Vol. 563 No. 5
149 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress he has made in regard to protecting the concept of the dispersed rural population; the reassurance he can give rural communities in this regard at the present time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8350/03]
222 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the steps he proposes to avert rural depopulation in view of An Taisce's persistent objection to rural housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8513/03]
223 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he has advanced his proposals for rural rejuvenation and development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8514/03]
225 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if discussions have been had with the Department of the Environment and Local Government, and An Taisce with a view to the cessation by the latter body in its attempts to stifle rural development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8516/03]
226 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if discussions have been held with the Department of the Environment and Local Government, with a view to arrival at an approved policy in regard to the dispersed rural community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8517/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 149, 222, 223, 225 and 226 together.
My views on the dispersed rural populations are well known to members of the House. I have spoken many times on the need for a settlement pattern that would allow for the regeneration of rural areas, particularly those which have suffered continuous decline. Government policy on rural development is set out in the White Paper published in August 1999. As a result the Government is committed to ensuring the economic and social well being of rural communities and providing the conditions for a meaningful fulfilling life for all people living in rural areas.
The aim is to have vibrant and sustainable communities able to enjoy a standard of living and quality of life which will make them attractive communities in which to live and work and where individuals and families will have a real choice as to whether to stay in, leave or move to rural Ireland, whether in farming or otherwise. Rural communities should also be able to enjoy access to education, training and lifelong learning and an adequate level of social and other services and infrastructures. Their cultural identities, in particular the language, traditions, heritage and sense of community must be valued and retained.
150 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will make a statement on his proposals for the future of the area-based partnership companies when the current round of funding finishes in 2004. [8316/03]
161 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has considered any new activities or responsibilities for the area partnership companies, in view of the steady increase in live register numbers and the reduction in numbers in industrial employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4454/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 150 and 161 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the local development social inclusion programme is delivered on the ground by 38 area partnerships and 33 community groups. The programme is delivered across three sub-measures – services to the unemployed, community development and community based youth initiatives. The needs of the unemployed on the live register and, indeed, the under-employed – in terms of training, education and up-skilling – are taken into account under the LDSIP which aims to counter disadvantage and promote social and economic inclusion by specifically targeting those individuals and communities most in need. Throughout all of the actions and across the three sub-measures there is a commitment to developing linkages and networks with other agencies and organisations to ensure that the work of the programme continues to be dynamic and effective.
