Vol. 568 No. 6
253 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the exact official definition used by his Department of the terms disadvantage, disadvantaged area and disadvantaged community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17019/03]
The mission statement of my Department is "to promote the sustainable development, management and regulation of the communications, energy, marine and natural resources sectors in support of national economic and social objectives". The supporting goals of my Department include optimising the contribution of the sectors to regionally balanced development and social inclusion.
In terms of defining and targeting disadvantage, strategies and programmes are informed by a range of analysis, definitions and measurement available, notably in the national development plan, the national anti-poverty strategy, Sustaining Progress, and through the NESC, LEARGAS, CLÁR and RAPID.
