Vol. 562 No. 4
425 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the four community development programmes for the Canal Communities Partnership area (details supplied) will commence, in view of the hard work put in by local community organisations and the fact that these areas all fit the criteria laid down. [6316/03]
Pre-development work has been undertaken with three groups based in the Canal Communities Partnership area and work plans have been submitted to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs for assessment. The fourth group, to which the Deputy refers, has submitted an application for inclusion in the community development support programme, which is under consideration. The tighter economic situation this year may mean that the expansion of the support programme may not occur at the pace of previous years. My Department is assessing the situation in relation to current commitments and available resources and I expect to be in a position soon to announce details of the areas to which funding will be allocated this year for new community development projects. Priority will be given in 2003 to the areas of most disadvantage.
426 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the 540 applicants who have applied for funding under the scheme for training and supports in the community and voluntary sector will be advised of the result of their applications; his views on the fact that many community and voluntary schemes are under huge pressure as a result of the withdrawal of the community employment schemes and are depending on support through this scheme to remain in business; when the results of their applications will be made known to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6331/03]
My Department invited tenders from consultants on 6 February 2003 to assist in expediting the assessment process on the training and supports scheme. Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their applications as soon as possible after the conclusion of the assessment. With regard to the community employment scheme, I refer the Deputy to my response to Question No. 302 of 5 February.
427 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his policy on the greater co-ordination of social inclusion initiatives; his views on whether, in a rationalisation of these initiatives, there will be no further financial cutbacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6487/03]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 99 and 157 of 12 February 2003. Since that date, I have agreed with my colleagues, the Ministers for the Environment and Local Government and Justice, Equality and Law Reform, to take a number of initial steps towards bringing greater cohesion to local and community development programmes. The steps involve a comprehensive consultation process with the providers of schemes and programmes and the social partners on improving local delivery structures; a review of Area Development Management Limited; and a requirement that various local agencies and boards submit their business plans to city or county development boards for endorsement, in order to support greater coherence at local level. As I indicated in my reply on 12 February, the guiding principle underpinning the review process is to secure the most positive impacts for communities from expenditure through programmes in this area.
428 Ms Fox asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position in relation to funding the community development project in Rathnew; if his attention has been drawn to the voluntary preparatory work carried out in Rathnew since 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6488/03]
Pre-development work has been undertaken in Rathnew with a view to establishing a community development project there. The project has not yet reached the stage where a work plan is ready for submission to my Department. The tighter economic situation this year may mean that the expansion of the community development support programme may not occur at the same pace as in previous years. In light of this, my Department is assessing the situation in relation to current commitments and available resources and I expect to be in a position to announce details soon of the areas to which funding will be allocated this year for new community development projects. Priority will be given in 2003 to areas of most disadvantage.
