I welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan.
Commencement Matters
Foreign Conflicts
I am grateful for the opportunity to raise this important international matter. I welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, and thank him for being present to hear my presentation.
I am raising the issue of the ongoing ISIS threat because I am seriously concerned that, from an international perspective, neither the European Union nor, in particular, the United States is taking with sufficient seriousness the profound threat to what I would deem to be civilisation being posed by ISIS. When we hear of a group which brings along a body of six year old children to watch a beheading for educational purposes, we are starkly reminded of that with which it is we are dealing. For the past few years the ISIS group has ploughed with alarming and frightening effect through Syria and Iraq to gain a major stronghold in these geographical areas.
During the course of the 20th century, the world had to deal with and eventually prevailed over threats from fascism, nazism and communism. In ISIS, we are dealing with a group which is just as dangerous, deranged and ideologically driven as those other groupings. There has been a campaign of terror, cultural vandalism and religious fundamentalism which is of such sufficient concern to us that we have to ensure there is a much stronger international response to ISIS. The group poses a threat to civilisation and a peaceful world order. It is posing an immediate threat to the broader middle Eastern area of the world. In the medium to long term it is a threat to the western world and civilisation. I am, therefore, both concerned and disappointed with the apparent total lack of a response by the broader international community.
The G7 group of countries met during the week. They had many pressing matters to consider, but I did not read any great reports of progress on tackling the ISIS threat. The Administration of President Obama - a wonderful Administration which was to bring about hope and change - is now of such irrelevant import, it does not even appear to have a policy. The European Union presumably has a policy, but we are not seeing any action. As I am not sure what is the Irish involvement in the EU policy, I would like to hear from the Minister in that regard. Above all, I want him to assure me that he, his officials, the Government and the Department are taking this matter seriously and that there will be a ramping up by the European Union of action and whatever intervention to which we can commit ourselves.
Without abusing the words of a former Taoiseach, Mr. Jack Lynch, the world's civilisation cannot stand idly by. It is depressing, culturally, to see monuments thousands of years old being destroyed and cities and a civilisation being buried in ashes. That is bad, but we have also seen beheadings and other forms of execution, terror and the displacement of entire populations. That is not only a profound human rights issue but must also concern everybody interested in world peace and order. It is not a question of seeing if ISIS can be contained, as there is no place in the world's civilisation for a group like it. It must be tackled and removed from the map, politically and militarily. We must see the start of a substantive campaign against it in the near future. I would like to hear the Minister's observations.
I thank the Senator for facilitating this debate in the Seanad. As he stated, it is an important issue.
The barbaric violence and culture of hatred which fuel the ISIS campaign of terror are utterly unacceptable to Ireland and the wider world and a threat to the values of freedom and human dignity which we fundamentally espouse. ISIS's actions are harmful, first and foremost, to the people of the Middle East region, especially women and girls; ethnic and religious minorities such as Christians and Yazidis; members of the gay community; and other vulnerable groups that are the principal victims of its inhumane actions. I also condemn the wilful destruction of cultural artefacts and ancient buildings in the Middle East, the cradle of civilisation, as it constitutes irreplaceable losses to the history of humankind.
The ideology of ISIS is based on totalitarianism, denying all freedoms and rights to the people of the region in pursuit of a perverted interpretation and extremist implementation of religious doctrine. ISIS is a radical group which is seeking to consolidate its power across much of the Middle East and expand its territorial control, widening the threat to the lives and human rights of millions of people across the region. It poses a limited threat to the European Union, including Ireland, but there can be little doubt about its ambitions to export its violence and terror to Europe. We are working closely with our partners in the European Union and through the United Nations to co-ordinate our efforts and strengthen the tools at our disposal.
