Vol. 563 No. 2
256 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concern at the cut in funding for the national community development support programme; the assurances he can give that programmes funded under the programme will be maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7524/03]
My Department was established to produce a more co-ordinated engagement by the State with communities as they pursue their development. Hence, a review of the programmes and activities which come within the remit of my Department has been initiated with a view to achieving optimal coherence across the schemes. The community development support programme will be included in the review process.
In the interim, I intend to continue supporting those areas funded under the programme, subject to satisfactory progress being maintained within individual projects. In this regard, all commitments to established projects this year will be honoured. The tighter economic climate pertaining may mean that we are not in a position to progress the expansion of the community development support programme at the same pace as in previous years. However, I expect to be in a position soon to announce details of new areas to which funding will be allocated this year for community development projects.
