their social rented properties and feel that they are best placed to do this, however the issue of addressing this cost requires resolution. Discussions have been held on this matter with senior officers and the Minister for Social Security and the Minister for Housing, and further discussions will be held with Andium and the other social housing providers to seek resolution.

22. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of the Minister for the Environment regarding Offshore Wind (WQ.73/2024)

Question

Further to the lodging of Offshore Wind' (P.82/2023) by the previous Council of Ministers, will the Minister advise –

1. whether he has given any consideration to discontinuing the proposed project and, if not, why not;
2. what estimate, if any, the Government has undertaken of the impact the development of a wind farm would have on Islanders' consumption costs;
3. whether any talks in respect of the development of a wind farm in the southwest of Jersey's territorial waters have been held with the French Government and, if not, whether (and when) any such talks will be held;
4. what consideration, if any, has been given to the impact on the levels of energy supplied by France; and
5. whether there have been any talks with private investors and, if not, why not?

Answer

1. whether he has given any consideration to discontinuing the proposed project and, if not, why not;

Since taking office the project has been focused on concluding the public consultation in order to support the States Assembly to consider the issues when it debates P.82/2023. I felt it right that this work should conclude as planned as many islanders have taken the time to engage and will rightly expect their opinions to be considered.

The future of the project is very much in the hands of the States Assembly and will proceed (or not) based on the outcome of the forthcoming debate.

2. what estimate, if any, the Government has undertaken of the impact the development of a wind farm would have on Islanders' consumption costs;

There are still many outstanding questions about the development of offshore wind that are not answered. Work on these will follow if the States Assembly give its in principle support to the project.

At this stage, a qualitative assessment of different development scenarios has been undertaken to understand where the impacts of these scenarios might land. It will not be possible to model the quantified impacts until further decisions are taken. For example, if the wind farm was established solely to export power, with no direct interface with Jersey's domestic electricity system, then there may be no impacts.

3. whether any talks in respect of the development of a wind farm in the southwest of Jersey's territorial waters have been held with the French Government and, if not, whether (and when) any such talks will be held;

Initial talks have been held with French partners at both regional and national levels. These have been constructive and welcomed by both sides and have considered a range of issues that are helpfully set out in consultation report.

4. what consideration, if any, has been given to the impact on the levels of energy supplied by

France; and

As above, the potential for an impact is recognised but it is not yet possible to assess either the scale or nature of impacts.

5. whether there have been any talks with private investors and, if not, why not?"

Some initial and without prejudice discussions have been held with potential developers on a reactive basis (i.e. where a meeting has been requested with government).

Should the States Assembly give its in principle support to the project, a programme of proactive industry engagement would begin.

23. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of the Minister for Sustainable Economic Development regarding a tunnel between Jersey and France (WQ.74/2024)

Question

Will the Minister advise whether the French government have been officially approached about the development of a tunnel between Jersey and France; and if not, why not?

Answer

I have raised this issue informally and at the very earliest stages with the President of La Manche, as well as with MPs and representatives of the National Assembly in Paris. I reiterated that we were in an exploratory phase and this would not be taken forward without explicit approval and support from the States Assembly and both regional and national governments in France.

At this stage this work is only exploratory with no policy commitment yet made by either jurisdiction. Discussions have therefore been hypothetical prior to a cost benefit analysis being completed in due course.

24. Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding the Assisted Reproduction Unit (WQ.75/2024)

Question

Will the Minister provide the following statistics relating to the Assisted Reproduction Unit (ARU) for the year 2023 –

1. the total number of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycles started;
2. the total number of unique patients/couples to undergo an IVF cycle during the year;
3. the total number of IVF cycles to reach embryo transfer;
4. the total number of transfers to result in a positive pregnancy test, broken down by the following age groups –
   1. Under 25;
   2. 35 to 39;
   3. 40 to 42; and
   4. 42 and over;
5. the number of live births, broken down by the same age groups;
6. how many of the cycles and outcomes listed above included the use of donor eggs or sperm, or both;
7. how many unique patients were seen by the ARU in the year;

8. where ARU acted as a satellite clinic for treatment elsewhere, a breakdown of the clinics used and the number of patients seen; and
9. the total budget for the ARU during 2023, and how much of that was made up of revenue generated by private patients paying for treatment?

