Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 March 2004
142 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the major initiative he intends to put into place to co-ordinate his Department’s service delivery approaches with those of other Departments and bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7701/04]
View answer197 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the important cross-Department issues which have been identified and targeted for priority action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7702/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 197 together.
As I stated in my previous reply to similar questions, Questions Nos. 45 and 55 of 27 November 2003, in relation to the many schemes and programmes operated by my Department in the community and voluntary, rural, Gaeltacht and islands sectors, my Department continues to work with other Departments, agencies and groups involved as required.
From my previous replies the Deputy will also be aware that I have been working closely with other Ministers in particular the Ministers for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Justice, Equality and Law Reform, with the aim of bringing greater cohesion across local and community development programmes. I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 108 and allied parliamentary questions on 26 March 2003 and Questions Nos. 45 and 55 of 27 November 2003.
As I have previously indicated, following a comprehensive consultation process, my colleagues the Ministers for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Justice, Equality and Law Reform and I brought forward proposals which have now been agreed by Government. I refer the Deputy to my replies to Questions Nos. 151, 153, 156, 163, 172, 173 and 185 on 4 February, 2004 and to Question No.123 of today.
I am also working closely with other Ministers on advancing a number of other cross-cutting issues over the range of my Department's functions, including matters related to the EU Presidency, Gaeltacht and rural development matters, charities regulation, drugs co-ordination and implementation of the RAPID programme.
