Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Apr 2003

Vol. 564 No. 5

Written Answers - Community Development.

Brendan Smith

Question:

437 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the proposals he has to streamline the number of programmes, agencies and sources of funding that are available to assist with community and local development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10068/03]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to questions on these matters on 26 March 2003, Questions Nos. 108, 116, 126, 137, 139 and 141.

438.

Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding made available by his Department to the Teamworks regional support agency on an annual basis in relation to the community development support programme. [10069/03]

Dan Boyle

Question:

439 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if funding made available by his Department to the Teamworks regional support agency is to be ongoing. [10070/03]

Dan Boyle

Question:

440 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if funding made available by his Department to the Teamworks regional support agency is linked to the operation of acceptable employment practices. [10071/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Mr. N. Ahern)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 438 to 440, inclusive, together.

My Department has contracted with a number of community development regional support agencies to provide advice and support to existing projects and undertake initial pre-programme work in particular areas.

Details of funding up to 2001 of regional support agencies, including Teamworks, is available in the Oireachtas Library for the information of the Members. Details of funding in relation to 2002 are currently being compiled and will be available shortly.

Teamworks, which has been operating in the south west region since 2000, is currently on interim funding pending the completion of the assessment of their workplan. A decision will be taken regarding a further contract when the assessment is complete. The amount of funding to be allocated to Teamworks for 2003 has yet to be agreed.

Funding to regional support agencies is made on the basis of a contract, which includes a condition that each support agency shall make itself aware of all legislation affecting employment and shall discharge all its legal obligations in respect of its employees.