Vol. 558 No. 4
433 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he has liaised with other Departments, the activities of which can have an effect on his Department's role and function; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24783/02]
437 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if there have been recent discussions with the Department of the Environment and Local Government in regard to the impact of decisions taken jointly or separately which may impact on the quality of life for those in either urban or rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24788/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 433 and 437 together.
Given the broad nature of the remit of my Department, I have initiated a process of consultation with all other Departments. To date I have met the Department of Social and Family Affairs, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I will arrange meetings with each of the other Departments over the coming months.
One of the principal mechanisms for advancing progress on cross cutting issues will be the interdepartmental committee on rural, community and Gaeltacht affairs. The main purpose of the committee is to provide a forum for the resolution of issues relevant to this Department's remit where such issues impinge on the responsibilities of other Departments. Of course, as is the norm, informal contact between my Department and other Departments on a range of issues takes place on a regular basis.
In relation to decisions affecting the quality of life for those in either urban or rural areas, my Department was represented on the steering committee which drafted the national spatial strategy. I was also a member of the Cabinet committee which considered the draft strategy. I am satisfied that my Department's views were taken into account in finalising the published strategy.
