Vol. 519 No. 4
41 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if, as a result of the conference by the National Rural Development Forum held in County Tipperary recently, he has identified any priorities for follow-up by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13818/00]
Earlier this month, the national rural development forum met for the first time. The forum was established to debate current issues, to review existing programmes and to identify suitable policy responses to rural problems. Among the topics discussed at the forum were the spatial spread of development, the transition to part-time farming especially for low-income smallholders, rural poverty, rural transport and planning permission for houses in rural areas. At the conclusion of the meeting, delegates were invited to indicate topics which they con sidered should be given priority for the next session of the forum which will be held later this year. Assessment of the responses received to date is still in progress but I can say at this stage that rural infrastructure, income supports, rural transport and environmental issues featured prominently among the suggestions submitted.
