Vol. 550 No. 2
21 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the proposals for a review of local development structures as recommended by the task force on the integration of local government and local development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8044/02]
As the Deputy will be aware, the foundations for achieving a more integrated and streamlined approach to local development initiatives were set out in the report of the task force on the integration of local government and local development. Since its approval by Government, work has been proceeding on its implementation, including the appointment of directors of community and enterprise, the establishment of city-county development boards and the preparation of new economic, social and cultural strategies.
Since the establishment of the city-county development boards, all area partnership companies and community groups have been participating fully in the workings of the boards. Their strategic plans must demonstrate evidence of linkage and co-ordination within the framework of city-county development boards. Funding of these groups in respect of these plans, which is administered by Area Development Management Limited, ADM, is conditional on the plans having been agreed with the director of community and enterprise of the appropriate city-county development board.
Funding for these plans will run up until the mid-term review of the national development plan in 2003 and, in the meantime, delivery methods for social inclusion measures at local level, including the role of area based partnerships, will be examined within the context of the economic, social and cultural strategies of the city-county development boards. The boards are mandated to bring about a more integrated approach to the delivery of public and local development services.
Question No. 22 answered with Question No. 11.
Questions Nos. 23 and 24 answered orally.