Answer

Due to the comprehensive nature of the question and the availability of the relevant clinician to provide necessary detail, it has not been possible to collate the full information requested in the time available.

I will ensure that a thorough response is provided as soon as possible before next Monday.

25. Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding Island Energy (WQ.76/2024)

Question

Further to his response to Oral Question 23/2024 on 6th February 2024, will the Minister advise –

1. whether he has met Island Energy and, if so, what actions were taken from the meeting;
2. whether he will review the Jersey Gas Company (Jersey) Law 1989 and, if so, what changes, if any, he intends to propose in light of the impact of Island Energy's recent 12% price increase; and
3. whether he is considering establishing a compensation scheme for gas customers affected by the October 2023 outage?

Answer

1. It remains my intention to meet with Island Energy once I have had the opportunity to address this part of my new portfolio. At a minimum, I intend to discuss the matter with the Minister for the Environment who is responsible for co-ordinating the island's energy policy, and the Minister for Sustainable Economic Development who holds responsibility for the Competition Law. These discussions are now underway, and my intention is to ensure we take an aligned approach with Island Energy.

It is my hope that I will have the opportunity to speak to the company in the very near future.

2. I am undertaking a review of the Jersey Gas Company (Jersey) Law 1989. As the Deputy is aware, it provides a power to introduce price regulation. This issue has been considered by a previous Assembly, with a report in 2016 carried out by Oxera to look at the reasonableness of gas prices. It was concluded then that prices were within a reasonable range and as such did not appear to be higher than they would have been had regulation been in place. Accordingly, it was determined that regulating gas prices could not be justified at that point in time.

Of course that decision and Oxera's report was based on an analysis of historical data and it does not reflect any assessment of the latest price increase. My intention is therefore to discuss the issue with the Minster for Sustainable Economic Development and to consider whether an update of that previous report should be obtained, notably as matters have also changed with regard to the profitability of the company and its declining market share.

I am keen to be assured that any price increase is introduced on a fair basis and that the energy market as a whole is acting in the best interests of islanders.

3. I do not intend to establish a Government-funded compensation scheme.

Following  enquiries,  I  understand  Island  Energy  is  engaging  directly with  commercial customers who suffered a financial loss. With respect to domestic consumers, I have not been made aware of any that suffered significant hardship; had that been the case, I understand that there were measures available to assist people.

However, I do intend to challenge Island Energy on its approach to compensating consumers, and it is a matter I intend to raise in discussion with the Minister for the Environment.

26. Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St Lawrence and Trinity of the Minister for Children and Families regarding children in the Minister's care (WQ.77/2024)

Question

Will the Minister state the total number of children and young people that are currently in the Minister's care and how many were in such case for year from 2018 to date, with the figures broken down by those housed in accommodation off-Island or on-Island, and placed –

1. in children's residential homes (including Greenfields);
2. with foster carers; or
3. with related carers?

Answer

• The below figures are all provided on a snapshot date as at the end of the year (31st December), apart from 2024 where data is provided for 1st March.

• Any numbers smaller than 5 have been excluded to prevent the data being identifiable.

• The total Children Looked After column includes all placement types, including those who may be placed with parents, for example, and may include children not counted in the other columns.

27. Deputy I. Gardiner of St. Helier North of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding the Infected Blood Inquiry in the UK (WQ.78/2024)

Question

Further to the publication of two interim reports in relation to the Infected Blood Inquiry in the UK (The Inquiry's First Interim Report on 29th July 2022 and The Inquiry's Second Interim Report on 5th April 2023), will the Minister state –

1. what actions, if any, have been taken to contact all the patients in Jersey who were potentially affected;
2. whether Jersey patients are to be included in the proposed compensation scheme and, if so, how many patients it is estimated will be supported; and
3. what support is being, or has been, provided to patients in Jersey?