The February Foreign Affairs Council conclusions set out five priorities in combating terrorism internationally. They are the strengthening of partnerships with key countries, supporting capacity building, countering radicalisation and violent extremism, promoting international co-operation and addressing underlying factors and crises. Following a special meeting of the European Council, EU Heads of State and Government set out a range of priorities to guide further work by the Foreign Affairs and Justice and Home Affairs Councils. These priorities were set out under three headings - ensuring the security of citizens, preventing radicalisation and safeguarding values and co-operating with our international partners. The approach being taken by the European Union is consistent with the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 2178 on foreign terrorist fighters which was adopted unanimously on 24 September 2014. Ireland co-sponsored the resolution, with 103 other states, including all other EU member states. The resolution takes a comprehensive, human rights-compliant approach to tackling the foreign fighters problem in accordance with international law. It highlights the need to tackle the underlying causes of radicalisation through community outreach initiatives, while at the same time focusing on strengthening legal and security measures. This comprehensive strategy in the resolution is in line with Ireland's approach to the issue.
Our approach nationally combines preventive measures and capacity to prosecute terrorist-related behaviour. An attack on Ireland is possible, but it is assessed as not likely. There is no specific information on a threat to this country. There are a small number of people based here who support extremism. Their activities are closely monitored by An Garda Síochána which also keeps the level of threat from international terrorism under continuous review in the light of ongoing developments and continues to take appropriate measures to counteract it. In this, it has the full support of the Government. In tandem with this, the Garda operates a progressive community relations programme in engaging with all minority communities in the State through the racial, intercultural and diversity office.
Our approach nationally combines preventive measures and capacity to prosecute terrorist-related behaviour. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, has been very active in this area. With regard to preventive measures, An Garda Síochána monitors the movement of those suspected of involvement in extremist behaviour. With regard to the capacity to prosecute, existing legislation, dating from 2005, provides for the offences of terrorist bombing and terrorist financing. We recently passed the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) (Amendment) Act 2015 which created the three new offences of public provocation to commit a terrorist offence, recruitment for terrorism and training for terrorism.
A comprehensive solution to the challenge posed by ISIS must also embrace efforts to promote a political settlement in Syria based on the Geneva Principles, as well as international support for the new unity government in Iraq, encouraging the Iraqi Government to pursue inclusivity and reconciliation. We also recognise the immense humanitarian impact of the current conflict and have committed over €41 million to humanitarian relief since the beginning of the Syrian conflict.
I thank the Minister for his response. When the ISIS media watchers take note of his answer, they will be reminded of The Skibbereen Eagle in keeping its eye on Russia. That will be the impact of the policy of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The media watchers may read about our support for capacity building and our co-sponsoring of UN resolutions and ask, "So what?" The Minister has stated ISIS poses a limited threat to the European Union, which is a fair statement of fact. Does he concede that the current campaign and the geographical advancement of ISIS into Syria bring it within a short plane journey of the Italian border? Does he concede that, as we are thinking about the possible accession of Turkey to the European Union in the medium to long term, the border of the European Union could be within a short hop of ISIS-dominated territory? What are we going to do in that regard? The Minister did not mention any engagement with the United States. Is there active engagement by the European Union with the United States and the Obama Administration to see if this threat can be taken more seriously?
Yes, the United States is very much involved. There is an ongoing programme of interaction between the European Union and the United States. Only recently the High Representative, Ms Federica Mogherini, visited the United States and she has been particularly active on this issue since assuming office in November. Our position, notwithstanding the Senator's exhortation that Ireland should do more, is, as I outlined, that we consider matters from a domestic perspective. We also have influence within the 28 member European Union bloc. Later this month the European Council will review progress in the implementation of the European Union's counter-terrorism agenda. It includes a number of strands, including tackling the phenomenon that is foreign terrorist fighters, countering terrorist content on the Internet, improving international co-operation and information sharing, including through the adoption of the EU passenger name records directive. Other elements include constructive engagement with third states. In this context, I refer particularly to the Senator's comments on Turkey.
I am anxious to ensure there is constructive engagement between the EU states and Turkey which, as the Senator will recognise, is the main gateway for foreign fighters into Syria.
