Vol. 469 No. 6
27 Mr. Leonard asked the Taoiseach if he proposes to set up a centralised body to co-ordinate and liaise with groups in view of the number of programmes being administered by a variety of State agencies and groups in the Border region. [17352/96]
28 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Taoiseach the way in which it is intended to implement the recommendations of the task force on funding arrangements in the Border region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17656/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 28 together.
The Interdepartmental Task Force on Funding Arrangements in the Border Region which is chaired by Minister Carey, reported to the Government in July and the report of the task force has been circulated widely.
The task force made a number of recommendations to ensure that people are generally aware of the programmes available in the region and to make it as clear and simple as possible for people to apply for funding.
A pre-application form is being prepared for use in local offices. A guide to sources of funding and a newsletter will also be published. The newsletter will include information on projects funded from all the programmes in the region.
These recommendations which were agreed by Government, are now being put in place by the Department of Finance. A seminar on all funding programmes in the region is being organised so that people working on individual programmes are aware of, and will be able to advise on the programmes available.
The task force will monitor the implementation of these measures and will make regular reports to the Government.
I do not propose to establish any other Border funding body.
