Vol. 407 No. 3
44 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food whether it is proposed to publish the ESRI evaluation of the pilot programme for integrated rural development; if so when; and if he will outline the principal findings and recommendations contained in this evaluation.
The report referred to was prepared for the information of the Government and the EC Commission which contributed to the cost of the pilot programme. I understand however that the ESRI intend to publish the report but I am not in a position to say precisely when. In general the report is favourable and indicates that the approach adopted is capable of stimulating considerable voluntary effort by local people to promote economic and social development in their own areas.
I might add that the Government are committed to introducing a national structure for promoting rural development based on the experience of the pilot programme and other initiative of a similar nature and I will be submitting proposals to the Government on this in the very near future.
