Vol. 560 No. 1
953 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if approval will be given to Limerick Women's Network for inclusion in the community development support programme now that the group have met the criteria set out in the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs' correspondence to them dated 31 May 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1227/03]
My Department was established to produce a more co-ordinated engagement by the State with communities around the country, as they pursue their own development. As a first step towards this goal, a review is being undertaken of the programmes and activities which come within the remit of my Department, with a view to achieving optimal coherence across the various schemes and maximising the effectiveness of the programmes for local communities. This process will shape the future development of the Department's programmes, including the community development support programme.
In the context of a tighter economic situation generally, the level of funding allocated to the community development support programmes for 2003 has been reduced by comparison with 2002. This allocation will enable my Department to meet its current core commitments to existing community development projects in 2003. The reduced allocation may, however, mean that we are not in a position to progress the expansion of the community development support programme at the same pace as we have done in previous years. The question therefore of providing funding to new groups, including those in the Limerick area will be considered in the context of existing commitments and the available resources. The Deputy should note that my Department currently supports seven projects under the community development support programmes in Limerick City and County.
With regard to the Limerick Women's Network, approval was given, in principle, for inclusion in the programme pending the submission of an acceptable workplan. It is my understanding that the group is currently working with the Regional Support Agency in drawing up that workplan. Until the aforementioned workplan has been submitted to my Department, no decision can be taken in relation to the group's inclusion in the programme.
954 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the decision taken by him to limit the number of community development projects entering the community development support programmes is being maintained; if his attention has been drawn to the way in which this decision adversely affects communities in Limerick city and county; if he will reconsider the position with a view to revers ing this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1311/03]
My Department was established to produce a more co-ordinated engagement by the State with communities around the country, as they pursue their own development. As a first step towards this goal, a review is being undertaken of the programmes and activities which come within the remit of my Department, with a view to achieving optimal coherence across the various schemes and maximising the effectiveness of the programmes for local communities. This process will shape the future development of the Department's programmes, including the community development support programme.
In the context of a tighter economic situation generally, the level of funding allocated to the community development support programmes for 2003 has been reduced by comparison with 2002. This allocation will enable my Department to meet its current core commitments to existing community development projects in 2003. The reduced allocation may, however, mean that we are not in a position to progress the expansion of the community development support programme at the same pace as we have done in previous years. The question, therefore of providing funding to new groups, including those in the Limerick area, will be considered in the context of existing commitments and the available resources. The Deputy should note that my Department currently supports seven projects under the community development support programme in Limerick City and County.
