Vol. 558 No. 4
105 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed at the recent convention of the Irish Rural Dwellers' Association that EU policies were forcing large scale population clearances from rural Ireland and contributing to over population in other areas; his views on the concerns raised; the steps being taken to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24448/02]
I am aware of the concerns of the Irish Rural Dwellers' Association. I have spoken many times about the need for a settlement pattern that would allow for the regeneration of rural areas, particularly those which have suffered serious decline. I am satisfied that this issue will be fully addressed in the adoption of the national spatial strategy which was published last week. As I indicated in my statement welcoming its publication, the strategy demonstrates the Government's commitment to rural development and to revitalising rural areas.
