Vol. 575 No. 1
228 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the priorities of his Department for the coming years in the context of the Estimates for 2004; if his attention has been drawn to the huge interest in these matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27943/03]
The Deputy will be aware from previous questions that my Department's priorities as set out in its strategy statement 2003-05 may be categorised under four headings: supporting community and local development by facilitating communities, with a special focus on areas of disadvantage, to pursue social and economic progress in their areas; tackling drug misuse by securing a more integrated and co-ordinated response by State agencies to tackling drug misuse; promoting rural, Gaeltacht and islands development by supporting living and working populations in these areas and fostering sustainable and culturally vibrant communities; and supporting the use of the Irish language in Gaeltacht areas and promoting the use of the language throughout the country. In this context I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the provision of €5.8 million in a new subhead for RAPID indicates the Government's continued commitment to the RAPID programme. As I indicated previously, I intend to separate the major issues that must be dealt with at departmental level from the smaller issues that can be dealt with more effectively at local level. Capital expenditure of €4.5 million is being provided in my Department's Vote in 2004 to support such projects. This funding will be used as leverage money to facilitate co-funding from other State agencies to take place and to support works in RAPID areas. I hope to make an announcement in the near future about the precise way that this money will be spent. In addition, €1.3 million is available to support the implementation of the programme.
The money provided for community and voluntary services for 2004 is increased by 2%. I am happy that a full programme will be possible with the provision made available for 2004, by focusing the money on the areas of greatest need.
The provision for the implementation of the national drugs strategy and the young people's facilities and services fund has increased by 5% from €32 million to €33.5 million and in that context my Department intends to continue the implementation of the strategy including implementation of the plans of the local drugs task forces, overseeing the development of the regional drugs task forces and completing the research programme of the NACD.
The drugs strategy will be reviewed next year and that review will offer an opportunity to identify priorities for further action and to re-focus the strategy, if necessary. Also in 2004 during Ireland's Presidency of the EU my Department will particularly focus on the co-ordination of drugs issues on a community wide level.
The total funding for rural development is increased by 6% from €59.4 million to €63 million. During 2004 my Department will continue to ensure the effective management and implementation of the following rural development programmes: national rural development programme; farm relief services; Leader+; INTERREG – rural development measures; and PEACE II – rural development measures.
