I propose to take Questions Nos. 1093 and 1094 together.
Framework III of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness contains a commitment to identify the 25 most deprived urban and rural communities to which will be delivered, under a targeted investment programme, a range of measures aimed at economic and community development.
A proposal will shortly be made to Government regarding implementation and operation of such a programme. Once administrative aspects are finalised, there will be a formal public announcement which will identify the areas to be the target of support, implementation arrangements and the range of investments and supports available.
As part of the process of drawing up the proposal, consultation was undertaken with the social partners. One group within the community and voluntary pillar of the social partners expressed a desire for a more elaborate consultation, decision making and implementation process. The proposals which I will bring to Government aim to address these concerns particularly regarding the involvement of local partnership companies in the delivery structure. At the same time these proposals will also aim to ensure that agencies charged with actual expenditure, and provision of facilities and services, have the scope to act quickly and deliver an accelerated programme of investment in these communities. In consultations with the social partners, the Department has endeavoured to achieve this essential balance between local input into programme design, and identification of priorities, and achievement of a clear administrative focus, on the quick and efficient delivery of investment to address those priorities.
An implementation budget will be put in place to provide for the employment of local co-ordinators, and a central co-ordination team.