On the domestic front, the Senator is familiar with the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) (Amendment) Act which was debated here before Christmas and I am sure my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, would be happy to address the House again on the domestic approach to this important issue. We have a two-pronged approach, domestic and international. As the Senator has urged, the European Union regards this issue as a high priority in terms of its engagement on the international stage.
Schools Building Projects Status
I want to raise the issue of the provision of a new school for Holy Family special school in Cootehill, County Cavan. After 15 years, numerous Ministers with responsibility for education and countless false starts, Holy Family special school in Cootehill remains very much in limbo in regard to the provision of new accommodation.
As can be attested by many, the school is an outstanding facility, with a committed staff, a supportive board of management and an active parents association. On a visit I paid to the school, I was very impressed by the dedication of the staff and the commitment of the parents, particularly when we take into consideration the premises and existing resources. The urgent need for the provision of a new school is obvious to any visitor to the school or to anyone who speaks to parents or staff who have experienced at first hand the cramped conditions pupils and staff must contend with.
As of the start of this month, the new school is at the architectural planning stage, but it is not part of the five-year programme for investment in infrastructure or jobs package. When I looked at recent parliamentary questions on school funding, this school was on the last status list of school building projects. Unfortunately, since I came to this House and since this issue has been raised by me and other public representatives and members of the community, we have been receiving the same reply to our questions about this school. There seems to be no commitment to make financial provision for the project.
The Minister may not be aware that Holy Family special school in Cootehill caters for people with severe and profound learning disabilities and moderate and multiple learning disabilities and for people with autism. Reports forecast that in the coming September the student population will increase from 143 to in excess of 150 for the first time ever, with 21 new children expected to start in the autumn. The school and board of management do not want to turn children away because of the need to bus students to another premises. They do not want to turn students away because there is a need for this vital service.
What needs to happen in order that this project can progress to the funding stage? What is the cause of the delay and how can we overcome it? It is not acceptable that accommodation must be rented to cater for the number of pupils. This is not an issue that has just arisen. The issue has been on the departmental, ministerial and local representative agendas for well over a decade and has cropped up frequently in parliamentary questions over recent years, but there has been little progress. We hear a great deal of talk about the importance of education, cherishing all the children of the nation equally and ensuring those with special educational needs are not disadvantaged in our system, but the reality tells a different story. The test is delivery in the classroom.
The premises in Cootehill are not fit for purpose and are too cramped. The teachers and the staff are doing sterling work. Without their dedication and without the tireless work and campaigning of parents and the community, the situation would be even worse. I am sure that, due to the extensive lobbying on the issue, the Minister for Education and Skills is aware the premises are not fit for purpose. We need to deal with bottlenecks in the system as a priority. This is an essential spend rather than a discretionary one; therefore, we need to deal with the problems and overcome them as soon as possible.
On behalf of the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, I thank the Senator for raising this matter as it provides the Minister with an opportunity to clarify the position on major capital projects for Holy Family special school in Cootehill, County Cavan.
The Senator will be aware of the demographic challenge facing the education system in the coming years. Primary enrolments, which have already risen substantially in recent years, are projected to rise by almost 37,000 pupils by 2016 and are set to continue to rise, with a likely peak in 2019. To meet the needs of our growing population of school-going children, the Department must establish new schools and extend or replace a number of existing schools in areas where population growth has been identified. The delivery of these new schools, together with extension projects to meet future demand, will be the main focus of the Department's budget for the coming years.
Holy Family special school in Cootehill is a multi-denominational special needs school. The school is co-educational and caters for pupils from four to 18 years. The school caters for pupils with moderate learning disabilities, severe or profound learning disabilities and pupils with autism. Enrolments at Holy Family special school for the school year 2014-15 were 136 pupils, an increase of 16% in the past five years.
