Vol. 533 No. 5
34 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the role and functions of the newly appointed Minister of State at the Department, Deputy Ó Cuív; the areas of responsibility or powers which have been formally delegated to him; the person in his Department with political responsibility for the Western Development Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9296/01]
50 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the Minister of State who has responsibility for the Western Development Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7380/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 50 together.
Responsibility for the following work areas are to be delegated to the Minister of State, Deputy Ó Cuív: rural development, the rural environment protection scheme, area based payments and headage, and land policy issues. I intend to retain responsibility for the Western Development Commission. Arrangements are being made for the making of orders by the Government delegating the relevant statutory functions to the Minister of State.
