I thank the many Members who contributed to the debate. I also welcome the strong support for the Bill evidenced on all sides. In the time available, I will deal with as many as possible of the points raised.
I wish to respond to the concerns expressed by a number of Deputies about the transfer of responsibility for the Western Development Commission from the Department of the Taoiseach to the Department of Agriculture and Food and their comments in relation to the Taoiseach's interest in the commission and western development generally. The transfer of responsibility for the Western Development Commission is eminently sensible and logical given mine and the Department's wide role in rural development. The transfer does not in any way dilute the Taoiseach's commitment or that of the Government to the establishment of the commission on a statutory basis as quickly as possible or to ensuring its effectiveness in promoting economic and social development in the west. I assure the House of the Taoiseach's ongoing interest in the affairs of the commission and the support I receive from him and the Government on this matter.
I emphasise, as I pointed out in my introductory speech, that the commission is being established to enhance, not to undermine, duplicate or compete with the developmental activities of other agencies operating in the western region. In this regard the emphasis is on co-operating closely with other agencies in complementing their activities in promoting the economic and social development of the region. Close collaboration and co-operation with Departments and agencies operating under them is, therefore, essential if the commission is to successfully implement its mandate.
I am satisfied that such co-operation and support will be forthcoming from my ministerial colleagues. Structures have been established to ensure close co-operation and collaboration. These include the national liaison network, comprising representatives of Departments and agencies, and the forum of western Ministers which will facilitate contact between ministerial colleagues on matters of concern to the commission.
A number of Deputies referred to the co-ordination of and close association with the activities of the county strategy groups and local development groups, such as Leader, by the commission. Such activities should be part of the ongoing daily functions of the commission and I am aware that such activity has been taking place for some time. The Bill provides for this in a general rather than a detailed, specific way. Before dealing with other points, I wish to acknowledge Deputy Donal Carey's contribution to the establishment of the commission during his period in office when he was attached to the Taoiseach's Department.
Some Deputies, while welcoming the establishment of the sectoral advisory committees which are provided for in section 19, sought further clarification on them. They will play an important role in informing the elaboration of the commission's strategy and policies. In all so far, five such committees have been established. The nomination of people to them is the sole responsibility of the commission. Representation is invited on a broad partnership basis with representatives from the public, private, voluntary and community sectors contributing to the work of the committees from the point of view of their expertise and experience. So far 20 committee meetings have been held. With the establishment of the commission on a statutory basis and the recruitment of additional staff, as I outlined in my opening speech, the commission will be able to devote additional resources to servicing the committees in order to allow their further development.
A call was made during the debate to allow the commission, via the Western Investment Fund, to become involved in supporting strategic infrastructural projects. As I stated, it is not the intention that the commission will duplicate or compete with the efforts of existing agencies and for that reason the Government has decided that the commission should not engage in funding major strategic infrastructural works. The commission, however, will have an important role in identifying needs and priorities in terms of infrastructure in the region, proposing strategic responses and facilitating and promoting development in liaison with existing agencies.
Under section 8, the commission is empowered to consult with State agencies and Departments on the identification of regional priorities within their area of operation. This allows an input into the appropriate agency and departmental policy formulation procedures. In addition, as I announced at the outset of the debate, I intend to propose an amendment to section 8(2). This will clarify that the commission may support minor infrastructural works, such as access or services, where such works are an inherent part of a project being supported.
The question of social development and social projects was also raised by a number of Deputies. The commission under its terms of reference is charged with the economic and social development of the region. Financial support under the Western Investment Fund will primarily involve supporting economic projects with a financial return and a social dividend. The social dividend or social impact will be taken into account when evaluating a project for funding. In addition, social projects likely to give an economic return in the longer rather than shorter term will also be eligible for financial support.
I foresee no difficulty in the commission becoming involved in cultural and heritage activities. Regarding the Irish language, the commission and I are very conscious of its importance in the region. The commission will work closely with Udarás na Gaeltachta and the voluntary and community sectors in identifying, promoting and supporting projects in Gaeltacht areas.
Some Deputies referred to the rural development pilot projects currently in progress in a number of parts of the country. I am delighted by the impact these have had in their regions of operation. As pilot projects they are important in identifying appropriate models for rural development. They are currently being evaluated and I intend that the experience gained and conclusions emerging will inform the preparation of the White Paper on Rural Development, which is currently under way in my Department.
I express my own and the Government's appreciation for the contribution to the commission of the chairman and current board members. I intend to expand board membership up to the limit of 12 provided for in the Bill. The additional appointments will be made to provide a broad geographic and sectoral representation so that all interests in the west will be represented and can contribute to the work of the commission. I have been conscious of the need to avoid appointing a large, unwieldy board structure. A representative board comprising a chairman and 11 members will provide an effective and dynamic direction to the work of the commission.
I have taken careful note of the number of references made to the issue of Objective One status for the region in the context of the negotiations for the next round of Structural Funds. This issue has been the subject of much debate and is currently under close examination by the Government. I understand an early decision will be made and I do not intend to pre-empt that. However, I support the proposal that the west and northern counties should be included.
The establishment of the Western Development Commission on a statutory basis clearly demonstrates the Government's ongoing commitment to the development of the west. Through co-operating with other State and non-State agencies, the commission will be in a position to contribute to the elaboration of a coherent strategy for the west, as well as ensuring the strategic focus of available resources. This is unique legislation to help a unique region with problems that are different from other parts of the country. I wish the commission and its staff every success. I hope they will be an example of what can be achieved in the region with a little self-help.