Rory O'Hanlon
Question:160 Mr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the plans, if any, he has for the future of the county partnership boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6375/00]
Written Answers. - County Partnership Boards.
Under the National Development Plan, more than £400 million has been provided under the regional operational programmes in a special sub-pro gramme for social inclusion. These moneys will be directed at activities currently carried out by the area-based partnership companies and ADM – supported community groups, the local drug task forces, and the development groups of the young people's facilities and services fund.
Actions will be supported under the social inclusion measures on the basis of integrated local action plans to which the above groups will contribute as appropriate, in consultation with the director of community and enterprise and the city and county development boards.
The regional operational programmes are currently being drafted and it is anticipated that they will be finalised in the first quarter of 2000. ADM Ltd. has already initiated consultation with the area-based partnerships and community groups on planning for the next programme.