The brief for the major building project for Holy Family special school in Cootehill is to provide a new 21-classroom special school and appropriate ancillary accommodation, with associated car parking, a bus drop-off, a sports pitch, play areas, a sensory garden and site boundary treatment. The project to provide the permanent accommodation for Holy Family special school is currently at stage 2a, development design, of the architectural planning process. In order to complete stage 2a design, it recently became necessary to appoint a replacement consultant mechanical and electrical engineer to the design team. The closing date for receipt of tenders was 12 May 2015 and the appointment of the new engineer will be concluded shortly. The replacement engineer will be involved with the existing design team members in the completion of the mechanical and engineering elements of the design. Thereafter, subject to no further issues arising, the project will progress to the conclusion of stage 2b, with the completion of tender documents. Planning permission, fire safety certification and disability access certification have already been obtained for the project.
School building projects, including the new school for Holy Family special school, which have not been scheduled for construction in the current five-year construction programme will continue to be progressed to final planning stage in anticipation of the possibility of further funds being made available to the Department in future years. The project for Holy Family special school remains available to be considered for further progress in that context.
I ask the Minister to relay my comments to his colleague. The response mentioned that the appointment of a new engineer will be concluded shortly. I hope this is a priority and that it will happen as soon as possible without further delay. The Department stresses that demographic growth is a priority when it comes to extending or replacing schools. I must stress the serious issues relating to the cramped conditions in this school. For example, there are serious issues for children in wheelchairs and the logistics of getting into and out of cramped rooms. These conditions are no way ideal and the education of some children is being disrupted. I ask the Minister to relay this to his colleague.
I assure the Senator that the Department has an active interest in this matter and is anxious to advance the project. She is familiar with the process involved in moving from stage 2a to 2b, but she can be assured the Department is actively involved in the matter.
National Heritage Plan
This motion calls on the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to exercise her discretion under the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 2004 and give permission to extend Annaghdown graveyard, County Galway, in the light of the impending crisis, given that only one burial plot remains, and the lack of funding available to Galway County Council to purchase another suitable site.
Annaghdown is on the shores of Lough Corrib. It is a beautiful location but along with that comes comes national heritage area, NHA, and special area of conservation, SAC, restrictions. It is about 12 miles from Galway. This is a matter of public interest as only one burial plot remains. The local community set up the Annaghdown cemetery committee in May 2013 - just over two years ago - and it has exhausted every avenue. It worked with the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht's office to extend the current graveyard and to explore other suitable sites. It identified another nearby site of 3.4 or 3.5 acres but that would cost €100,000. The entire budget for Galway County Council for cemeteries for the year is €100,000. This is not viable. The maximum amount of money Galway County Council will pay is €10,000 an acre.
When the committee surveyed the local community, everyone in Annaghdown, some 200 people in total, was looking to buy burial plots. It struck me quite forcefully that the people who were most exercised about this were young people. They felt it absolutely essential that within their parish they would have available to them a burial plot. Last Monday morning I met a delegation from Annaghdown cemetery committee at a meeting facilitated by the good cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Councillor Mary Hoade. In attendance were all other Deputies and public representatives. That was the first time I realised the absolute impending crisis and seriousness of this matter. One woman said that if she was buried in another cemetery, be it Killachunna, Creggs or Claregalway, she would personally come back to haunt those present. Such is the depth of feeling and worry about the fact that there is only one site left. Where will people go when they need to be buried? This is a crisis. My request, which I am asking the Minister to relay to the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Heather Humphreys, is to have her use her discretion, as has been done in the past and I have the precedents, to give permission to extend Annaghdown cemetery.
The cemetery is within the shadow of a national monument. There have been extensive digs and so forth and all that has been found - listen to this - is iron ore and some buttons. When the National Library was contacted, it said it was not interested and to store them in a garage. That does not sound hectic to me, but the public need and the public good is very important in this situation. I spoke to the previous Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan. He granted an extension to Clogheen graveyard in Tipperary and I spoke to the Minister of State, Deputy Tom Hayes, this morning who said that it has been very successful. Other exceptions are on the record, including exceptions for Kerry, Cork, Athlone Castle, Athlone Art Gallery, the Medieval Walls of Athenry and Turoe Stone in Galway. I have a list of a number of other areas. I think the Minister gets the picture. It is of impending public interest locally in Annaghdown and I ask the Minister to facilitate this request for an extension to Annaghdown graveyard.
