Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Dec 2002

Vol. 559 No. 5

Written Answers. - Western Development Commission.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

391 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will make a statement on the future of the Western Development Commission in view of the recent report of the Estimates review committee. [26806/02]

The Government did not act on the recommendation of the Estimates review committee in relation to the Western Development Commission. It is well known that I have voiced concerns in the past regarding the structure and role of the Western Development Commission. This implied no criticism of members or staff of the commission. My concerns are based on my belief that there was no point in having a body whose role and funding is limited and that is working in a situation where all the other development agencies in the region continue to pursue, independent of the commission, their own policies.

Accordingly, in July I announced a review of the purpose, functional area and operation of the Western Development Commission in the context of the newly established Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, with a view to bringing proposals to Government. The purpose of the review is to identify and eliminate any unnecessary duplication between State agencies operating in the western region, thus ensuring value for money of all public expenditure on promoting development in that region.

The review, being undertaken by officials of my Department, is ongoing. It is expected that the review will be completed and its findings presented to me very shortly. I am satisfied that, despite the 10% reduction in the grant-in-aid for 2003 for general expenses, the commission will be able to operate effectively. While €1.5 million was provided in the 2002 Estimates, the actual requirement is only €1.413 million. The reason for the reduction in the allocation for the Western Investment Fund simply reflects the projected actual expenditure. Provision of €6.35 million was made in the 2002 Estimates. The reality, however, was that the likely drawdown would not exceed €1.35 million and this was based on information provided by the commission itself. It now transpires that the drawdown for this year will only be €1.157 million.

Top
Share