Brian O'Shea
Question:88 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the work to date of the National Rural Development Forum and its plans for future work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17753/03]
Written Answers. - National Rural Development Forum.
In accordance with the commitment in the White Paper on rural development, the National Rural Development Forum was established to debate current issues, review existing programmes and identify suitable policy responses to rural problems. Its membership is broadly representative, from Departments and State agencies to the social partners and the wider voluntary and community sector. The forum was first convened in May 2000 and has met on three occasions since then. Issues discussed at previous meetings of the forum included progress on the implementation of the White Paper on rural development, farm incomes, the national spatial strategy, rural transport, rural tourism, rural planning and financial services in rural areas.
The last forum meeting was held on 17 January 2003. I expect to have at least one further meeting of the forum this year. The agenda items will be determined by rural development priorities at the time.