Bertie Ahern
Question:37 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Taoiseach the progress, if any, that has been made since December 1995, in implementing the Government task force report, A Crusade for Survival, relating to the west of Ireland. [13406/95]
Written Answers. - West of Ireland Task Force.
The Government task force report which examined the conclusions and recommendations of the report A Crusade for Suvival was published in April 1994. The task force report made a large number of recommendations regarding policy issues affecting the west of Ireland. The report's recommendations covered sectoral policy issues such as agricultural and rural development, manufacturing industry and tourism. Institutional issues were also addressed.
A key recommendation of the task force report was the establishment of the Western Development Partnership Board. Membership of the board reflects the broad economic and social base of the regions. The strategic focus of the board is to provide direction to the activities of the various public agencies and community based organisations involved in economic and social development throughout the region.
The partnership board has undertaken an ambitious research programme in preparing an action plan for the region. The action plan will be finalised by the end of October and will be presented to Government for consideration.
It is clear that if the problems facing this region are to be tackled effectively, local communities must accept the challenge and identify a path that will sustain them. Central Government must of course be supportive in assisting the development of a plan of action. The importance of finding sustainable solutions based on a "bottom-up" approach coupled with a "top-down" commitment should not be underestimated. The Western Development Partnership Board's forthcoming action plan will be evidence of a co-ordinated approach between local representation and central Government.