I thank the Senator for raising this matter. Reconciling reasonable and understandable aspirations of local communities to continue the tradition of burial in or near their local historic burial ground with the need to preserve and protect the archaeological heritage is always a difficult task. On behalf of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, I am pleased to have the opportunity to set out the efforts her Department has been making to achieve this in the case of Annaghdown graveyard in the past few years.
I listened with intent to the threat of one of Senator Fidelma Healy Eames constituents to come back and haunt everyone. I am wondering if the Minister for Foreign Affairs is included in that threat or is it the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht who will be primarily the subject matter of the haunting.
I would like to first explain briefly the major archaeological and historical importance of Annaghdown. The ruined ecclesiastical buildings at Annaghdown were among the very first such structures to come into State care as national monuments. They represent the site of a major early historic monastery, one which was of such importance that it became a diocesan centre when dioceses were first established in Ireland as part of the great 12th century church reform. It has long been established by archaeological research that the core of an important early historic monastery was very likely to have been surrounded by an extensive settlement, the surviving buried remains of which are today of great archaeological interest. The importance of the site at Annaghdown is reflected in the strong legal protection afforded it under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2004, which legal protection the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is charged with implementing. The ruins of the ancient monastery are in the ownership of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and the graveyard is in the ownership of the local authority. Section 14 of the National Monuments Act 1930 as amended by the 2004 Act makes works affecting national monuments of which the Minister or local authority are owners subject to a requirement of the consent from the Minister. This requirement also extends to any ground disturbance in proximity to such a national monument.
I will now set out for the House the dealings the Department has had with the local community group at Annaghdown in respect of the proposed extension to the graveyard. In 2013, the national monuments service of the Department had extensive discussions with the local graveyard committee with regard to a proposed graveyard extension. This resulted in an agreement to assess the possibility of a small extension to the north of the graveyard. Following initial examination, which indicated a high probability of archaeological finds in the area, the local committee decided to look for other potential sites and did not proceed with the detailed assessment. In 2014, the local community found a landowner who was willing to sell a plot of ground across the road to the east of the existing graveyard. However, following archaeological test excavation in January 2014, carried out in accordance with a consent granted by the Minister, it was established that this site was, on the grounds of importance of archaeological features there, unsuitable for any development.
The local committee then approached the Department again about a site immediately to the north of the existing graveyard and applied for permission to carry out archaeological test excavation. The Minister granted consent for this and it was carried out in December 2014. The results indicated that very important archaeological features are present there and, in particular, confirming that the monastery at Annaghdown was surrounded by a substantial enclosure, a very important archaeological find which adds considerably to the interest and national importance of Annaghdown. On that basis, the site must be considered unsuitable for development.
In March this year a professional archaeologist made inquiries with the Department on behalf of the local graveyard committee about the possibility of developing a different site for a graveyard extension. This site, as currently proposed, would require a new entrance on to the public road. The entrance and access route proposed would cross through the field where the important archaeological features were uncovered in January 2014. The Department has advised that archaeological investigation of the site would be appropriate given its size and proximity to the site of the ancient monastery. Such investigations would again require the consent of the Minister but the Department has not yet received any application for this. The Department has also advised that the proposed entrance and access road should be relocated to the north western boundary of the site in order to avoid the areas of archaeological significance. As is evident, the Department has sought and continues to seek to work with the local community to achieve a solution to the question of how to protect the nationally important archaeological heritage at Annaghdown while facilitating as far as possible the desire of the local community for a new burial ground in the vicinity. This will continue to be the approach taken by officials of the Department and they will be happy to discuss the matter further with representatives of the local community and public representatives.