Answer

1. In 2019 Health and Community Services undertook a look back exercise to determine if all patients who had received potentially contaminated blood products (i.e. in the 1970s and 1980s) had in fact been screened.

Less than ten patients could not be contacted despite repeated attempts to do so. All the remaining patients were contacted if they had not already been contacted in the past. All contacted patients received the relevant follow-up and support.

2. Our officials are currently in contact with the UK Government to ascertain whether Jersey patients may be admitted to the proposed UK compensation scheme.
3. Patients in Jersey were offered appropriate screening and treatment where applicable. The Skipton fund was available to patients in Jersey and application to the fund was supported by clinical staff. As stated above our officials are currently in contact with the UK Government to ascertain whether Jersey patients may be admitted to the proposed UK compensation scheme. If any patient has an enquiry or requires support, they should contact the Patient Advisory Liaison Services (PALS) who are available Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm. Please call the team on +44 (0) 1534 443515 or email: PALS@health.gov.je

28. Deputy C.D . Curtis of St. Helier Central of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding the re-use centre (WQ.79/2024)

Question

Further to Written Question 19/2024, will the Minister state whether, in the event the current tender process for operation of the re-use centre has not been successfully completed by April 2024, he will look into the feasibility of the centre being operated by Government of Jersey employees (as agreed by the Assembly in P.65/2023, as amended)?

Answer

Further to the response to Written Question 19/2024, the department has reviewed the tender documents and decided to include a wider communication with the charity sector to identify other potential operators that may be in a position to operate the site to its fullest potential. Due to expanding the potential interest in tendering, this has consequently pushed the timetable for tender outcomes to May/June to allow all interested parties sufficient time to submit a tender and consider their operating model for this facility.

If a suitable operator is not identified during the tender process, it is still the intention to look at the feasibility of operating the site with Government employees. However, this would require additional staffing and funding to be able to safely run the Household Reuse and Recycling Centre site plus this facility, which is not currently allocated for in the Government Plan.

29. Deputy I. Gardiner of St. Helier North of the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning regarding finding for Highlands College (WQ.79/2024)

Question

Will the Minister state the total amount of funding received by Highlands College for each of the last 5 years, broken down per year into separate heads of expenditure (for example, Adult Education, Higher  Education,  General  Administration);  and  will  he  advise  what  reporting  and  control mechanisms the Government has in place in respect of the use of funds allocated to the College?

Answer

Highlands College receives delegated budget in accordance with the Scheme of Delegation from the Departmental Expenditure Limit of the department for Children, Young People, Education and Skills.

There are no additional grant agreements in place between the college and other departments of Government.

The college must manage its finances in accordance with the Public Finances (Jersey) Law and deliver to the statutory educational requirements of the Education (Jersey) Law 1999.

The split of service lines is given in the table below. Please note, "Central and overhead functions" is defined in this context as inclusive of Business Support, Management, Governance, Marketing, Finance,  IT,  Business  Operations  (e.g.  estates  and  facilities  management),  Cafe,  and  Student Information Management.

Please note that other income in 2021 includes Fiscal Stimulus funding of c.£1 million for the Retrain Project and non-pay expenditure is similarly higher.

Highlands College manage their delegated budget internally through regular senior leadership team meetings specifically dedicated to finance, the college also has termly sub-committee meetings which must comply with procurement, HR and working capital management policies.

The college's financial performance is monitored and reported on as part of the wider CYPES monthly corporate reporting. Additional funding received by the college is assessed by CYPES programme boards established to monitor growth within the Department. Highlands must also sign an annual Statement of Compliance with the Public Finances Manual and relevant departmental policy.

30. Deputy I. Gardiner of St. Helier North of the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs regarding temporary work permits (WQ.81/2024)

Question

With reference to the response to Part (b) of the Freedom of Information request entitled Work permits granted from 2019 onwards', will the Minister provide a breakdown of the temporary work permits received and granted from 2019 to 2023 (inclusive) by industry and by role type (for example, electrician, plumber)?

Answer