Vol. 564 No. 5
427 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the scale of cuts into three year programmes of partnership companies which are emerging from budgetary negotiation between his Department, ADM and the partnership companies; and if the planned development of services within the existing three-year envelope 2001-03 in a partnership (details supplied) will not be affected. [9557/03]
The Deputy will be aware that ADM manages the local development social inclusion programme on behalf of my Department. Allocations from within the budget available for the programme in 2003 were agreed by the board of ADM and notified to each partnership and community group recently.
As you will appreciate, ADM must manage the programme from within the budget available in my Department's Vote. Reductions in available funding for 2003 are being managed on a sliding scale, ranging from 4%-7%, depending on the annual budget of the partnership or community group.
428 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 330 and 331 of 1 April 2003, the exact form the comprehensive consultation process with the providers of schemes and programmes will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9697/03]
429 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the consultation process which will take place regarding projects funded under the community development support programmes concerning the future of the projects; if a criteria has been laid down with the county development boards regarding the endorsement of business plans submitted by CDSP projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9780/03]
430 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the rationale behind the decision to have the county enterprise boards take over the endorsement of local and community development programmes; if he has satisfied himself that they have the expertise to determine the suitability or otherwise of these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9781/03]
435 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the steps he will take to ensure that any proposed changes arising out of the review of the management and co-ordination of the programmes under the national community development support programme (CDSP) do not undermine or dismantle work that the CDSP has patiently built up with marginalised communities across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9837/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 428 to 430, inclusive, and 435 together.
I would refer the Deputies to the reply to Questions No. 108, 115, 126, 137, 139 and 141 of 26 March 2003 which described the form the consultation process with the providers of schemes and programmes and the social partners will take. This process will ensure that any decisions, arising out of the review to make changes in existing programmes and structures will have been informed by the expertise of those engaged at a community and local level.