I thank the Minister. Everything he said has been documented to me as well in a list of 22 actions taken by the local committee. We are gravely aware of the situation. With respect to the Minister, the answer is disappointing and he will appreciate why. My question to the Minister was whereto next after one more death in the community. Where will the local people be buried? Given their desire and, I think, right to be buried locally and given that Galway County Council does not have the money to purchase a site for €100,000, I am wondering, at a human level, what news or consolation can I bring to the community?
As the Minister outlined, the people have done and exhausted every option.
This is a matter of life and death, as the Senator said. The Department worked closely with the local community group in Annaghdown to resolve what was a difficult and complex issue. It required the reconciliation of the aspirations of the local community with the highly important and appropriate protection of the nationally important heritage site. I am sure the local community is justifiably proud of the national heritage site in the area. Officials of the Department have met the local community and will continue to do so. In the past there was no difficulty in the receipt of the appropriate legal consent. It will enable the assessment to take place of the suitability of the proposed new location of the burial ground. It is important that there be an ongoing process of interaction between the local community group, the local authority and local public representatives. Working closely together, the Department and the local community will arrive at a decision which will take appropriate account of the competing-----
What about the Minister's discretion which is provided for in the Act?
The Minister to continue, without interruption, please.
I ask the Senator to acknowledge the difficulties involved. I will be happy to facilitate further engagement after this debate to ensure the three parties - the local authority, the local community and the Department - will work closely together to try to resolve the issue.
Leader Programmes Administration
I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Ann Phelan. I commend her for the work she has done on the issue of rural development since her appointment and the work that has been done to date on the report of the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas, CEDRA. This Commencement matter relates to that issue and it is extremely important that we have clarity on it.
I understand the process so far is based on a model being used across Europe for the allocation of funding. European funds comprise 65% of the funding available, while Exchequer funds comprise the remaining 35%. I also understand expressions of interest were sought from community groups across the country. The closing date for the receipt of expressions of interest was 15 May. How many of the applications have been decided by virtue of the fact that there was just one in each county area? In how many are there multi applications and how will it finally be decided which group will receive funding?
The second issue is the role of local councillors, which is extremely important. In each local community development company, LCDC, there are four elected representatives among the 17 members of the LCDC in each administrative area. I have been contacted by many councillors to seek clarity on what role they should play. As the closing date for the receipt of applications was 15 May, not much work has yet been done as they are awaiting the allocation of funding. They are in limbo as they do not know what they are supposed to be doing. They are also anxious to understand and be informed about the governance procedures in the administration of this funding. Is it the responsibility of the local authority and how will the system operate?
Has any training been provided for the new development companies as entities? I was a member of the first enterprise board set up in County Tipperary in 1991 and there was extensive training provided for the members of the board which was composed of a number of pillars from industry, the community and elected representatives. As there was extensive training provided, we could understand our role and positions as directors of a company. Perhaps the Minister of State might provide clarity on that issue also. These are the questions councillors have been asking me about the process. This is part of the Minister of State's functions in rural development and very important.
In the past five years, in respect of development companies, 4,000 jobs have been created in rural Ireland, a massive amount. I realise unemployment is decreasing, including in rural areas. Councillors are chomping at the bit to get their hands on this money in order that they can play an effective role in the task we all face of bringing down unemployment and creating sustainable jobs. In many cases, they are jobs in small companies, but they last a long time. I have experience of this as a former member of an enterprise board for many years. Many of the jobs created in the early 1990s were sustained throughout the recession. This is proof positive that the money the Exchequer expends on this initiative - €65 million, with a further €153 million coming from the European Union - is money very well spent and gives value for money for the taxpayer. I look forward to the Minister of State's response.
I understand the Senator's interest in this issue which is extremely important.
The new local government structures and the role of councillors are hugely important. In the process we are trying to carry out with Leader funding and the LCDC as the implementer of the funding available, my main objective is not to get too caught up in the process in order that it becomes an entity in itself but to get the money to those on the ground. That is my first priority. I will outline the current position on the process.
The selection process for Leader local development strategies is not yet complete, which means that I cannot comment on the final outcome. In this context, no contract has yet been awarded to any entity to deliver the Leader elements of the rural development programme 2014-20. My Department is working to ensure the selection process will be completed as soon as possible and I am optimistic that the first contracts will be awarded and the strategies operational in the autumn. That is my main priority. I am aware that people are preparing their local development strategies. In cases where the local development strategies are approved by the independent evaluation committee there is no reason for delay. There will be a period in which contracts will have to be awarded, but my priority is to get the money to where it needs to be spent to support communities.
Ireland is conducting a two-stage process for the selection of Leader local development strategies and both stages will be assessed by an independent selection committee. The first stage, expressions of interest, was open to any local group with an interest in supporting the delivery of Leader funding at a local level. A total of 45 expressions of interest were submitted by the closing date in respect of the 28 sub-regional areas specified in the expressions of interest documentation. In areas where multiple expressions of interest were received my Department has given an undertaking to facilitate discussions between the relevant entities with a view to engaging all parties and, if possible, reaching an agreement to develop one coherent local development strategy for their area. These meetings commenced last week and will continue for as long as is required. In the meantime, I expect all expressions of interest to be presented to the independent selection committee for assessment and decision by late June. Following this, preparatory support will be made available to all local action groups selected by the committee. That is where the support will be provided.
Entities successful on stage 1 will be invited to move to stage 2, the local development strategy, LDS, development phase.
They will be allowed a minimum of six months to develop their strategies but some of them will have their strategies completed much earlier because they are all working at getting them in place.
Technical support for the process of selection of local development strategies will be provided to the selection committee by Pobal. That is another area where there will be support. The system of governance and management in place for the new programme will be documented in the Department's Operating Rules for the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. These rules are influenced by the EU regulations governing the programme, with all the checks and balances in the EU regulations incorporated into the operating rules. My Department is drafting these rules with a view to having an outline version available for stage 2 of the selection process.
I assure the Deputy that I do not see any reason for delay. Some counties may not have their strategy developed as quickly as others but this Leader process is quite different from the previous one. It was only when everything was ready that the last Leader roll-out could go ahead. In this case, counties that are ready to go will be allowed to go. If somebody has their strategy developed there is no reason they cannot get up and running with it.
I thank the Minister of State. Most of the questions in my Commencement matter were answered in the reply. I am pleased there will be support, both technical and in terms of training, for the people on the board, which is very important.
It is.
I am aware that in some counties, including my own, there is not just one application made. In that regard, I hope people can come together, not hold up the process and reach a compromise. I spoke to councillors across the country in recent days in preparation for this and in some counties they have one application. Limerick is an example where three groups came together and made one application, and they will be ready to draw down the funding. It is important that people are sensible about this and as the Minister of State said, everybody wants to get this process up and running. I hope common sense will prevail to ensure that the applications will be submitted.
In terms of rules, etc., I am pleased that there will be an application in regard to governance because that is extremely important. In the early 1990s, governance was a major issue in an area not too far from me in respect of a similar type of enterprise.
I thank the Minister of State. I wish her the best of luck with the continuing work she is doing in rural development. She came up through that process, as did I, and it is critical that we continue that work. I look forward to working with her on this and other issues.
Keeping a partnership approach is desirable. It is an open and transparent process, and that is what everybody would want.
I take the point about governance. Governance is very important and under the local government process, and the new alignment process, increased powers have been given to county councillors. It is very important that the councillors are at a level that is close to the community in terms of how they represent their areas and draw down funding for those areas, albeit that they are in the local development strategy. The Department will be providing training.
The moneys for each county have already been decided on, and the Senator's common sense approach would be welcome. I hope that common sense will prevail. My interest lies in helping communities that need this rural development money get it in the smoothest and quickest way because it is very important that disadvantaged areas get their slice of the cake in that regard.
Sitting suspended at 11.25 a.m. and resumed at 11.30 a.m.